United News of Bangladesh

Meta will begin testing its crowd-sourced fact-checking initiative, Community Notes, on March 18, following the model used by Elon Musk's X, the company announced on Thursday. Meta had previously discontinued its fact-checking programme in January, with CEO Mark Zuckerberg stating that fact-checkers had become “politically biased,” echoing criticisms long voiced by conservatives. However, media experts and social media researchers expressed deep concern over the policy change. French publishers, authors sue Meta for AI copyright infringement “The decision not only eliminates a valuable resource for users but also lends credibility to the widespread disinformation narrative that fact-checking is politically biased. Fact-checkers play a crucial role by providing essential context to viral claims that mislead millions on Meta,” said Dan Evon, lead writer for RumorGuard, the News Literacy Project’s digital tool that curates fact checks and educates people on identifying misinformation. Meta first introduced fact-checking in December 2016 following Donald Trump’s election, responding to concerns about the spread of “fake news” on its platforms. For years, the company partnered with over 100 organisations across more than 60 languages to combat misinformation. The Associated Press withdrew from Meta’s fact-checking programme more than a year ago. Community Notes will eventually replace fact checks, though not immediately. Meta stated that potential contributors in the U.S. can begin signing up for the programme, but their notes will not be visible right away. “We will start by gradually and randomly admitting people from the waitlist and will take time to test the writing and rating system before any notes are published publicly,” Meta explained. Meta emphasised that it would not determine what content gets rated or written, and notes will only be published if contributors with diverse viewpoints reach a broad consensus. Unlike the previous fact-checking system, where flagged misinformation saw reduced distribution, posts with Community Notes will not face penalties. Meta initiates layoffs to reduce workforce by 5% Fact checks will remain in place outside the U.S. for now, though Meta intends to expand Community Notes globally in the future.

French publishers and authors have announced legal action against Meta, alleging that the social media giant used their works without permission to train its artificial intelligence model. On Wednesday, three trade groups stated that they were suing Meta in a Paris court, accusing the company of the “massive use of copyrighted works without authorisation” to train its generative AI model. The National Publishing Union, representing book publishers, has highlighted that "numerous works" from its members are appearing in Meta’s data pool, according to the group’s president, Vincent Montagne, in a joint statement. Meta has not responded to a request for comment. The company has introduced generative AI-powered chatbot assistants for users on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Montagne accused Meta of engaging in “noncompliance with copyright and parasitism.” Another trade group, the National Union of Authors and Composers, which represents 700 writers, playwrights, and composers, stated that the lawsuit is necessary to protect its members from “AI that plunders their works and cultural heritage to train itself.” Ex-Meta official’s 'explosive dispatch' on company to be published The union is also concerned about AI generating “fake books” that compete with real publications, said the group’s president, François Peyrony. The third organisation involved in the lawsuit, the Société des Gens de Lettres, represents authors. Together, they demand the “complete removal” of data directories Meta created without authorisation to train its AI model. Under the European Union’s comprehensive Artificial Intelligence Act, generative AI systems must comply with the 27-nation bloc’s copyright regulations and be transparent about the material used for training. This case is the latest example of the ongoing conflict between the creative and publishing industries and technology firms over data and copyright. Last month, British musicians released a silent album in protest against proposed changes to the U.K. government’s artificial intelligence laws, which artists fear could undermine their creative control. Meta initiates layoffs to reduce workforce by 5% Meanwhile, media and technology company Thomson Reuters recently won a legal dispute against a now-defunct legal research firm over fair use in AI-related copyright cases. Other cases, involving visual artists, news organisations, and others, continue to progress through U.S. courts.

Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, has started a series of performance-based layoffs today, targeting approximately 5% of its global workforce. This move is part of CEO Mark Zuckerberg's strategy to "raise the bar" on performance and streamline operations. Layoff Details Affected employees are being notified via their work and personal emails, detailing severance packages. Access to company systems is revoked within an hour of notification. In the United States, notifications began at 5 a.m. Pacific Time. Due to local labour regulations, employees in Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands are exempt from these immediate cuts and will follow local performance management processes instead. Meta to invest up to $65 billion in AI projects in 2025 Global Impact While the initial notifications are concentrated in the U.S., employees in other regions, including parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa, are scheduled to receive their notifications between 11 and 18 February. The layoffs are expected to affect nearly 4,000 employees worldwide. Strategic Shift Towards AI Concurrently, Meta is expediting the hiring of machine learning engineers and other critical engineering roles. This accelerated hiring process is set to take place between 11 February and 13 March, aligning with the company's strategic priorities for 2025. Employee Sentiment The layoffs have generated anxiety among Meta's workforce. Some employees have expressed concerns about a culture of fear and the potential negative impact on morale. There is apprehension that the performance-based cuts could unfairly label departing employees, affecting their future job prospects. Meta abandons diversity programmes amid shifting US policy Industry-Wide Trend Meta's decision mirrors a broader trend in the tech industry, where companies are reassessing their workforce in response to economic pressures and the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. Other tech giants, including Google and Microsoft, have also implemented layoffs and restructured their operations to focus on AI-driven initiatives. As Meta navigates this transition, the company emphasizes its commitment to maintaining a high-performance culture while investing in future technologies that will shape the next era of digital interaction. Source: Agencies 

