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Posts Tagged ‘Facebook’

Instagram posts will soon be screened by Facebook fact checkers

08 May

The amount of fake news and conspiracy theories on Facebook and Twitter is troublesome, but by no means limited to those two social media platforms. Instagram users have to deal with a fair share of general misinformation as well.

The company has already been working to reduce the reach of posts containing false information, but is now taking things one step further. Soon potentially misinforming posts will go through parent company Facebook’s fact checking procedures.

Posts that are identified as false will not necessarily be removed but won’t appear on the Explore page or hashtag search. Talking to Poynter, a company spokesperson said: ‘Our approach to misinformation is the same as Facebook’s — when we find misinfo, rather than remove it, we’ll reduce its distribution.’

The newly introduced measures now ensure the fact checkers also find images on Instagram that have not previously been flagged on Facebook.

According to reports Instagram has been working closely with Facebook’s fact checking teams since the US midterm elections. When images with misinformation are identified on Facebook, an image recognition algorithm can search for the same image on Instagram. The newly introduced measures now ensure the fact checkers also find images on Instagram that have not previously been flagged on Facebook.

According to Poynter, Instagram is also considering the option to add pop-ups that alert users who are searching for misinformation. It’s good to see the platform and its parent company Facebook taking a stronger stance against misinformation in social media but for many the measures to counteract fake news and hate messages are still not going far enough.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Facebook, Instagram sue company that made over $9M selling fake likes and followers

27 Apr

Despite Instagram’s Terms of Use (TOU) saying purchasing likes, followers and general activity isn’t permitted, there’s no shortage of services available that’ll do just that. Instagram has long tried to shut these services down, but now the issue is going to be challenged in court for one particular New Zealand-based company.

Facebook has announced in a post on its Newsroom website that it and Instagram have filed a lawsuit in United States federal court against a company and three individuals located in New Zealand. According to the complaint, the defendants used various websites and corporations ‘to sell fake engagement services to Instagram users.’

A screenshot provided in the complaint showing the pricing of LikeSocial, a website Facebook and Instagram allege the defendants used to sell inauthentic Instagram activity.

Jessica Romero, Director of Platform Enforcement and Litigation, writes in the post titled ‘Preventing Inauthentic Behavior on Instagram’ that ‘By filing the lawsuit, we are sending a message that this kind of fraudulent activity is not tolerated on our services, and we will act to protect the integrity of our platform.’ She later adds:

Inauthentic activity has no place on our platform. That’s why we devote significant resources to detecting and stopping this behavior, including blocking the creation and use of fake accounts, and using machine learning technology to proactively find and remove inauthentic activity from Instagram.

The lawsuit specifically seeks to stop the defendants from ‘Engaging and profiting in the sale of fake likes, views and followers on Instagram,’ ‘Violating our Terms of Use and Community Guidelines’ and ‘Violating the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act and other California laws for distributing fake likes on Instagram even after their access was revoked and their accounts were suspended.’

According to the complaint, the defendants amassed roughly $ 9,430,000 from the allegedly fraudulent services and companies. Some of the specific websites mentioned in the complaint include SocialEnvy.co, IGFamous.net, Social10x.com, smseries.co.nz, SocialSteeze.net and LikeSocial.co.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Facebook now says ‘millions of Instagram users’ had their passwords stored in plaintext

19 Apr

Last month, Facebook shared a blog post detailing how passwords of Instagram, Facebook and Facebook Lite users were stored in plaintext on its servers. At the time, Facebook said only ‘tens of thousands of Instagram users’ were affected. Now, Facebook has updated the post to say ‘millions of Instagram users’ had their passwords stored in plaintext on its servers.

Facebook claims ‘these stored passwords were not internally abused or improperly accessed’ and says it will notify the users with exposed passwords. Krebs on Security reports more than 20,000 Facebook employees had access to the plaintext passwords, some of which date as far back as 2012.

Regardless of whether or not you’ve been notified by Facebook of a breach, it would be a good idea to change your Facebook and Instagram passwords as well as the passwords on any other login that shares those passwords.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Instagram rolls out Checkout payment feature, data handled by Facebook

20 Mar

Instagram has announced Checkout, a new feature that is not directly imaging-related, but should still be of importance to many users. Checkout will allow users to purchase goods and services from Instagram business accounts without leaving the app and finalizing the transaction in another app or browser.

After tapping on a product page users will be able to select sizes, colors, and other product characteristics and make payments inside Instagram. Previously they would have redirected to the retailer’s website for these actions.

Instagram says it will “securely” save your name, email as well as billing and shipping information after your first order. This information package will be stored and managed by parent company Facebook but only be used by Instagram for the time being.

