June 9, 2017

The Figaro Digital Digest: 9th June 2017

It’s been a pretty tumultuous week for both UK citizens and those across the pond.

If you’ve struggled to keep up with anything and everything that’s taken place in the tech world, fear not as our weekly roundup is here to keep you in the loop.

Google Plans A New Ad Blocker

A new ad blocking feature for Google Chrome users was announced this week.

The tech giant is looking to improve its user experience by blocking ads that fall below the ‘Better Ads Standards’ implemented by the Coalition for Better Ads.

The industry-specific group which includes Unilever and P&G was developed last year in a bid to set a standard for global digital advertising.

Pop-up ads, auto-play videos with sound, full-screen scroll over ads and large stick ads will all be banned by Chrome following the installation of the ad blocker.

With a huge rise in the use of ad blockers which are being used by those who are hoping to ban all advertisements, this attempt by Google could see the relationship between user and advertiser improving for the better.

Facebook To Launch A Teen Messaging App

Following criticism from both parents and officials alike, Facebook is looking to tighten teen security by launching ‘Talk’, a messaging service aimed specifically at 13 year olds and above.

The app, which would be linked to its parent app, Messenger, would have a higher level security, with features aimed at preventing online stalking and grooming. Alongside this, parents would also have greater control over who their children talk to and when.

With the Children’s Commissioner for England, Anne Longfield, having criticised the social media platform, it must be a relief to parents worldwide that their children’s safety is being prioritised.

Instagram Endorses Pride Month

With Pride Month 2017 well underway, Instagram is using its new story feature to endorse the event across the platform.

Using stickers and rainbow themed added features, users are able to customise their personal stories, which in turn will link to #pride2017.

All of the features have been created by LGBTQ artists and each are credited to the creators themselves, while also being enjoyed by the masses.

Facebook And Twitter Face Criticism For Fake News


A study of 1,000 British users recently saw both Facebook and Twitter come under heavy scrutiny for their handling of fake news.

Just 7 per cent of those who partook in the survey felt as though the social media platforms were doing enough to combat the spread of false information.

Alongside this, 70 per cent wanted both Facebook and Twitter to do more to prevent false news being included on their timelines, and 45 per cent admitted that they often struggle to differentiate between what’s real and what’s false.

With fake news becoming an increasing issue for 21st century media, it appears as though users are fed up of being misled by sites claiming to have accurate information spamming their timelines.

Let’s hope an algorithmic change can put an end to the constant stream of madness!


It’s been quite a week for us citizens of the world, but it appears as though the online powerhouses are attempting to make positive changes.

If you’d like to read more about what’s going on in the world of digital, take a look at a few of our other blogs below.