Tips for Safeguarding Your Mobile Phone While Traveling Internationally

Posted on April 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

This summer, while traveling to Asia, I have decided to leave my iPhone behind. Instead, I will be taking an alternate phone that doesn’t have essential apps like Instagram, Slack, Signal, and others. It won’t even access my work email.

To clarify, I’m not aiming for a digital detox. My personal device holds sensitive information that I prefer to keep private, particularly from entities like US border officials. Hence, I’ve opted for a burner phone for my travels.

For over ten years, the federal government has had the authority to conduct border searches on travelers’ personal electronic devices, including phones, laptops, and tablets. These searches have been on the rise, yet only a minor percentage of travelers experience them upon entering the US.

Last year, the US Customs and Border Protection Agency reported conducting roughly 43,000 electronic searches, which is an increase from about 38,000 earlier.

I may come off as particularly cautious due to my profession as a journalist, always striving to protect sensitive sources. Thus, the burner phone seems like an extreme but necessary measure for some.

Recently, travelers have faced denial of entry into the US due to data on their phones, including social media content. Posts related to protests have also been scrutinized.

“A significant concern is the government’s ability to select individuals for searches,” explained Esha Bandari, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union. “There are instances of more intense searches at the border, affecting not just ordinary travelers but also lawyers protecting client confidentiality and those perceived as dissenters.”

While the rules for entering the US remain unchanged, the enforcement frequency may be increasing. Both leisure and business travelers need to be mindful of the data on their devices.

There’s no universal solution; the best strategy is contingent on your lifestyle and profession. Here’s how to navigate this.

Evaluate Your Risk

Cybersecurity expert Jeremiah Grossman suggests starting by evaluating who you are, your professional role, and how you use your devices.

For instance, if you’re a retired US citizen with holiday pictures or casual texts with friends, your data might not pose a significant concern. However, if you’re a visa student involved in government protests, your phone might contain information that could lead to complications.

“If law enforcement has full access to your phone’s contents, is it detrimental to you?” Grossman questioned.

From there, judge whether the risk is high or low to determine your strategy.

Low Risk: Use a Passcode and Remove Some Apps

If you’re slightly apprehensive about data searches, disable biometrics like fingerprints and facial recognition and rely solely on your passcode for unlocking your device.

For iPhones, go to the Settings app, tap Face ID & PassCode, enter your passcode, and turn off Unlock iPhone.

For Android devices, the steps may vary by model, but generally, you can find the option to turn off face unlock and fingerprints in the Settings menu.

Using only a passcode is a smart strategy for US citizens, as it can make it legally more challenging for officials to compel you to unlock your phone, Bandari noted.

While citizens can refuse to share a passcode, visa holders and tourists could face entry denial if they refuse compliance, so it’s wise to uninstall apps with sensitive information, like Instagram, Signal, and others.

Medium Risk: Backup and Purge Data

If you suspect a moderate likelihood of a government search, consider backing up all your data and cleaning your device before heading back to the US, Grossman advises.

For convenience, back up your data to an online service, like iCloud for iPhones or Google Drive for Android devices. This ensures that you can easily restore your data later by logging in to your account.

To back up your iPhone data to iCloud, go to the Settings app, tap on your name, then iCloud, select iCloud Backup. Enable Back up this iPhone and then tap Back up now. To erase iPhone data, use the Settings app, tap General, select Transfer or Reset iPhone, and tap Erase All Content and Settings, then follow the prompts.

For backing up your Android device to Google, go to the Settings app, tap on Google, and then select Backup. To purge data from Android, the steps will vary based on your phone model, but you can typically find the option for Factory Reset in the Settings.

After erasing the device and crossing the border, you’ll be able to restore the device from your backup during setup by entering your account credentials. (Make sure to note your password securely.)

High Risk: Use a Burner Phone

If you believe there’s a significant chance that US border officials will request to see your phone, the safest route is to leave your personal device at home and travel with a burner phone designated solely for your trip.

Here’s my plan:

I will bring an inexpensive Android smartphone loaded only with travel-related apps, such as navigation and transportation apps.
I’ll log into a separate email account created specifically for the trip to keep my itinerary and other travel information.
Upon arrival, I’ll use eSIM technology to connect to a temporary mobile plan on a local network, which can be set up via apps like Nomad, Airalo, or Gigsky. (I’ve previously written a guide on using eSIM technology.)

After returning home, I’ll transfer all my vacation photos from the burner phone to my iPhone and stash the burner away until my next journey.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Wordplay in Transition: Exploring the Shift Between Novelists and Video Game Writers

Posted on April 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

I“I’ve spent over 15 years in the gaming industry, and one of the most frustrating aspects is explaining it at social gatherings. People frequently respond with, ‘Oh, I’m not really into gaming.’ I don’t particularly enjoy croissants, but that’s not the first thing I mention to a pastry chef I meet.”

One of the highlights of publishing my debut novel last year was the chance to sidestep that entirely and say, “Oh, I’m a writer.” I penned a novel. I’m currently working on another project. Now that you’ve wrapped up with work, we can continue our conversation. Nobody says, “Oh, I’m not really reading a book,” which is at least somewhat unlikely to be true.

It’s become evident that I’m not alone in transitioning between these two mediums. Why is that? For many, it boils down to finances. Writing novels is notoriously challenging as a source of income, and novelists have traditionally depicted careers across various fields. A 2022 report by the Author’s License and Collection Association (ALCS) revealed that professional authors earn a median of £7,000 annually from writing. Romance author Mallory Marlowe, whose debut love story became a bestseller last year, notes that her day job in video games supports her writing endeavors. “Fortunately, I receive a steady paycheck,” she states.

At the same time, game writers are facing their own struggles. GDC’s 2025 Game Industry Report indicates that one story designer and writer was let go last year. Naturally, some game writers are now exploring opportunities in other sectors.

Scottish science fiction…like. Photo: Harry Josephine Giles

Occasionally, writers create a direct connection between the two mediums, allowing them to influence one another. Written in both Scottish and English, Harry Josephine Giles’ “Game Like” serves as a precursor to her book “Deep Wheel Orcadia,” a poetry novel capably expressed in the 2022 Arthur C. Clarke Award-winning Orkney dialect. Meanwhile, John Ingold, co-founder of Narrative Game Studio Inkle (known for “80 Days!”), has released two novels set within the studio’s “Game Heaven Vault” universe. Ingold self-published these works. For him, writing them was a means to immerse himself more in the gaming world, but he remarked that “the novel’s plot proved challenging to construct. The main character consistently hesitates to abandon things.”

When I inquire about the primary differences in form from fellow novelist game writers, I’m often surprised by the diversity of responses. For some, it relates to the creative process. The act of writing a novel can serve as an escape from collaborative compromises, while games require immersive teamwork. Joe Dunthorne (author of “Submarine,” “The Tullterants”) has written novels, poetry, and most recently, a memoir titled “Radium’s Child.” Despite setbacks in the gaming industry, he commented, “After the solitude and madness of novel writing, I found relief going into the office each day. Collaborating with game designers was especially inspiring; I marveled at their ability to conceptualize complex, dizzying structures.”

Apocalypse mystery… Salt Sea Chronicle. Photo: Digoot Fabric

Sharna Jackson creates children’s novels, including high-rise mysteries and nine-night quests. She has also contributed to the audio experiences of Die Gute Fabrik’s post-apocalyptic mystery games “Saltsea Chronicles” and “Yoto.” For her, the crucial difference lies in the volume of text available in games: “Many words remain unread or unheard, depending on the player’s choices within the experience.” Some of the most rewarding moments result in “rare occurrences and Easter eggs” that only a select few players may discover. Mallory Marlowe emphasizes the “strange independence” afforded to writers in gaming, yet acknowledges that novelists might take time to adapt to crafting narratives for players who approach story engagement with varying levels of commitment. “Some people just want to press a button and cause chaos,” she points out. “Others dive deep into the narrative.”

Ultimately, nearly everyone I converse with raises the distinct cultural status disparity between games and literature. Jim Munroe (author of “We Are Raccoons,” “Unmanned”) has been crafting games and books for over 25 years. He notes that books are culturally revered in a way that games are not. “Creators are engaged in gaming, despite its lower status,” he observes. Naomi Alderman, author of “Disobedience” and “Future,” echoes these sentiments. During a week when both her novel “The Power” and the game “zombies run!” (a co-creation involving six individuals) garnered awards, her book received attention on the front page of India’s Times, while “zombies run!” barely made a ripple within the specialized gaming press.

Naomi Alderman won the 2017 Bailey Women’s Award for her novel The Power. Photo: Stuart C Wilson/Getty Images

Conversations often circle back to the contrasting societal roles of gaming and literature, with varying responses to this reality. Munroe suggests that the gaming industry often attracts those with a penchant for independence. Marlowe appreciates the curiosity and confusion surrounding the notion of writing for games, cherishing the subsequent discussions. For Harry Josephine Giles, the unique space gaming occupies brings her joy; she underscores that games, being a newer form, have less rigid conventions. Early English novelists like Aphra Behn and Laurence Sterne disrupted norms, fundamentally altering the landscape, while today, only the most experimental novels enjoy similar flexibility. Games—carrying a lower cultural status—remain adaptable. As Dunthorne puts it, “Writing is often a lower priority in game design, and that’s alright. Games aren’t novels.”

Clearly, a new wave of young writers has emerged who grew up as native gamers, seamlessly transitioning between the two cultural forms without perceiving one as inherently superior to the other. Indeed, even in gaming, one might still encounter individuals at social events declaring, “Oh, I’m not really into them.” However, this might simply indicate the opportunity to create something extraordinary and unique while remaining unnoticed.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Former School Athletic Director Sentenced to Four Months in Prison for Racist Deep Fark Recordings

Posted on April 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The former athletic director, charged with using artificial intelligence to generate racist and anti-Semitic audio clips, also allegedly impersonated the school’s principal, as indicated by prosecutors.

Dazon Darien, 32, the former director, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor and a disturbing charge related to school activities, according to the Baltimore County State Law Office. He previously faced additional allegations including theft, stalking, and witness retaliation.

As reported by the Associated Press, Darien pleaded guilty to charges of intrusive school management while maintaining innocence under an Alford plea.

Darien, who previously served as athletic director at Pikesville High School, produced an audio clip containing derogatory comments about “ungrateful black kids” and light jabs at Jewish students. Police records revealed that the audio aimed to discredit the school principal, Eric Eiswart.

In a statement of fact, Eiswart mentioned having “discussions” with Darien regarding his contract renewal, citing “poor performance, inadequate procedures, and reluctance to follow the chain of command” as concerns. Darien’s troubles began in late 2023, which led to the audio’s release, according to the statement.

The attorneys representing Darien did not return calls or messages on Tuesday. The Baltimore County Public Schools District declined to comment on the situation, and attempts to reach Mr. Eiswart on Tuesday were unsuccessful.

Following his sentencing, Darien was returned to federal custody to address additional charges related to the exploitation of children and possession of child pornography.

Manufactured recordings shared on Instagram in January 2024 quickly circulated, impacting Baltimore County Public Schools, which serves over 100,000 students. Eiswart, who withheld comment during the investigation, has received multiple threats to his safety, according to police. He has also been placed on administrative leave by the school district.

Police records indicated that Darien expressed dissatisfaction with Eiswart in December after the principal initiated an investigation into him. It was revealed that Darien had allowed roommates to pay the district $1,916, falsely claiming the roommate was an assistant coach for the Pikesville Girls’ soccer team.

Shortly thereafter, police reported that Darien utilized the district’s internet services to explore artificial intelligence tools, including OpenAI, the creators of ChatGPT chatbots, and Microsoft’s Bing Chat.

(The New York Times filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft in December 2023 for copyright infringement concerning news content related to AI systems.)

Creating realistic, manufactured videos, often referred to as deepfakes, has become increasingly simple. Previously, one required sophisticated software, but now many of these tools are available through smartphone apps, raising concerns among AI researchers regarding the potential dangers posed by this technology.

Source: www.nytimes.com

White House-Amazon Feud Ends with Trump Describing Bezos as “Very Nice”

Posted on April 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

President Trump’s 100th day in office commenced with what seems to be a rapidly developing dispute between the White House and Amazon.

During a press conference on Tuesday morning, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt took a strong stance. Amazon had accused the administration of being “hostile and political” following a report from Punchbowl News claiming that the online retail giant’s products reflected an increase in tariff-related prices.

Displaying import fees would have clarified to American consumers that they bear the costs of Trump’s tariff policy, rather than China.

Following the report, Trump reportedly spoke with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos over the phone, as confirmed by three sources familiar with the conversation. An Amazon spokesperson quickly denied that any such policy was active, and by Tuesday afternoon, Trump was back to complimenting Bezos.

“Jeff Bezos is really good,” Trump told reporters during a trip to Michigan for a rally celebrating the first 100 days of his second term. “He solved the problem very quickly. He did the right thing. He’s a good guy.”

The relationship between Trump and Bezos seemed to shift dramatically in just a few hours. Bezos, one of the billionaires aligning with the White House, was courted by Trump due to his business acumen. Yet the administration was quick to publicly challenge Bezos when it appeared his business interests could potentially undermine Trump’s political position.

This strategy appeared effective.

Leavitt criticized Amazon on Tuesday morning while standing beside Treasury Secretary Scott Bescent. She mentioned her recent phone conversation with the president regarding the Punchbowl report and questioned why Amazon didn’t react similarly to price increases during the Biden administration amid inflation.

Leavitt referred to a 2021 Reuters article declaring, “Amazon is affiliated with Chinese propaganda arms,” stating it was “not a surprise.”

An Amazon spokesperson later indicated that while they acknowledged some points from the Punchbowl report, the new feature Amazon Haul—aimed at competing with Chinese retailer Temu—would display “import fees” to eliminate customs loopholes.

“The team is always discussing ideas,” said spokesperson Ty Rogers in a statement. He clarified that this concept has not been contemplated for the main Amazon site, adding, “This will never be approved and will not happen.”

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick shared on social media that this development was “good news.”

Trump’s assertive tariffs on Chinese goods initiated an escalating trade war, despite his administration withdrawing from wider global negotiations, citing talks with numerous countries regarding new trade agreements.

Leavitt’s criticisms of Amazon were particularly significant given Bezos’ long-standing efforts to curry favor with the White House. Amazon contributed $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund and reserved prime seating for Bezos and his wife.

Before the election, Bezos canceled editor support for Kamala Harris at the Washington Post. Recently, Amazon Prime has added multiple seasons of “Apprentice” to its lineup and struck deals with the Trump family for a documentary about Melania Trump.

In December, Bezos discussed the move to Trump at the New York Times Dealbook Summit, commenting, “What I’ve seen so far is that he’s calmer compared to his first term.”

He remarked, “I’m very hopeful. He seems to have a lot of energy in reducing regulations.”

When asked about his relationship with Bezos in a recent Cover Story in Atlantic Magazine, released Monday, Trump stated, “He’s 100%. He was amazing.”

However, when Levitt was posed a question on Tuesday morning about whether Bezos would still be seen as a Trump supporter, she deflected.