Checkout is currently in closed beta and only available to users in the USA. Participating brands include Adidas, Burberry, H&M, MAC Cosmetics, Nike and Zara. The current list of brands will be expanded soon. Retailers are charged a selling fee by Instagram for the service.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Facebook, Instagram goes down for select users around the world

14 Mar

Facebook and its accompanying platform of applications — including Instagram — have been and continue to be down for a number of users around the globe today.

Both Facebook and Instagram load normally for users, but neither platform appears to be updating feeds properly and also won’t allow users to post. DPReview tested its accounts and can confirm both Facebook and Instagram were having issues at the time of writing and posting this article.

Facebook has addressed the issue, ironically enough, on Twitter, saying:

While there have been rumors the attack is due to a DDoS attack, Facebook has said that isn’t the case.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Major Facebook bug exposed private photos of 6.8 million users to third-party apps

15 Dec

On its developers blog today, Facebook disclosed a major photo API bug that left the private images of millions of users exposed to third-party apps. The bug, which has been fixed, was live from September 13, 2018 to September 25, 2018. During that time, some third-party apps may have had permission to access images uploaded to the service but not posted, as well as photos shared outside of the user’s timeline.

Facebook users can grant third-party apps permission to access images they’ve shared on the platform, but that permission is “usually” limited to photos the user published on their timeline, according to the company. The photo API bug may have given some third-party apps permission beyond timeline images, however, also including ones uploaded to the platform but not published, Facebook Stories content, and images shared on Marketplace.

As of its initial disclosure on December 14, Facebook said, ‘Currently, we believe this may have affected up to 6.8 million users and up to 1,500 apps built by 876 developers.’

Facebook plans to alert users who were potentially affected by the bug. A new Help Center page on Facebook’s support website provides a tool that shows users whether they have used any apps that potentially had access to their private images. As well, the company will provide app developers with a tool “early next week” that shows whether their apps were affected by the photo API bug.

“We are also recommending people log into any apps with which they have shared their Facebook photos to check which photos they have access to,” the company said in its disclosure.

The bug is the latest in a growing number of privacy debacles at Facebook. Earlier this year, the company suspended hundreds of third-party apps during its Cambridge Analytica scandal, which had revealed that data on 87 million Facebook users had been harvested and improperly used.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Facebook is using Instagram photos to train its image recognition AI

04 May

At its F8 developers conference Facebook not only revealed a number of new Instagram features, the company also talked about how it is using the billions of images on Instagram to train the world’s most accurate image recognition systems.

Training deep learning models for image and object recognition is typically a very labor-intensive task, as each training image has to be looked at and labeled by human workers. This is a serious limitation to the size of training image databases; however, Facebook has found a way to reduce human supervision in the training process by using images that are already labeled… with Instagram hashtags.

Its researchers used 3.5 billion Instagram images with approximately 17,000 hashtags to train deep learning models and the results have been encouraging.

A computer vision system that had been trained with one billion images and 1,500 hashtags, achieved 85.4 percent accuracy on the ImageNet benchmarking tool, outperforming the previous leading system by 2.3 percent.

It will be important to manage the disadvantages of less curated labels but the Facebook research shows that less supervised training of image recognition systems could be a step into the right direction, allowing for the use of much larger and databases and therefore improved image and object recognition and classification.

Translation: finding that photo you never tagged that’s buried miles deep in your archive might soon get a whole lot easier.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Facebook Messenger adds 360-degree photo and HD video support

04 Apr

Facebook just released an update that brings high-definition video and 360-degree panoramic photo support to Messenger. The update follows the high-res photo support Facebook added to Messenger in November 2017, expanding the quality and type of content that users can privately share with each other.

For 360-degree photos, users capture the panoramic content using their phone’s camera app or a third-party app, then share the panorama in Messenger like any other photo. The app automatically processes the panorama, converting it into an immersive 360-degree image that recipients can ‘explore’ by either moving their phone around or tapping and dragging the photo. Panoramic photos feature a compass icon in their upper right-hand side.

High-definition video sharing, meanwhile, supports the sharing of 720p videos from both the Camera Roll and a user’s newsfeed. To distinguish these videos from standard definition videos, Messenger now shows an HD or SD marker with the content.

360-degree photos are now available to all Messenger users on Android and iOS. HD video support is only available in the following countries:

  • Australia
  • Belgium
  • Canada
  • Denmark
  • Finland
  • France
  • Hong Kong
  • Japan
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Romania
  • Singapore
  • South Korea
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Taiwan
  • UK
  • USA

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Facebook just doubled the resolution of photos in Facebook Messenger

21 Nov

Photo messaging has been around for a long time, but as smartphone cameras get better and better, this form of ‘visual communication’ is only becoming more common. That’s why, earlier today, Facebook announced a major update to Facebook Messenger that doubles the resolution of the photos you send from 2K to 4K—or, more specifically, to a max of 4096 x 4096 pixels.

