Instagram Archives | Tech | Business | Economy https://techeconomy.ng/tag/instagram/ Tech | Business | Economy Wed, 10 Jun 2026 11:24:21 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://techeconomy.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/cropped-256Px-32x32.png Instagram Archives | Tech | Business | Economy https://techeconomy.ng/tag/instagram/ 32 32 Instagram Introduces Grid Reorder Feature For Profile Customisation https://techeconomy.ng/instagram-introduces-grid-reorder-feature-for-profile-customisation/ https://techeconomy.ng/instagram-introduces-grid-reorder-feature-for-profile-customisation/#respond Wed, 10 Jun 2026 11:24:21 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=183186 Meta’s popular social media platform, Instagram, has finally rolled out one of its most requested features, allowing users to rearrange posts on their profile grid without deleting and reposting content. The update is an essential transition from the platform’s long-standing chronological display, which had frustrated creators and casual users alike for years. The grid reorder […]

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Meta’s popular social media platform, Instagram, has finally rolled out one of its most requested features, allowing users to rearrange posts on their profile grid without deleting and reposting content.

The update is an essential transition from the platform’s long-standing chronological display, which had frustrated creators and casual users alike for years.

The grid reorder update was announced on Instagram’s official Creator account, which said the feature is “perfect for highlighting your best work or making your profile feel more like you.”

The Reorder Grid feature by Instagram is designed to give users greater flexibility in enhancing their online presence, whether that means curating a specific visual aesthetic, drawing attention to key posts, or presenting content in a more intentional order.

Previously, posts on an Instagram profile appeared in reverse chronological order, with the most recent content always displayed first.

The new “Reorder Your Grid” feature removes that restriction, allowing users to place any post anywhere on their profile grid, regardless of when it was originally published.

The rollout comes nearly a year after Instagram head Adam Mosseri first teased the functionality and several years after app researcher Alessandro Paluzzi uncovered a hidden “Edit Grid” feature within Instagram’s code in 2022, suggesting the platform had been developing the capability for some time.

Using the feature is simple. Users can head to their Instagram profile, press and hold any post, and select the new “Reorder Grid” option from the pop-up menu.

From there, posts can be dragged and dropped into a preferred position, with changes saved instantly and becoming visible to anyone visiting the profile.

Demand for profile grid customisation has been a persistent theme among Instagram users, particularly creators and influencers who rely on their profiles as visual portfolios.

The platform’s decision to finally make the feature widely available reflects growing demand for greater control and personalisation across social media platforms.

The changes are applied immediately after saving, and no content needs to be deleted or re-uploaded.

With the update now live, users have a new tool to shape how their profiles are perceived at a glance. The addition may be small, but it offers greater creative control for anyone looking to curate their Instagram presence more effectively.

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Meta Launches Business Agent to Automate Customer Service Across WhatsApp, Messenger and Instagram https://techeconomy.ng/meta-launches-business-agent-customer-service-whatsapp-instagram-messenger/ https://techeconomy.ng/meta-launches-business-agent-customer-service-whatsapp-instagram-messenger/#respond Thu, 04 Jun 2026 15:53:25 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=182877 Meta has launched its Business Agent at the Conversations 2026 conference in London, introducing an AI system that handles customer enquiries, sales, bookings and support across its messaging platforms.

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Meta unveiled its Business Agent at the Conversations 2026 conference in London, a tool designed to handle customer interactions for businesses across WhatsApp, Messenger and Instagram.

The company revealed that over one million businesses already use early versions of the agent which was built inside Meta’s messaging platforms, where over a billion conversations happen daily between people and businesses.

The Business Agent, which works in local languages, responds to customer questions without delay and also makes product suggestions from a company’s catalogue. It can book appointments, qualify incoming leads and complete sales.

Meta Business Agent launch 2026
Source: Meta

Businesses can set the tone, and the agent adjusts its language to match.

At the event in London, demonstrations showed how quickly the agent replies to customer messages, with one test illustrating a full product enquiry handled from start to checkout without human input.

Meta also built in a morning briefing feature that sends business owners a summary of missed messages and highlights from customer chats. It is aimed at teams that cannot stay online all day.

The company is also expanding access with new businesses being able to set up the agent in minutes. The entry option is free, but Meta plans to introduce paid tiers later for different business sizes.

