So… Facebook Is Letting Advertisers Be Pretty Racist

Oct 28, 2016

We’ve come a pretty long way as a society. Although we’re not perfect, we are WAY more tolerant than we were even 30 or 40 years ago. We’ve drawn attention to racial issues with the #BlackLivesMatter movement, legalized gay marriage and may possibly elect the country’s first female president in just a couple of weeks. But we aren’t quite where we need to be yet, starting with our tech.

According to a new report, Facebook lets advertisers choose to exclude certain racial groups from their ad’s audience. Reporters at ProPublica went onto Facebook’s advertising portal and created a fake listing meant for people who are house hunting. When they went to target the ad for their audience, they found they could exclude certain racial groups from seeing the ads.

So, this all seems illegal. It completely breaks everything set down in the Fair Housing Act of 1968. Basically, the act says that housing ads CANNOT target (or exclude) anyone based on “race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.”

Facebook has said that their policies stand in accordance with the law and that whenever an advertiser abuses the ads, the company takes action. The company also said that “ethnic affinity” is different than race. The former is gathered based on what pages the user has liked; the latter is irrelevant to Facebook.

Hm, this all sounds very questionable to us. Your move, Facebook.

What do you think of Facebook’s targeting policy? Let us know @BritandCo!

(h/t ProPublica; photos via Getty)

Meet The Latest Apple Lineup – The New iPhone 15 And Apple Watch

Apple unveiled their latest and greatest today, most notably introducing the iPhone 15 suite, improved iCloud storage plan options, and the Apple Watch Series 9. The new products bring forth some reasonably big changes to Apple’s existing technology – the company saying ‘goodbye’ to the Lightning port is just one example. Read on for everything, new and improved, that was just announced at the Apple Event.

The iPhone 15

New iPhone

The latest iteration of iPhone is the iPhone 15, and it will also be available as the iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max. They’ll come in 5 colors: white, black, pink (rejoice!), green, and yellow. The Pro models are fitted with a strong, lightweight titanium casing, and have a 6.1-inch screen, while the Plus models boast a 6.7-inch screen.

No More Lightning Cables

And yes, you read it right – the Lighting charging ports are no more for new Apple products, including the iPhone 15. From now on, users will only be able to use a USB-C cord (that, according to Apple, ushers in potentially faster charging times) for charging their devices. The change makes things fairly easy for cross-functional purposes, as USB-C cords are also compatible with non-Apple products.

Action Button

The Lightning port isn’t the only thing that Apple said they’re retiring. The new iPhone no longer has a ring silencer slider on the side. Instead, it’s now called an “action button.” The action button will still silence alerts, texts, and calls by default, but will also be capable of other handy commands you tell it to complete.

Sharper-Than-Ever Camera

As expected, the iPhone 15 variations boast an updated camera system. The company’s stepped it up so that the smartphones have a 48-megapixel main camera with a larger sensor than ever before. The back camera also has a new “nanoscale coating” for handling lens flares and lowlight with expert skill. The camera system reportedly has more enhanced color, better image stabilization, and a 4K cinematic video mode.

Improved Connection

The new iPhones also feature an ultra wideband chip, which expands the device’s connection strength. This chip allows iPhones to connect to other devices from up to three times farther away. It’s incorporated into the “Find My’ technology that you may already use to find your friends, devices, and more.

Apple made sure to address pricing for the new iPhone, as well as existing models:

iPhone SE will start at $429.
iPhone 13 will start at $599.
iPhone 14 will start at $699.
iPhone 15 will start at $799.
iPhone 15 Plus will start at $899.
iPhone 15 Pro will start at $999.

The new iPhones start shipping and hitting stores on September 22.

Store More With New iCloud+ Plans

Apple also announced that starting September 18, iCloud+ will offer 6TB ($29.99/mo) and 12 TB ($59.99/mo) storage plans, which expands their previous largest offering of 2TB ($9.99/mo). The new plans are ideal for large photo and video libraries, or users of Apple’s Family Sharing.

Apple Watch Series 9

Shout Out To Sustainability

The company introduced the Apple Watch Series 9, which is reportedly Apple’s first-ever carbon-neutral product. They’ll also be making another sustainability effort by eliminating leather materials from the Apple Watch. The wristbands will no longer be made of leather, but instead, a material called “fine woven,” which is made from 68% post-consumer recycled content.

