Facebook Steps Up Efforts To Combat Misinformation

Facebook announced that they are launching new ways to inform people if they’re interacting with content that’s been rated by a fact-checker as well as taking stronger action against people who repeatedly share misinformation on Facebook. Whether it’s false or misleading content about COVID-19 and vaccines, climate change, elections or other topics, the social media giant will make sure that only few people can see misinformation.

Pages That Repeatedly Share False Claims

Facebook want to give people more information before they like a Page that has repeatedly shared content that fact-checkers have rated, so you’ll see a pop up if you go to like one of these Pages. You can also click to learn more, including that fact-checkers said some posts shared by this Page include false information and a link to more information about our fact-checking program. This will help people make an informed decision about whether they want to follow the Page.

Facebook Expanding Penalties For Individual Accounts

In late 2016, Facebook launched fact-checking program – aimed on reducing viral misinformation. Facebook took strong action against Pages, Groups, Instagram accounts and domains that sharing misinformation. Now, the company is expanding some of these efforts to include penalties for individual Facebook accounts too. Since today, Facebook will reduce the distribution of all posts in News Feed from an individual’s account if they repeatedly share content that has been rated by one of our fact-checking partners. Facebook already reduce a single post’s reach in News Feed if it has been debunked.

Redesigned Notifications When People Share Fact-Checked Content

Currently the Company only notify users when they share content that a fact-checker later rates, but now they redesigned these notifications to make it easier to understand when this happens. The notification includes the fact-checker’s article debunking the claim as well as a prompt to share the article with their followers. It also includes a notice that people who repeatedly share false information may have their posts moved lower in News Feed so other people are less likely to see them.

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Celebrate Ramadan The #MonthofGood

Facebook has announced a range of new tools to help users celebrate Ramadan, which will once again be impacted by COVID-19 restrictions around the world. Ramadan is a month-long celebration, which more than 2 billion people will observe around the world. And with many still unable to be physically together for the event, features on social apps take on increased significance in facilitating connection and celebration.

As per Facebook Statment:

“Last year, our community exchanged more than 20 million “Happy Ramadan” and “Celebrate Ramadan” posts and comments on Facebook, and WhatsApp video calls spiked on the first day of Eid. Despite the barriers to coming together in person, Ramadan remains a time for generosity, charity, and reflection. In 2020, people contributed twice as much to Ramadan-related fundraisers than they did in 2019 across Facebook and Instagram.”

How To Celebrate Ramadan?

Facebook has launched a new guide to help people Celebrate Ramadan, with 30 ideas for Facebook’s #MonthofGood initiative.

The #MonthofGood

Facebook will also be collaborating with creators, publishers, and NGOs throughout the month to highlight those that are making a positive impact in their communities, while Facebook’s also hosting new video content and information sessions linked into the #MonthofGood theme.

“On Facebook, UK-based director Basma Khalifa will host a video series to celebrate today’s changemakers and small businesses in the Muslim community. Also, Teen Vogue Director of Fashion and Beauty Features Tahirah Hairston will moderate a panel about modesty in Western culture and inclusion within the fashion industry.”

Facebook’s also adding themed stickers in Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, along with camera effects, and new tools in Messenger and Messenger Kids.

Hopefully, as the vaccine push ramps up around the world, this will be the last year of COVID-19 impacted celebrations around the event, and next year can mark a new beginning of Celebrate Ramadan in 2021 and the #MonthofGood theme. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #MonthofGood to help build solidarity in spreading kindness.

I also wish our community a very Happy Ramadan 2021. Let’s Celebrate the Month of Good.

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Facebook Testing QR Codes Feature for Online Payments in the US

Facebook Launching A New Funds Transfer Tool in the US

According to Mac Rumors reported, Facebook is currently testing out this new QR Codes Feature for Facebook Pay, which would enable users to scan a friend or family member’s QR code, and instantly transfer funds. It could open the door for a new push, with Facebook currently experimenting with a new process that would enable users to transfer funds via personal QR codes in the app.

Facebook QR Codes Feature:

The QR code feature, similar to Venmo’s QR codes and others, will allow a user to scan a friend’s code with their smartphone’s camera to send or request money, while the sharable payment links will let you publish your payment address outside of Facebook itself.

As per Facebook given a statement to TechCrunch, “To make payments on Messenger even easier, we’ve begun testing the ability for people to use QR codes and payment links when they want to send or request money.”

The screen that displays the QR code also introduces the personalized payment URL in the format of “https://m.me/pay/UserName,” which can also be sent to others when you’re making a payment or sending a request.

The test is limited to US users at this time, but it could make payment transfers more convenient, while the newfound acceptance of QR Codes could see people more open to the option, which may, once again, pave the way for new opportunities via scannable codes.

Facebook declined to share further details about the test, including how many or what percentage of users will see the new QR code and links or when tests began and when they’ll end. It seems to all fit. We’ll have to wait and see what Facebook does with this new push.

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Facebook Analytics Will Be Not Available After June 30, 2021

The Analytics Tool Is Going To Shutdown on June 30

Facebook Analytics will stop being accessible after June 30, 2021, which gives marketers less than three months to export their data and find other solutions. The announcement was secretly published in the Business Help Center post. If you navigate to “analytics.facebook.com” it will redirects users to the announcement, which said that:

“The Analytics Tool will no longer be available after June 30, 2021. Until then, you will still be able to access reports, export charts and tables, and explore insights. To export data into a CSV file from Analytics Tool on your desktop, click the arrow in the top-right corner of each chart or table.”

What is Facebook Analytics?

