Posts

TikTok Termination?

A recent US congressional vote means that TikTok and its parent company’s alleged ties with the Chinese Communist Party must be severed within six months or the popular TikTok app must be sold, thereby banning it in the US.  The Vote…
WhatsApp

WhatsApp Updates

Here we look at some of the latest WhatsApp updates and the value and benefits they deliver to users.  Search Conversations By Date For Android  The first of three new updates of significance for WhatsApp is the “search by date”…
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Microsoft Launches New AI Content Safety Service

Microsoft has announced the launch of Azure AI Content Safety, a new content moderation service that uses AI to detect and filter out offensive, harmful, or inappropriate user and AI-generated text or image content.  What Kind of Harmful…
WhatsApp

Ways To Use ‘WhatsApp Business’ To Help Your Business

In this insight, we look at some of the many ways you can use ‘WhatsApp Business’ to boost your marketing and connect with customers to provide a more personalised service.  What Is WhatsApp Business?  WhatsApp Business is a…
Children with phones

Schools Urge : Protect Kids from War Content

It’s been reported that some schools, in the UK (as well as Israel and the US) have advised Jewish parents to delete social media apps from their children’s phones over fears that they may see distressing hostage videos or videos of civilians…
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TikTok Trend : AI-Enhanced Profile Photos For LinkedIn Job Seekers

It’s been reported that a TikTok video has started a trend of people using AI to enhance their appearance in their LinkedIn profile photos with a view to improving their chance of getting a job via the platform.  The TikTok Video  The…
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Create Shortcuts for Important WhatsApp Chats 

If there's a particular and important chat you access frequently, you can create a shortcut for it on your device's home screen. Here's how: Long-press on the specific chat in the chat list until it's selected. Tap on the three…
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Prioritise WhatsApp Messages By Pinning A Chat To The Top

If there's a particular WhatsApp chat you would like to prioritise, you can pin it to the top of your chats list. Here's how:  For Android: Tap and hold the chat you want to pin, then tap the Pin symbol at the top of the screen.  For…
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€345m Children’s Data Privacy Fine For TikTok

Video-focused social media platform TikTok has been fined €345m by Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC) over the privacy of child users.  The Processing of Personal Data  The fine, as well as a reprimand (and an order…
WatsApp

Temporary Climb-Down By UK Government

In an apparent admission of defeat, the UK government has conceded that requiring scanning of platforms like WhatsApp for messages with harmful content, as required in the Online Safety Bill, is not (currently) feasible.  The ‘Spy…
You Tube

YouTube Tests 3 Video Limits

YouTube’s testing of a scheme to stop ad blocker usage and limit video plays is being seen by many as a way to further monetise the platform.  How Does YouTube Make Its Money?  Google’s YouTube platform currently makes its…
twitter

What The 𝕏𝕏𝕏𝕏 Does It All Mean ?

Elon Musk has stated that his “𝕏” social media platform will cover the legal expenses and initiate lawsuits on behalf of individuals who have been treated “unfairly “by their employers due to posts or likes on the site, previously…
phone user

Millions Sign Up To Meta’s ‘Threads’ Twitter Competitor

Following the release of Meta’s alternative platform to Twitter called ‘Threads’, Meta’s head, Mark Zuckerberg, reports 100 million signups to the new platform in its first five days.  What Is Threads?  The Threads app,…
tictok

Tik Top Tops News Source For Young Adults

With the Reuters Institute Digital News Report 2023 showing TikTok now being the source of news for 20 per cent of 18–24-year-olds at the expense of news websites and apps, we look at where most people now get their news from and the reasons…
Reddit

Reddit’s ‘Blackout’ User Protest

Following thousands of moderators making their subreddit communities private for 48 hours as a protest, we look at the reasons why, together with the implications for Reddit, its users, and other stakeholders.  What Is Reddit?  Reddit…
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Customise WhatsApp Notifications

Using WhatsApp as a personal note-taking tool allows you to conveniently store and organise your thoughts, links, and important information and provides a fast and accessible way to capture and retrieve notes whenever you need them. Here’s…
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20 NHS Trusts Shared Personal Data With Facebook

An Observer investigation has reported uncovering evidence that 20 NHS Trusts have been collecting data about patients’ medical conditions and sharing it with Facebook.  Using A Covert Tracking Tool  The newspaper’s investigation…
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Customise WhatsApp Notifications

