The Personal Information You Should Never Share on Social Media

TECHNOLOGY DESK:

In an increasingly connected digital world, social media has become an essential part of everyday communication. Millions of people routinely share photographs, personal updates, professional information and details about their daily lives.

What may appear to be an innocent post, however, can expose information that could later be exploited for fraud, identity theft, harassment or other forms of digital abuse.

Individually, seemingly insignificant details may reveal little. But when information from multiple posts is combined, it can provide a surprisingly comprehensive profile of an individual—including their identity, whereabouts, routines, relationships and financial activities.

For that reason, digital security experts generally advise users to think carefully before publishing personal information online and to consider not only what they are sharing, but also who can access it and what they could potentially do with it.

Government Identification Documents

Photographs of passports, national identity cards, birth certificates, driving licences and other official documents should not be publicly displayed on social media.

Such documents may contain highly sensitive information, including full names, dates of birth, identification numbers and other details that could potentially facilitate identity fraud.

Posting a photograph of a newly issued passport or identity card may seem harmless, particularly when celebrating a personal milestone. Once uploaded, however, the image can potentially be copied, downloaded or redistributed without the owner's knowledge.

When an official document genuinely needs to be shared digitally, users should consider masking information that is not required for the intended purpose and use a trusted, secure channel.

Banking and Financial Information

Financial information should remain strictly private.

Users should avoid posting bank account numbers, debit or credit card details, photographs of payment cards, expiry dates, security codes or other confidential financial information.

Transaction screenshots also require caution. A screenshot intended simply to demonstrate that a payment has been made may inadvertently reveal account information, transaction references or other sensitive details.

Before sharing any financial screenshot, users should carefully inspect the entire image and remove or conceal information that is unnecessary for the recipient to see.

Passwords, PINs and One-Time Codes

Passwords, personal identification numbers, authentication codes and one-time passwords (OTPs) should never be disclosed through social media or to unknown individuals.

Cybercriminals frequently rely on impersonation and social-engineering tactics, posing as representatives of banks, financial services, technology companies or other trusted organisations.

A request for a password, PIN or OTP should therefore be treated as a potential security warning.

An OTP may remain valid for only a short period, but giving the code to an unauthorised person could still allow them to complete a login, reset an account or authorise a transaction, depending on the system involved.

Personal Phone Numbers and Email Addresses

Making a personal phone number or primary email address publicly visible can increase exposure to spam, phishing attempts, unwanted communication and targeted scams.

This is particularly relevant when contact information is posted in public comment sections, where it may be accessible to people far beyond the intended recipient.

People who need to maintain a public contact channel for business or professional purposes may consider using a dedicated business number or email address rather than exposing their primary personal account.

Location and Daily Routine

Users should also be cautious about revealing where they live, where they work or study, when they are travelling and when their home is likely to be empty.

Real-time location posts, photographs showing identifiable addresses and regular updates about daily routines can potentially provide strangers with information about a person's movements and habits.

Sharing such information after leaving a location, rather than while still there, can reduce unnecessary exposure.

Private Family and Personal Details

Information about family members, children's schools, regular activities and other private aspects of daily life should also be handled carefully.

Photographs can sometimes reveal more than intended—such as school names, house numbers, workplace locations, travel documents or vehicle registration details.

Before publishing a photograph, users should examine the background as carefully as the main subject.

Why Small Details Matter

Online security risks often emerge not from a single piece of information but from the combination of many seemingly harmless details.

A public profile containing a person's full name, workplace, birthday, phone number, travel plans and photographs may provide enough information for someone to construct a detailed picture of that individual's life.

This is why privacy settings should not be considered a substitute for careful sharing. Information that does not need to be public should generally remain private.

A Simple Rule for Safer Social Media Use

Before publishing anything online, users should ask themselves:

• Does this information really need to be public?

• Who can access it now—and could the audience change later?

• Does the photograph contain sensitive information in the background?

• Could this information be combined with my previous posts?

• Would I be comfortable if this information were copied or shared beyond my intended audience?

Social-media security is not simply a matter of creating a strong password. It also depends on how carefully people manage the information they make available to the public.

In the digital age, one of the most effective privacy measures remains remarkably simple: share less, think before you post, and keep sensitive information offline whenever possible.

Infinix Hot 70 Pro 5G Launches in Bangladesh at BDT 36,999

DHAKA:

Infinix has introduced its new Hot 70 Pro 5G smartphone in Bangladesh, bringing a combination of 5G connectivity, performance-focused hardware, camera features and a large-capacity battery to the local market.

Positioned around the theme “Multi-Dimensional Satisfaction, Master’s Choice,” the smartphone is designed to appeal to users looking for a balance of performance, photography, display quality, design and battery life.

MediaTek Dimensity 7100 5G Chipset

At the heart of the Hot 70 Pro 5G is the MediaTek Dimensity 7100 5G chipset, which is aimed at delivering responsive performance and fast connectivity.

