Stay up to date with the latest digital and social media developments from May 2025. Here’s a quick roundup of the biggest updates and trends making waves globally and with relevance for Kenyan and African audiences.
Facebook and Instagram
Nigeria: Meta Threatens to Cut Access Over Fines
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is facing hefty fines and new regulatory demands in Nigeria. With over $290 million in penalties for alleged anti-competitive behavior, unauthorized advertising, and data privacy breaches, Meta has warned it may be forced to restrict access to its platforms in Nigeria. This move could disrupt millions of users and small businesses that rely on Facebook and Instagram for communication and commerce, highlighting the growing tension between global tech companies and African regulators.
Instagram Runs Referral Program
Instagram is experimenting with a referral program that rewards users for sharing links from the platform. This could be a new way for creators and influencers in Africa to earn extra income and drive engagement, especially as digital entrepreneurship continues to grow in the region.
Working on Private AI Chats in the Cloud
WhatsApp is developing private AI-powered chat features that run securely in the cloud. This upgrade could make AI chatbots more useful for personal and business communication, while keeping conversations safe and confidential.
Launches ‘Private Processing’ for AI Chat Privacy
To further enhance privacy, WhatsApp has introduced ‘Private Processing’—a new way to keep AI-powered chats secure and minimize data exposure. This is particularly important as more users in Africa turn to WhatsApp for sensitive conversations and business transactions.
WhatsApp Web to Support Video and Voice Calls
WhatsApp Web is testing features that will allow users to make video and voice calls directly from their browsers. This will make remote work and virtual meetings even more accessible for users who prefer using WhatsApp on their computers.
Wants to Give You a TL;DR of All Your Chats
A new AI-powered summarization tool is in the works, aiming to provide users with quick summaries of their chats. This could help busy professionals and entrepreneurs in Africa keep track of important conversations without scrolling endlessly.
Plans to Roll Out AI Chatbot to Children Under 13
Google is planning to make its Gemini AI chatbot available to children under 13, raising new questions about online safety and digital literacy for young users in Africa and globally.
Expands AIO Coverage in Select Industries
Google is broadening its AI Overviews (AIO) to cover more industries, making it easier for users to get concise, AI-generated answers in areas like health, finance, and travel.
Makes First Branding Change in 10 Years
Google has unveiled a new ‘G’ icon, marking its first major branding update in a decade. The refreshed look signals Google’s ongoing evolution as it integrates more AI features across its products.
Testing AI Search on Its Homepage
Google is experimenting with adding AI-powered search directly to its homepage, aiming to make search results smarter and more personalized for users everywhere
AI News
Google Launches Generative AI Certification with Free Training
Google is offering a new certification in generative AI, complete with free training. This could be a valuable opportunity for African students and professionals looking to upskill in the fast-growing AI sector.
ChatGPT Now Includes Product Recommendations
OpenAI’s ChatGPT can now suggest products as part of its search experience, potentially changing how users discover and shop online.
Perplexity AI Can Now Fact-Check WhatsApp Chats
Perplexity AI has introduced a fact-checking feature within WhatsApp, helping users quickly verify information and detect misinformation—a useful tool in today’s fast-paced digital landscape.
OpenAI Launches Agentic, Web-Based Coding Tool
OpenAI has released a new web-based coding assistant that leverages AI to help developers write and debug code more efficiently.
OpenAI’s GPT-4.1 Model Now in ChatGPT
The latest version of OpenAI’s flagship model, GPT-4.1, is now available in ChatGPT, offering improved reasoning and more accurate responses.
Telegram Adds Extra-Secure Group Calls and Automated Accounts
Telegram has introduced highly secure group calls and automated account management features, making it a strong choice for privacy-conscious users and growing online communities.
YouTube – Revenue from Shorts Videos at Parity with Core YouTube
YouTube’s CEO announced that revenue from Shorts videos has reached parity with traditional YouTube videos. This means short-form content is now just as lucrative, offering new earning potential for Kenyan creators who excel at quick, engaging videos.
TikTok
Testing Creator Chat Room Feature
TikTok is piloting a new Creator Chat Room, allowing creators to interact more directly with their followers and peers. This could help Kenyan creators build stronger communities and collaborate more easily.
LIVE Setup for Client Acquisition
TikTok now lets creators receive direct messages during LIVE streams, making it easier for them to connect with potential clients and business partners in real time.
X (formerly Twitter)
Rolls Out Support for 4K Video Uploads
X is now supporting 4K video uploads, giving creators and brands the ability to share higher-quality content with their audiences.
Skype Shuts Down After 22 Years
After more than two decades, Skype has officially shut down, marking the end of an era for internet calling. Many users in Africa have fond memories of using Skype for international calls before the rise of WhatsApp and Zoom.
Stay tuned for more updates on how these digital trends are shaping Kenya and Africa’s online experience!
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