February 24, 2025
Tech News
YouTube is reportedly set to launch a new “Premium Lite” subscription tier in the U.S., Australia, Germany, and Thailand. This lower-priced option will provide ad-free viewing for non-music content, catering to users who primarily watch regular videos rather than music videos.
A recent study by Ekō has revealed that Meta and X (formerly Twitter) approved ads containing extreme anti-Muslim and antisemitic hate speech ahead of Germany’s federal elections. Researchers found that several test ads featuring violent messaging targeting minorities were quickly approved, raising concerns about content moderation on these platforms before a crucial election.
Industrial AI startup Augury and data activation platform Hightouch have officially joined the unicorn club. Augury, known for its AI-powered hardware that detects machine malfunctions, secured $75 million in funding, maintaining a valuation above $1 billion. Meanwhile, Hightouch raised $80 million in a Series C funding round, bringing its valuation to $1.2 billion.
The AI-driven startup ecosystem continues to grow as several companies announce significant funding rounds. Codeium, an AI-powered coding assistant, is reportedly in talks to raise funding at a $2.85 billion valuation.
Tech Explained
Subscription Service – A subscription service allows users to pay a recurring fee to access a product or service. In YouTube’s case, the “premium lite” tier will provide ad-free access to certain video content for a reduced price.
Hate Speech – Hate speech involves expressions that incite violence or prejudicial action against particular groups. The ads approved by Meta and X contained hate speech that targeted Muslim and Jewish communities, drawing criticism for their moderation policies.
Unicorn – A unicorn refers to a privately-held startup valued at over $1 billion. Both Augury and Hightouch gained this status, indicating their significant impact and potential in their respective markets.
Funding Round – A funding round is a stage in which a startup raises capital from investors. Recent rounds for startups like Codeium and Luminance represent the growing investor interest in the technology and legal sectors, particularly in AI solutions.
Bankruptcy – Bankruptcy is a legal proceeding involving a person or business unable to repay outstanding debts. Nikola Corp.’s bankruptcy filing illustrates the risks in the startup world, especially for companies with significant operational challenges.