Infinix has also included its 72-Month Fluency Technology, which the company says is designed to help maintain smooth and consistent performance over an extended period of use.

The device comes with 8GB of RAM, complemented by an additional 8GB of virtual RAM, along with 128GB of internal storage.

144Hz FHD+ Display

The smartphone features a 6.76-inch FHD+ display with a 144Hz refresh rate.

The high refresh rate is intended to provide smoother motion during gaming, scrolling and other visually intensive activities, while the FHD+ resolution is designed to deliver sharper images and video playback.

50MP Sony Camera

Photography is another major focus of the new device. The rear camera system features a 50-megapixel Sony IMX882 autofocus sensor.

In addition to standard photography capabilities, the camera system includes AI-powered features such as AI RAW and Live Photo, giving users additional options for capturing and processing images.

For selfies and video calls, the phone is equipped with an 8-megapixel front-facing camera.

6,000mAh Battery with 45W Charging

The Hot 70 Pro 5G is powered by a 6,000mAh battery, designed to provide extended usage throughout the day.

The battery is supported by 45W fast charging, allowing users to replenish power more quickly than with conventional charging systems.

Price in Bangladesh

The official price of the Infinix Hot 70 Pro 5G in Bangladesh has been set at BDT 36,999.

With 5G connectivity, a 144Hz display, a Sony camera sensor, a large battery and the MediaTek Dimensity 7100 5G platform, the smartphone enters a competitive segment of Bangladesh’s mid-range market.

Its long-term success, however, will depend not only on specifications but also on real-world performance, camera quality, battery endurance, software experience and overall value for money.

Brain Signals Could Control Computers, Opening a New Era in Human-Technology Interaction

TECHNOLOGY DESK:

Imagine sitting in front of a computer without touching a keyboard, mouse or touchscreen. You simply intend to type a sentence, and the words appear on the screen. Or imagine a person with severe paralysis controlling a wheelchair or operating a robotic arm using signals generated by the brain.

What once belonged largely to science fiction is now being explored in laboratories around the world through a technology known as the Brain-Computer Interface (BCI).

BCI systems are designed to establish a direct communication pathway between the brain and an external device. By detecting patterns of neural activity and translating them into digital commands, the technology could eventually provide new ways for people to interact with computers and machines.

How Does Brain-Computer Interface Technology Work?

The human brain contains billions of neurons that communicate through electrical and chemical signals. Whenever people decide to move, speak, look at something or perform a particular task, specific patterns of neural activity are generated.

BCI systems use sensors or electrodes to capture some of these signals. Computer software and machine-learning algorithms then analyse the patterns and attempt to determine what the user intends to do.

The resulting information can be converted into commands for a computer cursor, communication system, wheelchair, robotic limb or other electronic device.

In simple terms, BCI aims to make brain activity another form of input—potentially reducing or, in some applications, eliminating the need for conventional physical controls.

From Long-Term Research to Real-World Experiments

Research into brain-controlled technology has been underway for decades. Recent advances in artificial intelligence, machine learning, sensors and miniaturised electronics, however, have accelerated progress in the field.

Researchers have demonstrated systems capable of helping people with severe physical disabilities interact with computers and experimental assistive technologies.

Some studies have explored brain-controlled typing, cursor movement, communication systems and robotic limbs. Many of these applications remain experimental, but they point to the possibility of new forms of assistive technology.

Major Potential in Healthcare

Healthcare is widely regarded as one of the most promising areas for BCI technology.

People who have lost the ability to speak or move normally because of paralysis or neurological injury could potentially use brain signals as an alternative method of communication or device control.

Future systems could allow some users to generate digital messages, operate assistive equipment or control robotic limbs through decoded neural activity.

However, many of these applications are still undergoing research and clinical development. Significant work remains before such technologies can become reliable, affordable and widely accessible.

Could BCI Change Everyday Computing?

The potential impact of BCI extends beyond medicine.

Today, people interact with computers through keyboards, mice, touchscreens and voice commands. If brain-computer interfaces become sufficiently accurate and practical, neural signals could eventually become another way of controlling digital systems.

Possible applications include smart-home systems, gaming, virtual and augmented reality, communication tools and other forms of hands-free computing.

The technology could also offer new possibilities for people who cannot easily use conventional input devices.

Accuracy and Privacy Remain Major Challenges

Despite the progress, BCI technology faces substantial technical and ethical challenges.

The human brain is extraordinarily complex, and interpreting neural activity accurately is difficult. Brain signals can vary between individuals and may also change within the same person depending on circumstances.

Privacy is another major concern.

If neural activity is collected and converted into digital data, questions arise over who owns that information, how it can be stored and used, and how it can be protected from unauthorised access or misuse.

That makes cybersecurity, informed consent, ethical standards and legal safeguards as important as the underlying technology itself.

