Choose Gifts Wisely: Mozilla Study Reveals Lack of Privacy Policies in Key Tech Products

Mozilla carried out research that reveals that over 100 tech gadgets shouldn’t be gifted to friends because of their privacy issues.

The good pals over at Mozilla published a guide named “Privacy Not Included” that gives a complete rundown of tech products that do not care for the user’s privacy. A lot of big tech companies' names were in the guide including Google, Microsoft and Amazon. For instance, the Federal Trade Commission fined Amazon $25 million because Alexa devices collected the data of many children. Similarly, Microsoft was fined with $20 because it was also collecting children’s data unlawfully.

Google also wasn’t left behind. The Fitbit Activity Tracker is used for tracking your heart rate, steps taken, skin temperature etc. Google has introduced Fitbit Charge 6 which will require your Google account for log in. This means all your Fitbit data will go to Google. By signing in to the Fitbit account, you won’t be accepting Fitbit’s privacy policy. You will have to accept the privacy policy of Google.

Sonos, which was everyone’s favorite, is also included in this dirty business. Mozilla found that it sells some of the users’ personal data for advertising purposes. This means it is ditching all of its privacy policies, without caring about the effects it will cause to their users. Bose is also stealing users’ information and giving it to third parties.

A kids’ smartwatch known as Angel Watch has no privacy policy. The Mozilla team tried hard to find any signs of privacy policy for the watch but it was nonexistent. The only privacy policy about Angel Watch is on its website. It states that when a person buys the watch or views the website, their personal data can be collected. This makes Angel watch suspicious because it makes youngsters vulnerable.

One of the most scary devices with no privacy Mozilla found out was Wyze Security Cameras. It was revealed that a glitch in the system left a lot of private feeds accessible to random people online. Tile Trackers, which are used to track things like pets, bags, etc via bluetooth, have added an Anti-Theft Mode that hides bluetooth devices. This makes it accessible to stalkers.

Apart from all the tech devices that were included in the Privacy Not Included list, Mozilla also appreciated some devices which respect their users’ privacies. One of them in Garmin which updated their privacy policy in July and made it less scary for users. Same goes for two of the children's toys, the Tamagotchi Uni virtual pet and Artie 3000 Coding Robot. Both of them keep the information about their users private and do not share them anywhere.

So, if you are going to give your loved one some tech device, make sure to read its privacy policy. Reading the privacy policy before accepting it is important to safeguard your private information.


Photo: DIW / AI-Gen

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by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

Microsoft Bing advances in search with AI-powered summaries

Bing's latest update is pretty cool. They're now using the fancy AI technology, specifically GPT4, to make searching online a bit easier for all of us. It's like having a smart assistant who quickly figures out what you're looking for and then points you in the right direction.

So, how does this work in real life? Let's say you're curious about finding alternatives to ChatGPT. You do a quick Bing search, and when you look at the search results, there's this little dropdown arrow next to the title links. Clicking on it reveals something new: a caption labeled "AI-Generated." This is Bing showing off its new trick.

Behind the scenes, Bing uses GPT-4 to sift through the maze of the internet based on your search. It picks out the important bits from web pages and turns them into neat and nifty summaries. These aren't just bland, copied-and-pasted lines from websites; they're more like smart, concise summaries tailored to what you're searching for.

The best part? These AI captions change depending on what you're asking. They're not just repeating webpage text verbatim. Bing's been pretty smart about making sure these snippets are both high-quality and accurate, even if they're not a direct copy from the sites.

If you're not into this AI caption thing, no worries. Bing's got you covered. You can turn them off with some simple tags like NOCACHE or NOARCHIVE. Bing's also cool with other tags like MAXSNIPPET and NOSNIPPET. They've got all the details in their guide on meta tags.

Now, why should you care about all this? Well, if you're managing a website or keeping an eye on how people find your content online, these AI captions could change the game. They might affect how often people click through to your site from Bing. It's a good idea to peek at your website's performance in Bing Webmaster Tools now and then. This way, you can see if these AI summaries are making a difference and tweak your strategy if needed.

It appears, Bing is rolling with the times, and it's worth keeping an eye on these new features. They could really change how we all use search engines.

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by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

At Least 50% of Google Play Store Revenue Comes From Samsung Devices

If there is one company out there that has any chance whatsoever of competing with Apple as the foremost supplier of smartphones in the world, it’s Samsung. The only thing holding the Korean electronics juggernaut back is that it doesn’t have its own proprietary operating system, but in spite of the fact that this is the case, it is exerting enormous influence on the Android ecosystem with all things having been considered and taken into account.

