Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

In a remarkable turn of events, Netflix has announced the addition of 9.33 million new subscribers in the first quarter of 2024, surpassing analyst projections.  This surge in growth is primarily attributed to the success of its original content and strategic measures aimed at curbing password sharing. The streaming giant experienced robust growth on a global scale, with particularly strong performance noted in the US and Canada. However, despite this impressive milestone, Netflix shares declined by 4.6% following the announcement, signaling mixed investor sentiment. In a strategic shift, Netflix revealed plans to discontinue reporting paid quarterly memberships and revenue per…

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, has announced the expansion of its AI service, “Meta AI,” to 12 countries outside the United States.  These countries include Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Canada, Australia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and others. The rollout, currently available in English, aims to enhance connections and provide users with new creative, expressive, and productivity tools directly within these popular apps. Since its initial unveiling at last year’s Connect event, Meta AI has evolved into a multifaceted tool seamlessly integrating into users’ daily lives. Powered by Meta Llama 3 technology, Meta AI empowers users to accomplish…

In compliance with directives from China’s top internet regulator, Apple has taken down WhatsApp and Threads from its App Store within the country. The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) cited national security concerns as the reason behind the removal. While the apps remain accessible in other regions, China’s stringent internet censorship often limits access to foreign platforms without the use of VPNs. Despite challenges, China remains a vital market for Apple. This move follows China’s previous claims of cracking Apple’s encrypted AirDrop communication service, utilized during the 2019 Hong Kong protests. Notably, Google, Facebook, and WhatsApp have long been inaccessible…

Elon Musk, CEO of X (formerly Twitter), issued a stern warning against engagement farming on the platform, threatening suspension for accounts involved in such practices. In a recent post on X, Musk stated, “Any accounts found engaging in engagement farming will be suspended and traced to the source.” Engagement farming refers to the practice of seeking increased engagement on social media platforms. For instance, individuals may join multiple Twitter spaces simultaneously without contributing meaningful content, solely to boost their visibility. This method is commonly employed by users to garner more followers, likes, comments, and retweets, thus enhancing their personal brand.…

Telegram, the messaging giant founded by Pavel Durov and headquartered in Dubai, anticipates hitting a remarkable milestone of one billion active monthly users within the next year.  Durov’s departure from Russia in 2014, prompted by governmental pressures to stifle opposition communities on his VK social media platform, underscores Telegram’s commitment to neutrality despite geopolitical challenges. With 900 million active users currently, Telegram stands as a beacon of free speech in the digital realm, particularly influential in former Soviet Union republics and pivotal during conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine standoff. Durov’s staunch advocacy for freedom of expression and opposition to censorship by…

In a move aimed at redistributing wealth and targeting the education of the economically disadvantaged, the Student Loan Scheme in Nigeria will exclude students from private tertiary institutions, as announced by NELFUND CEO Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr. The decision to exclude private institution students stems from socio-economic factors, including perceived wealth associated with attending private institutions and concerns about equitable access for students in public universities. Funded by one percent of the revenue generated by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) annually, the scheme will provide funding for tuition fees and stipends for daily living expenses based on the applicant’s course…

Snap Inc. has announced plans to implement watermarks on AI-generated images within its platform.  These watermarks will feature a translucent version of the Snap logo accompanied by a sparkle emoji. The decision aims to address concerns surrounding the authenticity and ownership of AI-generated content. Users exporting images from the app or saving them to their camera roll will see the watermark automatically applied. The move comes as part of Snap’s broader efforts to enhance transparency and safety surrounding AI technologies. It follows similar initiatives by other tech giants, including Microsoft, Meta, and Google, who have also implemented measures to label…

Tesla has allocated $200,000 for advertising on Elon Musk’s social media platform, X.  The decision follows shareholder pressure and signals a shift towards more traditional marketing avenues. Since the announcement, Tesla ads have appeared on platforms like Google and YouTube, indicating a strategic investment in online visibility. The annual proxy statement released by Tesla sheds light on the financial transactions between Tesla and Elon Musk’s other ventures. Apart from advertising expenses, Tesla has engaged in various agreements with X, including commercial, consulting, and support agreements, totaling $80,000 through February 2024. Similarly, SpaceX, another venture of Musk, has conducted transactions with…

