Latest Influencer News in 2026
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Facebook, Instagram Parent Meta To Pay Texas $1.4B After Losing Lawsuit
Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has agreed to a record-breaking $1.4 billion settlement with the state of Texas over privacy violations, marking a significant chapter in the ongoing fallout from the *Facebook data scandal*. This agreement, announced by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, is the largest settlement ever won in a lawsuit brought by a single state and represents a major victory in Texas\' fight for digital privacy rights. The lawsuit, often referred to as the \'Facebook Texas lawsuit\', was initiated by Paxton in 2022 under Texas’ 2009 biometric privacy law. This law, which regulates the collection and use of biometric data such as facial recognition, was central to the case against Meta. The state accused Meta of capturing and storing biometric information from users’ photos and videos through Facebook’s now-discontinued “Tag Suggestions” feature. This feature allowed the platform to recognize and suggest friends to tag in uploaded images, a practice that Texas argued violated privacy rights by collecting and using biometric data without explicit consent. In his statement, Paxton praised the \'Facebook Texas settlement\' as a milestone in the protection of privacy rights. “This historic settlement demonstrates our commitment to standing up to the world’s biggest technology companies and holding them accountable for breaking the law and violating Texans’ privacy rights,” he said. He emphasized that the settlement reflects Texas\' determination to enforce stringent privacy protections and warned that any entity mishandling sensitive data would face severe legal consequences. Although Meta did not admit to any wrongdoing as part of the settlement, the company expressed satisfaction with the resolution. A Meta spokesperson stated, “We are pleased to resolve this matter and look forward to exploring future opportunities to deepen our business investments in Texas, including potentially developing data centers.” The company had previously announced the phasing out of its facial recognition technology by late 2021, offering users more control over how their data was used. The substantial \'Facebook Texas settlement\' amount of $1.4 billion was reached after the state argued that Meta’s facial recognition technology operated billions of times, violating privacy rights by capturing and using biometric data without consent. Under Texas’ biometric privacy law, damages of up to $25,000 per violation were sought, significantly adding to the financial impact on Meta. This case is part of a broader trend of increasing scrutiny on tech giants over data privacy issues, particularly in the wake of the \'Facebook data scandal\' that exposed significant vulnerabilities in how user data was managed. The \'Facebook Texas lawsuit\' and subsequent settlement underscore the growing legal and financial consequences that major technology firms face as states continue to enforce more rigorous privacy protections. This outcome sends a clear message that states are prepared to hold powerful tech companies accountable for privacy violations, ensuring that user data is treated with the utmost care.
TikTok HQ Suffers From Food Poisoning Outbreak, 57 Hospitalized
The recent suspected food poisoning outbreak at ByteDance\'s office in Singapore, where TikTok\'s Singapore HQ is located, has raised serious concerns about food safety within corporate environments. On Tuesday, 60 employees experienced symptoms of gastroenteritis, with 57 requiring hospital treatment. The incident underscores the critical importance of stringent food safety protocols, particularly in large organizations that rely on third-party catering services. TikTok, a global social media giant, operates under its parent company ByteDance, which has strategically positioned its headquarters in Singapore and Los Angeles. The Singapore HQ plays a pivotal role in TikTok\'s international operations, serving as a major hub for the company\'s activities in the Asia-Pacific region. The food poisoning outbreak at such a key location has prompted immediate investigations by both Singaporean health officials and ByteDance itself to determine the cause and prevent future occurrences. The severity of the outbreak was evident in the response, with 17 ambulances dispatched to TikTok\'s headquarters to provide emergency care. ByteDance has emphasized its commitment to employee well-being, stating that it has taken immediate steps to support affected employees and is closely collaborating with emergency services. This incident at TikTok\'s Singapore HQ highlights the broader challenges faced by multinational corporations in ensuring the safety and well-being of their employees across different global locations. The swift response from ByteDance and the Singaporean authorities, including the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and the Ministry of Health, reflects the serious approach taken to uphold food safety standards. These agencies have pledged to enforce stringent regulations and take action against any food operators found to be in violation of safety standards. As TikTok continues to expand its global presence, with its headquarters in Singapore being a central part of its operations, the company will need to strengthen its internal protocols and closely monitor its third-party partnerships to prevent similar incidents in the future. The situation serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of food safety, particularly in high-profile corporate settings like TikTok’s headquarters, where the health and safety of employees are paramount.