Can BCI Actually Read Human Thoughts?

One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding BCI is that the technology can simply read everything inside a person's mind.

Current systems cannot do that.

Existing BCI technologies are generally designed to identify specific patterns of neural activity associated with particular tasks or intended actions. They cannot freely decode every thought, memory or emotion a person experiences.

Researchers are nevertheless improving their ability to interpret neural signals. As those capabilities advance, questions about privacy, consent and individual autonomy are likely to become increasingly important.

What Could the Future Hold?

Research institutions and technology companies around the world are investing in different approaches to brain-computer interfaces. Their broader objective is to make communication between humans and machines faster, more natural and more accessible.

If the technology continues to mature, BCI could eventually influence fields ranging from medical rehabilitation and assistive communication to gaming, virtual reality and everyday computing.

But its future will depend on more than technological breakthroughs. Accuracy, affordability, safety, reliability and public trust will all play crucial roles.

The touchscreen transformed the way people interact with computers and smartphones. BCI could represent another major step in that evolution—one in which the brain itself becomes an important channel for communicating with machines.

For that future to become reality, however, researchers and policymakers will need to solve not only the technical challenges but also a fundamental question: how can the benefits of brain-computer technology be developed without compromising the privacy, security and autonomy of the human mind?

Meta Agrees to $18 Billion Settlement Over Child and Teen Safety on Social Media

WASHINGTON —

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has agreed to pay approximately $18 billion to settle a series of legal disputes in the United States concerning the safety of children and teenagers on social media platforms.

Under the agreement announced Wednesday, the company is expected to make the payments in stages over the next 10 years. Meta will also introduce a range of new restrictions aimed at limiting how younger users access and interact with its platforms.

The company, however, has not admitted to violating any laws as part of the settlement.

Agreement with 52 State Attorneys General

The settlement was reached with a coalition representing 52 US attorneys general.

The legal disputes have focused on concerns about the effects of social media on young users and whether platforms have done enough to protect children and teenagers from potentially harmful features and excessive use.

The agreement combines financial commitments with measures designed to place tighter controls on minors' use of Meta's services.

Daily Screen-Time Limits

One of the proposed measures would introduce restrictions on how long younger users can remain on Meta's applications.

Under the new system, children's and teenagers' use of the apps could be limited to a maximum of two hours per day.

Users would also receive reminders to take a break approximately every 15 minutes, encouraging them to step away from their screens rather than continue using the platform for extended periods.

Overnight Restrictions and School-Time Notifications

Accounts identified as belonging to minors would be automatically deactivated between midnight and 6 a.m.

Notifications would also be turned off during typical school hours, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., under the planned measures.

The changes are intended to reduce disruptions to sleep and education and encourage healthier patterns of social media use among young people.

Hiding Like Counts to Reduce Social Pressure

The proposed reforms would also address concerns about the psychological pressure created by social-media popularity metrics.

The number of likes received by a user's post—or by posts from other users—would not be displayed by default for younger users.

The measure is intended to reduce the emphasis on popularity and social comparison, which can contribute to pressure among teenagers.

Age Verification Emerges as a Major Challenge

Implementing the new rules could prove difficult, particularly when it comes to accurately determining the age of users.

Meta may need to rely on technologies such as facial analysis, government-issued identification and assessments of online behavior to distinguish minors from adults.

But age-verification systems are not perfect. Incorrectly classifying an adult as a minor could impose unnecessary restrictions, while failing to identify a child could undermine the very protections the agreement is intended to provide.

Privacy Concerns

Alongside child safety, privacy is expected to remain a major concern.

Age-verification systems may require access to sensitive personal information, raising questions about how such data would be collected, processed, protected and potentially retained.

Alexis Inger, a communications professor at Syracuse University, has argued that existing age-verification technologies are not yet completely reliable.

Lawyer Philip Yanella, however, has pointed to significant advances in age-verification technology in recent years. He has argued that it is possible to develop systems capable of confirming a user's age without retaining personal information for long periods.

The debate highlights a difficult balance: platforms must improve protections for children while ensuring that age verification does not create new privacy risks.

Global Pressure to Regulate Social Media

The settlement comes as governments around the world intensify scrutiny of children's use of social media.

Several countries have introduced or considered new laws and regulations covering issues such as minimum ages, parental controls, advertising practices, platform responsibility and online safety.

The Meta agreement reflects the growing pressure on major technology companies to take greater responsibility for protecting younger users.

Meta has said it is already taking a number of steps to improve child safety and has called on other major platforms, including TikTok and YouTube, to adopt stronger measures to protect children and teenagers.

Implementation Will Be the Real Test

The financial settlement and proposed restrictions represent a major commitment, but their effectiveness will ultimately depend on how well they work in practice.

Meta will face the difficult task of accurately identifying underage users, enforcing time and feature restrictions, protecting personal information and minimizing errors in automated age-verification systems.