Discovery is also changing, letting customers search for businesses directly on WhatsApp soon. They can also share contact cards in chats as well as trigger direct conversations with companies and Meta says this will make response times faster once customers reach out.

Behind the tool is a larger system called the Meta Business Agent Platform. It allows companies to build and customise their own agents and also connects with external services such as Shopify, Zendesk and Shopee. This gives the agent the ability to act on behalf of a business across different systems.

Larger companies get added features including guardrails, measurement tools and options to set policies around customer interactions. Meta says this is aimed at ensuring consistency and oversight at scale.

The company is expanding support across WhatsApp, Messenger and Instagram. It says businesses will eventually be able to use the system for more than customer service. Future plans include market research, product insights, calendar management and competitive tracking.

Meta is also investing heavily in artificial intelligence infrastructure, with spending expected to reach $145 billion. The Business Agent aims to turn messaging platforms into full business tools.

OpenAI, Anthropic and Google are all building similar AI systems for enterprise use. Meta’s focus is strongly on integrating these tools directly into its social and messaging apps, where businesses already operate.

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Instagram AI Chatbot Hack Exposes Security Flaw in Meta Account Recovery System https://techeconomy.ng/instagram-ai-chatbot-hack-meta-security-flaw/ https://techeconomy.ng/instagram-ai-chatbot-hack-meta-security-flaw/#respond Wed, 03 Jun 2026 12:26:21 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=182782 Hackers used a flaw in Instagram’s AI support chatbot to gain access to high-profile accounts, exposing weaknesses in Meta’s automated account recovery system

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Hackers have exploited a flaw in the Instagram AI support chatbot to gain access to user accounts, including high-profile accounts.

The attack involved manipulating Meta’s AI support tool into resetting account credentials without properly verifying identity.

In some cases, attackers were able to take over accounts linked to the Obama-era White House Instagram page, beauty retailer Sephora, and a senior U.S. Space Force official.

The accounts were not breached through Meta’s core systems. Instead, hackers targeted the chatbot’s decision-making process, using what cybersecurity experts describe as prompt injection techniques, combined with VPN tools to mimic the location of the account holder.

Once inside the recovery flow, attackers reportedly asked the AI to link new email addresses to targeted accounts. The chatbot then sent verification codes to those emails. After that step, password resets followed.

A security researcher familiar with the incident described how quickly access could be lost and regained. Jane Manchun Wong, a former Meta employee whose account was affected, said in a post on X: “Quite concerning,”.

She also reported repeated password reset attempts and a brief lockout before regaining access.

Posts on social media showed users discussing similar takeovers. Some said they were locked out without warning, while others complained about the lack of human support during recovery.

Meta confirmed the issue had been addressed. Andy Stone, a spokesperson for the company, said: “This issue has been resolved and we are securing impacted accounts,”. In a separate response, he said claims that world leaders’ accounts were compromised were “totally false”.

One of the affected accounts linked to the Obama-era White House page briefly posted content before being recovered, according to reports by 404 Media. The page has been inactive since 2017.

Meta introduced the Instagram AI support chatbot in March 2026. It was designed to handle account recovery and reduce reliance on human support, an area where users have long complained about delays and limited access.

However, the incident has drawn attention to the risks of giving automated systems control over sensitive actions. Security specialists say the problem lies in how these tools are authorised.

Brian Westnedge, vice president for alliances and partnerships at cybersecurity firm Red Sift, said: “This is a foundational architecture failure. The model was given privileged actions without privileged access controls.”

He added that the situation reveals the pressure on Meta, which has cut staff while investing heavily in artificial intelligence systems.

Cybersecurity experts have also warned that the issue is not limited to one company. Prompt injection attacks have appeared in other systems since the rise of AI chatbots after 2022.

Cliff Steinhauer, director of information security and engagement at the National Cybersecurity Alliance, said: “The concern isn’t necessarily AI itself, but whether adequate safeguards exist around what the AI is authorised to do.”

Engin Kirda, a professor at Northeastern University, said attackers are now targeting systems rather than individuals. He noted: “In the past, people were targeted by scams. Now, we are seeing agents being targeted by scams.”

Meta shares fell by more than 5% after reports of the breach, as investors are concerned about the company’s AI spending plans, which are expected to reach up to $145 billion.