IShowSpeed Southeast Asian Tour 2024: Everything You Need To Know
Streaming sensation IShowSpeed is set to embark on a major international tour across Southeast Asia, following the viral success of his European travels. Announced during a broadcast on July 30, Speed expressed his excitement about exploring new territories, with planned visits to countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore in September. “I’m very excited, we’ve probably got around 30 more days until I’m over there,” he said, indicating that his Southeast Asia tour is just around the corner. Speed\'s announcement of his Southeast Asia tour comes on the heels of his recent European adventure, which garnered significant attention across social media platforms. During his European tour earlier in 2024, Speed visited countries like Norway, the Netherlands, and Albania, creating a stir with numerous viral moments that captivated his global fanbase. His content generated over 2.5 billion views across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube, with his streams consistently attracting between 50,000 to 80,000 concurrent viewers. Despite the overwhelming popularity, Speed\'s travels have not been without their challenges. In Oslo, Norway, he was attacked by a viewer while being escorted to his car, highlighting the security risks associated with such large fan gatherings. These incidents underscore the need for careful planning and security measures as Speed continues his global tours. Interestingly, IShowSpeed, who rose to fame on YouTube and other platforms, has not been as active on Twitch, another major streaming platform. Despite Twitch\'s prominence in the streaming world, Speed\'s content and brand have flourished primarily on other platforms, where his unique style and adventurous spirit have found a massive audience. Looking ahead, Speed\'s Southeast Asia tour is poised to be another exciting chapter in his streaming career. Fans in the region are eagerly anticipating his arrival, and his broadcasts from these new locales are expected to draw significant viewer engagement. Additionally, Speed hinted at future travels to the Middle East, with potential visits to countries like Lebanon, Iran, Egypt, Afghanistan, and Algeria, further expanding his global reach. As IShowSpeed prepares for his Southeast Asia tour, his journey reflects both the opportunities and challenges that come with global fame. His ability to connect with fans across diverse regions while navigating the risks of such widespread popularity continues to define his remarkable rise in the streaming world.
Teen TikToker Plunges To Her Death While Taking A Selfie Near A Waterfall
On Monday, July 22, 14-year-old TikTok star Moe Sa Nay tragically fell to her death while attempting to take a selfie at the Sinywa Waterfall in Mon State, Myanmar. Moe and a friend were visiting the waterfall in the town of Paung when the accident occurred. Both girls fell, but while Moe\'s friend managed to drift to land with minor injuries, Moe was not so fortunate. Tragically, Moe became trapped between two large boulders in the water as the current intensified, ultimately leading to her drowning. Her body remained wedged between the rocks overnight, as first responders were unable to retrieve it on the day of her death. It wasn\'t until the following day that authorities were able to dislodge her remains by tying ropes around her wrists and pulling her out. Mon Zaw, a rescue worker involved in the recovery, explained the circumstances surrounding her death: \"The one who slipped reached the bottom but died after getting stuck between the rocks. She died because she couldn’t get out. They tried to rescue her but couldn’t pull her out. Then the aid organizations and officials came.\" Moe Sa Nay\'s untimely death has sent shockwaves through her TikTok community, where her followers have been sharing condolences and expressing their grief. Her posts have been flooded with comments mourning her loss and emphasizing the importance of being cautious. One user poignantly noted, \"It’s so heartbreaking to hear about this loss. Life is precious, be careful,\" while another added, \"May her soul rest in peace.\" This tragic incident has also reignited conversations about the dangers associated with social media stunts and challenges. Many users have voiced anger and frustration over the increasing trend of influencers risking their lives for the sake of gaining likes and followers. Moe Sa Nay\'s death is reminiscent of other tragic incidents where young people have suffered fatal accidents while attempting dangerous trends on TikTok. In a related incident, an 11-year-old boy died in March after participating in TikTok\'s \"chroming\" challenge, which involves inhaling toxic chemicals to get high. Following his death, the boy\'s family called for TikTok to be banned to protect young people from engaging in such dangerous activities. Moe Sa Nay\'s death serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with social media fame and the often overlooked dangers of seemingly innocent activities like taking selfies in hazardous locations. As her followers continue to mourn her passing, the broader TikTok community is left to reflect on the importance of prioritizing safety over social media popularity.
