Welcome back to another edition of Red Hot Social Headlines. This week we’re talking TikTok’s potential ban, X’s new ad setup, Meta’s AI enhancements and its nationwide program made just for parents.
Biden Signs TikTok ‘Ban’ Bill into Law, Starting the Clock for ByteDance to Divest It
On Wednesday, President Biden signed legislation that could ban TikTok in the United States unless ByteDance, its parent company, sells the app.
Key Details
The legislation gives ByteDance between nine months to a year to divest from the company or be banned from U.S. app stores. Per the legislation, President Biden could extend the timeline for an additional three months if he sees progress on a deal.
The bill was added to an aid package which passed overwhelmingly in both the U.S. House of Representatives (360-58) and in the U.S. Senate (79-19).
Both American Republicans and Democrats say TikTok is a national security risk, arguing that Chinese government officials could ask TikTok to hand over millions of Americans’ data or use the app to sway the upcoming 2024 presidential election.
Key Takeaway
While we’ll be watching to see how this continues to develop, brands and users should not expect any immediate changes to how they interact with the platform. ByteDance has announced it will sue to block the law, arguing it infringes on First Amendment rights.
Read the latest about TikTok’s potential ban in the U.S. here.
Meta AI Rolls Out Several Enhancements Across Apps and Websites with Its Newest Llama 3
Meta just debuted its new AI model, Llama 3, and a new version of its artificial intelligence (AI) assistant, Meta AI.
Key Details
Meta integrated its Llama 3 model into the new version of its AI assistant, Meta AI, for “enhanced performance.” The feature has launched in apps across Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger, as well as Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses.
The way Meta AI is integrated on apps varies. Apps like Messenger and WhatsApp feature the assistant as a chatbot for users to ask questions and receive answers. On apps like Facebook, the assistant will show up within users’ feeds and provide information about photos, videos and more.
The new AI model debuts at the same time of growing user concern about AI-generated misinformation. According to a study from Adobe, adults in the U.S. and Europe are increasingly worried about how AI will impact 2024 elections around the globe.
Key Takeaway
As the AI race continues with companies competing with one another to revolutionize AI, there is still uncertainty about how strict regulations for AI models will be, especially considering the 2024 election year. Time will tell if Meta’s Llama 3 will provide helpful context for users’ feeds or if it will only contribute to more online misinformation.
X Adds Streamlined Ad Setup Using AI-Based Targeting
X just announced a new, simplified way to launch ads on the platform using its AI targeting technology.
Key Details
Rather than manually choosing specific audiences, X claims its AI system will “enable you to create and launch effective campaigns in just a few minutes.”
The technology will allow X ads to reach users beyond targeted audiences, increasing an ad’s reach potential. X claims with this efficiency, there’s “potential to achieve better ROI.”
In its beta testing, X announced the new AI targeting tool increased the click-through rate of ads by 10% and conversion by 16%. X also said that, due to the tool, 92% of advertisers that have opted in have seen improved results.
Key Takeaway
X’s investment in AI is among it efforts to keep advertisers from leaving the platform as its owner, Elon Musk, continues to drive users off the platform. Another problem the platform must overcome: various reports indicating that ads on the platform continue to be shown alongside offensive content. We will stay tuned if X’s new advertising features draw advertisers in as the app hopes to.
Learn more about X’s new AI targeting technology here.
Supporting Parents Online With Meta’s Screen Smart Program
Meta’s 2024 Smart Screen Program aims to arm parents with the right tools for talking to teens about using devices safely.
Key Details
Last week, Meta kicked off its Smart Screen Program, which includes 1:1 hands-on educational workshops for parents to better understand how to use Meta’s supervision features. The program, starting in Denver and moving to Charleston, Houston, Boston and Los Angeles, will also feature academics and clinicians speaking to ways to support teens in the digital world.
Meta will showcase more than 50 resources and tools created to help teens use Meta safely. These tools include messaging restrictions and supervision features for parents to set boundaries that are right for their children.
Meta piloted the program in five cities in 2023 and decided to flight the program to more major cities this year.
The goal of these workshops is to build “trust with your family when it comes to how they’re using smartphones and other devices, helping them navigate unwanted contact online and approaching conversations about digital safety without being met with eye rolls.”
Key Takeaway
As teen mental health decline continues to be at the forefront of conversation, Meta is taking measures to give teens and their parents more options to safely browse their social media platforms.
Learn more about Meta’s Smart Screen Program here.