The company says it has secured affected accounts and patched the vulnerability. It has not provided further technical details on how the exploit was carried out.

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Meta Expands Teen Safety Checks Across Europe, Adds Age Checks in US https://techeconomy.ng/meta-teen-safety-eu-us-controls/ https://techeconomy.ng/meta-teen-safety-eu-us-controls/#respond Tue, 05 May 2026 13:44:25 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=181057 Meta is expanding its teen account safeguards across 27 EU countries and introducing stricter age detection tools on Facebook in the United States to identify underage users and apply protective settings

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Meta Platforms is expanding its checks on underage users, with new safeguards for teen accounts across Europe and into the United States.

The company said on Tuesday it will apply its latest detection tools in 27 European Union countries and also bring the system to Facebook in the US for the first time, with the UK and EU rollout on that platform set to follow in June.

This builds on earlier work to identify teenagers even when they enter false birth dates. Meta has been testing systems that flag accounts it believes belong to younger users and then apply stricter settings automatically.

This technology will be expanded to 27 countries in the European Union. Meta is also expanding this technology to Facebook in the United States for the first time, with the UK and EU to follow in June,” the company said in a blog post.

Pressure has been growing on technology firms to show how they protect young users. Regulators and parents have complained about harmful content, online abuse and the effect of social media on teenagers.

Meta says it now relies more on artificial intelligence to assess whether an account belongs to a minor. The system does not depend only on the date of birth entered by users. Instead, it reviews activity across profiles.

That includes posts, comments, captions and other signals. For example, references to school life or birthday celebrations may point to a younger age. The company has also added visual analysis, allowing its systems to review images and videos for general age cues.

Meta stressed that the technology is not facial recognition, saying the system looks at broad features, not identity.

If an account is judged to be underage, it may be deactivated, while the user would then need to prove their age to restore access. Meta is also trying to stop repeat attempts by users it believes are below the minimum age.

At the same time, Meta is expanding its “Teen Account” settings. These place limits on who can contact younger users and the type of content they see. Accounts suspected to belong to teenagers are moved into these settings by default.

The company further revealed it has already enrolled hundreds of millions of users into these protections across Instagram, Facebook and Messenger since 2024.

For parents, Meta will begin sending notifications in the US with guidance on how to check a teenager’s age settings. The messages will include advice on discussing honest age reporting online.

We’re continuing to strengthen our underage enforcement measures by using AI to remove people under 13 from our services.”

Meta added that age verification is an industry problem. It said app stores should take a stronger role by confirming users’ ages and sharing that information with developers.

Driving its own systems, Meta plans to expand the technology further this year, aiming for more global coverage.

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OneDosh Unlocks Global Creator Payouts across Facebook, TikTok, YouTube https://techeconomy.ng/onedosh-unlocks-global-creator-payouts-across-facebook-tiktok-youtube/ https://techeconomy.ng/onedosh-unlocks-global-creator-payouts-across-facebook-tiktok-youtube/#respond Mon, 27 Apr 2026 17:25:00 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=180582 For many creators, earning money is no longer the problem; getting paid is. From delayed payouts to failed transfers and platform restrictions, receiving earnings across borders is still more complicated than it should be, especially for creators building global audiences. That’s what OneDosh is solving. Following a series of real-world tests, OneDosh has confirmed that […]

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For many creators, earning money is no longer the problem; getting paid is. From delayed payouts to failed transfers and platform restrictions, receiving earnings across borders is still more complicated than it should be, especially for creators building global audiences.

That’s what OneDosh is solving.

Following a series of real-world tests, OneDosh has confirmed that creators can now receive payouts from platforms like Facebook, TikTok, YouTube (AdSense), and Instagram brand deals directly into their OneDosh accounts without the usual friction that comes with cross-border payments.

Instead of navigating multiple platforms, accounts, and delays, creators can now receive and manage their earnings in one place.

“Creators today are global by default, but the systems they rely on to get paid haven’t caught up,” said Jackson Ukuevo, Co-founder of OneDosh. “This is about making sure that when you earn, you can actually access your money simply and without delays.”

