NEW YORK — WhatsApp experienced significant disruptions on Friday, leaving users across multiple countries unable to send messages, log in or access the popular messaging platform as reports of service failures surged.

The Meta-owned application, used by billions worldwide for personal and business communication, faced intermittent outages affecting both mobile apps and desktop versions. Service monitoring sites and social media platforms quickly filled with complaints from users encountering login errors, message delivery failures and complete app unresponsiveness.

Downdetector and similar tracking tools recorded sharp spikes in outage reports, with problems noted in the United States, United Kingdom, South Africa, the Philippines, Italy and other regions. The timing during peak usage hours amplified frustration for individuals relying on WhatsApp for daily coordination, work discussions and family connections.

Scope and Nature of the Issues

Users reported various symptoms, including “unexpected error, invalid request” messages, inability to log in and frozen desktop applications. One user in the United Kingdom described seeing repeated login failures on both the app and web version. Others noted the Windows PC app becoming unresponsive, preventing normal operation.

The disruptions appeared to affect core functions such as messaging, voice calls and media sharing. Some users were unexpectedly logged out and faced difficulties signing back in. The global scale of the outage suggested backend infrastructure or network issues at Meta rather than localized problems.

Meta had not issued an immediate official statement on the cause or expected resolution time. The company’s service status pages showed no widespread alerts initially, creating a common disconnect between official monitoring and real-world user experiences during partial outages.

User Reactions and Impact

Frustration spread rapidly on alternative platforms like X, where users shared screenshots of error messages and sought confirmation that others were affected. The @status_is_down account actively tracked the situation, confirming reports from multiple countries and noting the specific error messages users encountered.

Businesses relying on WhatsApp for customer service and internal communication faced immediate challenges. Families separated by distance reported difficulties staying in touch, while communities using group chats for coordination experienced disruptions. The outage highlighted the platform’s central role in modern communication, particularly in regions where it serves as a primary messaging tool.

Meta’s History with Service Disruptions

Meta platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, have faced notable outages in the past, sometimes affecting billions of users simultaneously. Previous incidents have been attributed to configuration changes, server overloads or backbone routing problems. The company typically resolves such issues within hours and provides post-incident explanations.

WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption and widespread adoption make reliability especially critical. Even brief downtime can have significant personal and economic impacts, particularly for small businesses and users in developing markets where alternatives may be limited or more expensive.

Technical Context and Possible Causes

While Meta has not confirmed details, outages of this nature often stem from issues with authentication servers, content delivery networks or internal database synchronization. The simultaneous impact on mobile and desktop versions points to a core service problem rather than platform-specific bugs.

Users attempting basic troubleshooting steps such as restarting apps, clearing cache or switching networks reported mixed results. Some found temporary relief by using web versions or alternative connections, while others remained locked out entirely.

Broader Implications for Digital Communication

The incident underscores growing dependence on a handful of major technology platforms for everyday communication. As services like WhatsApp become integral to personal relationships, commerce and information sharing, even short disruptions can create widespread inconvenience and highlight infrastructure vulnerabilities.

In an era of increasing digital reliance, such events raise questions about redundancy, backup systems and the need for diversified communication methods. While Meta invests heavily in reliability, the global scale and complexity of its services make complete prevention of outages challenging.

Company Response Expectations

Meta has a track record of addressing major outages promptly once identified. Engineering teams typically work quickly to restore service, followed by transparency reports detailing root causes and preventive measures. Users are advised to monitor official Meta channels or help centers for updates.

For those still experiencing issues, patience is recommended as fixes are implemented progressively. Avoiding repeated failed login attempts can help reduce additional server load during recovery.

What Users Can Do

Affected individuals should try standard troubleshooting: restarting devices, reinstalling the app, clearing cache or using alternative networks. For critical communications, having backup methods such as SMS, email or other messaging apps is advisable.

Businesses should maintain contingency plans for platform disruptions, including diversified customer contact channels. Personal users can prepare by ensuring important contacts are available through multiple methods.

Looking Ahead

As Meta works to fully restore service, normal functionality is expected to return progressively across regions. The outage will likely be analyzed internally to strengthen resilience against similar incidents in the future.

