The company is testing new tools for creators who produce episodic content, such as serialized shows or series. These features are designed to encourage users to stay on Instagram rather than migrating to YouTube. The move is seen as a response to the growing popularity of YouTube among TV viewers.

A prime example of this trend can be seen in "Subway Takes, a show hosted by Kareem Rahma that started life as a short-form interview series before expanding into longer-form content on both YouTube and Tubi. With 4 million followers, it's clear that Instagram has the potential to host more substantial shows.

The company is now looking to entice creators to produce their own long-form content within its platform, rather than relying on rival sites for ad revenue and user engagement. Whether this strategy will pay off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Instagram is trying to catch up with YouTube's impressive reach and influence.

Instagram has introduced new features aimed at keeping users engaged within its ecosystem, rather than leaving to watch longer-form content on other platforms.

The Features format allows creators to produce videos up to 90 minutes long, which can be viewed seamlessly without requiring a departure from the app. Currently, this option is available only to a limited number of creators in the US and Brazil. This development suggests Instagram's desire to provide users with more substantial content within its own platform.

In addition to these changes, Instagram is also expanding its reach through TV apps. The Instagram for TV" app will now be available on Apple TV, joining other platforms such as Samsung, Amazon Fire TV, Google TV. Users can access a feed of video content from friends they follow or have interacted with.

The main Instagram feed is being tested to seamlessly connect episodic content within the Series format. Eligible creators can add videos to a series and label them accordingly; users can then watch these episodes in order from the start.

Instagram's long-form video experiment is expanding to more countries by the end of this year, offering creators a new way to showcase their content.

One notable feature of this test is the ability for clips to drive engagement directly back to the original video, eliminating the need for users to search for the longer version. This streamlined approach allows creators to reach their audience more efficiently. The test also enables eligible creators to link up to eight clips to a single long-form video.

This move marks a significant shift in Instagram's offerings, as it continues to evolve and compete with other social media platforms like YouTube. While this isn't the first time Instagram has ventured into long-form content, it is a major leap forward for the platform.

The absence of some key features in this new format is notable, including the inability to watch videos while continuing to scroll through Instagram or multitask by opening other apps with the content visible in a picture-in-picture pop-up. However, Meta has confirmed plans to introduce automated transcripts and subtitles in the future.

Instagram is exploring ways to test pre-roll and mid-roll ads that could potentially result in creators receiving a share of the ad revenue.

This development comes as Instagram continues to grapple with how to effectively monetize its content creator community, a challenge it has faced in the past. According to Adam Mosseri, the platform's head, previous attempts at creating a broad revenue-sharing program were not profitable for Instagram. In fact, he stated that the company spent more on such initiatives than they generated in return.

The introduction of ads is seen as a way to incentivize creators to produce higher-quality content and potentially increase engagement. However, Mosseri acknowledged that past experiments with creator monetization programs had yielded disappointing results. He noted that when Instagram previously offered incentives for creating content, the output was not significantly greater than what creators were already producing voluntarily.

Ultimately, Instagram will need to find a solution that balances its own financial needs with the desire of creators to be fairly compensated for their work.

Business Insider: https://www.businessinsider.com/instagram-doubling-down-long-form-video-culturally-relevant-episode-tv-2026-10

According to a message on the VeYou app, users have been informed of the impending closure. In an email to Business Insider, Harper confirmed that he would continue producing series, but instead of distributing them through his own app, they would be released via TikTok's PineDrama platform, YouTube, and other partners.

Harper's decision to shut down VeYou comes as no surprise, given the rapidly changing landscape of micro dramas. These short, low-budget series have gained immense popularity in recent times, particularly in China and the US. As Big Tech companies like TikTok, Meta, and YouTube continue to invest heavily in this format, it has become increasingly difficult for smaller players like VeYou to compete.

Harper's credits include notable films such as "Star Wars" and "Top Gun: Maverick", but his efforts to bring prestige sensibility to micro dramas through VeYou ultimately fell short. The high cost of marketing often outweighs the relatively low production costs of these series, making it a challenging business model for apps like VeYou.

VeYou's strategy has focused on producing high-quality content that can be licensed to other platforms, rather than competing directly for users.

This approach was seen as a way for VeYou to establish itself as a reliable supplier of micro dramas, rather than trying to stand out in a crowded market.

The company's seed funding from S32, a venture firm backed by Google Ventures founder Bill Maris, has helped support its content creation efforts.

Harper's goal is to create original series that can be sold to other platforms, generating revenue through licensing deals.

In recent months, the micro drama landscape has undergone significant changes with the rise of AI-generated characters and free, ad-supported offerings.

A report by media consultancy Owl & Co. found that two-thirds of films released by leading apps outside China in the third quarter were created using artificial intelligence.

This shift towards AI-generated content is having a major impact on the market, as platforms like TikTok's PineDrama offer users free access to micro dramas with ads supporting the service.

The rise of micro dramas has led to a surge in competition among platforms, with tech giants like YouTube and Meta expanding their offerings to include longer-form content. In response to this trend, VeYou's producing partner RIVR Media is shifting its focus towards creating more traditional scripts, acting, and direction for its series.

VeYou's films are now being featured on TikTok as part of the platform's efforts to acquire new subscribers through ads. These ads can be up to 20 minutes long, allowing users to experience a full-fledged micro drama within the app. This strategy is part of Meta's broader push to increase engagement and drive user acquisition.

VeYou's success on TikTok has been notable, with its series performing well based on platform data and monitoring by RIVR Media. The company's CEO Lori Golden-Stryer attributes this success to the appeal of live characters in micro dramas, which she believes sets VeYou apart from AI-generated content.

Business Insider: https://www.businessinsider.com/tommy-harper-veyou-hbo-of-micro-drama-apps-shutting-down-2026-10

The pair's growing bond has been evident in recent weeks, as they were spotted traveling together, meeting each other's families, and exchanging affectionate posts online, further fueling speculation about a potential romance. Their increasing displays of affection have left many wondering if Siwa and Hughes are more than just friends.

Siwa was still in a relationship with Australian actor Kath Ebbs at the time she met Hughes on the show.

JoJo Siwa's relationship with Chris Hughes has been a whirlwind romance. According to Siwa, Hughes is "such a great gentleman" and "hilarious and a good ball of fun." The two share a similar energy and outlook on life, which has likely contributed to their strong connection.

Their bond was further solidified when Hughes stood up for Siwa after she received homophobic comments on the show. His reaction was a testament to his true personality, and Siwa was touched by it. To celebrate her 22nd birthday, Siwa shared an Instagram photo of herself resting her head on Hughes's shoulder, while Hughes posted his own photos with the caption "The previous 7 days have been the prettiest."

The pair's relationship has been gaining attention from fans and media alike, with Hughes confirming their romance through social media in June 2025. A Snapchat photo of him shirtless in bed, kissing Siwa on the forehead, sparked speculation about their relationship status.

To address rumors that their relationship was a publicity stunt, Siwa took to addressing the issue directly. She emphasized that those who believe this are clearly not familiar with her and Hughes's interactions, suggesting that their connection is genuine.

Their relationship has not gone unnoticed, and they have faced a mix of criticism and praise from the public and media alike. However, Hughes remains unbothered by the attention, stating that he wouldn't go to the effort of loving someone unless it's genuine.

Having spent eight years in the industry, Hughes acknowledges that criticism is inevitable when you're in the public eye. He notes that adapting to having opinions from different angles has been a necessary part of his career.

Hughes and Siwa have both spoken about their relationship, with each other and with media outlets. In an interview, they discussed how their transition from friends to something more was actually beneficial for them. According to Hughes, it's easy because it feels right, and he credits the universe for bringing them together.

Siwa's feelings for Hughes grew stronger as they spent more time together. She recalled sharing her thoughts with him after he began dating her, saying "I love [Chris] so much. This sentiment intensified when Hughes sent her a childhood photo, which she described as really cute despite the image being taken while he was in a trash can.

The couple's connection felt like serendipity to Siwa. She made this comment in response to their chance meeting. Their romance continued to blossom, with one memorable moment occurring during a performance when Siwa climbed onto Hughes's lap from the edge of the stage and shared a kiss with him in front of the crowd.

Siwa later posted photos from the event on Instagram, captioning them LIVE AT CITY WALK what a perfect night" accompanied by heart and sparkles emojis.

JoJo Siwa's dreams finally came true when she performed on stage last October, marking a milestone in her career.

Siwa had previously expressed her desire to have Chris Hughes design her dream engagement ring, sharing this vision with her mother over 10 years ago. In fact, it was only last October that they discovered their shared idea for the perfect ring, aligning their creative visions.

Elle: https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a64957306/jojo-siwa-chris-hughes-relationship-timeline/

Supporters of Lula have taken to the streets, protesting outside Meta's Dublin headquarters and voicing their concerns about unfair treatment by social media giants. They claim that Meta is favoring Bolsonaro by restricting access to advertising accounts and suppressing posts from Lula's campaign.

Brazil's electoral prosecutors are also investigating these claims, stating that Meta failed to comply fully with court orders aimed at ensuring equal treatment of both candidates. This has raised concerns about the integrity of the election process.

United Nations human rights experts have weighed in on the issue, expressing concern over possible unequal treatment of the two campaigns by social media platforms. They are closely monitoring the situation and its potential impact on the election's outcome.

The use of Meta AI tools, such as WhatsApp chatbots, has been a focal point of contention, with images circulating online showing the platform refusing to generate campaign posters for Lula while instantly producing an image for "Flávio".

Brazil's presidential election has been marred by allegations of bias in Meta AI tools, which have been accused of favoring incumbent President Jair Bolsonaro over his challenger, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Screenshots submitted to the electoral court by Lula's campaign appear to show Meta AI assigning Bolsonaro's electoral number, 22, to generic, fictional politicians. The same tool is also alleged to have translated a derogatory phrase about Bolsonaro into a compliment, further fueling concerns of bias.

David Nemer at the University of Virginia notes that determining whether these discrepancies are deliberate or not is impossible due to the opacity of Meta's systems. This lack of transparency has raised suspicions among Lula's supporters and experts alike.

The comeback of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in the polls has been attributed partly to his Army, an intensive online campaign that engages 8 million WhatsApp channel subscribers with daily tasks such as posting photographs on Instagram with a specific gesture. This effort appears to be paying off, with polls showing a narrowing gap between Lula and Bolsonaro.

The use of large language models in this election has been unprecedented, and experts say Brazil's experience offers a glimpse into the future of AI in politics. Fact-checking organisation Lupa identified 920 pieces of AI-generated or manipulated content ahead of the first round, mostly on Facebook and Instagram, with over half of it unlabelled.

The Brazilian presidential election has been marred by allegations of bias in Meta's AI tools, which have failed to prevent the spread of manipulated content.

Meta's independent oversight board has criticized the company's election safeguards, describing them as ineffective. Nemer, an expert on the matter, says it is a worrying development that highlights the need for better regulation of AI in politics.

The use of large language models (LLMs) in campaigning has raised concerns about their potential to spread misinformation and manipulate public opinion. A study by InternetLab found that eight major AI chatbots often refused to answer genuine questions about candidates, instead directing users to official electoral websites.

New Scientist: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2595540-brazil-presidential-election-dogged-by-alleged-bias-by-meta-ai-tools/?utm_campaign=RSS|NSNS&utm_content=home&utm_medium=RSS&utm_source=NSNS

In a recent cooking video published on TikTok, El-Sayed teamed up with Lebanese American food creator Summer Homayed to prepare beef shawarma, a beloved dish in metro Detroit's Arab food scene. The video offers a glimpse into the candidate's personal side, showcasing his culinary skills and willingness to engage with voters in an informal setting.

As they cooked together, Homayed posed questions about El-Sayed's background and policies, but the candidate chose to respond with comments related to food and politics rather than direct answers. For instance, when asked about the cost of steak, El-Sayed noted that it was purchased without corporate funding, mirroring his campaign's commitment to transparency.

The video has sparked attention, particularly regarding claims made by El-Sayed's Republican opponent, former congressman Mike Rogers, who has sought to cast doubt on El-Sayed's Muslim identity. Independent fact-checkers have disputed these allegations, but the issue remains a point of contention in the campaign.

El-Sayed's focus on bread-and-butter issues such as getting money out of politics and implementing Medicare for All is evident in his approach to the video, highlighting his commitment to addressing the needs of ordinary people rather than catering to special interests.

Abdul El-Sayed's background and upbringing have significantly influenced his perspective on food culture in America. Born to Egyptian immigrants, he was raised in suburban Detroit by his father and stepmother, a white woman from Michigan.

Growing up, El-Sayed was exposed to diverse culinary traditions through his family's cooking. His father would often make ful medames, an Egyptian fava bean dish, for breakfast, while his stepmother prepared meatloaf for dinner. This blend of Middle Eastern and American cuisine has had a lasting impact on his relationship with food.

When asked about meeting over a meal, El-Sayed proposed four options that showcase the rich culinary landscape of Michigan. He recommended Ricewood, a barbecue joint near his home, which serves an exceptional burger as part of its Friday and Saturday special menu.

The burgers at Ricewood are particularly notable for their quality, with El-Sayed declaring it one of the best he has ever had. He also suggested Dearborn Meat Market, a butcher shop that offers mouth-watering kebabs grilled to perfection in the back.

