In the next few weeks, Facebook becomes a little less local in one way. It's eliminating the Deals feature, Facebook's answer to the popular Groupon deal-of-the-day-at-a-retailer-near-you service. "The program is being dropped after four months of testing in select markets in Texas, California and Georgia," the Washington Post reports. This development probably has something to do with Facebook … [Read more...] about Facebook deleting Deals, adding Messenger
Missouri judge blocks new ‘Facebook law’
A new Missouri law that was aimed at reducing sexual misconduct by teachers but became known more for its language about teachers' social networking received a double blow late last week. "First, a judge blocked it from taking effect because of free speech concerns. Then, the governor called for its repeal" eSchool News reports, in a special session of the legislature on Sept. 6. Here's my Aug. 8 … [Read more...] about Missouri judge blocks new ‘Facebook law’
Major privacy and safety updates at Facebook
This week Facebook starts rolling out* a new level of control users have over their profiles and privacy. Among a number of positive changes are: the ability to approve any photo or post you're tagged in before it's visible to others on your profile; the ability to approve or not any tag someone tries to add to your photos or posts; and the ability to decide who sees what you post right before you … [Read more...] about Major privacy and safety updates at Facebook
Social media to blame for London riots?
That's what British Prime Minister Cameron is asking, CNN Tech reports. And the House of Commons's shadow secretary of culture, Ivan Lewis, told The Guardian that he "supports the government's decision to undertake a review of whether measures are necessary to prevent the abuse of social media by those who organize and participate in criminal activities." Did the prime minister and MP know that … [Read more...] about Social media to blame for London riots?
Facebook’s new digital-citizenship research grants
Facebook has committed $200,000 to fund "world-class research" at universities and nonprofit organizations that "highlights trends associated with Digital Citizenship, broadly, with an initial focus on bullying prevention," according to Facebook's blog post. Researchers, you have about a month – till midnight, California time, on Monday, Sept. 12 – to apply for $25,000-50,000 grants. Topics of … [Read more...] about Facebook’s new digital-citizenship research grants