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Instagrams algorithm routinely serves up sexually charged videos featuring scantily-clad sex content creators to teen users as young as 13, according to the alarming results of a seven-month analysis that were published Thursday.

The Wall Street Journal and a Northeastern University researcher probed the Mark Zuckerberg-led apps filters by creating accounts posing as fictional 13-year-olds and scrolling Instagrams Reels video feed which reportedly began showcasing suggesting content almost immediately.

At first, the racy videos included women dancing suggestively or showcasing their breasts, the report said.

As the accounts watched those videos while skipping others, the content became more graphic with videos featuring online sex workers who promised to send nude images to viewers appearing in less than 20 minutes, according to the Journal.

In one set of tests conducted in June, the Journal said Instagram began showing video after video about anal sex to a fictional 13-year-old who previously watched videos about women on the Reels feed.

In other cases, the recommended algorithm served up videos of women caressing their bodies, mimicking sex acts or even flashing their genitalia to the camera, the Journal said.

The racy videos occasionally appeared along ads for major corporate brands, the report said.

Meta pushed back on the reports findings, with spokesman Andy Stone asserting it was an artificial experiment that doesnt match the reality of how teens use Instagram.

As part of our long-running work on youth issues, we established an effort to further reduce the volume of sensitive content teens might see on Instagram, and have meaningfully reduced these numbers in the past few months, Stone added.

The Post has reached out for comment.

The analysis was conducted by the Journal over a seven-month period stretching from January through June, according to the report. Northeastern University computer science professor Laura Edelson also replicated the test results.

The test accounts did not follow any other accounts or like any posts. To test how quickly Instagram ramped up illicit recommendations, the testers scrolled through Reels watching the sexually-charged videos while skipping others.

The Journal said it conducted similar tests on Snapchat and TikTok, neither of which recommended sexually graphic content to the test accounts under similar conditions.

Meanwhile, current and former Meta employees told the outlet that internal tests had uncovered problems with inappropriate content being served to underage users as far back as 2021.

In one internal report from 2022, Meta reportedly found that teen users viewed three times as many posts featuring nudity as adults.

Meta has repeatedly said that it is taking steps to ensure teen users have age-appropriate experiences on its apps.

The Journal uncovered the illicit content even Meta rolled out stricter content controls in January meant to prevent teen users from being exposed to inappropriate content.

As part of those new restrictions, users under age 16 are supposed to be blocked from seeing sexually explicit content in their feeds.

The damning report marks yet another headache for Meta, which currently faces as sweeping federal lawsuit from dozens of states who allege the companys apps have fueled a youth mental health crisis.

Meta is also being sued by the state of New Mexico in a separate suit alleging the company has failed to protect underage users from sexual predators active on its apps.

As The Post reported, a filing from that lawsuit revealed that executives from Walmart and Tinder parent Match Group confronted Meta after learning their ads were running next to content that sexualized underage users.

In January, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg issued a stunning apology to the families of victims of online child sex abuse during a high-profile hearing on Capitol Hill.

No one should go through the things that your families have suffered, Zuckerberg said at the time. And this is why we invest so much and we are going to continue doing industry-wide efforts to make sure no one has to go through the things your families have had to suffer.

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Business

Microsoft is now worth over $4 trn, becoming only second firm ever to pass milestone

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Microsoft is now worth over  trn, becoming only second firm ever to pass milestone

Microsoft has become only the second publicly traded company after Nvidia to surpass $4 trn (£3.03trn) in market valuation, after registering huge earnings.

On Thursday, shares rose on Wall Street with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq climbing to new record highs.

Stocks in Microsoft jumped after posting better-than-expected results, helped by its Azure cloud computing platform, which is a centrepiece of the company’s artificial intelligence (AI) efforts.

Shares in Facebook and Instagram’s parent company, Meta, also surged after beating sales and profit targets.

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Technology giants Apple and Amazon will report their results after Wall Street’s close.

Microsoft first cracked the $1trn (£760bn) mark in April 2019, but its move to $3trn (£2.27trn) took longer than technology giants Nvidia and Apple.

Nvidia tripled its value in just about a year and clinched the $4trn milestone before any other company on 9 July. Apple was last valued at $3.12trn.

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In comparison, the biggest UK company by market value is drug manufacturer AstraZeneca, worth $235.97bn (£178.55bn).

