In this week’s Platform Five: High profile Twitter accounts hacked in massive security breach
What’s changed in the last seven days? What does it mean?
Twitter has had a massive security breach, brands can now have their own profile on Snapchat and TikTok launches a new video series to help users detect misinformation.
Let’s take a look at these changes in more detail.
High profile Twitter accounts hacked in massive security breach
Earlier this week, hackers took over several verified Twitter profiles and tweeted asking for money to be sent to a bitcoin account. Elon Musk, Apple, Barak Obama and Bill Gates were just some of the accounts that were breached and it’s reported that the hackers were sent more than $300,000 USD before they were shut down. The breach has raised questions about the overall security of the platform.
Read more here.
Brands can now have their own profile on Snapchat
Snapchat is introducing a beta test that will allow some brands to have their own profile on the platform. 15 companies are taking part in the test including Ben & Jerry’s, Dior, Headspace and Universal Pictures. The brand profiles appear to be similar to creator profiles which were introduced last year.
Learn more here.
Facebook rolls out screen sharing in Messenger
Facebook is expanding its screen-sharing options to Messenger Rooms and the Messenger app. As explained by Messenger, “We know people are trying to stay connected more than ever, and screen sharing is the latest feature we’re rolling out to bring people closer together.”
Find out more here.
TikTok launches new video series to help users detect misinformation
TikTok has launched a new video series, in partnership with a group of platform influencers, which aims to help raise awareness of misinformation, scams and general inauthentic behaviour online. As explained by TikTok “The “Be Informed” series addresses an important building block for an informed online experience: media literacy. Being media literate means having the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, create, and act using all forms of communication.”
Read more here.
Instagram confirms Reels will roll out to more than 50 countries
Instagram has confirmed that it’s preparing to launch its TikTok rival, Reels, across more than 50 countries in the coming weeks. It comes as India banned TikTok and other countries around the world consider whether or not to follow suit. If TikTok is banned more widely, Instagram could pick up millions of users.
Learn more here.