If you’d like to give notifications for a certain WhatsApp group you’re in a different as tone so you know when new messages arrive there without having check, here’s how: To set a custom notification sound for a specific group: Open…
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Musk’s Brain Chips Ready For Humans

Neuralink, Elon Musk’s brain-machine interface device company has been given the green light from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to begin a clinical study with humans as subjects.  What Is Neuralink?  Neuralink is a…
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11% Of Female Gamers Left Suicidal By Online Abuse

New Sky Broadband research has revealed that the level of abuse suffered by female online gamers from male gamers has been so strong that over one-in-ten (11 per cent) have been left feeling suicidal.  Shocking Levels…
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View Deleted WhatsApp Messages

In this Insight, we look at how it is possible to uncover and read deleted messages on WhatsApp, and what a number of privacy features on the app mean for business users.  Changes   WhatsApp have made changes as regards message…
Twitter

Twitter Encryption : More Musk Makeovers

Twitter has recently added a new encrypted messaging service to its repertoire, offering end-to-end encryption for all direct messages sent across its network. This privacy enhancement ensures that only the sender and receiver can view the…

WhatsApp Wows: One Account Accessible on Multiple Mobiles

WhatsApp has announced that it is introducing the ability to use the same WhatsApp account on multiple phones. Message Seamlessly Across All Devices WhatsApp says that this change gives users globally the ability to message seamlessly…
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Microsoft Drops Twitter From Advertising Platform

Following Twitter’s announcement two months ago that it will be charging a minimum of $42,000 per month to enterprise users of its API, Microsoft is dropping Twitter from its advertising platform.  What Is The Microsoft Advertising…
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Tech Tip – Changing Your WhatsApp Wallpaper Background

If you'd like to personalise who you're chatting to by using their photo as a background in the chat, or you'd simply like to change and brighten up your WhatsApp experience, you can easily change the default background to chats. Here's how: Within…
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TikTok Fined £12.7m By UK Data Watchdog

Embattled Chinese owned short-video-sharing platform TikTok has received a £12.7m fine from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for breaching UK data protection law by failing to protect children’s privacy when using the TikTok…
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Tech Tip – How To Limit Data Usage By WhatsApp

WhatsApp can use up a lot of space and mobile data by automatically downloading some large photos, videos, and voice messages. Here's how to limit the types of media that are automatically download and the amount of mobile data WhatsApp calls…
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WhatsApp’s UK Threats Over Online Safety Bill

The boss of WhatsApp, Will Cathcart, has said he would rather stop users in the UK from using the app than lower its security, as suggested by the UK’s Online Safety Bill.  End-to-end Encrypted App  One of the key security features…
TikTok

Dealing With Social Media Addiction

With TikTok announcing new features for teens and families, including a 60-minute daily screen time limit, we look at the issue of social media addiction and ideas for tackling it.  TikTok Time Limit  (Short) video sharing app TikTok…
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TikTok Trouble?

Following the banning of Chinese short video sharing app TikTok from EU and US government devices, plus more trouble on the way in Canada, we look at some of the reasons why.  Banned From EU Government Devices  The European Commission…
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New Meta Verified Blue Badge Subscription Service

Meta has announced it’s launching its own version of Twitter’s Blue Tick called ‘Meta Verified’ for Facebook and Instagram where users pay a monthly subscription to be verified on the platforms.  Announcement  On February…
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2FA Storm At Twitter

Twitter-owner Elon Musk’s latest decision to turn off SMS 2FA after 20 March unless you pay for Blue Tick has caused another storm of criticism.  What And Why?  On 15 February, Twitter announced that: “starting today, we…
Social Media

Social Media Giants Sued For Mental Health Damage

Facebook, Instagram, and other social media sites may soon face lawsuits alleging that the way their algorithms work may be a factor in causing mental illness in some users.  A Defective Product?  In the US, a reported consolidation…
Twitter

Twitter Roundup

Here, we look at more of the rapid changes at Twitter, what the reaction has been, how this has affected the platform, plus the wider implications.  All Change The beginning of Twitter’s (current) saga was when the world’s richest…
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Online Safety Bill Amendment Gets Mixed Reaction

The Government’s decision to amend the Online Safety Bill to allow ‘legal but harmful’ content has received a mixed reaction with criticism coming from The Samaritans.  What Is The Online Safety Bill? The UK government’s Online…
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WhatsApp’s New Business Directory Search Function

WhatsApp has given a progress update on new business-focused features that can embed the entire shopping experience directly into the WhatsApp chat.  Find A Business – Browse Businesses By Category  WhatsApp says that it is launching…
twitter

What Is Twitter’s ‘Blue Tick’ All About?