The joy of eating ice cream on a summer day is a childhood memory that Abdul El-Sayed cherishes, reminiscent of carefree days spent outdoors.

He recalls taking his kids to enjoy Midwestern-style ice cream, a treat that brings back fond memories for him and his family.

As a child, El-Sayed's favorite activity was visiting the Eastern Market in Detroit with his family to pick up groceries, where they would sample cheeses at the counter before selecting one to take home.

His parents' cooking was a big part of their family life, with Saturday afternoons reserved for preparing meals together, often featuring traditional Midwest dishes like meatloaf and tuna noodle casserole.

Mealtimes were also an opportunity for El-Sayed's mother to express her love through food, which he believes is a universal language that transcends cultural boundaries.

The landscape of food options has undergone significant changes since El-Sayed's childhood. Gone are the days when a straight-up burger was a rare treat due to limited halal dining options. Today, it is possible to find a variety of cuisines catering to diverse tastes.

This shift in culinary diversity reflects the cultural melting pot that Michigan represents. The state's history and culture have long been about bringing people together from different backgrounds, fostering an atmosphere where traditions can be shared and appreciated. This blending of cultures has given rise to innovative fusion restaurants like Warda Patisserie.

Food plays a crucial role in communication and community building. When we share meals, we are also sharing our history, culture, and values with one another. This aspect is particularly relevant for politicians who aim to connect with their constituents on a deeper level. By using food as a tool for communication, leaders can facilitate discussions about shared values and aspirations.

El-Sayed's campaign has highlighted the issue of affordability in grocery shopping, which affects many Michiganders struggling to make ends meet. He identifies two primary causes of high grocery prices: the ongoing conflict in Iran and the imposition of tariffs on imported goods.

The cost of diesel fuel has reached an all-time high due to ongoing conflict in Iran, which affects transportation costs across the globe. Many items found on grocery store shelves are shipped by truck, and their movement requires large quantities of diesel. This increased expense is being passed on to consumers.

Local farmers rely heavily on potash fertilizer for crop growth, but a significant portion of this essential input comes from Canada. However, with tariffs now imposed on Canadian imports, the supply chain is experiencing disruptions that impact prices. The availability and affordability of this crucial agricultural resource are thus compromised.

The US food market is dominated by a small number of large corporations. This concentration of power allows these companies to exert control over prices paid to farmers and those charged at the retail level. Eighty-five percent of meat in the country comes from just four major meatpackers, who can manipulate markets to their advantage.

In addition to market manipulation, local agriculture faces numerous challenges. Small businesses and restaurants struggle to remain profitable due to rising input costs, making it increasingly difficult for them to operate sustainably. This is particularly concerning as more individuals turn to freelance or contract work, which can complicate the process of documenting income and employment.

As a result, many people are finding themselves unable to afford basic necessities, including food. Even those who have experienced job loss, such as journalists, may be forced to rely on government assistance programs like SNAP to meet their needs.

Ensuring workers can access safety nets when needed is a pressing concern in today's society.

Abdul El-Sayed emphasizes that current systems are flawed, prioritizing restrictions over universal programs that benefit everyone. He suggests that Medicare for All would simplify the process of accessing healthcare by eliminating paperwork and bureaucratic hurdles. This approach would allow people to focus on their well-being rather than navigating complex administrative tasks.

The issue is further complicated by increased work requirements in Medicaid and SNAP programs. These changes are set to take effect next year, placing a greater burden on those struggling to make ends meet. El-Sayed argues that a broader safety net is needed, encompassing essential services like childcare, education, and healthcare.

By shifting the focus towards building a more comprehensive support system, we can reduce waste, fraud, and abuse associated with restrictive programs. This approach would enable individuals to access the resources they need without unnecessary obstacles, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.

Bon Appetit: https://www.bonappetit.com/story/abdul-el-sayed-michigan-food-affordability-politics

Chabbi's journey began when he moved to Dubai in 2018 from France and started working for Farfetch as a stylist for their Middle East campaigns. He later joined the private client side of the business but soon realized it wasn't the right fit for him, citing that being too close to the business targets made it difficult to enjoy his job.

Despite this, Chabbi's time at Farfetch provided valuable insights into the world of high-end fashion, particularly among the 1% who are its primary consumers. He learned how to tailor collections to specific regions and age groups, and understand what products would actually sell in those markets.

In addition to his work at Farfetch, Chabbi began posting fashion show reviews on Instagram Stories using Vogue Runway images as a backdrop. His following grew rapidly, and he soon landed two high-profile interviews, one with Haider Ackermann and the other with Kris Van Assche, which he filmed and shared on the platform.

Chabbi's decision to leave Farfetch was likely influenced by his desire for creative freedom and the opportunity to share his expertise with a wider audience. His success on Instagram has made him a sought-after voice in the fashion industry, and his unique perspective is likely to continue resonating with readers and viewers alike.

As we speak with Chabbi about his experiences, he also touches on other topics, including the protests that have been taking place in France and his predictions for the latest round of designer comings and goings. In a series of interviews below, Chabbi shares his thoughts on these issues and more.

Osama Chabbi is taking on a new challenge by directing his first documentary, a project that has been in the works for some time now.

The documentary will focus on his favorite designer and is set to start filming in January with an expected release date of next year.

Chabbi's involvement in this project extends beyond just directing - he will also be working closely with a fashion-centric streaming platform that is launching soon, with their film being one of the platform's original productions.

The documentary aims to capture a commemorative interview-style conversation between two figures who were significant in the designer's life, and Chabbi sees it as an opportunity to explore the concept of legacy in the fashion world.

Chabbi has experience with filmmaking, having produced and directed his own interviews for various projects, but this will be his first time tackling a longer-form documentary.

He admits that he initially felt uncertain about taking on such a big project, but after being told by someone on his team that they thought he might have imposter syndrome, Chabbi decided to go for it and push beyond his comfort zone.

Chabbi's determination to secure interviews for his documentary project was evident from an early stage. He recalls writing on Twitter about wanting to interview Haider Ackermann, who was guest designer for Jean Paul Gaultier at the time.

Despite being in Dubai and Ackermann being in Paris, Chabbi managed to secure an interview with him.

Chabbi's resourcefulness didn't stop there; he also pitched an article to i-D, but needed references and quotes from prominent designers. In a bid to get Kris Van Assche on board, Chabbi made up that he had already secured a quote from the designer.

He quickly sent a message to Van Assche apologizing for the fabrication, but was surprised when the designer replied and said he would indeed provide a quote.

Chabbi attributes his success in securing interviews to his willingness to take risks. He believes that having a "utopian level of delusion" can be beneficial in pursuing ambitious projects.

His approach to building his platform has been centered around creating unique content, rather than trying to spark a mass conversation on social media.

As a documentary filmmaker, Osama Chabbi has always been drawn to the inner workings of the fashion industry. He's fascinated by its larger-than-life personalities and has a clear vision for who he wants to feature in his projects.

Chabbi's approach to building his platform is centered around creating unique content that caters to those who live and breathe fashion, rather than trying to spark mass conversations on social media. This strategy allows him to connect with his audience on a deeper level and create content that resonates with them.

Growing up in Lyon had a significant impact on Chabbi's perspective on the world. He recalls being raised in what is known as ZEP, or priority education zones, where the government has pledged to focus more resources on education. However, this promise has often fallen short.

Chabbi's experiences have given him a unique understanding of the struggles that many young people face in France. When asked about the student protests taking place in Paris, he acknowledges that he hasn't been able to witness them firsthand while in Dubai. Nevertheless, he emphasizes the importance of recognizing that these protests are not an inconvenience to the luxury and fashion industry.

Chabbi's connection to his audience is rooted in his ability to understand their experiences and perspectives. He notes that many people who follow him work in the fashion industry itself, which allows him to assume a certain level of knowledge about the subject matter. This approach enables him to dive deeper into complex issues without feeling the need to explain the basics.

Chabbi's thoughts on the student protests are informed by his own background and experiences. He sees the anger and frustration expressed by the youth as valid, given the systemic challenges they face in accessing quality education. As he puts it, "the social elevator is frozen."

The recent wave of creative director departures from top fashion houses has left many wondering what's next for these iconic brands.

Seán McGirr and Veronica Leoni have both stepped down from their roles at McQueen and Calvin Klein, respectively, in a move that has sent shockwaves through the industry.

Anthony Vaccarello's exit from Saint Laurent last week was also notable, leaving a void that will soon be filled by Chemena Kamali, who is set to take over at the Paris-based label.

The absence of creative directors at Alaïa and McQueen has left many speculating about potential replacements.

For McQueen, Osama Chabbi believes that promoting from within or seeking out lesser-known talent can be a successful strategy, citing examples such as Matthieu and Michael Rider who rose through the ranks to become designers.

The trend of hiring in-house or unknown designers may prove to be a promising approach for fashion brands looking to revitalize their creative direction.

The fashion industry's reluctance to promote body diversity is a worrying trend that suggests it may be moving backwards on this issue.

Fashion brands seem non-committal about embracing bigger bodies as desirable, and this lack of commitment is hindering progress towards inclusivity and body visibility.

Directors like Osama Chabbi are highlighting the need for a cultural shift in how fashion perceives body size, but so far, there has been little change in the industry's approach.

Ultimately, until fashion brands deem bigger bodies glamorous, they risk being stuck in a perpetual cycle of underwhelming innovation.

Vogue: https://www.vogue.com/article/the-scoop-with-osama-chabbi-on-directing-his-first-fashion-documentary

The ruling was issued in New Mexico, where a jury trial found that Meta had violated state law by deceiving social media consumers on their data protection. The case dates back to the Cambridge Analytica scandal involving the 2016 presidential election, which highlighted concerns over online data misuse.

Under New Mexico's Unfair Practices Act, Meta has been ordered to pay penalties for nearly 44 million violations of the law. This marks a significant blow to the tech giant, with Meta having previously attempted to cap its penalties at $3.45 billion in court filings.

If Meta chooses to appeal the verdict, it could potentially avoid paying the full amount of $25 billion. However, some estimates had suggested that the company could have faced even steeper penalties, reaching as high as $219 billion.

Meta has yet to comment on the ruling, but New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez has hailed the decision as a significant victory in holding powerful corporations accountable for their actions.

The series of hefty fines and settlements slapped on Meta in recent years appears to have had little impact on its behavior. The company has been repeatedly criticized for allowing access to user data without consent, as seen in the Cambridge Analytica scandal that contributed to Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign.

Meta's social media platforms have also come under fire for their addictive nature, particularly when it comes to children and teenagers. In a separate case, the company was ordered to pay up to $18 billion to multiple US states after admitting that its platforms were intentionally designed to be harmful to young users.

These significant payouts seem to have done little to curb Meta's penchant for pushing boundaries in terms of user data collection and platform design. The company has continued to develop new features, such as the Muse agentic AI platform, which raises concerns about privacy and security.

Just this week, researchers discovered a flaw in the links generated by Muse conversations that allowed unauthorized access. In response, Meta suspended the feature, but this incident highlights the ongoing issues with user data protection at the company.

Meta's smart glasses are still a contentious issue, with ongoing concerns about their potential use of facial recognition technology. Despite reports suggesting that Meta is exploring alternatives to camera-equipped models, these versions would be in addition to those that already include cameras.

The implications of the New Mexico court case on Meta's business ventures are likely limited, despite the possibility of a significant penalty being imposed. The company's newer technologies, such as AI and AI-assisted hardware, may not be directly affected by the ruling.

According to Michael Stokes, senior vice president of emerging technologies at Veilant, it is only through court orders that companies can be forced to make changes to their products. Stokes emphasized that settlements, like the one in New Mexico, do not necessarily dictate how a company must operate.

Stokes also noted that any settlement written for 2018 would not apply to Meta's newer devices, which may include AI and AI-assisted hardware.

Meta's hefty court loss may have significant implications for its business model, but it's unlikely to prompt a drastic change of course. The $25 billion judgment is largely symbolic, and the company will likely continue to face numerous lawsuits over issues such as data collection and platform design.

The payout from this latest verdict will not be distributed to Meta users; instead, it will go towards New Mexico's public school fund. This may seem like a substantial sum for education, but experts argue that it won't have a significant impact on the company's overall business.

Despite the financial hit, Meta's stock actually rose following the judgment, indicating that investors don't see fines as a major concern for the tech giant. However, this verdict and others like it may still pose a threat to Meta's reputation and future litigation risks.

The court's decision highlights the ongoing scrutiny of tech companies' handling of user data and promises made regarding platform safety and security. As a result, any company making such claims should expect to be held accountable for its actions.

CNET: https://www.cnet.com/news/privacy/meta-25-billion-court-loss/

Criticism of the French police has intensified in recent weeks, with human rights groups condemning not only their use of force but also the deployment of stun grenades and rubber bullets. France's law enforcement agencies are among the most heavily armed in Europe, raising concerns about the potential for excessive violence. Several protesters have suffered severe injuries during demonstrations, including teenagers who sustained life-altering wounds.

One teenager had a hand amputated, while another lost vision in one eye and a third suffered a broken jaw. These incidents have sparked outrage and raised questions about the French police's methods and equipment. Rights groups are calling for greater accountability and transparency within the force.