Friday’s disruption to WhatsApp serves as a notable reminder of digital infrastructure’s role in daily life. While inconvenient, such events often lead to improvements that benefit users long-term. In the meantime, affected individuals continue seeking alternatives and sharing experiences as they await resolution.

The global scale of the WhatsApp outage on June 12 highlighted both the platform’s reach and the challenges of maintaining uninterrupted service for billions of users. As recovery efforts continue, the incident adds to ongoing discussions about technology dependence and the importance of reliable digital communication tools.

Tech giant’s vice president and country manager for UK and Ireland recognised for services to technology and the digital commerce industry

Amazon’s UK chief has been honoured in the King’s Birthday Honours list.

John Boumphrey, who is originally from Wirral and has headed up the Silicon Valley tech giant’s UK operations since 2020, is the latest business figure to be made an OBE. Amazon’s vice president and country manager for UK and Ireland has been recognised for services to technology, consumer and the digital commerce industry.

Mr Boumphrey has overseen the group’s UK and Ireland operation, which employs approximately 75,000 people, having previously headed its European fashion division.

He also played a key role in launching Amazon’s Multibank donation centres in 2022, alongside former prime minister Gordon Brown. The initiative connects surplus goods donated by Amazon and other businesses with those in need, via a network of local charities and care professionals.

The honour comes despite the company facing criticism from trade unions and politicians in recent years over working conditions, particularly within its warehouse network.

Amazon currently operates 32 warehouses across the UK, having opened its most recent facility in Northampton earlier this week.

The company also announced plans for a new site in Kettering, saying its latest openings are set to generate thousands of new jobs.

Earlier this year, the global retailer revealed plans to cut around 16,000 roles — including some in the UK — as part of a wider drive to streamline its business.

Elsewhere in the corporate world, a number of other prominent business leaders have also received recognition in the honours list. Among those honoured was Nick Wilkinson, the former chief executive of Dunelm, who was awarded an OBE for his services to retail.

Aline Santos Farhat, Unilever’s chief brand officer and chief diversity and inclusion officer, was equally recognised with an OBE.

Entrepreneur who inspired Netflix film named in King’s Birthday Honours list for services to finance, business and charity

Entrepreneur Dave Fishwick, the inspiration behind Netflix’s Bank of Dave film, has credited self-belief and determination as the driving forces behind his success after he was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).

Fishwick was raised in a working-class family in Nelson, Lancashire, before amassing his fortune through minibus sales and subsequently establishing an independent lending firm to help people in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis.

Upon learning of his inclusion in the King’s Birthday Honours list on Friday, the 55 year old businessman-turned-philanthropist said: “It’s just wonderful that His Majesty the King has spent some time looking at what we’ve been doing and seen fit to award us an OBE.

“It’s just unbelievable. And from a lad from Burnley, who set off with absolutely no qualifications whatsoever – I left school at 16, absolutely useless.”

Upon leaving school, Mr Fishwick had little option but to head straight into labouring on building sites for just under £30 a week. He kept three jobs on the go simultaneously, selling clothes at Smithfield Market in Manchester each morning, working on building sites during the day, and spinning records at nightclubs in the evenings.

Mr Fishwick harboured ambitions of working with cars, but couldn’t stretch to even a gallon of petrol. Undeterred, he toured dozens of garages seeking old part-exchange vehicles he could take away, renovate and sell, retaining a share of the proceeds.

“I did it again and again, and that just shows sometimes you’ve got to think outside the box, because you can start with absolutely nothing, and it’s not where you start that matters, it’s where you finish that counts,” he told the Press Association.

“This award from the King just shows that if you put your mind to it, you can achieve anything, and you can come from the north, you really can come from the north of England and still have opportunities like lots of people do in the south.”

He was honoured with his OBE for services to finance, business and charitable causes.

Mr Fishwick established Burnley Saving and Loans in 2011, with the tale of its success and his investigations into loan sharks forming the basis of 2023’s Bank of Dave, featuring Rory Kinnear, alongside its 2025 follow-up Bank of Dave 2: The Loan Ranger.

