Data concern over period trackers, scanning WhatsApp messages not practical

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) is reviewing period and fertility trackers over data security concerns. The apps work by plotting menstrual cycles, based on user information. They purport to help with a range of period-related health issues, including calculating the best time to attempt to conceive. But the ICO says survey evidence indicates many users…

Shiny snippets: TikTok opens European data centre

TikTok has opened its first European data centre to alleviate fears over Chinese state surveillance. The firm says European users' data is now migrating to servers in Dublin, as part of its ongoing response to data privacy concerns around the video-sharing app's links to China. TikTok, which is owned by Chinese firm ByteDance, says it…

7 tips to keep children safe on their smartphones

Research from phone experts at SellCell has revealed over 40% of children spend over four hours per day on a mobile device, leaving them vulnerable to multiple security threats and inappropriate content.  With more Brits focussed on privacy and security than ever before, experts are urging parents to protect children from threats they could be exposed to. …

Honor unveils phone that doubles as purse, VW to launch electric GTI

Never have enough space to fit a phone in your handbag? Your troubles may be soon over thanks to a new invention by Chinese tech firm Honor. It has unveiled a foldable smartphone that doubles up as a purse, with a shoulder strap and customizable designs that can be changed at the click of a…

The Emotional Journey of Caregiving: How to Stay Resilient

Caring for a loved one can be both an incredibly rewarding and burdensome responsibility. You want to make sure that you provide your beloved with the comfort, security, and compassion they need during this difficult time, but it can come at the cost of significant personal sacrifice. The emotional strain of caregiving can take a…

Call of Duty uses AI to monitor hate speech, X collects biometric data

Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare II Shooter video game Call Of Duty has started using AI to listen out for hate speech during online matches. Publisher Activision said the moderation tool, which uses machine learning technology, would be able to identify discriminatory language and harassment in real-time. Machine learning is what…

Twitter to prevent blocking users, driverless cars removed after accident

Users of X (formerly Twitter) will not be able to block people from seeing their posts or leaving comments, Elon Musk has said. The social media platform owner said the function "makes no sense" - adding that it will only be possible to block someone from sending direct messages. In the shake-up to the app,…

Global smartphone sales down 6%, ChatGPT shows left-wing bias

Global smartphone sales are set to hit their lowest point since 2013 as China’s economic headwinds weakened consumer spending worldwide. Total shipments of smartphones are expected to decline 6pc this year to 1.15bn units, according to figures from Counterpoint Research. Economic pressures in China have hit consumers’ spending on electronics, the consultancy said, triggering a slowdown…

AI catches 300 drivers breaking law in 3 days, Tesla adds cheaper variants

An artificial intelligence (AI) camera system caught almost 300 drivers breaking the law during the first three days of its use in the UK. The motorists were found to be using mobile phones or not wearing seatbelts. The free-standing AI road safety camera is currently in use on the A30 near Launceston, Cornwall. Although the…