LinkedIn, the professional networking platform, has begun testing a new paid service aimed at small and medium-sized businesses.  Dubbed the Premium Company Page, this subscription offers features like AI-powered content creation and tools to boost follower engagement. With prices starting at $99 per month, LinkedIn aims to provide businesses with enhanced visibility and credibility. The move highlights LinkedIn’s ongoing efforts to diversify its revenue streams and provide more value to its users. By offering tailored services like the Premium Company Page, LinkedIn seeks to establish itself as a trusted platform for professionals and businesses alike. The Premium Company Page subscription…

In response to mounting concerns over the relentless surge in prices of goods and services, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has vowed to intervene and shield consumers from exploitation. Despite the recent strengthening of the Naira against the dollar, consumers are still grappling with escalating costs without any corresponding reduction in prices. According to a statement released by Adamu Abdullahi, the Executive Vice Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, the commission is deeply troubled by this trend and is determined to address it effectively. The FCCPC, guided by the provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer…

In a recent update on Nigeria’s economic outlook, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has forecast a gradual decrease in inflation rates.  The surge in inflation to 33.2 percent in March, attributed to exchange rate adjustments and economic reforms, is expected to decline to 23 percent next year and further to 18 percent in 2026. Despite the improvement, these rates remain elevated compared to previous forecasts. The IMF cited the impact of exchange rate adjustments on import costs and other goods as driving factors behind the inflation spike. Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics confirmed the inflation surge, particularly in food prices,…

Elon Musk, the founder of the microblogging platform X, has unveiled plans to implement charges for new users when they post on the social media platform.  Musk cited the necessity of this measure to counter the persistent presence of bots on the platform. Addressing inquiries about X’s policy for newly created accounts, Musk emphasized that imposing a nominal fee on new users is crucial in tackling the ongoing issue of bot activity. According to Musk, new users will gain free posting privileges after a three-month period. He stated, “Unfortunately, a small fee for new user write access is the only…

In a strategic shakeup at Tesla, two high-profile executives, Drew Baglino and Rohan Patel, have bid farewell amidst a wave of company layoffs.  Baglino, the Senior Vice President of Powertrain and Energy, described his departure as a “difficult decision” after dedicating 18 years to the company. Meanwhile, Patel, who served as Vice President of Public Policy and Business Development, cited unspecified “big overall changes” as the reason for his exit. Tesla’s decision to trim its workforce, affecting over 10% of its global headcount and potentially impacting more than 14,000 employees, comes in the wake of the company’s first year-over-year drop…

In a strategic move, OpenAI has inaugurated its maiden Asia office in Tokyo, Japan, buoyed by backing from tech giant Microsoft.  CEO Sam Altman voiced optimism for enduring collaboration with Japan, targeting government entities, corporations, and research establishments. The expansion aims to diversify revenue streams globally, propelled by the triumph of its ChatGPT AI chatbot. Altman and COO Brad Lightcap have been actively courting Fortune 500 firms in the US and UK. The choice of Japan is strategic, given Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s keen interest, with OpenAI already establishing bases in London and Dublin. Japan perceived AI as pivotal for…

Meta Platforms, the parent company of social media giants Facebook and Instagram, announced its decision to temporarily shut down access to Threads in Turkey.  This move comes in response to an interim order from Turkey’s competition watchdog, which prohibits data-sharing between Threads and Instagram. The Turkish Competition Authority had raised concerns about Meta’s data-sharing practices, specifically regarding the creation of Threads profiles based on Instagram accounts without user confirmation. Meta plans to appeal the order but will comply in the meantime, suspending Threads from April 29 onwards. While Meta asserts its compliance with Turkish legal requirements, this development underscores the…