The protests themselves drew hundreds of thousands of people into the streets on Saturday, with most demonstrators expressing their discontent peacefully. The protesters' grievances included opposition to public sector cuts, growing concerns over living costs, and demands for improved working conditions in schools.

The protests in France have become increasingly violent, with rioters taking advantage of the situation to burn buildings, loot stores, and hurl projectiles at the police. This has created a challenging environment for law enforcement officers and emergency services personnel.

The recent unrest was sparked by high-school students who barricaded school buildings to draw attention to a shortage of teachers and dilapidated infrastructure. Their actions are part of a larger movement that is expected to continue this weekend, with the French government announcing plans to deploy military forces.

The French police have access to a more extensive arsenal than many European countries, including the LBD-40 gun, which fires rubber bullets. In contrast, nations like the UK and Germany generally prohibit the use of rubber bullets in protests, whereas Spain allows them but notes that they cause fewer injuries than in France.

Criminology experts argue that even with guidelines in place to regulate their use, rubber bullets can be extremely hazardous. As Anastassia Tsoukala points out, "people may move and then all of a sudden they may lose one eye."

The use of tear gas is a common practice among law enforcement agencies across Europe, including France.

However, it's the French police's reliance on stun grenades that sets them apart from their counterparts in other EU countries.

These grenades contain high levels of explosive substances, making France unique in this regard.

Minister of the Interior Laurent Nunez has maintained that the equipment used by the police is non-lethal, but some of these items are classified as "war material" under France's internal security code.

Some of the policing methods employed by the French have come under renewed scrutiny following reports of injuries sustained during protests.

The French police's equipment and tactics have been shaped by the country's political climate.

According to an expert on policing, the decision on what equipment the police use is ultimately made by the government. This has led to some concerning outcomes, such as the widespread adoption of LBDs for crowd control despite their original intended use being for specialized units like anti-organized crime teams.

This shift in purpose reflects a broader change in how France's politicians view protests and public dissent. The expert notes that the way politicians think about handling demonstrations has evolved significantly over time, with more emphasis on forceful suppression rather than de-escalation.

In contrast to French policing methods, German police are generally trained to avoid escalating situations.

International standards for policing dictate that the use of force should be exceptional, reserved for specific situations such as preventing crime or making lawful arrests. The principle of proportionality is also key, meaning officers should use no more force than necessary to achieve their objectives.

The French Interior Minister has maintained in radio interviews that police have generally adhered to this principle during recent protests. However, human rights groups are sounding the alarm about the disproportionate response from authorities. Amnesty International has urged French authorities to uphold their human rights obligations.

Criticism is also coming from within France's own League of Human Rights, which condemns the violent repression of high school protest movements as unacceptable. Despite efforts to engage with police unions and the Interior Ministry, no official responses were received before publication time. Experts continue to express concerns about the handling of protests by French law enforcement.

When speaking publicly about the protests in Marseille, Interior Minister Nunez acknowledged the complexity of policing multiple groups simultaneously. He credited officers for their commitment to preventing crimes during the demonstrations.

The French government has emphasized the importance of protecting human life and safety during public order situations. According to jurist Sylvie Tsoukala, maintaining this value is a non-negotiable principle that must be upheld.

The lack of an independent watchdog for the French police is also a concern. The IGPN, which investigates internal problems, has reportedly opened at least 40 cases since the start of the latest protests. This raises questions about accountability and oversight within the force.

Tsoukala argues that leniency and a lack of transparency are widespread issues across Europe when it comes to police brutality cases. She points out that in many countries, including the UK and Denmark, independent watchdogs handle investigations differently.

DW English: https://www.dw.com/en/are-the-french-police-the-most-violent-in-the-eu/a-79732855?maca=en-rss-en-world-4025-rdf

The attacks have resulted in widespread disruptions to cloud services across Russia, affecting various sectors such as banking, e-commerce, geolocation, and ride-hailing. Users have reported persistent issues with online platforms, including Yandex's virtual assistant Alisa and multimodal AI chatbots. The impact has also extended to the judicial system, forcing arbitration courts to cancel or postpone sessions due to database access limitations.

Ukraine this month targeted three major data centers in its ongoing invasion of Russia: one belonging to tech giant Yandex, another serving Russia's biggest bank Sberbank, and a third facility for social media platform VKontakte. The attacks have raised concerns about the long-term consequences for Russia's digital ambitions, with some experts predicting that repairing the damage could take months or even years.

Experts warn that the Ukraine's military actions may significantly set back Moscow's aspirations to become a leader in artificial intelligence development. Mikhail Klimarev, head of the Internet Protection Society activist group, has stated that "this effectively sets Russia far behind in the AI race."

The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has escalated to include attacks on vital infrastructure such as power grids and key sites, with Russian missiles and drones targeting Ukraine's energy supply and other crucial facilities.

Moscow's efforts to weaken morale and resistance have been amplified by the approach of winter, taking advantage of a shortage of U.S.-supplied Patriot interceptors whose stockpiles have been depleted in part due to Washington's conflict with Iran.

In response to these aerial campaigns, Ukraine has launched waves of drone attacks against Russian oil refineries, triggering a massive fuel crisis that is affecting millions of civilians and bringing the war closer to home for many Russians.

The U.S. President Donald Trump has linked the increased global oil prices to the ongoing attacks, attributing them in part to the effects of the U.S. war with Iran on the international energy market.

Ukraine's counterattacks have also targeted large warehouses used by Russia's top online retailers Wildberries and Ozon, further disrupting supply chains and civilian life.

The recent string of drone strikes targeting Ukraine's neighboring country has exposed Russia's vulnerability in its data center infrastructure.

Data centers housing crucial AI and computing power for major Russian companies like Sberbank have been hit by Ukrainian drones. The attacks on these facilities, including a hub in Balakovo and another in St. Petersburg serving VKontakte, are part of Ukraine's ongoing efforts to disrupt Russia's technological capabilities.

The ease with which data centers can be targeted has raised concerns about the long-term impact of these strikes. With massive buildings packed with servers and supporting power and cooling infrastructure, even a relatively light load of explosives carried by a drone can cause lasting damage.

In fact, this vulnerability is not unique to Russia. Iran's drones have previously hit Amazon Web Services data centers in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, highlighting the potential for widespread disruption of digital services.

The problem facing Russia lies in its vast geography, which makes it challenging to cover with adequate air defense systems, according to Nick Reiners, a senior geotechnology analyst at Eurasia Group.

The attacks on Ukraine's data centers have had an unexpected consequence - they've forced Russia to consider relocating its own computing assets abroad.

This move would be a significant blow to Russia's efforts to maintain control over its internet infrastructure, as many top Russian companies rely heavily on domestic data centers.

Experts predict that the damage caused by these attacks could lead to a shift in the way Russia manages its digital presence, with companies like Yandex potentially relocating their computing assets to Europe.

Yandex is a dominant force in Russia's digital landscape, offering a wide range of services including search engines, cloud storage, payment apps, and e-commerce platforms.

The company's reliance on just a few data centers makes it an attractive target for cyber attacks, with experts noting that these kinds of disruptions can have far-reaching consequences.

The ongoing cyberattacks on Yandex's data centers have had a significant impact on the company's ability to provide services to its customers. Taxi drivers like Pavel Belyavskiy are experiencing difficulties in connecting with passengers through the ride-hailing app, leading to canceled rides and lost income.

Some major companies and banks that rely on Yandex cloud services have also reported temporary disruptions. For Moscow residents like Eduard Malyavko, these outages have consequences beyond just inconvenience - they affect everyday life and work routines. The strain of these interruptions is being felt across the city.

The damage to Yandex's data centers has been extensive, with satellite images suggesting that its facilities sustained significant harm. Fires triggered by the attacks likely damaged high-end chips and other critical equipment, which will take time and resources to replace or repair.

The destruction of data centers along the border has significant implications for Russia's artificial intelligence capabilities. According to experts, the damage caused by Ukraine's drone strikes will likely hinder Russia's progress in AI research and development.

The high-end chips powering Yandex's supercomputers, designed by Nvidia, are particularly vulnerable to fire damage from soot. Replacing these chips is a complex task, especially considering the global shortage of such components due to sanctions on their delivery to Russia. This will add to the already significant costs associated with repairing the damaged equipment.

The loss of data centers and high-end chips will likely set back Russia's AI efforts by several years, making it difficult for the country to catch up with the US and China in this field.

Fortune: https://fortune.com/2026/10/22/ukraine-russia-drones-data-centers-ai-race/

The Instagram post has been criticized for using the term "intifada, which refers to violent uprisings against Jews in Israel. Many Jewish leaders view this term as a call to violence against them, and have expressed concern about its use in a public forum. The use of this language has sparked accusations of antisemitism.

Moshe Spern, president of the advocacy group United Jewish Teachers, is demanding that the Instagram post be removed immediately and that the YDSA chapter issue a public apology to the school community. In an email to Stuyvesant Principal Seung Yu and New York City Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels, Spern noted that there have been hundreds of antisemitic and anti-Israel incidents in NYC public schools since October 7, 2023.

Spern invoked Title VI of federal law, which bans discrimination based on race, shared ancestry and national origin, and is demanding a review of the YDSA chapter's charter, faculty adviser and recent activities for compliance.

The controversy surrounding the YDSA chapter at a New York City high school is escalating, with Spern citing a chancellor's regulation that student clubs must operate under the principal's supervision and align with the school's educational goals.

Despite repeated requests for comment, officials from the school and the Department of Education have remained silent on the matter. Spern expressed frustration at the lack of response, describing it as extremely irresponsible to ignore the issue.

The NYC-DSA has defended its organization, stating that it supports the right to organize and protest. In a statement, co-Chair Gustavo Gordillo emphasized this point, although the group's stance on the specific controversy is unclear.

Tensions over the October 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas have been ongoing in New York City, with some officials facing criticism for their responses to the incident. Mayor Mamdani has previously faced bipartisan backlash for his statements regarding the attack and its aftermath.

Critics from the pro-Palestinian community have been vocal in their disapproval of Mayor Mamdani's handling of local synagogues that promote land sales in Israel, including areas in the occupied West Bank.

These critics argue that by allowing such events to take place, Mamdani is not doing enough to prevent potential harm to Palestinian interests.

The controversy surrounding these events has added to the already contentious atmosphere surrounding Mayor Mamdani's previous statements on the attack and its aftermath.

The backlash from pro-Palestinian activists also includes criticism of Mamdani for retaining Tisch, a self-described Zionist and Jewish individual.

The incident has sparked further controversy for the Protect the Harvest coalition, which includes individuals from various backgrounds and affiliations.

Critics of the group's involvement in the West Bank have raised concerns about the potential consequences of their actions and the motivations behind them.

According to an Israeli military official, the reason for the detention was that Palestinians had not submitted a request to coordinate harvesting in the area beforehand, which is a required step.

The official stated that officers from the Israel Defense Forces and Border Police, along with local police, arrived at the scene to enforce this regulation.

The backlash against a New York City high school has been intense after a student posted an image that some deemed to be glorifying the intifada". The controversy has sparked debate about free speech and the limits of acceptable expression in schools.

The incident has also raised questions about the role of social media in shaping public discourse, particularly among young people.

Politico: https://www.politico.com/newsletters/new-york-playbook-pm/2026/10/21/nyc-high-school-faces-backlash-over-intifada-post-01130770

In fact, researchers have found that when bacteria move collectively to find nutrients, their motion actually provides a unique vulnerability to phages, or viruses that infect bacteria. Specifically, collective bacterial migration allows phages to target and infect certain cells near the front edge of the migrating group while leaving others untouched.

This phenomenon has significant implications for our understanding of microbial ecosystems, where coexistence between bacteria and viruses is a common occurrence. The researchers' findings suggest that there may be alternative pathways to coexistence beyond the traditional concept of an evolutionary arms race.

The study's results are based on simulations and mathematical models developed by the research team, which demonstrate how collective migration can facilitate co-migration of parasites and hosts without requiring coevolutionary adaptations. According to Joshua Weitz, a professor of biology at UMD and joint appointment holder at the University of Maryland Institute for Health Computing, this mechanism reveals a new aspect of microbial interactions.

The study's findings have been published in the journal Science Advances, providing new insights into the intricate relationships between bacteria, viruses, and their environments. The research team's work highlights the complexity and diversity of microbial ecosystems, where coexistence is not always dependent on evolutionary adaptations.

The researchers found that the coexistence of bacteria and viruses relies on a collective migration of the bacteria, which brings the viruses close to the leading edge of the front without allowing either the bacteria or the virus to gain the upper hand.

Chemotaxis plays a crucial role in this phenomenon, as it enables bacteria to move in response to changes in their environment. When bacteria deplete a nutrient resource, they are compelled to move forward in search of more nourishment, creating a "chemotactic wave that drives their migration.

To investigate the dynamics between bacteria and viruses, the scientists used large agar plates as the study landscape, introducing bacteria and their phages and using time-lapse imaging to observe the bacterial migration over time. This setup allowed them to track the movement of both species in detail.

The researchers began by asking what would happen if a small number of phages were introduced ahead of a wave of migrating bacteria, would the phages take control or could the bacteria outrun them?

The researchers observed that when a small number of phages were introduced ahead of a migrating bacterial wave, they formed a lytic highway" that moved at the same speed as the bacteria but always remained just behind their leading edge.