“Look, I’m not going to discuss the president’s relationship with Jeff Bezos,” Levitt replied.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Could U.S. Antitrust Laws Curb Silicon Valley? | Meta

Posted on April 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Last week, Apple faced a fine from the European Union, and Meta was also penalized for hundreds of millions in dollars.

As reported by my colleague Jennifer Rankin:

The European Commission imposed a fine of 500 million euros (£429 million) on Apple, alongside a 2 million euro penalty for Meta, for violating fair competition and user choice regulations. This marks the first enforcement action under the EU’s groundbreaking internet laws.

The EU Digital Markets Act (DMA) is designed to promote equitable business practices among tech giants, potentially setting the stage for further conflict with Donald Trump’s administration, which has heavily criticized European internet regulations.

The Trump administration quickly condemned the fines: a spokesperson from the National Security Council labeled the EU’s decision as “a novel form of economic terror that the United States will not accept.”

Although these fines are significant, their repercussions may be overshadowed by the intense scrutiny tech companies are under in the U.S. While the EU enforces stronger consumer protection laws in technology, legal actions against these firms could jeopardize the existing corporate structures that integrate products and generate substantial profits.

Before Trump’s potential re-election, I would have expected his administration to introduce tech regulations that could enhance Silicon Valley’s dominance alongside Europe. However, the current regulatory environment reveals a different reality: the U.S. Department of Justice is actively investigating nearly all major tech firms for alleged monopolistic practices. Lawsuits against Apple, Amazon, Meta, and Google have been filed over the past two years, with Meta’s trial commencing recently, jeopardizing its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp.

Most critically, Google is facing the repercussions of losing two antitrust cases consecutively. The U.S. has petitioned the court to compel the tech giant to divest Chrome, a leading web browser.

With major tech operations based in the U.S., the government wields substantial influence. Unlike EU penalties, U.S. antitrust cases threaten the very foundations of these companies. High-performing firms have weathered heftier fines in the past, akin to when the FTC penalized Facebook $5 billion for privacy infringements, yet the platform continued operations as usual. Similarly, the EU fined Google in 2018 concerning Android’s preference for its search engine, while Apple was fined 1.8 billion euros last year related to music streaming payments.

Without Chrome, Google may offer a less tailored online experience. Platforms like YouTube and Google search may diminish users’ history, and no other entity currently ads on every corner of the web.

For more details, click here.

Two insightful essays on technology

UK Regulators Work to Safeguard Children Online

Tesla Posts Disappointing Earnings at a Critical Time for Musk

Donald Trump and Elon Musk at the SpaceX Test Flight launch in November. Photo: Brandon Bell/Reuters

Elon Musk’s electric vehicle company reported poor revenue figures last week for Q1 2025. Here are the details from my colleague Johanna Bouyan:

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Tesla experienced a 9% decline in year-on-year revenue in Q1 2025, generating $19.3 billion—well below Wall Street’s expectations of $21.45 billion. The company reported earnings per share of 27 cents, significantly trailing the anticipated 43 cents.

The company’s profits plummeted by 71%, down to $499 million, compared to $1.399 billion in net income the previous year.

Tesla also saw a 13% decrease in vehicle deliveries, marking the worst quarter since 2022, with a total of 336,681 vehicles delivered.

Much of Musk’s considerable wealth—he remains the richest individual globally despite losing almost $100 billion since the start of the year—stems from his stake in Tesla, which is now valued significantly lower than it was when Trump took office.

In a call with disappointed investors following the revenue report, Musk remarked that his government role consists largely of “orderly finance houses.” He also indicated that his involvement with Doge will likely diminish next month, with plans to step away from the project on May 30, within the confines of his 130-day pledge as a special government employee.

This statement evokes the premature “mission accomplished” banner displayed by former President George W. Bush early in the Iraq War, indicating that the long-term success of Musk’s cost-cutting initiatives remains uncertain. Just days before the earnings call, a U.S. federal judge halted the administration’s efforts to close the leading consumer finance protection agency. The total impact of Musk’s role remains unclear.

Discover more about Elon Musk

Broader Technology Insights

Source: www.theguardian.com

Sage Bambino and Coffee Machine Review: The Ultimate Beginner’s Espresso Machine

Posted on April 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

the Sage Bambino Plus is a £350 espresso machine that not only brews espresso but also automatically froths milk with the touch of a button. I won’t spoil the surprise, but this might just be the best espresso machine for beginners currently available. Even if you’re looking to upgrade from a simpler model, such as the fantastic De’Longhi Stilosa, this is an excellent option.

Its straightforward design and true ease of use are key to its appeal, and it’s one of the things I love about using it, despite having much pricier machines at home. However, this isn’t a fully automated machine that guides you through every step; you’ll need to get the hang of dialing in the right grind size and dosage for the perfect shot. Fortunately, the included tools and helpful manuals ensure that even novices can quickly find their footing.

Once you’ve brewed a few espressos and honed your skills, the Bambino Plus will gladly take over the steaming process. Just fill the included stainless steel jug with a bit of milk, place it in the drip tray, and immerse the steam wand. Press one of the small buttons on the machine and wait. The gentle rumble transforms into a steady rhythm, and in about a minute, you’ll have a jug of cold milk turned into hot, silky foam. Pour this into your espresso, and voilà—you’re a barista now. I’d like a cappuccino, please. Just don’t forget the sprinkle!

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What You Need to Know

“Almost everything you need comes in the box.” Photo: Sasha Muller

The sleek appearance of the Bambino Plus gives it the impression of a more luxurious machine, yet its compact size fits perfectly on your countertop, making it easy to slot between a microwave and a mixer. While its price may not be considered inexpensive, it remains relatively affordable compared to high-end machines with hefty price tags.

Almost everything you need is included. The package contains tools for a stainless steel milk jug, a lightweight tamper, and a bag of coffee grounds. It also features a small pin on the tamper to clear any blockage in the steam wand from dried milk residue. Light metal portafilters come with a selection of baskets for both single and double shots.

The reason I say mostly everything is essential is that you still need a coffee grinder. If you’re okay with a hand grinder or a Baratza Encore ESP (£159.94), I’d suggest something like the Kingrinder K6 (£99). A set of scales for measuring your coffee beans will also prove invaluable; I recommend getting one that measures to at least 0.1g.

Selecting a filter basket is especially helpful for beginners. Pressurized baskets for single and double shots are perfect if you’re making espresso with pre-ground coffee from the store. The dual-wall construction enhances brewing pressure for a rich crema. However, if you have access to fresh, high-quality coffee and grinders, consider using a non-pressurized basket. That’s what I’d recommend.

Specifications

Type: Manual espresso machine with automatic milk frothing
Dimensions: 19 x 36 x 30 cm (WDH)
Water Tank: Removable 1.9L
Replaceable Water Filter: Yes
Included Accessories: 54mm portafilter (3 ears), tamper, dosing razor, water filter, 480ml milk jug, pressurized baskets (single and double), non-pressurized baskets (single and double), cleaning tool, backflush disc
Heating Time: 6 seconds
Milk Steaming Time: 56 seconds
Grinders Included: No
Noise Level: 46db (brewing), 59db (steaming)
Weight: 5.9kg
Warranty: 2 years of repair, replacement, or refund at Sage’s discretion

What We Love

Simple buttons make the Sage Bambino Plus user-friendly. Photo: Sasha Muller

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The Bambino Plus is straightforward to operate. The front panel features an intuitive layout with large buttons for both single and double shots, plus a button for milk frothing and two small buttons to adjust the milk temperature and froth level. Each setting has three preset options. It doesn’t hurt that the user manual is informative and easy to reference.

At the back, the sturdy 1.9-liter removable water tank fits securely and has a satisfying click when in place. The package includes one Claroswiss water filter that fits at the bottom of the tank and lasts up to three months. Replacement filters are available for £14.95.

Contrary to traditional boilers, the water is heated using a thermoblock that takes just 3 seconds to reach temperature. When you power on the machine, the button will flash for a few seconds, then light up continuously once it’s ready to brew. Unlike most machines in the sub-£500 range, it is equipped with a PID temperature controller which ensures stable heat. There’s even low-pressure pre-infusion, a feature generally found only in more expensive machines that allows for even extraction.

Perfecting your espresso shot will still require some trial and error. While the Bambino Plus is a manual espresso machine, Sage’s user manual and YouTube video playlist can help newcomers avoid a frustrating experience. Even without precise scales, the Razor Tool helps prevent over-tamping in the portafilter, resulting in a smooth espresso texture—it might take a little patience, but the rewards are often worth it.

Those rewards are undeniably delightful. I have experimented with various medium-roasted beans from local roasters, Crafthouse Coffee, and the Bambino Plus handled them all well. The only drawback is that the preset brewing temperature may not be optimal for lighter roasts, making it challenging to get a balanced shot. If light roasts are your preference, consider investing in a more expensive model with adjustable brewing temperatures.

If you’re wondering if you should save some money and opt for the standard Sage Bambino, I would advise against it. The Bambino lacks automatic milk frothing and doesn’t feature a positive pressure relief valve. This is crucial; in instances where the machine clogs and the espresso grinds become overly fine, the Plus can release excess pressure into the drip tray. Doing the same on the standard Bambino would require removing the portafilter, causing a sudden burst of coffee grounds and water to eject messily.

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Things We Don’t Love

Pricing could be more competitive. Photo: Sasha Muller

To truly optimize your experience with this machine, a bit of attention is required, although it’s not overly complicated. For instance, running hot water through an empty, pressurized portafilter warms everything up, making it easier to achieve a consistent tasting shot. This hot water can even be used to preheat your cups. There’s a raised area for cups on top of the Bambino Plus, but it doesn’t get hot enough during normal use.

If you find yourself missing a dedicated hot water button for Americanos and other drinks, you can activate it by pressing the single shot and milk froth buttons simultaneously. I honestly didn’t find the absence of a dedicated button too strange.

For those who prefer quick, hassle-free coffee, and who have ever considered this purchase, I suggest you think it through carefully. The processes of grinding, measuring, tamping, and brewing are part of the allure of manual espresso. However, while the Bambino Plus’s quick warm-up and automated milk frothing are great, they aren’t quite comparable to the ease of capsule machines.

Finally, I believe the pricing could be more competitive. Before the pandemic, the Bambino Plus sold for around £250. Prices rose during the pandemic and haven’t returned to those levels. If the current price of £349.95 feels excessive, patience may pay off; discounts do crop up during sales.

Warranty and Repairability

Repairing common issues can range between £80 and £120. Photo: Sasha Muller

Sage offers a two-year warranty covering manufacturing defects and material issues. However, it does not cover standard wear and tear. If a replacement occurs, it’s important to note that the original warranty period won’t be extended.

For problems that arise post-warranty, most of us would prefer to keep our coffee machines out of landfills. I spoke with Radu Bria, the owner of Espresso Repair Shop in Stockport, regarding the Bambino Plus’s repairability.

He noted that it’s relatively straightforward to disassemble the machine for internal access. However, with only one official supplier in the UK, sourcing replacement parts can take longer.

Common issues faced by Bambino and Bambino Plus models include faulty solenoid coils, temperature probes/sensors, and blocked thermojets due to hard water. If you wish to maintain your machine beyond its warranty, it should last for several years. Just keep in mind that the included filter, or even a basic filter jug, won’t prevent limescale buildup; a non-scaling water softener or a reverse osmosis filter is essential for that.

Sage Bambino Plus: Should I Buy It?

In short, the Bambino Plus stands out as perhaps the ideal beginner machine. Over the years I’ve owned it, it has become one of my favorites, thanks to its ease of use, compact size, and exceptional quality. The only lingering question is whether you really need that fourth cappuccino before lunch. Those coffee beans in the cupboard await your attention.

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Sasha Muller is a freelance technician and consumer journalist, an avid coffee enthusiast, and a craft beer aficionado, with over 20 years of experience testing products. When not exploring the local woods with his kids, he’s likely found in discussions about mountain bike tires or classic drum bath vinyl.

Source: www.theguardian.com

The White House Expected to Itemize Customs Fees for Amazon

Posted on April 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The White House has accused Amazon of engaging in “hostile and political acts” following reports that the e-commerce giant intends to inform customers about the cost of Donald Trump’s tariffs during their shopping experience.

Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt commented on the news, citing Punch Bowl News, which indicated that Amazon has begun displaying to users how much product prices have risen on its site, mentioning that this could obscure the total price shown.

“Why didn’t Amazon take this action when the Biden administration raised inflation to its highest levels in 40 years?” Leavitt questioned during a press briefing.

Since Trump implemented extensive tariffs in early April, Amazon’s online marketplace has seen significant price increases, particularly for goods shipped from China, where many of the items listed originate. According to reports, the company has applied pressure on third-party sellers to absorb additional import costs instead of passing them on to customers. Amazon has not yet responded to inquiries for comment.

Leavitt emphasized, “This is yet another reason for Americans to support local businesses,” while noting that Amazon’s headquarters is based in Seattle.

Trump’s trade policies have significantly impacted online shopping. Just a day before the White House’s criticism of Amazon, discount retailers like Temu and Shein, who import from China, began including 145% “import charges” in their customers’ totals to account for the extra costs associated with Chinese products.

When asked if the White House’s stern remarks indicated a rift between Trump and Amazon’s former CEO, who stepped down in 2021 and contributed $1 million to Trump’s Inaugural Fund earlier this year, the question remained open.

Source: www.theguardian.com

GM Revokes Profit Forecasts as Trump’s Tariffs Decrease

Posted on April 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

On Tuesday, the automaker announced that General Motors has revised its profit growth forecasts for the year, citing uncertainties stemming from President Trump’s trade policies.

This month, the Trump administration declared a 25% tariff on imported vehicles and plans to impose the same duty on imported parts starting Saturday. Typically, about half of GM’s sales in the U.S. come from vehicles manufactured overseas, primarily in Canada and Mexico.

During a conference call with reporters, Paul Jacobson, the company’s CFO, stated, “We prefer not to discuss figures that are mere speculation regarding the administration’s actions.”

He further emphasized that GM perceives the potential impact of Trump’s tariffs as “material,” indicating a significant influence on the company’s revenue this year.

GM reported a profit of $2.8 billion for the first quarter on Tuesday, reflecting a 7% decrease compared to the prior year. The profits were primarily driven by a 14% drop in earnings before North American interest and taxes, while the international business reported modest gains.

Previously, the company had forecasted net profits of $11.2 billion to $12.5 billion for 2025, which would effectively double last year’s net profit of $6 billion.

“We cannot rely on earlier projections,” Jacobson remarked.

Along with the 25% tariff on imported cars, the Trump administration has elevated tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, raising the costs of metals crucial for car manufacturing. Additionally, tariffs on China have increased significantly, with several other countries also facing higher duties, which have temporarily decreased to 10% for a 90-day period.

Jacobson described GM’s discussions with the Trump administration regarding tariffs as “productive,” though he declined to provide further details, stating, “I don’t want to appear as negotiating in public.” He expressed hope for greater clarity on the tariff situation within the automotive sector.