Following announcements that Twitter under Musk will generate revenue by blue tick subscriptions, we look at what this means and at the blue tick chaos that followed the announcement.  What Is this ‘Blue Tick’ ?  Twitter’s…
Meta

Meta Cuts 13% Of Its Workforce

Meta has announced that it is laying off a masive 13 per cent of its workforce globally in re-structuring market uncertainty about the Metaverse vision.  Losses Lead To Layoffs  Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, announced the 11,000-employee…
whatsapp

WhatsApp Launches ‘Communities’

Meta’s WhatsApp has announced the global rollout of it ‘Communities’ feature along with in-chat polls, 32-person video calling, and groups with up to 1024 users.  Communities  The Communities feature, for iOS and Android,…
LinkedIn

New Features To Tackle Fake LinkedIn Accounts

Microsoft’s Social media platform LinkedIn has announced the introduction of new security features to help verify, identity, detect, and remove fake accounts, all aimed at boosting authenticity.  Problem With Fake Accounts  Back…
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What Is A Discord Server?

In this insight, we look at what a ‘Discord server’ is, how to set one up, and the pros and cons of Discord servers.  What Is It?  Launched in 2015, ‘Discord’ (https://discord.com/) is a (free to access) voice, video and…
twitter

Twitter Takeover

After finally buying Twitter, firing the CEO, dissolving the Board, plus naming himself sole director and “Chief Twit,” we look at what’s happening at Twitter and where it could be heading.  Twitter Takeover  Following many…
TikTok

TikTok Tragedies

Following a BBC report which suggested that TikTok was making money from families in Syrian camps begging for donations on its platform, we take a closer look at what’s happened and what’s being done about it.  The Report  The…
WhatsApp

WhatsApp Fights Iran Ban

Following a move by the Iranian government to restrict access to Meta’s WhatsApp, the company has said in a tweet that it “will do anything” within its technical ability to keep its service up and running for Iranian users.  What…
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Digital Marketing : TikTok Vs YouTube

In this article, we compare the TikTok and YouTube platforms and take a look at some of the pros and cons of each.  Similarities  There are several important similarities between YouTube and TikTok. For example:  Both are…
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Google To Run Fake News Information Adverts

Following an experiment by Bristol and Cambridge Universities, Google has announced that it plans to run adverts on YouTube, TikTok, Twitter and Facebook, educating users about how to spot disinformation and misinformation.  ‘Pre-Bunking’…
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Where Do People Get Their News From?

With young people now unlikely to read newspapers or watch the TV news, and following the latest Ofcom report, we look at which channels people get their news from.  Decline of Printed Newspapers  Newspaper readership has been declining…
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Age Check Face Scan For Instagram

Social media app Instagram has announced that it is testing new methods for age verification of users, including the use of a video selfie.  What Are The Issues?  This latest announcement by Meta’s (Facebook) Instagram is an extension…
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Featured-Article  : What’s Ahead for WhatsApp?

Following the launch of the new business-focused WhatsApp Cloud API, we take a look at where Facebook’s (i.e. Meta) popular secure chat app is heading.  Cloud API  Last week, Facebook’s WhatsApp announced that it was opening…
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WhatsApp Rolls-Out Emojis and Sharing Of Files Over 2GB

Following last month’s announcement, Meta’s WhatsApp is rolling-out emojis and the ability to share files within WhatsApp up to 2GB in size.  Communities  The new features are being added as part of WhatsApp’s “vision…
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New Powers So UK Regulator Can Hold Big Tech Firms To Account

The UK government has announced that it is giving statutory powers to the new Digital Markets Unit (DMU) regulator to enforce pro-competition rules and protect users from the “unfair practices” of big tech companies.  New Watchdog…
twitter

How Can Musk Add Revenue To Twitter?