The case also highlights a broader challenge facing the technology industry: how to create safer online spaces for children without unnecessarily compromising the privacy and freedoms of users.

As governments and regulators around the world continue to examine the impact of social media on young people, Meta's settlement could become an important test of how far technology companies can—and should—go to protect children online.

Children and Screen Addiction: Growing Concerns Over Excessive Smartphone Use

DHAKA —

In today’s increasingly busy urban life, smartphones, tablets and televisions have become a convenient way for many parents to calm a crying child, make mealtimes easier or simply create some quiet time for themselves.

While screens may offer a quick solution, excessive and unregulated use can reduce the time children spend engaging in the real-world interactions that are important for language, social and overall development.

Experts emphasize that the early years of childhood are particularly important for brain development. Talking with parents, listening to stories, playing, maintaining eye contact, observing facial expressions and exploring the surrounding environment all provide valuable opportunities for children to develop communication and social skills.

Unlike these experiences, most screen-based activities provide limited two-way interaction and cannot fully replace real conversations or interactive play.

When Should Parents Be Concerned?

Parents should pay close attention to their child's developmental progress. Certain signs may warrant professional evaluation, including:

1. Delayed speech
The child does not develop age-appropriate sounds, words or sentences.

2. Limited eye contact
The child rarely looks at people during conversations or social interactions.

3. Limited response to their name
The child repeatedly fails to respond when called, particularly when engaged in other activities.

4. Difficulty with social interaction
The child shows little interest in interacting or playing with family members or other children.

5. Limited joint attention
The child has difficulty following another person's gaze or pointing toward an object and sharing attention about it.

6. Limited play skills
The child shows little interest in imaginative or interactive play and instead repeatedly engages in solitary or repetitive activities.

7. Strong reactions when screens are removed
The child frequently becomes extremely upset, cries, screams or throws objects when a smartphone, tablet or television is turned off.

8. Difficulty understanding or expressing language
The child struggles to understand simple instructions or relies heavily on gestures rather than words to communicate needs.

However, these signs do not automatically mean that excessive screen use is responsible or that a child has autism.

Is Screen Time the Same as Autism?

The term “virtual autism” is sometimes used to describe developmental difficulties associated with prolonged screen exposure. However, it is not a recognized independent medical diagnosis.

There is no established evidence that screen exposure directly causes autism. Difficulties with speech, social communication, eye contact or responsiveness can have many possible causes, including hearing problems, language delays and other developmental conditions.

For that reason, parents should avoid attempting to diagnose a child based solely on screen use or a few behavioral signs.

A proper assessment by a pediatrician, developmental specialist or qualified speech and language therapist can help determine what may be contributing to the child's difficulties.

Why Human Interaction Matters

Children learn language most effectively through meaningful interaction with other people.

Simple activities such as talking with parents, reading books together, singing songs, telling stories, asking questions, playing with toys and responding to a child's attempts to communicate provide continuous opportunities for learning.

These interactions help children understand not only words but also facial expressions, emotions, gestures, turn-taking and other important elements of social communication.

A screen can present sounds, images and information, but it generally cannot provide the same level of responsive, two-way interaction as a real person.

The Role of Speech and Language Therapy

Speech and language therapists can play an important role when a child experiences difficulties with communication or language development.

A therapist may assess the child's ability to understand and use language, attention, play skills and willingness to communicate before developing an individualized intervention plan.

Parent coaching can also be an important part of the process. Parents can learn practical ways to encourage communication during everyday activities, including play, meals, reading and household routines.

Early identification and appropriate intervention can help children receive the support they need as soon as possible.

What Can Parents Do?

The World Health Organization recommends avoiding sedentary screen time for children under two and limiting sedentary screen time to no more than one hour a day for children aged two to five, with less being preferable.

Parents can also take several practical steps:

Reduce Screen Dependence

For young children, reducing screen exposure should be accompanied by meaningful alternatives such as outdoor play, books, drawing, music, storytelling and age-appropriate activities.

Increase Two-Way Communication

Talk directly with children, ask questions, listen to their responses, sing songs, tell stories and play together. Everyday conversations can create valuable opportunities for language development.

Involve Children in Daily Activities

Where appropriate and safe, children can participate in simple household activities. Naming objects, giving simple instructions and talking about what they are doing can turn ordinary routines into learning opportunities.

Avoid Screens During Meals

Parents can gradually replace screen-based feeding routines with conversations and interaction during mealtimes, helping children become more engaged with both the food and the people around them.

Give Children Quality Time

Simply taking away a smartphone is not enough. Children need attention, affection and meaningful interaction. Setting aside regular time for talking, playing and reading together can make the transition away from excessive screen use easier.

Awareness Is Key

The issue is not necessarily technology itself, but excessive and uncontrolled dependence on screens.