“If Dave from Burnley with absolutely nothing can make it happen, then you can too,” he said.

“So it’s really important that we get the message out that if you put your mind to it, self-belief, determination.”

The proceeds from Burnley Savings and Loans, which operates under the tagline “Bank on Dave”, support worthy causes, predominantly throughout Lancashire.

Mr Fishwick attributes his ongoing achievements to his “right-hand man” David Henshaw, his wife Nicky and the production team behind Bank of Dave, as he embarks on fresh ventures, including becoming ambassador for 6,000 community banks across America.

When questioned about his future plans, Mr Fishwick expressed his desire to maintain his advocacy work and distribute financial guidance. He also revealed he had been approached to appear on Strictly Come Dancing – though confessed he has no dancing ability whatsoever.

“I’ve been offered the jungle (I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! ) and lots of other things, but that’s not something I’d want to do,” he said.

“But the dancing, I’m thinking maybe next time, because that just sounds fun, doesn’t it?”.

LOS ANGELES — Tom Hanks has voiced opposition to creating a dedicated Oscar category for voice actors, arguing instead that exceptional vocal performances should compete directly in the best actor and best actress categories.

The two-time Academy Award winner made the comments while promoting Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story 5,” in which he reprises his iconic role as Woody. Speaking with Gold Derby, Hanks emphasized that the existing acting categories already provide sufficient recognition for performances that move audiences, regardless of whether they appear on camera.

“I think they have enough categories,” Hanks said about the Oscars. “The truth is, truly, a voice actor can win Best Actor. The judgment is ‘any performance that moved you.’”

He cited examples of actors who have come close to recognition without traditional on-screen appearances, including Andy Serkis, whose motion-capture work as Gollum in “The Lord of the Rings” films generated significant awards discussion. Hanks noted that pure vocal performances should be eligible under the same criteria applied to all acting work.

“If they are moved, that means they are moved by a human being’s performance. That’s all the requirement,” Hanks added.

Historical Context and Precedents

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has never nominated a voice-only performance in the lead or supporting acting categories. Scarlett Johansson generated considerable Oscar buzz for her voice role in Spike Jonze’s 2013 film “Her,” which ultimately won best original screenplay, but she was not nominated for acting. Similarly, motion-capture performances have struggled for recognition despite critical acclaim.

Zoe Saldaña, who portrays Neytiri through performance-capture technology in James Cameron’s “Avatar” franchise, has spoken about the oversight. In 2024, she told The Independent that longstanding traditions within the Academy make change difficult. “Old habits die hard, and when you have old establishments, it’s really hard to bring forward change,” Saldaña said. “And I understand that, so I’m not bitter about it, but it is quite deflating when you give 120% of yourself into something.”

Cameron has been equally vocal in support of Saldaña’s work, telling Variety in 2024 that her contributions equal those of traditional Academy Award-winning actors. “I’ve worked with Academy Award-winning actors, and there’s nothing that Zoe’s doing that’s of a caliber less than that,” Cameron said. “But because in my film she’s playing a ‘CG character,’ it kind of doesn’t count in some way, which makes no sense to me whatsoever.”

Hanks, who won best actor for “Philadelphia” in 1993 and “Forrest Gump” in 1994, brings particular credibility to the discussion. He received an Annie Award nomination for his voice work as Woody in the original “Toy Story” in 1995 but has never been recognized by the Oscars for the role despite the character’s cultural impact.

Broader Debate on Acting Recognition

The conversation reflects ongoing discussions within the film industry about how to honor evolving performance techniques. Motion capture and voice acting have become increasingly sophisticated, blurring traditional lines between live-action and animated work. Proponents of new categories argue they would provide appropriate recognition for specialized skills, while opponents like Hanks contend that strong performances should compete on merit regardless of delivery method.

The Academy has expanded categories over time to reflect industry changes, including best animated feature and various technical honors. However, the core acting categories have remained largely consistent, focusing on performances that audiences experience as human characters, whether captured traditionally or through advanced technology.

