TikTok launches slew of safety features including For You filtering
TikTok is rolling out a slew of new safety features, including ‘maturity’ ratings on videos for young users, an algorithm that prevents bulk viewing of problematic content, and the ability to filter in the For You page using words or hashtags. Tuning your algorithm on TikTok can require a ton...
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Apps and advertisers are officially coming for our lock screens
It’s only a matter of time until our lock screens become the next hottest real estate in tech. Advertisers are upping the ante with rollout in the coming months, according to reports. Have you ever sat peacefully with your phone locked beside you wishing it would, of its old accord,...
Facebook removing some posts offering abortion pills
Following the Supreme Court’s decision to strip away constitutional protections for abortion, the platform is temporarily banning users who share status updates explaining how to legally obtain abortion pills in the mail. After months of speculation, the US Supreme Court has overturned Roe V Wade, the integral ruling from 1973...
Apple faces £768m lawsuit for allegedly ‘throttling’ older iPhones
Up to 25 million Britons who owned an older iPhone model in 2017 may be able to claim damages from Apple. A consumer champion claims the tech giant deliberately ruined phone performances to push buyers towards new devices. When it comes to our phone devices, somewhat ironically, we’re the ones...
This browser extension counters climate anxiety and doom scrolling
If you download this irreverent browser extension, whenever you read a doom and gloom climate story, you’ll receive a small call to action accompanied by an amusing snarky comment. Finally, pop-ups we can get onboard with. As someone whose job it is to follow every minute detail of the existential...
Tinder is working towards ending the US’ LGBTQIA+ blood ban
Tinder has partnered with Human Rights Campaign (HRC) to do away with America’s archaic and discriminatory policy which prohibits blood donations from gay and bisexual men. Every year, Pride organisations join forces to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and shine a light on the challenges its members face on a daily...
EU ruling aims to stop market domination from Big Tech giants
A new EU law dubbed the Digital Markets Act will aim to stem the relentless market domination of Big Tech’s giants. This will, in theory, provide smaller online businesses with a chance to grow. As much as we’d love it to be, the world just isn’t an equal opportunity place, is it? Ah well, at least our phones are always there to provide a bit of escapism, complete with all...
Scammers are using GoFundMe to pocket donations worth thousands
The crowdfunding site GoFundMe is being used to scam people out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. What is the platform doing about it? Despite the internet being a weird and wonderful place, many people are well-aware that what we see online is not always genuine. Unfortunately, deceptive practices aren’t just limited to deepfakes or photoshopped pictures – they also take place on platforms designed to aid with fundraising projects. The website...
EU commission warns Musk won’t have free rein of Twitter
The Tesla chief has acquired Twitter for $46bn and plans to re-evaluate the platform’s stance on free speech and cancel culture. The EU commission now warns that any plans to loosen moderation policies must be handled carefully and that Musk won’t be given free rein. The drawn out Twitter saga has finally reached its end. Sort of. Serial entrepreneur Elon Musk has officially secured ownership of the platform, fronting $21bn...
Deepfakes now a political weapon in the Ukrainian war
The use of deepfakes in politics has insofar been rare. But in the last week, two deepfakes related to the war in Ukraine have emerged online. Just days ago, a doctored video of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy began making rounds on social media. It also found its way onto a local live news channel and website after being uploaded by hackers. Over the minute long video, Ukraine’s President appears to tell...