“We heard that people want to send and receive high resolution photos in Messenger,” reads the release from Facebook, “and considering people send more than 17 billion photos through Messenger every month, we’re making your conversations richer, sharper, and better than ever.”

And just in case you’re wondering: this resolution bump should not affect speed. According to Facebook, “your photos will also be sent just as quickly before, even at this new, higher resolution.”

Here are a few before and after samples that show what doubling the resolution from the previous 2K looks like IRL.

*The images on the left were reproduced to reflect the previous default resolution at 2K. The images on the right reflect the new default resolution at 4K

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To take advantage of the new feature yourself, update your FB Messenger app to the latest version and every photo you send should automatically go out at up to 4096 x 4096 pixels.

For now, the feature is limited to iPhone and Android users in the US, Canada, France, Australia, the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea. Additional countries will be added ‘in the coming weeks.’

Press Release

Making Visual Messaging Even Better – Introducing High Resolution Photos in Messenger

By Sean Kelly & Hagen Green, Product Managers, Messenger

The way people message today is no longer limited by just text; visual messaging as our new universal language is much more emotional and expressive. Whether you’re catching up over moments big and small — like a recent vacation, an amazing meal at a new restaurant, a new member of the family, or the first snow day of the year — sharing photos of our experiences brings our conversations to life.

We’re making significant investments in how people communicate visually on Messenger. That’s why today, we’re excited to share that people can send and receive photos in Messenger at 4K resolution — or up to 4,096 x 4,096 pixels per image — the highest quality many smartphones support. We heard that people want to send and receive high resolution photos in Messenger — and considering people send more than 17 billion photos through Messenger every month — we’re making your conversations richer, sharper, and better than ever.

Your photos will also be sent just as quickly before, even at this new, higher resolution.

You may be curious how much of a difference 4K resolution makes. Take a look at the before and after examples in the gallery above. On the right at 4K resolution, once you zoom in, the photo is much sharper and clearer so you can see every detail. That’s what we mean by bringing your conversations to life.

To send and share photos at 4K resolution, first update your Messenger app to make sure you have the latest version. Then open a conversation and tap the camera roll icon. Select the photo, tap send, and the person you’re messaging with will receive the high resolution photo.

Starting today, we are rolling out 4K resolution on both iPhone and Android to people in the US, Canada, France, Australia, the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea. In the coming weeks, we’re planning to roll out 4k resolution to additional countries.

We know that every message matters to you, no matter how or what you’re sharing. We appreciate that you continue to use Messenger to connect with the people you care about most.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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DxO offers Android model, adds Facebook Live support and battery grip to One camera

16 Oct

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DxO has announced version 3.0 of the iOS app for its ‘One’ connected camera as well as a beta USB-C Android version of the device. This significant upgrade adds support for Facebook Live broadcasting, with the ability to utilize the iPhone’s built-in camera(s), as well as the one on the One (no pun intended). The new software allows users to monitor each camera separately, adjust settings as needed and then effortlessly switch from one to another.

The update also brings with it support for video and still time-lapses. The One uses ‘Auto Ramping’ to maintain white balance and exposure throughout the sequence in order to avoid ‘flicker.’ Still images can be saved in Raw format and can also be combined to create a 4K video.

New accessories include a battery pack, which holds up two batteries (each adding 1 hour of ‘life’), a tilt stand and a ‘cable back door’ that allows for extended shooting when using the outdoor housing.

Android users who have been waiting for a One of their own, take note. DxO has developed a One for tablets and smartphones and will be starting an ‘Early Access’ program in the next several weeks. The Android version uses a USB-C connector that may limit compatibility to those with the newest smartphones, though we’ve reached out to DxO to see if a microUSB adapter will work.

The new firmware for iOS is available immediately from the App Store. The battery pack is $ 50 while the tilt-stand and cable back door are available at no charge.

The DxO ONE now supports Multi-Camera Facebook Live and Time-Lapse features as well as new accessories and an Early Access Program for Android

The latest free iOS app update, available free of charge, opens up a number of new opportunities for using the DxO ONE remotely and autonomously, transforming the camera into the perfect photo and video accessory for your iPhone

PARIS – October 16, 2017 – DxO, a key player in digital image technologies, announced a major update to the DxO ONE, its miniaturized and connected professional-quality camera for smartphones and tablets. Available immediately and free of charge, version 3.0 of the DxO ONE iOS app offers the first pro-quality multi-camera solution for Facebook Live and a new time-lapse option featuring exclusive Auto Ramping technology. The DxO ONE ecosystem of accessories now includes an external Battery Pack that doubles the camera’s battery life as well as a Cable Back Door for the device’s waterproof case, allowing you to use the DxO ONE outside or even underwater for extended periods.

