Launches Lifestage
Facebook releases an iPhone app, called Lifestage, that allows teens to watch clips about the lives of their classmates. Anyone can download the app, although seeing profiles of other users is reserved for those 21 years of age or younger. The social network allows users to make video clips to describe likes, peeves, dance styles, and other aspects of their character. The app is designed by Facebook product manager Michael Sayman, who is 19 years old.
Back in 2004, Facebook was all about ‘who I am’. I could post my relationship status. I could share what my favourite music was. And it was all about expressing myself. Today as Facebook has grown into so much more, we see the opportunity to explore that concept of ‘who I am’ once again, but for Generation Z in 2016.
Warns users of nation-state intrusions
Facebook starts notifying users if it believes their accounts have been targeted or compromised by an attacker suspected of working on behalf of a nation-state. Whenever a user’s account is accessed by a new device or browser, the company will send a security code to the account owner’s phone to verify that only the account user is trying to access the account.
The security of people’s accounts is paramount at Facebook, which is why we constantly monitor for potentially malicious activity and offer many options to proactively secure your account. Starting today, we will notify you if we believe your account has been targeted or compromised by an attacker suspected of working on behalf of a nation-state.
‘Amber Alert’ system introduced
Facebook Canada release a system to send out notices and photos to assist in child abduction cases. A similar system has been working for the past four months in the United States.
[We hope that] the new system would help turn the social network community in Canada into one big neighbourhood watch.
Introduces Instant Articles
Facebook introduces the inclusion of articles by selected publishers inside the Facebook iOS app. Publishers include The Atlantic, BBC, BuzzFeed, Bild, The Guardian, National Geographic, NBC, Spiegel, and The New York Times. Not all pieces from these publishers will be distributed as an Instant Article at first. Pubnlishers will receive 100$% of ad revenues on their own ads, or 70% of ad revbenue when Facebook sells ads on their behalf. The app allows sharing of articles to Pinterest and Twitter. Product Manager:
Along with a faster experience, Instant Articles introduces a suite of interactive features that allow publishers to bring their stories to life in new ways. Zoom in and explore high-resolution photos by tilting your phone. Watch auto-play videos come alive as you scroll through stories. Explore interactive maps, listen to audio captions, and even like and comment on individual parts of an article in-line.
Suicide prevention plan
Facebook joins with Now Matters Now, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Save.org and Forefront: Innovations in Suicide Prevention to give users more options to report posts indicating the user could be thinking of self harm. Users will be able to click a small arrow at the top right of the post and click “Report Post” If Facebook feels like the post indicates distress, the person who posted it will be greeted with a pop when he or she next logs in.
Zuckerberg launches thefacebook.com
Zuckerberg launches thefacebook.com, a social network for Harvard students, designed to expand to other schools around the country.