Meta's Instagram showed paid ads promoting escort services
CBS News uncovered multiple paid advertisements on Meta's Instagram stories feature that lead to Telegram channels that promote sex work in the U.S. and other countries
WhatsApp to bring subscription model and ads to messaging platform
WhatsApp is rolling out new ad features including a subscription model that will allow channels to offer exclusive content for a monthly fee.
"Sober curious" reshaping social life
In life and online, interest in the sober community is booming. On Instagram, there are more than 1.2 million #soberlife posts. More than 500,000 boast "sober is sexy." Dr. Tara Narula reports.
Instagram hiding "likes" on some posts
Instagram announced it is hiding some "likes" on posts in the U.S. starting this week. The social media platform says this is part of a test to see how it can improve the well-being of its users. Sara Fischer, media reporter for Axios, joined CBSN to discuss.
Instagram testing policy to hide likes
Instagram said it wants to create a healthier environment for users. So it's testing out a new policy in parts of the U.S. to hide likes. Jamie Yuccas explains.
Instagram will test making "likes" private in U.S.
You may love that picture from your friend on Instagram, but soon you may not know if anyone else "likes" it. Instagram has been testing hiding "likes" in several countries, and starting this week the company will expand the test to parts of the U.S. The announcement has been getting its share of "dislikes." Jonathan Vigliotti reports.
Instagram to hide "likes" from users starting next week
Major changes are coming to Instagram. Starting next week, the social media platform will start hiding likes. The company is testing whether reducing popularity contests will make a safer online environment for users.
The animal stars of Instagram
Adorable pets that have gone viral on Instagram have also won their owners some lucrative sponsorships. Richard Schlesinger talks with Loni Edwards, whose firm, The Dog Agency, represents all sorts of animals whose social media stardom can bring some big bucks.
Simon Huck on social media influencers
In this web exclusive, correspondent Alina Cho talks with Simon Huck, of the public relations firm Command PR, about the importance of internet celebrities in marketing and building brand awareness. Stars on platforms such as Twitter, Instagram and Facebook have become, in the eyes of their millions of followers, arbiters of taste with more impact than a prime time TV commercial.
Pet stars of Instagram
Adorable animals that have gone viral on Instagram have also won their owners some lucrative sponsorships. Richard Schlesinger talks with Loni Edwards, whose firm, The Dog Agency, represents all kinds of pets whose social media stardom can bring some big bucks. (This story originally aired on April 15, 2018)
Meta platforms showed hundreds of "nudify" deepfake ads, CBS News finds
Meta platforms such as Instagram have marketed AI tools that let users create sexually explicit images of real people.
Instagram video appears to show escaped inmate
A new video posted to social media may hold clues about the whereabouts of one of the inmates who escaped from a New Orleans jail. CBS News reporter Kati Weis has the details.
Student visa applicants advised to censor their social media posts
Counselors are urging foreign students applying to U.S. colleges to avoid certain topics online as the State Department scrutinizes their social media.
What's at stake in Meta's antitrust trial?
A landmark federal antitrust trial involving one of the world's largest tech companies is underway in Washington, D.C. The Federal Trade Commission has accused social media giant Meta of breaking competition laws when it purchased Instagram and WhatsApp. Joseph Coniglio, director of antitrust and innovation policy for the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, joins "America Decides" to unpack the stakes of the case.
EU hits Apple and Meta with hundreds of millions of dollars in new fines
The EU has hit Apple and Meta with hundreds of millions of euros in fines as it steps up enforcement of the European Union's Digital Markets Act.
Documentary explores dangers of social media
A new Bloomberg documentary, "Can't Look Away," investigates the dark side of social media for teens and the growing fight to hold tech companies accountable. Bloomberg investigative reporter Olivia Carville, who is an executive producer of the film, talks about her reporting in the documentary.
Why the FTC says Meta is an illegal monopoly
Opening statements began Monday in one of the most highly-anticipated trials in the tech world, the Federal Trade Commission's antitrust suit against Meta. CBS News senior business and technology correspondent Jo Ling Kent reports.
Mark Zuckerberg called to testify in Meta's antitrust trial
The case could determine whether Mark Zuckerberg's company might have to divest WhatsApp and Instagram.
Smartphone addiction is leading to "brain rot," doctors say
Research has shown that smartphone addiction causes major increases in brain activity, requiring the brain to work harder to complete simple tasks.
Meta apologizes for error that exposed Instagram users to violent content
Instagram users reported violent and other inappropriate content showing up in their Reels feeds.
First-of-its-kind bookstore making Black history in Dallas County community
It is a room of reverence, a bibliography in black, culled and collected by Nia-Taylor Clark, a former school teacher and now bookstore owner.