The Ministry of Public Administration has issued instructions to take action against government employees posting on social media without adhering to established guidelines. A letter was sent to secretaries, senior secretaries, divisional commissioners, and district administrators on Thursday instructing them to take immediate steps against employees violating social media protocols. ACC seeks info on dual citizenship of govt employees The letter said certain government officials are using social media to post status updates that not only undermine the government’s image but may also jeopardise national security. In its communication, the Ministry pointed out that a number of employees have been disregarding the “Social Media Usage Guidelines for Government Institutions, 2019.” These employees have been sharing documents and posting content that embarrasses the government or creates unnecessary controversy, which goes against the service rules for government personnel. Govt employees to receive dearness allowance The Ministry’s warning said that such behavior is both a breach of the official code of conduct and, in some cases, could be deemed harmful to national security. The Ministry’s guidelines clearly state that employees must refrain from engaging in conduct that is detrimental to the government or violates the code of ethics for public servants. Such actions can be categorized as misconduct under the 'Government Employee Discipline and Appeal Rules, 2018.' Govt employees must submit wealth statement by November 30: Senior Secretary To address these concerns, the Ministry has urged relevant authorities to take necessary actions in line with established regulations. The letter stressed the importance of vigilant monitoring and adherence to the social media usage guidelines, with strict consequences for violations.

Marin Plank truly had no interest in birds when she gave her husband a camera-equipped bird feeder for his birthday. But by Christmas, she had become so obsessed with it that most of the gifts she received this year — books, stickers, notecards — were bird-related. “This is who I am now,” she said. Acquaintances have stopped Plank on the street to discuss the bird photos she shares on Facebook. From copious amounts of research, she now knows the best birdseed blend and has a premium membership to a store that delivers giant bags of it to her Delaware home. It all started when she got her first postcard from the Bird Buddy app, which provides photos and video clips that can be downloaded or shared. “You’ve just got to click, and then the bird is in your face looking at you and mugging for you, and it’s like your own little private show,” she said. “Something about their little eyes and their goofy little faces just drew me in, and now I’m a bird enthusiast.” While North American bird populations decline dramatically, paradoxically, the number of people watching them has increased. While the coronavirus pandemic spurred many people to head outside in search of birds, for others, smart feeders that snap photos and video of backyard visitors have brought the hobby inside. “It really delivers value with very little input,” said Franci Zidar, founder and CEO of Bird Buddy, which has sold 350,000 smart bird feeders since 2022. “If you’re actually kind of a hardcore bird watcher, that can be a very demanding hobby. There are, however, 20 to 30 species of birds in most U.S. backyards that people either don’t really know or appreciate.” Several other companies, including Birdfy, make similar bird feeders that are mounted with cameras. And while standard bird feeders tap into people’s altruistic sides by allowing users to take care of animals, smart feeders take it a step further, Zidar said. Read: Staying safe in a wildfire: What to pack and when to evacuate “Ultimately, I think it marries two really beautiful things. One is your need to nurture and to give back and to connect with nature, and the other one is to kind of see it and appreciate it,” he said. Bird Buddy has proven so successful that the company is expanding its portfolio to include a tiny flower-shaped camera called Petal, and Wonder Blocks, which can be assembled to provide habitats for butterflies and other insects. Details were announced Monday at CES, formerly known as the Consumer Electronics show, in Las Vegas, with a Kickstarter campaign this spring. “Let’s not ask people to do crazy things, because they won’t. Let’s just give them value by just pointing a camera into this beautiful natural space,” Zidar said. “We’ll give you the drama, the happenings, the life that’s happening in that corner of your home.” In Ipswich, Massachusetts, Judy Ashley already had 11 bird feeders in her yard when she got a Bird Buddy last year. She has taken down some of the older feeders in hopes of attracting more birds to the camera to capture photos of those hanging out lately in her yard, especially a yellow-throated warbler, which is rarely seen in New England. She finally succeeded on Monday. “What’s amazing is how close you can see the details of backyard birds that you just wouldn’t see if you just stood there for hours with binoculars,” she said. “You just realize how amazing nature is.” Rachel Matthews in Austin, Texas, has three camera-equipped feeders, including one specifically for hummingbirds. While she grew up with bird feeders, the smart feeders have increased her interest, she said. “I love having the camera, and I see detail that even with my binoculars I’d never seen," she said. "The female cardinals with their red eyebrows and little feathers — it’s just phenomenal.” In November, the National Audubon Society announced a partnership with Bird Buddy to increase awareness about bird conservation. The arrangement could provide a pathway to get data from the company’s community science platform to scientists, said Nicolas Gonzalez, a spokesperson for the Audubon Society. “We’re eager to see how smart feeders and kind of just the whole bird-feeding industry can continue fostering this appreciation for birds and nature,” he said. Read more: Migratory birds under threat in Kushtia’s Padma Char In Delaware, Plank has grown attached to specific visitors to her feeder — a “badass” female Red-winged blackbird, a tufted titmouse who she said seems to know he’s handsome and blue jays who act like “drunk uncles.” “I give them these personalities in my mind, and it’s about having them right in front of my face, doing their little silly things,” she said. “That really has drawn me in.” So, too, have the frequent alerts and notifications she gets on her phone. “It’s just like a little spark of joy,” she said. “There’s something about being interrupted to remind you about this little part of the world that is just really lovely.”