Companies ranked by market value (USD), according to tradingview.com

1. Nvidia (US) $4.43trn
2. Microsoft (US) $4trn
3. Apple (US) $3.12trn
4. Amazon (US) $2.47trn
5. Alphabet (US) $2.35trn
6. Meta (US) $1.95trn
7. Saudi Arabian Oil (Saudi Arabia) $1.56trn
8. Broadcom (US) $1.42trn
9. Berkshire Hathaway (US) $1.03trn
10. Tesla (US) $1.02trn
11. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (Taiwan) $1trn
29. Samsung Electronics (South Korea) $338.06bn
36. Alibaba (China) $284.62bn
52. AstraZeneca (UK) $235.97bn

While sweeping US tariffs had investors worried about tighter business spending, Microsoft’s strong earnings have shown that the company’s books are yet to take a hit.

Microsoft’s multibillion-dollar bet on OpenAI is proving to be a game changer, powering its Office Suite and Azure offerings with cutting-edge AI and fueling the stock to more than double its value since ChatGPT’s late-2022 debut.

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Read more from Sky News:
Microsoft beats Nvidia by market value
Trump unveils AI action plan
UK ramps up AI adoption with Meta

On Wednesday, the firm announced Azure sales surpassed $75bn (£56bn) on an annual basis, while Azure revenue jumped 39% in the April-June quarter.

Overall revenue rose 18% to $76.4bn (£57.81bn) over the same period.

It is also forecasting a record $30bn (£22.7bn) in capital spending over the first quarter to meet soaring AI demand..

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Environment

ENGWE Engine Pro 2.0 e-bike at exclusive new $750 low, Anker eufy S220 solar cam $65, Linkind smart solar spotlights from $23, more

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ENGWE Engine Pro 2.0 e-bike at exclusive new 0 low, Anker eufy S220 solar cam , Linkind smart solar spotlights from , more

Leading today’s pack of Green Deals is an exclusive 50% discount for our readers on the ENGWE Engine Pro 2.0 Folding e-bike at a new $749.50 low. Right behind it we have Anker’s eufy SoloCam S220 Solar Security Camera starting at $65, with some multi-pack discounts also available, as well as multi-packs of Linkind’s Smart Solar Spotlights starting from $23. From there we have a 3-in-1 tool bundle with replacement parts from Worx, a 60V 610 CFM cordless leaf blower from Greenworks, and more waiting for you below. Plus, all the hangover savings at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s ECOVACS Goat RTK robot lawn mower low price, Rad Power’s RadWagon 4 cargo e-bike discount, and more.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

Commute up to 68 miles with exclusive 50% savings on ENGWE’s Engine Pro 2.0 folding e-bike at a new $749.50 low

We’ve secured an exclusive and budget-friendly deal from Wellbots for our readers on the ENGWE Engine PRO 2.0 Folding e-bike at $749.50 shipped, after using the exclusive promo code 9TO5ENGWE50 at checkout for 50% off. This model would normally run you $1,499 here, which we’ve seen discounted as low as $1,149 from the brand over the last year. That price is getting strong-armed out of the way with this exclusive deal that gives you a 50% markdown, putting nearly $750 back into your pocket at the best new price we have tracked.

A great alternative option for riders who want a reliable means to get through their commutes without shelling out $1,000 or more on other brands, the ENGWE Engine Pro 2.0 e-bike is a folding model that saves on space while also providing some significant travel support. The 750W rear hub motor peaks at 1,200W and comes paired with a removable 16Ah battery for up to 68 miles of pedal-assisted travel (five levels supported by a torque sensor) at up to 20 to 28 MPH top speeds, depending on what your local laws allow. Of course, you’ll have the option for pure electric travel via the throttle, though keep in mind this reduces the mileage to around 30 miles on one full charge.

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For the low price you’re getting on ENGWE’s Engine Pro 2.0, you’ll be scoring some solid features, including hydraulic disc brakes for greater stopping power, puncture-resistant all-terrain fat tires so you don’t have to fear what you may ride over, and an 8-speed Shimano derailleur for versatile pedaling options. That’s not all, as you’ll also be getting a rear cargo rack, a full suspension system, and a smart LCD screen for performance data and setting adjustments – plus, the whole thing weighs in at 70 pounds, so it’s manageable regardless of your rural/suburban/urban environment.

rain falling onto Anker eufy SoloCam S220 solar security camera

Upgrade your home security with Anker’s solar-powered eufy SoloCam S220 camera at $65

Anker is offering its eufy SoloCam S220 Solar Security Camera at $64.99 shipped, after using the on-page promo code at checkout for $35 off the price, which is beating out Amazon’s pricing by $5. Coming down off its $100 full price tag while the savings last, this model has been regularly seen dropping to $70 and more recently going lower to $65 over the last handful of months, only beaten out by the $62 low we first saw appearing during Prime Day at the top of the month. You’re looking at 35% markdown while the savings last, giving you the second-best price we have tracked if you missed out on the one-time Prime Day low. You’ll also find the camera’s multi-pack options starting from $129.99 shipped here.