Why some users are suddenly following Trump
Some social media users have been questioning why it appears they are suddenly following President Trump on platforms like Facebook or Instagram. This and other questions and conspiracy theories have been flooding the internet in recent days. CBS News confirmed executive editor Rhonna Tarrant breaks them down.
Meta says it didn't force users to follow Trump on Facebook and Instagram
The company also said it was working to resolve an issue where some words, including "Democrats" and "Republican," were blocked from Instagram search.
TikTokers go to other apps before planned ban
As TikTokers brace for an expected U.S. ban to take effect Sunday, many users are flocking to different social media apps to try to grow their followings. CNET technology reporter Abrar Al-Heeti joined CBS News to discuss TikTok alternatives.
As Meta abandons fact-checking, here's how to tell what's real online
The CBS News Confirmed team shares tips you can use to tell fact from fiction online.
Live
Trump calls off attack on Iran subject to peace deal being "rapidly" reached
President Trump announced Saturday night that he will cancel a pending attack on Iran after he indicated that a rough framework of a peace deal had been reached.
What's behind the $4B cut in federal funding for California's high-speed rail?
Records reveal California twice missed deadlines to buy the trains at the center of a federal funding fight — then quietly dropped its lawsuit weeks after missing its new deadline.
DOJ to dismiss Reflecting Pool vandalism charges, citing "botched installation"
Federal prosecutors moved to dismiss an indictment charging U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn with ripping the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, saying the damage was caused by "botched installation and not vandalism."
Trump will push for "anti-weaponization fund" if Blanche not confirmed, he says
Todd Blanche previously repeatedly told Congress the "anti-weaponization fund" was "dead."
Several people killed in shooting at Idaho In-N-Out restaurant, officials say
Several people were killed in a shooting Saturday afternoon at an In-N-Out restaurant in Twin Falls, Idaho, local authorities said.
Flights canceled as WestJet flight attendants strike over pay dispute
WestJet canceled more than 300 flights as of early Sunday, snarling travel plans in Canada in the middle of a three-day weekend.
Fast-moving wildfire in Washington state prompts evacuations
The Old Trails Fire started around noon on Saturday, burning brush and grass and quickly spreading toward residential areas.
Spain's Ceuta grapples with aftermath of border surge
Dozens died, and the tiny enclave of Ceuta was thrown into chaos earlier this week after a rush of migrants entered from Morocco.
Moscow mayor calls deadly restaurant explosion a "terrorist act"
An explosion Saturday at a Moscow restaurant that killed three people and wounded 21 others was a bombing, Russian authorities said.
U.S.
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Fast-moving wildfire in Washington state prompts evacuations
The Old Trails Fire started around noon on Saturday, burning brush and grass and quickly spreading toward residential areas.
What's behind the $4B cut in federal funding for California's high-speed rail?
Records reveal California twice missed deadlines to buy the trains at the center of a federal funding fight — then quietly dropped its lawsuit weeks after missing its new deadline.
Bloody, bare footprints lead to decadeslong search for woman's killer
In 1993, Jeanie Childs was found stabbed more than 60 times in her Minneapolis apartment. Bloody footprints and unknown DNA left investigators without answers until a 2015 cold-case review and public DNA database finally pointed to a suspect.
Several people killed in shooting at Idaho In-N-Out restaurant, officials say
Several people were killed in a shooting Saturday afternoon at an In-N-Out restaurant in Twin Falls, Idaho, local authorities said.
Vincent Pastore, famous for his role in "The Sopranos," dies at 80
Vincent Pastore played Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero on all six seasons of "The Sopranos," which aired from 1999 to 2007.
MoneyWatch
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Flights canceled as WestJet flight attendants strike over pay dispute
WestJet canceled more than 300 flights as of early Sunday, snarling travel plans in Canada in the middle of a three-day weekend.
Nearly 1 in 4 Americans want CEOs to "stop being greedy," survey finds
New poll explores what people wish corporate leaders understood about economic life in the U.S. today.
Families sue Meta, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube over deaths of 4 teens
The families of four children who died by suicide allege that using social media led to depression, anxiety and other mental health problems.
New York sues Kalshi, alleging it enables illegal gambling
A growing number of U.S. states are seeking to crack down on prediction markets, but face pushback from federal regulators.
OCTROT heated blankets and throws recalled after fires and injuries
Chinese-made electric bedding poses "risk of serious injury or death," according to U.S. product safety regulators.
Politics
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What's behind the $4B cut in federal funding for California's high-speed rail?
Records reveal California twice missed deadlines to buy the trains at the center of a federal funding fight — then quietly dropped its lawsuit weeks after missing its new deadline.
Trump says deal to end Iran war may be imminent, agrees to "cancel the attack"
On Saturday, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke with Mr. Trump and cautioned him against conducting a fresh round of strikes on Iran, CBS News learned.
Bombing in Colombia injures 11, days before presidential inauguration
President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella condemned the bombing and said "terrorism will not intimidate Colombia."