With The Tap Of A Finger

The most notable news surrounding the new Apple Watch is the introduction of hand gesture controls. With the watch on, users can tap their index finger and thumb together twice to answer (or end) phone calls, play and pause music, or snooze alarms. Siri can also take commands via the watch now.

Apple Watch Tune-Up

The Series 9 watch is now made with a custom S9 chip for faster processing, according to Apple. The screen features a new edge-to-edge display that doubles the brightness levels, plus the model is available in a new pink color!

Apple noted these updated prices for the Apple Watch:

Apple Watch SE starts at $249.
Apple Watch S9 starts at $399.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 is priced at $799.

Stay in the loop on current events and happenings with Brit + Co.

Images via Apple.

Um, Emily Henry Just Shared Her Dream 'Happy Place' Cast

Emily Henry not only new pops books year after year, but she also has a knack for frequently announcing exciting book adaptations, too! From launching Funny Story(already love it) to news of the Beach Read movie (crossing our fingers for a Ayo Edibiri and Paul Mescal announcement any day now), EmHen's had a busy year — and it just got even busier.

After Henry announced the news herself on her email newsletter, "Emily's Grocery List,"Deadline confirmed that Netflix is in the process of adapting Happy Place. We've got the scoop on everything you should know about the newest Emily Henry adaption!

Here's everything we know about Emily Henry's Happy Place show, coming to Netflix soon.

Who's in the Happy Place cast?

Seacia Pavao/Netflix

While we don't have a confirmed cast yet, we're not-so-patiently waiting patiently to see who's attached to this adaption. And there's one star Emily Henry would love to see in the movie.

"For Harriet in Happy Place, I think Eve Hewson would be wonderful," the author told People. "And usually, when I am thinking of casting, I'm not actually thinking of someone who looks like that person. I'm just thinking of someone who has that same vibe. But she actually does look more or less how Harriet is in my head."

Where can I watch Happy Place?

Devyn Glista/St. Blanc Studios

We don't have an official Happy Place release date yet, but the series will be available to stream on Netflix.

What is Happy Place about?

Amazon

The Happy Place plot follows a couple, Harriet and Wyn, as they navigate their broken relationship. The stories winds over the course of many years: as friends, lovers, fiancées, and now...whatever they are. Every summer, they go to the beach house with their closest friends, but this year they set out for one last hurrah before the beach house is sold.

Their whole friend group thinks they're still together, so they pretend to be together just for a short while just to enjoy one last summer all together. Only...it's harder than you think to pretend you're not in love with someone when you are, in fact, still in love.

Is Happy Place being adapted for the screen?

Emily Henry/Instagram

Emily Henry officially confirmed that Happy Place is being adapted for Netflix. The author wrote in her email newsletter, "Happy Place is going to be a series on Netflix! I’ve been dying to tell you about it forever, and there’s actually A LOT more to share very soon, but since this little bit of news leaked today, I wanted to be the one to FORMALLY tell you."

She goes on to say she's thrilled about the series and even more excited that they've allowed her to be closely involved in the project, so that it can live up to her, and the readers', dream and vision for the book! She said that she wants to make it a series that the fans will love and be happy with. We couldn't be more excited to hear that!

Is Happy Place by Emily Henry going to be a series?

Emily Henry/Instagram

Happy Place will be made into a TV series with Netflix! This is great news, because it works better for the plot for the project to cover multiple episodes. The book has quite a long storyline that develops over many years and many summers in the lives of the main characters, so with flashbacks, it will require more time to delve into their stories.

This makes me so excited as a fan, because I believe this allows them the time to do the story justice, and really develop the relationship and chemistry between the two main characters, Harriet and Wyn, as well as the supporting characters also in the book.

Who's producing Netflix's Happy Place show?

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

The series will be produced by Netflix and Jennifer Lopez’s Nuyorican production company. This announcement follows multiple deals between Lopez and Netflix, including their latest release of Atlas, which garnered over 72 million views! Plus, JLo is a certifiable rom-com queen, so we know EmHen will be in the best of hands with her!

Who's the showrunner for the Happy Place show?

Rich Fury/Getty Images

We can't escape the world of Bridgerton because one of the show's Co-Executive Producers — Leila Cohan — is attached to the Happy Place TV show! She'll be the showrunner and co-writer for the series which means fans of Emily Henry's fun rom-com are in for a treat (via Deadline).

Are there other Emily Henry book adaptations being made?

