Here are the top tech news stories from the past week or so:
- Global Phishing Service Shutdown: Law enforcement officials in 19 countries have shut down LabHost, an online platform that earned at least $1 million by selling phishing kits to cybercriminals. The operation, led by the Metropolitan Police in the United Kingdom, is a significant step in combating cybercrime.
- Real-Time Deepfake Scams: Scammers known as Yahoo Boys are using real-time deepfake technology to carry out elaborate romance scams. The FBI estimates that more than $650 million was lost to romance fraud last year, highlighting the urgent need for improved digital security measures.
- Dutch Government’s Privacy Concerns with Facebook: The Dutch government may stop using Facebook due to privacy concerns. The Dutch Data Protection Authority (DPA) issued a statement advising the government not to use Facebook pages if it doesn’t clarify the privacy risks associated with using the platform. This move underscores the growing global concern about data privacy on social media platforms.
- A Growing Concern: Recent IT outages at companies like Greggs, Apple, and Meta have raised questions about the stability of the internet. Experts suggest that such outages are happening more frequently due to the increasing complexity of the internet, indicating a need for more robust infrastructure.
- Google’s Policy Change on Minimum Wage and Benefits: Google has announced that it will roll back requirements for U.S. suppliers and staffing firms to pay their employees at least $15 an hour and provide health insurance and other benefits. This move could potentially allow Google to avoid bargaining with unions, raising questions about the role of tech giants in shaping labour policies.
- Promise and Pitfalls of AI: As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, important questions must be considered to help mitigate the potential perils of AI on society and take advantage of the opportunities. The discussions range from the impact of AI on marginalized communities to the need for clear regulations and ethical considerations in AI development.
- Boston Dynamics’ Atlas Robot: Boston Dynamics has unveiled Atlas, a new all-electric humanoid robot. While Atlas is designed for commercial use, its advanced capabilities and potential applications in the home have sparked a debate about the future of humanoid robots in our daily lives.