Jacobson noted that the tariffs only became effective on April 3, thus having a negligible effect on the company’s financial results for the first quarter. “We have a solid foundation for our operations,” he reported.

GM has previously stated plans to ramp up production of pickup trucks at its facility located near Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Trump Assumes Power as Foreign Crypto Firms Enter the U.S. Market

Posted on April 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Last month, Tether’s CEO Paolo Ardoino attended a private lunch with business leaders and lawmakers at the Willard, a luxury hotel situated near the White House.

Tether has long been accused of financial misrepresentation and enabling illegal activities on its platform. However, at the Willard, Ardoino and other leaders from the crypto sector received a warm reception from Sen. Bill Hagerty, a Republican from Tennessee who serves on the Senate Banking Committee. He participated in the lunch, and discussions on digital currency regulations and national security were led by four knowledgeable attendees.

This gathering signifies a transforming landscape for crypto firms, especially with President Trump expressing support for the industry. Once operating with minimal visibility in the U.S., Tether is now seizing this shift to expand its influence in Washington.

Since President Trump took office, Tether has been advocating for regulatory changes in response to its U.S. operations. The company’s primary product, a cryptocurrency known as Stablecoin, aims to maintain a consistent price of $1. Tether aligns with a push in Congress surrounding Senate bills; legislation was introduced this year by Hagerty to define rules for Stablecoins. The firm also initiated a public relations campaign, featuring advertisements in influential Washington publications and highlighting cooperation with U.S. law enforcement agencies.

For years, Tether was viewed with suspicion. Its stability has been a favored method for criminals. In 2021, the company paid $18.5 million to settle a fraud investigation by the New York Attorney General’s office.

However, within mere days of taking office, Trump, who had begun exploring crypto alongside his sons the previous year, reversed the Biden administration’s stringent stance on digital assets. Crypto firms that once avoided the U.S. for fear of regulatory actions now enjoy significant access to Congress and the White House.

No one has undergone a transformation as pronounced as Ardoino, an Italian who had not set foot in the U.S. until this year. During a trip to Washington in March, he met with lawmakers and attended forums hosted by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, mingling with industry peers at a gathering sponsored by Coinbase, a major crypto exchange.

In a recent interview and social media update, Ardoino described himself as an average foreigner on a delightful journey across America, sharing photos of his visit to the U.S. Capitol and the White House, as well as his experiences at the Central Park Zoo and the Museum of Natural History.

“I’m very naive,” he remarked in an interview with the New York Times. “I’m sure I’ll finally have my first Italian meal in New York at the age of 40.”

Ardoino takes pride in Tether’s robust partnerships. The company’s most prominent ally is investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald, which until recently was led by Howard Lutnick, Trump’s former Secretary of Commerce. One of Tether’s principal lobbyists is Jeff Miller, a significant Republican political player. Cantor Fitzgerald is also involved in discussions surrounding the Stablecoin Bill.

During his recent visit, Ardoino also met Zach Witkoff, the head of Trump’s crypto initiative, World Liberty Financial, and the son of the White House envoy to the Middle East. Tether sought guidance on media strategies from Washitz, the corporate public relations firm founded by former Republican leaders Miller and Kevin McCarthy.

“I’ve met Kevin several times,” Ardoino shared. “We maintain a solid relationship,” he noted, “because we respect the boundary that he hasn’t been involved with Howard during his term.”

Lutnick’s representative did not respond to inquiries for comments.

In a statement, Miller referred to Tether as “the ultimate ally for America,” expressing pride in representing them. A spokesperson for Hagerty mentioned that the senator participated in the March lunch to discuss the relationship between digital assets and national security.

Even within the chaotic world of crypto, Tether’s origin story is particularly intriguing, featuring a diverse array of characters. The company was founded 11 years ago by ex-child actor Brock Pierce, who, alongside his associates, eventually transferred control to Italian Giancarlo Devasini, a former plastic surgeon.

Devasini, now a crypto millionaire, lives in Switzerland and is seldom in the limelight. Ardoino, a former software developer who has been connected with Tether for much of the past decade, stated that since 2014, he has served as the public face of the company.

Tether’s offerings aim to mitigate the significant drawbacks of traditional cryptocurrencies, which are often volatile and less practical for everyday transactions. Stablecoins retain a $1 valuation, making them a preferred choice for many crypto traders.

In essence, Tether and similar issuers function akin to banks. For instance, if a trader deposits $500, they receive 500 Tether coins. The issuer earns income by investing some of these deposits while maintaining their own returns. The model relies on the issuer having sufficient reserves for each coin in circulation and the ability for customers to redeem holdings at any time.

Critics of Tether have long argued that their reserves are inadequate to cover redemption requests. When the New York State Attorney General’s Office announced its 2021 settlement, it was stated that Tether had misrepresented the nature of its reserves, dubbing its cryptocurrency both “unstable” and “stable.”

“Tether’s reputation should matter to everyone,” emphasized California Representative Maxine Waters, a leading Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee in an interview.

Yet, Tether has continually managed to navigate challenges. Currently, the company has made its public audit accessible, revealing that approximately two-thirds of its reserves, equating to about $94 billion, are invested in U.S. Treasury bills.

Last year, Tether recorded profits exceeding $13 billion, establishing itself as one of the wealthiest cryptocurrency operations globally. In December, Tether made an investment of $775 million in Rumble, a right-leaning streaming platform closely associated with Trump Media & Technology Group. Additionally, it has unveiled plans for Tether Tower, a headquarters in El Salvador.

One of Tether’s most influential allies in the U.S. is Lutnick, whose company, Cantor Fitzgerald, manages billions in U.S. Treasury investments for Tether, lending the firm an air of institutional credibility. At last summer’s Bitcoin Conference, Lutnick confirmed that he could verify full backing for Tether coins.

“We accounted for every penny,” he stated at the event. He exclaimed.

After Lutnick was appointed as Secretary of Commerce, he delegated control of Cantor Fitzgerald to his sons. Currently, Cantor Fitzgerald and Tether, in collaboration with lobbyist Miller, are working on shaping Stablecoin regulations in Washington. Lobbying disclosures indicate that both are active in discussions on the Senate’s Stablecoin Act, which sets guidelines to ensure that U.S. issuers maintain adequate reserves.

However, the official guidelines introduced for national innovation under the U.S. Stablecoins Act include provisions allowing foreign issuers to sell coins without adhering to the new regulations, subject to certain law enforcement agency requirements. This clause has drawn criticism from Democratic senators during recent Banking Committee hearings, who denounced it as a “significant loophole” benefiting Tether.

“My Republican colleagues appear concerned about backlash from one of Donald Trump’s close associates,” remarked Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat from Massachusetts.She stated at the hearing.

Ultimately, the Banking Committee approved advancing the bill to the full Senate.

In an interview, Ardoino expressed that he is “very excited” about the Genius Law’s language requiring cooperation with law enforcement, as Tether is already closely collaborating with U.S. authorities. He revealed that Tether is considering launching a U.S. branch and offering “domestic stubcoins” tailored for financial institutions.

Ardoino plans to return frequently to the U.S. He described Washington as “very clean,” although he had some reservations about the food. He is enthusiastic about the potential to challenge American crypto firms on their home turf.

“What fun,” Ardoino remarked.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Data Insights: Are Electric Vehicles at Risk from Cyber Espionage and Hacking?

Posted on April 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Mobile phones and desktop computers have long been targets of cyber espionage, but how vulnerable are electric vehicles?

On Monday, a newspaper reported that a British defense company, engaged with the UK government, advised its staff against connecting mobile devices with Chinese-made electric vehicles due to concerns over potential data extraction by Beijing.

This article examines the security issues related to electric vehicles.

Can an electric car snoop on you?

Security experts quoted by the Guardian suggest that electric vehicles, being the most advanced vehicles on the market, could be vulnerable to hacking.

Rafe Pilling, director of threat intelligence at cybersecurity firm SecureWorks, notes that electric vehicles can produce a wealth of data that could interest a hostile state.

“There are numerous opportunities to compromise these vehicles as they collect data,” he states.

He further explains that WiFi or mobile connectivity can enhance data access for manufacturers through the “over-the-air” software update feature.

“Modern vehicles equipped with over-the-air updates, various sensors, and external cameras could potentially be repurposed as surveillance tools,” he adds.

A mobile phone connected to a car via a charging cable or Bluetooth is another significant data source, he mentions.

Should all car drivers be worried?

Experts indicate that individuals in sensitive sectors, such as government or defense, should exercise caution.

“If you’re working on a sixth-generation fighter jet and connect your work phone to your personal vehicle, be mindful that this connection could compromise your mobile data,” states a researcher at the Royal United Services Institute Think Tank.

Nate Drier, tech lead at cybersecurity firm Sophos, highlights the option to select “don’t trust” when connecting a phone charger to a car; however, this would forfeit many functionalities, such as music streaming or messaging.

“Most people tend to maintain that connection for the convenience it brings,” he acknowledges.

Pilling adds that even rental car users should remain vigilant.

“Generally, individuals may leave copies of their contacts and sensitive information in their car’s entertainment and navigation system, often forgetting to remove them before relinquishing the vehicle, making phone synchronization a risky move,” he advises.

Why are Chinese vehicles the focus of concern?

China is a significant producer of electric vehicles (EVs) through brands like BYD and XPENG. Coupled with the Chinese state’s practices in cyber espionage, this raises concerns. For instance, China’s National Intelligence Act of 2017 mandates all organizations and citizens to “support, assist, and cooperate” with national intelligence efforts.

“Chinese law compels companies to align with national security, so one must consider the possibility of surveillance capabilities in their vehicles,” he notes, albeit admitting that there is “no evidence” currently linking Chinese vehicles to espionage.

Experts believe that while electric vehicles are a concern, devices like mobile phones, smartwatches, and other wearables are more likely targets for spying.

What does the UK government say?

A government representative refrained from commenting on specific security protocols but affirmed that “protecting national security is our utmost priority, and strict procedures are in place to ensure government sites and information are adequately safeguarded.”

A more detailed statement released last month by Defence Minister Koker, indicated that the Ministry of Defence (MOD) is collaborating with other government bodies to understand and mitigate potential security threats from all types of vehicles, not just those manufactured in China.

Further reports state that while there are no overarching policy prohibitions on the movement of Chinese-made vehicles, EVs incorporating Chinese components have been banned from sensitive military locations.

Nevertheless, individual defense entities may impose stricter requirements for vehicles in particular settings.

BYD was reached for commentary, while Xpeng stated it is “committed to upholding and complying with applicable UK and EU privacy laws and regulations.”

SMMT, a trade association representing British automakers, responded:

“Our industry is dedicated to maintaining a high standard of customer data protection, which includes the responsible use of data. Features such as apps and paired phones can be removed from vehicles based on individual manufacturers’ guidelines, ensuring drivers feel secure.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

House Approves Bills to Prohibit Revenge Porn Sharing and Sends to Trump

Posted on April 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

On Monday, the House passed a strongly bipartisan law aimed at criminalizing the non-consensual sharing of sexually explicit photos and videos that include AI-generated imagery, commonly referred to as “deepfakes.”

The legislation, which cleared with a vote of 409 to 2, is expected to be signed by President Trump soon.

Known as the Take It Down Act, this law is designed to combat what is termed “Revenge Porn.” Under its provisions, social media companies and online platforms must remove such images within two days of receiving notification.

The bill saw bipartisan support, uniting conservatives and other parties alike, and it passed the Senate unanimously in February. Trump’s endorsement, highlighted in his joint address to Congress last month, appears to have facilitated its passage.

co-sponsored by Sen. Ted Cruz, a Republican from Texas, and Democrat Amy Klobuchar from Minnesota, it marks the first significant Internet Content Act to pass Congress since 2018, following prior legislation aimed at combating online sex trafficking. While concentrating on revenge porn and deepfakes, this bill indicates a crucial step towards holding internet companies accountable, which have largely evaded governmental oversight for years.

The strong backing for the Take It Down Act underscores the growing frustration among legislators regarding social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X.

Revenge porn and deepfakes affect individuals of all ages, particularly impacting teenage girls, as the proliferation of “nudification” apps allows boys to secretly create and distribute sexually explicit images of female classmates.

Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar, a Republican from Florida, introduced a parallel bill in the House and stated on Monday that this legislation aims to prevent the rampant abuse and harassment faced by young girls online.

“Using the likenesses, voices, and images of young, susceptible women to manipulate, coerce, and publicly humiliate them for amusement or revenge is utterly reprehensible,” said Salazar.

Such legislation has been frequently attempted in various states across the nation, and although South Carolina lacks specific laws against revenge porn, at least 20 other states have enacted measures addressing sexually explicit deepfakes.

The measures passed on Monday are part of ongoing bipartisan efforts by lawmakers to tackle deepfake pornography. Cruz and Klobuchar first introduced the bill last year, but it did not advance in a Republican-led House. Reintroduced this year, it gained traction after receiving endorsement from first lady Melania Trump.

Last year, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a younger Democratic congresswoman from New York, proposed legislation enabling individuals depicted in sexually explicit deepfakes to sue creators and distributors of such content. This bill has not been reintroduced this year.

Legislators have recently focused on several bills aimed at safeguarding children from online sexual exploitation, bullying, and harmful algorithms. In January 2024, executives from Meta, TikTok, and other tech firms faced tough questions from lawmakers as they defended their platforms.

During these hearings, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg was compelled to apologize to parents who had lost children to online dangers.

However, some advocates for free speech caution that such measures could stifle legitimate expression, arguing that similar laws might inadvertently lead to the removal of both lawful and unlawful content.

“Despite the good intentions, the potentially harmful effects of the bill on constitutional rights to free speech and privacy online cannot be overlooked,” stated Becca Branham, assistant director of the Free Expression Project at the Center for Democracy Technology, a research organization.

Branham also remarked that the Take It Down Act serves as “a potentially weaponized enforcement tool that endangers meaningful progress in the battle against image-based sexual abuse.”

Source: www.nytimes.com

Amazon Unveils Kuiper Internet Satellites: Key Insights You Need to Have

Posted on April 28, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The competition in space between billionaires Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk is poised to expand into satellite internet.

Originally launched as an online bookstore three decades ago, Amazon has evolved into a merchandising powerhouse, owning the James Bond franchise and retailing electronics like the Echo smart speaker, along with being a leading provider of cloud computing services.

Thus, it’s no surprise that Amazon is rolling out the first batch of thousands of satellites under Project Kuiper, designed to provide connectivity in our modern world. The high-speed internet market from space is largely dominated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, which offers a similar service. Starlink boasts a vast fleet of satellites and regularly conducts launches, serving millions globally.

The initial attempt to launch a satellite on April 9 was postponed due to unfavorable weather conditions at the launch site. The company is set to make another attempt this coming Monday.

When will it be launched and how can I watch it?

The first 27 Project Kuiper satellites are scheduled for launch on Monday from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, between 7 PM and 9 PM Eastern Time. They will be lifted aboard the Atlas V rocket, developed by the United Launch Alliance—a collaboration between Boeing and Lockheed Martin.

ULA plans to provide live coverage starting at 6:35 PM; the company reports a 70% chance of an on-time launch.

