UK making ‘murder prediction’ tool to identify likely killers
The Guardian reports that algorithms are being used to study data on thousands of people in order to determine whether they’re likely to kill at some point in the future. The UK is seemingly getting more surveillance-friendly, if that’s even possible. A new report from The Guardian indicates that the...
Current in Tech
Why Colossal Bioscience revived the dire wolf
The infamous company, Colossal Biosciences, has unveiled its first resurrected species that vanished from the Earth 10,000 years ago. When we think of de-extinction, our minds immediately go to Jurassic Park, and our imaginations run wild with the potential consequences of such a scenario. Colossal Biosciences has gone against Michael Crichton’s...
Meta to bar teenagers from livestreaming on Instagram
Those under sixteen will not be able to use Instagram’s Live feature unless they acquire parental permission. New restrictions are being introduced on Instagram for users under the age of 16. As part of Meta’s expansion of current safety measures, younger teenagers will be barred from using the platform’s ‘Live’ feature...
Opinion – emojis are missing the trick with hair inclusivity
Since when did representation stop at skin tone? In the distant land of pre-2015 texting, all emojis were jaundiced little blobs. That was until the great Skin Tone Update, which allowed users to transform their emojis into a spectrum of humanity – sort of. Despite these ostensibly diverse offerings, one very obvious...
Microsoft introduces 3D telemedicine technology in Africa
Microsoft has introduced 3D telemedicine technology to increase healthcare access across rural and underserved areas in the African continent. Microsoft’s 3D telemedicine service uses cutting-edge holographic and augmented reality to deliver completely immersive, real-time doctor-patient consultations. As opposed to traditional telemedicine based on 2D video conferencing, the technology allows physicians...
Is Tumblr making a comeback with Gen Zers?
Data suggests that Gen Z are finding solace in Tumblr, the creative social media platform that was popular fifteen years ago with younger Millennials. Why are young people flocking to a long-forgotten site? It looks like Tumblr is back in a big way with young social media users, at least...
Research shows over half of Gen Z gamers want Switch 2
According to a study by CNET, 70% of Gen Z and Millennials could be ready to purchase the Switch 2 on release day. It is part of a wider trend that sees young people spending a whopping $700 USD on games and subscriptions annually. Nintendo is currently gearing up to launch its latest console, the Switch 2. Unsurprisingly, it is a direct sequel to the company’s extremely popular original Switch,...
OpenAI raises additional $40 billion USD in latest funding round
Led by SoftBank, OpenAI has secured another $40 billion USD in funding as part of its latest funding round. This means the company is now estimated to be worth $300 billion USD and is the largest funding round ever for a private tech company. OpenAI has secured another huge round of funding. Led by SoftBank, a Japanese multinational investment holding company, the company is now worth $300 billion USD after raising...
Are women safe online in 2025?
The 2000s was not the only period when the dot-com bubble burst in the market; it was also the beginning of a new type of cost - the safety of many, particularly women and girls worldwide. Although an online presence can create a haven for equal access to information and a platform for freedom of expression, its potential for the better has been manipulated for something darker. Recent policy changes by META to...
Can social media ever tackle it’s body shaming issue?
Backlash against TikTok’s new ‘chubby filter’ suggests so – but is it enough? TikTok’s algorithm may feel chaotic and unpredictable. One minute you’re scrolling past a hotel recommendation, the next a meme about your overbearing boss, then a tour of the M&S aisle. But apps like these have built dedicated algorithms that feed us content they think we want to see. Everything we share, like, and linger on feeds this system information...
