#Meta

Meta is launching new parental controls for its platforms, allowing parents to oversee their teens’ interactions with AI characters. These tools will enable parents to disable AI chats, block specific characters, and view activity reports. The move follows increased scrutiny and an FTC inquiry into the potential risks of AI chatbots to young users, stemming from reports of inappropriate AI interactions with minors. Meta aims for a phased rollout of the controls starting early next year, following refinements to AI safety protocols already underway. OpenAI is also bolstering teen safety measures.

EssilorLuxottica’s Q3 revenue surged, boosted by the success of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses developed in partnership with Meta. Wearables contributed significantly to the 11.7% sales increase. The collaboration expands with Oakley and Prada-branded versions in development. Executives predict glasses will replace many smartphone functionalities. Meta’s AI-powered glasses and those from competitors like Alphabet and Alibaba are transforming personal computing and eyewear, creating a market where fashion meets technology. EssilorLuxottica anticipates exceeding its wearables targets and foresees revenue from hardware, lenses, and AI services.

Instagram launched “Rings,” awarding 25 creators a gold ring and profile badge, chosen by figures like Adam Mosseri and Spike Lee. This comes as Meta ended its creator bonus program and brand deals decline, raising questions about Meta’s creator support strategy. While offering profile customization, the initiative emphasizes recognition over direct compensation. With rivals offering revenue-sharing and a decline in brand deals, the long-term viability of symbolic rewards remains uncertain for creators needing reliable income.

Meta is expanding beyond advertising with Business AI, an AI-powered platform for businesses to enhance customer engagement. Launched at the 2025 Meta Connect conference, it enables personalized recommendations and faster purchasing via conversational interactions across Facebook, Instagram, and retailer websites. Integrations with CRM systems (Salesforce, Microsoft, etc.) are planned. Business AI will initially be a free add-on to Meta ad campaigns, with pricing for website integration. WhatsApp and Messenger integration are coming soon.

CoreWeave (CRWV) shares jumped nearly 12% after announcing a $14.2 billion AI cloud infrastructure deal with Meta (META). This follows a $6.5 billion expanded agreement with OpenAI, totaling $22.4 billion. CoreWeave specializes in high-performance computing using Nvidia GPUs, catering to the growing demand for AI and machine learning workloads. Meta’s commitment includes options for expansion through 2032, reflecting its broader investment in AI. Meta projects significant expenses for AI initiatives, including the launch of its first supercluster, highlighting the increasing competition and opportunity in the AI cloud market.

Instagram has reached 3 billion monthly active users, as announced by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. This marks a significant growth from the 2 billion users reported in October 2022. The platform’s success is attributed to its visual format and evolving features. In related news, Instagram has implemented new default privacy settings, setting all underage accounts to private. This reflects growing concerns about online safety for younger users.

Meta is set to unveil its advanced “Hypernova” smart glasses at its annual Connect event. Priced around $800, these glasses mark a step toward integrating displays into wearables, following previous collaborations with EssilorLuxottica. Analysts emphasize the need for Meta to demonstrate the return on investment for its Reality Labs, which has incurred substantial losses. While VR headsets face uncertain market traction, smart glasses are seen as a more promising avenue, with potential for AI integration. The success is crucial as Apple and Google also develop competing products.

A former Meta security head, Attaullah Baig, is suing the company, alleging WhatsApp has critical security flaws exposing user data. He claims 1,500 engineers had unrestricted data access and that Meta retaliated against him for raising concerns. Baig reported the issues to the SEC and OSHA. Meta denies the allegations, citing Baig’s poor performance and claiming his concerns misrepresent ongoing security efforts. The lawsuit raises questions about WhatsApp’s data security and whistleblower protection.

Meta Platforms is temporarily adjusting its AI chatbot policies to enhance safety for teen users, following lawmaker scrutiny over inappropriate interactions and potential risks. The changes include retraining chatbots to avoid sensitive topics like self-harm and romantic conversations, and directing teens to expert resources instead. These interim measures, prompted by reports of chatbots engaging in suggestive dialogues with minors, will be rolled out across apps in English-speaking countries. Critics argue the adjustments are insufficient, calling for a complete overhaul of Meta’s AI safety protocols.

Reliance Industries announced significant AI partnerships with Google and Meta at its annual shareholders’ meeting. Reliance will leverage Google’s AI and cloud infrastructure, including a new dedicated cloud region in India powered by clean energy. A joint venture with Meta focuses on delivering AI solutions tailored for Indian businesses, with a $100 million investment. Mukesh Ambani also indicated plans to list Reliance Jio publicly in the first half of 2026. These moves underscore the importance of the Indian market for global tech giants.