In today’s Digest we cover whistleblowers saying Meta and TikTok amplify harmful content in order to keep users’ attention, Amazon rolling out one-hour delivery in US cities, and the UK government launching a local media support initiative.

Whistleblowers say Meta & TikTok amplify harmful content for engagement

More than a dozen whistleblowers have accused major social media platforms of knowingly amplifying harmful content in pursuit of engagement, with internal evidence linking outrage-driven material to increased user activity. Insiders told the BBC that companies accepted heightened risks around violence, exploitation, and extremism as competition for attention intensified across the sector.

At Meta Platforms, an engineer alleged that leadership encouraged the inclusion of “borderline” harmful content including misogyny and conspiracy theories to counter the rise of TikTok, amid mounting business pressures. A TikTok employee similarly claimed that moderation decisions were at times shaped by political considerations, such as avoiding regulation, rather than user safety. 

The revelations, detailed in the newly released BBC documentary Inside the Rage Machine, also highlight concerns over Meta’s rollout of Instagram Reels. Internal research found comments on Reels to carry higher levels of bullying, harassment, hate speech, and incitement, underscoring the increasing tension between platform growth and user protection.

Amazon rolls out 1-hour delivery 

Amazon is expanding its rapid delivery services across the US, introducing one-hour and three-hour shipping options in cities including Los Angeles and Chicago as it intensifies competition against Walmart.

The move follows the December launch of “Amazon Now”, a service offering groceries and everyday essentials in 30 minutes or less in select locations such as Seattle and Philadelphia. It also builds on the company’s wider strategy to increase basket sizes and purchase frequency. 

The company said the one-hour delivery option now covers more than 90,000 products, ranging from household essentials to toys, and will be fulfilled through its existing same-day delivery network. Perishable grocery deliveries will be limited to select areas, Amazon added.

UK government launches local media support initiative

The UK government has unveiled a new strategy to safeguard local journalism, with culture secretary Lisa Nandy announcing a £12m fund to support digital innovation across regional media. In a statement communicated at  the Society of Editors Future of News Conference, Nandy stressed that local news is “essential to a cohesive country”. She warned that financial pressures have already led to closures and the emergence of “news deserts”, with 37 local authority areas and 4.4 million citizens now lacking dedicated coverage.

The fund will be allocated through a competitive process to support investment in tools such as ad tech, apps, and website infrastructure, alongside limited backing for third-party solutions benefiting the wider industry. The government also pledged to increase the use of local outlets in public advertising campaigns, though without setting firm spending targets, and will pilot activity with hyperlocal titles. Additional measures include greater support for community radio, the creation of a Regional Media Forum in the West of England, and a review of rules requiring councils to publish notices in print, as part of a broader shift towards digital.