iWorld
Meta policy chief Monika Bickert steps down, moves to Harvard Law School
Veteran content policy head to join Harvard Law School after years navigating platform scrutiny
SAN FRANCISCO: Meta’s long-serving content policy chief Monika Bickert is stepping down, marking the end of an influential tenure that helped shape how one of the world’s largest social platforms moderates content. She will leave the company in August to take up a role at Harvard Law School.
Bickert, who joined Facebook in 2012 as a former federal prosecutor, went on to lead the development and enforcement of the platform’s content policies through years of rapid growth and mounting scrutiny. Her work placed her at the centre of debates around political speech, misinformation and the impact of social media on teen mental health.
According to the Reuters report, Bickert said she would remain with the company over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition. She is expected to work closely with Kevin Martin, who oversees Meta’s global policy operations, as leadership responsibilities are gradually handed over. She has also worked alongside senior policy figure Joel Kaplan during her time at the company.
Over the years, Bickert became one of Meta’s most visible voices during periods of controversy, often representing the company’s stance on sensitive moderation decisions. Her role evolved alongside the company itself, from its early days as Facebook to its broader identity as Meta, reflecting a shift towards a more complex digital ecosystem.
Her move to academia signals a return to long-held interests in teaching and public discourse, bringing first-hand industry experience into the classroom. It also comes at a time when global regulators and platforms alike are rethinking the rules of online speech and safety.
Bickert’s departure leaves a notable gap in Meta’s policy leadership just as scrutiny of big tech shows little sign of easing. As she trades policy playbooks for lecture halls, her next chapter may shape the conversation from a different vantage point.
Gaming
Sony raises PS5 prices for second time in under a year
US disc edition jumps $100 to $649.99 as memory costs surge.
MUMBAI: Sony just hit the pause button on affordable gaming because when memory prices skyrocket, even the Playstation has to pay the premium. Sony has announced its second price increase for the Playstation 5 range in less than a year, citing pressures in the global economic landscape and a sharp rise in memory component costs driven by AI demand.
In the US, the PS5 disc edition will rise from $549.99 to $649.99, a $100 hike while the digital edition increases to $599.99. The more powerful PS5 Pro will jump $150 to $899.99. The Playstation Portal remote player will also rise by $50 to $249.99. The new prices take effect on 2 April 2026.
Similar increases have been applied in the UK (£90 per model), Europe and Japan. Sony last raised PS5 prices in the US in August 2025.
“We know that price changes impact our community, and after careful evaluation, we found this was a necessary step to ensure we can continue delivering innovative, high-quality gaming experiences to players worldwide,” Sony said in a blog post.
The hikes come amid an unprecedented surge in memory prices, as manufacturers prioritise supply for AI data centres. Analysts say Sony had likely secured price protections for components that have now expired, forcing the company to protect its hardware margins.
Ampere Analysis research director of games Piers Harding-Rolls told CNBC that further increases from Microsoft and Nintendo would not be surprising, though Nintendo may hesitate to raise the price of its recently launched Switch 2 while establishing the new platform.
The increases arrive eight months before the highly anticipated release of GTA 6, which is expected to drive strong console sales. However, early reactions online have been a mix of disappointment and resignation, with growing concern that premium gaming is increasingly becoming a hobby for higher-income players.
In a sector already grappling with tariffs, inflation and component shortages, Sony’s move underscores a tough reality: even the most popular consoles are not immune to the rising cost of keeping up with the latest technology.