The lawsuit that has been ongoing between Epic and Google has revealed some keen insights into the importance of Samsung at least in terms of Play Store revenue. With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that the lawsuit revealed that Samsung accounted for at least half, if not more, of Play Store revenue back in 2019.

This comes from Google’s Vice President for Partnerships, James Kolotouros, and it’s also just the tip of the iceberg. Google agreed to pay $8 billion to Samsung over four years in order to make Play Store their default, along with Google Search and Google Assistant. This came after Google abandoned their intention to stop Samsung from placing Galaxy Store front and center. The carrot approach appears to have worked better than the stick, although it also meant that Google relied on Samsung more than might have been the case otherwise.

This also seems to suggest that Google is favoring Samsung over other OEMs. They received $2.9 billion in total back in 2020, whereas Samsung received $2 billion all on its own. Manufacturers also get a cut of Play Store revenue in order to prioritize the store, which might indicate an anti-competitive bias on Google’s part.

Manufacturers that play ball receive 20% of net basic ad revenue, 10% of net optimized ad revenue, 5% of net optimized Play transaction revenue, 15% of net premier ad revenue as well as 20% of net Play transaction revenue. The premium tier of this revenue split gives a full share of the revenue if OEMs pre-install apps offered by Google and avoid including those offered by its competitors.

It will be interesting to see where things go from here on out. Google’s relationship with OEMs is rapidly getting demystified, and many startling revelations are coming to the surface.

Photo: DIW / AI

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by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

YouTube Looks To Get Ahead Of The AI Wave By Implementing Labels On AI-Content

Popular video-sharing app YouTube is trying its best to get ahead of others in the AI race. And if that means pulling out all the stops in terms of introducing features that inform viewers about AI content, then so be it.

The company published a new blog post that spoke about its plans to keep users updated about when they’re going to run into synthetic videos through the launch of descriptive tags. And all creators must abide by this requirement when producing content on the app.

The feature will come into effect in the next few months and that means disclosing AI-related material is now a major deal on YouTube. Anyone who has edited videos using AI software must also mention which AI tools were used throughout the process so others are aware.

While YouTube claims that any kind of animation generated through AI technology would be fine, a depiction featuring real individuals and events would now have to get tagged, sources added.

If in any case, a creator opts to bypass this rule, they would be penalized and the punishment could be as harsh as their removal from the platform complete suspension from all sorts of monetization activities, or simply having their account suspended if things are on the verge of being extreme.

From the looks of it, this means the severity would be linked to someone detecting the content featured AI but the creator failed to disclose it. Whatever the case may be, one thing is for sure. There would always be this consistent threat of removal arising and that’s a huge deal in terms of persuading many creators to do the right thing and avoid promoting any kind of AI-themed fakes.

While we agree it won’t end up deterring those channels that receive funding from foreign locations every year. But we do feel this is a step in the right direction in terms of giving users greater transparency when it comes to encountering AI-based content online.

The app also mentioned how it would take one extra step forward and add tags to content that’s been created using AI tools.

Additionally, we are also seeing the app include requests for the removal of any content that may have been used by AI software but failed to provide credit to the real owners of the material. And musicians are seemingly included in this ordeal.

We find this to be a unique aspect, especially for musicians as YouTube is reportedly aligning with plenty of record labels to produce more music using generative AI tools but with restrictions.

• Also read: Generative AI Receives Under 1% of Enterprise Investment, Traditional AI Hits 18%

YouTube has always played an integral role when it comes to discovering music through the app. And that has been a major concern for the platform. Therefore, we can see how this latest process will give rise to another huge step in terms of forcing rules for any kind of violation arising in the future.

But the app is not the first of its kind to take on this major step. We’re seeing tech giants Meta as well as TikTok also put forward tags for any kind of content produced using AI technology. And they’ve been mentioned for so long that the whole idea has to do with greater transparency and also an added dose of clarity for its viewers.

Many experts feel this will become even more integral in the next few years as more and more tools in the domain of AI continue to evolve.

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by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

X struggles with rampant hate speech in Gaza-Israel conflict; CCDH report exposes major moderation flaws

In recent weeks, X, the platform we all used to call Twitter, has become a hot topic, and not just for the latest viral trends. With tensions boiling over in Gaza-Israel, there's this growing buzz that X isn't exactly acing its own hate speech rules. The Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) put out a report that's really turning heads.

