Author: Daniel (The Tech Blog UK)
WhatsApp Faces Backlash Over Reduced Minimum Age Amid Concerns of Child Exposure to Harmful Content WhatsApp is under scrutiny after lowering its minimum age requirement, with concerns raised about children as young as nine being added to malicious groups, including those promoting self-harm. An investigation by the BBC revealed instances of children in primary schools being exposed to sexual violence and racism on the platform. In response to reports of dangerous groups on WhatsApp, Northumbria Police in Tyneside have issued warnings to thousands of parents. One parent, Mandy (name changed), shared her distressing experience of discovering her 12-year-old daughter exposed…
Instagram is set to test new tools aimed at combating “sextortion,” a menacing form of blackmail involving the dissemination of intimate images online. Among these tools is “nudity protection,” which automatically blurs naked images in direct messages, and will be activated by default for users under the age of 18. Additionally, the platform will trial pop-up notifications directing potential victims to support resources.
Experts Warn Keeping Data Hidden from Apple is “Virtually Impossible” Experts have cautioned that keeping your data hidden from Apple is “virtually impossible,” according to a new study. The research suggests that default apps on iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks collect personal data even when seemingly disabled. The study, the first of its kind to examine the privacy settings of Apple’s default apps, focused on Safari, Siri, Family Sharing, iMessage, FaceTime, Location Services, Find My, and Touch ID. It aimed to determine whether Apple is upholding its privacy commitment encapsulated in the slogan: “Privacy. That’s Apple.” Associate Professor Janne Lindqvist, head…
EE Boosts Mobile Coverage in Rural Ceredigion with New 4G Masts Mobile coverage in rural parts of Ceredigion has received a significant boost after EE upgraded or built more than ten 4G masts in the county. With over a million tourists expected to visit mid-Wales this year to enjoy its scenic coastline, walking routes, and attractions, EE has strengthened its 4G connectivity along two major roads, the A44 and the A487, as well as in several towns and villages including Aberystwyth, Aberteifi (Cardigan), Llangrannog, and Morfa Borth. EE has also enhanced mobile connectivity at popular locations such as Aberaeron beach,…
Samsung Users Uncover Free Galaxy Store Voucher Offer Samsung users have discovered a delightful surprise in their virtual Wallets—a chance to claim a free Galaxy store voucher. Some lucky customers have stumbled upon vouchers worth up to £10 waiting for them. This voucher can be used to purchase apps and in-app upgrades from the Galaxy store, including Fortnite V-Bucks. Samsung describes it as a “gift” to explore the world of mobile gaming with a £10 Galaxy Store Credit, and the process to claim it takes just a few minutes. Users on HotUKDeals, where the deal was advertised, are thrilled with…
Virgin Media O2 Business has partnered with the Office for National Statistics (ONS) to offer anonymised data concerning population dynamics, travel patterns, and other movement trends.
Meta Announces Changes to Policies on Digitally Created and Altered Media Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, unveiled significant updates to its policies regarding digitally created and altered media ahead of upcoming elections, which will test its ability to combat deceptive content generated by artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. In a blog post, Monika Bickert, the vice president of content policy at Meta, announced that the social media giant would begin applying “Made with AI” labels to AI-generated videos, images, and audio posted on Facebook and Instagram starting in May. This expansion of policy aims to address a broader…
Fixing an Unresponsive Touchscreen on Samsung Phones Samsung phone owners have been grappling with a frustrating screen issue, but there may finally be a solution. An unresponsive touchscreen can render your device useless for crucial moments, especially after updating to the One UI 6.1 software on Samsung Galaxy S23 devices. The problem became so widespread that Samsung had to intervene and acknowledge the issue publicly. According to a post on the company’s Korean Community website, Samsung attributed the problem to “compatibility issues with some Google app features,” with Google Discover being a primary culprit. How to Fix It: Update the…
Apple Updates App Store Guidelines In response to recent developments, Apple has made significant revisions to its App Store guidelines. The updates address concerns raised by the EU Commission and mark notable changes in the company’s policies. Facilitating Music Streaming Apps One of the key changes introduced by Apple is aimed at music streaming apps operating within the European Union. These apps can now benefit from new “Music Streaming Services Entitlements” included in the updated App Review Guidelines. This alteration allows music streaming apps to incorporate links, such as “buy” buttons, which can redirect users to external websites. Additionally, developers…
Disney+ to Crack Down on Password Sharing As reported by Metro UK Disney+ is set to follow Netflix’s lead and clamp down on password sharing starting in June, according to CEO Bob Iger’s announcement on Thursday. The move comes as the entertainment giant aims to bolster subscriber growth and profitability. Netflix implemented similar measures last year, resulting in nearly 22 million new subscribers in the latter half of 2023. However, this crackdown spells bad news for individuals who rely on shared accounts from friends or family members to access Disney+’s extensive library, which includes beloved cartoons, the Star Wars franchise,…