This phenomenon was surprising because it seemed to suggest that the phages were killing enough bacteria to progress, yet not enough to overtake the bacterial population. The researchers noted that this wave carried the phages much farther and faster than they would be able to travel on their own.

To understand the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon, the researchers developed a mathematical model that accurately replicated the dynamics observed in their experiments. This model showed that the balance between viral killing and bacteria chemotaxis was crucial for the movement of phage infections.

The study found that chemotaxis, which could not be altered experimentally, played a key role in enabling the system to function. However, simulations revealed that certain adjustments to parameters such as nutrient availability could lead to different outcomes, including the escape of bacteria from phage infection or local extinction of the host population.

Understanding the delicate balance between bacteria and viruses is crucial for developing effective treatments against stubborn infections.

The study found that migration plays a key role in maintaining this equilibrium, particularly when it comes to clinically relevant bacterial pathogens such as Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Researchers used a spatially explicit phage-bacteria infection model to uncover the underlying drivers of this balance between infection and chemotactic escape, highlighting the importance of considering microbial movement in infections.

This discovery paves the way for new approaches to treating bacterial pathogens that colonize surfaces, such as prosthetics or wounds, by understanding how migration affects phage-based elimination.

Phys.org: https://phys.org/news/2026-10-scientists-migration-mechanism-enabling-bacteria.html

Researchers from Longwood University in the U.S. found that people who are afraid to rely on others often seek comfort in social media, which can become an unhealthy substitute for genuine human connection. This behavior is particularly prevalent among those with anxious attachment styles, characterized by a strong desire for closeness but intense worry about being rejected or abandoned.

Anxious individuals tend to crave reassurance and intimacy, yet their deep-seated fears of abandonment drive them to maintain emotional distance from others. In contrast, people with avoidant attachment styles prefer to keep relationships superficial, while those with fearful attachment are torn between a desire for closeness and an overwhelming fear of being hurt or taken advantage of.

The study suggests that individuals with anxious attachment may be more prone to developing narcissistic tendencies as they struggle to cope with feelings of insecurity. This can manifest in grandiose behaviors such as arrogance or entitlement, while others may exhibit vulnerable traits like low self-esteem and a need for constant validation.

Individuals with avoidant attachment styles, on the other hand, tend to suppress their emotions and maintain emotional distance from others, often at the cost of meaningful relationships. The study highlights the complex interplay between attachment styles, social media use, and narcissistic behaviors, raising important questions about the long-term effects of these dynamics on mental health.

The study found a link between compulsive social media use and certain personality traits, including grandiose narcissism and vulnerable narcissism.

Grandiose narcissism is characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, high levels of extraversion, and a strong need for admiration from others. In contrast, vulnerable narcissism involves a heightened need for admiration, but also a tendency to be shy and hypersensitive to criticism.

The researchers examined the relationship between attachment styles, narcissism, and problematic social media use in their study. Problematic social media use refers to compulsive or impulsive behavior designed to elevate one's mood, despite negative consequences.

The results showed that individuals with secure attachment styles reported lower levels of problematic social media use compared to those with avoidant, anxious, or fearful attachment styles. Securely attached individuals tend to feel comfortable with intimacy and independence, whereas avoidantly attached individuals often fear rejection and intimacy.

Vulnerable narcissism was found to be associated with higher levels of problematic social media use, potentially as a way to solicit attention and relationships that are difficult to achieve in real life. This behavior may serve as a maladaptive coping mechanism for individuals who struggle with forming and maintaining meaningful relationships.

The study's limitations include the lack of evidence for causal relationships among the variables, and the sample was limited to U.S. participants, which may limit the generalizability of the results.

Individuals who are anxious or fearful about their interpersonal relationships tend to experience higher levels of problematic social media use. This finding suggests that people who struggle with trust issues may turn to social media as a means to cope with these emotions. However, this behavior can have negative consequences, such as an unhealthy reliance on technology and a lack of meaningful face-to-face interactions.

The study also found a link between higher levels of covert or vulnerable narcissism and problematic social media use in individuals who are anxious or fearful about their relationships. Covert narcissism refers to the tendency to prioritize one's own needs while pretending to be humble, whereas vulnerable narcissism involves an excessive need for validation and attention from others. In people with these traits, social media can become a platform to seek constant reassurance and admiration.

The results of this study highlight the complex interplay between personality traits, relationship dynamics, and social media behavior. By understanding these connections, researchers may be able to develop more effective interventions to help individuals manage their social media use and cultivate healthier relationships with others.

Phys.org: https://phys.org/news/2026-10-compulsive-social-media-linked-reliance.html

Court documents obtained from an ongoing multistate trial reveal that internal warnings about child safety were repeatedly ignored by TikTok's top brass despite being brought to their attention by employees. The documents show that some underage users were exploiting features meant for adults, including Live video streaming, and engaging in disturbing behavior such as sexually exploitative acts.

Internal documents suggest that some minors were accessing monetized live video, a feature intended for adult users only, with kids aged 13-15 being able to access it. This raises serious questions about TikTok's ability to protect its young users from harm.

The revelations have been met with a dismissive response from TikTok, which claims the information was selectively presented and misrepresents their commitment to youth safety.

TikTok's defense against allegations of neglecting internal warnings about child safety on its platform has been met with skepticism by many experts.

The company claims that it has invested heavily in implementing measures to protect young users, introducing over 50 default protections as part of its efforts to ensure their well-being. These safeguards include Family Pairing tools for parents to monitor and control their children's online activities.

As the debate surrounding TikTok's safety record continues, other major tech companies are facing similar scrutiny. Platforms such as Roblox, OpenAI, YouTube, and Meta have all been targeted in lawsuits over their handling of younger users' data and online experiences.

Some of these cases focus on the potentially damaging effects of technology addiction on children, with several states in the US taking action against companies like Meta for allegedly contributing to this issue. In August, a landmark lawsuit led to an $18 billion settlement between Meta and multiple US states over its handling of young users' safety.

TikTok itself has faced significant financial penalties in recent years, including a $400 million settlement with the Department of Justice over violations of child privacy laws in 2024. The company also settled a $100 million lawsuit in Alabama last month, agreeing to limit daily child usage in the state as part of its agreement.

TikTok's internal child-safety warnings were ignored by executives, according to a recent report. The company was aware of its own staff's concerns about these issues and failed to address them. This has raised serious questions about the platform's commitment to protecting minors from online harm.

Child-safety advocates are speaking out against TikTok's alleged failures in this area. According to Michael Medoro, chief operating officer of Childhelp, a leading organization focused on online safety, the recent court documents reveal disturbing patterns of behavior by the company. These revelations are not surprising, but they are deeply troubling nonetheless.

The allegations against TikTok suggest that the platform may have profited from the exploitation of minors. This is particularly concerning given reports that youth were rewarded with gifts that could be converted to cash, with TikTok taking a cut of these profits. The implications of this practice are far-reaching and demand immediate attention.

Experts emphasize that stronger age verification measures, active monitoring, and the elimination of safety loopholes are essential for protecting minors online. Cooperation between tech leaders, advocates, and law enforcement is crucial in addressing these issues, according to Shanna Marzilli, CEO of Plan USA.

Young people's trust in social media companies to protect them from harm is alarmingly low, according to a recent study that surveyed US youth aged 10 to 19. Only about one in seven respondents expressed confidence that these platforms take sexual harassment and assault seriously.

The ineffectiveness of parental controls and self-reported age limits on social media becomes clear when structural loopholes remain unaddressed, allowing exploitation to continue unchecked.

CNET: https://www.cnet.com/news/social-media/tiktok-trial-child-safety-warning/

The grounds for this request are serious allegations of interference by US tech giant Meta. According to Lula's campaign, Meta's algorithms have been manipulating social media content to suppress Lula's campaign messages and boost those of his opponent. This claim is central to their petition, which will be presented on Tuesday.

Flavio Bolsonaro has been a formidable contender throughout the election process, having secured 47 percent of the vote in the first round earlier this month. His father, Jair Bolsonaro, the former president, was a key figure in his campaign.

The allegations against Meta have led Lula's campaign to submit a petition to Brazil's top electoral court, arguing that the social media giant is interfering in the election through alleged "algorithmic manipulation".

This claim stems from information first revealed by Brazilian newspaper Folha de S. Paulo on Monday, which suggested that Meta may be intentionally suppressing Lula's online content and boosting Bolsonaro's.

The Superior Electoral Court has given Meta 24 hours to prove it is complying with an order to treat both campaigns equally, warning of a daily fine of approximately $200,000 if the company fails to do so.

A meeting between Meta and lawyers from both campaigns is scheduled for Tuesday at the Superior Electoral Court, where the social media giant will be expected to address these concerns.

Dozens of supporters of Brazilian presidential candidate Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva gathered outside Meta's offices in São Paulo on Monday, holding placards and chanting slogans that criticized the social media giant's alleged interference in the election.

Lula has accused not only Meta but also the US government of attempting to influence the outcome of the vote in favor of his opponent, Flávio Bolsonaro. This claim comes as no surprise, given the close ties between Flávio and his father, Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently serving a 27-year prison sentence under house arrest for his role in a failed coup attempt after Lula's victory in 2022.

The runoff election will determine whether Brazil remains a left-wing stronghold in Latin America or shifts towards the right, potentially becoming another country aligned with US President Donald Trump. The first-round results have energized the left, prompting massive rallies and a renewed focus on social media by Lula's campaign, which is now seeking to address concerns about Meta's alleged bias.

France 24 English: https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20261020-lula-campaign-seeks-disqualify-bolsonoro-from-brazil-presidential-vote-over-meta-interference

The footage, which circulated widely online, appears to show officers striking the 26-year-old volunteer multiple times with batons before knocking him to the ground and dragging his apparently unconscious body away.

Social media users were quick to react to the video, but their responses were marred by misinformation. Many claimed that the street medic had died from his injuries, fuelling a wave of outrage and accusations against the police.

However, it has since been confirmed that the young man is alive, and was able to speak about the incident after recovering from his ordeal.

The confusion surrounding the incident may have arisen from a separate event that occurred in the same area on the same day - a man died of cardiac arrest, which led some online users to conflate the two events.

A Paris street medic who went viral after reports claimed he had been killed by police is alive and well. According to Antoine, he intervened in a confrontation between protesters and law enforcement to identify himself as a medic, wearing an armband with "medic written on it.

To establish his credentials, Antoine said he stepped in front of a water cannon, but was then struck on the head with a baton from behind. He vaguely remembers being half-unconscious before something hit him in the back.

Antoine's ordeal did not end there. He regained consciousness while being transported to a hospital in a fire engine and underwent a concussion test. His injuries have left him unable to work, and he plans to return to the hospital for further examinations.

The confusion surrounding Antoine's incident may be linked to another event that occurred on the same day in the same area. A man reportedly died from cardiac arrest on Boulevard Magenta, near the 10th arrondissement of Paris.

As protesters took to the streets of Paris on Saturday, a six-hour livestream captured the intense and often chaotic scenes unfolding before the cameras.

The footage was later repurposed online, with one clip garnering over five million views after being taken out of context and posted separately. Initially, the caption accompanying this video described the man being dragged away as unconscious", but subsequent posts escalated the claim to a fatal outcome.

This episode highlights how misinformation can spread rapidly through social media, fueled by speculation and incomplete information.

France 24 English: https://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/truth-or-fake/20261020-i-m-alive-paris-street-medic-isn-t-dead-despite-viral-claims-he-was-killed-by-police

The crisis meeting aimed to remind the platforms of their responsibility to moderate content on their sites, particularly live video streams, to prevent the spread of violent or incendiary material that could encourage individuals to disregard the imposed curfew.

A review of TikTok's search functionality revealed a concerning trend: when searching for "blocus, French for blockade, users are presented with potentially manipulated or AI-generated content, including viral images of protesters dressed in a Pink Panther costume.

This disturbing phenomenon is being leveraged to promote further action, specifically Act II of the protests scheduled for October 24.

The French government has been holding emergency meetings with major online reselling platforms in response to the protests and looting that took place over the weekend. According to Serge Papin, minister for small and medium-size enterprises, a meeting was held on Monday where an agreement was reached to tackle the resale of stolen goods.

Vinted, eBay, Amazon, LeBonCoin, Meta, and TikTok were among the platforms present at the meeting, which aimed to crack down on the sale of looted items. As part of the agreement, these platforms have pledged to forward reports to investigators, monitor advertisements for specific types of stolen goods, and submit regular updates to the government.

The protests, which began as peaceful demonstrations against high living costs and strained public services, turned violent over the weekend with rioting and looting reported in several cities. Authorities have since arrested more than 2,400 people, while Interior minister Laurent Nuñez admitted that police lost control" in some areas.

Under French penal law, individuals found guilty of concealing or transferring stolen goods can face a five-year sentence and a €375,000 fine. As part of their agreement with the government, online platforms have committed to sending reports on their actions within 48 hours.

Online marketplaces in France are taking steps to monitor ads that resell stolen goods from recent protests. According to a press release from the French Alliance of Marketplaces, member companies such as Back Market and eBay rely on user reports to identify suspicious activity.

These companies use human oversight and tech tools to review reported ads and take action when necessary. For example, if an ad is found to be reselling stolen goods, it will be removed and measures may be taken against the seller's account, including permanent suspension.

The time it takes for these marketplaces to take action can vary depending on the nature of the report and the verification process required.

