Month: November 2024

I gave away my genetic information to a now imploding company for results that inspired nothing but ambivalence 23andMe is facing implosion. As the once-promising genetic testing company flounders – losing 98% of its $6bn value, all its independent board members, nearly half its staff – many of its 15 million customers are scrambling to …

Why I regret using 23andMe: I gave up my DNA just to find out I’m British Read More »

Researchers say parent company Meta is failing to remove explicit images on the social media site Meta is actively helping self-harm content to flourish on Instagram by failing to remove explicit images and encouraging those engaging with such content to befriend one another, according to a damning new study that found its moderation “extremely inadequate”. …

Instagram actively helping spread of self-harm among teenagers, study suggests Read More »

Studies in which ChatGPT outperformed scientists and GPs raise troubling questions for the future of professional work AI means too many (different) things to too many people. We need better ways of talking – and thinking – about it. Cue, Drew Breunig, a gifted geek and cultural anthropologist, who has come up with a neat …

If AI can provide a better diagnosis than a doctor, what’s the prognosis for medics? | John Naughton Read More »

The Dutch policy director and former MEP on the unprecedented reach of big tech, the need for confident governments, and why the election of Trump changes everything Marietje Schaake is a former Dutch member of the European parliament. She is now the international policy director at Stanford University Cyber Policy Center and international policy fellow …

AI expert Marietje Schaake: ‘The way we think about technology is shaped by the tech companies themselves’ Read More »

He’s said $42.45bn spent by the US for rural internet isn’t efficient. His Starlink company stands to benefit if he reduces that investment Elon Musk, named by Donald Trump to co-lead a commission aimed at reducing the size of the federal government, is poised to undermine funding for rural broadband services to benefit his satellite …

Musk could use the ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ for self-enrichment Read More »

I stumbled on a profile with my picture as the photo. What was this man doing with my identity? I set out to track him down … It was around 1am when I discovered my impostor was watching me. I was sitting up in bed, scrolling on my phone through the list of people who …

‘His Facebook was a shrine to my face’: the day I caught my catfish Read More »

Some say they used bitcoin or Dogecoin to help reach goals such as affording to have a child or buy a house Miles, a 37-year-old NHS doctor from London, has been trying to persuade friends to buy cryptocurrencies for years. In recent weeks, the “Trump pump” to crypto prices has left them envious. “They have …

‘It’s almost dirty money’: the older generation of crypto investors benefiting from the ‘Trump pump’ Read More »

Screenshots purporting to be from systems of Liverpool NHS health facility have been posted on dark web A ransomware gang claims to have stolen data from the Alder Hey children’s hospital in Liverpool, allegedly including patient records. The INC Ransom group said it had published screenshots of data on the dark web that contained the …

Alder Hey children’s hospital explores ‘data breach’ after ransomware claims Read More »

Studies suggest children are having their self-esteem harmed by filters that ape the effects of cosmetic surgery Just one click on the “glossy babe” filter and the teenager’s face was subtly elongated, her nose made neater and a dusting of freckles sprinkled across her cheeks. Next, a “glow makeup” filter erased skin blemishes, puffed her …

‘Teenage girls are feeling vulnerable’: fears grow over online beauty filters Read More »

The electric car brand was once a liberal favourite – but the CEO’s embrace of Trump has led to an angry backlash As Elon Musk has embraced Donald Trump and various far-right conspiracy theories, he has left behind an aghast cohort of Tesla owners who suddenly feel embarrassed by their own cars. Many of them …

Tesla owners turn against Musk: ‘I’m embarrassed driving this car around’ Read More »