Critics of the current system point to cases where groundbreaking work in voice or performance capture has been overlooked, potentially discouraging innovation in storytelling methods. Supporters of maintaining the status quo emphasize the importance of preserving the integrity of acting awards as celebrations of human emotion and craft.

Implications for “Toy Story 5” and Animation

Hanks’ comments come as “Toy Story 5” prepares for its theatrical release on June 19. The film continues the beloved franchise that helped establish Pixar’s reputation for emotional storytelling through computer animation. Hanks has voiced Woody across all installments, contributing significantly to the character’s enduring appeal.

The franchise’s success demonstrates the power of voice performances to connect with audiences across generations. While unlikely to compete in traditional acting categories, the films have earned multiple Oscar nominations and wins in animated feature and technical categories.

Industry observers note that voice actors in major animated releases often deliver performances comparable in depth and nuance to live-action roles. The emotional range required to convey complex characters through voice alone represents a distinct but equally demanding skill set.

Academy’s Position and Future Considerations

The Academy has not publicly responded to recent calls for new acting categories. Its awards structure undergoes periodic review, with changes typically driven by member consensus and industry evolution. Any proposal for a voice acting or motion-capture category would require broad support and careful definition of eligibility criteria.

Past expansions, such as the introduction of best animated feature in 2001, show the organization’s willingness to adapt. However, core acting categories have proven more resistant to subdivision, maintaining focus on overall performance impact rather than technical delivery methods.

Industry Reactions and Perspectives

Voices across Hollywood have weighed in on the debate. Some actors and directors support greater recognition for non-traditional performances, arguing it would encourage creative risk-taking and technical excellence. Others worry that additional categories could dilute the prestige of existing honors or create unnecessary fragmentation.

Hanks’ stance carries particular weight given his stature and personal experience with voice work. His belief that strong vocal performances should compete directly challenges assumptions about what constitutes eligible acting and invites further industry conversation.

Looking Ahead

As “Toy Story 5” approaches release, Hanks’ comments add an intriguing layer to discussions about performance recognition in modern cinema. The film’s success will likely renew attention on the contributions of voice actors in animated features, even if Oscar eligibility remains limited to existing categories.

The broader debate reflects cinema’s ongoing evolution. As technology advances and storytelling methods diversify, awards bodies face the challenge of balancing tradition with innovation. Hanks’ perspective offers one viewpoint in a conversation that is likely to continue as more performers deliver compelling work outside traditional parameters.

For now, the two-time Oscar winner maintains that existing categories suffice when performances truly move audiences. “We’ve talked about, for example, Andy Serkis,” Hanks said. “Even though he does not appear as Andy Serkis, he gives all the raw material to it. There’s been people who have been close to being nominated that do not appear on camera. That could happen to a pure-vocal actor.”

The Academy’s next awards cycle will provide another opportunity to observe how voters respond to innovative performances across all formats. Whether voice and motion-capture work gains greater recognition remains an open question, but Hanks’ clear position adds a prominent voice to the discussion.

As the film industry continues evolving, conversations about how best to celebrate excellence in acting will remain central. Hanks’ comments while promoting “Toy Story 5” serve as a timely reminder that emotional impact, rather than technical delivery, should ultimately define great performances.

NEW YORK — Fidelity Investments experienced significant service disruptions on Friday, with users across the United States reporting difficulties logging into accounts, accessing the mobile app and executing trades as outage tracking sites recorded elevated complaint volumes.

The problems affected core platform functions, including website access, account dashboards and trading capabilities. Many customers encountered login errors, loading failures and temporary unavailability of portfolio information during what is typically a busy trading period.

Downdetector and other monitoring services showed spikes in reports, with login issues, app malfunctions and website problems among the most commonly cited complaints. The outages appeared widespread but not universal, impacting a substantial number of retail and institutional users relying on Fidelity for investment management and brokerage services.

Details of the Disruptions

Users reported being unable to log in, with some seeing error messages related to technical issues or third-party browser plugins. Fidelity acknowledged problems on its site, advising customers to try incognito mode or alternative browsers while the company worked on a resolution. Charting and trading features were among the most affected services, according to multiple reports.