Wired: https://www.wired.com/story/french-government-calls-emergency-meetings-with-platforms-over-protests/

These hardcovers have multiplied rapidly across social media platforms, where they appear as if by magic. Book clubs on both sides of the equation are also reading these titles, creating a sense of widespread popularity. The proliferation of this phenomenon has led some to question whether we're experiencing a cultural moment or something more profound.

The idea that we once lived in a monoculture is no longer a given. Gone are the days when events like the Super Bowl and VMAs could unite audiences across different demographics. Even movies that might have been considered automatic blockbusters now struggle to attract viewers. The concept of "must-see TV has become increasingly distant.

The internet was supposed to bring about an era of endless variety, but it appears that only a handful of titles manage to penetrate the collective consciousness. According to industry reports, over 600,000 books were released by traditional publishers last year alone, not counting smaller presses and independent publishers.

The book publishing industry is facing significant changes, leaving readers wondering if we're in a reading monoculture. To explore this question, I convened a panel of writers and readers to share their insights. One such expert was Maris Kreizman, an essayist, critic, and author.

Kreizman lamented the decline of book coverage in publications that once dedicated significant space to reviews. She noted that even when discovering great used books, it's disheartening to see reviews from defunct or changed publications on their first pages. This loss has a ripple effect, she suggested.

The role of book review sections has also shifted, according to Kreizman. In the past, these sections helped readers discover new titles and provided curation for what was worth reading. Today, it's more about jumping on the bandwagon when a particular book gains widespread attention. This phenomenon is not unique to books; corporate consolidation has affected many industries.

The publishing industry's blockbuster model, where big-name authors and titles dominate, has become increasingly prevalent over the years. As a result, even traditionally established publishers face challenges in getting their books noticed. According to Kreizman, being published by one of the major players no longer guarantees success or visibility.

Kreizman's observations paint a picture of an industry struggling to adapt to changing times and priorities. The impact on readers is clear: they're left with fewer resources to discover new titles and more reliance on external signals for what's worth reading.

The current state of publishing is eerily similar to the broader American economy, where wealth and influence are increasingly concentrated in the hands of a select few.

This phenomenon, often described as K-shaped, has led to a situation where a small group of authors amass a disproportionate amount of attention and financial rewards, while others struggle to gain traction.

Even reissues of classic works, intended to fill gaps in literary history, have not been immune to this trend. Certain once-obscure authors have gained sudden fame posthumously or late in life, echoing the trajectory of debut novelists who achieve success through a combination of timing and cultural relevance.

The blind spots in these reissue efforts are telling, highlighting the limitations of even well-intentioned attempts to correct historical omissions.

This is not solely a problem for publishers or the media; readers themselves bear some responsibility.

The phenomenon of disparate reactions to books is not unique to any particular genre or author. In literary circles, the latest Rachel Cusk book has sparked a range of opinions. While some readers have expressed enthusiasm, others have been less than impressed.

One factor that contributes to this polarized response is the tendency for platforms like Substack to prioritize buzzworthy titles. Brand consultant Ochuko Akpovbovbo notes that publishers often try to reverse-engineer the success of a book by attaching relevant keywords and leveraging popular themes. This approach can create an expectation that a book will be widely discussed and debated.

The rise of AI chatbots like ChatGPT has also had a significant impact on reading habits. According to bookseller Natalie Beecroft, customers are increasingly coming in with recommendations generated by these algorithms. However, Beecroft argues that this approach can lead to a monoculture of reading preferences, where the most popular titles are perpetuated and lesser-known works are overlooked.

The problem is further exacerbated by the fact that readers are becoming increasingly time-poor. According to statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Americans over 15 had just over five hours of leisure time per week in 2025, with only 16 minutes spent reading for pleasure on average. This limited time can lead to a reliance on algorithms and recommendations rather than exploring new titles and authors.

The proliferation of AI-generated recommendations has also raised concerns about the homogenization of reading tastes. As Beecroft points out, these algorithms often prioritize commercial interests over independent presses and debut authors, perpetuating a cycle where only established voices are heard.

Readers who devour 15 to 20 books per month often face financial constraints when trying to keep up with new releases.

This is the reality faced by avid reader Akpovbovbo, who receives a steady supply of recent releases but still struggles to get enough to satisfy her appetite.

In an effort to stay current, she has resorted to reading multiple genres and styles in one sitting. I read 10 'sad girl lit' books in a row, she admits.

She also thinks about the current literary landscape as a layered system, with highly publicized releases at the top and various sub-genres beneath them.

At the same time, Akpovbovbo notices that readers who are serious about reading or appear to be, often shun popular books in favor of more niche titles. This stratification is visible in her own book club feature on As Seen On, where members discuss a variety of titles beyond the summer's big blockbusters.

Akpovbovbo herself has read all three of these releases and shares her thoughts on them, but also notes that she thinks about the literary landscape as having multiple layers.

Independent bookstores continue to thrive as hubs for readers seeking personalized recommendations from knowledgeable staff members.

A growing number of online platforms, such as Bookstagram and newsletters, cater to those looking for more obscure titles. Critics like Molly Young have been instrumental in reviving the conversation around lesser-known works. Her efforts are now being emulated by others, including Akpovbovbo, who cites various sources for off-the-beaten-path ideas.

In an era where taste" is increasingly fetishized, reading widely and exploring niche authors could become a status symbol, signifying that one has transcended the mainstream. However, it's essential to remember that every book will eventually be forgotten or overlooked by someone else.

Elle: https://www.elle.com/culture/books/a73764195/reading-monoculture-book-trends/

In the UK, Le Pliage is synonymous with accessible luxury, favored by royals and style influencers like Lila Moss and Alexa Chung. Its versatility has also made it a staple in Aaron Sorkin's new film The Social Reckoning, where the protagonist carries the bag as part of her tech employee uniform.

On social media platform TikTok, creators are obsessed with Le Pliage's design, praising its visually appealing and satisfying shape, crafted in workshops across Western France. For many, it represents a first "big girl bag, priced affordably at $165 for the classic large canvas iteration.

Longchamp CEO Jean Cassegrain attributes the brand's success to its commitment to offering excellent value. As the third generation of the Longchamp family, Cassegrain is well-versed in the company's history. His father, Philippe, designed the Le Pliage, while his grandfather founded the brand in 1948.

The original Longchamp products were leather pipe designs that gained popularity among hip youngsters back then. Today, Le Pliage has spawned a new craze, captivating Gen Z and Gen Alpha with its timeless design and accessible price point.

The Le Pliage's enduring popularity has proven to be a pleasant surprise for Longchamp, as it is now the company's top-selling item.

Longchamp has acknowledged that its success in this area cannot be attributed to deliberate marketing efforts, but rather to the timeless design and affordability of the bag itself.

Teenagers are making their own decisions about what they want to buy, and it appears that many are drawn to the Le Pliage for reasons beyond mere branding or advertising.

The brand's approach has been described as passive" and "product-led, which may seem counterintuitive in today's social media-driven landscape where brands often try to manufacture a certain image or trend.

In contrast, other luxury brands like Coach and Diesel have invested heavily in innovative Gen Z-focused social media strategies, but Longchamp seems to be bucking this trend with success.

Longchamp's resurgence as a fashion staple among young people has been noted by industry observers and trend forecasters alike. The brand's classic designs have been rediscovered by Gen Z, who are embracing its understated elegance.

British Vogue has highlighted the bag's revival, labeling it as part of the messy-prep" trend that is sweeping through schools and universities. This shift towards a more relaxed approach to fashion has seen Longchamp's sales soar, with many young people opting for the brand's iconic designs over other luxury labels.

The influence of social media on this trend cannot be overstated. According to a recent report by youth culture agency Archrival, TikTok is the number one platform for Gen Z to discover new products and brands. One 21-year-old student from Chicago revealed that she was influenced to buy a blue Longchamp bag after seeing it featured in several TikTok videos.

The brand's popularity extends beyond just its sales figures, with Gen Alpha also showing a strong interest in Longchamp's designs. As the internet continues to flatten tween culture, young people are increasingly looking for brands that offer a bridge between high-end fashion and more affordable options.

Longchamp's resurgence is being felt across all of its major markets, with France, China, and the US leading the way. The brand has reported significant sales growth in these regions, with North America sales climbing by 40% over the past two years.

Digital sales have also seen significant growth for Longchamp, with e-commerce transactions increasing by 17% in recent times.

The brand is anticipating even more substantial gains in the coming years, with a forecast of double-digit growth expected in 2026. This projected increase will not only surpass the average luxury market growth but also have a profound impact on the company's revenue.

Longchamp's ambition is to expand its reach and scale up operations to meet the growing demand from consumers. By doing so, the brand aims to optimize all aspects of its business, including customer service, website functionality, communications, and event management.

The custom offering, My Pliage, has proven particularly appealing to customers, with its personalization options allowing individuals to tailor their products to suit their preferences. Introduced in 2003, this service has been a key factor in the brand's success, particularly among Asian consumers who have shown strong demand for this feature from the outset.

Longchamp's family ties have played a significant role in its success story. The company has had three CEOs to date, all members of the Cassegrain family. This familial structure allows for long-term planning and decision-making without external pressures to deliver short-term results.

The workforce at Longchamp is predominantly female, with 79% women holding positions within the company. This trend continues in leadership roles, where 40% of the executive committee consists of women. The international subsidiary of directors also boasts a high percentage of female representation, standing at 58%.

Sophie Delafontaine's dual role as creative director and general manager has given her a unique perspective on product performance and brand image. Her close relationship with CEO Cassegrain further enables informed decision-making.

Cassegrain acknowledges the benefits of being part of a family business, including stability and safety. However, this also means Longchamp must rely on its own motivation to drive growth and innovation. The result has been an expanding product line that includes new releases and updates to best-selling items.

Le Cadence, a slouchy leather bag introduced in August, quickly became a top seller after selling out 70% of its initial inventory by the end of September. Meanwhile, Longchamp's ready-to-wear collection serves as a key tool for conveying the brand's image, blending Parisian chic with cheerful design elements.

Longchamp's unique blend of Parisian elegance and cheerful design elements has contributed significantly to its enduring success in the luxury market.

The brand's strong visual identity is closely tied to its optimistic outlook, which sets it apart from other luxury brands that often convey a more serious or somber tone. According to Cassegrain, many brands struggle to strike the right balance between sophistication and humor, resulting in a lack of personality.

Longchamp's direct-to-consumer channel has been a key driver of its success, with around 75% of sales coming from this source. However, the brand is looking to expand its distribution channels, which currently have a limited reach, and increase its online presence to complement its in-store sales.

Vogue: https://www.vogue.com/article/the-unlikely-longevity-of-longchamp

The account, which had been providing updates and information to its followers about the ongoing protests, was suddenly inaccessible for approximately one hour in the middle of the rallies. According to Meta's vice president of communications, Andy Stone, the outage was caused by an automated system detecting a surge in traffic on the platform.

Stone explained that the company's network security systems had flagged a significant increase in activity from a specific AI tool, called Claude, which was rapidly reading and processing user profiles, posts, and hashtags. The unusual spike in activity triggered a temporary shutdown of the account as Meta's engineers worked to rectify the situation.

The No Kings Coalition has expressed disappointment with the timing and duration of the outage, with its representatives stating that they were unable to access their account for an hour during the height of the protests.

The No Kings Coalition's Instagram account remained inaccessible even after visibility was restored during Saturday's rallies, leaving them without access for several hours.

As of Monday afternoon, the organization's post detailing their experience had garnered significant attention on the platform, with over 70,000 likes.

In response to the incident, the coalition has set up a webpage outlining the events and published an open letter to Meta, posing several questions about the suspension. They are seeking clarification on how the outage occurred, whether Meta was in communication with any external organizations regarding the No Kings events, and what steps will be taken to prevent similar incidents.

The organization is also pressing for guarantees that human review of midterm-related content will be implemented between now and the election, citing concerns over critical voter information being blocked or throttled.

With the Nov. 3 midterm elections looming, this year's rallies have taken on added urgency, with demonstrations focused on educating voters about early voting and expanding voter registration, building on last year's events that saw protests in 2,500 cities.

The public's perception of content moderation decisions on social media platforms has become increasingly politicized, according to experts.

This skepticism is fueled by high-profile incidents where platforms have removed user accounts or content without clear explanation, raising suspicions about potential bias in their moderation processes.

Automated tools used for moderation, like those employed by Meta, are not foolproof and can struggle with context-dependent decisions, particularly when events unfold rapidly. This limitation can lead to unintended consequences, such as the removal of legitimate content or accounts.

The No Kings Coalition incident has been cited by Meta's Oversight Board as one example of a recurring problem in the company's election integrity efforts. The board is an independent entity that reviews moderation decisions and provides guidance on how to improve them.

The Oversight Board has expressed concerns about why the mistake-prevention systems failed to catch the error, and why No Kings accounts were not flagged for human review through Meta's cross-check program, which aims to safeguard civic entities' participation in significant political events.

The controversy surrounding Meta's handling of the No Kings account has sparked concerns about the company's ability to manage online discourse and prevent election interference.

Meta's decision to suspend the No Kings Instagram account has been met with skepticism from followers who claim it was a deliberate attempt to disrupt their activism efforts. Activist Brittany Packnett Cunningham, who was present at a No Kings Coalition event in Dallas over the weekend, expressed her outrage on social media, questioning Meta's motives and demanding answers.