Amazon

Beach Read, a beloved Henry best-seller, is being made into a movie! Fans continue to speculate that Paul Mescal and Ayo Edibiri will star in it, especially after Henry said they would be amazing for the roles. Even Paul told Awards Watch he wants to do a romcom with Ayo...so, it's basically meant to be!

People We Meet On Vacationis also getting the movie treatment. The cast will be led by Tom Blyth and Emily Baer, and incredible author, screenplay writer, and rom-com lover Yulin Kuang is set to adapt the script, so that's bound to be a fabulous match!

Finally, we're getting a movie for Book Lovers. According to Us! Weekly, some fans think this is the movie for Ayo and Paul, but we're not convinced. Definitely keeping our eye out for who is cast, though!

We're so excited for the many Emily Henry projects in the works, and pending for the future. Emily Henry said at the end of her newsletter, "I cannot WAIT to tell you more, about this project and others, right here on my grocery list just as soon I’m given the green light. For now, though, I’m back to working on [REDACTED]. Happy reading, my friends."

Yikes, I'm scared and excited all at once, because she has taken over my life. Stay tuned her for further updates on her upcoming projects!

Who do you want to see in the Happy Place series? Follow us on Facebook for more pop culture news, and read This Excerpt Of Emily Henry's Great Big Beautiful Life before the book launches on April 22, 2025.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

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What Would A TikTok Ban Mean For Small Businesses?

Amid dire concerns that TikTok threatens U.S. national security, bans against the app have spread like wildfire. Beyond just government devices, some universities initiated bans, with the latest policy talks going as far as to include personal devices as well. Though it’s unlikely that the platform will be completely banned (there are other proposed solutions, like selling the app or amending its data policies) due to free speech, the possibility of a ban raises another concern: the livelihood of small businesses.

TikTok is a central avenue for small businesses to promote their products and services, with special thanks to its algorithm, says Johannes Larsson, Founder and CEO at Financer.com.

“The platform's unique algorithm, which prioritizes content discovery and virality, has enabled many small businesses to reach and connect with potential customers in a way that wasn't possible through traditional social media platforms,” says Larsson. “Since its growth has been exponential throughout the years as a key marketing channel, the ban triggered the markets for sure.”

TikTok also masters the art of connection. Your For You Page knows exactly what you like to see. This gives small businesses the ability to get closer to their audience and reach more success that way, says saysLynzee Krohne, Founder of branding agency LEO + LAINE.

"On TikTok, brands have the freedom and space to be more casual and less branded," Krohne said. "Because of the nature of TikTok, it allows brands to let their guard down a bit and create content that may be a little more rough around the edges—which helps them appear to be much more authentic to their audience."

Jessica Tran, founder of @jtmobiledetailing, says 60% of customers choose her car detailing shop because they saw it on TikTok. Jaz and Sam Sears, owners and operators of@aztaco.king, grew their business from a food cart in a parking lot to two restaurants in less than 6 months, due to their success on the app. Megan Gersch, a web designer and brand identity creator, says around half of her client base comes from TikTok, which often turn into 4 to 5-figure contracts.

This positive growth for small biz is commonly attributed to the app’s distinctive features that connect creators with consumers, such as live video streaming, a virality-driven algorithm, and the ability for users to personalize their daily feeds.

“TikTok has been a great tool for allowing me to connect with my audience on a deeper level,” says Gersch. “There's a special magic that happens with video marketing that you can't achieve with a text or static image post. Your audience gets to know your quirks, your mannerisms, and they start to feel like they know you, even though you've never met. Every time you see a new video from one of your favorite creators, it's like a FaceTime call from a trusted friend.”

In its absence, small business TikTokers would have no choice but to adapt and pivot their marketing strategies, which is not always easy when they’re doing it DIY-style, says Larsson.

“While small businesses may be able to find success on other social media channels, the competition for visibility and engagement is often more intense [than on TikTok], making it harder for them to stand out. The time and effort required to establish a new presence and create content tailored to the specific characteristics of other platforms could be a significant burden on small business owners.”

Small businesses pivoting to other platforms might face different struggles for exposure, due to consumers being very platform-specific, according to Krohne.

"If [TikTok] brands begin to focus their content efforts on Instagram, they’re up against multiple types of content, and competing in a more content-saturated world," Krohne told us. "TikTok mostly has one content offering, and that’s why it’s insanely popular. There’s a difference between platforms. Brands must diversify their content and show up in other places to keep a steady stream of touchpoints to remain top of mind and memorable."

