One True View PLC

Early adopters of the virtual worlds known as the metaverse criticised Facebook's rebranding as an attempt to capitalise on growing buzz over a concept that it did not create.

The term metaverse has become a tech buzzword this year, with companies and investors keen to be a part of the next big thing. But users have for years been spending time in these fast-growing but obscure virtual worlds.

In virtual worlds, users can walk around as an avatar, meet friends and play games. Some that are based around blockchain also allow users to speculate on virtual real estate.

Metaverse pioneers unimpressed by Facebook rebrand Early adopters of the virtual worlds known as the metaverse criticised Facebook's rebranding as an attempt to capitalise on growing buzz over a concept that it did not create.

Former US President Donald Trump has announced plans to launch a new social media network, called TRUTH Social. He said the platform would "stand up to the tyranny of big tech", accusing them of silencing opposing voices in the US.

Social media played a pivotal role in Mr Trump's bid for the White House and was his favourite means of communication as president. But he was banned from Twitter and suspended from Facebook after his supporters stormed the US Capitol.

Social media firms were under pressure throughout Mr Trump's presidency to ban him, with his posts criticised as insulting, inflammatory or peddling outright falsehoods.

They took the decision to ban or suspend Mr Trump after the January riots, which followed a speech in which he made baseless claims of electoral fraud. Since then he and his advisers have hinted that they were planning to create a rival social media site.

Trump to launch new social media platform TRUTH Social The former US president was banned from Twitter and Facebook following the US Capitol riots.

The Wall Street Journal’s investigation showed Facebook ignoring its own employees’ findings and demonstrated its failure to make the necessary changes. Facebook struck back, accusing the Journal of mischaracterising its efforts and misusing its research. While Facebook is often forced to defend itself against scathing criticism, investors have yet to punish the company, which is valued at $1 trillion.

Facebook is playing defense after scathing reports on the company's failure to protect users Facebook is on the defensive after The Wall Street Journal exposed how far the company has gone to prioritize profits over the health and safety of its users.