Meta has deleted its AI-powered Facebook and Instagram profiles following backlash over racist and offensive characters. The tech giant had quietly rolled out the AI-driven accounts that could interact with other users via direct messages in 2023 alongside its lauch of Celebrity AI characters. “Proud Black Queer Momma” These accounts lived under the radar until the Financial Times published a story on December 27 exploring Meta’s intentions to continue integrating user-generated AI profiles that users can create and edit to preferences into its social media platforms. Meta deleted its Celebrity AI
Streamer Kai Cenat has set a new record on Twitch, hitting nearly 727,700 subscribers during his month-long “Mafiathon 2” event in November. The marathon livestream also generated over $3 million in revenue, making it one of the most successful streaming events ever on the platform. A Record-Breaking Subathon Cenat, 22, streamed nonstop for 30 days, with each new subscription extending the duration of the broadcast. The event not only shattered Twitch’s previous subscriber record of 326,250, held by virtual streamer Ironmouse, but also drew 50 million unique viewers throughout the
At just 12 years old, Alyssa Awuah has become the youngest-ever winner at the PRECIOUS Awards, a platform celebrating the achievements of Black women and girls in the UK. Alyssa, the Co-Founder and “mini-CEO” of Frobelles—a dress-up game empowering kids to embrace afro hair—was awarded Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the event sponsored by Santander and supported by the Joseph Levy Foundation. Frobelles Game Champions Afro Hair Frobelles was born from Alyssa’s curiosity as a six-year-old, asking her mother, Yvonne Ottley, why none of her game characters resembled her
As discontent with Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) continues to grow, rival platforms like Bluesky, Threads, Mastodon, and Spill are seeing a surge in users. Bluesky, a decentralized social platform founded by ex-Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, is experiencing an unprecedented surge in sign-ups—roughly one million new users daily, according to the BBC. Among the latest prominent figures to exit X are actress Gabrielle Union and former CNN host Don Lemon, joining other celebrities and public figures migrating to Bluesky. Why Are People Leaving X? The high-profile exits reflect a broader
Whoopi Goldberg is launching All Women’s Sports Network (AWSN), a dedicated 24/7 global sports network exclusively for women’s sports. The EGOT-winning actress and longtime advocate announced the launch on the Jimmy Fallon Show. Women’s Sports Finally Get Full-Time Coverage In an industry where women’s sports receive less than 20% of total coverage, Goldberg’s network arrives to bridge the gap. Unlike traditional channels that occasionally cover women’s events, this platform will spotlight women’s sports continuously, offering professional basketball, soccer, and growing sports like skateboarding and surfing. Goldberg’s network goes beyond game
Kenya’s Communications Authority (CA) has directed telecom operators to suspend access to Telegram during specific hours, aiming to prevent students from sharing answers during national exams. The move follows Kenya’s ongoing efforts to curb exam-related misconduct using encrypted messaging platforms, with CA pointing to Telegram’s lack of full cooperation in its regulatory requests. Why Is Telegram Targeted? Telegram, which has over a billion users worldwide, has become a tool for communication in Kenya, thanks to its encryption and ability to host large chat groups. However, the CA argues that this
Khaby Lame, the wordless comedian known for his witty, reaction-based TikTok videos, remains the platform’s most-followed creator with an impressive 163 million fans. As he continues to entertain and connect with audiences globally, Lame’s massive influence is now a powerful force in the creator economy—a sector worth $250 billion and expected to nearly double to $500 billion by 2027. TikTok’s Top Creator Holds Strong Amid Growing Competition Despite intense competition, Lame has maintained his position at the top, a feat that speaks to the universal appeal of his content. While
The Hollywood Reporter’s “Creator A-List: The 50 Most Influential Influencers” highlights digital stars reshaping entertainment through innovation and influence. Black creators on the list are leading the way, proving their value through cultural impact and trendsetting content. Here’s a look at the Black influencers making their mark on this year’s list. Kai Cenat (@kaicenat) At just 22, Kai Cenat is a force to be reckoned with on Twitch, where his comedic content and live streams have garnered a massive following. Notable for featuring rappers like Lil Baby, 21 Savage, and
Every UK Black History Month, we shine a light on Black British-owned businesses making a difference. This year’s standout is Frobelles, a UK-based dress-up game championing the beauty of afro hair. Created by mother-daughter duo Yvonne Ottley and 12-year-old Alyssa Ottley, Frobelles has over 100,000 users and recently made its debut in the US. The Birth of Frobelles The idea for Frobelles was sparked by a simple question from Alyssa, who was just six years old at the time: “Why don’t any of my game characters have Afro hair like mine?” This question
Registered non-profit organization Darkies in Tech has launched a new website designed to drive inclusion by providing a centralized platform for professionals of color within the South African tech industry. Founded by Ntsako Mgiba in February 2021, Darkies in Tech has become the largest vetted community of its kind in South Africa, with over 450 members, including founders, investors, and ecosystem builders. The community has consistently hosted educational and social events aimed at creating a more inclusive environment for Black professionals in tech. Addressing Exclusion in South Africa’s Tech Scene