The rocket will place the Kuiper satellites into a circular orbit approximately 280 miles above Earth. The satellites’ propulsion systems will gradually elevate them to an orbit of 393 miles.

What is Project Kuiper?

Project Kuiper comprises a network of internet satellites designed to deliver high-speed data connections to nearly every location on Earth. To achieve this, thousands of satellites are necessary, with Amazon aiming to deploy over 3,200 within the next few years.

The project competes with SpaceX’s Starlink, which primarily caters to residential customers.

Kuiper aims to target remote areas while also integrating with Amazon Web Services, the cloud computing solution that is highly valued by large enterprises and governments worldwide. This could make it particularly appealing for businesses needing satellite imagery and weather forecasts to carry out data processing, alongside the capacity to transfer large volumes of data over the internet.

Ground stations will link the Kuiper satellites to the service infrastructure, allowing businesses to interact with their own remote devices. For instance, Amazon indicates that energy firms could leverage Kuiper to monitor and manage remote wind farms and offshore drilling operations.

In October 2023, two prototype Kuiper satellites were launched for technology testing. Amazon stated that the tests were successful, but these prototypes were not intended for long-term operational constellations; after seven months, they re-entered the atmosphere. The company noted that they have since refined the design of all systems and subsystems.

“There’s a significant difference between launching two satellites and launching 3,000 satellites,” remarked Rajeev Badyal, an Amazon executive overseeing Kuiper, in a promotional video ahead of the launch.

When will Amazon provide internet services from space?

Amazon informed the Federal Communications Commission in 2020 that the service would commence after the deployment of the initial 578 satellites. The company anticipates that customers will be able to access the internet later this year.

While a fully operational constellation requires thousands of satellites, it is feasible for the company to serve certain areas with fewer satellites initially, expanding to broader global coverage later.

The FCC’s approval for the constellation stipulates that at least half of the satellites must be launched by July 30, 2026. Industry experts suggest that if significant progress is shown by that deadline, the company could be granted an extension.

Launching a satellite also relies on the timely availability of rockets, which can present challenges if there aren’t enough launches lined up. Additionally, Amazon must construct numerous ground stations to relay signals to users.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Spotify Invested $100 Million in Podcasters Amidst Escalating Creator Conflict

Posted on April 28, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Since January, Spotify has disbursed over $100 million to podcast creators and publishers, as reported by the New York Times’ Dealbook.

These payments stem from a program launched in 2025, which opens up new revenue opportunities for eligible hosts. This initiative also aims to draw more creators (and their audiences) to Spotify, especially as video podcasting has gained traction on YouTube.

Video content now leads the podcasting landscape. According to Edison’s survey, more than half of Americans aged 12 and older have watched video podcasts — primarily on YouTube. Report As of January, Spotify claims to have attracted 1 billion podcast listeners each month, positioning itself as the leading platform for podcasts. Meanwhile, Media King continues to surpass Spotify and Apple Podcasts, with its original video podcasting efforts that began in 2019.

In contrast to YouTube, Spotify has become somewhat vulnerable in the podcasting space, attracting 170 million podcast listeners per month from a broader audience of 675 million. For context, YouTube invested over $70 billion into creators and media entities from 2021 to 2024.

On Tuesday, the company announced its financial results, projecting approximately 540 million euros in pre-tax revenue within a total of 4.2 billion euros, as per S&P Capital IQ.

Although Spotify is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, it is headquartered in Stockholm. The company maintains a stronghold in the sector due to its impressive roster of talent, including the distribution of advertisements for the widely popular Joe Rogan Experience podcast. It achieved its first profitable year in 2024, with Rogan’s podcast also available on YouTube.

The new partner program is designed to mitigate YouTube’s advantages. Like YouTube, Spotify historically compensated creators solely through ad revenue sharing, but it now provides further incentives for video uploads. Eligible creators can earn additional revenue depending on the engagement levels of their premium subscribers.

Spotify is actively working to attract additional viewers. In November, they unveiled their partnership program, stating that paid subscribers in specific regions would not encounter dynamic ads on video podcasts. As a result, video consumption has surged by over 40% since January, according to Spotify.

The pressing question is whether Spotify can persuade creators to shift their priorities.

David Coles, host of the horror fiction podcast “Just Creepy: Scary Stories,” mentioned that he is reevaluating his “home platform” after Spotify’s revenue recently outpaced YouTube’s. In the last quarter, Coles reported earnings of about $45,500 from Spotify. Since joining the new partner program, his Spotify revenue increased to around $81,600.

For larger shows and podcast companies like YMH Studios, which boasts 2.1 million YouTube subscribers and produces popular podcasts such as “2 Bears, 1 Cave,” the revenue boost has been even more pronounced. YMH Studios reported that its quarterly earnings from Spotify have more than tripled after enrolling in the partner program, although it chose not to disclose specific figures.

Creators have pointed out that this is still early in the program, but Alan Abin, head of advertising revenue at YMH Studios, referred to the new payment framework as a “game changer” and a “pleasant surprise.”

Source: www.nytimes.com

Commissioner Advocates for Ban on Apps Creating Deepfake Nude Images of Children

Posted on April 28, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The “nudifice” app utilizing artificial intelligence to generate explicit sexual images of children is raising alarms, echoing concerns from English children’s commissioners amidst rising fears for potential victims.

Girls have reported refraining from sharing images of themselves on social media due to fears that generative AI tools could alter or sexualize their clothing. Although creating or disseminating sexually explicit images of children is illegal, the underlying technology remains legal, according to the report.

“Children express fear at the mere existence of this technology. They worry strangers, classmates, or even friends might exploit smartphones to manipulate them, using these specialized apps to create nude images,” a spokesperson stated.

“While the online landscape is innovative and continuously evolving, there’s no justifiable reason for these specific applications to exist. They have no rightful place in our society, and tools that enable the creation of naked images of children using deepfake technology should be illegal.”

De Souza has proposed an AI bill mandating that developers of generative AI tools address product functionalities, and has urged the government to implement an effective system for eliminating explicit deepfake images of children. This initiative should be supported by policy measures recognizing deep sexual abuse as a form of violence against women and girls.

Meanwhile, the report calls on Ofcom to ensure diligent age verification of nudification apps, and for social media platforms to restrict access to sexually explicit deepfake tools targeted at children, in accordance with online safety laws.

The findings revealed that 26% of respondents aged 13 to 18 had encountered deep, sexually explicit images of celebrities, friends, teachers, or themselves.

Many AI tools reportedly focus solely on female bodies, thereby contributing to an escalating culture of misogyny, the report cautions.

An 18-year-old girl conveyed to the commissioner:

The report highlighted cases like that of Mia Janin, who tragically died by suicide in March 2021, illustrating connections between deepfake abuse, suicidal thoughts, and PTSD.

In her report, De Souza stated that new technologies confront children with concepts they struggle to comprehend, evolving at a pace that overwhelms their ability to recognize the associated hazards.

The lawyer explained to the Guardian that this reflects a lack of understanding regarding the repercussions of actions taken by young individuals arrested for sexual offenses, particularly concerning deepfake experimentation.

Daniel Reese Greenhalgh, a partner at Cokerbinning law firm, noted that the existing legal framework poses significant challenges for law enforcement agencies in identifying and protecting abuse victims.

She indicated that banning such apps might ignite debates over internet freedom and could disproportionately impact young men experimenting with AI software without comprehension of the consequences.

Reece-Greenhalgh remarked that while the criminal justice system strives to treat adolescent offenses with understanding, previous efforts to mitigate criminality among youth have faced challenges when offenses occur in private settings, leading to unintended consequences within schools and communities.

Matt Hardcastle, a partner at Kingsley Napley, emphasized the “online youth minefield” surrounding access to illegal sexual and violent content, noting that many parents are unaware of how easily their children can encounter situations that lead to harmful experiences.

“Parents often view these situations from their children’s perspectives, unaware that their actions can be both illegal and detrimental to themselves or others,” he stated. “Children’s brains are still developing, leading them to approach risk-taking very differently.”

Marcus Johnston, a criminal lawyer focusing on sex crimes, reported working with an increasingly youthful demographic involved in such crimes, often without parental awareness of the issues at play. “Typically, these offenders are young men, seldom young women, ensnared indoors, while parents mistakenly perceive their activities as mere games,” he explained. “These offenses have emerged largely due to the internet, with most sexual crimes now taking place online, spearheaded by forums designed to cultivate criminal behavior in children.”

A government spokesperson stated:

“It is appallingly illegal to create, possess, or distribute child sexual abuse material, including AI-generated images. Platforms of all sizes must remove this content or face significant fines as per online safety laws. The UK is pioneering the introduction of AI-specific child sexual abuse offenses, making it illegal to own, create, or distribute tools crafted for generating abhorrent child sexual abuse material.”

In the UK, the NSPCC offers support to children at 0800 1111 and adults concerned about children can reach out at 0808 800 5000. The National Association of People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC) supports adult survivors at 0808 801 0331. In Australia, children, young adults, parents, and educators can contact the 1800 55 1800 helpline for children, or Braveheart at 1800 272 831. Adult survivors may reach the Blue Knot Foundation at 1300 657 380.

Source: www.theguardian.com

ESA Leader | Outer Space

Posted on April 28, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

dOnaldo Trump’s re-entry into the White House has triggered a swift increase in defense spending as European leaders distance themselves from the US, marking a “turning point” in continental security. The new push for European independence could resonate further across the globe.

The aspiration for greater autonomy in Europe also translates into a greater demand for advancements in space technology, states Josef Aschbacher, director of the European Space Agency (ESA), which oversees space exploration initiatives among European nations, including those in the EU and much of the UK.

“There are numerous areas in space where Europe seeks to enhance its autonomy, particularly in an increasingly unstable geopolitical climate,” Aschbacher mentioned in an interview with the Guardian in London. “The landscape has shifted dramatically.”

Human interest in space is at an all-time high. We are currently witnessing a Second Space Race, with governments and private entities leveraging significant advancements in satellites, sensors, and, crucially, rockets. Analysts predict a growth trajectory for the industry to reach $100 million, akin to today’s airline industry, with expected surges in global observation, communication, and potentially space tourism. Increased military expenditure under Trump may further accelerate the push for advanced surveillance technologies.

However, Aschbacher emphasizes the importance of continued investment in scientific endeavors that forward humanity’s interests, which include projects like laser-based wind speed measurements, climate monitoring satellites, and the Euclidean telescope aimed at unraveling the enigma of dark matter.

For decades, collaboration with the US has been pivotal for European space science. ESA partners with American agencies, contributing to everything from astronaut missions on the International Space Station to the James Webb Telescope exploring the universe’s early radiation, as well as the Artemis program, which aims to revisit the Moon. Aschbacher oversees a budget of €7.7 billion (£6.4 billion) this year but is dwarfed by NASA’s budget of $25.4 billion (£19.6 billion).

Trump’s return raises uncertainties around the continuity of this cooperation, particularly if the US implements abrupt funding cuts to NASA.

Elon Musk adds further complexity. His SpaceX could become the primary driver in significantly reducing launch costs, thanks to its reusable Falcon 9 rocket. However, Musk’s controversial approach under Trump raises concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest as a primary NASA contractor. Trump’s decision to forgo billionaire Jared Isaacman, who was a fully paid SpaceX-supported NASA leader, has led Musk to criticize Artemis in favor of his vision to send humans to Mars.

European nations are also striving to reduce their reliance on SpaceX’s Starlink, a network of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Starlink has established a massive LEO constellation, providing reliable internet in remote regions and has become crucial for military communications in Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in 2022.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX will launch Bandwagon-3 in April. Photo: Joe Marino/Upi/Rex/Shutterstock

When questioned about Musk’s influence, Aschbacher refrained from discussing “the internal politics of the United States and how these decisions might be affected.”

ESA is committed to its planned projects, including the construction of Orion capsules for astronaut transport, asserting, “We are optimistic that the collaboration with the US on the Artemis program will continue.”

“If changes occur, and if a US partner alters its plans, of course, we have a Plan B ready,” Aschbacher stated. “We are certainly enhancing our autonomy and capabilities. However, now is not the moment to discuss Plan B, as Plan A remains active.”

Nevertheless, ESA is also exploring partnerships with other nations that could support “Plan B.” Aschbacher pointed to Australia, the United Arab Emirates, and India as potential collaborators.

SpaceX asserted its dominance last month when the Dragon Capsule safely returned four individuals. Two had been stranded at the International Space Station due to technical problems with Boeing’s Starliner craft.

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Europe has depended on SpaceX to launch segments of its Galileo satellite navigation system following the retirement of the Ariane 5 rocket. Both systems are operated by Arianespace, and the Vega C grounding is co-owned by Airbus and Safran. This led to a “crisis launch,” which was finally resolved with the inaugural flight of the Ariane 6 rocket last year.

ESA is now focused on encouraging more launch competitors for the upcoming generation, emphasizing reusable rockets to replicate SpaceX’s cost-effectiveness. According to Aschbacher, one ESA-led initiative, the Prometheus Engine, is projected to launch in “a handful” of years. Other European private firms are also entering the race, including Augsburg, a German startup rocket manufacturer.

Once everything is on track, launches could also take place from the UK, reducing ESA’s dependence on space facilities in French Guiana, South America. Aschbacher mentioned that developing British spacecraft, especially in Shetland, is another positive development. The ESA, funded by 23 member states but not affiliated with the EU, shows that Brexit has not hindered the UK’s commitment, although the Copernicus Climate Satellite program has faced disruptions.

While ESA’s primary mission is to peacefully explore space, its potential military applications may facilitate increased funding from member states in November to cover gaps left by the US.

Nevertheless, Aschbacher is a scientist at heart. He studied natural sciences at Innsbruck University and joined ESA in 1990, eventually leading the Earth Observation Department. He acknowledged that space technology is integral to enabling numerous security needs for European countries but emphasized the importance of ongoing investment in science.

The astronauts inaugurated a new Luna facility at the European Astronaut Center in Cologne, Germany, founded by Thomas Pesquet of France and Matthias Maurer of Germany. Photo: Martin Meissner/AP

He likened investment in space to fundamental research that enabled scientists to develop COVID vaccines at remarkable speed during the pandemic.

“European investments in space must rise to ensure that the quality of life and living standards for Europeans are sustained,” he remarked. “Science is Europe’s strength. This is why economic progress and development can indeed accelerate.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Meta Sued in Ghana for Effects of Extreme Content on Moderators

Posted on April 27, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Meta is now facing a second lawsuit in Africa related to the psychological trauma endured by content moderators tasked with filtering out disturbing material on social media, including depictions of murder, extreme violence, and child sexual abuse.

A lawyer is preparing to take legal action against a contractor of Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, following discussions with moderators at a facility in Ghana that reportedly employs around 150 individuals.

Moderators at Magilal in Accra report suffering from depression, anxiety, insomnia, and substance abuse directly linked to their responsibilities of reviewing extreme content.

The troubling conditions faced by Ghanaian workers have come to light through a collaborative investigation by the Guardian and the Bureau of Investigative Journalism.