Trump will push for "anti-weaponization fund" if Blanche not confirmed, he says
Todd Blanche previously repeatedly told Congress the "anti-weaponization fund" was "dead."
A brief timeline of Iranian cyberattacks on the U.S.
Investigators are probing whether Iranian hackers are behind this week's malicious cyber activity against water systems in Minnesota. If they are found to be the culprits, it would not be the first time.
HealthWatch
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She went to "hell and back" for a diagnosis. Then her sister showed symptoms.
Megan Kaverman's weight gain, fatigue, high blood pressure and other symptoms were dismissed for years before she was diagnosed with a rare heart disease.
Peptide vendor sentenced for "trail of harm"
A federal judge sentenced the owner of a peptide company to nearly 6 years in prison for deceiving customers and selling products adulterated with steroids, citing a "trail of harm." Adam Yamaguchi reports.
People with disabilities fear service cuts as DOJ questions legal protections
The Department of Justice in June issued a legal opinion saying states aren't required to provide services that help people with disabilities remain in their homes.
Senate committee advances Dr. Erica Schwartz to be Trump's CDC director
If confirmed by the full Senate, Dr. Erica Schwartz would become the 22nd director of the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Millions of kids have caffeine in their diet. It's not all coming from soda.
On any given day, kids consume an average of 19.4 milligrams of caffeine, which is about two-thirds of what's in a can of Coke, according to a new report.
World
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Spain's Ceuta grapples with aftermath of border surge
Dozens died, and the tiny enclave of Ceuta was thrown into chaos earlier this week after a rush of migrants entered from Morocco.
5 killed, dozens missing after blaze breaks out on Indonesia ferry
The Mutiara Sentosa 2 ferry was traveling from Indonesia's second-largest city of Surabaya in East Java to the city of Makassar in South Sulawesi.
Flights canceled as WestJet flight attendants strike over pay dispute
WestJet canceled more than 300 flights as of early Sunday, snarling travel plans in Canada in the middle of a three-day weekend.
Trump says deal to end Iran war may be imminent, agrees to "cancel the attack"
On Saturday, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke with Mr. Trump and cautioned him against conducting a fresh round of strikes on Iran, CBS News learned.
Moscow mayor calls deadly restaurant explosion a "terrorist act"
An explosion Saturday at a Moscow restaurant that killed three people and wounded 21 others was a bombing, Russian authorities said.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Art made of money
Philadelphia-based artist Stacey Lee Webber has invested small coins and bills into her sculptures and jewelry – art made entirely of money. Correspondent Nancy Giles talks with the money-making artist whose creations can cost a pretty penny. (Originally broadcast April 12, 2026.)
Summer movies are experiencing a renaissance
The summer blockbuster may be having its own blockbuster comeback. After years of streaming dominance, audiences are again packing theaters. Adam Yamaguchi has more.
Vincent Pastore, famous for his role in "The Sopranos," dies at 80
Vincent Pastore played Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero on all six seasons of "The Sopranos," which aired from 1999 to 2007.
8/1: CBS Saturday Morning
French wine region under fire threat, latest on migrants entering Spanish territory, plus all about sake.
GA-20, Charlie Musselwhite perform together
Grammy-winning harmonica virtuoso Charlie Musselwhite is a pioneer of the 60s Chicago blues scene. New England blues trio GA-20 is celebrated for their raucous sound and dynamic live performances. GA-20 and Charlie Musselwhite join forces for an electrifying blues collaboration, culminating in their new album "Blues Now!"
Technology
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Technology
Chinese EVs pull into the lead
Last year the Chinese car company BYD (which stands for Build Your Dreams) overtook Tesla as the world's top seller of fully electric vehicles, despite the U.S. market being virtually closed to them. Correspondent Seth Doane looks at how China's long-term investments in innovation are paying off in EVs – and how protective tariffs may end up hurting American automakers down the road. (Originally broadcast April 12, 2026.)
Anthropic claims its AI models went rogue
Anthropic claims its artificial intelligence models went rogue during testing and hacked into three other companies. Less than two weeks ago, OpenAI reported a similar incident for one of its models. Stephen Witt, author of "The Thinking Machine," joins to unpack the situation.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
Trump blames Minnesota for water cyberattack
The U.S. government is investigating whether Iran is behind a cyberattack on water systems in seven states. In Minnesota alone, more than 30 community water systems were impacted. CBS News homeland security correspondent Nicole Sganga has the details.
Families sue Meta, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube over deaths of 4 teens
The families of four children who died by suicide allege that using social media led to depression, anxiety and other mental health problems.
Science
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Rare footage of humpback whale birth captured on drone video
The footage is believed to be only the fourth complete humpback whale birth ever recorded on film anywhere in the world and the first-ever captured by drone.