If you want to learn more about this solar-powered security device, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

Daytime and Nighttime differences with Linkind's smart solar spotlights lining walkway

Save up to 34% on multi-packs of Linkind’s Smart Solar Spotlights starting from $23

By way of its official Amazon storefront, Linkind is offering its Smart Solar Spotlights starting at $22.99 shipped for a 2-pack. The price is coming down from its $35 tag, with them having spent a significant portion of recent months at $24, with some falls to $23 (including during Prime Day) and one earlier drop to the $21 low back in April. You’re looking at a 34% markdown here that cuts $12 off the tag for the second-best price we have tracked, landing just $2 above the all-time low. You’ll also find its larger bundles benefitting from discounts, with the 4-pack down at its second-best price of $48.99 shippedafter clipping the on-page 30% off coupon, while its 8-pack is down at a $90.98 low.

If you want to learn more about this outdoor lighting device, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

man trimming around tree trunk with Worx GT revolution 3-in-1 string trimmer/edger/mini-mower

Pick up the Worx GT Revolution 20V 12-inch string trimmer/edger/mini-mower with spare parts at $83 (2025 low)

Amazon is offering the Worx GT Revolution 20V 12-inch String Trimmer/Edger/Mini-Mower kit that comes with a 2.0Ah battery, 2A charger, three replacement spools, a spool holder, and replacement edger wheels for $82.99 shipped. The combination of the tool and battery alone goes for $130 at full price directly from the brand’s website, where it’s currently priced, but we’ve been seeing this larger bundle package keep down to $100 for much of the time since late March. While we have seen it drop lower in the past, the additional $17 savings from its recent going rate is the best price we have tracked over the last 12 months, even beating out its Prime Day pricing by $2.

If you want to learn more about this 3-in-1 tool, be sure to check out our original coverage of the deal here.

man clearing large pile of leaves in yard with greenworks 60V 610 CFM cordless leaf blower

Clear out your yard with up to 610 CFM air flow through this 60V Greenworks cordless leaf blower at $142

Amazon is offering the Greenworks 60V 610 CFM Cordless Leaf Blower at $142.49 shipped. Normally fetching $200 directly from the brand’s website, where this model is priced $8 higher, we’ve been seeing it keep to $180 in full at Amazon since March, with discounts dropping costs lower between $160 and $140 on average. The lowest we’ve seen this model fall was to a $135 rate on the last of Prime Day’s 4-day event, with the deal today matching the event’s first three days of pricing. You’re looking at the third-lowest price we have tracked, saving you $58 off the MSRP and landing just $7 above the all-time low.

If you want to learn more about this 60V blower, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

Best Summer EV deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.

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Technology

Apple reports third-quarter earnings after the bell

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Apple reports third-quarter earnings after the bell

Apple CEO Tim Cook attends the world premiere of “F1” at Times Square in New York on June 16, 2025.

Angela Weiss | AFP | Getty Images

Apple reports fiscal third-quarter earnings on Thursday after the bell.

The June quarter is typically Apple’s slowest of the year by sales, ahead of new device launches in September that typically spur the company’s biggest sales surge of the year driven in the December quarter.

Still, Apple is expected to report nearly $90 billion in overall sales during the period, which would be a 4% increase from last year. Analysts expect it to guide for 3% growth in the September quarter.

But there are lots of questions swirling around Apple, whose stock is down 16% so far in 2025.

The biggest question facing Apple is what it will say about tariffs. In May, Apple said it would have about $900 million in additional tariff costs in the June quarter, but that it couldn’t predict beyond that. Apple will likely update investors on how it sees tariffs affecting the September quarter, a key indicator for how President Donald Trump’s trade war is affecting American technology companies.

Apple also said in May that it would manufacture U.S.-bound iPhones in India to avoid tariffs on Chinese imports. But the company’s move upset Trump, who said after Apple’s last earnings call that he didn’t want the iPhone maker building in India. India is in line to receive a 25% tariff as soon as Friday. Apple CEO Tim Cook may update investors on its India pivot on Thursday.

The company held its annual Worldwide Developers Conference in June, in which it announced major updates to its software for iPhones and other devices. Apple did not, however, announce major new artificial intelligence products or initiatives, disappointing some analysts. However, some investors believe Apple’s AI stumbles aren’t expected to show up in its results for years.

On the brighter side, Cook will likely shout out the movie “F1,” which is Apple Original Films’ first summer blockbuster and passed $500 million at the global box office last weekend.

Here’s how Apple is expected to do in the June quarter, per LSEG consensus estimates:

  • Earnings per share: $1.43
  • Revenue: $89.54 billion

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Apple returns to growth in China

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