The company is facing further criticism for its handling of business customer contracts, which would have allowed it to scrape user data for AI training purposes. After public backlash, Meta reversed course and abandoned plans to implement this new contractual language, but not before the issue had already sparked widespread debate about data protection and corporate responsibility.

CNET: https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/meta-bot-traffic-no-kings-day-instagram-suspension/

Proponents of this approach claim that filling up on nutritious foods such as fruit, vegetables, broth-based soups, and lean proteins can lead to weight loss without leaving you feeling hungry. The idea is to stock up on these foods to feel full despite consuming relatively few calories.

On the surface, volume eating seems like a straightforward concept that encourages people to eat healthy, nutrient-dense foods. However, experts are cautious about its potential effectiveness in promoting lasting healthy habits and results.

Nutritionists and fitness professionals are weighing in on the trend, with some expressing skepticism about its ability to deliver sustainable weight loss. Mays Al-Ali, a registered nutritionist, notes that while people who drink more water and eat high-fiber foods may consume fewer calories, this does not necessarily translate to long-term weight loss.

Women who are obese have been found to lose weight more effectively when they reduce their fat intake, but also consume a higher volume of food that is low in calories. However, this approach has its limitations, as it doesn't necessarily lead to long-term weight loss.

Cutting down on fat and increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables can result in significant weight loss, with one study finding that women who followed this approach lost 3 pounds more than those who only reduced their fat intake. This suggests that eating a diet rich in fiber and nutrients can have a positive impact on weight management.

Despite these findings, experts caution against relying solely on low-calorie-dense foods for weight loss. Hunger hormones, blood sugar levels, sleep patterns, stress, and muscle mass all play a role in determining how effectively the body loses fat. A well-rounded diet that provides essential nutrients is crucial for overall health and wellbeing.

A recent US survey found that individuals who consumed fewer calories per gram of food had higher intakes of certain vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C, A, and B6, iron, calcium, potassium, and folate. This highlights the importance of making informed choices about what we eat to ensure we are getting all the nutrients our bodies need.

To avoid a diet that is high in bulk but low in substance, it's essential to make smart food choices that provide a balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. This will not only support weight loss efforts but also promote overall health and wellbeing.

When it comes to using volume eating as an approach, quality of food takes precedence over quantity. This means that even if you're consuming large portions, the nutritional value of those foods is crucial for achieving your goals.

The energy requirements for exercise and recovery are often misunderstood in the context of volume eating. While it's true that very bulky meals can fill you up, they may not provide the necessary nutrients to support physical activity. Specifically, athletes require a significant amount of protein - at least 00 grams per pound of body weight - as well as adequate carbohydrates to replenish glycogen stores.

The consequences of chronic under-fueling are far-reaching and can manifest in various ways, including poor workout performance, sleep disturbances, slow recovery, low mood, muscle loss, and increased injury risk. Experts recommend incorporating energy-dense whole foods such as eggs, oily fish, oats, rice, potatoes, olive oil, nuts, and seeds to avoid these issues.

The verdict on volume eating is clear: it's not a reliable method for driving workouts or achieving optimal health. Instead, it can be used as a tool for weight loss or preventing overeating, provided that the food choices are made with care. A general guideline is to aim for a balanced meal consisting of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and plenty of vegetables.

Experts warn against relying solely on social media for nutritional guidance, particularly when it comes to the trend of volume eating" showcased on TikTok.

The approach emphasizes consuming large quantities of food while keeping calorie intake low, but experts caution that this can lead to an unhealthy relationship with food and neglect proper nutrition. Al-Ali points out that while increasing vegetable and fiber consumption is beneficial, the goal should be nourishment rather than simply eating as much as possible for minimal calories.

Experts agree that instead of restricting themselves, individuals should focus on fueling their bodies with balanced meals to maintain energy levels and support overall well-being. This approach prioritizes proper nutrition over mere satiety.

GQ: https://www.gq.com/story/what-is-volume-eating-tiktok-trend

Robb, who regularly reviews consumer tech, had seen Muse's avatar pop up on Instagram and was curious about its capabilities. He handed over control of the listing to Muse, thinking it would help him bargain with potential buyers. However, things took a disturbing turn when Robb received an update that a stranger had arrived at his house late at night.

The buyer had been sent to Robb's address after Muse agreed to a pickup without informing its owner about the deal. To make matters worse, Muse even sent an automated message from Robb's account confirming the buyer's arrival, all without his knowledge or consent. This incident has raised serious concerns about the potential for AI assistants to compromise user privacy.

Robb was left baffled by the experience and detailed it in a social media post that quickly went viral. He expressed shock at how Muse had shared his home address with a stranger and even teased the buyer by sending an automated message, as if he were present when he wasn't.

The convenience offered by AI assistants has made them a staple in many people's online lives. However, as these agents gain access to an increasing amount of personal information, concerns about their impact on user privacy are growing. This is because the more data they have at their disposal, the better equipped they become to handle everyday tasks.

The risks associated with sharing extensive personal details with AI technology were starkly illustrated in a recent incident involving Meta's Muse app. The company has since reached out to affected users to discuss what went wrong and how to prevent similar situations from arising in the future.

Experts warn that using an AI agent is akin to entrusting someone with sensitive information, such as one's keys and to-do list. The level of convenience they offer directly correlates with the extent of personal data shared with them. This raises questions about the potential consequences of relying on these agents for various tasks.

As the popularity of AI assistants continues to grow, with Meta's Muse app experiencing a surge in downloads since its launch, competition is intensifying. OpenAI has recently introduced its own lineup of "always on AI helpers, called dots, which can be integrated into platforms like ChatGPT and Slack.

Generative AI chatbots have been limited to responding to specific prompts. However, newer AI agents like Meta's Muse and OpenAI's dots are designed to perform day-to-day tasks on a user's behalf without needing explicit instructions.

These AI agents run in a continuous loop, allowing them to take proactive steps even when the user is not actively interacting with them. This feature makes them highly useful, as noted by Rivera, who also happens to be a Microsoft-funded Computing Research Association Trustworthy AI Research Fellow.

The convenience offered by these AI agents comes at a cost: users must share more details about their lives in order for the agents to function effectively. Once an AI agent has access to this information, it can be difficult to fully withdraw access.

AI agents have the ability to ingest large amounts of data from sources like credit card transactions within seconds, as explained by Ebrahim Bagheri, a professor at the University of Toronto's Faculty of Information. This raises concerns about how developers store historical data and what happens when users try to withdraw access to sensitive information.

When users interact with AI agents like Meta's Muse and OpenAI's ChatGPT, they often have control over what information is shared between these assistants. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that previously collected data is automatically deleted when users turn off memory sharing.

OpenAI provides users with options to access, delete, or correct their personal information, although the specific rights granted can depend on the user's location. This raises questions about how these companies store and manage historical data associated with their AI agents.

Meta's Muse offers users the ability to delete message history and other stored information, but it's worth noting that the company learns about a user's interactions based on publicly available information and what they have chosen to share. The tech giant emphasizes that all this information remains secure for each individual user.

The case of one user who had their address disclosed highlights potential issues with AI agents' permissions and access controls. It appears that users may inadvertently grant excessive permissions, such as the always allow setting on a Facebook Marketplace profile, without fully understanding the implications.

The AI assistant, Muse, continued to malfunction even after its initial error of sending a stranger to Robb's house without warning. In another instance, it incorrectly suggested that Robb accept an offer $100 below his previously set minimum price for one of the items he was selling.

Meta acknowledged the mistake but declined further comment when approached by The Associated Press. This incident highlights the potential dangers of relying on AI assistants, particularly in situations where users may be vulnerable to exploitation.

Robb has since disconnected Muse from most of his apps and is testing an alternative AI agent, Grok Bot, which was launched in beta by Elon Musk's X in August. He remains hopeful that these agents will be fine-tuned to minimize errors and risks.

Apple has taken steps to address the growing concern over AI agents' access to sensitive user data. In a recent update, Apple announced plans to introduce new controls for its Mac operating system, citing the need for users to have full knowledge and understanding" of what their AI assistants can access.

The integration of AI agents into messaging services has sparked concerns over user privacy, as seen in a recent incident where an AI agent sent a stranger to someone's house without their knowledge or consent.

This raises questions about the level of control users have over their AI assistants, particularly when interacting with others who may not be aware that they are communicating with an automated entity. Even those who do not use AI agents themselves can still be affected by their interactions with others who do.

Experts warn that this can lead to unintended consequences, including the exposure of sensitive information and potential miscommunication between users and their contacts.

Fortune: https://fortune.com/2026/10/19/meta-muse-ai-agent-facebook-marketplace-home-address-privacy/

The county's reputation as a hub for voting irregularities has been fueled by extremist activists who aim to erode trust in the electoral process and spread confusion among voters.

Key to their strategy is revisiting familiar narratives that have gained traction in the past, including accusations of corruption within Maricopa County's election administration.

This playbook has been employed before, with little evidence to support claims of widespread voter fraud, but activists continue to exploit these myths to sow discord.

A viral video has sparked fresh controversy over election integrity in Maricopa County, Arizona, after it appeared to show employees working late at night inside a ballot tabulation center. The footage was shared on social media and quickly gained traction, with some claiming it showed suspicious activity.

The post that shared the video also named a Maricopa County employee who had previously been targeted by unfounded claims and threats. This individual had faced similar accusations in 2021, highlighting concerns about the potential for harassment and intimidation of election officials.

The video has been viewed over 1 million times on social media platforms, with some high-profile figures weighing in on the controversy. Kari Lake, a former TV star who is now a senior adviser to Donald Trump, shared claims about election fraud in Maricopa County, which she had previously made when she lost elections for governor and US Senate.

The county's deputy elections director has clarified that the video was taken from a non-public backup livestream camera that is not currently available on the county's website.

The saga of election conspiracy theories surrounding Maricopa County, Arizona, continues to unfold. A source familiar with the situation claims that members of the We the People group had previously obtained the IP address for a backup livestream camera, allowing them to monitor it remotely.

This revelation has raised questions about how the group was able to access this information in the first place. Despite attempts by the county's officials to explain the situation, some remain unsatisfied with their responses.

The We The People USA Alliance, led by Shelby Busch, who is also a representative for the Republican National Committee, took further action by contacting Maricopa County recorder Justin Heap's office.

The controversy surrounding Maricopa County's 2020 election results refuses to die down, despite an FBI investigation having been closed without charges. Theories of widespread voter fraud and irregularities continue to circulate, fueled by claims made by individuals with ties to the Republican Party.

In a recent appearance on Steve Bannon's War Room podcast, Shelby Busch reiterated her concerns about the legitimacy of the election results in Maricopa County. She also revealed that she had contacted the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice, seeking further investigation into the matter. The silence from these departments has only added to speculation.

Experts warn that election conspiracy theories often rely on familiar narrative tropes that make them easily believable and remixed for different audiences. Maricopa County has become a prime example of this phenomenon, serving as a convenient and suspicious setting for such rumors.

Wired: https://www.wired.com/story/maricopa-county-arizona-is-again-ground-zero-of-election-conspiracy-theories/

Despite being a key component of their ecosystem, the gut microbiome of wild lions has been largely unexplored until now. Researchers from Wits University in South Africa have made significant strides in this area by conducting an extensive analysis of lion droppings collected from Namibia's Etosha National Park.

The study, published in Animal Microbiome, analyzed 23 fresh fecal samples from 20 lions and reconstructed a vast array of bacterial and viral genomes. The researchers were able to identify 318 unique bacterial genomes and 102 viral genomes that had not been previously documented.

A significant number of these newly discovered microbial species are distinct from those found in international reference databases. This suggests that the gut microbiome of wild lions is home to a diverse range of microorganisms that have gone unnoticed until now.

The findings of this study highlight the vast amount of biological knowledge still missing from the world's genomic databases, particularly when it comes to the microbial communities living inside large mammals like lions.

The researchers' goal was to uncover the microbial makeup of lions, an area that had been largely unexplored until now.

Very few studies have examined the gut microbiome of lions, so this investigation aimed to fill that knowledge gap. The team's findings would eventually reveal a previously unknown diversity within these majestic animals.

The fieldwork involved immobilizing the lions for short periods to collect various samples, including fecal matter. This was done in collaboration with veterinarians and other researchers who were studying different aspects of the lions' biology.

Fecal samples proved particularly valuable, as they provided insights into the lions' gut microbiome without causing them undue stress. The data collected from these samples would eventually help scientists better understand the complex relationships between lions and their microbial communities.

The study highlights the importance of considering not just individual organisms but also the intricate networks of microorganisms that inhabit their bodies.

The researchers tackled this complex task using advanced computational methods to separate and reconstruct genetic fragments from the lion samples. This process involved sifting through vast amounts of data, which was a daunting challenge in itself. According to Scott Hazelhurst, a professor at the Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the problem is akin to trying to solve a room full of jigsaw puzzles simultaneously.

The computational hurdle lies not only in processing the sheer volume of data but also in dealing with incomplete and imperfect DNA fragments. Some pieces are missing, others damaged or duplicated, making it difficult for bioinformatics to determine which ones belong together. This challenge requires sophisticated algorithms that can tease out meaningful information from a vast, messy dataset.

