Encrypted messaging services including WhatsApp, Signal and Element have signed an open letter opposing the UK Online Safety Bill ahead of its final reading in the House of Lords. The platforms argue the Bill could undermine end-to-end encryption – the privacy technology these companies provide – which is the most robust level of security as […]
The Online Safety Bill in its current form is a “mess” and needs a “total rewrite”, a leading digital human rights lawyer has said. Dr Susie Alegre has written a legal opinion piece warning that the proposed internet safety laws fail to address the root causes of online harm, such as the systems which recommend […]
A sprawling disinformation network originating in Russia sought to use hundreds of fake social media accounts and dozens of sham news websites to spread Kremlin talking points about the invasion of Ukraine, Meta has revealed. The company, which owns Facebook and Instagram, said it identified and disabled the operation before it gained a large audience. […]
YouTube has become the latest platform to permanently ban former kickboxer Andrew Tate, for breaching its rules on hate speech. The Google-owned video platform said channels associated with Mr Tate had been removed for breaching its terms of service – a decision that follows similar moves by Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Mr Tate first came […]
Tech experts have concerns over whether the Online Safety Bill is workable, with only a small minority believing it is currently fit for purpose, according to a survey of the IT industry. A study by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, found that 58% of IT experts surveyed thought the Bill would also have a […]
Billionaire Elon Musk has reached an agreement to acquire Twitter for approximately 44 billion dollars (£34.5 billion), the company said. The outspoken Tesla CEO, the world’s wealthiest person, has said he wants to buy Twitter because he thinks it is not living up to its potential as a platform for “free speech”. He says it […]
YouTube has taken down the campaign channel of Hong Kong’s sole candidate to become its next leader, citing compliance with US sanctions imposed against the former number two official. John Lee had set up a Facebook page and a YouTube channel to promote his campaign, even though he is running uncontested in the election for […]
Apple boss Tim Cook has said the company is “deeply concerned” by proposed laws it says could weaken user privacy and put people’s data at risk. Speaking at the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) Global Privacy Summit in Washington DC, Mr Cook said Apple supported privacy regulation but was concerned about laws that would […]
Attacking or weakening end-to-end encryption used by apps such as WhatsApp would not make the world safer, IT experts have warned. Facebook has previously announced plans to roll out end-to-end encryption across its messaging services, however, a recent campaign backed by the Government warned against a wider tech industry rollout. Critics of the technology, which […]
YouTube has removed an account publishing videos of hoax calls with Cabinet ministers who were targeted by imposters allegedly linked to the Kremlin. The video sharing giant blocked the account on Friday as part of its investigation into “influence operations linked to Russia” after days of pressure to block the clips. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace […]
