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Meta Launches New Subscription Plans And AI Features Across Its Apps

Meta introduced new subscription services across Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp as the company continues expanding revenue streams beyond digital advertising. The rollout includes app-specific subscription plans offering additional customization, analytics and engagement features for users across Meta’s platforms.

Global Rollout Of Subscription Services

According to Meta, Instagram Plus will be available for $3.99 per month and includes profile customization tools, enhanced reactions and expanded story analytics. Facebook Plus introduces similar personalization and engagement features, while WhatsApp Plus focuses on messaging customization options. Subscription features are designed to operate independently across each application rather than through a unified package.

The Emergence Of Meta One

In a recent announcement by Naomi Gleit, Meta’s Head of Product, the company unveiled its strategy to gradually introduce further subscription tiers. Branded as Meta One, these plans will soon include professional packages specially designed for creators and businesses, as well as specialized offerings for Meta AI users. As Meta continues to integrate innovative functionalities, Gleit assured that additional, engaging features are on the horizon.

Enhanced User Experience Without Replacing Existing Services

It is important to note that these new Plus plans are designed to complement, not replace, the existing Meta Verified service. While Meta Verified remains focused on verification, security enhancements, and dedicated support, the Plus plans are being developed to address the demands of power users seeking enriched app experiences. For example, Instagram Plus users can now access comprehensive story analytics and innovative publishing options that extend beyond traditional offerings.

Innovative Features And Customization Options

Each subscription is app-specific, ensuring a finely tuned user experience. Facebook Plus mirrors the functionality of Instagram Plus by emphasizing social expression, whereas WhatsApp Plus introduces options such as custom ringtones, premium stickers, and additional personalization for chats. These features are particularly attractive to heavy users and content creators aiming to maximize their digital presence.

AI And Professional Subscription Trials

Meta is also testing AI-focused subscription tiers called Meta One Plus and Meta One Premium. According to the company, the plans are designed for users requiring more advanced AI processing capabilities, including image and video generation tools. Meta One Plus is priced at $7.99 per month, while Meta One Premium is expected to cost $19.99 per month.

Empowering Creators And Businesses

Meta also introduced professional subscription plans targeting creators and businesses using Facebook and Instagram for audience growth and digital marketing. The Meta One Essential package, priced at $14.99 per month, includes expanded profile customization, impersonation protection and enhanced link management tools designed to support online visibility. A higher-tier Meta One Advanced subscription priced at $49.99 per month adds features such as prioritized search placement and automated engagement capabilities aimed at larger creators and digital brands. The rollout reflects Meta’s broader effort to expand subscription-based products and integrate AI-driven tools more deeply across its social media platforms.

Google Warns Of Vishing Campaign Targeting Financial Firms

Cybercriminals are increasingly relying on a simple tactic to breach major financial institutions: convincing employees to hand over their own login credentials.

In a new report, Google said several hacking groups have been targeting large financial and investment firms in the United States through voice phishing, or “vishing”, before stealing sensitive corporate data and using it to extort victims.

Employees Are The Primary Target

According to Google’s researchers, attackers contact employees on their personal mobile phones while posing as colleagues or IT support staff. Victims are then directed to fake websites, where they are tricked into entering login credentials and multi-factor authentication codes.

Google tracks the groups under the names Falcon, Helix, Pink and Redact, although researchers believe they may be linked to a broader threat cluster known as UNC6671.

Some of the groups operate leak websites, where they threaten to publish stolen data unless companies agree to pay a ransom.

Financial Sector In The Spotlight

While previous attacks targeted industries including manufacturing, healthcare, insurance, technology and hospitality, Google said the hackers have increasingly shifted their focus to financial institutions and law firms.

Researchers believe organisations involved in mergers, acquisitions and capital markets are particularly attractive targets because of the highly confidential information they hold.

Google estimated that one cryptocurrency wallet linked to the operation received around $10 million in bitcoin during the first few months of the year. Ransom demands typically range from $750,000 to $3 million.

The report highlights that despite rapid advances in AI-driven cyberattacks, traditional social engineering techniques remain among the most effective ways for attackers to gain access to corporate networks.

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