Bidness ETC - Facebook Introduces "Add A Link"

Facebook curbs the need of Google by launching "Add A Link"

There are several problems which users undergo while using mobile applications. Among them is posting of links which get extremely clumsy where users have to switch app, copy and paste etc. So in order to solve this problem, Facebook Inc (FB) has taken an initiative where it has been testing a keyword search engine that will be in-app allowing users to find articles and websites so that they can add them to these status updates.

Along with the options to update location or pictures, some Apple iOS users have been given the option to “Add A Link”. So if users have any query, they can easily mention there and FB, the social media giant will provide several links that the user might be interested in sharing. This allows users to see what is on the sites and by tapping on them they can also add a caption before sharing it. The company will also provide a list of preferences based on the links that have been shared mostly.

This is a major advancement by the company to curb Google. Initially, if a user needed to search for any link or article, they had to switch to Google’s app via mobile and copy and paste the link on their preferred social media platform. So in one way, Social Media Platforms were contributing positively to the usage of Google.

However now, there would not be much need of Google Inc at least on Facebook since the website will perform the duties of a search engine which is expected to be less cluttered and more sophisticated.

This will be a major breakthrough for Facebook since now it will have the audience hooked to itself. Most of the users, including me found the process to copy paste links extremely monotonous and time-consuming. So if now Facebook will put an end to this misery, then users will naturally prefer to stay on the platform rather than opting for search engines.

Tech Crunch reports that the “program could launch soon, and Facebook might give publishers 100% of ad revenue if they sell what’s shown next to the articles. If Facebook sells the ads, it might get 30%”

Usually what happens is that users tend to put an end to their windows session when they want to switch tab and search. So this initiative by the company will give them reasons to stay back and have their needs catered through this platform on its own without the need of other browsers or search engine.

Bidness Etc - Facebook Simplifies Legislations Regarding Banned Explicit Content

Facebook has outlined rules regarding banned content in order to make the platform safer.

Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) the social media giant has been working on its strategies to counter the propagation of explicit content from its website. The initiate is on par with the companies aim to combat posts that are controversial in nature. The company seeks to curb its support for nudity and militant organizations without rupturing its status as an organization that allows users to connect with the masses globally.

Facebook has decided to modify its community standards where they have provided certain examples of content that will not be published on Facebook. Hence, Facebook will no longer entertain any content that propagates threats, hatred, and criminal related activities.

Facebook has restricted such groups which promote criminal activities on its platform. These groups cannot access the platform to promote their message. However, the company has now decided to eliminate any such posts that side such organizations.

Revenge porn which basically means anything that is shared without the users consent or in vengeance will also be forbidden from the platform. However, nude paintings and sculptures, women nursing their infants and other similar images will be allowed whatsoever.

This initiate is on par with the company’s decision to combat sexual harassment or bullying through its platform. Previously, users have complained about privacy related issues through social media platform. This will allow them to settle down and eliminate to a great extent.

“Having a voice is not some absolute state. It’s not the case that you either have a voice or you don’t,” reported the CEO of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg.

Zuckerberg believes that the social media giant is not modifying its standards and policies but is working towards a healthier environment by instilling guidance.

“People rightfully want to know what content we will take down, what controversial content we'll leave up, and why,” Zuckerberg stated.

Facebook is an independent channel that does not cater to violence. The company seeks to facilitate the interest of their users which is only possible by providing them a safer gateway to connectivity.

The company will not cater to extremism of any form or provide a platform for extremist organizations to promote their message through them. These legislations will be implemented for all users irrespective of the agenda they seek to cater.

Hence, Facebook has taken a wise step to overcoming nudity and explicit content. However, many similar initiates were taken earlier to combat such issues but they didn’t prove to be of much use. The problem with such platforms is that the user base is so massive that it becomes extremely hard to scrutinize the content and readily propagate it.