Rare video shows humpback whale birth
A photographer operating a drone off the coast of Australia captured a humpback whale giving birth. It's believed to be the first time such a birth has been recorded by a drone.
How plants feel
Science shows us that, even though plants don't have brains, they seem to have a nervous system that responds to touch in remarkable ways. Robert Krulwich and puppeteer Barnaby Dixon explore the science of thigmomorphogenesis (the phenomenon of plants reacting to outside stimulae), a discussion that plants the seeds for a song.
Nearly 30 beluga whales sent to the U.S.
Nearly 30 beluga whales were sent to aquariums across the U.S. in a multinational emergency operation after their home aquarium in Canada shuttered. Jared Ochacher reports.
SpaceX launches first rocket since IPO
Elon Musk's aerospace company, SpaceX, launched its massive Starship rocket in its first test flight since the company went public. Since achieving the largest IPO in history, SpaceX's stock has dropped drastically. Mark Strassmann takes a look.
Crime
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Bloody, bare footprints lead to decadeslong search for woman's killer
In 1993, Jeanie Childs was found stabbed more than 60 times in her Minneapolis apartment. Bloody footprints and unknown DNA left investigators without answers until a 2015 cold-case review and public DNA database finally pointed to a suspect.
FTC says ticket reseller violated laws
Last year, "CBS Saturday Morning" spoke with ticket reselling company Elite Events and Tickets about its methodology and practices. Now, the Federal Trade Commission is fining the company, saying it violated the Better Online Ticket Sales Act. Elite Events and Tickets neither admitted to nor denied the FTC's allegations.
Police release Nancy Guthrie ransom notes
It has been six months since Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today Show" co-host Savannah Guthrie, vanished from her Arizona home. Investigators have now released two ransom notes with "distinctive linguistic characteristics" and are asking for the public's help in identifying their writer.
Savannah Guthrie asks for answers about mom Nancy after notes released
Savannah Guthrie said she and her family have been "in agony and despair ever since" her mother Nancy's disappearance in February.
Notes released in Nancy Guthrie case
For the first time, the Pima County Sheriff's Office released a pair of emails allegedly sent by Nancy Guthrie's kidnapper, who said she had died shortly after she had been abducted. Tom Hanson reports.
Space
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Russian Soyuz brings three home after 8 months at space station
The Soyuz MS-28 landing in Kazakhstan brought a 241-day stay in space to a successful conclusion.
SpaceX's Super Heavy-Starship blasts off on 13th test flight
An upgraded version of the world's most powerful rocket is key to landing NASA astronauts on the moon in the agency's Artemis program.
Meteorite that hit home contains "alien world chemistry," experts say
When scientists examined the preserved fragments of a meteorite that crashed in 2024, they found brine-like fluids and key molecules.
Russian Soyuz rocket launches fresh crew to space station
The new crew will replace three other Soyuz fliers wrapping up a 240-day stay aboard the International Space Station.
Astronomers discover sugar in space that's also found in raspberries
The sugar, called erythrulose, lurks in what's called the interstellar medium: thin clouds of gas and dust littered between stars.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
Photos show celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Fighting health care insurers
With health insurance companies frequently denying coverage for medically-requested procedures, 73 percent of Americans surveyed say healthcare delays and denials are a major problem. Now, a company called Sheer Health says they will fight insurance battles on behalf of their clients. Correspondent Susan Spencer looks at how a form of insurance against health care denials may benefit consumers. (Originally broadcast April 12, 2026.)
Bingo! New spins on an old favorite
From American Legion halls to church basements, the simplicity of Bingo and its ability to let large groups play at once is why the game raises billions of dollars for charities and non-profits. Correspondent Luke Burbank looks at the history of this popular numbers game. (Originally broadcast April 12, 2026.)
Chinese EVs pull into the lead
Last year the Chinese car company BYD (which stands for Build Your Dreams) overtook Tesla as the world's top seller of fully electric vehicles, despite the U.S. market being virtually closed to them. Correspondent Seth Doane looks at how China's long-term investments in innovation are paying off in EVs – and how protective tariffs may end up hurting American automakers down the road. (Originally broadcast April 12, 2026.)
Art made of money
Philadelphia-based artist Stacey Lee Webber has invested small coins and bills into her sculptures and jewelry – art made entirely of money. Correspondent Nancy Giles talks with the money-making artist whose creations can cost a pretty penny. (Originally broadcast April 12, 2026.)
Homebuyers chase the American Dream
A growing number of young people see themselves as "forever renters" because they can't afford to buy a home, due to short supply, higher mortgage rates, and incomes that haven't kept up with rising home prices. Correspondent Jo Ling Kent examines the difficulties of today's housing market, and checks out one Midwestern city's program aimed at attracting homebuyers from out-of-state. (Originally broadcast April 12, 2026.)