UK Makes Major Changes To Its Online Safety Bill That Could Penalize Tech Giants Who Fail To Block Controversial Content

So many apps on social media may soon be paying the price if they fail to oblige to the pledge made in relation to the Online Safety Bill.

The news comes as plenty of changes are carried forward in the bill that demand big tech platforms block all sorts of content that’s racist and sexist. Moreover, it’s like seeing a huge number of fines being outlined thanks to the British Government that opted to make such changes on Monday.

With this new approach kickstarting, many companies like Twitter and even Facebook might give users a chance to avoid displaying content that’s harmful but isn't actually committing a crime or an offense of some sort. This includes topics arising in the field of racism, eating disorders, or even misogyny.

The regulator overlooking such endeavors has been outlined as Ofcom, which would now be given the authority to penalize huge firms for breaches made in the act. Just last year, we saw Meta put up revenues worth $118 billion.

Thankfully, the act did drop off one offense linked to harmful communication after getting plenty of criticism from conservative members about how it was hurting feelings.

So many ministers have ended up scrapping such provisions linked to legal material that’s also harmful at the same time. Such content is controversial but is not committing any major crime. Instead, it’s allowing apps to force the right terms on its users.

In case the content being put forward by apps fails to align with the guidelines mentioned like the theme of abuse, then Ofcom can adequately deal with them through hefty fines.

On the other hand, another major change seen in this bill has to do with digital platforms offering people various ways through which they can avoid the promotion of harmful content on the app. Despite it being legal, content moderation needs to be given attention and users need to be provided with warning screens.

Content that comes under this includes the likes of abuse, racism, disability, intimacy, gender reassignment, and even sexual orientation.

If a firm wishes to remove content or ban users, it would need to clearly pen down in writing a justification for the act, and then users would be given the chance to appeal such a decision made against them.

The bill is all set to return to the UK Parliament by December 5 after it received a temporary pause.

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by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

Civil Society Groups Say Passing The Kids Online Safety Act May Do More Harm Than Good

A new letter has urged lawmakers in the country to think twice before passing the Online Safety Act for Kids.

Dozens of groups linked to civil society mentioned that such bills end up doing more harm than good. They also spoke about how such a bill would pose to be a danger to the younger generation and therefore there appeared to be no point in its existence.

Therefore, now, such groups are raising their voice against the matter and hence feel it’s time to unite and oppose such bills before it gets too late.

The bipartisan bill which is headed by the likes of Senator Richard Blumenthal would end up creating more responsibilities for those webpages that are accessed by the younger lot and also help to protect those below the age of 16.

In this way, so many digital platforms would end up warding off the risk associated with harm being done to younger users. This includes strategies that prevent the promotion of self-harm, addictions, bullying, or explicit and graphic imagery.

The bill is going to require several different websites to change default settings to an option that’s more private. It would put a limit on contacts that may associate people with others. Similarly, it would be passing out the idea of tools that parents may use to track their little ones and monitor what they’re seeing on the web. These websites would be letting the users know that their tools are in effect.

A letter speaking about the growing concerns of the civil society members also entailed such groups that would end up advocating for rights belonging to the transgender community. They mentioned how such a bill and associated tools might end up backfiring.

A lot of criticism was put forward against the bill as many feared it would over-moderate when it came down to determining which data was appropriate and which was not. They also felt that the youth would be vulnerable as a crucial path of gaining access to data would now be eliminated or restricted to a great extent.

In such a short span of time, this particular bill has really gained a lot of momentum regarding debates and how such bills relate to topics that are a little controversial like gender identity and even a person’s sexual orientation. Then there was a discussion of how such bills even prevent victims of child abuse from gaining help. There was another argument of how it’s in turn jeopardizing the access that young kids get to technology that’s private and secure like end-end encryption.

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by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

Apple Cuts Back On Twitter Advertising Despite Being One Of The App’s Leading Tech Advertisers In 2022

More drama is taking center stage on Twitter and this time around, it’s linked to leading iPhone maker Apple.

Elon Musk has published a new tweet that speaks about how Apple has almost discontinued all ads on the Twitter app. He called out the tech giant and asked if the reason had to do with how opposed they were to free speech.