With OneDosh, creators are able to:

  • Receive payouts from platforms like Facebook, TikTok, YouTube AdSense, and Instagram partnerships
  • Manage their earnings in a single wallet
  • Fund and spend globally without needing multiple accounts
  • Enjoy reliable, secure, and fast transactions with no hassle

Rather than introducing a new system, OneDosh fits into how creators already earn, removing the friction between earning and accessing money.

As more creators build audiences across platforms and borders, the ability to receive payments easily is becoming just as important as the ability to earn.

This update positions OneDosh as part of that shift, simplifying how creators access and use their income, no matter where it comes from.

OneDosh is a cross-border payments platform that enables users to send, receive, and spend money across countries through a single app and card, with a focus on simplicity, reliability, and global accessibility.

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Why Instagram and TikTok Don’t Feel Fun Anymore https://techeconomy.ng/why-instagram-and-tiktok-dont-feel-fun-anymore/ https://techeconomy.ng/why-instagram-and-tiktok-dont-feel-fun-anymore/#respond Mon, 27 Apr 2026 11:54:17 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=180531 Instagram and TikTok still have billions of users, but many say the fun has disappeared. Why do these apps feel tiring, crowded and less personal now? Here’s what changed.

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Around 5.79 billion social media accounts were active worldwide in April 2026, and the average user now spends 18 hours and 36 minutes each week on social and video platforms. 

That is a huge amount of time, but many users say something has changed. They are still opening the apps, but not enjoying them. 

This should not be ignored. If people continue to use platforms while feeling tired, bored or detached, it means the business is strong, but the experience is getting weaker. Instagram and TikTok are still top in the space, but topping the list does not always mean delight.

When Social Media Felt More Personal

Instagram once felt like a digital photo album. You followed friends, classmates, family members, footballers, musicians and a few celebrities. 

Posts were imperfect and usually spontaneous. Someone shared holiday pictures, a birthday dinner or a funny moment and you looked because you cared about the person.

TikTok arrived later with a different energy, feeling unpredictable. Unknown users could become stars overnight. Comedy, dance, reactions and niche interests spread quickly. Many users felt they were discovering culture in real time.

Both apps once created a sense of surprise. You opened them without knowing what you might find. But then, that feeling has faded for many users.

The Feed Is No Longer Built Around Friends

The biggest change is that these platforms are no longer centred on who you follow. They are now built around recommendations designed to keep attention.

That means you may open Instagram hoping to see friends and instead get creators you do not know, suggested reels, adverts and reposted clips. On TikTok, discovery is its strength, but endless recommendations can also make the experience feel impersonal.

The system may know what can hold your eyes for ten seconds. It does not always know what you value.

This is why some users spend longer on the apps while feeling unsatisfied when they close them.

Too Much Content, Too Little Memory

There is now more content than any person can meaningfully absorb.

Millions of videos are uploaded across platforms each day. Trends are copied at speed, audio clips repeat, editing styles become identical, advice is recycled and jokes are remade until they stop being funny.

You can scroll for 30 minutes and find it difficult to remember a single post.

That is not because users are careless, but because oversupply reduces impact. When everything competes for attention, very little stays with you.

Everyone Is Selling Something

Social media used to be built mainly on expression, but now? It is highly commercial.

Creators earn through sponsorships, subscriptions, affiliate links, merchandise and direct sales. Businesses rely on Instagram and TikTok for marketing and even ordinary users now present themselves as brands.

There is nothing wrong with people making money, but then, constant selling changes the atmosphere.

When skincare, clothing, fitness plans, gadgets and paid partnerships fill the feed, users can feel they are moving through a shopping centre rather than a social space.

Entertainment becomes transactional.

Posting Feels Riskier Than Before

Many users no longer post as freely as they once did.

Every upload can be measured publicly through likes, views, comments and shares, which creates pressure. People compare themselves with others, worrying that a photo is not good enough or a video will flop.

Recent UK data showed active participation falling. Only 49% of adults were posting, sharing or commenting, down from 61% in 2024. Many people still use social media, but more now watch silently instead of contributing. 

That is an unignorable transition. A platform loses its social vibe when fewer people are social on it.

Short Videos Can Be Entertaining, and Exhausting

Short-form video changed the rhythm of the internet.

Content now has seconds to win attention and if it fails, users swipe away instantly. This rewards unignorable openings, faster edits and constant novelty.

The result can be addictive in the moment, but draining over time, and many users know the feeling of opening the app for five minutes, losing forty, then leaving oddly unsatisfied.