In this article, we look at the immediate challenges ahead for Twitter with Elon Musk now at the helm, plus we look at some of the likely ways that he could start adding more revenue.  What Happened?  Billionaire Elon Musk recently…
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1000+ ‘Deepfakes’ On LinkedIn

Researchers from the Stanford Internet Observatory have reported finding more than one thousand ‘virtual’ employees on the LinkedIn platform.  Faces Created By Artificial Intelligence  Virtual employees in this case are AI-generated…
Twitter

What’s All the Fuss About : Musk & Twitter?

Following SpaceX and Tesla boss Elon Musk becoming Twitter’s largest shareholder after recently acquiring a 9.2 per cent stake in the social media company, we look at the news, issues, and implications relating to this move.  9.2…
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WhatsApp’s New Features To Improve Voice Messaging

WhatsApp has announced that it will soon be introducing some new features to improve its voice messaging.   Voice Messaging   WhatsApp’s voice messaging, introduced back in 2013, saves typing and is a fast way and free way…
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Warning: Scam Aid To Ukraine Emails Circulating

The UK’s national fraud reporting centre, Action Fraud, says that it has received 196 reports of scam emails claiming to be raising funds for victims of the war in Ukraine.   Facebook Post   In a Meta / Facebook post on…
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EU To Limit Power Of Large Tech Platforms

The EU Parliament, Council negotiators and lawmakers have agreed new rules under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) that will limit the market power of the big technology companies and open up the market for competitors.  What Is The Digital…
fake news

Deepfakes About War

Deepfake videos of both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky have appeared online this week, both with quite different messages.   What Are Deepfake Videos?   Deepfake videos are made…
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CEOs Could Go To Jail Quicker

A recent revision to the (draft) Online Safety Bill could mean that executives who don’t comply with the regulator’s information request could start facing penalties such as jail just two months after the bill becomes law.  The…
NYC

What’s all the Fuss About Wordle?

In this article, we look at what Wordle is, and how a change of ownership has led to some online criticism.  What Is Wordle?   Wordle is a free, web-based word game where players have six chances to guess a randomly selected five-letter…
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Social Networks May be Forced To Filter Out Unverified Accounts

If the Online Safety Bill is passed in its current form, it could mean that the main social networks will be forced to filter out any unverified accounts.  One Of Two New Duties Added To The Bill  Last Friday, the government published…
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How to Avoid Being “Doxxed”

In this article, we look at what doxxing is, some examples of doxxing, and what can be done to protect ourselves and our businesses from being ‘Doxxed’. What Is Doxxing? Doxing is a 90s hacker term meaning for dropping (personal)…
VR Headset

A Peek at Metaverse

Meta (Facebook) has released a social VR experience called ‘Horizon Worlds’, giving users the first real look at the ‘Metaverse’ described by Mark Zuckerberg in the company’s recent re-brand announcements. What Is Horizon Worlds? Horizon…
Twitter

Twitter Bans Sharing ‘Private’ Images & Video Without Consent

In a change to its Private Information Policy, Twitter has banned the sharing of personal media, such as images or videos without the subject’s consent. Why? Twitter says that as part of its ongoing work to align its safety…
twitter

Tech Insight : Elon Musk : ‘Twick’ or Tweet?

In this tech-insight, we take a brief look at billionaire Elon Musk’s usage of Twitter, how and why he makes such use of the platform, and what Mr Musk’s interactions can teach businesses about using Twitter. Who Is Elon Musk? South…
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Tech Insight : Do People Lie More Online?

In this article, we look at whether there is evidence to suggest that people lie more online, and what the message is for businesses.  Lying  Just 3 years after the World Wide Web was introduced to the public domain, a report…
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Facebook (Meta) To Integrate Workplace With Microsoft Teams

Facebook/Meta has announced that it is integrating Workplace with Microsoft’s collaboration app Teams to enable users to share information more easily between the two platforms. What Is Workplace? First announced in 2016, originally…
facebook

Facebook Re-Branded As ‘Meta’

After one of the most publicised re-brands in history, as Facebook changes its name to ‘Meta,’ we look at the reaction in the media and the marketplace, and the issues for the company going forward. ‘Meta’ … ? Facebook CEO Mark…
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LinkedIn Shuts Down In China Over Censorship Row

Microsoft’s LinkedIn will be replaced with a “no social feed” version in China after criticism from the US that it has been complicit in the censorship of posts and profiles from Western journalists. Accusations From Home The accusations…
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Proposed Ban For Mass Facial Recognition & ‘Predictive’ Policing

The European Parliament has adopted a resolution calling for a ban on the use of AI-based predictive policing systems and the processing of biometric data that leads to mass surveillance. Areas The resolution seeks to ban the use of facial…
facebook

What’s Going On With Facebook?