Right after that, we saw Musk put out a poll that asked people if Apple would be publishing all actions made in the name of censorship. This includes those related to the impact their decisions have had on users.

After that, Musk started to retweet all sorts of content coming forward from firms that the iPhone maker had discussions with regarding the subject of moderation. He similarly retweeted a parody video from 1984 that suggested how Apple’s App Store was nothing more than a monopoly.

Ever since the billionaire has taken over power at Twitter, advertisers were seen pulling back and now, it appears that Apple might be the latest one in this regard to pull back.

In case you’re wondering why, well, it’s no surprise here that Elon Musk has a lot to do with it. His erratic behavior, firing sprees, and decision-making are just beyond a lot of people. And now, he seems to be on some sort of a mission to reinstate banned accounts on the platform, right after he did the same with former US President Donald Trump.

Since the past few weeks, we saw the workforce reduce further and today, the app’s policy creation and moderation team is empty because most of those handling it are gone. So it wouldn’t be wrong to say there is absolute chaos on the app.

Let’s not forget that questionable $8 Blue subscription by Twitter Blue that entailed account verification. Soon, users started to take advantage of that and even began impersonating others leading to absolute disaster.

Then we saw advertisers pulling back like it’s no one’s business and that leaves Twitter in the most vulnerable situation imaginable because a huge chunk of revenue generation comes through advertising.

Despite the billionaire’s great efforts to try and persuade advertisers to stay on the app, he’s having great difficulty as many fear the downfall of the app is near because of Musk’s decisions. The persuasion by Musk is not working and it’s actually backfiring.

Musk knows that and that’s why he has a plan B in store if Google and Apple choose to boycott the app and remove it from the Play and App Stores. This may mean we may have another competitor in the world of phones that are better than iPhones and Android.

Despite so much talk about Apple taking a back seat in terms of advertising on Twitter, a recent analysis report is shedding light on how Apple and its fellow subsidiaries are actually one of the biggest advertising partners for the app.

These figures share a very important aspect. So far in 2022, Apple has actually ended up spending nearly $39 million on Twitter’s ads. Moreover, another expert from Apple says that this figure is actually representing the greatest amount of social media ad spending that Apple has made in 2022.

Still, the problem here is very obvious. Twitter is upset because leading names that have worked with the app over the years are now pausing advertising and Musk thinks they’re on a mission to kill Twitter.

There are a lot of concerns that some advertisers have regarding brand safety and even content moderation on Twitter and until Musk doesn’t provide them with reassurance, it’s going to be so hard.

Read next: A New Study Shows the Thoughts of Consumers When Advertisement of A Brand Is Next To A Piece Of Misinformation
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

A New Study Shows the Thoughts of Consumers When Advertisement of A Brand Is Next To A Piece Of Misinformation

According to a new study conducted by Magna and Zefr, brands should be extra cautious about the platforms they are running their ads because if there's any misinformation on that channel, customers are likely to blame the brand. The IPG Agency, Magna, and the data and technology company, Zefr, collaborated on this study because it was a major concern between brands and customers. Around 93% of consumers are directly exposed to misinformation on different places online. Customers do know that the spread of misinformation is out of anyone's control. Most misinformation is available on social media and right after it, television is the source.

The survey was conducted among the customers and they were asked about who they blamed for misinformation on the social media sites. Most of the people blamed the publishers and platform, and some were brave enough to say that it was the fault of the brands. Many people on the survey agreed that if the misinformation is right next to a brand, many will believe that it is the brand that is supporting that piece of misinformation. It proves that brands aren't cautious enough to look for a good place to advertise their stuff.

Brands are also worried about this problem because the spread of misinformation next to their brand is going on for so long. Nowadays, Twitter is becoming a victim of this after the take of Elon Musk on the app. Many Twitter users fell victim to the impersonators who spread misinformation on Twitter. Recently, many Twitter users believed that free insulin will be available just because an account with a blue tick tweeted this piece of false news.