Popular singer and actor Tahsan Khan sparked widespread buzz on Friday night and throughout Saturday after posting two photos with his speculated fiancée, Roza Ahmed and he officially confirmed their marriage to media on Sunday. “We got married today (Saturday) in the presence of our two family members. I wanted to inform everyone after we got married. That's why I didn't tell anyone before. I pray that we can walk the path beautifully together," Tahsan said. On Saturday evening, the heartthrob artist shared a new photo with Roza Ahmed again, with a lyrical tribute and the hashtag #homeforlife. Earlier that day, Tahsan informed a prominent local media outlet that he was not married till then and no formal ceremony had taken place, further stating that the (viral) photographs had been captured at a household event on Friday. Despite Tahsan's statement that he would disclose additional details on Saturday evening, he only posted the couple's supposedly newlywed photo on social media without any detailed information. The post has received over a million reactions on Facebook. Fans, well-wishers and their colleagues in the entertainment and make-up sectors congratulated the newlywed on the post. #homeforlife: Tahsan and Roza Ahmed still teasing followers, with no confirmation of relationship status Following her graduation from New York University, Roza Ahmed obtained her license as a cosmetologist and went on to open "Roza's Bridal Makeover" in Queens, New York. She has a large following on social media. Tahsan was previously married to actress-development professional Rafiath Rashid Mithila. The popular artist couple's divorce in 2017 shocked their fans and admirers.

In an era of rapid globalisation and technological advancement, social networking sites such as Facebook and YouTube have become integral to students’ academic and informal learning activities. A recent study published in the Teacher’s World: Journal of Education and Research by Saiful Islam and A B M Najmus Sakib explores how Dhaka University utilised these platforms for educational purposes during the research period from January to December 2022. The findings shed light on the evolving patterns of social media usage among university students in Bangladesh. A recent study published in the Teacher’s World: Journal of Education and Research by Saiful Islam and ABM Najmus Sakib explores how Dhaka University students utilise these platforms for educational purposes. The research, conducted over an extensive period, sheds light on the evolving patterns of social media usage among university students in Bangladesh. Key Findings of the Study The study employed a mixed-method approach, including structured surveys and semi-structured interviews, to gather data from 130 Dhaka University students. The research focuses on the role of Facebook and YouTube in both formal academic studies and informal learning, guided by Social Learning Theory (SLT). Read: Should reform education system to create generation of entrepreneurs: Prof Yunus The theory emphasises learning through observation, imitation, and modeling—a process facilitated by these platforms. Demographic Insights Nearly half of the respondents, both male and female, belong to the age group of 20–22 years. A smaller proportion of students under 20 years (13.1%) and those above 22 years (approximately 40%) were also included. The respondents spanned different educational levels, including undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate students, indicating that social media use cuts across all academic tiers. Facebook in Education The study highlights that Facebook plays a crucial role in academic activities, with 92.3% of respondents using it to enhance their studies. Common uses include: · Attending online classes. · Sharing academic materials via Messenger groups. · Providing feedback during live sessions. · Participating in group discussions. Facebook also serves as a hub for collaborative learning, with students uploading and sharing course content and class lecture links. YouTube’s Growing Role While Facebook dominates in academic contexts, YouTube excels in informal learning. About 75.4% of students rely on Facebook for informal study, compared to 79.2% who turn to YouTube. Popular YouTube channels such as 10 Minute School, Farjana Drawing Academy, and 5-Minute Crafts provide content on diverse topics ranging from graphics design and videography to spoken English and health-related tutorials. Read more: Britain keen to invest in Bangladesh’s youth education: UK Deputy High Commissioner Many respondents described YouTube as “the teacher of all teachers,” thanks to its vast repository of free, accessible educational materials. Impact of the Pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic significantly influenced the use of social media in education. The study notes that social networking platforms replaced traditional classrooms during lockdowns. Online education became the norm, with students increasingly relying on Facebook and YouTube for coursework, tutorials, and virtual group discussions. This shift underscores the necessity of integrating social media into the formal education system to address future disruptions. Call for Further Research The researchers recommend further sociological studies to analyze the role of other platforms like LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and Twitter in educational activities. They also stress the need for a deeper exploration of the long-term effects of social media usage on academic and informal learning. This study highlights the dual role of social media as a tool for formal education and informal learning among the Dhaka University students. As the use patterns of platforms like Facebook and YouTube continue to evolve, their impacts on education in Bangladesh remain profound.

