
Meta announced it will terminate end-to-end encryption for Instagram direct messages on May 8, arguing the feature sees low adoption. Despite Instagram’s billions of users, the change sparked virtually no public outcry or organized boycott. Critics say the move reflects Meta’s design choices that keep encryption off by default, making it easy to collect message data. The decision underscores a clash between privacy rhetoric, regulatory pressure, and Meta’s drive for AI‑training data and precision advertising.

Hong Kong’s National Security Law implementation rules were amended to criminalize refusal to provide passwords for seized electronic devices, imposing up to one year in prison and a fine of HK$100,000 (≈US$12,800). The changes were issued by decree, bypassing Legislative...

3ook.com launches a third‑generation bookstore that merges reading and listening into a single, AI‑driven experience. By synthesizing voice talent for any title, the platform turns the 95% of e‑books without audiobooks into instantly audible works. Authors can upload custom voice...