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Meta Expands AI Features To Enhance Facebook Search And Discovery

Transforming The Way People Search

Meta is expanding the role of artificial intelligence across Facebook with the introduction of AI Mode, a feature designed to change how users search for information on the platform.

Powered by Meta AI, the tool draws on content from public posts, groups and Reels to provide direct responses to queries written in natural language. Instead of browsing through lists of search results, users receive summarized answers based on ongoing discussions and publicly available content.

New AI Features And Emerging Questions

Introduction of AI Mode follows Meta’s recent launch of Forum, a Reddit-style platform featuring an AI-powered Ask tab. The feature enables users to obtain answers generated from conversations taking place within Facebook groups.

Greater reliance on user-generated content, however, has also prompted questions about the accuracy and reliability of AI-generated responses. Similar concerns have emerged around other AI-powered search tools, including Google’s AI Mode, where the quality and timeliness of synthesized information have come under scrutiny.

Expanding Creative Tools

Artificial intelligence is also playing a larger role in Facebook’s content creation features. New editing tools allow users to apply visual effects such as collage cutouts and video transitions. AI-powered photo presets offer additional customization options, enabling changes to clothing, hairstyles and accessories. Sports fans, for example, can use the “AI Edit” feature within Stories to add their favorite team’s jersey to photos with a single tap.

Strengthening User Engagement

Recent updates form part of Meta’s broader efforts to increase engagement across its platforms. Animated profile pictures were introduced earlier this year, while new AI tools for Facebook Marketplace now automate certain interactions between buyers and sellers. Support for creators has also expanded through the launch of an AI assistant that provides personalized recommendations and insights into audience sentiment. The tool is intended to help creators optimize posting strategies and improve engagement.

Broadening The Ecosystem

Artificial intelligence has become a central element of Meta’s wider platform strategy. Subscription offerings spanning Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, beginning at $3.99 per month, represent another step toward building a more integrated ecosystem while creating additional sources of revenue.

Cyprus Introduces 8% Crypto Tax As European Rules Diverge

Fragmented Crypto Tax Rules Across Europe

Although the European Union has introduced a common regulatory framework for digital assets through the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), taxation remains under the jurisdiction of individual member states. As a result, crypto investors face a wide range of tax regimes across Europe.

Cyprus Introduces Dedicated Crypto Tax Framework

Beginning January 1, 2026, Cyprus will implement a dedicated taxation regime for digital assets. The new framework imposes an 8% flat tax on net gains from cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, making it one of the lowest rates within the European Union. Taxable events will include the sale, exchange, or use of cryptocurrencies for payments and donations. Losses will only be offset against gains generated from crypto transactions within the same tax year, with no provision allowing losses to be carried forward.

Diverging Approaches Across Europe

Several European countries have adopted markedly different policies. Greece is preparing legislation that would introduce a 15% capital gains tax on cryptocurrency profits, with the first €500 of gains exempt from taxation. Germany classifies cryptocurrencies as private assets. Gains are generally exempt from tax if the assets have been held for more than one year, distinguishing the country from many other European jurisdictions.

Other Key Jurisdictions

Portugal continues to offer favorable conditions for long-term investors, with private individuals generally exempt from taxation if digital assets are held for more than 12 months. Switzerland treats cryptocurrencies as part of personal wealth, subject to annual cantonal wealth taxes, while capital gains realized by individual investors are typically exempt. France applies a flat tax of 31.4% on cryptocurrency gains, combining income tax and social contributions. Italy recently increased the tax rate on crypto gains for individuals to 33%, up from 26%, while Spain applies progressive rates ranging from 19% to 30%, depending on the amount of profit realized.

The Netherlands And The Baltic States

The Netherlands uses a different model, taxing presumed returns on assets regardless of whether they have actually been sold. Tax treatment in the Baltic region varies. Lithuania generally imposes a 15% rate, rising to 20% for very high non-salary income. Latvia applies a 25.5% capital gains tax, while Estonia taxes cryptocurrency gains at the standard personal income tax rate of 22%, without exemptions for long-term holdings.

A Diverse Tax Landscape

Approaches to cryptocurrency taxation continue to differ significantly across Europe. Cyprus’ upcoming framework places the country among jurisdictions offering relatively low rates and dedicated rules for digital assets, while investors operating across borders continue to navigate a patchwork of national tax regimes.

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