Though Gersch is no stranger to restrategizing, a potential TikTok ban would still impact her business as a web designer and brand creator.

“I've been a marketer for 16+ years, and one thing that I have learned along the way is that you need to constantly test, look at your analytics, and create where the attention is,” says Gersch. “If TikTok goes away, there will be a huge gap in the market that will need to be filled.”

TikTok recognizes the work that small business owners take on in order to find success, which is why the platform has committed $1 million each to the Hispanic Heritage Foundation to elevate entrepreneurship in the Latin community, and Black Girl Ventures to support Black and Brown women entrepreneurs.

“Five million US businesses turn to TikTok to take us inside their world in a fun, authentic way, and as a result, they are reaching new customers, hiring more employees and growing their business,” says Becca Sawyer, Global Head of SMB for TikTok. “By partnering with HHF and BGV and launching virtual workshops, we're strengthening our commitment to build an inclusive and supportive platform where small business owners and entrepreneurs can share their story, find their audience and drive real business results."

We can’t make a solid prediction for the destiny of the beloved app for now, but we do know that it’ll be dearly missed by small businesses and consumers alike if bans (at any capacity) go through.

“I don't want Tiktok to be banned - not only is it an integral part of my business, but I have also been able to connect with so many incredible people that I wouldn't have met otherwise,” says Gersch. “It's my go-to source for inspiration, learning, and even a good laugh.”

Sign up for our newsletter for more takes on current events. Follow us on TikTok to catch exclusive content!

Illustration by Claire Shadomy

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11 Stunning Anthropologie Swimsuits To Add To Your Packing List ASAP

Vacation season is swiftly approaching, which means it’s finally time to dust off your favorite swimsuits! If your current lineup is craving a refresh, though, let it be known that the perfect place to shop for cute, colorful, and comfy swim styles is none other than Anthropologie! We scrolled through their entire swim collection and found 11 stunning swimsuits you can easily rock with confidence on a tropical getaway or pool day this year.

Shop our 11 favorite Anthropologie swimsuits for spring and summer 2025 below!

Anthropologie

Capittana Stephanie Vichy Fruits Bikini Top

This fruity bikini top covered in an ever-trendy gingham pattern was made to be seen at the beach or poolside.

Anthropologie

LSPACE Kyslee Cutout One-Piece Swimsuit

With two cheeky cutouts in the front and back, this style takes your typical black one-piece and jazzes it up perfectly – all while still retaining its modesty! You could easily style this as a bodysuit with some white linen pants, too!

Anthropologie

Seafolly Beach Bound Ring Front Bandeau One-Piece Swimsuit

This swimmie is so Audrey Hepburn-coded, thanks to the minimal black and white color palette and contrasting trim details. It can be worn with or without the straps since they're detachable.

Anthropologie

Andie x Sunshine Tienda One-Piece Swimsuit

Hello, color! We adore this striped one-piece because it makes a statement all on its own and really embraces the lively energy of good old summertime.

Anthropologie

Citrine Swim Luna One-Piece Swimsuit

If you're headed to the beach this year, this design dotted with little palm trees is quite literally the perfect fit – not only for the beachy vibes, but on your body, too! The chic straight neckline is super flattering, while the backside boasts a playful crossed tie to secure its fit.

Anthropologie

Damson Madder Jezebel Bikini Top

Gingham is still super huge, even in the swimsuit world. This simple bandeau bikini top and ruched bottoms supply such a great amount of coverage, while still highlighting flirty details like the keyholes on the sides.

Anthropologie

Hutch Rosanna One-Piece Swimsuit

The side ruching brought up by an easily-accessible drawstring makes this one-piece suit extremely flattering. It hugs your curves in all the best ways, plus you can secure the top half with a similar drawstring – and a keyhole for extra style points!

Anthropologie

Agua Bendita Mariel One-Piece Swmsuit

This feminine swimsuit design will certainly turn heads this summer, plus it photographs beautifully, so you can ensure you walk away from vacay with some stunning Instagram pics!

Anthropologie

Beach Riot Joyce Cutout One-Piece Swimsuit

The bold color-blocking on this one-piece swimmie feels retro to a tee, though the pastel palette gives it a subtle modern spin for repeated wear this spring and summer!

