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Bots are now hijacking users’ collaborative Spotify playlists

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 in Sharpie? If you’re from the latter half of Gen-Z, you might not – but for the rest of us, this...

By London, UK
Twitter’s new ‘Tor’ service can circumvent state internet censorship

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 the timing seems awful convenient. This week, the social media giant has announced plans to launch a version of Twitter that...

By London, UK
TikTok suspends video uploads & livestreaming in Russia

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...

By London, UK
Facebook’s new ad regulations freeze out climate groups

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

By London, UK