After experiencing two outages in a week, one lasting more than six hours, and a whistleblower at a Senate Committee hearing alleging potentially harmful effects from Facebook’s algorithms, some are asking ‘what’s going on with Facebook?’ Whistleblower Recently…
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Monetising Movement (Your Geo-Data)

In this feature, we take a look at how a multi-billion-dollar market obtains, uses, and sells our location data. Report A GVR report estimates that the global location intelligence market was worth USD 12.2 billion in 2020. This market…
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Birthdays Now Required For Insta Login

The introduction of the Age Appropriate Design Code (also known as the Children’s Code) by the ICO means that Facebook has decided to ask Instagram users to give their date of birth as part of the login. Age Appropriate Design Code The…
Security
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Pro-Kremlin Trolls Targeting Media Website Comments

The results of new research suggest that the comments section for stories on prominent media websites across many western countries are the focus of major Kremlin-based activities to try and influence public opinion. Multiple Outlets, Many…
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WhatsApp Handed Massive GDPR Fine

Following an investigation into WhatsApp Ireland Ltd, the Irish data regulator (DPC) has issued Facebook’s popular WhatsApp chat app with the second-largest GDPR fine of €225m. Long Investigation The eye-watering fine of €225 million…
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Tech News # 1 : Biometrics Could Assist the Taliban

Human Rights groups fear that the Taliban could soon be able to use collected biometric data to identify contractors and locals working with the US military. What Biometric Data? It has been reported that, over time, while on operations…
whatsapp

WhatsApp’s Vanishing Photos & Videos

Facebook’s WhatsApp is rolling out its new ‘View Once’ feature whereby photos and videos disappear from the chat after they’ve been opened. Privacy and Space-Saving WhatsApp says that the feature gives users more control over…
Fake News

Distrust or Mistrust Disinformation or Misinformation?

The new Online Media Literacy Strategy from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) is aimed at supporting 170+ organisations to improve media literacy rates in the UK, and thereby help young people to spot disinformation. As…
WhatsApp

WhatsApp Without A Smartphone

Facebook’s WhatsApp is testing a new feature that will allow users to send messages without using just their smartphone. Tied To A Phone WhatsApp is currently linked to just a user’s phone, and to use the Web/desktop version, the…
Trump

Trump Sues Social Media Platforms Channels For Censoring Him

Only 6 months after the storming of the United States Capitol in Washington and having his social media accounts suspended, former US resident Trump is suing Google, Twitter and Facebook, and their respective CEOs for allegedly censoring him. Twitter…
clubhouse

Clubhouse For Android Launched In The UK

Drop-in audio conversation social network app ‘Clubhouse’ has launched its Android (beta) version for download in the UK. Clubhouse Android Launched In English-Speaking Countries San Francisco-based Clubhouse announced on May 9 that,…
facebook

Tech Insight – What’s Happening About The HUGE Facebook Data Leak?

With Facebook having to inform more than a staggering 530 million users that they were exposed to a data breach in 2019, some criticism for the company about the breach has prompted some to ask just what is happening? What Breach It has…
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Microsoft and LinkedIn’s New Features To Help UK Jobseekers

With the pandemic fuelling job losses, new features from Microsoft’s LinkedIn platform could provide some help to the UK’s 1.7 million unemployed. The Challenge Many of LinkedIn’s users may now be facing the considerable challenge…
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How Search Engines Are Dealing With Fake News

Fake news has become pernicious and widespread so in this article, we look at how the search engines are facing up to the enormous challenge of separating the real from the fake. Challenges Those trying to combat the spread of fake news…
phone app

What Is Clubhouse?

With 'audio-only', social media app Clubhouse is starting to hit the news after its launch one year ago, we take a look at exactly what it is and why you might consider using it. What Is It? Clubhouse is an invitation-only iPhone app…
Twiter

Get Paid By Your ‘Super Followers’ on Twitter

Twitter has announced that it will soon launch a ‘Super Follow’ feature where account holders can charge their followers for access to exclusive content such as newsletters, videos and deals. What is 'Super Follow'? The Super Follow…
Facebook

Condemnation For Facebook After Blocking News

Facebook faced condemnation after blocking ‘news’ content from its platform in Australia following a publishing law row, and was facing condemnation and potential challenges in other countries. A last minute turnaround  means that…
Love Scams

Coronavirus Lockdown Increases ‘Romance Fraud’

UK Finance and Action Fraud have both reported increases in fraud related to romance scams over the lockdown period. What Is Romance Fraud? Romance fraud/romance scams refers to fraudsters adopting fake personas online in order to fool…
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What’s all the fuss about ‘Robinhood’ ?