Parents should establish age-appropriate limits while ensuring that children have plenty of opportunities for physical activity, play, communication and interaction with other people.

If a child shows persistent difficulties with speech, communication, social interaction or development, parents should not simply assume that the problem is caused by smartphones or tablets. Professional assessment is important to identify the underlying cause and determine whether additional support is needed.

A smartphone may calm a child for a few minutes, but healthy childhood development requires far more than digital entertainment.

Real conversations, play, affection, attention and hands-on experiences remain at the heart of a child's development. The challenge for parents is to ensure that technology supports family life rather than replacing the human interaction children need most.

Online ‘Honey Traps’: How to Stay Safe From Romance-Based Scams

DHAKA:

Social media, messaging platforms and other online communication services have become an integral part of everyday life, making it easier for people to meet strangers and form friendships or romantic relationships. But the same access has also created new opportunities for fraud, blackmail and cybercrime.

One such tactic is commonly known as a “honey trap”, in which a person builds a friendship, romantic connection or sense of intimacy with a target before attempting to obtain personal information, photos, videos or money.

Fake profiles, video calls, requests for private images, AI-generated fake content and subsequent blackmail can make such scams increasingly difficult to identify. Users should therefore exercise caution when developing relationships with people they meet online.

Be cautious of excessive attention

Users should be alert if someone they have only recently met online tries to become unusually close very quickly.

Warning signs can include asking highly personal questions at an early stage, excessive flattery or attempts to create an intense emotional connection within a short period.

Such behaviour alone, however, does not prove that someone is involved in a honey trap. The person's overall conduct and the circumstances should be considered before drawing conclusions.

Verify the person behind the profile

A profile containing a name, photograph and personal information should not automatically be treated as genuine.

Users can examine the account's older posts, mutual connections and consistency of the information provided. They can also check whether the same photograph appears elsewhere online.

Particular caution is advisable when a newly created or unfamiliar account quickly proposes friendship or a romantic relationship.

Avoid sharing personal information

Phone numbers, home addresses, workplace details, family information, national identification details and other sensitive data should not be shared casually with strangers online.

Scammers may initially ask seemingly harmless questions and later use those details to obtain more sensitive information. Users should therefore carefully consider how much personal information they make available online.

Think carefully before sharing photos or videos

Sending private or intimate photographs and videos to someone met online can carry significant risks.

Even when a relationship appears trustworthy, digital content can be saved, copied or redistributed without the sender's consent. Once an image or video has been shared, the sender has limited control over where it may eventually appear.

Users should consider potential future consequences before sending any personal content.

Avoid uncomfortable requests during video calls

If someone asks you to do something personal, uncomfortable or inappropriate during a video call, it is safer to refuse.

There is no reliable way to know whether the other person is recording a call. A private moment captured on video can later be used for harassment or blackmail.

What to do if you are blackmailed

If someone threatens to publish private photographs or videos, immediately complying with every demand may not resolve the situation.

Instead, remain calm and preserve evidence. Save threatening messages, call records, screenshots, profile information, phone numbers and other relevant details.

In serious cases, speak to someone you trust and seek assistance from the appropriate authorities.

Common warning signs

Potential warning signs of an online honey trap or related scam may include:

• Trying to become excessively close within a very short time.
• Refusing to provide or verify a genuine identity.
• Making unusual or uncomfortable requests during video calls.
• Asking for private or intimate photographs or videos.
• Quickly demanding money.
• Pressuring the target to keep the relationship secret.
• Threatening to release private content.

None of these signs, on its own, proves that someone is operating a honey trap. Users should assess the broader circumstances, behaviour and available information before making a judgment.

Awareness is the strongest defence

A honey trap is not simply a problem involving romance or online relationships. It can also be part of a planned fraud, blackmail scheme or cybercrime operation.

When meeting someone online, users should take time to establish who that person really is and consider why they are requesting personal information, photographs, videos or money.

Do not rush to trust someone simply because an online relationship feels convincing. Verify identities before sharing personal information, think carefully before sending private content, and seek help promptly if something appears suspicious.

Verify before you trust. Think before you share. And seek help quickly when you face a threat.

WhatsApp Introduces New Security Measures to Strengthen Account Protection

DHAKA:

WhatsApp has introduced additional security measures aimed at giving users stronger protection against unauthorised access to their accounts.

The new system allows users to create a stronger password alongside the existing six-digit two-step verification PIN. The password can combine letters, numbers and special characters, making it harder to guess.

Users are encouraged to avoid easily predictable information such as names, birthdays and other personal details when creating passwords. Using a long, unique password can help reduce the risk of unauthorised access.

Multiple passkeys for one account

WhatsApp also allows users to secure an account with passkeys. These can include device-based authentication methods such as fingerprints, Face ID and screen locks.

Users can access the passkey option by going to Settings > Account > Passkeys in WhatsApp.