All social media platforms including Facebook will be unblocked within two hours on Wednesday. State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak confirmed the development. Palak shared the update following virtual meeting with representatives from Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube, joining from Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) building in Dhaka's Agargaon this morning. Earlier on July 18, internet services were disrupted and access to social media platforms were blocked.   Read more: Only Youtube gets back to Palak; Facebook, others have till Wed morning

While the social media platform is still officially restricted in Bangladesh, Facebook is seeing a “red tide” as an overwhelming number of students and people from all walks of life in the country are changing their profile pictures with red images. The government had earlier announced that mourning day would be observed nationwide on Tuesday (July 30, 2024) to honour those who died during the violence surrounding the student protests for quota reform. The decision came at a cabinet meeting on Monday. In accordance, government officials and many others wore black badges. However, this decision was met with opposition from protesting students, who rejected the gesture as “dismissive of their struggle.” After the announcement of mourning day, Mahin Sarker, a coordinator of the Anti-discrimination Students’ Movement, published a video statement. “Without addressing the mass killings and oppression committed by the state, they are mocking students every day. In protest of this, to achieve the students’ demands, we request a nationwide campaign on Tuesday where participants will cover their faces and eyes with red cloth and take photos, which will be widely circulated online. Our symbol is red, as the symbol of rebellion. We urge students and our countrymen to take part in this campaign,” he said. Abdul Hannan Masud, another coordinator, added, “We consider the government’s decision to observe mourning day a mockery. Students boycotted their black badge program.” In solidarity, people from various walks of life—students, teachers, doctors, journalists—flooded social media with red profile pictures, using hashtags such as #RedforJustice, #RedforVictims, #StudentsInRed, #RedAgainstOppression, #BloodOnTheirHands, and #JulyMassacre. Read more: Govt will ensure ‘extremist’ Jamaat-Shibir cannot exploit legal loopholes to engage in politics: Quader A student from the University of Dhaka wrote, “Red is my love, blood, resistance, and revolution. A protest against mass killing and mass arrest.” Jesmin Papri, a journalist, wrote, “Having seen so much blood of kids, this red is nothing.” Yashab Osama Rahman, another journalist, wrote, “For the kids, for the future, for the present and for all the things we were put through in the past. For us.” People updated their profile pictures with captions such as: “Red is the colour of blood,” “Red is the colour of rebellion,” “Not the black of grief, but the red of betrayal,” and “Come next Spring, we will be twice as many.” Read more: PM Hasina visits vandalised Metro Rail station at Mirpur-10

A video featuring a restaurant in India’s Bangalore has gone viral and is trending online, as it shows a cook using a broom to clean the tawa (griddle). The video shows the process of making dosas from scratch, giving viewers an idea of what goes into the preparation. After seeing it, however, Facebook users were enraged, reports NDTV. 10 Bangladeshi Winter Street Foods: Taste Meets Tradition The video by @thefoodiebae shows a cook standing in front of a giant tawa in a restaurant's open kitchen. Crowds of consumers can be seen behind him, waiting for their orders. The cook begins preparing the tawa for dosas. He sprinkles it with water and then sweeps the tawa with a broom. On the heated tawa, the water starts to vaporise, and he resumes his sweeping motion. Following that, he begins spreading batter in circular motions to produce the dosas. One tawa can accommodate 12 dosas, it said. AI Robot Chefs: Automated Cooking Could Redefine Food Industry The video has been viewed 15 million times and received 111K likes. Disapproving comments have flooded the comments section, however. Many individuals have objected to using a broom to clean the tawa. 5 Tasty Savoury Winter Pitha Recipes for Bangladeshi Kitchen