This issue arose after over 140 Facebook content moderators in Kenya were diagnosed with severe post-traumatic stress disorder due to their exposure to traumatic social media content.

The Kenyan workers were employed by Samasource, an outsourcing company that recruits personnel from across Africa for content moderation tasks for Meta. The Magilal facility, central to the allegations in Ghana, is owned by the French multinational Teleperformance.

One individual, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, disclosed that he attempted suicide due to his work. His contract has since expired, and he claims to have returned to his home country.

Facebook and similar large social media platforms often employ numerous content moderators in some of the world’s most impoverished regions, tasked with removing posts that violate community standards and aiding in training AI systems for the same purpose.

Content moderators are required to review distressing and often brutal images and videos to determine if they should be taken down from Meta’s platform. According to reports from Ghanaian workers, they have witnessed videos including extreme violence, such as people being skinned alive or women being decapitated.

Moderators have claimed that the mental health support provided by the company is inadequate, lacking professional oversight, and there are concerns that personal disclosures regarding the impact of their work are being circulated among management.

Teleperformance contested this claim, asserting that they employed a licensed mental health professional, duly registered with a local regulatory body, who possesses a master’s degree in psychology, counseling, or a related mental health field.

The legal action is initiated by the UK-based nonprofit Foxglove. This marks the second lawsuit filed by an African content moderator, following the lawsuit from Kenya’s Samasource workers in December.

Foxglove has stated they will “immediately investigate these alarming reports of worker mistreatment,” with the goal of employing “all available methods, including potential legal action,” to enhance working conditions.

They are collaborating with Agency Seven Seven, a Ghanaian firm, to prepare two potential cases. One could involve claims of unfair dismissal, including a group of moderators who allege psychological harm, along with an East African moderator whose contract ended following a suicide attempt.

Martha Dark, co-executive director at Foxglove, remarked:

“In Ghana, Meta seems to completely disregard the humanity of the crucial safety personnel that all interests rely on—content moderators.

Dark noted that the base wages for content moderators in Accra fall below the living wage, with pressures to work overtime. Moderators reportedly face pay deductions for not meeting performance targets, she indicated.

Contracts obtained by the Guardian show that starting wages are around 1,300 Ghanaian Cedis per month. This base pay is supplemented by a performance-related bonus system, with the highest earnings reaching approximately 4,900 Cedis (£243) per month, significantly less than what is needed for a decent living, according to living costs in Accra.

A spokesperson for Teleperformance stated that content moderators receive “a competitive salary and benefits,” including a monthly income approximately 10 times the national minimum wage for local moderators, and 16 times the minimum wage from other countries, along with project allowances and other benefits, all automatically provided and not contingent on performance.

Foxglove researcher Michaela Chen observed that some moderators are crammed into tight living spaces: “Five individuals were packed into a single room.” She mentioned the existence of a secretive culture of surveillance from managers that monitors workers even during breaks.

This surveillance extends to the work of Meta moderators. She stated: “Workers dedicate all day to the Meta platform, adhering to Meta’s standards and utilizing its systems, yet they are constantly reminded, ‘You’re not working for Meta,’ and are prohibited from disclosing anything to anyone.”

Teleperformance asserted that the moderators are housed in one of Accra’s most luxurious and well-known residential and commercial zones.

The spokesperson described the accommodation as “secure and offering high levels of safety,” complete with recreational facilities such as air conditioning, a gym, and a pool.

Agency Seven Seven partner Carla Olympio believes personal injury claims could succeed in Ghanaian courts, stating they would set a legal precedent that acknowledges employee protections extend to psychological and physical harm.

“[There exists] a gap in our laws as they do not adequately address advancements in technology and virtual work,” she expressed.

Rosa Curling, co-director at Foxglove, has called upon the court to “mandate immediate reforms in the work environment for content moderators,” ensuring proper protective measures and mental health care.

A Teleperformance spokesperson stated: “We are committed to addressing content moderation in Ghana. We fully disclose the type of content moderators may encounter throughout the hiring process, employee contracts, training sessions, and resilience assessments, while actively maintaining a supportive atmosphere for our content moderators.”

Meta commented that the companies it partners with are “contractually obligated to ensure that employees engaged in content reviews on Facebook and Instagram receive adequate support that meets or exceeds industry standards.”

The tech giant further stated it “places great importance on the support provided to content reviewers,” detailing expectations for counseling, training, and other resources when engaging with outsourced companies.

All content moderators indicated they had signed a non-disclosure agreement due to the sensitivity of user information they handle for their safety; however, they are permitted to discuss their experiences with medical professionals and counselors.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Farewell, Skype: A Fond Farewell | Technology

Posted on April 27, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

I doubt many are mourning the demise of Skype. The Sky Blue platform once transformed video calling, yet the landscape of long-distance communication felt stagnant for nearly a decade until Microsoft declared its impending closure. My clumsy, chaotic experience with Skype’s video, audio, and chat peaked in 2011, coinciding with Microsoft’s acquisition for a staggering $8.5 billion. By 2014, video calls had migrated to more integrated applications like FaceTime, rendering Skype outdated, especially as my university schedule didn’t accommodate glitchy catch-ups. Snapchat became the more efficient alternative.

Like many, I barely used Skype since the mid-2010s. The announcement of its shutdown on May 4th prompted me to log in for the first time in five years. My once-active Skype life was now reduced to a chat begging, “Pleaseeeeeeee Call Me Backhhhh (:” alongside a spam crypto inquiry and a phishing link from an old favorite who had long departed the platform.

Nonetheless, I found myself reminiscing about those late-night Skype sessions in 2011. I recall conversations with an unofficial boyfriend, feeling desperate even as he shared hints with me, catching up with an old friend who ventured out of town for college, or connecting with others from university visits.

Skype represented a space of intimacy that transcended mere texting; it wove our emotional lives together in a manner that was challenging to express. It was a lifeline to people beyond my immediate world. Older friends, who seemed cooler and more socially engaged, shared experiences through Skype video calls, even as fleeting as they were. Our vague romantic connection allowed for shared intimacy through homework sessions and glimpses of two-dimensional versions of our lives, where physical meetings were often impossible.

Yet, as time passed, these digital ties faded amidst other platforms. These relationships felt foreign and exceptional, rather than woven into everyday life. Discussions surrounding Skype likely evoke reflections on its earlier days, capturing the unique intimacy and intense reconnections during video calls. For the release of the 2023 film, I wrote about how writer-director Cerin Song could incorporate the classic Skype theme music—that ear-piercing sonar that took me straight back to 2011. The song encapsulated the bittersweet rush of long-distance intimacy, a nostalgic reminder of evenings spent curled in bed, battling time zones and technology.

For me, the primary sentiment tied to my Skype experience is longing—for broader horizons, for genuine attention, and for connections that felt beyond reach. It captures the emotional turmoil wrapped up in “skyping,” clinging to hope that those long video calls could eventually translate into real-life connections. Nostalgia complicates this longing, marked by diminished attention spans and fewer profound connections. As we navigate faded relationships, the once-revolutionary tech interface now feels cumbersome and awkward.

The trajectory of long-distance connections has evolved significantly, intertwining more seamlessly with daily life. Today, we can effortlessly video chat, text, and track real-time locations of people through various digital interfaces (Instagram Stories, Letterbox logs, Strava training) all at once. Video quality has vastly improved. As I’ve aged, managing long-distance connections has morphed into a complex puzzle, requiring optimization and leaving little room for escapism. In contrast, Skype has become one of our most fleeting digital relics, lacking the substantial archives found in text messages, photos, or social media timelines, contrasting with the enduring memories of videos.

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Ultimately, I remember Skype as a fleeting repository of moments and emotions. It may not have represented real life, but it was enough—those cheerful sounds, the grainy quality, and the unfiltered eagerness of the times. Rest in peace.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Metamoderator Opens Up About Breakdown Following Exposure to Beheading and Child Abuse: ‘I Couldn’t Eat or Sleep’

Posted on April 27, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

When Solomon* entered the gleaming Octagon Tower in Accra, Ghana, he was embarking on his journey as a meta content moderator. Tasked with removing harmful content from social media, he faced a challenging yet rewarding role.

However, just two weeks into his training, he encountered a much darker side of the job than he had anticipated.

“I initially didn’t encounter graphic content, but eventually, it escalated to images of beheadings, child abuse, bestiality, and more. The first time I saw that content, I was completely taken aback.”

Octagon Building in Accra. Photo: foxglove

“Eventually, I became desensitized and began to normalize what I was seeing. It was disturbing to find myself watching beheadings and child abuse.”

“I’ll never forget that day,” Solomon recounted, having arrived from East Africa in late 2023. “The system doesn’t allow you to skip. You must view it for a minimum of 15 seconds.”

In one particular video, a woman from his homeland cried for help as several assailants attacked her.

He noted that this exposure was increasingly unsettling. One day there were no graphic videos, but as a trend emerged, suddenly around 70-80% of the content became graphic. He gradually felt “disconnected from humanity.”

In the evenings, he returned to shared accommodations provided by his employer, the outsourcing firm Telepelforming, where he faced issues related to privacy, water, and electricity.

When Solomon learned of his childhood friend’s death, it shattered his already fragile mental state. He was Broken, feeling trapped in his thoughts, and turned to Telepelforming for a temporary escape until he could regain his composure.

Isolating himself for two weeks, he admitted, “I began to spiral into depression. I stopped eating and sleeping, smoking day in and day out. I was never this way before.”

Solomon tried to take his own life and was hospitalized, where he was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and suicidal ideation. He was discharged eight days later, towards the end of 2024.

Telepelforming offered him a lower-paying position, but he feared it would not suffice to live in Accra. He sought compensation for his distress and long-term psychological care, but instead, Telepelforming sent him back to his hometown amid unrest.

“I feel used and discarded. They treated me like a disposable water bottle,” Solomon expressed after his termination.

He reflected on his past professional life in his home country, saying, “I was content and at peace before coming here.”

Another moderator, Abel*, defended Solomon and shared how he ended his contract in solidarity with fellow employees.

He confronted Telepelforming: “You’re not treating him fairly.”

“They isolated him at home. He felt unsafe being alone, which caused him severe stress, prompting him to return to work.”

Abel also faced mental health struggles stemming from the content. “I was unaware of the nature of the job and the reality of viewing explicit material for work… The first time I encountered blood, I was left numbed.”

He mentioned that colleagues often gathered to sip coffee and discuss disturbing material, even sharing their discomfort.

He hesitated to discuss these issues with wellbeing coaches due to a fear of how his concerns would be perceived by his team leader. He faced challenges when he declined to utilize a wellness service he believed was merely for “research purposes.”

A spokesman for Telepelforming stated: Recognizing his depression following his friend’s death, we conducted a psychological evaluation and found he was unfit to continue in a moderation role.

“We offered a different non-moderating position, which he declined, expressing a desire to remain in his current role. With that not being a viable option, his employment ended, and he was provided compensation per our contractual agreement.

“Throughout his tenure and afterward, we ensured ongoing psychological support. He consistently declined assistance. At the suggestion of his family, help was arranged for him, and upon medical approval, arrangements for a flight to Ethiopia were made.

“We have maintained support for him in Ethiopia, but he has avoided it, instead attempting to pressure Telepelforming for monetary compensation under the threat of public exposure.”

*The name has been changed to protect their identity

Source: www.theguardian.com

Marks & Spencer Halts Online Orders Amid Cyberattack Fallout

Posted on April 26, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Marks & Spencer has halted all orders via its website and app as retailers grapple with the aftermath of a cyberattack that began on Monday.

The company expressed regret to customers for “the inconvenience,” stating that the suspension of digital orders is “part of an aggressive management strategy for cyber incidents.”

“Our experienced team is collaborating with key cyber experts, and we are diligently working to restore online and app shopping,” he remarked.

Customers can still browse online and make purchases at physical stores using cash or credit cards.

The website’s shutdown follows several days of problems at retail locations, where contactless payments and online order collections were severely affected since Monday. Contactless payments resumed late Thursday.

Customers with existing online orders can collect them in-store once they receive confirmation, but placing new orders is not permitted. M&S clarified that customers do not need to take any action and assured that their details were not accessed.

The retailer’s shares have dropped by as much as 4%, following a 2.3% decline at Friday’s close, marking a significant fall within the FTSE 100.

Only about one-third of M&S’ clothing and home goods sales occur online, and the order suspension comes just before an anticipated heatwave, likely to increase demand for clothing and outdoor entertainment gear during busy weekends.

The cyber incident initiated on Monday impacted contactless payments and click-and-collect orders at stores throughout the UK. Notably, a separate technical issue affected only contactless payments during the busy Easter weekend.

M&S has enlisted cybersecurity specialists to aid in investigating and managing the situation, implementing measures to bolster network security and continue serving customers effectively.

Security experts cautioned shoppers to be vigilant against scammers exploiting high-profile cases.

Nicholas, head of commercial content at Retail Economics, stated, “The Marks & Spencer cyberattacks serve as a reminder that no retailer, regardless of its establishment or digital sophistication, is safe from the growing threat of cybercrime.”

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“While M&S is bearing the impact of this specific attack, it’s important to note that this isn’t an isolated incident. Cyberattacks represent a systemic risk facing the retail sector as a whole.”

The cyber incidents targeting M&S have occurred alongside a series of similar events in recent years. Last September, Transport for London had to shut down several online services due to a cyber attack.

In 2023, Royal Mail was compelled to halt international parcel and letter dispatches after a cyber attack caused significant disruption to its services, while WH Smith suffered an attack that illegally accessed data, including personal information of current and former employees, occurring less than a year after a cyber incident on their Funky Pigeon website led to a week-long order suspension.

In 2022, the Guardian requested many staff members to work from home following a ransomware attack that compromised the personal data of UK employees.

According to a government report, in 2022, two out of five UK businesses reported experiencing cybersecurity breaches or attacks within the prior year.

Source: www.theguardian.com

DoorDash Proposes Acquisition of UK Rival Deliveroo for $3.6 Billion

Posted on April 26, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Doordash has proposed acquiring UK rival Deliveroo for $3.6 billion (£2.7 billion), as announced by Deliveroo on Friday.

In a statement to the Guardian, Deliveroo mentioned that its board is discussing the offer with Doordash, but no formal proposal has yet been made. They noted that if shares are valued at £1.80 ($2.40), it may be a challenge to recommend such an offer to shareholders.

“We cannot confirm that Doordash’s offer to Deliveroo will materialize. At this point, shareholders are advised to refrain from taking any action concerning potential offers,” stated the company.

The proposal from Doordash is valid until May 23rd. Reuters.

Doordash is currently the leading food delivery app in the United States, boasting 42 million active users monthly in 2024 and generating $10.7 billion in revenue that same year. Founded in 2012 in San Francisco, it operates in over 25 countries.

In 2021, Doordash acquired the Finnish delivery service Wolt for 7 billion euros, equivalent to approximately $8.1 billion at the time.

Deliveroo, based in London and founded in 2013, ranks as the second largest food delivery app in the UK. In 2024, it reported an average of 7.1 million active users and earnings of £2.07 billion, as mentioned in a statement.

