Meta offers EU users ad-light option in push to end investigation

Meta's leading artificial intelligence team is experiencing internal friction with long-standing executives loyal to CEO Mark Zuckerberg, creating an us-versus-them mentality within the company. This tension arises amid significant changes in Meta's strategic direction, particularly regarding its AI initiatives and metaverse investments.

Australia has enacted a ban on social media access for individuals under the age of 16, effective December 10, 2025. This legislation targets major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, marking one of the strictest measures globally to protect minors from online risks.

Meta is implementing changes to simplify Facebook, aiming to improve user experience by streamlining various features and functionalities. This initiative reflects the company's ongoing efforts to address user feedback and enhance engagement on the platform.

The European Commission has initiated an investigation into Google to determine if the company is violating EU competition laws by using online content from publishers and YouTube creators for its AI models, specifically the Gemini AI model. This inquiry aims to assess whether Google's practices disadvantage rival AI companies.

Meta has committed to reducing data sharing for users in the European Union by 2026, following a €200 million fine related to its advertising practices. This decision is part of a broader effort to comply with the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and to address regulatory scrutiny over its data handling policies.

Australia has implemented a groundbreaking ban on social media access for users under the age of 16, affecting platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Snapchat, Reddit, Kick, Twitch, and Threads. This legislation, which took effect on December 10, 2025, aims to protect minors from online risks by removing their accounts from these platforms.

Meta has announced that users of Facebook and Instagram in the European Union will have the option to share less data, a move aimed at complying with EU regulations and addressing privacy concerns. This decision follows a €200 million fine imposed on the company for its advertising practices, prompting a shift in its data-sharing policies.

Apple's recent executive turnover includes the departure of its UI executive to Meta, alongside three other executives, highlighting a significant shift within the company. This trend reflects ongoing challenges in retaining top talent amid a competitive technology landscape.