Instagram’s New Push to Attract Creators Amid TikTok’s Troubles
What is Instagram doing? The platform is introducing new tools and incentives to attract video creators, especially those affected by TikTok’s uncertain future in the U.S.
Why is this happening? With TikTok still missing from app stores, Instagram sees an opportunity to grow its audience by offering bonuses, insights, and support to creators looking for a new space to share their content.
How is Instagram making this work? The platform has launched features like “View Rate” to show how many people continue watching a reel after three seconds and “Views Over Time” to help creators track performance. Additionally, Instagram is providing personalized tips, encouraging users to create more content similar to their most popular videos. Through these efforts, Instagram hopes to become the top choice for short-video creators.
U.S. AI Export Rules: A Critical Turning Point
What is happening with AI chip exports? The U.S. has placed restrictions on advanced AI chips to slow down China’s progress in artificial intelligence. Recent developments show that Chinese AI company DeepSeek is making strides but still trails top U.S. models by several months.
Why does this matter? Experts like Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei warn that if China gains easier access to AI chips, it could use them to strengthen its military and global influence. Some U.S. officials, including Trump’s commerce secretary pick Howard Lutnick, claim that Chinese companies are using stolen American technology to compete.
How could this situation change? The Trump administration’s next moves on export rules and tariffs will determine whether the U.S. maintains its lead in AI. Industry leaders, including OpenAI, are urging stronger policies to keep China from catching up in AI development.
Teens’ Growing Distrust in Big Tech and AI
Recent findings show a noticeable decline in trust among teens toward major tech companies. Many young people now question whether these companies truly care about their well-being and privacy. In fact, a significant number of teens believe tech giants don’t prioritize their safety and often fail to protect their personal data. One major concern revolves around the responsible use of AI, as many teens worry that tech companies may not make ethical decisions when it comes to developing and using artificial intelligence. This skepticism is further fueled by their experiences with misleading online content, such as fake images and questionable information. As AI continues to shape the digital world, teens are calling for more transparency, privacy protection, and clearer labels on AI-generated content. The desire for accountability is clear: they want companies to pay creators for their data and work used by AI systems, signaling a growing need for change in how Big Tech operates.
The Shift from Founder-Focused Growth to Customer-Centered Strategies
Many online services are becoming more frustrating to use, with search results clogged by ads and apps like dating platforms introducing paywalls. This issue, known as “enshittification,” is causing dissatisfaction among users. The solution, according to experts, might lie in moving away from the traditional “founder mode,” where growth is prioritized above all else, and focusing more on “customer mode.” This approach emphasizes meeting the needs of users for sustainable, long-term growth. Startups have an opportunity to disrupt the current growth-at-all-costs mindset, potentially offering better solutions for both businesses and their customers. As the world of AI continues to evolve, understanding these shifts is crucial for adapting to the changing landscape of the tech industry.
Netflix Makes it Easier to Download Entire Seasons on iOS
A new feature from Netflix for iOS users is set to simplify the process of downloading TV shows. Previously, users could only download one episode at a time, but now they can download an entire season with just one tap. This change is particularly useful for people who travel often or find themselves in places with limited internet access, allowing them to enjoy their favorite shows without worrying about connectivity. By adding a season download button next to the share button, Netflix has made it easier to prepare for long journeys. The full season is saved in the “My Netflix” section under Downloads, making it easy to access. This feature, already available for Android, follows a period of growth for Netflix, which recently added 19 million new subscribers.
Alan’s Growth and Future Plans: Revenue, AI, and New Markets
Alan, a growing health insurance company, recently reported €505 million in revenue for 2024, highlighting its strong performance. Despite this, it is still working towards becoming profitable by 2026. The company’s growth is driven by its expanding customer base across France, Spain, and Belgium, with ambitious plans to reach 1 million customers by early 2026. The use of artificial intelligence has played a key role in improving efficiency, boosting sales by 50%, and reducing operational costs. With new partnerships, such as the one with Belfius in Belgium, and the launch of health insurance for retirees in France, Alan continues to expand its reach. Looking ahead, Alan is focused on automating 40% of its customer support by the end of the year, further enhancing its digital-first approach.
Battlemarked: A New Era for D&D in Virtual Reality
What if Dungeons & Dragons could be experienced in a whole new way? Wizards of the Coast and Resolution Games are making that possible with “Battlemarked,” a VR game that blends D&D’s rich storytelling with virtual tabletop gameplay. Unlike traditional D&D, this new experience removes the need for a Dungeon Master, allowing players to focus more on strategy and decision-making. How does it work? By using Resolution’s Demeo system, the game introduces turn-based combat, action points, and special cards to enhance the gameplay. Why does this matter? It brings D&D to a broader audience, offering a new way for players to engage with beloved classes, races, and adventures, while also paving the way for more story-driven campaigns. Though the release date and price are yet to be revealed, the move to VR and multiple platforms suggests a big shift in how D&D is experienced.
MGM Resorts to Pay $45 Million After Data Breaches
MGM Resorts has decided to settle a series of lawsuits by agreeing to pay $45 million after two significant data breaches impacted millions of customers. These breaches, one in 2019 and another in 2023, involved hackers gaining access to sensitive customer information, including Social Security numbers and passport details. The 2023 ransomware attack caused major disruptions across several MGM hotels, affecting business operations for weeks. Despite the company not disclosing the exact number of affected individuals, it’s believed that over 37 million customers were impacted. As part of the settlement, victims may receive up to $75, with a portion of the fund going toward legal fees. The court is set to make a final ruling on the settlement by June 18.
Growing Concerns Over DeepSeek’s Data Practices in Europe
There are increasing questions about how DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup, manages personal data, especially as authorities in Europe, including those in Ireland and Italy, have raised concerns. These regulators are seeking information on how the company processes and stores data, as millions of people could be impacted. A consumer group has also filed a complaint, questioning DeepSeek’s use of personal data, particularly regarding its AI training practices. Despite DeepSeek claiming to store data in China, there are concerns about its adherence to strict European data protection laws. Additionally, the company has faced action in Italy, where its app was removed from Google and Apple stores due to these growing privacy worries. Even more concerning are issues around its handling of data for minors, as the company lacks a clear system for age verification. Although the European Commission has not yet begun an investigation, it is clear that all AI services in the region must follow EU rules. Furthermore, reports have emerged suggesting that DeepSeek may have used data from other companies, which raises doubts about its respect for intellectual property rights.