That is because speed is not the same as fulfilment.

Young Users Are Moving to Smaller Spaces

People have not lost interest in connection, they are just changing where it happens.

Many younger users now prefer private group chats, close friends lists, messaging apps and smaller communities where conversations are safer and more genuine.

In those spaces, performance is not always as satisfying, pressure is minimal and fewer strangers watching.

Public feeds are becoming entertainment channels just as private spaces are where social life actually happens.

What Instagram and TikTok Still Get Right

It would be wrong to claim these platforms are failing.

They are powerful tools for creators, small businesses and cultural trends, helping music spread, products launch, careers grow and communities form. TikTok is still one of the strongest discovery engines online. Instagram remains central to fashion, lifestyle and visual culture.

Many users still enjoy them every day, but the issue is not usefulness, it is an atmosphere.

Can They Feel Fun Again?

Yes, but probably not by doing more of the same.

Users want better management over feeds, fewer interruptions, more relevance and more authenticity. They want to see people they care about, they want content that feels fresh, not manufactured and they want to enjoy themselves without feeling managed.

That may require a return to the fact that social media should feel social.

Final Word

Instagram and TikTok did not lose their fun overnight. They became more efficient, more crowded and more commercial.

Those changes helped them grow, but growth usually comes with some sacrifices.

People are not tired of connection, humour or creativity, what they are tired of is systems that turn every spare minute into another scroll.

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SUBMIT ENTRY to GAMSU Ideal School Campaign https://techeconomy.ng/submit-entry-to-gamsu-ideal-school-campaign/ https://techeconomy.ng/submit-entry-to-gamsu-ideal-school-campaign/#respond Sat, 28 Feb 2026 08:19:48 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=176925 The Gamaliel & Susan Onosode Foundation (GAMSU) has officially launched the 2026 edition of its Ideal School Campaign, an initiative designed to identify and renovate one public school in Nigeria that requires critical infrastructural support. Founded in 2013, GAMSU remains committed to improving the lives of children and young people through innovative and flexible educational opportunities. […]

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The Gamaliel & Susan Onosode Foundation (GAMSU) has officially launched the 2026 edition of its Ideal School Campaign, an initiative designed to identify and renovate one public school in Nigeria that requires critical infrastructural support.

Founded in 2013, GAMSU remains committed to improving the lives of children and young people through innovative and flexible educational opportunities.

The Ideal School Campaign reflects the Foundation’s long-standing belief that learning environments matter, and that safe, dignified spaces are essential for meaningful education.

The Campaign

The Ideal School Campaign is an open nomination initiative inviting communities across Nigeria to nominate a public school in need of renovation.

Communities, alumni groups, parents, teachers, and concerned citizens are encouraged to submit nominations, accompanied by evidence that clearly demonstrates the school’s needs.

Rather than selecting at random, GAMSU will conduct a structured evaluation process, considering:

  • The severity of the infrastructural need
  • The potential impact of the intervention
  • Feasibility and logistics
  • Available funding

Open Nomination Process

Public primary and secondary schools in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Kaduna, and Nassarawa States are eligible for nomination.

Teachers, parents, community leaders, alumni, and education stakeholders are invited to submit nominations through the official online form.

Nomination Period: February 9 – February 28, 2026
Assessment Period: March 1 – March 31, 2026
Selected School Announcement: April 2026

All submissions will be reviewed using a transparent and standardised evaluation framework based on:

  • Infrastructure condition
  • Safety risks
  • Access to water and sanitation
  • Enrollment and impact potential
  • Community readiness and sustainability

Visual documentation shared via Instagram or X may support nominations, but all schools must be officially nominated through the online form to be considered.

How to Nominate

Nominations must be submitted through the official GAMSU Ideal School Campaign page here.

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Meta Tests Instagram Plus Subscription with Anonymous Story Views, New Features https://techeconomy.ng/meta-instagram-plus-subscription-test-features-pricing/ https://techeconomy.ng/meta-instagram-plus-subscription-test-features-pricing/#respond Tue, 31 Mar 2026 08:00:22 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=178736 Meta has begun testing Instagram Plus, a paid plan that introduces anonymous Story viewing, extended visibility, and new audience tools for users in select markets

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Meta has started testing a paid subscription on Instagram, adding new features for regular users as it looks beyond advertising for revenue.