More information on calls from unknown numbers

Android users can also get additional information about calls from unfamiliar numbers.

Even when a number is not saved in a user's contacts, information associated with the number may be displayed if it is linked to WhatsApp. This can help users make a more informed decision about whether to answer a call.

Security features do not eliminate all risks

Enabling additional security features does not make a WhatsApp account completely immune to threats. Scammers and hackers may still use different techniques to obtain personal information or gain access to accounts.

Users should be particularly cautious about suspicious or enticing links, as clicking on malicious links can expose accounts and personal information to security risks.

It is also important to regularly review the Linked Devices section. If an unfamiliar device appears on the list, users should remove it immediately.

Users should also exercise caution when scanning QR codes or approving login requests to connect WhatsApp to a new device.

Steps to keep a WhatsApp account secure

• Keep two-step verification enabled.
• Set up a passkey.
• Use a long, strong and unique password.
• Check the Linked Devices list regularly.
• Remove any unfamiliar device immediately.
• Do not approve login requests from unknown devices.
• Avoid clicking on suspicious or unfamiliar links.

Security tools can significantly strengthen account protection, but user awareness remains equally important. Combining strong authentication methods with caution around suspicious messages, links and login requests can help keep WhatsApp accounts more secure.

YouTube to Change Public View Counting Across Videos From August 24

Digital Desk

YouTube is set to introduce a significant change to the way public views are counted across its video content, a move that could lead to noticeable increases in view counts for many creators without necessarily translating into higher revenue.

The new system is scheduled to take effect from August 24, 2026. Under the revised approach, a public view may be counted when a viewer clicks on a video and the video begins playing, including when the viewer leaves after watching only a short portion.

The change is intended to bring greater consistency to view-counting across different types of YouTube content. But it also means that creators and audiences may need to look beyond the headline view figure when assessing whether a video is genuinely performing well.

A view can be counted once the video starts playing

Historically, YouTube has used somewhat different approaches to measuring views across different formats. The platform previously introduced a revised view-counting system for Shorts, and it is now moving toward a more consistent approach for public views across other forms of video content.

Under the new system, once a viewer starts a video, that play can contribute to the video's public view count. If the viewer leaves after only a few seconds, the view may still remain part of the public total.

As a result, some channels could see their publicly displayed view numbers rise more quickly after the new system takes effect.

For creators, however, the increase should not automatically be interpreted as evidence that audiences are watching for longer or engaging more deeply with their content.

Higher view counts will not necessarily mean greater popularity

One of the most important implications of the change is the distinction between public views and genuine audience engagement.

A public view can indicate that a video was played, but it does not necessarily reveal how long the viewer stayed, how much of the video they watched or whether they found the content compelling.

That means a sudden increase in a video's public views after August 24 should not, on its own, be treated as proof of stronger audience interest.

Creators will increasingly need to examine metrics such as audience retention, average view duration, percentage of the video watched and total watch time to understand how effectively their content is performing.

Engaged views will remain important

YouTube is not eliminating measures designed to provide a deeper picture of viewer engagement.

Creators will continue to have access to engaged-view data through Advanced Mode in YouTube Analytics. This provides a more meaningful way to assess what happens after someone starts watching a video.

In broad terms, public views will indicate how often a video was played, while engagement-related metrics can provide greater insight into how long viewers remained connected to the content.

For creators, that distinction could become particularly important once the new counting system is widely reflected across YouTube.

More views will not automatically mean more money

The change in public view counting should not be interpreted as a direct change to YouTube's revenue-sharing system.

A higher public view count does not mean advertising revenue will automatically rise by the same percentage.

For example, if a video's publicly displayed views increase from 100,000 to 130,000 under the new counting methodology, it would be misleading to assume that the creator's income has increased by 30 percent.

Revenue depends on a range of factors, including advertising activity, viewer behavior, watch time, content characteristics and other monetization-related metrics.

The revised view-counting system is therefore primarily a measurement change, not a guaranteed revenue increase.

YouTube Partner Program eligibility remains separate

The changes to public view counting are also not intended to fundamentally alter the eligibility requirements for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP).

Creators should therefore distinguish between the public number displayed on a video's page and the metrics that are relevant to monetization eligibility.

YouTube is also updating some terminology. Metrics previously referred to as “valid public Shorts views” and “valid public watch hours” are being renamed “eligible Shorts views” and “eligible watch hours,” respectively.

The terminology is changing, but the underlying Partner Program eligibility framework is not being fundamentally rewritten by this update.

Why is YouTube making the change?

YouTube says differences in the way views have historically been calculated across content formats could create confusion for creators.

The new approach is designed to make public view measurement more consistent, giving creators a clearer and more standardized indication of how often their content is played.

But the number of times a video starts and the amount of time viewers actually spend watching it are two different measures.

That distinction is likely to become even more important for creators trying to understand whether their content is attracting genuine and sustained audience interest.

