Meta Follows Twitter in Charging Users for Blue Check Marks

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has announced that it will begin charging users $11.99 a month for a blue badge on its social media platforms. The new subscription service, called Meta Verified, will initially be available in Australia and New Zealand before being rolled out to other countries in the coming weeks.

Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s CEO, stated in posts on Facebook and Instagram that the move was about “increasing authenticity and security across our services.” To become eligible for Meta Verified, users will have to submit a government ID to prove their identity, and subscribers will be allowed to use only their legal names on their profile pages. The service also includes extra impersonation protection against accounts claiming to be the user.

Users who want blue badges on both Facebook and Instagram will need to enroll separately and pay at least $24 a month. However, Meta plans to eventually offer bundled subscriptions. Those who already have verified accounts on Facebook and Instagram will be able to retain them at no cost, for now.

Meta’s subscription move follows Twitter’s recent announcement that it will charge users $8 a month for blue check marks through its Twitter Blue service. Twitter also stated that it would soon disable two-factor authentication through text messages for users who are not paid Twitter Blue subscribers.

The introduction of Meta Verified is part of Meta’s efforts to find new income streams as it continues to invest heavily in its shift to the metaverse. The company has been cutting costs and focusing on becoming a stronger and more nimble organization, as stated by Zuckerberg in a recent earnings call.

Meta Verified will be a gradual test, and it remains to be seen how users will respond to paying for features that were previously available for free. However, the company believes that the service will help up-and-coming creators grow their presence and build their community faster. As social media platforms continue to evolve, it is likely that more features and services will be introduced that users will need to pay for, changing the dynamics of the social media landscape.

Google Maps to revolutionize navigation with Satellite features, eliminating dead zones

East Asia’s Growth Outpaces Global Average Amidst China’s Economic Challenges, Says World Bank

EU Probes Apple, Google and Meta for Potential Violations of New Digital Law

Massive Changes Coming to Google Chrome Threaten to Reshape the Modern Internet

Reddit makes a splash with spectacular stock debut

In a highly anticipated market debut, Reddit stock took off, closing its first day of trading with a staggering 48% surge from its initial public offering (IPO) price of $34 per share. The social media giant’s stock concluded the day at $50.44, propelling its market capitalization to over $8 billion.

Vietnam’s Vingroup Makes Strategic Move with $1.6 Billion Sale of Vincom Retail Stake

In a significant move in Vietnam’s corporate landscape, Vingroup, the country’s largest conglomerate, has completed the sale of a 41.5% stake and other assets in its retail arm, Vincom Retail, for a staggering $1.6 billion. This transaction ranks among the largest mergers and acquisitions (M&A) deals in Vietnam in recent years, underscoring the dynamism of the country’s economy and corporate sector.

NVIDIA and Johnson & Johnson MedTech’s AI Collaboration Revolutionizing Surgery

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into various facets of healthcare has revolutionized patient care, and its impact on surgery is poised to be profound. Leveraging AI’s capabilities to connect, analyze, and predict based on operating room data holds the promise of enhancing surgical efficiency and clinical decision-making. Recognizing this potential, NVIDIA has partnered with Johnson & Johnson MedTech to explore new AI capabilities within the realm of surgery, with the goal of advancing the company’s connected digital ecosystem for surgical procedures.

Alphabet-Apple Collaboration Unveiling Gemini AI for iPhone Innovation

Landmark Verdict: $60 Million Penalty Imposed on Mead Johnson in Enfamil Baby Formula Case

Devin AI: Pioneering the future as the first AI software engineer

In the fast-paced world of software development, innovation is the name of the game. Cognition, a leading tech company, has introduced a groundbreaking solution that promises to transform the industry as we know it: Devin AI, the world’s first AI software engineer. Devin AI is not just another tool in the developer’s toolbox; it’s a game-changer that leverages the power of artificial intelligence and machine learning to automate coding tasks and streamline the development process.

Job Interview Red Flags: Phrases to avoid according to a former Google recruiter

When it comes to acing a job interview, there are certain tactics that can help you stand out and impress prospective employers. From showcasing your passion for the role to demonstrating problem-solving skills, there are plenty of strategies to employ. However, it’s equally important to be mindful of phrases that could raise red flags during the interview process.

US Pushes for ByteDance to Sell TikTok, But China Likely to Refuse

The ongoing saga between the United States and ByteDance, the Chinese tech giant behind the popular social media platform TikTok, has taken another turn. With the House approving a bill requiring ByteDance to divest TikTok within roughly six months, the possibility of a forced sale or effective ban looms large.