13 – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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Richard Lawler
Richard Lawler
Meta is rolling out Instagram Broadcast channels globally.

Not to be confused with WhatsApp’s recently added Channels feature or Instagram’s Twitter competitor that was recently shown to employees, Meta is rolling out the Telegram-like Broadcast Channels for use by everyone around the world.

As described below by Instagram boss Adam Mosseri, they’re also testing new features like moderators, a share to stories button, and the ability to take questions. But it’s still not available on the web yet, so you’ll need to install the app to get the updates from Zuckerberg & Co.

Instagram’s status update now includes what song you’re listening toInstagram’s status update now includes what song you’re listening to
Meta is testing Reels on QuestMeta is testing Reels on Quest
Emma Roth
This is what Instagram’s upcoming Twitter competitor looks likeThis is what Instagram’s upcoming Twitter competitor looks like
Instagram’s recommendation algorithms are promoting pedophile networksInstagram’s recommendation algorithms are promoting pedophile networks
Here’s how Instagram recommends the content you seeHere’s how Instagram recommends the content you see
Instagram was down, but now it’s working againInstagram was down, but now it’s working again
This is Instagram’s new Twitter competitorThis is Instagram’s new Twitter competitor
What’s in store for Twitter’s new CEOWhat’s in store for Twitter’s new CEO
Instagram comments can now be overrun by GIFsInstagram comments can now be overrun by GIFs
Instagram is testing songs in photo carouselsInstagram is testing songs in photo carousels
Jess Weatherbed
Jess Weatherbed
EU begins its latest crackdown on online content moderation.

The European Union has outlined 19 platforms that will be subject to stricter regulations under the upcoming Digital Services Act.

Unsurprisingly, it includes Amazon, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and other Google services, all of which have four months to comply with rules about harmful and illegal content. More surprisingly… so does Wikipedia.

Europe names 19 platforms that must report algorithmic risks under DSA

[TechCrunch]

Emma Roth
Emma Roth
Meta layoffs hit London.

The employees at Meta’s Instagram office in London could either be cut or relocated as part of the company’s latest round of layoffs, according to a report from Bloomberg. That also means Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri is headed back to the US after moving to the UK last year.

Meta Platforms to Cut, Move Instagram’s London Staff; Chief Shifting to US

[Bloomberg.com]

Your Instagram ‘Link in bio’ can now have up to five linksYour Instagram ‘Link in bio’ can now have up to five links
Social media is doomed to die

After seven years at Snapchat, I finally learned the truth about why our most important apps seem destined to disappoint us.

Ellis Hamburger
Instagram is adding TikTok-like Reels updates for editing and discoveryInstagram is adding TikTok-like Reels updates for editing and discovery
How two insurgents are taking on TwitterHow two insurgents are taking on Twitter
New Arkansas bill to keep minors off social media exempts most social media platformsNew Arkansas bill to keep minors off social media exempts most social media platforms
In celebration of the dumb phone, a rare sanity-saving gadgetIn celebration of the dumb phone, a rare sanity-saving gadget
Instagram now lets you save posts into collections shared with friendsInstagram now lets you save posts into collections shared with friends
Hipstamatic’s new social network looks like an Instagram throwbackHipstamatic’s new social network looks like an Instagram throwback
Instagram has started putting ads in search resultsInstagram has started putting ads in search results
Facebook and Instagram’s paid verification launches in the USFacebook and Instagram’s paid verification launches in the US
Meta is laying off 10,000 more employees in a series of cutsMeta is laying off 10,000 more employees in a series of cuts
Meta gives up on NFTs for Facebook and InstagramMeta gives up on NFTs for Facebook and Instagram
Mark Zuckerberg says Meta now has a team building AI tools and ‘personas’Mark Zuckerberg says Meta now has a team building AI tools and ‘personas’
Here’s what Messenger’s BeReal-ish ‘Roll Call’ looks likeHere’s what Messenger’s BeReal-ish ‘Roll Call’ looks like
Jon Porter
Jon Porter
Hardcore content moderation.

No, Meta isn’t welcoming PornHub’s official account back onto Instagram. Although its page was reinstated over the weekend, it was quickly re-banned.

“This was done in error,” a Meta spokesperson tells Variety. “We permanently disabled this Instagram account for repeatedly violating our policies.” Violations include breaking Instagram’s rules about sexual solicitation.

PornHub’s Instagram account was first removed in early September. A permanent ban was confirmed later that month.

Instagram Briefly Reinstates Pornhub Account ‘in Error,’ Then Shuts It Down Again

[Variety]

Facebook and Instagram are testing selling you blue checks for $12 a monthFacebook and Instagram are testing selling you blue checks for $12 a month
Meta is copying Telegram channels in InstagramMeta is copying Telegram channels in Instagram
Mia Sato
Mia Sato
Goodbye, Instagram shopping tab.

Instagram announced last month that the reshuffled homepage was coming, moving the new post button back to the bottom of the app where it was before.

It’s part of a larger move away from shopping features at the company — it said today it was also getting rid of live shopping features.

Instagram is getting rid of live shopping

Jay Peters
Instagram is getting rid of live shoppingInstagram is getting rid of live shopping
Instagram’s co-founders are back with Artifact, a kind of TikTok for textInstagram’s co-founders are back with Artifact, a kind of TikTok for text
Instagram’s AIM-like text status feature is expanding to Europe and JapanInstagram’s AIM-like text status feature is expanding to Europe and Japan
Meta allows Trump back on Facebook and InstagramMeta allows Trump back on Facebook and Instagram
Jay Peters
Jay Peters
Meta kinda sorta wants you to show off your Bitmoji-like avatar on Instagram.

You can now add your avatar as a secondary Instagram profile pic, though people will have to know they can tap your standard pic to be able to see it. It’s a little thing, but indicative of Meta’s broader efforts to encourage people to use its avatars in its apps and in the metaverse.

Richard Lawler
Richard Lawler
Britain’s prime minister was fined because of this Instagram video.

There’s a long history of internet posts getting people into legal trouble, but this entry is unusual because it’s Britain’s prime minister Rishi Sunak.

This promotional video on his Instagram showed him riding in a car without a seatbelt on. The New York Times reports that violation can result in a fine of up to £500 (about $620 US), and said Sunak’s office confirmed he would pay without specifying an amount.

Instagram showed people too many videos last year, admits Adam MosseriInstagram showed people too many videos last year, admits Adam Mosseri
Meta’s bundling your Instagram and Facebook account settings in one placeMeta’s bundling your Instagram and Facebook account settings in one place
Climate change denial is making a ‘stark comeback’ on social media, study findsClimate change denial is making a ‘stark comeback’ on social media, study finds

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