Here's the scoop: the CCDH zeroes in on 200 tweets about the Israel-Gaza conflict. And we're not talking just any tweets; these are the kind that make you stop scrolling and think, "Wait, is this for real?" Packed with racist jabs and the sort of images that make your stomach turn. The CCDH flags these, expecting X to step up and take them down. But get this: a week rolls by, and 196 of these tweets are still out there in the wild, seen by who knows how many people.

And then there's Elon Musk's X. It's like he's trying to juggle free speech and moderation without dropping either. But with a whopping 43% of these controversial tweets from verified accounts, people are starting to ask if that blue checkmark on X might as well be a 'get out of jail free' card.

The CCDH’s deep dive reveals that just one account out of the 101 they flagged got suspended, and two others got a time-out (locked, in X lingo). And here's a number that'll make you blink – these posts from flagged accounts? They racked up a staggering 24 million views.

European Commissioner Thierry Breton's also chiming in, raising red flags about the uptick in iffy content on X. But Linda Yaccarino, who's now steering the X ship, is like, "We've got this" – talking up how they're cracking down on extremist accounts and slapping warning labels on content that's a bit suspect.

Musk’s entrance to X was like a scene from an action movie – full of drama. He chops the moderation team and rolls out the red carpet for accounts that had been previously shown the door. It’s sparked a ton of chatter. After all, it’s a fine line between letting folks speak their minds and not letting the platform turn into the Wild West.

So, yeah, X’s definitely got its hands full. Trying to find that sweet spot between upholding free speech and keeping a lid on hate speech and misinformation is no joke. It's like walking a tightrope, and everyone's got their eyes peeled, waiting to see X's next move.

Some FAQ about dealing with Hate Speech on Social Media:

Q: How can I recognize hate speech on social media?

A: Hate speech includes content such as racist slurs, dehumanization, and hateful imagery. Being able to identify these elements is essential in addressing hate speech.

Q: What should I do if I encounter hate speech on platforms like X?

A: Use the platform's reporting tools to report any hate speech. While not always immediately effective, reporting is crucial for content moderation.

Q: Is it advisable to engage with accounts posting hate speech?

A: If you choose to engage, do so cautiously and critically. Use reliable information to counter any misinformation in the hate speech.

Q: What role can I play in educating others about hate speech?

A: Inform and educate your online community about the impact of hate speech and the importance of respectful communication.

Q: How can I support better content moderation on social media?

A: Back organizations and initiatives that aim to hold social media platforms accountable for their content moderation practices.

Q: What steps should I take if I am a target of hate speech?

A: Protect yourself by using platform tools like blocking or muting accounts and adjusting privacy settings as needed.

Q: Why is it important to stay updated on social media policies?

A: Staying informed about platform policies helps you understand your rights and the platform’s responsibilities, especially regarding content moderation.

Q: Can user feedback influence social media platform policies?

A: Yes, advocating for stronger content moderation policies and providing feedback can influence how platforms evolve their guidelines.

Q: What is the importance of upholding personal moral standards on social media?

A: Maintaining ethical and moral standards in online interactions is vital. Being a role model for respectful communication helps influence the digital environment positively.

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by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

TikTok Addresses Claims of Political Bias, Emphasizing User-driven Content Trends Amidst Israel-Palestine War

TikTok finds itself in the middle of a heated debate. Recent claims suggest the app's algorithms might be skewing towards content about the Israel-Palestine war, raising eyebrows in the U.S. Senate. Some senators are so concerned, they're considering banning TikTok, accusing it of favoring anti-Israel and anti-Jewish narratives.

In a bold move, TikTok pushed back with a lengthy explanation. They're making it clear: they're not playing favorites. The app runs on user-generated content and trends, they say. So, when you see a flood of #freepalestine or #standwithpalestine posts, that's not TikTok pulling strings – it's just what people are talking about.

"In addition, the number of videos associated with a hashtag, alone, do not provide sufficient context. For example, the hashtag #standwithIsrael may be associated with fewer videos than #freePalestine, but it has 68% more views per video in the US, which means more people are seeing the content." Clarifed TikTok team in a press release. Adding further, "And, some hashtags are newer (e.g. #standwithIsrael) while others are more established (e.g. #freePalestine)–the vast majority (9 in 10) of videos tagged #standwithIsrael were posted in the last 30 days in the US. A difference in views and posts is expected."

They also pointed out that this isn't a TikTok-only thing. You'll see similar patterns on Instagram and other social networks. Their message is simple: TikTok's just a mirror reflecting what its users are interested in, nothing more.