In today’s digital age, where online advertisements seem to infiltrate every corner of the web, ad blockers have emerged as indispensable tools for internet users seeking a cleaner, faster, and more secure browsing experience. While some may view ad blockers as tools for evading targeted advertising, their benefits extend far beyond just that. 1. Enhanced Privacy Protection: Advertisements often come equipped with tracking technologies that monitor users’ online behavior, collecting data for targeted advertising purposes. By blocking ads, users can mitigate the risk of their personal information being harvested without their consent, thus bolstering their online privacy. 2. Faster Browsing…

In a move aimed at streamlining identity management and enhancing convenience for citizens, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has unveiled plans for a revolutionary new National Identity card. The card, dubbed the General Multipurpose Card (GMPC), promises to consolidate various functions into a single, versatile solution, eliminating the need for multiple cards. Announcing the initiative, the Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, Kayode Adegoke, highlighted the GMPC’s diverse range of applications. These include facilitating payments and financial transactions, accessing government intervention and services, and serving as a travel document. The introduction of the GMPC follows the Nigerian government’s recent…

Automattic, the parent company of WordPress.com, has finalized the acquisition of Beeper, a messaging app, for a whopping $125 million.  The deal includes Beeper’s entire team of 27 employees, with co-founder Eric Migicovsky set to lead messaging endeavors at Automattic. Beeper, known for its innovative approach, offers a universal chat platform that consolidates various messaging services into a single inbox. Since its beta launch in 2021, it has garnered approximately 100,000 users. Migicovsky, renowned for creating the Pebble smartwatch, views Beeper as a remedy to the fragmented nature of online messaging due to the lack of open standards. However, Beeper…

Australian prosecutors have decided to drop the criminal prosecution initiated by Andrew Forrest against Meta over cryptocurrency scam advertisements featuring his image on Facebook. Forrest, the prominent founder of Fortescue Metals Group, had accused Meta of enabling scammers to utilize its platform for deceptive schemes, thereby contravening anti-money laundering laws. The decision to discontinue the criminal case represents a significant setback for Forrest, who had fervently pursued legal action under Australian statutes with the consent of the attorney general. Despite this setback, Forrest remains resolute in his pursuit of justice and intends to continue his battle against Meta through a…

In a bid to bolster its artificial intelligence capabilities and stay competitive in the evolving landscape of content creation, Adobe is actively procuring video footage from creators. The company aims to train its own AI system capable of generating videos from text descriptions, mirroring recent advancements by competitors like OpenAI’s Sora. Adobe’s strategic move involves compensating artists and photographers for short video clips depicting various everyday activities, such as walking or expressing emotions.  With a payment of $120 per set of video clips, Adobe is accumulating the necessary data to develop a robust video generation model. While concerns have surfaced…

A groundbreaking World Cybercrime Index, developed by researchers in collaboration with 92 leading cybercrime experts worldwide, has shed light on the concentrated origins of cybercriminal activity.  The study revealed that a disproportionate number of cybercriminals hail from a select few countries, with China, Russia, Ukraine, the United States, Romania, and Nigeria emerging as prominent contributors to the global cybercrime landscape. The index, detailed in a publication in the esteemed journal PLOS ONE, ranks countries based on various categories of cybercrime. Notably, India secured the 10th spot on the index, demonstrating significant scores in terms of impact, professionalism of cybercriminals, and…

Elon Musk, CEO of social media platform X, has sparked a congressional inquiry after revealing on the platform that the U.S.  The House of Representatives had raised concerns about the platform’s actions in Brazil. The inquiry stems from allegations that X was asked to suspend the accounts of sitting members of the Brazilian parliament and journalists, a move that allegedly violated Brazilian law. This development follows Brazil Supreme Court judge Alexandre de Moraes’ decision to open an inquiry into Musk after he contested the blocking of certain accounts on X. Moraes had threatened significant fines if X fails to comply…

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, is set to visit India for a crucial meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sources suggest that Musk will unveil plans for investment and a potential factory in the country during his visit. The meeting is scheduled for the week of April 22 in New Delhi, according to two sources familiar with the matter. While both Musk’s team and Modi’s office remained tight-lipped, anticipation is high for the outcome of this encounter. Musk’s visit coincides with India’s upcoming two-month-long election, where Modi is poised for a possible third term. A potential Tesla…