Twitch Layoffs Feared As Amazon Loses More Money: Report
Twitch employees are growing increasingly anxious about the possibility of further layoffs as the Amazon-owned streaming platform grapples with ongoing financial challenges. Despite previous layoffs and efforts to boost revenue, including a hike in subscription prices, new reports suggest that Twitch\'s financial woes persist, fueling concerns among staff and industry insiders. According to The Wall Street Journal, Twitch\'s revenue has been negatively impacted by a decline in spending from its top contributors and a slowdown in new user registrations. These issues have led to speculation that user engagement on the platform has significantly dropped. Even though Twitch generates an impressive $2 billion annually, the company continues to struggle financially. This situation is particularly concerning given that Twitch was acquired by Amazon for nearly $1 billion in 2014, a decade ago. Now, with the platform\'s ongoing financial difficulties, employees are worried that Twitch may announce another round of layoffs following its annual operation review in the fall. This fear comes on the heels of significant layoffs in January 2024, when the company let go of 500 workers, approximately 35% of its total workforce. These concerns are further amplified by the broader context of Amazon\'s layoffs, which have affected multiple divisions within the company. Twitch employees fear that the platform could follow the path of other underperforming Amazon-owned entities, such as Goodreads and Woot, both of which have been labeled as \"zombie brands\"—businesses that continue to operate but fail to innovate or grow. There is a growing sense among Twitch insiders that the platform could stagnate and lose its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving streaming market. Adding to the controversy, Twitch CEO Dan Clancy has faced criticism for his frequent global travels, during which he meets with streamers while the company struggles financially. Clancy has defended these trips, comparing his meetings with streamers to a manufacturing company executive meeting with suppliers and customers. However, many Twitch employees view these trips as poorly timed and out of touch with the company’s current financial reality. Amid these challenges, morale at Twitch is reportedly low, with many employees feeling uncertain about their future at the company. The fear of additional layoffs is compounded by a belief that Twitch\'s current strategies are not adequately addressing the root causes of its financial troubles. The company’s reliance on big spenders, combined with declining user engagement, suggests that more substantial changes may be necessary to restore confidence among its workforce and user base. As Twitch navigates these turbulent times, the uncertainty surrounding its financial stability and future within Amazon continues to weigh heavily on its employees. The platform, once a thriving hub for live streaming, now faces significant challenges that threaten its position in the competitive digital landscape. The coming months will be critical for Twitch as it reassesses its strategies and works to address the concerns of its employees and users alike.
Tala\’s Grace Beverley Launches AI Talent Management Tool For Influencers, Content Creators
The launch of Grace Beverley\'s Retrograde, an AI-powered talent management system for content creators, is making waves in the rapidly expanding creator economy. As content creation continues to grow into a multi-billion-dollar industry, new platforms and services like Retrograde are emerging to cater to the unique needs of creators. Interestingly, this surge in innovation and support for digital content creators parallels trends seen in other industries, such as the intersection of technology and social interaction in apps like Hinge. While Hinge focuses on connecting people in the dating world, including an emerging trend of *Olympian dating apps* designed specifically for athletes competing in the Olympics 2024, Retrograde aims to connect creators with the tools they need to succeed in their professional lives. Both reflect the broader trend of leveraging technology to create niche, specialized platforms that cater to specific communities and their unique needs. As Retrograde continues to gain traction, it may even inspire similar developments in other industries, much like how specialized dating apps are emerging to cater to particular groups, such as athletes. The potential for an app that caters specifically to Olympians, for example, could be seen as a natural progression from platforms like Hinge, but with a focus on the unique lifestyles and schedules of elite athletes, particularly those competing in the highly anticipated Olympics 2024. In both cases—whether it\'s the creator economy with Retrograde or the social sphere with an *Olympian dating app*—the trend is clear: technology is increasingly being used to create tailored, user-focused experiences that address the specific needs of different communities. These innovations reflect a shift towards more personalized, AI-driven solutions, whether for managing business in the creator economy or finding meaningful connections in the world of elite sports.
