分类： technology

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has announced the elimination of 600 positions within its artificial intelligence (AI) division, as reported by major U.S. media outlets on Wednesday. This strategic move is part of the company’s broader effort to enhance operational efficiency following a period of rapid expansion and aggressive hiring. Notably, the job cuts will not impact the TBD Lab, a specialized unit established by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, which has been instrumental in recruiting top-tier researchers from competitors such as OpenAI and Apple through lucrative compensation packages. Instead, the layoffs will primarily affect teams dedicated to AI product development and infrastructure, with the goal of optimizing resources while maintaining progress on Meta’s most ambitious projects. According to a Wall Street Journal report, many of the displaced employees may be reassigned to other roles within the company. The New York Times characterized the layoffs as a response to ‘organizational bloat’ resulting from the company’s intensive hiring spree to bolster its AI initiatives. Both publications referenced a memo from Chief AI Officer Alexandr Wang, who emphasized that the reduction in workforce would lead to ‘fewer conversations required to make decisions,’ thereby streamlining operations. Meta has yet to comment on the matter in response to inquiries from AFP.

GraceKennedy Money Services (GKMS) has introduced a groundbreaking payment feature through its Bill Express brand, enabling customers to pay bills directly via WhatsApp. This innovative service, named WhatsApp Pay, allows users to manage their financial obligations from anywhere in the world, leveraging the widespread use of WhatsApp as Jamaica’s most popular instant messaging platform. The company emphasized that this move aligns with the growing demand for convenient digital channels and is part of its broader strategy to modernize customer financial management. WhatsApp Pay operates through a designated number, guiding users through a simple, secure, and private payment process. With a transaction fee of $55—lower than in-store rates—the service offers a cost-effective alternative for bill payments and mobile credit top-ups. Since its launch, GKMS has reported encouraging early adoption, with steady growth in transaction volumes and inquiries. The company anticipates increased usage, particularly among younger, tech-savvy users who prefer digital interactions. WhatsApp Pay also targets the Diaspora market, enabling seamless cross-border payments supported by local and international debit or credit cards. Security remains a top priority, with the platform employing encryption, multi-factor authentication, and real-time monitoring to safeguard customer data, ensuring compliance with local and international standards. Developed through a collaboration between GraceKennedy’s internal team and an external provider, WhatsApp Pay reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and customer-centric digital solutions. While GKMS did not disclose specific transaction figures, it clarified that the service is part of a long-term digital transformation strategy focused on enhancing customer engagement rather than short-term profitability. ‘WhatsApp Pay was designed to deliver innovation and convenience, and we are confident it will strengthen our position in the digital payments landscape,’ the company stated.

The United Kingdom’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced on Wednesday that Apple and Google will face enhanced regulatory oversight for their mobile platforms. This decision, following a nine-month investigation, designates the two tech giants as holding ‘strategic market status’ (SMS), enabling the CMA to enforce stricter rules aimed at fostering competition and innovation. The move mirrors the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, which imposes significant financial penalties for non-compliance. The CMA highlighted that Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android dominate the UK mobile market, with nearly all devices pre-installed with one of these operating systems. Their app stores and browsers also hold leading positions, potentially stifling competition. Under the SMS designation, the CMA can mandate changes to how these platforms operate, offering consumers greater choice. Both companies criticized the decision, with Google labeling it ‘disappointing, disproportionate, and unwarranted,’ while Apple warned it could lead to weaker privacy, delayed updates, and a fragmented user experience. The CMA’s announcement follows Google’s recent SMS designation for its dominance in online search, with ongoing consultations on specific rules. Google has also cautioned that unfavorable regulations could hinder new product launches in the UK, despite its recent £5 billion ($6.7 billion) investment in the country’s AI sector. Both companies employ thousands in the UK, with Google employing over 7,000 and Apple nearly 8,000.