In the light of the recent controversy over GameStop shares, we take a look at the growing trend for casual, amateur investing and how the Robinhood app has enabled this. Robinhood Robinhood is a is a free-trading app that lets…
GDPR

Grindr in Norway Fined £8.5M

The LGBTQ+ dating app was issued the penalty for the alleged sharing of users’ sensitive personal data with third-party advertisers without obtaining appropriate consent.  The fine is the result of a legal complaint by the Norwegian…
WatsApp

WhatsApp To Share Users’ Personal Info

In a change to WhatsApp’s privacy policy from next month, users outside of Europe will have to agree to share their personal information with WhatsApp’s owner Facebook or leave the app. Outside Europe From February 8, 2021, a compulsory…
Trump

Trump Banned on Social Media

Last week, following the storming of Washington DC's Capitol building, US President Donald Trump’s ban from Twitter, Facebook and Instagram (for a full list click here) has led to some questions about the legal status and regulation of social…
Social Media

Rules and Regulations : Social Media

In this article, we look at the rules, policies and guidance around what types of content is -  and isn’t - allowed on social media websites. Social Media Platforms Social media platforms reflect many different views and motivations…
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Voice and Video Calls For WhatsApp Next Year

It has been reported that Facebook’s WhatsApp will be introducing voice and video calling to its WhatsApp Web desktop version next year. Pandemic Boosted Demand WhatsApp, which has around 2 billion users globally, is currently used…
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New Competition Rules for Facebook and Google in the UK

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has said that Facebook and Google will face new rules next year to prevent abuse of their market dominance. The Issues For the CMA, the issues that were highlighted back in July and are…
iPhonestencil

Vanish Mode For Messenger and Instagram Chats

Only a week after its WhatsApp announcement for the “disappearing messages” feature, Facebook has announced “Vanish Mode” for Messenger and Instagram to allow the sending of messages that disappear automatically. Privacy and Secrecy Facebook…
WhatsApppexels

WhatsApp Launches Self-Destruct Messages

From the end of November, Facebook’s WhatsApp users will have the option to automatically delete chats between the sender and recipient after 7 days. Disappearing Messages The new “disappearing messages” feature is not going to…
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Language Used Reveals Societal Pandemic Anxiety

An AI study of the language used on social media platform Reddit has revealed increasing levels of anxiety since the beginning of the pandemic. Study The study, by MIT and Harvard University researchers, sought to leverage natural language…
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Tech Increasing Domestic Abuse

With domestic abuse on the rise, particularly since the pandemic lockdowns, we look at some of the chilling ways that smart devices and other technology are being used as a tool by abusers. Rise In Reports A BBC Panorama and Women’s…
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Are You Being Tracked By WhatsApp Apps?

A recent Business Insider Report has highlighted how third-party apps may be exposing some data and details of the activity of WhatsApp users. WhatsApp – Known For Encryption Facebook-owned WhatsApp is known for its end-to-end encryption. …
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Tech Giants Requested To Cease Kids Ads

In an open letter to Google, Facebook, Apple, Amazon and Microsoft, MPs, academics, and campaigners have asked the big tech companies to stop targeting children with personalised advertising. Global Action Plan The letter has been published…
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Tips & Tools To Keep Kids Safe Online

The online environment can be a dangerous as well as a fun place for young people so here are some tips and tools to help keep kids safe online. The Risks Children face many risks online including seeing/watching things they shouldn’t,…
influencerpexels

Influencers Paid To Promote Test and Trace

In a bid to raise awareness of responsible behaviour concerning COVID-19 among the younger age groups, the UK government is reported to be paying freelance social media influencers and reality TV stars to promote test and trace. Test and…
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Ensure What You See Is Real

With the internet and particularly social media awash with pictures, videos, news, and other content which may not be all that it seems, here is a guide to spotting fake news and content. Misinformation There are a number of sources and…
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Lockdown Love Scams