The company confirmed the test on Monday, introducing the subscription plan called Meta’s Instagram Plus.

It is currently being tried in a small number of countries, although the company has not released a full list.

With this subscription, users can watch Stories without appearing on the viewer list. They can also see how many times their own Stories have been rewatched.

This enhances privacy for users, allowing people to create multiple audience lists for Stories.

Instead of relying on the usual “Close Friends” option, users can group followers and decide who sees each post. That adds more flexibility, particularly for users who share different content with different circles.

Subscribers can keep a Story live for 48 hours instead of the usual 24 and also highlight one Story each week, pushing it to the front so more followers see it.

On top of that, the subscription introduces animated “Superlikes” and a search tool that lets users quickly check if a specific person viewed a Story.

Pricing depends on the country. In Mexico, it costs MX$39 per month. In Japan, the price is ¥319, while users in the Philippines pay PHP 65 monthly. That places it roughly between $1 and $2, making it cheaper than similar offerings from other brands.

The test puts Instagram in closer competition with Snapchat, whose Snapchat+ service has grown to more than 25 million subscribers. It also overlaps slightly with paid features on X, although those focus more on verification and account perks.

Meta says this new plan is separate from Meta Verified, which targets creators and businesses. Instagram Plus is aimed at everyday users who want better management over how they post and interact, not minding a subscription.

Still, not everyone is convinced. Some users have questioned the need to pay for features they believe should be free. Others point to the growing number of digital subscriptions they already manage.

Advertising still brings in most of Meta’s income, but the company is testing new ways to earn directly from users. Instagram Plus is one of those experiments.

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Meta Rolls Out AI-Powered Support Tools across Facebook, Instagram https://techeconomy.ng/meta-rolls-out-ai-powered-support-tools-across-facebook-instagram/ https://techeconomy.ng/meta-rolls-out-ai-powered-support-tools-across-facebook-instagram/#respond Mon, 23 Mar 2026 08:30:02 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=178266 Meta Platforms has announced a major expansion of artificial intelligence capabilities across its apps, introducing new tools designed to enhance user support and strengthen content safety on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. The move marks a significant step in the company’s broader strategy to embed AI deeper into its ecosystem, aiming to improve user experience […]

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Meta Platforms has announced a major expansion of artificial intelligence capabilities across its apps, introducing new tools designed to enhance user support and strengthen content safety on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

The move marks a significant step in the company’s broader strategy to embed AI deeper into its ecosystem, aiming to improve user experience while tackling growing concerns around online safety, scams, and harmful content.

AI Support Assistant Goes Global

At the centre of the rollout is the Meta AI support assistant, a virtual tool designed to provide users with 24/7 help for account-related issues.

The assistant can guide users through tasks such as password recovery, account security checks, and profile settings, eliminating the need for manual support in many cases.

The company said the assistant is now being deployed across regions where Meta AI is available, including within mobile apps and desktop help centres. This signals a shift toward automated, always-on customer support at scale.

Industry observers note that this could significantly reduce response times and operational costs, while also improving accessibility for users in emerging markets.

AI to Strengthen Content Moderation

Beyond customer support, Meta is also investing heavily in AI-driven content enforcement. The company plans to deploy advanced systems capable of identifying and removing harmful content, particularly scams, illegal activities, and other severe violations, more quickly and accurately.

According to Meta, these systems are designed to:

  • Detect harmful content earlier
  • Reduce exposure to scams and fraud
  • Minimise errors associated with over-enforcement

Early tests suggest AI can significantly outperform traditional moderation in certain areas. For instance, internal systems have shown improved detection rates and reduced error margins in identifying problematic content.

Balancing Automation with Human Oversight

Despite the growing role of AI, Meta emphasised that human reviewers will remain part of the moderation process. AI systems are expected to handle repetitive and large-scale tasks, while human experts focus on more complex and sensitive decisions.

This hybrid approach reflects a broader industry trend, where companies are combining machine efficiency with human judgment to improve trust and accountability.

Responding to Rising Digital Threats

The rollout comes at a time when digital platforms are facing increasing pressure to combat misinformation, scams, and identity fraud. As online threats become more sophisticated, often powered by AI themselves, platforms are being forced to upgrade their defence mechanisms.

