Category: News
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…
Social media companies face ‘humongous’ fines, UK falls in ‘digital quality of life’ index
Social media firms could face “humongous” fines if they fail to block the accounts of under-13s, the technology secretary has said. Michelle Donelan made the comments on the eve of the long-awaited online safety bill returning to parliament for its final stages on Wednesday after numerous delays. Donelan said she wanted a “zero tolerance” approach…
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…
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…
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…
BMW rolls out iX5 Hydrogen test vehicles, Tesla Cybertruck coming soon?
After four years of development work, the BMW iX5 Hydrogen vehicle and its development project are entering a new phase as the first vehicles enter a pilot fleet of under 100 vehicles. The fleet is being deployed internationally for demonstration and trial purposes. This active driving experience will be the first chance for people not…
Facebook not guilty of psychological harm, second hand EV sales surge
There is no evidence the global spread of Facebook is linked to widespread psychological harm, an Oxford Internet Institute (OII) study suggests. The research looked at how wellbeing changed in 72 countries as use of the social media platform grew. It counters the common belief that social media is psychologically harmful, the researchers argue. Several…
