分类： technology

In a significant move to align with regulatory requirements, Meta has announced that Facebook and Instagram users in the United Kingdom will soon have the option to purchase ad-free subscriptions. This initiative, set to roll out in the coming weeks, mirrors a model already implemented across the European Union. UK users can opt out of personalized ads by paying a monthly fee of £2.99 ($4) via the web or £3.99 through iOS and Android apps. The company emphasized that this subscription model offers users greater control over their ad preferences, aligning with recent UK regulatory guidance. Notably, the UK pricing is more affordable compared to the EU, where ad-free subscriptions start at 5.99 euros ($7) per month. Meta first introduced this ad-free option in the EU in late 2023 to comply with stricter regulations aimed at curbing the influence of big tech companies. Historically, Meta has relied heavily on selling user data to advertisers, a practice that has sparked numerous disputes with regulators over data privacy concerns. Last year, the European data regulator mandated that Meta cannot compel users to pay for data protection, prompting the company to revise its approach. While Meta criticized what it termed as regulatory ‘overreach’ in the EU, it praised the ‘constructive approach’ of the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). The ICO acknowledged that the subscription model would enable Meta to adhere to UK data protection laws.

Jamaica’s electric vehicle (EV) movement is accelerating, as evidenced by the record-breaking turnout at Evergo’s annual EV Link Up, held on September 6 at the Mona Hockey Field in St. Andrew. The event, hosted by Jamaica’s largest public EV charging network, showcased the growing enthusiasm for EVs among consumers and businesses alike. Dr. Wayne McKenzie, President and CEO of Evergo, hailed the event as a resounding success, highlighting the exponential growth in participation since its inception three years ago. From just six EVs in the first convoy, this year’s event saw a packed parking lot and overflow vehicles lining the streets, signaling a seismic shift in consumer interest and choice. The event featured a diverse array of EVs, from commercial models like the Riddara RD6 All-Electric Pickup and Farizon All-Electric Supervan to luxury brands such as BMW, Porsche, and Audi. Mainstream automakers like Kia and emerging Chinese brands like BYD and MG also made a strong showing, alongside hybrids and plug-in hybrids from Li Auto. Beyond the vehicles, the event underscored the growing ecosystem supporting EV adoption, with banks and insurance companies offering tailored products for this burgeoning market. Evergo’s leadership in the EV space was evident, as McKenzie emphasized the company’s commitment to leading by example—from being the first EV charging company executive to drive an EV to operating Jamaica’s largest charging network. The recent introduction of 200kWh chargers at Evergo’s West Kingston headquarters marks a significant milestone, reducing charging times to just 10 minutes for 200 kilometers of range. With overwhelmingly positive user feedback, Evergo is now strategically planning the island-wide deployment of these high-speed chargers to meet the growing demand. The event also featured the Jamaican Urban Transit Company’s EV bus, further highlighting the expanding role of EVs in Jamaica’s transportation landscape.

PARIS, France (AFP) – Meta announced on Thursday the global rollout of its enhanced “teen accounts” for Facebook and Messenger users aged 13 to 17. This initiative, initially launched in major English-speaking countries earlier this year, aims to provide additional safeguards for adolescent users. The company revealed in a blog post that hundreds of millions of teens have already been transitioned to these accounts across Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger.

Spotify has announced a series of initiatives aimed at promoting transparency and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in music production. The Swedish streaming giant is urging artists and publishers to adopt a new metadata standard developed by the Digital Data Exchange (DDEX), a consortium of media companies, music licensing organizations, and technology firms. This standard allows tracks to be labeled as entirely, partially, or not at all created with AI, ensuring clarity for listeners and stakeholders. Sam Duboff, Spotify’s head of music marketing, confirmed that these metadata will be accessible across the platform once integrated. The move comes in response to the growing influence of AI in music, highlighted by the viral success of AI-generated tracks like those from The Velvet Sundown, which garnered millions of streams earlier this year. While the labeling system is voluntary, Spotify emphasizes that it does not intend to penalize artists who use AI responsibly. Over 15 labels and distributors have already committed to the DDEX standard. Additionally, Spotify has updated its policies to explicitly prohibit unauthorized AI use, such as deepfakes or imitations created without consent, and will remove such content. The platform’s stance reflects a nuanced approach to AI, recognizing its diverse applications in the creative process while safeguarding artistic integrity.