Snapchat vs YouTube

Norway plans under-16 social media ban targeting Roblox, TikTok

Norway has announced plans to expand its under-16 social media ban to include platforms such as Roblox, Snapchat, and TikTok. The government will introduce a bill by the end of 2026 that holds technology companies accountable for age verification. The legislation targets harmful content, addictive features, and unwanted contact from strangers, while still allowing children to use harmless messaging services and games. Norway joins a growing number of countries, including Australia, California, Vietnam, and the UAE, in restricting children's social media access.

• Norway plans to ban social media for children under 16, targeting Roblox, Snapchat, and TikTok.
• The bill will be introduced in parliament by the end of 2026 and will hold tech companies responsible for age verification.
• The ban addresses harmful content, addictive features, and unwanted contact from strangers.

Snapchat loses lawsuit over AI chat data usage

Snapchat has lost a lawsuit concerning the use of data from its AI chatbot My AI for advertising purposes. The Cologne Regional Court ruled that this data processing is unlawful. The decision could have significant implications for how tech companies handle user data from AI interactions, particularly regarding consent and privacy regulations. This case highlights the growing legal scrutiny on AI-driven data practices and the importance of compliance with data protection laws. Companies may need to reassess their data processing strategies for AI features to avoid similar legal challenges.

• Snapchat lost a court case in Cologne regarding AI chatbot data usage.
• The court ruled that using My AI chat data for advertising is unlawful.
• The lawsuit was about data privacy and consent for AI data processing.

Instagram Offers Creators $500K to Boost Long Videos

Instagram is testing 'Features', a new format allowing creators to upload landscape videos up to 90 minutes long, currently available in Brazil and the US. To attract creators, Meta is reportedly offering selected individuals between $50,000 and $500,000 to publish content on the platform. The move aims to compete with YouTube's established monetization for long-form video. However, Instagram lacks a comparable revenue-sharing model for these videos, and creators typically earn less on Instagram than on YouTube. Past attempts like IGTV failed due to lack of sustained monetization. Analysts question whether upfront payments alone will drive long-term adoption, as creators need reliable income streams to commit to the platform.

• Instagram is testing 'Features', allowing videos up to 90 minutes long, in Brazil and the US.
• Meta offers selected creators between $50,000 and $500,000 to publish long-form videos on Features.
• Instagram's head Adam Mosseri previously opposed long-form video but now supports the new format.

Experience Daddy Yankee’s new album on YouTube

Daddy Yankee has officially returned with La Postal, a 15-track album that serves as a love letter to Latin identity, romance, and global culture. You can now stream the album on YouTube Music and check out his two new music videos and 13 visualizers. And today, only on YouTube, join other fans as they stream Daddy Yankee’s 26-episode microdrama event live from San Juan, Puerto Rico, projected across the historic Cuartel de Ballajá featuring live dancing and new music.

YouTube Developing Experimental Social App 'Tamba'

YouTube is reportedly developing an experimental social media platform called 'Tamba', according to an APK teardown by Android Authority. The analysis of YouTube version 21.44.534 revealed a separate application package (com.google.android.youtube.sandbox) with Tamba branding, suggesting a distinct product. The app appears to include social features such as following, private profiles, direct messaging (one-on-one and group), photo/video sharing, and reactions (hearts). It also integrates YouTube Shorts playback within chats. Visual assets include 38 custom icons in a playful style, indicating a full social interface. The project is internally labeled 'Project Sandbox', signaling an experimental phase. No official confirmation from YouTube or Google has been made, and launch timelines are unknown.

• Android Authority discovered references to a separate app package 'com.google.android.youtube.sandbox' with Tamba branding in YouTube version 21.44.534.
• Tamba appears to include social features such as following, private profiles, direct messaging, and photo/video sharing.
• The project is internally labeled 'Project Sandbox' and includes 38 custom icons in a playful, hand-drawn style.