Navigating the latest social media changes
Are you wondering about what's going on with all the social media changes lately and what it means for business? With so many recent huge social media changes, it can be hard to keep up! Luckily, our board director, Asha Oberoi, has a great summary here.
State of Digital Communications 2025
It’s early in 2025 but we already find ourselves at the crossroads of a digital transformation unlike any we’ve seen before. Social media, the disrupter of media, communications and marketing, is undergoing seismic changes itself, that are reshaping how brands operate in this space. From Meta stepping away from fact-checking, Elon Musk’s demonstrable power and influence, to the ban and then the reversal of the TikTok ban in the US—these developments are more than just headlines; they are signals of a new, uncertain era for businesses and leaders everywhere.
As communicators, we will need to understand this fast-moving landscape as social media and technology continue to dominate and revolutionise how we reach, communicate and influence our stakeholders. How the changes are likely to impact how we use and manage social media include:
★ the increase in risks since Meta is ending its third-party fact-checking program for content shared on Facebook and Instagram including:
Reputational damage: A single viral post with false claims can spiral out of control in minutes. Implications for managing moderation.
Litigation risks. With increased scrutiny on false advertising and misleading claims, legal exposure grows.
Consumer distrust. Trust is already fragile in the digital age; the spread of unchecked content can erode it further.
★ Under 16 social media ban in Australia - reducing social media brand reach and audience for companies
★ TikTok in US: After a 14 hour shut-down period in the US, TikTok is back online. What are the wider impacts? It could signal an increase in alternative platforms use, eg Instagram + RedNote.
★ Company owned channels (websites, apps, newsletters & social channels) need to be up to date and the single source of truth for discerning audiences.
★ Paid social media advertising will be key to combatting misinformation and generating cut-through.
And just in the space of time since Asha did this summary, more has also happened:
China entered the AI story with Deep Seek and the Australian government has banned its use on government devices citing national security concerns
The White House press room is now creating a ‘new media seat’ for podcasters and social media influencers.