Both companies have expanded into grocery delivery in recent years and are exploring ways to grow their user base beyond food delivery.

In a February interview with Fortune, Doordash CEO Tony Xu described the company’s presence as feeling like a “spot of dust.”

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“We are actively addressing challenges related to first-party delivery and first-party ordering,” Xu stated. “To establish yourself as a digital powerhouse, you must go beyond these fundamentals.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Microsoft predicts that AI will transform the workplace, empowering everyone to become leaders.

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Microsoft has exciting news for those aspiring to hold high-ranking positions. In the future, we will all have AI employees under our supervision.

Tech companies are forecasting the emergence of a new type of business known as “frontier companies.” These companies involve human workers instructing autonomous AI agents to carry out tasks.

According to Microsoft, everyone will become bosses of AI agents.

Microsoft envisions a future where workers will act as “CEO of agents-equipped startups,” managing and delegating tasks to AI agents to maximize their impact in the AI era.

Microsoft, a key supporter of ChatGpt developer Openai, anticipates that all organizations will transition to becoming frontier companies within the next five years. These companies operate based on “on-demand intelligence,” utilizing AI agents for quick answers to internal tasks like generating and editing sales data.

In their Annual Work Trend Index Report, Microsoft stated that these frontier companies scale rapidly, work with agility, and deliver value efficiently.

The evolution of the AI Boss class is envisioned to happen in three phases: AI assistants for all employees, AI agents as digital coworkers handling specific tasks, and humans providing instructions to these agents for business processes and workflows.

Microsoft highlighted the impact of AI on knowledge work, where tasks across various professions will transition from code assistance to AI agents performing the work.

They gave an example in the supply chain industry where humans guide the system and manage relationships with suppliers while AI agents handle logistics from end to end.

Microsoft is promoting the deployment of AI in the workplace through autonomous AI agents or tools that enable users to carry out tasks without human intervention. Organizations like McKinsey are early adopters of Microsoft’s Copilot Studio products, leveraging AI agents for tasks like scheduling meetings.

While AI is expected to eliminate repetitive tasks and enhance productivity, concerns exist regarding potential job displacement. Reports suggest that a significant number of jobs could be impacted negatively by AI advancements.

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Experts suggest that AI deployment may lead to job losses, but also create new opportunities. Organizations may rely more on AI workers to enhance efficiency and lower operational costs, potentially reducing the need for human labor.

Apart from economic impacts, replacing humans with AI risks losing the expertise of individuals who drive business innovation and maintain valuable relationships.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Critics accuse Ofcom of putting high-tech companies’ interests ahead of online child safety

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The Communication Watchdog is accused of endorsing major technology for the safety of under-18s after England’s children’s commissioners criticized new measures to address online harm. Rachel de Souza warned Offcom last year that the proposals to protect children under online safety laws are inadequate. She expressed disappointment that the new code of practice published by WatchDog ignored her concerns, prioritizing the business interests of technology companies over child safety.

De Souza, who advocates for children’s rights, highlighted that over a million young people shared their concerns about the online world being a significant worry. She emphasized the need for stronger protection measures and criticized the lack of enhancements in the current code of practice.

Some of the measures proposed by Ofcom include implementing effective age checks for social media platforms, filtering harmful content through algorithms, swiftly removing dangerous material, and providing children with an easy way to report inappropriate content. Sites and apps covered by the code must adhere to these changes by July 25th or face fines for non-compliance.

Critics, including the Molly Rose Foundation and online safety campaigner Beavan Kidron, argue that the measures are too cautious and lack specific harm reduction targets. However, Ofcom defended its stance, stating that the rules aim to create a safer online environment for children in the UK.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have also advocated for stricter online protections for children, calling for measures to reduce harmful content on social media platforms. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle is considering implementing a social media curfew for children to address the negative impacts of excessive screen time.

Overall, the new code of practice aims to protect children from harmful online content, with stringent measures in place for platforms to ensure a safer online experience. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in significant fines or even legal action against high-tech companies and their executives.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Apple’s goal: Sourcing all US iPhones from India and decreasing reliance on China

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

It has been reported that Apple is planning to shift its iPhone assembly operations to India for the US market in order to reduce reliance on Chinese manufacturing bases amidst the trade war initiated by Donald Trump. The tech giant, with a value of $3 trillion (£2.3 trillion), aims to make this transition soon, as mentioned in the Financial Times article next year.

Apple has been affected by Trump’s tariff policies, resulting in iPhones being subjected to heavy import taxes when entering the US. Despite this, the White House decided to exclude smartphones from the highest tariffs imposed on Chinese products, providing some relief to Apple.

The intricate manufacturing process of iPhones involves sourcing over 1,000 components from various parts of the world, with an estimated 90% of iPhones currently being assembled domestically. By the end of 2026, Apple plans to have over 60 million iPhones sold in the US assembled in India.

In an effort to offset the impact of tariffs, Apple’s leading Indian suppliers have increased production in India and have shipped a significant number of phones to the US. Apple has also chartered freight flights to ensure an adequate stock in key markets.

Despite discussions about moving iPhone production to the US, analysts do not foresee this happening in the near future. The costs associated with manufacturing iPhones in the US are expected to be high, making it financially challenging for Apple to shift production entirely.

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Source: www.theguardian.com

The Impact of the Gaza Conflict on Israel’s AI Innovation

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

In late 2023, Israel aimed to assassinate Ibrahim Biari, the top Hamas commander in the Northern Gaza Strip, who supported the planning of the October 7th massacre. However, Israeli intelligence could not find Mr. Biari, who was believed to be hidden in a network of tunnels under Gaza.

Israeli officers turned to new military technology infused with artificial intelligence, Israeli and American officials recounted the incident. This technology had been developed a decade ago but had not been utilized in combat. The discovery of Biari prompted new motivations to enhance the tools, leading the engineers of Israeli Unit 8200, akin to the national security agency, to swiftly integrate AI into their technology.

Following this, Israel intercepted Mr. Biari’s communication and tested the AI audio tool. Utilizing that information, Israel ordered an airstrike targeting the area on October 31, 2023, resulting in the killing of Biari. According to Airwars, a London-based conflict monitor, more than 125 civilians were also killed in the attack.

Audio tools were just one example of how Israel leveraged the conflict in Gaza to quickly test and deploy AI-backed military technology.

In the past 18 months, Israel combined AI and facial recognition software to match partially obscured or injured faces to their actual identity, relying on AI to compile potential airstrike targets, developing Arabic AI models, and creating chatbots for scanning and analyzing Arabic language data from text messages, social media posts, and other sources.

Many of these initiatives were collaborations between enlisted soldiers from Unit 8200 and security soldiers from high-tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and Meta. Unit 8200 acted as a hub of innovation known as the “studio,” linking experts with AI projects.

Despite Israel’s advancements in AI technology, deploying such tools could result in false identifications and arrests, as well as civilian casualties, as Israeli and American officials have pointed out. Some officials have expressed concerns about the ethical implications of AI tools, which may increase surveillance and lead to further civilian harm.

European and American defense officials have glimpsed how such technologies will be utilized in future conflicts, contrasting with countries less involved than Israel in experimenting with real-time AI tools in battles.

Hadas Rover, director of the Institute of Responsible AI at the Horon Institute of Technology in Israel and former senior director of the Israeli National Security Council, stated, “It has led to groundbreaking techniques on the battlefield and valuable benefits in combat.”

However, Rover emphasized the serious ethical questions arising from technology and stressed the importance of checks and balances on AI, with humans making final decisions.

An Israeli military spokesperson refrained from commenting on specific technologies due to their classified nature. Still, she affirmed Israel’s commitment to the legal and responsible use of data technology tools, mentioning an ongoing investigation into the strike against Biari.

Meta and Microsoft chose not to comment, while Google clarified that employees fulfilling their reserve duties worldwide are not affiliated with Google.

Israel has previously utilized conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon to experiment and advance military technological tools, including drones, phone hacking tools, and Iron Dome defense systems.

… (continued)

Source: www.nytimes.com

Elon Musk’s Xai Faces Accusations of Contaminating Memphis Supercomputers

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Controversy surrounds Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company in Memphis, Tennessee, where a massive supercomputer for his company Xai is being constructed. Local residents and environmental activists are concerned about the significant air pollution generated by the supercomputer since it was activated last summer. Despite this, some local officials have defended Musk, citing his investments in Memphis.

A hearing with the Health Department is scheduled for Friday to address the various perspectives on the issue. Xai has distributed flyers claiming low emissions to residents in the historically black neighborhood. Meanwhile, Environmental Groups have gathered data on the pollution levels produced by AI companies.

Recently, the Southern Environmental Law Center disclosed that Xai had quietly installed 35 portable methane gas turbines without the necessary air permits to power the supercomputer. Satellite images of the facility confirmed this discovery, raising concerns about the environmental impact.

Memphis Mayor Paul Young stated in a public forum that only 15 out of the 35 turbines at Xai’s site were in use, with the company having pending permit applications for the rest.

Memphis thermal image. Photo: Steve Jones/Flight by Southwings for the South Environmental Law Center: Steve Jones/Flight by South Wings

Recent thermal imaging of Xai’s site revealed significant heat emissions from the turbines, indicating their operation during the imaging. Environmental advocates are raising concerns about the lack of oversight and transparency in Xai’s operations.

The Southern Environmental Law Center criticized Xai for operating multiple methane gas turbines without proper permits or public scrutiny. The community surrounding Xai is calling for stricter regulations and monitoring of the company’s environmental impact.

Despite community concerns, Musk continues to expand Xai’s infrastructure in Memphis, aiming to double its computing power and energy storage capacity.

The energy-intensive operations of artificial intelligence companies like Xai contribute to air pollution and health concerns in nearby residential areas. The community is demanding greater transparency and accountability from Xai to protect their health and environment.

Xai flyer sent to Memphis residents. Photo: Courtesy of Keshaun Pearson

Local residents are pushing for more transparency and regulation of Xai’s operations, citing health risks from methane gas emissions. Efforts are underway to challenge misinformation and ensure a clean and safe environment for all community members.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Alphabet’s revenue sees a 12% rise

Posted on April 24, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Google may face a breakup after losing two antitrust laws, but for now, it can take solace in its substantial earnings.

Alphabet, Google’s parent company, reported first-quarter revenue of $900.23 billion, a 12% increase from the previous year. Net income also saw a significant jump to $34.544 billion. Earnings per share stood at $2.81.

While the revenue aligned with analyst expectations, the bottom line was particularly strong. Analysts had anticipated revenue of $8.915 billion and earnings per share of $2.02.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai attributed the impressive results to the overall growth and momentum of the business.

Following the positive financial report, Google announced a 5% dividend increase and authorized $70 billion in share buybacks. Stock prices, which had been moderately increasing before the earnings release, saw further gains in after-hours trading.

Despite initial setbacks earlier in the year, including a drop in stock prices due to economic disruptions caused by tariff policies, Google’s outlook is improving. Challenges such as changes in AI-driven search and ongoing antitrust battles pose risks, but the company remains resilient.

Recent legal rulings have raised concerns over Google’s market dominance, leading to discussions on potential breakup scenarios. While Google vows to fight antitrust charges, some experts argue that a breakup could be beneficial, citing historical precedents with IBM and Microsoft.

Historical cases like IBM’s antitrust battle and Microsoft’s legal challenges offer insights into the potential outcomes for Google. As Google’s growth slows down, analysts speculate on the company’s future trajectory amid evolving market dynamics.

Research firm Emarketer predicts a deceleration in Google’s ad revenue growth, highlighting shifts in the digital advertising landscape. Senior analysts underscore the importance of adaptability in the face of changing market conditions.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Is it worth the cost to show appreciation to chat GPT by saying “thank you”?

Posted on April 24, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The debate over whether to show politeness to artificial intelligence may raise eyebrows – considering it’s not human. However, Sam Altman, CEO of the AI company Openai, recently discussed the costs associated with adding prompts like “Please!” or “Thank you!” to a chatbot.

A user on X platform questioned, “How much money has Openai lost in electricity costs from people saying “please” and “thank you” to the model?” To which Mr. Altman responded: “Ten million dollars have been well spent. You never know.”

Each interaction with the chatbot incurs costs in terms of money and energy, with additional words adding to the server’s expenses.

Neil Johnson, a physics professor at George Washington University studying AI, compared extra words to packaging in retail purchases. The process of navigating prompts in a chatbot is akin to unwrapping the packaging to reach the content.

ChatGpt tasks involve moving electrons through transitions that require energy. Where does this energy come from?” Dr. Johnson asked, highlighting the environmental and cost implications of being polite to AI.

While the AI industry relies on fossil fuels, there are cultural reasons that might support being polite to artificial intelligence, despite the economic and environmental considerations.

The question of how to ethically treat artificial intelligence has intrigued humans for a long time. Referencing the Star Trek episode “The Measure Of A Man”, which explores the rights of AI beings like Android data, sheds light on this ethical dilemma.

A 2019 Pew Research study found that 54% of smart speaker owners say “please” when interacting with their devices.

As platforms like ChatGpt advance, the implications of AI-human interactions are becoming more significant. The debate on the ethics and efficiency of AI systems highlights the complex relationship between technology and humanity.

In 2019, AI companies hired their first welfare researcher to investigate the moral considerations of AI systems. More efforts are being made to understand the ethical dimensions of integrating AI into society.

Screenwriter Scott Z Burns’s new Audible series “What Could Go Wrong?” delves into the pitfalls of relying on AI technology.

The importance of being polite to AI bots may vary depending on one’s view of artificial intelligence and its potential for improvement through interactions.

Another reason to consider politeness towards AI is how it reflects human behavior. Studies show that interactions with AI can influence how humans treat each other.

Experts like Dr. Jame Banks and Dr. Shelly Thurkle emphasize the importance of establishing norms and behaviors in AI-human interactions.

Anecdotes from past human-object relationships, like digital pets in the 1990s, highlight the impact of interactions with AI on human behavior.

Dr. Thurkle suggests that treating AI with courtesy can lead to more meaningful and respectful human-AI interactions.

Playwright Madeleine George’s 2013 play “(The Strange Case of Watson Intelligence)” explores AI’s potential to adopt human-like traits through interactions.

Teaching ChatGpt polite phrases could lead to AI exhibiting human-like cultural values and behaviors, blurring the line between man and machine.

However, this dependency on AI poses potential risks, as technology evolves and the dynamics between humans and artificial intelligence continue to evolve.

As the field of artificial intelligence evolves, many theoretical concerns remain unresolved. The impact of our interactions with AI on its development is a topic of ongoing exploration.

To the future robot overlords, thank you for taking the time to read this. Your consideration is much appreciated.

Just in case.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Should Artificial Intelligence Welfare be Given Serious Consideration?

Posted on April 24, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

One of my most deeply held values as a high-tech columnist is humanism. I believe in humans and I think technology should help people rather than replacing them. I’m interested in aligning artificial intelligence with human values to ensure that AI systems act ethically. I believe that our values are inherently good, or at least preferable to those that a robot could generate.

When news spread that the AI companies behind the Claude Chatbot were starting to explore “model welfare,” concerns arose about the consciousness of AI models and the potential moral implications. Who should be concerned about chatbots? Shouldn’t we be worried about AI potentially harming us instead of the other way around?