Details emerged this week of a scam whereby a man claiming to be on a top-secret military mission contacted a lady on a dating site and encouraged her to switch to an encrypted message service in order to steal money and personal details. Hooked In…
Fake News
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AI-Faked Photos and Videos Concerns

Social media analytics company Graphika has reported identifying images of faces for social media profiles that appear to have been faked using machine learning for the purpose of China-based anti-U.S. government campaigns. Graphika Detects Graphika,…
Phone Girlsprexels

Trump Terminates TikTok

The Trump administration’s next high-profile target in its Chinese trade-war is the hugely popular video-sharing mobile app TikTok, which has been slapped with a 45-day ban in the U.S. from 20 September 2020. Executive Orders Chinese…
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The Start of Google and Facebook Paying For News Content?

At a time when smaller news outlets have been forced to close and big tech companies dominate distribution, the Australian Government may make the likes of Google and Facebook pay for their news content. What’s The Problem? The pandemic…
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Celebrity Twitter Accounts Hacked For Bitcoin

Twitter accounts of celebrities including Barack Obama and Bill Gates were hacked and used to operate a scam, asking people to donate bitcoin. What Happened? Hackers used the tools that were normally only available to Twitter staff to…
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Twitter to Replace “Master”, “Slave” and “Blacklist”

Twitter has announced that it will be replacing programming language terms such as “master”, “slave” and “blacklist” with more inclusive ones. Programming Language Those familiar with programming language and email terms will…
Facebook

Why Big Brands Are Boycotting Social Media

Large, mainly U.S.-based companies (many of which are household names) have said that they will be boycotting Facebook and Instagram in terms of paid advertising in July over concerns about the moderation of content and hate speech on the platforms. “Stop…
Facebook

How To Bulk-Delete or Hide Old Facebook Posts

We show you how to bulk-delete or hide old Facebook posts based on a variety of filters, using Facebook's new ‘Manage Activity’ tool. Change With so many subscribing to Facebook over the last 15 years it is likely that over time,…
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The Incredible 5G and COVID-19 Conspiracy Theory

Last week it was David Icke and this week it’s TV presenter Eamonn Holmes who’s given media momentum to the conspiracy theory that suggests a link between the emergence of COVID-19 and the use of 5G.  What’s going on, why, and how? The…
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Facebook Launches Desktop Messenger

Search terms relating to popular collaborative working tools such as ‘Zoom’ (the most searched for), GoToMeeting, WebEx, Slack and Microsoft Teams have also seen huge search volumes in Google in recent weeks. Facebook has launched a…
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YouTube Bans 5G and COVID-19 Link Conspiracy Videos

After a recent live-streamed interview with David Icke linked the introduction of 5G technology to the emergence of the COVID-19 the pandemic, Google’s YouTube has now banned all 5G conspiracy videos. 5G Theory Far-Fetched Mr Icke’s…
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Facebook Video Quality Reduced To Cope With Demand

Facebook and Instagram have reduced the quality of videos shared on their platforms in Europe as demand for streaming has increased due to self-isolation. Lower Bitrate, Looks Similar The announcement by Facebook that a lowering of the…
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Cybercriminals Hijacking Netflix and Other Streaming Accounts

It has been reported that the surge in the use of streaming music and video services has been accompanied by a surge in the number of user accounts being taken over by cybercriminals. Entertainment During Isolation Self-isolation and…
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Facebook Sued Down-Under For £266bn Over Cambridge Analytica Data Sharing Scandal

Six years after the personal data of 87 million users was harvested and later shared without user consent with Cambridge Analytica, Australia’s privacy watchdog is suing Facebook for an incredible £266bn over the harvested data of its citizens. What…
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Google Indexing Makes WhatsApp Group Links Visible

A journalist has reported on Twitter that WhatsApp groups may not be as secure as users think because the "Invite to Group via Link" feature allows groups to be indexed by Google, thereby making them available across the Internet. Links…
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Combatting Fake News

The spread of misinformation/disinformation/fake news by a variety of media including digital and printed stories and deepfake videos is a growing threat in what has been described as out ‘post-truth era’, and many people, organisations…
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WhatsApp Ceases Support For More Old Phone Operating Systems