What should creators watch after August 24?

Once the new system begins rolling out, some channels may experience a noticeable increase in public views. Such changes should not necessarily be interpreted as a sudden improvement in content performance.

Creators should be cautious when comparing view counts from before and after the change and should place greater emphasis on a broader set of analytics.

Among the key indicators to monitor are:

• Audience retention

• Average view duration

• Total watch time

• Percentage of the video watched

• Viewer engagement and other audience metrics

These indicators can provide a more complete picture of whether viewers are simply starting a video or actually staying to consume the content.

The bigger picture

YouTube's new public view-counting system could make view numbers appear larger across many channels, but the headline figure will tell only part of the story.

From August 24, creators may need to rethink how they interpret view growth. A higher public view count could reflect more video starts rather than longer viewing sessions or deeper audience engagement.

For advertisers, creators and audiences alike, the more meaningful question will therefore be not simply how many times a video was played, but how effectively it held the viewer's attention.

In the new YouTube analytics landscape, views may become a broader measure of reach, while watch time, retention and engagement will remain critical indicators of genuine performance.

Facebook’s New Reach Policy Is Changing the Rules for Content Creators

DHAKA:

Meta is changing how Facebook determines which content reaches users, placing greater emphasis on original and meaningful work while reducing the visibility of copied, repetitive and low-value content.

The policy shift is particularly significant for creators who rely on Facebook for audience growth and monetisation. Meta says its objective is to reward creators who add genuine value and reduce the reach of content that is simply reproduced or generated at scale with little human input.

What counts as original content?

Under the updated approach, making minor changes to someone else’s material does not automatically turn it into original content.

Content is more likely to be treated as original when the creator contributes a meaningful element of their own, such as a new idea, analysis, commentary, reporting, editing or distinctive presentation.

Simply downloading and reposting another creator’s video, adding borders or subtitles, changing playback speed or making other superficial alterations is generally not considered sufficient original contribution.

Meta says creators who repeatedly publish unoriginal material may see their content recommended less frequently, while their eligibility for monetisation can also be affected.

At the same time, using third-party material is not automatically prohibited. Content that adds substantial new information, analysis or creative value may still be eligible for recommendation.

AI-generated content is not being banned

The policy does not amount to a blanket ban on artificial intelligence-generated content.

Instead, Meta is increasingly focusing on the level of human contribution behind a piece of content. AI can be used as a creative or production tool, but mass-produced material that offers little original value may receive less distribution.

That distinction could become increasingly important as generative AI makes it easier to produce large volumes of images, videos, audio and written material within a short period.

For creators, the message is increasingly clear: using AI is not necessarily a problem, but relying on automation without adding meaningful human creativity can become one.

Impact on monetisation

The changes also have implications for creators’ earnings.

Meta says using AI alone will not automatically disqualify a page or account from monetisation. However, creators who primarily distribute unoriginal, repetitive or low-value material may face restrictions on both distribution and monetisation.

Meta has said it paid creators about $3 billion in 2025 through its various Facebook monetisation programmes, representing a 35% increase from the previous year.

The company has also indicated that deeper engagement, longer watch times and qualified views will play an increasingly important role in determining creator earnings.

Stronger action against content theft

Meta is also expanding tools designed to protect creators from having their work copied and redistributed without permission.

The company says its content-protection systems are being improved so creators can identify potentially stolen versions of their videos and reels and take action where appropriate.

Meta has also reported removing millions of accounts involved in impersonating major creators, part of a broader effort to protect established creators and reduce fraudulent activity on the platform.

Greater transparency around AI content

Meta is also placing greater emphasis on transparency when AI is used to create or significantly alter content.

The company has expanded its systems for identifying AI-generated material and, where appropriate, adding labels to indicate that content has been created or modified using AI.

For advertisements, Meta has introduced an “AI info” label that can appear when its systems detect that an image or video has been generated or significantly edited using AI tools.

The company has also been working to align its transparency practices with emerging regulatory requirements, including those associated with the European Union’s AI framework.

A new opportunity for smaller creators

The changing reach system is not necessarily bad news for smaller pages.

Facebook increasingly recommends content beyond the pages and creators users already follow. This means original material from smaller or newer creators can potentially reach audiences that have never previously interacted with them.

Meta has reported growth in organic feed and video views following improvements to its recommendation and ranking systems.

But the same system also creates tougher competition. Pages that depend on artificial engagement, repetitive publishing or lightly edited copies of other people’s work could find it increasingly difficult to maintain their previous reach.

The new reality for Facebook creators

The broader shift is straightforward: Facebook is moving away from rewarding the volume of content produced and placing greater emphasis on the value that content provides.

As AI makes it possible to produce large quantities of content almost instantly, platforms face the challenge of separating genuinely useful and creative work from an expanding flood of automated material.

Meta’s latest policies are an attempt to address that problem.