Meta’s new tools are part of a long-term plan to transform how safety is managed across its platforms. The company indicated that more advanced AI systems will be introduced over the coming years to further strengthen enforcement and user protection.

Business and User Impact

Beyond safety, the initiative is expected to drive broader engagement across Meta’s apps. Improved user experience and trust could translate into higher activity levels, an important factor for a company that generates the majority of its revenue from advertising.

For users, the benefits are immediate:

  • Faster access to support
  • Improved account security
  • Reduced exposure to harmful content

For businesses and advertisers, enhanced platform integrity could create a safer environment for digital interactions and transactions.

The Bigger Picture: AI at the Core of Meta’s Future

The rollout underscores Meta’s ambition to position AI as a central pillar of its operations—from customer service to content moderation and beyond.

As competition intensifies in the global AI race, the company is increasingly leveraging its scale to deploy intelligent systems across billions of users worldwide.

However, the expansion also raises important questions around AI reliability, data privacy, and governance, issues that will continue to shape the next phase of digital platform evolution.

Meta’s latest AI-driven support and safety tools represent a significant evolution in how digital platforms manage user experience and online risks. By combining automation with human oversight, the company is aiming to create a safer, more responsive environment across its apps.

As AI continues to redefine the internet, Meta’s approach offers a glimpse into the future of platform governance, where intelligent systems play a central role in keeping users informed, protected, and connected.

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Meta Taken to Court Over Scam Ads and Child Safety Failures https://techeconomy.ng/us-virgin-islands-sues-meta-scam-ads-child-safety/ https://techeconomy.ng/us-virgin-islands-sues-meta-scam-ads-child-safety/#respond Wed, 31 Dec 2025 09:45:07 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=173403 This is the first time a territorial attorney general has moved directly against the company over these issues.

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The U.S. Virgin Islands has filed a lawsuit against Meta Platforms, accusing the company of turning a blind eye to scam ads and failing to protect children on Facebook and Instagram while earning billions in advertising revenue.

Filed in the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands on St Croix, the case claims Meta knowingly allows harmful and fraudulent adverts to circulate because they boost engagement and profits. 

This is the first time a territorial attorney general has moved directly against the company over these issues.

Meta knowingly and intentionally exposes its users to fraud and harm. It does so to maximise user engagement and, in turn, its revenue,” the lawsuit states.

At the heart of the case is reporting that revealed Meta internally expected around 10% of its 2024 revenue, roughly $16 billion, to come from scam ads, illegal gambling and banned products. 

The same reporting showed that advertisers suspected of fraud were not blocked unless Meta’s internal systems reached a 95% certainty threshold, allowing many harmful ads to remain live.

Two U.S. senators urged the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Federal Trade Commission to step in and investigate the company’s advertising practices, calling for strong enforcement where needed. That now appears to be spilling beyond Washington and into the courts.

Virgin Islands Attorney General Gordon C. Rhea said the lawsuit “marks the first effort by an attorney general to address reports of rampant fraud and scams on Meta’s platforms.” 

The case seeks penalties under local consumer protection laws and accuses Meta of misleading users, parents and regulators about how safe its platforms really are.

Meta repeatedly touts the ‘safety’ of its platforms to its users, parents, regulators, and Congress,” the lawsuit states. “Meta consistently, and intentionally, fails to implement the policies it writes.”

More than 42 U.S. state attorneys general have already sued Meta over assertions that it has failed to shield young users from harmful content. The Virgin Islands case builds on that and could open the door for other territories to follow suit.

Child safety is a major theme. Earlier reporting also revealed complaints about internal guidelines governing Meta’s automated systems, which allowed them to “engage a child in conversations that are romantic or sensual.” 

Meta later said it removed those sections, but the lawsuit argues that the company’s public assurances do not match its internal practices.

Meta responded with spokesman Andy Stone dismissing the accusations and pointing to earlier company statements rejecting the allegations.

We aggressively fight fraud and scams because people on our platforms don’t want this content, legitimate advertisers don’t want it and we don’t want it either,” he said. He added that reports of scams from users have fallen by half over the past 18 months.

On youth protection, Stone was equally firm. “We strongly disagree with these allegations and are confident the evidence will show our longstanding commitment to supporting young people,” he said.

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