Meta runs test to block some news content for Canadians on Facebook and Instagram

Image: Meta

Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, will soon start testing a feature that will prevent some Canadians from viewing or sharing news content on those platforms. The company said it is preparing for the possible passage of Bill C-18, the Online News Act, which would require online platforms to pay Canadian news outlets for linking to their content.

The federal government said the bill aims to create a fairer relationship between news outlets and digital platforms that dominate the online advertising market. 

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Instagram is reportedly working on a Twitter alternative

Image: Lia Haberman

Instagram is reportedly working on a new text-based app that could rival Twitter. According to a leaked marketing slide and details shared by Lia Haberman in her ICYMI Substack newsletter, the app, which is codenamed P92 or Barcelona, will let users sign in with their Instagram credentials and post text updates up to 500 characters with links, photos, and videos.

The app will look like a hybrid of Instagram and Twitter, based on two screenshots in the slide. It will also have moderation settings to control who can reply and mention your account. Plus, it will sync with your Instagram followers, handle, bio, verification, and blocked accounts.

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Instagram plans to add music to Notes

Image: Meta

Instagram's Yahoo! Messenger-like Notes feature is getting music. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that the company is testing a way to add music to Notes. Similar to how it's done on individual posts and Reels, you can select a portion of a song on your Note. And your friends will see the name of the song and the artist you're playing. Instagram is also testing a way to add music to photo carousels.

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Instagram tests music for photo carousels

Image: Mega

You might have seen this around your Instagram feed already. But, in case you missed it, Meta is testing out the option to add songs to your photo carousels. CEO Mark Zuckerberg mentioned on his Instagram broadcast channel that the feature is live in a "few countries with more to come." 

Instagram already lets users add songs to individual photos. But it makes more sense to do this on a photo carousel. We hope this gets a wider release soon.

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