Forged vaccine passports threaten the future of international travel
As international tourism begins to open up once again, forged vaccine passports sold on the dark web threaten further Covid outbreaks. Would you believe it’s been 18 months since global air travel was restricted? No wonder people are desperate to jet off for the remainder of the summer. After the initial...
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Pegasus spyware sold to governments to target activists and lawyers
The private data of human rights activists, journalists, and lawyers is reportedly under threat globally. Leaked records suggest as many as 1,000 have been targeted by phone malware sold to governments by an Israeli surveillance firm. Stories of big tech companies and anti-democratic governments butting heads have become common over...
Gen Z are applying to jobs through ‘TikTok Resumes’
In its latest effort to connect brands and creators, TikTok is piloting a new job recruitment feature called ‘TikTok Resumes.’ Applications are about to get a whole lot more creative. If you’ve been looking for a way to get creative within job applications – beyond turning your skills into arbitrary...
Pinterest just banned all weight loss ads
The image-sharing service has become the first major social media platform to prohibit any language and imagery that denigrates – or idealises – a certain body type. If, like me, you’re tired of being bombarded with dubious body-shaming ads while scrolling through social media, you’ll be happy to hear that...
YouTube’s ‘recommendations’ still pushing harmful videos
YouTube’s recommendation algorithm is reportedly guilty of sharing videos featuring misinformation, violence, hate speech, and other content in violation of its own policies. With more than 2 billion monthly visitors, and a billion hours of content viewed every day, YouTube remains the undisputed mecca of long form video content in...
Big tech threatens to quit Hong Kong over vague privacy laws
An internet coalition including Facebook, Google, Apple, Twitter, and Amazon could be about to halt its services in Hong Kong if a proposed anti-doxxing law is to go ahead. Big tech is getting serious about free expression, and an entire region now faces the possibility of being unfriended. A Singapore-based internet...
Frame is the one-stop portal for ‘approachable’ therapy online
As mental health services continue migrating online, Frame is providing a portal to make therapy feel more ‘approachable’ for clients and accessible for practitioners. Covid-19, for better or worse, has shaken up countless industries over the last 18 months and the face of therapy looks to have changed forever. Being forced inside by national lockdowns has led to upticks in loneliness, anxiety, and grief across the planet, while countries with loose...
Gen Z are learning the stock market game through social media
According to new data, 41% of all Gen Z investors educated themselves on the stock market and cryptocurrency through social media - predominantly TikTok and Instagram. It appears the meme-stock mania is no short lived thing, and Gen Z intend to mix it with Wall Street suits for the foreseeable future. In just the last six months we’ve witnessed (not for the first time) the immense market power Gen Z possesses. Our...
Wildlife trafficking increases on Facebook despite ban
Social media platforms are being utilised by dealers in the wildlife trade to connect with potential buyers. Despite Facebook imposing a ban on animal trafficking, the practice has increased online. Like many businesses that were forced to develop a stronger online market presence due to the global pandemic, dealers in the illegal exotic animal and animal product trade have taken to social media to make sales. Ivory from the tusks of...
iOS 15’s face and thumb ID to revolutionise password security?
Apple believes biometrics are the natural successor to our manual passwords, offering increased security and convenience. We’ll soon put that notion to the test with the rollout of iOS 15. If you’re one of life’s rarest breeds: a person who has never forgotten a password, chances are the ones (or one) you’re currently using probably aren’t all that secure. Now part and parcel of modern day living, passwords are required...