Many brands are worried that if they advertise themselves on Twitter, there is a high chance that they will fall prey to misinformation. Just during the election in the US, TikTok couldn't catch 90% of the accounts that were spreading misinformation regarding the elections. When users see misinformation next to a brand, 23% of users said that their first instinct isn't to contact the brand and ask them to take some action. 37% said that they completely boycott a brand if they see any misinformation it's spreading because of its advertisements. 31% believe that sharing this to social media as awareness can help a lot of people and that's how some brands can also pay attention to it.

• Also read: The State of the VPN Market in 2022

If a brand is perceiving misinformation, 50% of consumers said that they won't purchase from that brand and 51% said that they would never search for that brand ever. If a brand finds itself next to misinformation, 87% said that they take immediate action. Many consumers are also coming up with ways to prevent misinformation next to brands. 84% of consumers said that brands should do everything in their power to not appear next to a brand and 84% said that brands should have a strict policy. 79% of consumers say that they want the brands to speak up about their thoughts on that piece of misinformation they appear next to.

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by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

Windows is Bringing a New Feature in the Latest Update to Let Users Easily Monitor VPN Connections

Windows is adding a new feature in the latest update to let users easily monitor VPN connections. It will be available in the taskbar for Windows 11 desktop operating systems.

Windows needs VPNs more than ever, and Windows users who do not know how to use a VPN may delay adopting the tool. With a system tray icon, you can quickly and easily reach your VPN connection status.

Based on the hottest trends and security threats, it’s not just what you do online that can put you at risk. This Windows 11 guide will help keep your privacy safe while you surf the website.

Many people now utilize Virtual Private Networking assistance to disguise their individualism while surfing the site, watching videos, or installing data since their online data is considered a property.

You'll be able to know in real time if you are connected to a VPN server, and your home IP address will be obfuscated via the linked site or digital services. Please note that this feature does not support Wifi when using a public network connection.

Unfortunately, many people who are using a VPN for privacy purposes may not be aware that their IP address is still leaking. You might access a blocked website (or download an illegal file) without realizing that the device you’re using is still revealing your location and accessing other websites on your behalf.

A small feature in the new Windows 11 developed by the "Dev" will automatically display a VPN, you may click on the shield symbol in the System security tray.

The new Windows Defender icon in the lower-right corner of your taskbar will provide you with a quick and easy way to see whether or not you're protected. To get started, click the security symbol. It will take you directly to the status screen. You can then click on any of the tabs to quickly view how secure your system is and how long it would take for someone to crack your password if they took control of it.

If you have a desktop computer, you have the option to set up a VPN. This can provide security to your data and make it much more challenging to be accessed by unauthorized users. If this is put into production, we should anticipate the symbol to be more noticeable because the photos above have been blown up and the shield is rather modest.

Unfortunately, the new functionality has certain restrictions because Internet access is not supported and it can only be used to connect to a Virtual Private Networking set up to use its established Windows eleven program.

It appears that the rapid configuration or the Networking & Net greater than Virtual Private Networking tab in Options will be the only places from which you may link to VPNs.

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Additionally, utilizing their programs to associate with professional Virtual Private Networking providers disrupts the functionality.

The Virtual Private Networking arrow in Windows is an indicator that shows when your system is linked to a VPN linkage. The arrow presently does not operate with NordVPN or ProtonVPN.

Even though this is a highly helpful tool, Ms has already acknowledged that some functionality identified in WI versions might never be included in the final versions.

You require to enable Virtual Private Networking in Windows Eleven if you want to see which apps are using your Web connection through a Virtual Private Networking link. You must sign up for the WI program and inaugurate the newest form to activate the VPN login in Windows 11. Dev Channel is a resource you may utilize if you need assistance. Once you've done that, proceed as follows:

To allow the Virtual Private Networking symbol in Windows 10/11, first, you'll need to download and install ViveTool (this is a free tool that makes Windows's secret developer tools available.). Once installed, drag the zip file and open an advanced control prompt. On the menu bar of your command prompt, go to "Run as Administrator" and document separately these controls one at a juncture.

ViveTool choice will answer with "done" once you issue the command. By executing the next tool instructions from an authorized prompt when an inspection is completed, you may turn off the concealed functionality.