Anthropologie

Seafolly Slide Bikini Top

This frilly number will inspire the utmost confidence no matter where you wear it. Plus, the top ties conveniently in the back for the perfect fit every time.

Anthropologie

Malai Bandeau Halter Bikini Top

Covered in seashell motifs, this bikini is right on-theme for any beach trip. The halter fit and o-ring design are both timeless and fresh, plus we adore that the bottoms in this set are high-waisted and hug the bod in!

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more seasonal styles!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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8 Easy Swaps To Make Right Now For A Cheaper Grocery Bill

Grocery shopping nowadays has practically become an extreme budgeting sport. Between inflation, added tariffs, and supply chain issues, many households have begun visiting multiple stores each week to score the best deals and rethinking their usual grocery lists altogether.

However, there is some good news: with a few smart food swaps, you can still eat well without blowing your budget. Here are the simple changes you can make to save at the store without sacrificing taste or nutrition.

Scroll to see the simple swaps you can make to lower your grocery bill amid inflation and tariffs!

1. Chicken

Walmart

Chicken remains one of the more affordable meat options, yet prices have still crept up steadily over the past few years. For instance, in 2019, shoppers paid an average of $1.47 per pound of fresh whole chicken. By the tail end of 2024, this increased to $2.06 per pound.

If chicken breast has been your go-to, you can try swapping it with thighs or drumsticks. These cuts are both more affordable and often more flavorful than white meat.

Or, for even bigger savings, consider buying a whole chicken. It's usually cheaper per pound and offers multiple meals' worth of meat once butchered. Save the carcass to make chicken stock, too!

2. Milk

Walmart

If you're a family that goes through multiple gallons of milk per week, you've probably felt the strain of rising dairy prices. Five years ago, one gallon of whole milk cost an average of $2.91; meanwhile, at the end of last year, the average price rose to $4.10.

This surge means it's worth looking into alternatives. Shelf-stable dairy and non-dairy milks, such as oat, almond, or soy, can often be found in bulk at lower prices. Not to mention, they tend to last longer, helping you cut down on food waste.

3. Eggs

Walmart

Eggs used to be a cheaper protein staple, but today, they're pricier than ever. The easiest way to decrease your spending on eggs each week is by trying egg substitutes, such as Egg Replacer.

Or, if you are baking, consider swapping eggs out for applesauce, mashed banana, or flaxseed mixed with water in your recipes, all of which can replicate the binding properties of eggs.

4. Coffee

Walmart

Those of us who are fueled by caffeine are also feeling the pain. Making coffee at home instead of visiting Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts used to be a foolproof way to lower spending. Now, even brewing a cup of Joe at home is getting quite expensive, particularly if you rely on single-serve pods.

To save, start buying ground coffee in bulk or switching to whole beans. You can also mix your coffee with creamer to stretch your supply or replace it with instant coffee, which may be more affordable over time.

5. Bread

Walmart

Whether you prefer white or wheat, the prices of both kinds of bread have increased. In order to cut back, you can begin baking your own loaves at home. It's actually a lot easier than it sounds and much cheaper in the long run.

Otherwise, if baking's not your thing, you can buy bread in bulk and freeze the extras to avoid any mid-week grocery store runs or waste. Using rice, potatoes, or tortillas in place of traditional bread is another way to lower the price of your meals.

6. Garlic

Walmart

Garlic is a kitchen staple, and many people agree that you can never have enough. Unfortunately, though, a lot of the garlic we buy in the United States is imported from China, meaning prices may soon go up due to tariffs.

For a cost-effective swap, you can try using garlic-infused olive oil, which adds the same flavor and lasts longer, or substitute leeks, onions, or shelf-stable garlic powder.

7. Avocados

Walmart

Not only are avocados expensive, but they're rarely sold ripe and ready-to-eat in supermarkets. So, if you buy them in advance and accidentally miss their ripeness window, you may wind up wasting a pretty pricey piece of produce.

Mashed chickpeas, seasoned edamame, or even hummus can serve as a creamy, versatile substitute in sandwiches and bowls. They're typically cheaper, have a similar texture, and are still nutritious.

8. Sugar

Walmart

Last but not least, it's time to think outside the box if you have a sweet tooth due to the climbing costs of sugar, particularly bulk and imported varieties. You can turn to natural sweeteners like mashed bananas, applesauce, or even maple syrup, which work well in baking, sauces, and drinks.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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