“While smartphones have made significant progress in terms of image quality, they don’t come close to the photos and videos a real camera like the DxO ONE can offer. Most importantly, you have to hold them in your hand, and you constantly need them for other things, like making calls, sending messages, or checking your social networks,” explains Jérôme Ménière, DxO’s CEO and founder. “The DxO ONE is the first photo and video camera designed to operate as both a handheld and remote device. It’s even able to function remotely over a long period of time — for example, you can use it outside to record a time-lapse or Facebook Live video. Because it works in perfect harmony with your smartphone, it is the ideal photo and video assistant for this device.”

Multi-Camera Facebook Live capabilities: the ultimate solution for broadcasting professional-quality videos

With its iOS application update to version 3.0, the DxO ONE revolutionizes video publication using Facebook Live by allowing users to instantly and easily create a live video stream. Its revolutionary Multi-Camera mode, which leverages the DxO ONE and both iPhone cameras, gives users the ability to experiment with shots that can’t be captured with the iPhone’s cameras alone, making it easy to create professional-quality video streams.

DxO ONE’s Live Facebook solution offers a set of advanced controls, including a mini-control panel that allows the user to preview all three views to compose shots, adjust lighting, or prepare the subject before shooting and streaming live from different angles. Just like filmmakers, users can switch from one camera to another at the touch of a fingertip, as well as record sound from the DxO ONE’s or the iPhone’s built-in microphone, and switch the sound source during playback.

Wi-Fi control also allows users to control the camera remotely while also sending videos over Wi-Fi or 4G, making it easy to experiment with new compositions. And with its large sensor and ultra-bright optics, the DxO ONE offers a natural bokeh that allows users to capture high-quality video.

Stunning, ready-to-share time-lapse videos

Version 3.0 of the DxO ONE iOS application’s Time-Lapse feature lets you capture stunning videos and share them without going through a complex post-processing process. The easy-to-use interface guides users through the appropriate settings — duration, interval, and time of shooting — and warns them if their selected settings are incompatible. DxO ONE’s unique Auto Ramping technology avoids flicker effects by providing consistent exposure and white balance across all images. Once the settings are established, the phone can be used normally while the camera continues to take pictures. The videos it produces can then be shared immediately.

In addition, the DxO ONE iOS 3.0 application’s Time-Lapse feature uses an intervalometer, transforming the camera into an automatic camera that periodically takes professional-quality images in RAW format at a user-defined rate. Advanced users can also create 4K videos in post-processing.

For long-term use no matter the weather and even underwater, the Cable Back Door connects the DxO ONE to an external battery when the camera is used with the Outdoor Shell — a must-have combination for superb outdoor video and time-lapse imaging.

New accessories for optimizing the DxO ONE experience

The new Battery Pack extends the DxO ONE’s battery life. It includes a Cradle, two rechargeable batteries, and a USB adapter. The Cradle attaches to the bottom of the DxO ONE once the back door has been removed so you can connect either one of the two batteries or the USB adapter. Each battery adds up to one hour of battery life, and the USB adapter allows the DxO ONE to be recharged directly from an external battery.

The new Tilt Stand lets you hold the camera on any surface and choose between five different tilt directions as well as different angles of view, greatly facilitating use of the DxO ONE in standalone mode, or for hands-free remote use when controlled by Wi-Fi.

DxO seeks out Android users

Building on the success of its DxO ONE for iOS, DxO has developed a DxO ONE for Android equipped with a type-C USB connector, making it compatible with recent Android smartphones and tablets.

The DxO ONE Android will be offered in the coming weeks via an “Early Access” program that is open to all. It will allow users to preview the DxO ONE Android and receiving regular updates with the latest application features. The Early Access program will be an opportunity for participants to share their feedback and help improve the DxO ONE experience on Android.

“Since its launch, we have added dozens of features to the DxO ONE, thanks to feedback from users,” said Jean-Marc Alexia, Vice President of Product Strategy. “Today, DxO is responding directly to one of the most frequent requests by launching the Android version, and we will continue to listen to market needs. “

Price & availability

Version 3.0 of the DxO ONE iOS application, along with the application for the Apple Watch, are immediately available for free via the iTunes App Store.

Version 1.0 of the DxO ONE Android will be available for free in the coming weeks via the Google Play Store, as part of the “DxO ONE Android Early Access program”.

The Battery Pack ($ 59,99 | £49.99 | 59,90 €) will be available at dxo.com.

The Cable Back Door will come with any purchase of a waterproof Outdoor Shell from DxO’s online store.

The Tilt Stand will be provided with the DxO ONE free of charge.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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