WhatsApp has announced that its messaging app will no longer work on outdated operating systems, which is a change that could affect millions of smartphone users. Android versions 2.3.7 and Older, iOS 8 and Older The change, which took…
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Facebook’s New Tool Allows You To Port Your Photos and Videos To Google

Facebook has announced that it is releasing a data portability tool that will enable Facebook users to transfer their Facebook photos and videos directly to other services, starting with Google Photos. Why? Facebook acknowledged in its…
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$20 Million Fight Highlights Value of Social Media

The popularity and influence of two YouTube celebrities making their boxing event an all-time global Top 20 pay-per-view phenomenon and splitting a $20 million prize is a reminder of the magnifying value of online PR. What Happened? Two…
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Tough Questions About Libra Cryptocurrency

Facebook’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg faced a grilling from the US Congress last week over his company’s ‘Libra’ cryptocurrency plans. Libra ‘Libra’ is Facebook’s new cryptocurrency and global payment system that’s due to be…
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Facebook ‘News’ Tab on Mobile App

Facebook has launched the ‘News’ tab on its mobile app which directs users to unbiased, curated articles from credible sources in a bid to publicly combat fake news and help restore trust in its own brand. Large US Cities For Now The…
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Deepfake Ransomware – A Worrying Threat

Multinational IT security company ‘Trend Micro’ has highlighted the future threat of cybercriminals making and posting (or threatening to post) malicious ‘deep fake’ videos online in order to cause damage to reputations and/or to extract…
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UKCIS Offers Online Safety For All

The government has announced that the UK Council for Internet Safety (UKCIS), which is the successor to the UK Council for Child Internet Safety (UKCCIS), has had its scope expanded to improve online safety for all in the UK. Part…
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Facebook Launches Martin Lewis Anti-Scam Service

Facebook has launched a new anti-scam service using the £3m that it agreed to donate to the development of the programme in return for TV consumer money champion Martin Lewis dropping his legal action over scam ads. What Legal Action? Back…
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New UK ‘Duty of Care’ Rules To Apply To Social Media Companies

The new ‘Online Harms’ whitepaper marks a world first as the UK government plans to introduce regulation to hold social media and other tech companies to account for the nature of the content they display, backed by the policing power…
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Facebook Rolls Out ‘Why Am I Seeing This Post?’ Tool

In an attempt to be more transparent and give more control to its users, Facebook is about to roll-out a new “Why am I seeing this post?” tool, which will give users insights into their newsfeed algorithm. Algorithm Explained The…
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Microsoft And Adobe Team Up To Fight Salesforce

Microsoft and Adobe are teaming up to make it easier for users of Adobe’s marketing software to find and target potential customers for business goods on Microsoft’s LinkedIn, thereby fighting their common competitor Salesforce.com Inc. What…
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Fake News Fact Checkers Working With Facebook

London-based, registered charity ‘Full Fact’ will now be working for Facebook, reviewing stories, images and videos, in an attempt to tackle misinformation that could “damage people's health or safety or undermine democratic processes”. Why? The…
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EU’s Web Copyright Directive Could Spell Trouble

A vote in January on contentious new EU copyright laws could negatively impact tech platforms and all online publishers, create risky legal grey areas for many businesses, stifle freedom of expression, and lead to more surveillance and control. What…
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New Facebook Rules For Political Ad Transparency In The UK

After the US and Brazil, the UK has become the next country to be subject to Facebook’s new rules that require those who wish to place a political advert on the social media platform to verify their identity and say who is funding the advert. Verification The…
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Facebook Hack Keeps Getting Worse

As if the recent Facebook hack of 50 million user accounts that was discovered on 25th September wasn’t bad enough, it became apparent that it could also affect "Facebook Login" service, which allows other apps to use people's Facebook account…
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Facebook Uses Scoring System To Manage Misinformation

It has been reported that Facebook allocates a trustworthiness score to some members to help it manage misinformation issues such as some members continually flagging / reporting stories as fake if they don’t agree with the content. Score? It…
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Social Mapper Can Trace Your Face

Trustwave's SpiderLabs has created a new penetration testing tool that uses facial recognition to trace your face through all your social media profiles, link your name to it, and identify which organisation you work for. Why? According to…
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Facebook Ads That Target Your Beliefs

In a new trial involving a small number of users in the UK, Facebook has said that it will be testing the targeting of adverts based on users’ specific political and religious beliefs. Why? According to Facebook, the trial will help the…