For creators, the emerging rule is simple: AI can be a tool, but it should not replace meaningful human contribution.

Original ideas, credible information, thoughtful analysis, distinctive presentation and genuine audience engagement are likely to become increasingly important in Facebook’s evolving content economy.

The biggest impact may therefore fall on pages and accounts that have built their reach and revenue around producing large volumes of low-effort or largely automated content. For creators willing to invest in originality and real value, however, the changes could create a more competitive environment in which quality matters more than quantity.

Cyberbullying Is Evolving, Creating New Risks for Teenagers Online

The growing use of smartphones, the internet and social media among teenagers has brought new opportunities for learning, communication and entertainment, but it has also expanded the ways young people can be harassed online.

Cyberbullying is no longer limited to abusive comments or direct threats. It can include spreading false information, sharing private photographs or videos without permission, creating fake accounts, distributing screenshots of private conversations, deliberately excluding someone from online groups and manipulating images or other digital content to humiliate them.

The increasing accessibility of artificial intelligence tools has added another dimension, making it possible to create fabricated images, videos and audio that can be used to target or embarrass individuals.

A wider range of online harassment

A smartphone allows information to reach large numbers of people almost instantly. Personal photographs, videos and conversations can therefore spread far beyond their original audience.

What may begin as a joke among friends—including posting someone's photograph or revealing private information—can cause significant distress when shared without consent.

Online gaming and social platforms can also become environments for harassment, including public humiliation, exclusion and the circulation of altered images.

Impact on young people's wellbeing

Repeated insults, threats or attempts to isolate a child socially can affect confidence and emotional wellbeing. Some young people may experience fear, anxiety, loneliness or a loss of interest in their studies.

Changes in sleeping patterns and withdrawal from family members or friends can also occur. These signs underline why online harassment should not automatically be dismissed as ordinary teenage conflict.

Why many children remain silent

Many young victims do not tell their parents when they are being bullied online. Some fear that their phones or internet access will be taken away, while others worry about being reprimanded or feel embarrassed about what has happened.

Silence can allow the problem to continue for longer. Creating a family environment in which children can discuss online problems without fear is therefore an important part of prevention.

How parents can respond

When a child reports online harassment, parents should first listen calmly rather than blame the child.

Questions that imply responsibility—such as why the child was communicating with someone or why they did not report the incident earlier—can discourage further disclosure. Children should instead be reassured that being targeted is not their fault.

Depending on the circumstances, parents can involve a teacher or another trusted adult and consider additional support when necessary.

Preserve evidence

Messages, posts, photographs, videos and screenshots related to harassment should be preserved. Details such as usernames, account information and the time of an incident can also be useful if the matter needs to be reported.

After preserving relevant evidence, users can block or mute the offending account and use the reporting mechanisms provided by social media platforms.

Where threats are serious or there are concerns about a child's physical safety, appropriate assistance should be sought promptly.

Avoid retaliatory behaviour

Responding to harassment with further insults or threats can escalate a situation and create additional problems.

Rather than engaging in an online confrontation, children and their parents can focus on documenting what happened, blocking the account and reporting abusive behaviour through the appropriate channels.

Young people should also understand that they are not required to respond to every provocation they encounter online.

Protect personal information

Children and teenagers should be cautious about sharing phone numbers, home addresses, passwords, personal photographs, detailed school information or sensitive family information with strangers online.

Privacy settings on social media accounts should be reviewed regularly. Users should also understand who can view their information, send them messages or interact with their accounts.

Schools also have a role

Educational institutions can play an important part in preventing cyberbullying by teaching students about responsible digital behaviour, online etiquette, privacy and the potential consequences of online harassment.

Schools should also ensure that students who report being targeted are supported rather than ridiculed or isolated.

Safer use rather than avoiding technology

Completely restricting children's access to the internet is not necessarily a practical solution. Digital technology has become an important tool for education, communication and skills development.

The emphasis should instead be on teaching young people how to use technology safely. Avoiding suspicious links, exercising caution with unfamiliar accounts, using strong passwords and promptly telling a trusted adult about online problems are among the basic habits that can improve digital safety.

Prevention requires a shared responsibility

Families, schools, friends and technology platforms all have a role to play in reducing cyberbullying.

Young people should be encouraged to consider the potential impact of their actions before posting or sharing content about another person. Private photographs or information should never be distributed without permission, and those who witness online harassment should be encouraged to support the person being targeted rather than remain silent.

Technology has opened new opportunities for children and teenagers, but it has also created new forms of vulnerability. Cyberbullying can extend beyond the screen, affecting confidence, emotional wellbeing and relationships in everyday life.

The goal, therefore, is not simply to keep young people away from technology, but to help them use it safely and responsibly—and to ensure they know they can seek help when something goes wrong.

A supportive environment in which children feel able to report harassment without fear or shame remains one of the most important safeguards against the growing risks of online abuse.