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Time to roll up our sleeves and get sh*t done.

Let’s jump into today’s storylines.

In today’s digest:

• Massachusetts sues Meta over platform ethics

• Headline Hustle: Brothel with high profile clients is exposed, Alberta to dismantle patient-care model, Ivanka Trump takes the stand against her father

• Airbnb’s review makeover

• Pulse Points: What’s Trending

TECH

Like a bad filter, some things just don't flatter

In a world where your selfie could be your worst enemy, Massachusetts just swiped left on Meta Platforms with a lawsuit that’s not just about bad angles but bad ethics. At the heart of this legal selfie is none other than CEO Mark Zuckerberg, whose 'seen-but-not-responding' attitude towards internal warnings on the platform's harm to young users has landed him in the not-so-pretty filter of public scrutiny.

The allegations snapshot

Meta execs, including Instagram's head honcho, flagged concerns that certain features—like plastic surgery filters—might be more toxic than your ex, causing body dysmorphia among the impressionable youth. Zuckerberg is in the hot seat for allegedly hitting 'mute' on policy changes to fix these issues, with the classic 'we need more data' deflection. To make matters worse, Meta's guardian of responsible innovation and other bigwigs apparently pushed for cash to combat the platforms' Debbie Downer effect on user well-being but were ultimately told ‘forget it, pal’.

Mirror, mirror on the wall. The company's financial gurus, including the CFO, apparently weren't keen on shelling out more green for research and initiatives, prioritizing the bottom line over the concern. But this isn't just a one-off oopsie. The lawsuit outlines a pattern where Zuckerberg and the quest for cash seemingly silenced the serious concerns of Meta's own team. Meta's PR response? A classic 'you're taking it out of context', paired with assurances that they're all about youth safety and wellbeing.

Looking ahead…this legal battle with Massachusetts might just be the profile pic of a bigger issue—how Big Tech handles the delicate balance of innovation, user engagement, and the cost to society. If the court hits 'like' on Massachusetts' claims, it could open the floodgates for more transparency, mental health research, and a serious update to the governance software of social media companies.

Headline Hustle

❌ Brothel with high profile clientele is shut down. A high-end brothel network masquerading within luxury apartment complexes in Boston and Virginia has been dismantled, revealing a clientele list of the influential and affluent, from elected officials to high-flying execs and academics. Charging up to $600 per hour, the operators allegedly exploited predominantly Asian women in a widespread sex trafficking operation. With the arrest of three individuals, the investigation swings into a higher gear, signaling a crackdown on both the orchestrators and the patrons of this illegal enterprise.

🇨🇦 Alberta premiere to dismantle current patient-care model and create new health delivery system. Alberta is set to revolutionize its healthcare system by breaking down the monolithic Alberta Health Services into four specialized entities. In a bold move by Premier Danielle Smith, this restructure aims to place patients and healthcare experts at the heart of the system, promising improved care access and reduced wait times. Critics fear this could pave the way for increased privatization, despite assurances to the contrary. The $85 million plan, unfolding over two years, seeks to foster innovation and staff recruitment, yet skeptics question its feasibility and warn of potential fragmentation and competition for resources.

👧🏼 Ivanka Trump testifies in father’s civil fraud trial. Ivanka Trump's moment on the witness stand in the New York fraud case brought a mix of forgetfulness and finesse. Her vague memories of negotiating hefty loans for the Trump Organization contrasted the confident dealings she once had, especially with Deutsche Bank. While dismissed from the suit over stale claims, she couldn't escape the spotlight or a subpoena. With the state aiming to recover $250 million and curtail Trump's business ventures, Ivanka's detachment from her father's empire is clear, but the state's pursuit is undeterred, with her testimony drawing the family's business saga closer to its next chapter.

TRAVEL

Airbnb’s latest move? Fixing its review problem

Ever felt like an Airbnb stay was a bit like Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates—you never know what you're gonna get? Well, Airbnb's latest glow-up is set to sprinkle a pinch of predictability onto your plate of surprises. The company is addressing the challenges of consistency and customer satisfaction within its platform by revamping its review system and introducing new badges and tools for hosts.

Key points of the overhaul include:

• Redesigned reviews: The new review system features a carousel for displaying overall and category-specific ratings, with the option for users to sort reviews by recency or rating.

• Guest favorites badge: This new badge will highlight top-rated properties based on stringent criteria including a high rating, low cancellation rate, and incident rate, updated weekly.

• Superhost vs. guest favorites: The distinction between the property-specific "Guest Favorites" and the host-centric "Superhost" badge is nuanced, with the former being updated more frequently to ensure accountability and provide transparency.

• Use of AI: Airbnb is looking to incorporate generative AI for review summaries and improve other areas such as search functionality, photo arrangement, and customer service, including language translation and policy parsing.

Brian Chesky, Airbnb's CEO, expressed that while the unique nature of Airbnb's listings is a strength, reliability remains a concern. They aim to enhance the review and reputation system rather than inspect every home, signaling a strategic shift towards more detailed, AI-enhanced information provision.

Big picture: The initiative reflects Airbnb's commitment to improving user experience by integrating technology and customer feedback, with a focus on maintaining the distinctiveness of its offerings while enhancing reliability and transparency.

SNIPPETS

Pulse Points

• Cruise is recalling 950 self-driving cars after an incident where one of its robotaxis hit and dragged a pedestrian already struck by another vehicle.

• Disney’s earnings exceeded forecasts due to ESPN+ profits and theme park growth, despite lower ad revenue. The company aims to expand its cost-cutting goals to $7.5 billion.

• Hollywood actors and studios reached a preliminary labor agreement, ending a 118-day strike with the approval of SAG-AFTRA.

• Sixteen suspected members of the Gambino crime family were arrested in the US and Italy, according to American prosecutors.

• Amazon to offer lower-cost primary care to Prime members in latest healthcare push.

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