Nara Smith, Marc Jacobs Face Backlash Over Bag Baking From Scratch
The recent collaboration between mega-influencer Nara Smith and luxury brand Marc Jacobs has generated significant attention online. A TikTok video featuring Nara Smith baking her version of Marc Jacobs\' The Tote Bag has garnered over 2 million likes and 11 million views since its release earlier this week. However, the campaign has faced backlash for allegedly imitating another creator, Mary Korlin-Downs, who had previously created a similar video baking the same bag through a trade partnership with the brand. Nara Smith\'s cooking skills have been a central focus in this campaign, with many fans praising her innovative recipes and culinary creativity. Her Instagram followers have been particularly enthusiastic, frequently commenting on her unique dishes and asking for more Nara Smith recipes. This backlash highlights the potential pitfalls of influencer marketing and the importance of strategic planning and ethical considerations in public relations. PR professionals can learn valuable lessons from this situation to avoid similar issues in their own campaigns. First, having a solid creative brief and influencer agreement is crucial. A creative brief ensures that campaign goals and objectives are clearly communicated and provides guidelines for branding, messaging, and potential storylines. On the legal side, an influencer agreement clarifies expectations and obligations, including scope of work, compensation, reporting cadence, and terms for termination. Additionally, PR pros should assess the type of ownership needed for the content being created. Clearly outlining the legal dos and don’ts in influencer agreements is another critical step. For content intended for repurposing and reuse, it’s essential to specify that the brand owns the content and creative ideas produced during the partnership. This might involve extra charges from influencers for ownership rights, but it ensures proper usage of the creator’s image and likeness in compliance with copyright laws. Ethical implications also play a significant role in influencer campaigns. While contracts can define ownership of creative ideas, PR pros should consider the ethical responsibility of crediting original creators. Research shows that Gen Z consumers prioritize honesty and fairness, holding brands accountable for transparency. Practitioners should ensure all necessary information is disclosed to the public, following Federal Trade Commission guidelines and ethical standards. Crediting original creators when participating in trends and clearly defining ownership in creative briefs and agreements is essential. Nara Smith\'s collaboration with Marc Jacobs, especially the attention drawn to the Marc Jacobs Tote Bag, underscores the importance of originality and respecting other creators\' contributions. Nara Smith\'s Instagram posts have been flooded with comments both praising her creativity and pointing out the similarities to Korlin-Downs\' work. Navigating the rapidly evolving communication landscape requires vigilance and expertise. PR professionals should lean into their strategic skills and relationship-building abilities to protect the reputation of the brands they represent. Ensuring authenticity and accuracy in social media campaigns is paramount. By considering these factors, PR pros can create successful influencer campaigns while maintaining ethical standards and avoiding potential backlash.
MrBeast Employee Denies \’Fraud\’ Claims, Reveals Accuser Was On \’Shrooms\’
An employee of YouTube star MrBeast has publicly addressed fraud allegations made by a former coworker, DogPack404. The former employee recently posted a video accusing MrBeast of faking giveaways, rigging videos, running illegal lotteries, and selling fake signatures, sparking considerable MrBeast drama. Earlier this week, DogPack404 branded MrBeast a \"fraud\" and alleged that the content produced by the YouTuber was unauthentic. The accusations stirred significant controversy within the MrBeast YouTube community, prompting a current employee to respond. This employee, identified as @Chucky on X (formerly known as Twitter), claimed to have fired DogPack404 due to \"erratic behavior\" and provided a detailed rebuttal to the allegations. In his post, Chucky refuted the claims, stating, \"We do not fake giveaways. I have been hands-on with some of them and have personally connected winners with our accounting department to get paid.\" He emphasized that the accusations were baseless and provided insight into the company’s practices to ensure transparency and authenticity. Chucky also addressed the personal conduct of the accuser, referring to DogPack404 by what appears to be his real name, Dawson. He mentioned that Dawson himself admitted on Reddit to being under the influence of drugs while filming, which could have influenced his statements. Chucky added, \"Dawson was only employed from March 25th, 2024, and was let go on April 19th, 2024. He was on a 90-day trial, and we ended it early and paid him out to June 25th as we guaranteed the 90 days of pay so he could transition into a new job.\" The response from Chucky aimed to debunk the MrBeast fraud allegations and clarify the situation, asserting the integrity of MrBeast’s content and giveaways. He concluded his response by indicating that he could provide further details but preferred to keep the post concise. The controversy highlights the challenges faced by popular content creators like MrBeast in maintaining their reputation and addressing public accusations. As the situation unfolds, fans and followers of MrBeast will likely be watching closely to see how the dispute is resolved and whether additional information comes to light.
