The indictment of 13 Russians for interfering with the Presidential election has intensified the pressure put on Facebook, which uncovered about three-thousand Russian-linked ads on its platforms before and after November 2016. Cheddar Senior Reporter, Alex Heath, breaks down the the latest developments.
Facebook's Vice President for ads, Rob Goldman, tweeted about Russia's disinformation effort. President Trump then cited him. Facebook did not intend for Goldman’s tweets to be quoted by Trump. They thought the tweets would only be seen by a contextually-aware audience of techies and media types who follow Goldman.
Heath believes that the tweeting from Goldman and other execs is part of a carefully orchestrated PR campaign by Facebook to make itself appear more transparent and relate-able through engaged spokespeople on Twitter.
Online tickets marketplace Vivid Seats CEO Stan Chia joined Cheddar’s "Opening Bell" to discuss the decision behind launching an IPO via a SPAC merger with Horizon Acquisition Corporation. According to Chia, it was the best route for the company as it looked to partner with a proven track record to strategize for the future. He also noted that pent-up demand for live events is as high as it's been in five years due to the pandemic. Shares are listed on the Nasdaq under the symbol SEAT.
Apple is expected to unveil a redesigned MacBook Pro, Mac Mini and the long-awaited AirPods 3 at its "Unleashed" event. We are also anticipating more information on Apple's own chip, as the chip shortage continues to ravage the tech industry. John Biggs, a writer and editor, gives a preview of the event and what we can expect from the new and improved devices.
Toyota is pledging to invest $3.4 billion into developing hybrid car batteries in the United States through 2030. The Japanese carmaker plans to establish a U.S. factory by 2025 and expects to create 1,750 jobs.