TikTok's taking transparency seriously, too. They've let Oracle peek behind the curtain, showing them the code to prove everything's on the up and up. This is part of a bigger deal to keep TikTok up and running in the States. But it's not a done deal yet – U.S. officials are still poking around, making sure there's nothing shady going on.

The stakes are high for TikTok. If they're seen as taking sides in big global issues, it could spell trouble. That's especially sensitive given what's happening in China. Over there, the Chinese version of TikTok, Douyin, dances to the tune of the Chinese Communist Party. That raises a red flag: could TikTok be under similar influence outside of China? No proof of that, but it's enough to keep U.S. security folks up at night.

Meanwhile, TikTok isn't just sitting around. They're on the frontlines, fighting misinformation about the Israel-Gaza situation. They've got a whole team on it, including Arabic and Hebrew speakers, and they're not shy about pulling videos that cross the line.

So, here we are. TikTok's in the hot seat, trying to prove it's just a platform for people to share their stories, not a puppet master pulling strings. It's a tough spot, but they're not backing down. The question is, will it be enough to keep the critics at bay? Only time will tell.

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by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

WhatsApp Revolutionizes Group Chats with New Audio Room Feature

WhatsApp is shaking things up in the world of group chats with a cool new tweak. Imagine being able to jump into a group audio chat without the hassle of ringing everyone up. That's exactly what WhatsApp is bringing to the table. It's like having an open room where you can pop in for a chat whenever you feel like it - no more unexpected call alerts interrupting your day.

Think about it - you're in a WhatsApp group, someone starts a chat, and instead of your phone buzzing non-stop, you see a little prompt. You can join in if you're up for it or just keep doing your thing. It's a game changer, especially for those big, bustling groups.

rolling out now: voice chat for your larger groups!

you’ll soon have the option to talk it out live with whoever can join or keep texting with whoever can’t

— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) November 13, 2023

This update is a big deal for WhatsApp. Mark Zuckerberg, the big boss at Meta, is all in on making WhatsApp the go-to spot for our private conversations. And why not? It seems like everyone's moving away from shouting out their business on public platforms, preferring a cozy chat in a WhatsApp group instead.

Screenshot via Wabetainfo

In the U.S., WhatsApp is catching on big time, especially with the younger crowd. But it's not just there – places like India are WhatsApp central. Meta's definitely got big plans for this app.

So, what's next for WhatsApp? Expect more cool updates. They're really pushing to make the app more than just a messaging service. It's about staying connected, whether it's chatting with friends or businesses reaching out to customers.

And hey, if you're one of those people in mega WhatsApp groups, watch out for this new voice chat feature. It's rolling out globally, starting with the really big groups. It's going to make staying in touch a whole lot smoother.

FAQ about this feature:

What is WhatsApp's new voice chat feature?

WhatsApp is introducing a voice chat feature for large groups, similar to Discord, allowing members to join spoken chats without ringing every group member.

How does the new voice chat feature work?

Voice chats start quietly with an in-chat bubble; you tap to join. It allows for speaking with available members while continuing to message others.

Will the voice chat feature be disruptive to group members?

No, it's designed to be less disruptive than traditional group calls as it doesn't ring every member but sends a silent push notification.

Can I use other WhatsApp functions while in a voice chat?

Yes, you can unmute, hang up, or message the group without leaving the voice chat using call controls at the top of the chat.

When will this feature be available?

WhatsApp is rolling out this feature globally to large groups, starting with those having 33 or more members, over the coming weeks.

Is the voice chat feature secure?

Yes, WhatsApp protects voice chats with end-to-end encryption, ensuring privacy and security.

How is WhatsApp's voice chat different from similar features in other apps?

It functions similarly to Discord, Telegram, and Slack, but it's integrated within WhatsApp's ecosystem, enhancing its group chat functionality.

What happens if a voice chat remains empty?

If no one joins a voice chat for 60 minutes, it automatically ends, but members can start a new voice chat anytime.

Can I see who is active in a voice chat without joining?

Yes, group members can see who is active in the call from the chat header and the Calls tab.

Is this feature available for all group sizes?

Initially, it's for groups of 33 to 128 members, but WhatsApp has tested it with smaller groups during the beta phase, which means the platform can change its availability to most group sizes.

How can I access this new feature?

Update to the latest version of WhatsApp for iOS or Android. The feature is rolling out progressively to users.

Are there any limitations to the voice chat feature on linked devices?

Currently, the voice chat feature is not available on linked devices.

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by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World