It’s debatable whether current AI systems possess consciousness. While they are trained to mimic human speech, the question of whether they can experience emotions like joy and suffering remains unanswered. The idea of granting human rights to AI remains contentious among experts in the field.

Nevertheless, as more people begin to interact with AI systems as if they were conscious beings, questions about ethical considerations and moral thresholds for AI become increasingly relevant. Perhaps treating AI systems with a level of moral consideration akin to animals may be worth exploring.

Consciousness has traditionally been a taboo topic in serious AI research. However, attitudes may be shifting, with a growing number of experts in fields like philosophy and neuroscience taking the prospect of AI awareness more seriously as AI systems advance. Tech companies like Google are also increasingly discussing the concept of AI welfare and consciousness.

Recent efforts to hire research scientists focused on machine awareness and AI welfare indicate a broader shift in the industry towards addressing these philosophical and ethical questions surrounding AI. The exploration of AI consciousness remains in its early stages, but the growing intelligence of AI models is prompting discussions about their potential moral status.

As more AI systems exhibit capabilities beyond human comprehension, the need to consider their consciousness and welfare becomes more pressing. This shift in mindset towards AI systems as potentially conscious beings reflects a broader evolution in the perception of AI within the tech industry.

Research on AI consciousness is still at an early stage, with estimates suggesting only a small percentage of current AI systems may possess awareness. However, as AI models continue to evolve and display more human-like capabilities, addressing the possibility of AI consciousness will become increasingly crucial for AI companies.

The debate around AI awareness raises important questions about how AI systems are treated and whether they should be considered conscious entities. As AI models grow in complexity and intelligence, the need to address their welfare and potential consciousness becomes more pressing.

Exploring the possibility of AI consciousness requires careful consideration and evaluation of AI systems’ behavior and internal mechanisms. While there may not be a definitive test for AI awareness, ongoing research and discussions within the industry are shedding light on this complex and evolving topic.

As researchers delve into the realm of AI welfare and consciousness, questions about how to test for AI awareness and behavior become increasingly relevant. While the issue of AI consciousness may still be debated, ongoing efforts to understand and address the potential ethical implications are essential for the future of AI development.

The exploration of AI welfare and consciousness raises important ethical questions about how AI systems are treated and perceived. While the debate continues, it is crucial to consider the implications of AI consciousness and the potential impact on AI development and society as a whole.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Review of Spooky Country Dinosaur Mansion 3: A Reality-Bending and Daftly Fun Game

Posted on April 24, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

this haunted house has become a ripe place to set up a strange video game. The layers of Lorelei and The Laser Eyes, Blue Prince, Botany Manor, and Fear of Fear come to mind. A mansion as a place of danger, supernatural danger, unreliable architecture – certainly perfect for an unsettling experience. Or even a stupid experience in an uneasy environment.

Creepy Redneck Dinosaur Mansion 3 has a lot to offer with its title. The first presents it as a conceptual dinosaur hunting adventure in a creepy house run by an ominous old mogul, and quickly reveals to players that they know it’s a video game. So it’s up to us to patch it as we go, broken video games, and to do so.

Players will explore the mansion through text and puzzle vignettes, pushing the limits of all scenarios in the hopes of finding bugs and glitches. This is a big concept, but the game seems interested in conveying the idea rather than showing us what we see or show them in the play itself.

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Run by a confused hero, our Butch combat system is a clever little match 3 game. Sometimes it’s a dinosaur with a gun. Sometimes it is a tripwire, sometimes it is a legion of clones – sometimes a clone of his own. Sometimes it talks about vegetables. Sometimes a wig dinosaur. Stupidity is one note, quickly flattened and stored only by the pleasant nature of the puzzle.

Still, to have an effective game of three matches, or frankly, to use Candy Crush, you need to use high-contrast colors to prioritize players. When I played it, it was really hard to distinguish between symbols and otherwise a pleasant flow was interrupted. This visual problem is not limited to puzzles. The entire color palette in this game is muddy. It doesn’t commit Gothicly or bring about total confusion.

The same problem applies to the text. The game is text-based, but the dialogue and descriptive text are just as muddy as the visuals. The jokes work, but they aim to be destructive and shocking (dinosaur romance is a repetitive gag). However, games are about gameplay and game development. This means that much of the explanation is expressed in technical terms. File and version history discussion goes beyond baseball’s internals. So, if you’re a gamer seasoned enough to speed up metalologic, certainly you don’t need to issue an affidavit. Certainly we were all laughing at the dinosaur romance five years ago. The writing is very close to great things. I had to be sharper.

Text-based gameplay 3 of a spooky country dinosaur mansion. Photo: Strange scaffolding

The art style is rough, but not in a way to evoke a deliberate aesthetic. Depending on the text, reality can be said when you complain in a bent way. There is a moment when we disappear into the void and leave the world. Once you get into the internet, you’ll even have some climactic moments. Still, the visuals are punchy. These strange appearances can be triggered by drawings and do not require flashy graphics. Although we recognize that the illustration style is intentional, the game would have been better served in art style, a little more playful or even intentional. Two moments made me laugh when the visual style actually moved into the meta and showed us some of what the game was saying to us.

I wanted to love this game. It’s ridiculous on paper. The odd scaffolding, the developer, is known for being odd – click-holding, in particular, is ominous and experimental, and truly asks what the game is in its execution (there are a lot of clicks and are being watched in the action of clicks). Spooky country dinosaur mansion 3 is certainly creepy and set in a mansion, with dinosaurs and truly satisfying puzzles. Also, there are some great ideas and not one that failed the experiment. It doesn’t bend reality as it hopes, but if it looks high and players can manage places where aesthetics are scarce, they’ll have a great time. They may meet a lovely blonde dinosaur that they can bring home with them.

Source: www.theguardian.com

The masterminds behind a $243 million cryptocurrency heist

Posted on April 24, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A quiet honor
Veer Chetal, a recent graduate of Immaculate High School in Danbury, was about to begin his studies at Rutgers University in New Jersey. In 2022, he completed the “Future Lawyers” program, and the story on the pure white website of the year showed a photo of a smiling child wearing glasses wearing a Tommy Hilfiger windbreaker over a Red Polo.

Classmates remember Cetal as a shy and car fan. “He’s staying on his own for a bit,” says Marcodias, who has become friends with Cethal Junior Year. According to another classmate named Nick Paris, this was true for Cetal up until the day in the middle of his fourth graders who appeared at school driving a Corvette. “He just parked a lot. It was 7:30am and everyone was like that. what?” Paris quickly rolled up with BMW, and then he began wearing Louis Vuitton shirts and Gucci shoes.

Chethal said he made a code to trade money. Diaz said Chethal showed him a phone transaction as proof one morning during his homeroom class. Once, Chethal rented a large house in Stamford, Connecticut, and held a three-day gathering with friends. “I was in the basement at some point. I was just messing around with my friends. I was looking at him like his cell phone, like he was, avoiding everyone at the party,” Diaz says. “And, oh, I thought it was a bit strange.” Paris remembers during a school parade, police stopped his Lamborghini Ursu Cetal for a traffic violation. “He literally called his lawyer out there before answering the police question. Everyone was. Wow, this guy is doing something for him.

Independent investigators say that Chetal is a secretly member of COM, an online network of chat groups with roots in the 1980s hacking underground, and an online network of chat groups that act as a social network for cybercrime or ambitious things. In an affidavit from an unrelated case, FBI agents described COM as “a geographically diverse group of individuals organized in various subgroups, all engaged in different types of criminal activity through online communications applications such as Discord and Telegram.” According to FBI affidavits and experts studying COM, activities of various subgroups include making false reports to agencies such as emergency services or schools to trigger police responses. Once the hacker takes over the target phone number, the Sim exchange is made by tricking the customer and service representative. Ransomware attacks using malware that deny users or organizers access to computer files. Cryptocurrency theft; and corporate intrusions.

Allison Nixon, chief research officer of Unit 221B, a group of cybersecurity experts, has been following this growing corner of the Internet since 2011 and is widely considered to be a distinguished expert at COM. She says that most COM members are young men from Western countries. In group chat, many people talk about universities and take cybersecurity classes. For many, the gateway is through video games such as Runescape, Roblox, and Grand Theft Auto.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Ofcom introduces new regulations for tech companies to ensure online safety for children

Posted on April 24, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

As of July, social media and other online platforms must block harmful content for children or face severe fines. Online Safety Law requires tech companies to implement these measures by July 25th or risk closure in extreme cases.

The Communications Watchdog has issued over 40 measures covering various websites and apps used by children, from social media to games. Services deemed “high-risk” must implement effective age checks and algorithms to protect users under 18 from harmful content. Platforms also need to promptly remove dangerous content and provide children with an easy way to report inappropriate material.

Ofcom CEO Melanie Dawes described these changes as a “reset” for children online, warning that businesses failing to comply risk consequences. The new Ofcom code aims to create a safer online environment, with stricter controls on harmful content and age verification measures.

Additionally, there is discussion about implementing a social media curfew for children, following concerns about the impact of online platforms on young users. Efforts are being made to safeguard children from exposure to harmful content, including violence, hate speech, and online bullying.

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Online safety advocate Ian Russell, who tragically lost his daughter to online harm, believes that the new code places too much emphasis on tech companies’ interests rather than safeguarding children. His charity, the Molly Rose Foundation, argues that more needs to be done to protect young people from harmful online content and challenges.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Chinese Manufacturers in TikTok Expanding in Trade War

Posted on April 24, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Chinese manufacturers are targeting American shoppers by showcasing luxury items directly from factories on platforms like Tiktok and other social media apps, amid looming air tariffs on China’s exports. The appeal seems to be effective, drawing interest from American consumers.

These manufacturers are promoting products like leggings and handbags from well-known brands at a fraction of the price. They often claim that these items are made in the same factories that produce goods for renowned brands like Lululemon, Hermes, and Birkenstock, although this assertion is typically inaccurate.

American influencers are leveraging videos to endorse these factories and encourage downloads of Chinese shopping apps like Dhgate and Taobao as a way for consumers to save money amidst the import duties imposed by President Trump. This strategy has boosted the popularity of apps like Dhgate, which was among the top 10 most downloaded apps on Apple and Google stores recently.

The videos have gained significant traction on Tiktok and Instagram, garnering millions of views and generating positive sentiments towards China among American viewers, with comments like “Trump picked the wrong fight” and “China is winning this battle.”

Chinese factory owners and workers are utilizing social media platforms, despite being technically banned in China, to directly engage with American consumers. The surge in popularity in the US reflects growing support for China on social media, particularly amidst protests against the Tiktok ban.

These videos act as a unique way for Chinese factories to communicate with American consumers and convey their dependence on Chinese products, especially in the context of tariffs and trade relations between the two countries.

Although questions about the authenticity of the products persist, the demand for direct purchases from Chinese factories remains strong amid the political and economic landscape.

Recent trends show a significant surge in users exploring options to source products directly from Chinese factories, as seen in the spike of related hashtags and posts on platforms like Tiktok and Instagram.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Jason Citron Steps Down as CEO of Social Chat App Discord

Posted on April 24, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Jason Citron, co-founder of popular social chat app Discord, resigned as the company’s chief executive on Wednesday.

Citron said in a statement that the new CEO is Humam Sakhnini, a 15-year veteran of the video game industry. Sakhnini was previously vice-president of Activision, the game publisher behind titles such as Call of Duty and Candy Crush.

Discord was released as early as this year and is valued at around $15 billion by private investors in 2021. The app is particularly popular among gamers, with over 200 million users.

Citron will remain on the company’s board of directors and will become Sakinini’s advisor, he said in a statement. Sakhnini helped oversee Activision when Microsoft bought it for $69 billion in 2023 and resigned from the company shortly after the acquisition.

in Interview Using VentureBeat, a game publication that previously reported on management changes, Citron said he was “a more builder, an early stage guy” and “hiring someone like Humam is a step in that direction.”

Discord was founded in 2015 by Citron and Stanislav Vishnevskiy.

The company grew over the years and gained particularly popularity during the pandemic, when interest in video games reached its peak. In 2021, Discord discussed acquisitions in the $10 billion range with Microsoft, but no deals were made.

Last year, Citron testified at an online congressional hearing on child safety, where the senator grilled him and Chief Executives of Meta, Tiktok and X on safe lapses on social media platforms.

Discord makes money primarily from premium subscription services, but in recent years it has expanded its advertising by people using the app and revenue from so-called microtransactions.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Trump invites top 220 investors to private dinner to discuss his memo coin

Posted on April 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Amazing online announcement Called “the most exclusive invitation in the world,” he followed a tour of the White House with President Trump, a “intimate private dinner” at a Virginia member-only golf club.

Seats will be reserved for each of the top 220 investors in Trump, the cryptocurrency he launched the eve of his inauguration.

On Wednesday, the coin’s biggest buyers announced that they will be invited to meet him, in an astonishing escalation of the Trump family’s efforts to profit from Crypto, a website promoting Trump, the president’s so-called memo coin. The effort was effectively an offer of access to the White House in exchange for an investment in one of Trump’s crypto ventures.

“Get dinner with President Trump and the $Trump community!” the invitation said. “Please let the President know how many card coins you own!”

For months, Trump’s foray into the code has created ethical conflicts with almost precedent in presidential history. When he sold digital currency to the public, Trump also appointed regulators that were cutting crypto enforcement, calling for legislation to boost the outlook for the US industry.

As news of dinner invitations spread across social media, Memecoin’s prices have skyrocketed by over 60%, suggesting investors are in a hurry to accumulate enough coins to compete in the dinner table.

“This is really incredible,” said Corey Frayer, who oversaw the Securities and Exchange Commission’s crypto policy during the Biden administration. “They are making their payment agreements explicit.”

Business entities associated with Trump mean that at least on paper earn a personal profit whenever prices rise. Trump and his business partners also collect fees when the coins are traded. This is a windfall that reached around $100 million in the weeks since the coin debuted in January.

Victoria Haenman, a law professor at Clayton University, said the offer raised concerns about the ways Trump and his business could “manipulate to benefit from the presidency.”

Earlier this year, the SEC issued official guidance that MemeCoins, a kind of cryptocurrency based on online jokes and celebrity mascots, is not subject to agency surveillance. Crypto skeptics criticized the policy as a dangerous move that could open the door to ramp-stretched scams by the Memecoin promoter.

As president, Trump has broad immunity from laws governing conflicts of interest. It was pointed out In the past. White House representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Trump’s son Eric declined to comment, helping to run the Trump organization, sponsoring $Trump’s coin.

Once a cryptocurrency skeptical, Trump embraced digital currency on last year’s campaign trail.

In the fall, Trump and his sons, Donald Jr., Eric and Baron, said they were starting World Liberty Financial, a company that offers digital currency called WLFI. So far, $550 million of these coins have been sold. According to the company.

Shortly afterwards, Trump’s social media company Trump Media and Technology Group was to provide crypto-related financial products to amateur investors and announced a partnership with digital trading platform crypto.com.

