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Instagram tests forcing users to watch adverts

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Instagram is testing adverts that users cannot skip past.

The social media platform currently allows people to swipe or scroll past adverts that appear in its main feed of images and videos, as well as in its Stories and Reels feeds.

But it is now trialling a feature called “ad break”, which users say they can not flick past as usual.

Images shared online show a timer, which counts down to zero before normal functionality can resume.

“Sometimes you may need to view an ad before you can keep browsing,” the Meta-owned platform tells those who click for more information.

Instagram has confirmed to the BBC that a trial is underway.

“We’re always testing formats that can drive value for advertisers,” it said in a statement, adding that it would provide further updates if the test resulted in permanent format changes.

In a subsequent statement, Meta said it was “always experimenting with new products and ad solutions in line with the evolving consumer trends and business needs.”

‘Ad dollars’
It remains to be seen if the trial pleases advertisers – but it certainly does not appear to have gone down well with users.

One person on Threads called the move “bonkers” – adding that it “seems like an aggressively pushy move to earn more ad dollars for Meta”.

Others have raised the prospect of boycotting the platform.

“We will simply not be scrolling,” said one X (formerly Twitter) user.

Meta is not the first big tech firm to force people to watch adverts.

YouTube is known for showing non-skippable ads to users watching videos on its platform or TV app who do not pay for its ad-free premium tier.

Advertisers can target YouTube viewers with 15 to 30 second-long, non-skippable promotional videos that appear before, during or after other videos if they want people to view their entire message.

They can also advertise using similarly non-skippable “bumper ads” – shorter videos of up to six seconds long – on YouTube videos.

Some users have responded by turning to ad blocking tools and browser extensions as a way around adverts that interrupt videos on the platform.

Google, YouTube’s parent company, is in turn trying to clamp down on ad blockers.

However it is not clear that forcing users to watch more ads actually helps companies’ bottom lines.

A study carried out by TikTok, published in January, suggested forcing viewers to watch adverts might actually lead to less engagement.

More than 70% of its participants said they were more likely to engage with the experience of an advert if there was an option to skip it.

(BBC News)

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No new tax on small parcel imports – Customs

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Sri Lanka Customs has refuted social media claims alleging the imposition of a new tax on small parcel imports.

Addressing the media, Customs Media Spokesman and Additional Director Seevali Arukgoda emphasized that no new taxes have been introduced, nor are there any disruptions to the clearance of imported goods.

“We are not increasing tax rates… we are simply ensuring duties are calculated correctly,” he said. “The previous system allowed for significant undervaluation and misuse. Now, we are enforcing the existing laws more transparently.”

He explained that duties are now calculated using the globally accepted Harmonized System (HS) Code, which categorizes goods by type and value, replacing the older method of relying on parcel weight or flat rates that were often exploited.

Arukgoda further assured that no parcels are being withheld and reiterated that rates remain consistent with those approved by Parliament. The changes, he said, were implemented after adequate notice was given to courier services and importers — including a 1.5-month notice period and a 2-week transition phase.

He also noted that there is no requirement for recipients of online orders to visit Customs in person. Courier companies continue to handle delivery and clearance, he added.

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Starlink now available in Sri Lanka – Elon Musk

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Billionaire businessman Elon Musk has announced that the Starlinksatellite internet service is now available in Sri Lanka.

“Starlink now available in Sri Lanka!” Elon Musk said in a post on ‘X’.

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End of parate relief for large SMEs

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The grace period granted to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) under Sri Lanka’s Parate Execution Law officially ended midnight yesterday (June 30) for businesses with loans exceeding Rs. 50 million.

The Parate Law grants banks the authority to seize properties pledged as collateral without court proceedings. Although its implementation had been suspended for three months by the current administration—and for six months earlier under former President Ranil Wickremesinghe—it has now been reinstated, triggering serious concern among entrepreneurs.

Deputy Minister of Economic Development – Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando  has stated that the government intends to hold discussions with all relevant parties in the coming days to address the issues linked to the law’s reimplementation.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader – Sajith Premadasa has warned that the re-implementation of the Parate Execution Law could lead to the rapid auctioning of assets from small, medium, and micro businesses, putting them at risk.

In a statement yesterday (June 30), he emphasized that these businesses contribute over 50% to Sri Lanka’s Gross Domestic Production (GDP) and employ over 04 million people.

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