The timing coincided with active market hours, potentially complicating account monitoring and trade execution for investors. Some users noted intermittent access, while others faced complete outages lasting for extended periods.

Fidelity has not yet released a detailed statement on the root cause. Past similar incidents at major brokerages have been attributed to high traffic, technical glitches or infrastructure updates. The company typically resolves such issues promptly and provides post-incident explanations.

Impact on Customers

The disruptions affected both individual retail investors and those managing retirement accounts or institutional portfolios. Many expressed frustration on social media, particularly those needing real-time access during market volatility. Small business owners and financial advisors using Fidelity platforms for client services also reported challenges.

The outage highlights the critical role major brokerages play in everyday investing and the potential consequences of service interruptions. Fidelity, one of the largest U.S. financial services firms, manages trillions in customer assets and serves millions of accounts.

Broader Context for Brokerage Reliability

Major brokerages including Fidelity, Charles Schwab and others have faced occasional outages in recent years, often during periods of high market activity. These events have prompted increased scrutiny of platform resilience and backup systems as more investors shift to digital trading.

Regulatory bodies encourage firms to maintain robust contingency plans, though complete prevention of technical issues remains challenging given the complexity of modern trading infrastructure. Fidelity has historically invested heavily in technology to support its growing customer base and expanding service offerings.

Company Response and Recovery Efforts

Fidelity advised affected users to attempt basic troubleshooting steps while its technical teams addressed the underlying problems. Customers were encouraged to contact support for assistance with urgent needs. In previous outages, the firm has communicated updates through its website, app notifications and social channels.

Full restoration of services was expected as engineers implemented fixes. Users were urged to exercise patience and avoid repeated login attempts that could add strain during recovery.

Investment and Market Implications

While temporary, such outages can create inconvenience and, in extreme cases, missed trading opportunities. Most brokerages maintain phone-based support and alternative access methods during platform disruptions. Long-term, these incidents reinforce the importance of diversified access points and contingency planning for investors.

Fidelity’s platforms support a wide range of services including brokerage accounts, retirement planning, wealth management and institutional offerings. The company’s scale makes reliability particularly important for maintaining customer trust.

Looking Ahead

As services return to normal, Fidelity is likely to conduct a full review to prevent similar issues. Customers can monitor official channels for updates and post-incident reports. The event serves as a reminder for investors to maintain awareness of alternative contact methods and backup platforms.

Friday’s outage at Fidelity Investments disrupted access for many users during active market hours. While the company works toward full restoration, the incident underscores both the convenience and vulnerability of digital financial services in today’s interconnected environment. Investors are encouraged to stay informed through official sources as normal operations resume.

The broader financial industry continues advancing platform reliability, but occasional disruptions remain part of operating large-scale digital systems. Fidelity’s response and recovery will be watched closely by customers and industry observers alike.

NEW YORK — The Nasdaq Composite Index posted a slight gain on Friday, rising 12.47 points or 0.05% to close at 25,822.13 as selective buying in technology and communication services stocks offset broader market caution.

The modest advance reflected a balanced session in which investors weighed ongoing corporate earnings reports against persistent macroeconomic uncertainties and geopolitical developments. While gains were limited, the index maintained stability near recent levels, underscoring underlying resilience in growth-oriented sectors amid mixed signals from the broader economy.

Sector Dynamics and Leadership

Technology names provided the primary support, with several large-cap constituents reporting steady progress in artificial intelligence initiatives and cloud computing demand. Communication services also contributed positively as investors rotated into areas perceived as having durable growth characteristics.

The session showed signs of selective participation rather than broad momentum. While mega-cap technology companies anchored the index gain, smaller growth names exhibited more varied performance depending on individual earnings outcomes and forward guidance. Defensive sectors offered relative stability as traders navigated a complex backdrop.

Earnings Season Influence

Corporate results continued to shape market direction. Several Nasdaq-listed companies delivered results that aligned with or exceeded expectations, particularly in software, semiconductors and digital services. Forward-looking commentary in key areas remained constructive, helping alleviate some concerns about margin pressures and demand softness.