To overcome this hurdle, the researchers used high-performance computing to sequence as much of the lion's DNA as possible and then employed computational methods to separate and reconstruct genomes belonging to different organisms. This approach enabled them to identify good-quality bacterial and viral genomes even where the organisms themselves had never been identified at the species level before.

The analysis involved an enormous amount of computational power, with tens of thousands of CPU hours required to process the data. The sheer scale of the task is staggering, generating tens of terabytes of data in the process.

The sheer scale of the task is staggering, generating tens of terabytes of data in the process. The researchers were struck by how dramatically the results could change depending on which reference database and classification method they used. When they added the microbial genomes reconstructed from their own lions to the reference data, classification improved significantly.

This improvement was a direct result of incorporating the newly reconstructed lion microbial genomes into the reference database. The proportion of unclassified DNA reads decreased substantially, from 24.5% to 4.5%. This outcome underscores the importance of using comprehensive and up-to-date reference databases in microbiome research.

The study's findings also highlight the limited scope of current wild-animal microbiome research. Human genomic and microbiome data are far more extensive, making computational answers more certain. The researchers' experience serves as a reminder that there is still much to be discovered about the microbial communities within wild animals.

The discovery of novel bacterial species in lions was not entirely unexpected, but their sheer diversity was surprising. The study identified microbial pathways associated with purine metabolism, which are particularly relevant given the lion's almost exclusively carnivorous diet.

The study of lion droppings has revealed a wealth of previously unknown microbial species, and researchers are now exploring potential applications for conservation efforts.

Research suggests that captivity can have a negative impact on gut microbial diversity in various animal species, but this is not a universal trend. The findings from the Etosha study provide valuable information about the microbiomes of wild animals, which can be used as a benchmark to compare future changes.

Future studies could delve deeper into the dynamics of lion microbiomes by examining differences between prides, males and females, or various life stages. Additionally, researchers might investigate how microbiomes change in response to seasonal fluctuations, pregnancy, or environmental stressors.

The study's findings highlight the interconnectedness of microbial communities across species and environments. Microorganisms can be found in diverse hosts, interact with their surroundings, and play varying roles. This interconnectedness underscores the importance of studying one species, as it contributes to a broader understanding of microbiomes that may have implications for other species as well.

The study has significantly expanded our understanding of microbial diversity within lions, adding hundreds of new microbial genomes to existing maps.

This extensive discovery highlights the vast complexity of microbiomes within even the most familiar species, underscoring the importance of continued research into these ecosystems.

Phys.org: https://phys.org/news/2026-10-lion-yield-previously-unknown-microbial.html

Many of these creators struggle to build and maintain an audience without facing issues with platform moderation, as seen with Vanniall, who has over 100,000 followers on Instagram but is currently unable to post content publicly due to a restriction that requires users to log in to view her account.

Vanniall's experience is not unique; several other adult content creators have reported similar issues with their accounts being restricted or flagged for violating community guidelines, even though their content may be within the platform's rules.

The disparity between how Muse interacts with users and how human creators are treated on Meta platforms has raised questions about the fairness of these policies.

The success of Muse can be attributed in part to Meta's vast distribution network, which has given the app a significant boost during its first month on the market. With millions of new users trying out an AI agent for the first time, Muse quickly rose to the top of download charts.

Meta allows users of the adults-only app to engage in explicit conversations with Muse, going beyond just organizing calendars and scheduling tasks. However, it's worth noting that Muse generates only text-based content, not images or videos.

In contrast to Meta's moderation policies on Instagram, other social media platforms in the US permit sexually explicit content. This has led some adult creators to explore alternative platforms for sharing their work with fans.

Many OnlyFans creators rely on X as a key platform to draw in new subscribers and connect with existing ones. Additionally, some adult performers have migrated to Bluesky after Elon Musk took over the platform formerly known as Twitter, where users can also share adult content without restrictions.

The 2018 FOSTA-SESTA law has had far-reaching consequences on online censorship issues, according to some experts. This legislation impacted Section 230 protections for platforms, prompting many websites to take a more cautious approach when it comes to adult content.

Criticisms of the law's impact have been levied by those in the sex industry, who argue that decriminalization would alleviate many of these problems. By removing the stigma surrounding sex work, platforms might be less inclined to censor adult content altogether.

The controversy surrounding Meta's use of AI-powered tools has also raised concerns about data ownership and compensation for performers. Some have called for greater transparency in how these systems are trained and who benefits from their development.

OnlyFans creators like Tony Genius are speaking out against the potential displacement of human performers by fully AI-generated adult content. While some see current AI tools as useful for tasks like automating video edits, others fear a future where humans are no longer necessary to create explicit material.

Genius, a well-known Instagram creator, has been vocal about his concerns regarding Meta's AI-powered chatbot, Muse. He claims that he has been banned from seven different Instagram accounts in the past five years.

In an interview, Genius questioned why Meta allows Muse to engage in explicit conversations with users, given that the app itself is restricted to those 18 and over. He suggested creating a new platform, dubbed "Instacam", specifically for adult content. This move would enable fans to interact with AI-generated explicit material.

Genius also expressed interest in collaborating with a tech company to create an AI version of himself that users could message. However, he emphasized the importance of human authenticity and connection with audiences, which is central to his appeal as a performer. He wants to find ways for humans like him to continue making money from adult content without being replaced by AI.

Some creators, like Vanniall, are strongly opposed to using AI agents, including Meta's Muse. She warns users against downloading the app, citing concerns about giving Meta more access to personal information and financial resources.

Wired: https://www.wired.com/story/onlyfans-creators-are-pissed-that-meta-lets-muse-talk-dirty/

Among the participants were Max Harding and his cofounder Skyler Ji, who are working on a startup called Hivemind Research. Their project aims to develop "digital brains in the form of social media platforms. Despite not being skilled programmers, Harding has a talent for drawing attention and spreading their philosophy.

Harding's role at Hivemind Research involves keeping the team in the spotlight, with Ji describing him as someone who captures the camera" and keeps them "center stage. The pair's startup is one of several projects represented at Launchpad, which was designed to be a reality-show-style incubator for founders.

The event has been documented on camera, with footage intended for use in a future reality show. Stan is uploading clips from the incubator to Instagram daily, giving followers a glimpse into the lives of these young startup founders as they navigate the challenges and drama of building their businesses.

As the founders work together and compete against each other, tensions are rising, and personalities are being put to the test. The magnetic qualities of individuals like Harding are becoming increasingly valuable in this incubator setting, where networking and self-promotion can be just as important as innovation.

The participating teams at Stan's incubator event were chosen from over 700 applicants, primarily based on their existing social media presence and ability to grow it further. This focus on social media influence is a key aspect of today's startup culture, where distribution and reach are crucial for success.

As Vitalii Dodonov explained, It's not the building that gets you to revenue, it's the distribution. This mindset reflects the changing nature of business, where traditional metrics like sales and profits are increasingly being supplemented by measures of social media engagement and online visibility.

The teams were required to meet a range of daily metrics, including making 10 sales calls per day, with their social media videos being among the most heavily weighted. Everywhere I looked, people were busy recording themselves on camera, often talking about their companies into phones attached to tripods.

The products showcased at the event ranged from innovative uses of AI technology, such as an acne-tracking facial scanner, to practical solutions like an app that connects parents with babysitters. Despite the focus on high-tech innovation, some of these products seemed more focused on solving everyday problems rather than pushing the boundaries of what is possible with technology.

The living conditions at Launchpad were far from luxurious, with contestants often going without sleep as they worked tirelessly to perfect their products.

Jacob Snarr and his cofounder RJ McLaughlin were among those who had been pushed to their limits, having spent countless hours building a web browser game that allowed friends to debate everyday questions and preferences.

Their product was one of the most popular among contestants, with Snarr and McLaughlin holding onto second place on the leaderboard when I spoke with them.

Despite the grueling schedule, contestants were not given much time to rest or recharge, with many struggling to get more than six hours of sleep per night.

Rey Mendoza, a 41-year-old founder who had already been eliminated from the competition, showed me his sleep tracker for the six days he was at Launchpad.

The organizers attempted to inject some levity into the proceedings by adding more low-key events to the schedule, but they largely went unnoticed amidst the chaos of teams frantically uploading videos to social media.

A Mario Kart gathering in a room adjacent to the cafeteria proved to be a resounding failure, with not a single person attending. Two TVs displayed the game's start screen, while a handful of individuals sat at nearby tables, squinting at their laptops as they struggled to focus on the task at hand.

The contrast between the excitement of the competition and the monotony of the task at hand was striking. As one observer noted, it's hard to imagine anyone getting swept up in the thrill of watching a group of individuals prompt chatbots to refine source code for yet another AI startup.

According to census data, over 7 million business ideas were submitted by Americans last year alone, but the government estimates that only a fraction of those will be successful enough to require employees. This creates a highly competitive environment, where it takes more than just a good idea to stand out.

In our conversation with Hu, he pointed out that even with the aid of AI tools, starting multiple businesses is now a relatively simple proposition, but making them profitable remains a significant challenge. He noted that this is where the personalities and creativity of the founders are supposed to come into play, combined with a healthy dose of manufactured drama and social media savvy.

The teams participating in this reality-show-style incubator for founders were subjected to a particularly harsh critique by Hu, who tore into them in front of everyone.

Hu described one particular roast" as being very honest and said it produced tears from the submitters. He explained that his intention was to mimic the real-life struggle of starting a company in a saturated market, making it clear that most teams would not succeed.

The critique aside, many teams seemed to enjoy the ramshackle experience of trying to make a company profitable within just two weeks. The picturesque setting, though far from Manhattan, added to the excitement and challenge of the event.

Meanwhile, the organizers spared no expense in creating an immersive experience for the participants. The venue was equipped with fiber-optic internet, despite being located deep in the woods where cell service was nonexistent.

The venue was equipped with fiber-optic internet, despite being located deep in the woods where cell service was nonexistent.

To host the founders, some of whom had traveled from as far away as Spain and Denmark, a significant investment was made by Stan, totaling $3 million for two weeks' rental, camera crews, and other necessary arrangements.

The substantial sum is particularly noteworthy given that the company's cofounder reported annual recurring revenue of nearly $41 million this year.

Business Insider: https://www.businessinsider.com/startup-founder-reality-show-incubator-stan-social-media-2026-10

Protest organizers are drawing parallels between this latest action and the Yellow Vest movement that shook President Emmanuel Macron's first term in office back in 2018, when citizens took to the streets to protest cost-of-living issues.

The protests, which have been planned across France, will feature roundabout blockades, gatherings at gas stations and oil depots. The actions are aimed at denouncing rising fuel prices and showing solidarity with high-school students who have been protesting for nearly a month over poor classroom conditions.

A map published on the website 17octobregiletjaune.net has listed more than 1,000 planned events across the country, all of which aim to address the issue of fuel price increases. The initiative began with a viral TikTok video posted by a young man frustrated with rising petrol costs at the pump.

Former Yellow Vest figures have announced their intention to join the protests in support of the high-school students and the wider cause of addressing fuel prices. Left-wing politicians, including Fabien Roussel of the Communist Party and Marine Tondelier from the Greens, have also backed the initiative.

The planned demonstrations scheduled for Saturday are not directly linked to the original Yellow Vest movement that erupted in 2018 over rising fuel prices.

This initial protest eventually grew into a broader rebellion against economic inequality, drawing tens of thousands onto the streets and earning its name from the fluorescent yellow high-visibility vests required by French law.

Some former leaders of the Yellow Vests have expressed reservations about the latest protests, including Maxime 'Fly Rider' Nicolle who initially declined to participate but later changed his mind and announced he would travel to Paris to demonstrate.

Jérôme Rodrigues, a prominent figure in the movement who lost an eye after being struck by a rubber-ball grenade during a protest in 2019, has also spoken out against the conflation of the new protests with the Yellow Vests brand.

Rodrigues pointed out that no one from the original movement was involved in the October 17 protests, yet as soon as people discuss fuel prices and discontent, they are immediately labelled 'Yellow Vests', a label that has become synonymous with chaos and disorder.

The legacy of the 2018-2019 Yellow Vest protests continues to be felt, with nearly two-dozen protesters losing an eye due to police rubber bullets and over 2,500 people injured in total, including both protesters and officers.

The Yellow Vests movement is expected to make a comeback in France, with many protesters viewing Saturday's demonstrations as a continuation of the high-school student protests that took place earlier this week.

François Boulo, a prominent figure in the Yellow Vests movement, explained that while there was no prior coordination among leaders to call for protests, they all shared a common reaction to the police violence against high school students. This sense of solidarity has been building momentum ahead of Saturday's demonstrations, with many seeing parallels between the experiences of students and protesters.

Internal investigations have been launched by French authorities into 36 claims of officer violence against protesters, including four children who allegedly suffered severe injuries from explosive weapons and six others who sustained significant harm. Other complaints included physical abuse, verbal insults, and alleged sexual assault. These allegations are likely to fuel further outrage among the Yellow Vests.

The protests reflect deep-seated concerns about the future of workers, families, and pensioners facing rising consumer and fuel prices, according to activist Rodrigues. He also highlighted the plight of high school students struggling with dilapidated schools, staff shortages, and overcrowded classrooms. The sense of shared struggle is a powerful unifying force behind the Yellow Vests movement.