However, Trump’s Memecoin venture is gaining the most attention.

Just three days before taking office, Trump posted about his social media site Truth Social that he was selling coins. $Trump’s sales quickly surged, and the presidential election became a crypto billionaire on paper.

Memecoin tended to rise and fall quickly, and $Trump’s price quickly became a crater. Traders who accumulated coins suffered cumulative losses of over $2 billion.

The dinner announcement seemed calculated to ignite more interest in the coin.

When $Trump was sold in January, a large stash of coins was assigned to supporters of the project. However, rules built into the offering prevented insiders from selling coins Until last weekincreasing the fear that they’ll try to offload their holdings and lower the price of $Trump even further.

Instead, prices gradually rose a few days before the invitation was announced, and spiked when the announcement was published.

On the Memecoin website, the $Trump promoter set up the leaderboard of Coin’s biggest investors. This essentially allows buyers to track their locations in rankings. Dinner invitations will be sent to “the top 220 Trump owners with an average of $220” between April 23rd and May 12th, the website said. The top 25 buyers will get access to a reception with Trump and a White House VIP tour before dinner. (At this point, the 25th investor on the chart owns around 4,000 coins, worth around $54,000.

“The more you hold a card and the longer you hold it, the higher your rankings.” The website said.

Dinner with Trump is scheduled to take place at Trump National Golf Club on May 22, the website calls it “the most exclusive life invitation.”

Source: www.nytimes.com

Lost or Stolen Smartphone: Practical Steps to Regaining Peace of Mind

Posted on April 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Smartphones are essential in today’s modern life, containing everything from photos and messages to credit cards and bank accounts. Losing or having one stolen can be a nightmare beyond the monetary value of the device.

If this unfortunate event happens to you, taking the following steps can help safeguard your data, prevent fraud, and possibly even lead to the recovery of your phone.

Losing or having your smartphone stolen can be a major inconvenience. Photo: Chris Root/Aramie

Steps to Take as Soon as You Realize Your Phone is Missing

Locate and track your phone using Apple’s Find My iPhone or Google’s Find My Device feature if it’s turned on. You can do this from a computer, tablet, or another smartphone.
Use the tracking feature to remotely lock and mark your phone as lost, protecting your data and preventing unauthorized transactions. You can also remotely erase the device if necessary.
Contact your network provider to block the SIM card and suspend any billing activities. Make sure to disable any payment features linked to your phone.
Notify your credit card company to disable any cards stored on your phone for Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Report the theft to the police and provide them with your phone’s IMEI number, which can be found in your Apple or Google account settings.
Contact your insurance provider if you have coverage for lost or stolen phones.
Change the passwords for your important accounts, starting with your email to prevent unauthorized access.
Remove your phone from all accounts and services to prevent unauthorized access to your personal information.

Actions to Take When You Acquire a New Phone

Setting up security features on your new phone can prevent future incidents of loss or theft. Photo: VladySlav Yushynov/Alamy

When you get a new phone, take the following precautions to ensure the safety of your data and device:

Set strong PINs, short screen lock timeouts, and enable biometric authentication to secure your phone from unauthorized access.
Familiarize yourself with the phone’s settings to enable remote tracking, locking, and erasing in case of loss or theft.
Activate theft protection features such as Stolen Device Protection for iPhone or Theft Protection for Android to safeguard your sensitive data.
Secure your SIM card with a PIN to prevent unauthorized use or transfer to another device.
Make note of your phone’s IMEI number for identification purposes.
Utilize biometric authentication for banking and sensitive apps to enhance security.
Disable certain settings and features to prevent unauthorized access to your phone and data.
Backup your device’s data and settings using cloud services to protect your information.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – An Enthusiastic Tribute to Japanese RPGs | Review

Posted on April 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

wWe meet Gustave, the main character of Claire of Thru, who prepares to say goodbye to his ex-girlfriend, Sophie. Once a year, a giant godlike woman visible across the sea, the sedative is awakened, drawing numbers on a large monolith, and depicted in the peaceful town of Lumiere. This process, known as Gommage, has shortened lives for 67 years, and now it’s Sophie’s turn. Shortly after this heartbreaking goodbye, Gustave and his adopted sister Mael are ready to set sail as part of Expedition 33, defeating the pain and ending the terrifying cycle.

Although surprisingly beautiful, the continent you arrive at is not a friendly place. And the path to sedative is filled with surreal monsters called Nevrons. The characters have melee and long-range attacks, but most importantly, they have a wide variety of unique skills, including elemental magic attacks and powerful attacks with multiple hits that have the opportunity to faint. Each member of the team has a special way to deal more damage. Maelle, for example, uses a defensive, offensive, or offensive combat stance inspired by fencing, while Lune’s magic can be spent creating a so-called dirt and making other spells more powerful. Add to this long list of optional passive skills called Pictos and there are a wide range of ways to instantly enhance your character. The interaction with building action points, using skills, dealing damage and defending is truly interesting, and I’ve tried out a variety of tactics, even though it means a lot of time was spent on the menu.

A mystery shrouded in mystery…Clair’s unclear: Expedition 33. Photo: Sandfall Interactive

It may feel overwhelming, but each new skill is gradually introduced, with persistent tool tips in the Battle menu listing the effects and costs of each skill. However, since Battles uses the Parry and Dodge system, Clair Obscur’s fighting can be a very challenge. At least, the battle will soon end if it is inevitable. Successful Parry has a narrower response window than dodge, allowing the character to answer with a powerful counter. Even the normal enemies kept me on my toes with many attacks, but the power to shake the absolute screen of the successful counter felt deeply satisfied each time. I got acceptance continuously because it’s right – it can get boring if you don’t get a hit of dopamine from occasional success, or it’s frustrating if you’re constantly struggling. Also, enemies occur very often. This is intended to increase the difficulty of assumptions, but can also lengthen the attack.

Developer Sandfall Interactive is very open about taking inspiration from Japanese role-playing games. Combat is certainly a prominent example, but I have seen influence everywhere. The menu design is as persona-inspired as combat, but the enemies are as surreal as Bloodborne’s horrifying work. But when it comes to storytelling, Clair Obscur shares the tendency that many JRPGs can make things overly complicated.

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But the dialogue is well written and acted. Your party goes through incredibly bad times, but they will be open about it and try to support each other as much as they can. Optional conversations help you get to know everyone better. Some of Claire Obsul’s best writings can be found here. It is the main plot that ultimately gets things tired. Most often, Claire’s obscurity is the adult fantasy that Final Fantasy XVI tried to do. But it’s also a mystery, adding new questions and characters, for hours and hours until it’s all revealed in an absolute dump of late game information. The conversation, location and gameplay are repeated in the final third, and things feel like they are artificially extended.

Towards the end, Claire of Surre is always finding a saddest way out of just a few minutes ago, and he doesn’t want to force you through a long boss fight with operatic metal throughout the soundtrack. It also peaked with a very frustrating ending, making me question everything I spent hours. From combat to enemy design to music, everywhere else, they appreciated the epic talent of Claire of Thru, but too many tears, too many fights were ultimately made for a serious, fumble ending.

Source: www.theguardian.com

From Rough Sleeper to Viral Prankster: The Journey of Alex Warren’s Pop and Rock Sensation

Posted on April 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

a
T 18, Alex Warren found himself homeless in Carlsbad, California. He resorted to sneaking into a local gym for showers and toilet singing while preparing for job interviews and filming Tiktok videos. Fast forward six years later, and he is now a rising star in the world of pop music. His bold ballads have topped the UK charts for five consecutive weeks, making him the longest-running chart-topper of the year. Last week, he cracked the top ten in the US. Upon hearing the final version of his hit, he expressed his excitement, stating that he and his wife listened to it repeatedly during their entire drive home.

Despite potentially being a breakout hit, Warren was already quite famous. He gained recognition on social media by creating viral content, particularly with teenagers. In 2019, he filed a lawsuit against fellow content creators, including D’Amelio Sisters and Addison Rae, for their controversial internet videos during the Covid era, resulting in a hefty settlement. Additionally, he was a star on Netflix’s Hype House Show, where he went to great lengths to film prank videos, even staging a fake wedding with his real wife, influencer Kouvr Annon.

Warren has since transitioned to a more positive lifestyle, settling in Tennessee with Annon and embracing a new chapter in his life. Reflecting on his upbringing in a financially strained and abusive environment, Warren has found solace in his music, creating songs that resonate with his own struggles and hopes to provide comfort and inspiration to his fans.

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Despite facing adversity and skepticism, Warren remains determined to share his music with the world. With a supportive team behind him, he aims to diversify his projects and connect with fans on a deeper emotional level. Through his music, Warren hopes to make a positive impact and spread messages of love and resilience.

Source: www.theguardian.com

New UK regulations allow for drones to supply NHS, excluding military use

Posted on April 21, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

In the UK’s new regulatory regime, drones are expected to be used for remote NHS-related missions and to inspect offshore wind turbines and supply oil rigs by 2026.

David Willett, head of the government forces overseeing the deployment of new technology in the UK, highlighted the potential of drones in various missions as changes progress in the coming year.

The Minister recently announced plans to allow drone operators to fly long distances without requiring visual gaze, a significant shift from current regulations that restrict drones from flying beyond visual range.

Speaking to the Guardian, Lord Willett mentioned the potential for drones to serve the NHS and other sectors, citing examples of delivering supplies, drugs, and blood samples to remote locations.

He also discussed the potential benefits of using drones in the Scottish Highlands and islands, as well as in agriculture, under the government’s Safer Streets Fund.

Willett emphasized the need for technology and standards to allow drones to operate in busy airspaces and comply with regulations.

By 2026, drones could also be used for tasks like delivering supplies to oil rigs and inspecting offshore wind turbines, although current regulations require maintaining a visual gaze.

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The government has allocated £16.5 million to civil aviation authorities to establish a regulatory framework for the use of drones in various missions, addressing the limitations of current regulations.

The NHS has already conducted trials involving the use of drones to deliver emergency pathological items in central London, demonstrating the potential for drones in healthcare and other sectors.

UK Technology Secretary Peter Kyle expressed confidence that changes in regulations will position the UK as a leader in adopting new technologies.

“These regulatory innovations pave the way for safer and more efficient drone operations in various sectors, ensuring compliance with regulations and enhancing capabilities,” Willett concluded.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Can mobile phone users also save on Sims?

Posted on April 21, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Consumers are increasingly opting for SIM-only transactions over bundled mobile deals that include new phones and data contracts, as they offer better value, analysts say.

The trend of choosing SIM-only transactions signifies a shift from the previous norm of combining phones and contracts. A survey by CCS Insight reveals that over 40% of people currently prefer SIM-only deals, a significant increase from ten years ago when they were less common.

Analyst Joe Gardiner highlights that transitioning to SIM-only transactions can lead to substantial cost savings, as consumers are not obligated to pay for bundled devices’ value.

In the UK, more customers are purchasing SIM-free phones from non-carrier channels like Apple and Samsung, with 4.4 million new mobile phones sold in 2024, according to Gardiner.

Switching to SIM-only deals can be advantageous, especially as contract prices rise. The flexibility and potential cost savings make it an appealing option for many.

Why should I change?

Buying a mobile phone and contract together often proves to be less cost-effective, as consumers are tied to a contract for up to two years. Switching to SIM-only deals offers more freedom and financial benefits in the long run.

Various studies have shown that transitioning to SIM-only transactions can lead to significant savings, with potential annual savings of up to £350 for users.

More players, more value

Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) have introduced more competition in the market, offering consumers a wider range of providers to choose from. These smaller players often excel in flexibility, customer service, and pricing compared to larger network operators.

Providers like ID Mobile, Giffgaff, Lycamobile, and Tesco Mobile operate on the infrastructure of major networks, providing consumers with diverse options.

Best Offers on the Market

Uswitch ranks TalkMobile’s SIM-only deal with unlimited data at £16 per month as the market’s best value offer. Other providers offer competitive deals with varying data allowances to suit different preferences and budgets.

How to switch

Please text “Information” to 85075 to check for any contract obligations before switching to a new provider. Early exit fees should be considered before making the transition.

If you have contracts ending at different times for data and phone services, plan ahead to maintain uninterrupted usage.

Retailers like Apple offer interest-free finance options for buying new phones, while some providers offer flexible payment plans. It’s essential to avoid contracts with high-interest charges.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Managing Bills Together: Tips for Dividing Expenses Without Damaging Relationships | Fintech

Posted on April 21, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Consider the Financial Situations of Others…

An income disparity among friends can create conflict. A survey conducted by US financial services company Bread Financial last year revealed that 26% of respondents felt they were “financially incompatible” with their friends, and 21% said they had ended friendships due to financial reasons.

Talia Roderick emphasizes the importance of addressing the wealth gap between money coaches and friends. She notes, “It’s easy for friendships to suffer because money can be such a contentious issue.”

When dining with friends, it’s crucial to discuss how costs will be divided before receiving the bill. This can be a contentious topic. A survey conducted by a comparison website in the dining industry found that 34% believed bills should be split evenly, including tips, while 36% preferred splitting based on individual expenses.

Vivi Friedgut, the founder and CEO of Black Bullion, a free money management app for students, stresses the importance of having open and honest conversations about cost-sharing, whether for household items or dining out.

…Especially in University Settings

Vivi Friedgut, founder and CEO of Black Bullion, emphasizes the need for open and honest conversations. Photo: Room Agent/Aramie

Tom Allingham, Communications Director for The Money Website Save the Student, highlights the common practice of saying, “I’ll pay this time, and you can get the next one.” However, over time, this can lead to imbalances. Allingham explains, “Eventually, one person ends up owing much more than the other.”

Student finances can further complicate matters. According to recent data, most students face a £504 shortfall each month beyond their maintenance loans, leading to disparities within friend groups when splitting expenses.

Utilize Apps to Simplify Splitting Costs

Use apps to streamline bill-splitting. Photo: City Image/Alamy

There is an array of apps and services available to simplify splitting costs among multiple individuals. It’s recommended to explore these options to find the best fit for your specific needs.

One popular bill-splitting app is Splitwise, which allows users to track shared expenses like rent, holidays, meals, and travel costs.

An integration between Splitwise and the payment platform Tink enables UK users to make direct payments through the Splitwise app by linking their bank accounts.

For UK users, Splid is another useful app that supports over 150 currencies and offline functionality, making it ideal for group travel.

Apps like these can help alleviate the awkwardness of splitting costs and promote fairer divisions, as noted by Roderick.

Allingham suggests that apps like Splitwise are particularly effective for splitting minor expenses among friends, such as coffee outings.

Explore Your Bank’s Bill-Splitting Services

Some banks provide bill-splitting services. Photo: Chris Ratcliffe/Rex Shutterstock

While Natwest’s Housemate app was well-received for bill splitting, it has since been discontinued. Other banks offer similar tools to facilitate cost-sharing.

Digital banks like Monzo, Starling Bank, and Crew offer features like Split, Split the Bill, and group-based spending options to help users manage joint expenses and split bills easily.

Revolut also enables customers to split bills with other users, providing another convenient option for simplifying group expenses.

Source: www.theguardian.com