H/T: Neowin.

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by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

41 Percent of Consumers Exclusively Use Mobile Apps for Banking, But Is It Safe?

There used to be a time when people had to go all the way to their bank branch in order to access their money, but mobile banking apps are starting to change all that. Around 62% of consumers now use mobile banking apps because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up making their finances easier to manage. In spite of the fact that this is the case, there are some security concerns that are raising the alarm in certain quarters.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that 42% of consumers said that they do not use their mobile banking apps due to security concerns. 46% are concerned about having their accounts hacked, and 38% are worried about what would happen if they lose their phone or if it were to get stolen.

Still, 41% of consumers who responded to this survey claimed that they don’t even go to physical bank branches anymore since simply opening the banking app makes it easier for them to access their funds than might have been the case otherwise. There are a bunch of other benefits at play here as well, such as 24/7 access and the lack of wait times while transferring money.

47% of users said that they simply don’t feel the need to use any kind of mobile banking app. This indicates that there is still a lot of room for this industry to grow in. Banks have been opting for apps a lot more frequently, but unless security concerns are addressed the growth of their usage may end up being quite limited with all things having been considered and taken into account.

Out of all mobile banking app users, 74% said that security was a major concern. Such concerns need to be alleviated if banking is to be brought into the 21st century. Financial security needs to be optimized to assuage the worries of consumers and they will subsequently be able to make transactions with a high degree of ease.

H/T: Nerdwallet
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by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

Meta Hit With Huge Penalty Fine For Breaching European Data Protection Law

Meta is in deep trouble as the tech giant recently received a huge penalty for breaking the data protection law of Europe.

The fine worth $275 million (or €265 million) was recently announced by the DPC in Ireland where the tech giant’s regulator for GDPR operates and oversees such situations.

Today, the DPC confirmed how such decisions would end up recording findings related to the infringement of various articles linked to data protection.

The DPC claims it’s imposing a long list of measures that would allow for compliance and bring forward so many remedial actions situated during a certain timeframe.

This penalty was related to one inquiry that had been put forward by this regulating body in the previous year. This had to do with media reports comprising 530 million Facebook users’ data and it spoke about their email IDs and mobile numbers getting leaked publicly.

At this time, Facebook tried to act smart and play down such accusations with claims that the data wasn’t floating online and was old. They even mentioned how the news was old and the matter had already been fixed. Therefore, they confirmed that no such data was now getting exposed.

This firm then followed this with another statement that mentioned how the data was being breached through the acts of malicious actors that used contract importers.

On the other hand, the DPC mentioned how its inquiry saw a number of different contact searches and tools for importing that the firm offered between both the date of the GDPR and the date at which changes were taking place.

There were a lot of things worth considering regarding how comprehensive this entire inquiry process is in the European Union. The supervisory authorities did agree with this decision and a lot of spotlights was put on poor decision-making on Meta’s part. They were given a deadline of three months to comply with such issues.

Meta was soon contacted to see their response on the matter. And while one spokesperson failed to confirm if the tech would be seeking an appeal or not, it’s clear that Meta is going to be taking its time for a decision review.

Meta did release a statement in this regard. They feel that protecting the privacy as well as the security of its users is super important. This is why they’ve really worked hard and cooperated with the DPC of Ireland on this critical matter.

They’ve made plenty of changes in this system and that entails removing this ability to erase features through phone numbers. While data scraping through unauthorized means is not correct, they do add it’s against their policy too and that’s why they’re hoping to work alongside others to have it done.

Similarly, Meta spoke about adding an exclusive range of changes that would assist in combating matters related to data scraping. From technical tools to rate limits too, the firm hopes to bring change for the better so such issues never arise in the first place.

One year back, Meta was slammed with another fine for breaching its own transparency policy. And then even after that, we saw it getting a fine worth $18 million regarding data breaches.

But it’s not only this matter that has the DPC worried about Meta. They mentioned that a number of other inquiries will soon arise regarding different aspects of Meta’s organization. A huge probe regarding Meta’s legal basis through which it can process data belonging to users was a point worth mentioning. This particular complaint dates back to 4 and a half years ago.

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by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World