However, certain segments faced scrutiny over execution risks and competitive dynamics. The overall tone of earnings season has been mixed but generally supportive of current valuations in growth sectors, with many executives citing stable enterprise spending and innovation pipelines.

Macroeconomic and Policy Backdrop

Persistent inflation concerns remained a key variable. The May Consumer Price Index report showed headline inflation at 4.2% year-over-year, largely driven by energy costs, while core measures stayed closer to the Federal Reserve’s target range. This balance has kept expectations for near-term rate cuts subdued but preserved the possibility of easing later in the year.

The Federal Reserve’s upcoming policy meeting will be closely watched, with markets pricing in a high probability of rates remaining unchanged. Any signals of data-dependent flexibility could support risk assets, particularly those sensitive to borrowing costs.

Geopolitical developments, including ongoing tensions in the Middle East, added another layer of uncertainty but did not derail the session’s modest gains. Energy prices stabilized, providing limited spillover into broader technology-focused sentiment.

Technical and Sentiment Indicators

The Nasdaq remained well above key support levels but continued to encounter resistance near recent highs. Technical indicators suggested the index was in a consolidation phase within a longer-term uptrend. Options activity reflected measured positioning, with implied volatility contained but not at extremes.

Investor sentiment improved modestly, supported by corporate earnings resilience. Institutional flows appeared balanced, with selective accumulation in quality growth names. However, many participants remained wary of potential surprises in upcoming economic data releases.

Global Market Influence

International markets posted mixed results overnight, with European indexes showing modest gains and Asian markets closing with varied performance. The U.S. dollar traded in a relatively stable range, reflecting balanced global risk perceptions.

Commodity prices, particularly in metals and energy, influenced related sectors but had limited direct impact on the Nasdaq’s technology-heavy composition. Currency movements affected multinational earnings outlooks for companies with significant international exposure.

Analyst and Strategist Views

Wall Street analysts maintain a generally constructive longer-term outlook for growth stocks, citing productivity gains from artificial intelligence adoption and resilient corporate balance sheets. Near-term volatility around data releases and policy decisions is expected to continue.

Technology analysts emphasize the importance of execution on AI initiatives and sustainable growth. Companies demonstrating clear paths to profitable expansion in this area are likely to maintain investor favor, while those facing increased competition or execution challenges may see pressure.

Investment Implications

For investors, the current environment rewards selectivity within the technology sector. Focus on companies with strong competitive moats, visible revenue pipelines and prudent capital allocation is recommended. Diversification across growth and defensive areas can help manage volatility.

Longer-term investors may view periodic pullbacks as opportunities to add to high-quality names, while shorter-term traders monitor technical levels and upcoming catalysts closely. Risk management remains essential given the potential for sharp moves around key events.

Broader Market Perspective

The Nasdaq’s modest advance reflects a market attempting to balance optimism around technological innovation with realism about macroeconomic challenges. Corporate America’s ability to deliver earnings growth despite higher costs has provided support, but sustained progress will depend on the trajectory of inflation and consumer spending.

As the second half of 2026 unfolds, focus will remain on the interplay between AI investment cycles, monetary policy decisions and global economic developments. The technology sector’s performance will continue influencing broader market sentiment given its significant index weighting.

Looking Ahead

Markets will continue monitoring upcoming economic releases, including retail sales and further inflation metrics. Corporate earnings season remains in focus, with additional reports expected to shape sentiment in the days ahead.

The Nasdaq’s ability to hold recent gains will be an important technical test. As the trading week concludes, participants will parse new information for signals on sustainability of current valuations and growth prospects.

Friday’s incremental progress leaves the index well-positioned after recent consolidation. Many analysts view current levels as supported by fundamentals, though execution risks and external shocks could introduce volatility in coming sessions.

The session’s activity underscores the market’s capacity to absorb news and find buying opportunities amid a complex backdrop. Investors remain attentive to both risks and opportunities as the year advances.

Overall, the Nasdaq’s modest gain reflects measured optimism as traders balance enthusiasm for innovation with awareness of inherent uncertainties in the current environment. The coming weeks will provide further clarity on corporate momentum and policy direction.