META SHIFT Meta ended its third party fact checking programme across Facebook, Instagram and Threads, and replaced it with a crowdsourced ‘community notes’ system that’s similar to X (formerly Twitter).

Though Meta’s Chairman Mark Zuckerberg claims the change promotes free expression and reduces allegations of political bias, critics warn that it could fuel misinformation.

Fact checking organisations that previously partnered with Meta were caught off guard because many had relied on its financial support and now face operational uncertainties.

Adding to the controversy, Meta is moving its trust and safety teams from California to Texas. Some see this as an attempt to align with conservative viewpoints, particularly as political scrutiny of ‘big tech’ intensifies under the Trump administration.

Although Meta insists that its new approach empowers users to fact check responsibly, concerns remain. Will a community driven model be as effective as independent experts in identifying misinformation? With digital discourse increasingly shaped by unverified narratives, the decision could have lasting consequences.

As social media platforms redefine moderation, Meta’s experiment will test whether collective oversight can replace professional verification – or whether it will simply allow falsehoods to flourish.

NASA TECH NASA’s technological advancements transformed daily life with innovations originally developed for space missions now benefitting industries worldwide.

Through its Spinoff programme, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration highlights these contributions by showcasing how space research fuels real world progress.

In the 1960s for instance, NASA worked with food company Pillsbury to create the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system for astronauts’ safety. HACCP is now standard in the food and beverage industry. Heat resistant materials designed for Apollo spacecraft have since been adapted for fire-retardant coatings and emergency thermal blankets.

Household technology has also benefitted from space research. The cordless vacuum cleaner was inspired by the need for a portable moon drill. Rechargeable batteries first developed for lunar modules later improved hearing aid technology. Similarly, vibration damping systems created to stabilise Saturn V rocket launches now help reinforce buildings against earthquakes.

These examples show how space research drives tech innovation. So the next time you use a high-tech device, keep in mind that there’s a good chance NASA played a role in its development.

TECH DROP For years, tech giants such as Microsoft, Google and Meta controlled the digital world. However, their dominance is now showing signs of weakening as criticism of their power, surveillance practices and influence intensifies.

The 2024 CrowdStrike outage caused by Microsoft’s cost cutting measures exposed the dangers of over-reliance on a few enterprises. Governments and businesses are now reconsidering their dependence on centralised tech infrastructure.

AI investment meanwhile, once viewed as the future, is also losing its appeal. Major investors such as Goldman Sachs and Sequoia Capital are questioning its profitability, particularly as concerns over privacy and ethical issues grow.

At the same time, a movement for independent and ethical technology is gaining traction. European governments are exploring alternatives to big tech’s core infrastructure and some investors are funding non-surveillance based platforms. These efforts aim to create a more transparent and decentralised tech ecosystem, which prioritises public interest over profits.

Though big tech won’t disappear overnight, the cracks in its control are widening. Irrespective of whether these entities adapt or resist, their era of unquestioned dominance is fading, and making way for a more diverse and accountable digital landscape.

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