Core Points - A human rights campaigner, Tanya O'Carroll, has successfully forced Meta to stop using her data for targeted advertising through a legal settlement [1][3] - The settlement is based on U.K. and E.U. data protection laws that grant individuals the right to object to the use of their personal data for direct marketing [2][5] - O'Carroll's case sets a precedent for others to exercise their rights against Meta's data processing practices [3][5] Legal Context - O'Carroll argued that Meta's personalized ads constitute direct marketing, which should be subject to user objections under existing data protection laws [2][5] - Meta claimed that its personalized ads are not direct marketing, but the settlement indicates a shift in the legal landscape regarding data privacy [3][5] - The case highlights the ongoing challenges in enforcing privacy laws against surveillance-based advertising models like Meta's [5][7] Regulatory Environment - The U.K.'s Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) supported O'Carroll's position, suggesting that other users may have stronger grounds for objecting to data processing [8] - Meta has faced numerous GDPR complaints and fines since the regulation came into effect in May 2018, but its core business model remains largely unchanged [6][7] - There are indications that enforcement actions are beginning to impact Meta's operations in Europe [7] Future Implications - O'Carroll anticipates that Meta may adopt a "pay or consent" model in the U.K., similar to its approach in the E.U., requiring users to either consent to data tracking or pay for ad-free services [9] - The specifics of the tracking-free access provided to O'Carroll remain undisclosed, but she confirmed that she will not incur any costs [9]

Core Insights - Meta's CEO Mark Zuckerberg previously stated that selling access to Llama AI models is not the company's business model, yet recent court filings reveal that Meta does earn revenue through revenue-sharing agreements related to Llama [1][2] Revenue Generation - Meta shares a percentage of the revenue generated by companies hosting its Llama models, although specific hosts are not disclosed in the filings [2][3] - Notable partners that host Llama models include AWS, Nvidia, Databricks, Groq, Dell, Azure, Google Cloud, and Snowflake [3] Business Strategy - Zuckerberg has mentioned the potential for licensing access to Llama models and monetizing them through business messaging services and advertisements in AI interactions, although no specifics were provided [4] - The majority of the value derived from Llama is attributed to improvements made by the AI research community, which enhances various Meta products, including Meta's AI assistant [5][6] Capital Expenditures - Meta plans to significantly increase its capital expenditures, estimating $60 billion to $80 billion for 2025, primarily for data centers and AI development teams, which is roughly double the CapEx for 2024 [7] - To help offset these costs, Meta is reportedly considering launching a subscription service for Meta AI that would add unspecified capabilities [7]

Meta Chief Global Affairs Officer Joel Kaplan says that the company's decision not to offer services in China has allowed the tech corporation to better defend core principles surrounding free expression. Kaplan's comments echo a statement made by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg at Georgetown University in 2019, where he explained why Facebook, Instagram, and other services do not operate in China."I wanted our services in China because I believe in connecting the whole world and I thought we might help create a m ...

For savvy investors, stock market corrections serve up money-making opportunities on a golden platter. That's because stock market corrections are indiscriminate, dragging down the prices of stocks both good and bad.With that in mind, let's take a closer look at one fantastic growth stock that has plummeted by more than 20% in recent weeks but remains a solid long-term buy-and-hold candidate: Meta Platforms (META 0.31%). What's Happened to Meta?Just over a month ago, Meta's shares were in the midst of a his ...

Meta Platforms (META 0.81%) stock is climbing higher Thursday despite a bearish backdrop for the broader market. The company's share price was up 1.1% as of 3 p.m. ET. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 (^GSPC -0.31%) was down 0.4%, and the Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC -0.46%) was down 0.6%.Meta's valuation is moving higher today following recent comments from company officials reaffirming support for virtual-reality (VR) initiatives. The company is playing a leading role in advancing VR, but it's been a costly initiative f ...

Amid an ongoing regulatory battle with European privacy authorities, Meta announced on Thursday that its AI-powered virtual assistant, Meta AI, is finally launching in the European Union. The chatbot-like tool will be rolled out across Meta’s portfolio of social platforms, albeit with a more limited feature set compared to what it offers in its domestic U.S. market.Separately, Meta also confirmed to TechCrunch that Meta AI will be arriving in WhatsApp in the U.K., having so far been limited to Facebook, Ins ...

JR Research is an opportunistic investor. He was recognized by TipRanks as a Top Analyst. He was also recognized by Seeking Alpha as a "Top Analyst To Follow" for Technology, Software, and Internet, as well as for Growth and GARP. He identifies attractive risk/reward opportunities supported by robust price action to potentially generate alpha well above the S&P 500. He has also demonstrated outperformance with his picks. He focuses on identifying growth investing opportunities that present the most attracti ...

I am Gen Alpha. I have more than 14 years of investment experience, and an MBA in Finance. I focus on stocks that are more defensive in nature, with a medium- to long-term horizon. iREIT+HOYA Capital is the premier income-focused investing service on Seeking Alpha. Our focus is on income-producing asset classes that offer the opportunity for sustainable portfolio income , diversification , and inflation hedging . Get started with a Free Two-Week Trial and take a look at our top ideas across our exclusive in ...

Core Viewpoint - Meta Platforms is currently viewed as an attractive investment opportunity due to its recent stock pullback and strong financial performance, despite facing potential risks in the market [1][8]. Financial Performance - Meta reported record revenue of $164.5 billion in 2024, representing a 22% increase year-over-year, which contributed to a 60% rise in earnings per share to $23.86 [4]. - The company generated over $52 billion in free cash flow in 2024, indicating strong operational efficiency [6]. User Engagement and Growth - Meta's platforms have a combined total of 3.35 billion daily active users, which increased by 5% year-over-year, showcasing strong audience engagement [5]. - The company experienced a 6% year-over-year growth in ad impressions and a 14% increase in average price per ad during Q4 [5]. Balance Sheet Strength - Meta holds $77.8 billion in cash and marketable securities, significantly exceeding its $28.8 billion in debt, allowing it to pay off its debt within a year if desired [6]. Valuation and Market Position - The stock trades at approximately 24 times earnings, which is considered reasonable given the company's growth metrics, including a 21% increase in revenue and a 43% rise in operating earnings year-over-year in Q4 [9]. - Meta's engaged user base is viewed as a valuable asset that is expected to yield long-term benefits [9]. Future Outlook - Despite potential risks such as economic shifts and increased competition in digital advertising, Meta is well-positioned to navigate challenges due to its historical resilience and strong financial health [10].

ReachOwl Revolutionizes Facebook and Instagram Outreach with Cloud-Based Automation March 19, 2025 1:00 PM EDT | Source: Avazona Ltd. London, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - March 19, 2025) - ReachOwl LTD is excited to announce a major transformation of its platform, shifting from a Chrome extension to a fully cloud-based web application. This upgrade brings seamless automation to Facebook and Instagram outreach, eliminating the need for users to keep their devices online while running powerful engagement ...