X Posts About Olympics 2024 Opening Ceremony Hit 13 Million, Up 25% From Tokyo 2020
X is leveraging the 2024 Paris Olympics to boost its ad revenue and regain advertiser confidence amid a significant drop in overall revenue. Despite struggling with a 50% year-over-year revenue decline since rebranding from Twitter to X, the platform is showcasing record-high engagement numbers related to the Games. According to X, the global audience has been highly active, with fans, brands, athletes, and commentators sharing memes and reactions about the Opening Ceremony and ongoing events. X reports that 87% of its users plan to follow the Olympics on the platform, which provides a promising opportunity for advertisers. To capitalize on the increased engagement, X has introduced the “Portal to Paris,” a dedicated space featuring Olympics trends and clips. This initiative aims to centralize content and enhance user interaction. Despite some limitations due to restrictions imposed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on video clips, X remains focused on driving engagement through this feature. Additionally, X has rolled out a new advertising tool called “Trend Genius,” which allows brands to align their ads with trending topics. Brands can choose specific topics related to athletes, sports, or teams, and X’s system will automatically display pre-programmed ads when discussions around these topics gain momentum. X is hoping that the Olympics will help attract more advertisers and improve its financial performance. The platform is placing significant emphasis on the Games to generate increased ad revenue and restore advertiser trust. The outcome of X’s strategy will be closely watched as the Olympics progresses, with the potential to influence the platform\'s ad business and overall market position. In addition to its promotional efforts, X is also engaging with the broader Olympics narrative by fostering interactive discussions and leveraging user-generated content. The platform’s focus on creating a dynamic space for fans to engage with the Games could help boost its profile as a key destination for live events and real-time conversations. If successful, this approach might not only enhance X\'s ad revenue but also solidify its reputation as a vital player in the social media landscape, particularly during high-profile global events like the Olympics. Fans following the #Paris2024 Olympics on X are contributing to the platform\'s vibrant atmosphere. As discussions about the Olympics 2024 opening ceremony and ongoing events unfold, the role of X in shaping the conversation is becoming increasingly evident. Brands and users alike are turning to X for real-time updates and interactions, making it a central hub for everything related to the Olympics. Keep an eye on X’s Twitter feed for the latest updates and trending topics throughout the Paris Olympics 2024.
What Is Budots? Filipino Dance Move, Music Takes Over TikTok Trends
\"Emergency Budots,\" a remix of Miami Sound Machine\'s \"Dr. Beat\" by DJ Johnrey Masbate, has become a global sensation on TikTok, highlighting the Filipino dance and music genre known as Budots. Since its release in December, the track has been featured in over 500,000 videos on the platform as of Monday afternoon, with users worldwide embracing it for dance and fashion content. The dance videos, in particular, have catapulted Budots into the international spotlight. Originating from Davao City, Philippines, Budots, which means \"slacker\" in Visayan slang, is known for its distinctive electronic beats and dynamic dance style. The genre, which involves sweeping hand movements and gyrating motions, was first popularized by Sherwin Tuna, also known as DJ Love, in the early 2000s. Despite its regional popularity, Budots had not gained widespread recognition outside the Philippines until now. TikTok users have embraced \"Emergency Budots\" to create a variety of dance videos, bringing attention to the genre’s unique style. Many creators, including popular figures like Hank Green, have praised the dance moves, with some finding them more challenging than they appear. Tutorials and reaction videos have further fueled the track\'s popularity. DJ Johnrey Masbate, who composed the remix, expressed surprise at the track\'s viral success. \"I didn’t expect my remix to go viral,\" Masbate told NBC News. \"It’s just my passion to make remix songs.\" He hopes that the trend will shine a light on Filipino culture and contribute to its global recognition. As TikTok continues to drive music trends and cultural exchanges, \"Emergency Budots\" is a prime example of how digital platforms can elevate local art forms to international prominence. Masbate\'s remix not only showcases the infectious energy of Budots but also highlights the power of social media in bridging cultural gaps and celebrating diverse musical traditions.