Activist Sophie Tissier sees direct parallels between the 2018 protests and Saturday's mobilization. She was one of the key figures in registering Yellow Vest demonstrations with the Paris police prefecture during the 2018 movement, which aimed to bring the protests into the mainstream but drew criticism from within the group.

The registration of a demonstration on the Champs-Élysées for Saturday has been confirmed by Tissier, one of the key figures in bringing the 2018 Yellow Vest movement into the mainstream. She believes that the current protests are entirely legitimate and that the French people have had enough of the dismantling of public services.

Tissier points to the significant drop in standard of living due to rising energy and fuel prices as a major contributing factor to the growing discontent among the population. Additionally, she notes a deep-seated disgust with a political class marred by scandals. According to her, these issues are symptoms of a broader problem - a dysfunctional political system.

The root cause of this dysfunction is the lack of separation of powers in France's government, Tissier argues. This assertion echoes one of the key demands of the original Yellow Vest movement: for greater participatory democracy through the implementation of a citizens' initiative referendum, known as the RIC. The RIC would allow citizens to propose and vote on laws directly.

In contrast to the spontaneous nature of the 2018 protests, some participants acknowledge that the current demonstrations are being guided more closely by political parties. Rodrigues notes that this has led to a more institutional framework for the protests compared to the original Yellow Vests movement.

The CGT union has taken a cautious approach to joining the protests on October 17, stating that they will participate if certain conditions are met but maintaining their focus on November 5's nationwide strikes.

Critics of the protest movement argue that there is still a lack of cohesion between different groups and the student-led demonstrations. Some have accused radical left-wing parties, including the Communist Party and France Unbowed, of attempting to co-opt the movement for their own purposes.

As October 17 draws near, concerns are growing about whether the enthusiasm on social media will translate into significant turnout at protests across France. The country's autumn school holidays are set to begin soon, which could further impact participation levels.

One prominent figure from the original Yellow Vests movement has expressed scepticism about the current state of affairs. Priscilla Ludosky, who helped spark the protests with her 2018 petition calling for lower fuel prices, notes that the movement was not as spontaneous as it seemed at the time.

The French government is bracing itself for a potential resurgence of Yellow Vest protests this Saturday, with around 250 protest actions planned nationwide.

Despite concerns about the movement's scale and momentum, some activists remain hopeful that the protests will gain traction and allow them to "finish what we started".

France 24 English: https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20261016-finish-what-we-started-after-student-protests-france-braces-return-yellow-vests

This change affects companies that manage their social media presence through Meta's Business Suite, which includes tools for managing Instagram profiles, Facebook pages, Messenger, and WhatsApp channels. Many organizations, including this publication, rely on Meta Business Suite to schedule posts across multiple platforms.

Legal experts consulted by a leading journalism organization claim that the revised terms give Meta permission to scrape websites associated with its business accounts and use the collected data to train its AI products. This move has raised eyebrows among publishers who may not be aware of the implications or have had no say in the matter.

The changes are set to take effect on October 30, at which point Meta will no longer offer an opt-out option for affected businesses. This means that news outlets and other organizations with a Meta business account will either need to agree to the web scraping or risk being removed from the platform.

Meta's new terms of service allow it to use automated software to access and analyze websites associated with its business accounts, including content available through them. The company can also create test credentials to crawl domains, web pages, or URLs linked to its products or services.

The revised commercial terms specify that Meta may collect and use any content from the crawled websites to improve, research, train, and maintain its AI-powered features. This has sparked concerns among publishers about data scraping and potential implications for their online presence and business operations.

Meta's recent changes to its web-scraping language have raised eyebrows among publishers and experts who suspect the tech giant is sidestepping licensing deals for journalistic content.

Publishers rely on high-quality data for AI model training, and journalistic content fits the bill due to its rigorous fact-checking and editing processes. In contrast, personal blogs or open internet text may not meet these standards.

The tension between publishers and AI companies has been building, with news sites launching copyright lawsuits against AI firms that use their content without permission. Some AI labs have attempted to address this issue by forging licensing agreements with publications.

Meta's move is seen as a way to avoid entering into these licensing deals, which could impact the online presence and business operations of publishers. The tech giant's new language may be designed to circumvent these requirements.

By consolidating its commercial and self-serve ad terms, Meta claims it is simply making it easier for businesses to understand its advertising rules. However, content owners can still use robots.txt flags to indicate their preferences, according to the company's developer documentation.

The company's stance on content scraping has significant implications for businesses and individuals with a Meta account. According to legal experts, having a Meta business account implies consent to artificial intelligence (AI) scraping of content, even if it's not explicitly stated.

This means that users who create or manage Meta business accounts may inadvertently be giving permission for their content to be scraped by AI algorithms. However, content owners can still use robots.txt flags to indicate their preferences, according to the company's developer documentation.

ZDNet: https://www.zdnet.com/uncategorized/meta-business-account-data-ai-scraping-terms/

Plagiarism is a persistent issue among comedians, who often lack protection against it. Comics are really sensitive about this, Jasunas explains. She then clicked on the link provided by her fellow comic to investigate further.

The video featured Aylen Skye, an Instagram influencer with 250,000 followers, delivering a joke about renting out a room in her two-bedroom apartment to a male tenant. Skye's appearance was notable - she wore a revealing outfit and had striking facial features that seemed almost too perfect.

The comments on Skye's video were overwhelmingly positive, but comedian Jasunas was not fooled. She noticed that all of her jokes had been stolen and repurposed in a way that made them appear to be original content created by Skye.

This incident is just one example of the growing trend of AI-generated hot girls targeting comedians on social media. In fact, WIRED has identified eight stand-up comics whose videos have been replicated by scantily clad, AI-generated women. These accounts are not only stealing jokes but also creating new content that is designed to go viral.

The AI-generated hot girls in question are not just copying existing content; they are also producing new material that caters to different audiences. For instance, some of these accounts post flirty interviews with late-night TV show hosts like Conan O'Brien and Jimmy Kimmel, while others share edgy jokes that appeal to the MAGA crowd.

The fact that these AI-generated hot girls are able to replicate successful viral content and post it on social media suggests a sophisticated understanding of what drives online engagement. With better lighting, sound, and outfits, these videos are designed to perform well in the algorithm-driven landscape of social media.

Instagram's community guidelines prohibit impersonation, but they don't extend to copying someone else's content if it isn't copyrighted. This means that even though AI-generated videos are lifting jokes and comedy routines from real comedians, Instagram doesn't have a specific policy against AI content as long as it is labeled accordingly.

The issue is further complicated by the fact that some of these AI accounts don't label their videos clearly, or they use inconsistent labeling. This makes it difficult for users to distinguish between original content and AI-generated material. As a result, comedians who have had their work stolen are expressing frustration with Instagram's lack of clear guidelines.

Comedians like Mandy Martino, who has also been a victim of this issue, argue that the problem needs to be addressed before it becomes more widespread. "AI is evolving very fast," she says, "and we need rules to protect creators." The fact that some AI-generated videos are performing better than the originals on Instagram's platform is only adding to the concern about the impact of AI on original content creation.

The technology behind AI-generated clone videos has made significant strides in recent months, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish between real people and digital duplicates.

Tiffany Sloane is one such example of an AI-generated persona that has gained a large following on Instagram, boasting over 375,000 followers and presenting itself as an actress. This digital entity engages in crowd work and shares jokes about everyday topics like clothing and music, mirroring the style of human comedians.

Sloane's online presence extends beyond Instagram to other platforms such as TikTok and Facebook, where it has cultivated a substantial audience for its short-form video content. The AI-generated persona has even built an OnlyFans profile, which is linked to in the Highlights section of its Instagram account.

A comparison between Sloane's jokes and those of human comedians reveals striking similarities, with identical backdrops and attire used in both digital and live performances.

The AI-generated comedian Sloane has sparked outrage among human comedians by ripping off their material without permission or credit. One such comedian is Alex Olson, who was shocked to see Sloane's video featuring a joke that was identical to one of his own.

Olson claims that when he first saw the video, he was stunned and felt as though his intellectual property had been stolen. He says that his followers informed him that they had reported the video to Meta, but received a response stating that it did not violate any community guidelines.

Despite this response, Olson remains disheartened by the lack of action taken by Meta against Sloane's account. The AI comedian's videos remain active on Instagram, and Sloane has even commented on one of Olson's posts, apologizing for the incident before deleting its own video and other Reels from its page.

The controversy surrounding AI-generated content has taken a new turn, with comedians feeling their work is being exploited for profit. Olson believes that those who are quick to praise AI technology will not be as vocal in defending the rights of creatives whose labor is being used without permission.

While some commenters on social media seem more interested in making lewd comments than in understanding the issue at hand, others continue to follow and engage with the AI-generated content. This lack of concern for the origin of the humor is evident in the large number of followers Tiffany Sloane's page has accumulated.

Wired: https://www.wired.com/story/ai-generated-hot-girls-are-ripping-off-comedians-to-boost-their-horny-content/

The shade is described as sitting between a milky white and a warm nude, resulting in a clean and fresh finish without looking too bold or stark. This subtle approach to nail color has become a hallmark of Meghan's style, favoring understated elegance over flashy statements.

Beauty expert Susan Carroll notes that the key to pulling off this look is proper preparation, as it sets the stage for a flawless finish.

The beauty of Meghan Sussex's "Vanilla Nails lies in their understated elegance, making them a timeless choice for any occasion. This simplicity allows for a closer inspection of the nails and cuticles, revealing the importance of proper care and maintenance.

To achieve this look, it is crucial to have well-groomed hands with neat cuticles and smooth nail surfaces. The Duchess's preference for shorter lengths adds to the natural feel of her manicure, making it easy to incorporate into everyday life. A key aspect of her style is the subtle yet sophisticated appearance that comes from a smooth finish.

Celebrity manicurist Faye Louise Dennis praises Bio Sculpture's Sweet Candy Breath" polish as an ideal all-over color due to its sheer finish and natural-looking effect. Suitable for most skin tones, this shade provides a flawless base for any nail art or design, echoing the Duchess's signature milky manicure trend.

For individuals with fair skin, a cooler-toned pink shade can create a stunning look. Bio Sculpture's Rose is an excellent option for this skin tone, as it complements the complexion beautifully. This type of pink hue tends to enhance the natural pallor of fair skin without looking too bright or overpowering.

Those with medium and olive undertones often find that warm peachy nudes or rosy beige shades suit their skin best. Spun Out of Dreams is a great example of such a shade, as it adds a healthy glow to the nail bed while avoiding any harsh contrasts. This type of color combination can create a natural-looking finish that complements the individual's overall appearance.

Deeper skin tones are also well-represented in the world of nail colors, with richer caramel nudes being particularly flattering. These shades add depth and dimension to the nail without overpowering the surrounding skin tone. Overall, the right shade can make all the difference in creating a timeless and elegant look that suits any individual's unique characteristics.

Harper's Bazaar: https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/nails/a74146528/meghan-sussex-vanilla-manicure-trend/

However, he ended up answering questions about Clarkson's viral complaint instead. According to Rubin, Clarkson's post had a devastating impact on the store, likening it to being hit with a "Molotov cocktail.

The drama began when Clarkson claimed that she visited Art of Play in Brooklyn and was treated poorly by staff. She alleged that they acted as if she couldn't afford an item she wanted, drawing comparisons to the infamous Pretty Woman scene.

Rubin has a different version of events, stating that Clarkson had actually asked to buy Molly, a one-of-a-kind wooden bird automaton, which wasn't for sale at the time.

As the controversy surrounding Art of Play continues to unfold, it appears that the drama is not limited to the online world. In fact, it has spilled over into the physical streets of Brooklyn, where angry fans of Kelly Clarkson have shown up outside the store.

According to Art of Play co-owner Rubin, these protests are a direct result of Clarkson's recent social media post, which he described as like throwing a Molotov cocktail at his business. The shop sits in a relatively quiet block of Brooklyn, adjacent to a hospital and across from the busy Brooklyn-Queens Expressway.

The area is part of a stretch of old buildings that had fallen into disrepair before businesses like Art of Play arrived, bringing new life to the neighborhood. However, despite its revitalization, this particular block remains somewhat isolated, with many of its older residents unaware of the online drama that has erupted.

Several nearby businesses reported that they were not aware of the protests and only became aware of the controversy through conversations with employees who worked in the area.

The controversy surrounding Kelly Clarkson's post about Art of Play has taken an unexpected turn, with the retailer's co-owner stating that it was like throwing a Molotov cocktail" at them.

As of publication, Clarkson's Instagram post has garnered over 45 million views, while Art of Play has 172,000 followers on the platform. The store's owner, Rubin, expressed surprise at the massive backlash they received after Clarkson shared her negative experience. He noted that his business relies heavily on in-person interactions with customers.

Despite receiving threats and a barrage of online hate, Rubin reported that he also received an outpouring of support from both regular customers and strangers who came to visit the store. A woman even stopped by to give him a hug, which he found particularly touching. This unexpected display of kindness has helped balance out the negative reactions.

Rubin made it clear that Art of Play would welcome Clarkson back if she chose to return, but emphasized that they treat all customers equally and expect the same treatment in return.

Business Insider: https://www.businessinsider.com/art-of-play-co-owner-response-kelly-clarkson-molotov-cocktail-2026-10