Tag: OFCOM
Children view violent online content in Primary School, Tesla’s sub-£25K EV to enter production
Children first see violent online content while still at primary school and describe it as an inevitable part of being online, according to new research commissioned by Ofcom. All children who took part in the research came across violent content online, mostly via social media, video-sharing and messaging sites and apps. Many say this is before…
TikTok gives special status to celebs, Chinese EV boasts range of 650 miles
TikTok has given special status to certain high-profile accounts, with moderators in Europe encouraged to be more lenient with content posted by people including Russell Brand, according to internal messages seen by the Guardian. The demand to be less stringent has also been underlined in meetings with moderators, the Guardian has been told. Documents suggest that…
Clothes-hook spy cameras on sale on Amazon, Barbie most Googled movie of 2023
Spy cameras disguised as clothes hooks are for sale on Amazon, despite the firm being sued over the gadgets. One clothes hook camera listing seen by the BBC features a picture of the device positioned in a bathroom. A US judge recently ruled the retail giant must face a case brought by a woman who…
Ofcom report: Average adult now spends 56 days a year online!
Ofcom's latest Online Nation research takes a look at how people in the UK are spending their time online. It found that teenagers and children are leading the way in getting to grips with emerging technology like generative artificial intelligence, as well as highlighting a range of other trends. Here we take a look at some…
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…
ShinyShiny snippets: Elon Musk among those calling for halt in AI training
Key figures in artificial intelligence want training of powerful AI systems to be suspended amid fears of a threat to humanity. They have signed an open letter warning of potential risks, and say the race to develop AI systems is out of control. Twitter chief Elon Musk is among those who want training of AIs…
ShinyShiny snippets: TikTok raise livestreaming age to 18
TikTok is raising its minimum age for livestreaming from 16 to 18 from next month. A BBC News investigation found hundreds of accounts going live from Syrian refugee camps, with children begging for donations. Some were receiving up to $1,000 (£900) an hour - but when they withdrew the cash, TikTok had taken up to…
Tech Digest daily roundup: 2 in 3 children have seen harmful content online
The UK's communications regulator is calling on young people to help protect each other by reporting harmful content online. Ofcom says two-thirds of youngsters aged between 13 and 17 see harmful content online but only 16% report it. As it waits for the government's Online Safety Bill to go through parliament, it has called on…
ShinyShiny snippets: Does Roblox have a sex problem?
A naked man, wearing just a dog collar and a lead, is led across the floor by a woman in a bondage outfit. Two strippers dance next to a bar. A group has gathered around a couple openly having sex, watching and occasionally commenting. One man is wearing a Nazi uniform. This isn't happening in…
UK adults spent more time online in 2020 than those from other nations
UK adults spent more time online on computers, smartphones or tablets in 2020 than those in other European countries, according to Ofcom’s annual study into the nation’s online habits. Its Online Nation 2021 report looked at an unprecedented year, when communication, entertainment, culture, retail, work and education moved more online. UK adults spent more than…
