From social media bans to new feature updates, here’s the latest in all things social media:
MPs Debate Social Media Ban for Under-16s
UK MPs have debated a ban on social media access for under-16s following a petition that garnered over 180,000 signatures. The petition argues that social media companies should be legally required to prevent children under 16 from creating accounts, citing concerns over online bullying, mental health risks, and exposure to harmful content. If implemented, the proposed ban could result in hefty fines for tech companies that fail to enforce age restrictions.
Australia passed a social media ban for under 16’s in November 2024, with the government stating that it will rely on age-verification technology to implement the restrictions. Commenting on the Australian government’s decision, Bill Gates said that “there’s a good chance that that’s a smart thing”.
Advocates of the policy believe it could create a safer online environment for young users, whilst critics argue that such a ban may be difficult to enforce and could inadvertently push younger users towards unregulated platforms.
Instagram Enhances DMs and Tests Comment Downvotes
Instagram has introduced several direct messaging updates to enhance engagement and streamline communication on the platform. These changes align with Instagram chief, Adam Mosseri’s recent statement that the company will be prioritising messaging in 2025.
Key updates include:
- DM Translations: Users can now translate direct messages in real-time, making it easier to connect with people who speak different languages.
- Scheduled Messages: A new scheduling feature will allows users to send messages at a specific time. This could be particularly useful for brands, influencers, and marketers managing outreach.
In addition to these messaging changes, Instagram is also testing a comment downvote feature. This will allow users to downvote negative or harmful comments without making the number of downvotes public. While the impact of this test is yet to be seen, Instagram aims to reduce the visibility of toxic content and improve user experience. If successful, this feature could become a valuable tool in combating online negativity.
AI-Powered Ad Creation & Grok-3 Unveiled on X
Elon Musk’s AI company, xAI, has officially launched Grok-3, the latest version of its AI chatbot designed to enhance interactions on X. Grok-3 aims to improve conversational AI capabilities, and streamline how users and businesses engage with AI-driven content on the platform.
However, controversy recently surrounded Grok when it was found to be censoring mentions of Elon Musk and Donald Trump in queries related to disinformation. The company attributed this issue to a new employee who had yet fully grasped xAI’s internal policies.
In addition to AI advancements, X is expected to roll out AI-powered ad creation tools, offering advertisers more efficient ways to optimise promotional content. These tools could provide brands with smarter, data-driven strategies to enhance audience engagement.
At Prohibition, we work with various brands across all sectors, B2B and B2C, to create innovative PR and social media campaigns that deliver real ROI and help meet business goals. Get in touch with us today to find out how we could support you with your Public Relations. Drop us an email: hello@prohibitionpr.co.uk or give us a bell on 0113 430 4160.
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