Facebook Analytics is used to collect the data from a Facebook page with data from the Facebook pixel. When the data is connected, Analytics can show a conversion path between a customer engaging with a business’s content and eventually making a purchase off of Facebook.

The company did not mention any reason for the closer of the Analytics Tool. Facebook points users to the following business tools to use after Analytics is removed:

Facebook Business Suite: Allows users to manage their Facebook and Instagram business accounts. Offers detailed insights about a business’s audience, content, and trends (but is not available to everyone).

Ads Manager: Lets businesses view, make changes, and see results for Facebook campaigns and ads.

Events Manager: Can help users set up and manage Facebook business tools like the Facebook pixel and Conversions API. Also reports on actions taken on a business’s website, app, and physical store.

While the latest news seems frightening to many marketers, Facebook has been losing momentum for quite some while. Facebook has lofty goals to make Business Suite the only interface businesses need to manage their activity on Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger.

Facebook Launches Libra Cryptocurrency and Calibra Digital Wallet

A simple global currency and financial infrastructure that empowers billions of people.

Facebook is parenting with 27 organizations around the world to start the non-profit Libra Association and going to launch Libra Cryptocurrency and Calibra Digital Wallet, a new subsidiary that will build for Messenger, WhatsApp, and apps on iOS and Android. The Founder and CEO at Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg said that “our mission is to create a simple global financial infrastructure that empowers billions of people around the world”. Libra is powered by block-chain technology and will be launch in 2020.

After the launch of this new currency, it will create positive impact on people’s lives because many of them don’t want to carry cash, which can be insecure, or pay extra fees for transfers. It is also important for those people who don’t have access to banks or financial services. Right now, there are around a billion people who don’t have a bank account but do have a mobile phone.

Facebook and Libra are trying to make it easy for everyone to send and receive money just like you use mobile apps to instantly share messages and photos. To enable this, Facebook is also launching an independent subsidiary called ‘Calibra’ that will build services that let you send, spend and save Libra – starting with a digital wallet that will be available in WhatsApp and Messenger and as a standalone app next year.

What is Calibra Digital Wallet?

Calibra will be regulated like other payment service providers. Any information you share with Calibra will be kept separate from information you share on Facebook. From the beginning, Calibra will let you send Libra to almost anyone with a smartphone at low to no cost. Over time, facebook will offer more services for people and businesses – like paying bills with the push of a button, buying coffee with the scan of a code, or riding local public transit without needing to carry cash or a metro pass.

In addition to facebook efforts, many other companies will build their own services using Libra – from payment companies like Mastercard, PayPal, PayU, Stripe and Visa, to popular services like Booking, eBay, Farfetch, Lyft, Spotify and Uber, to non-profits doing important work around financial inclusion like Kiva, Mercy Corps and Women’s World Banking, to companies in the crypto space like Anchorage, Coinbase, Xapo, and Bison Trails. A number of leading Venture firms are also joining to help drive innovation on the Libra network.

It’s decentralized – meaning it’s run by many different organizations instead of just one, making the system fairer overall. It’s available to anyone with an internet connection and has low fees and costs. And it’s secured by cryptography which helps keep your money safe.

Is Using Libra Safe?

Privacy and safety will be built into every step. For example, Calibra will have a dedicated team of experts in risk management focused on preventing people from using Calibra for fraudulent purposes. The company will provide fraud protection so if you lose your Libra coins, you’ll get refunds.

There’s still a lot more to learn and do before Libra will be ready to officially launch. According to Facebook, “We know it’s a major undertaking and responsibility – and we’re committed to getting this right. We’ve been working with policymakers and experts in areas like financial inclusion, economics, security, privacy and blockchain. We’ll continue listening to their feedback as we figure out the best way to move forward.”

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Facebook New Tools: Automated Ads Builder, Appointment Manager and Video Editor

Facebook New Tools: Automated Ads Builder, Appointment Manager and Video Editor

Facebook Ads has become the most powerful tool for online marketers. As we’re currently in the middle of National Small Business Week, Facebook is going to launch a new tools to help small businesses that can run automated ad campaigns, book appointments, and edit videos. These Facebook New Tools made it easy for you to manage and promote your business online through platforms. Nikila Srinivasan, Director of Product Management said that these Facebook new tools are specially built for small businesses that are one- to two-person businesses with very little marketing expertise.

Automated Ads on Facebook

With Automated Ads, Facebook is able to create a customized marketing plan after asking a few simple questions about your business and your goals. Automated Ads are the best way to create effective ads that can run on Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and Audience Network.

Automated Ads Features

• Create up to six different versions of your ad automatically.
• Audience options or recommendations based on information from your Page.
• A recommended budget most likely to generate results based on your goal.
• Notifications to keep you informed about how your ads are performing.

Manage Appointments on Facebook

This new appointment booking feature will allow businesses to take appointments and manage bookings through Facebook and Instagram. You can use appointments to enable new and existing customers to book services with your business.

Manage Appointments Features

• Accept Appointments Online
• Send reminders to customers through Messenger or text message
• Customize business’ menu of services
• Add hours of availability (open or close hours)
• Sync appointments with your personal calendar or another appointment management tool

Video Editing on Facebook

Facebook introducing new ways to easily edit existing video with three new video editing tools:

• Automatic Cropping
• Video Trimming
• Image and Text Overlays

These Facebook New Tools are available in Ads Manager, can help reduce the resources needed to create compelling video content for your business. Facebook committed to developing new tools that will save your time and also facilitate you to focus on your business. Visit Facebook Ads Help Center to learn more about automated ads, manage appointments and video editing features.

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Why Your Online Business Need Effective Social Media Marketing