Instagram has introduced a new feature that allows users to lock their Reels with a secret code, enhancing privacy and control over their content. This feature aims to provide users with more options to manage who can view their videos, catering to growing concerns about privacy on social media platforms.

A Florida bill that aimed to require social media platforms to implement encryption backdoors for user accounts has been defeated. The proposal sparked significant debate over privacy concerns and the implications for user security. Lawmakers expressed differing views on the necessity and potential risks of such a mandate.

Neon, the second most popular social app on the Apple App Store, incentivizes users to record their phone calls and subsequently sells this data to AI firms. This controversial practice raises significant privacy concerns over user consent and data security.

The rise of AI in social media is automating engagement, leading to a paradox where content is increasingly consumed by AI-bots rather than humans, eroding trust and authenticity. As users lose faith in public platforms, they are gravitating towards smaller, more intimate spaces that foster genuine connections. The future of social media may see a shift away from public feeds towards private interactions, driven by a desire for authenticity amidst AI-driven engagement.