Tiny particles of plastic have been found in human blood
An ‘extremely concerning study’ has detected microplastic pollution in human blood for the first time, with scientists warning that the long-term consequences are not yet known. Just when you thought our plastic pollution problem couldn’t get any worse, a recent study has detected tiny particles of the stuff in...
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VICE launches specially designed virtual Metaverse offices
Danish architecture firm BIG has created virtual office spaces for VICE, which it calls the Viceverse. The launch demonstrates the potential for mainstream use of the Metaverse. It seems we may finally be entering the real-life Matrix. Okay, that may be a little melodramatic, but the Metaverse’s continual growth in popularity...
Bots are now hijacking users’ collaborative Spotify playlists
Just when you thought Spotify was the last peaceful place left on the Internet, bots have begun taking over the platform. Remember the days when we exchanged music by carefully curating tracks and burning them onto blank CDs, with track names, doodles, or handwritten notes on the surface of them...
You can now place your NFTs in a real-life display
Bought yourself an NFT and want to show it off in your own home? You can now purchase a real display that will broadcast each NFT from various angles, like a moving picture frame. NFTs are questionable - both environmentally and economically - but that won’t stop the market...
Hacktivists up the ante in ‘cyberwar’ against Russia
Hacktivist groups are continuing to punish Russia with a multi-pronged digital assault. Last week, decentralised groups released some 820GB of sensitive files, crashed the Moscow Stock Exchange website, and hijacked live Russian TV broadcasts. Whether you cheered or rolled your eyes at its declaration of ‘cyberwar,’ the rogue hacker outfit...
Twitter’s new ‘Tor’ service can circumvent state internet censorship
In regions where Twitter is partially or completely restricted, a new ‘Tor’ service could soon allow people to circumvent censorship measures. This won’t be well received by certain government figures, but is a big win for online democracy. Twitter claims this move had been in the works since 2014, but...
TikTok suspends video uploads & livestreaming in Russia
If social media platforms spread ‘false information’ about the Russian military, Putin’s newly passed ‘fake news’ law threatens fines and lengthy prison sentences. TikTok has responded by suspending all new video uploads throughout the region. The standoff between Big Tech and Russia is becoming more involved by the week. A widespread social media embargo to prevent the Kremlin state from pushing propaganda or profiting from ad space – involving YouTube...
Facebook’s new ad regulations freeze out climate groups
In its efforts to limit online abuse, Facebook removed ‘sensitive’ categories from its Detailed Targeting advertising tool. Climate groups now say the new policy is limiting their ability to connect with audiences.
Has Facebook ever been on good terms with climate groups at this point?
Last month, Facebook decided to escalate its response against online abuse by re-evaluating its policies on targeted ads. Previously, its tools had been used to
Big Tech goes up against Russian state media
Google, Meta, and Twitter are blocking Kremlin owned channels from selling ads and pushing propaganda as part of ongoing sanctions against Russia. It’s been four days since Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine, and Big Tech is starting to respond. Sanctions against Russia from EU nations and members of NATO continue to come to light, and self-governed social media websites are now making their respective stances clear. Something of a joint digital...
Is age verification on UK pornography viewing a good idea?
The UK is once again attempting to pass age verification checks for porn viewers. The bill asks all upload-based websites to act with a ‘duty of care’ and remove harmful or illegal content. It may sound like a good idea in theory, but the parameters are also worryingly vague. Pornography could be seeing a major overhaul in the UK soon. The Online Safety Bill, first introduced in 2021, would require...