In a strategic move, Starlink, Elon Musk’s internet service company, has announced a significant reduction in the price of its hardware by 45% in Nigeria. The price drop affects the Starlink internet router, which has seen its cost plummet from N800,000 to N440,000, while the monthly subscription remains steady at N38,000. This move comes amidst the recent appreciation of the Nigerian naira against the US dollar, potentially influencing Starlink’s decision to slash prices. Despite being comparatively more expensive than local ISPs, Starlink has garnered considerable interest among Nigerians seeking to switch service providers. Since its introduction in January 2023, Starlink…

Meta, the parent company of Instagram, is taking strides to shield teenage users from the perils of “sextortion” scams on its platform.  As part of this effort, Meta is in the process of crafting innovative tools to combat such exploitation. Among these tools is an AI-powered “nudity protection” feature designed to automatically blur images containing nudity when sent to minors. Additionally, Meta plans to furnish users with guidance and safety recommendations to navigate and thwart such malicious activities. The urgency for such protective measures is underscored by the alarming statistics: In 2022, approximately 3,000 young individuals in the United States…

In a move to enhance child safety online, YouTube is rolling out a new “read-only” comments feature for children accessing supervised experiences on the platform. This update aims to shield kids from potentially inappropriate content in the comments section. Previously, comments were entirely disabled for kids, but now they will have the ability to read comments without the option to write them. This feature will apply to the “Explore More” and “Most of YouTube” content settings, which cater to older children. Parents can exercise further control by switching their child to the “Explore” setting, which completely disables comments. YouTube offers…

Since March, Instagram and its subsidiary Threads have instituted a default setting that limits political content on their platforms. However, this move has sparked controversy among hundreds of creators, as reported by GLAAD and Accountable Tech, who penned an open letter urging Instagram to make the limit opt-in rather than default. Signatories of the letter include prominent figures such as comedian Alok Vaid-Menon, actor Kevin McHale, news account So Informed, activist Carlos Eduardo Espina, and others spanning meme accounts, political organizers, and entertainers. The creators argue that this default limit hampers their ability to share authoritative and factual content on…

Apple has taken a proactive stance against potential mercenary spyware attacks, issuing threat notifications to iPhone users across 92 countries. The alerts, dispatched at 12pm Pacific Time on Wednesday, cautioned users without disclosing the attackers’ identities or specific affected regions. The warnings highlighted the likelihood of targeted attacks based on individuals’ identities or activities, urging users to heed them seriously. Apple’s confidence in these alerts is high, reinforced by its track record of issuing similar notifications multiple times annually, reaching users in over 150 countries since 2021. In a notable incident last October, Apple sent comparable warnings to journalists and…

Elon Musk’s platform X, formerly known as Twitter, has stirred confusion among users after randomly granting blue checkmarks to some accounts. Traditionally, these checks were reserved for verifying high-profile accounts, but since Musk’s takeover, the verification rules have undergone changes. Initially, X introduced a fee of $8 monthly for account verification, which led to complaints and instances of fake check usage. However, in a recent development, a number of users received complimentary blue checks unexpectedly, sparking mixed reactions within the community. According to Musk’s latest policy, accounts with over 2,500 verified followers now receive free Premium perks, including blue checks.…

As the solar eclipse for 2024 continues, Google introduced an innovative search animation feature, enriching user experience and promoting engagement with celestial phenomena. Users worldwide can now access the captivating animation by entering search queries such as “solar eclipse 2024”, “April 8 eclipse”, or simply “solar eclipse” into the Google search bar. The animation portrays the mesmerizing celestial event, showcasing the moon’s silhouette gracefully traversing the sun’s luminous disk. While the total solar eclipse will only be visible in select regions of the United States, Mexico, and Canada, individuals residing in other parts of the world, including the Caribbean, Colombia,…