Tag Archives: curb

Ofcom Calls on Social Media Platforms to Combat Fraud and Curb Online ‘Pile-Ons’

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New guidelines have urged social media platforms to curtail internet “pile-ons” to better safeguard women and girls online.

Ofcom, Britain’s communications regulator, implemented guidance on Tuesday aimed at tackling misogynistic abuse, coercive control, and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, with a focus on minimizing online harassment of women.

The measures imply that tech companies will limit the number of responses to posts on platforms like X, a strategy Ofcom believes will lessen incidents where individual users are inundated with abusive responses.


Additional measures proposed by Ofcom include utilizing databases of images to prevent the non-consensual sharing of intimate photos—often referred to as ‘revenge porn’.

The regulator advocates for “hash matching” technology that helps platforms remove disputed images. This system cross-references user-reported images or videos with a database of illegal content, transforming them into “hashes” or digital identifiers, enabling the identification and removal of harmful images.

These recommendations were put forth under the Online Safety Act (OSA), a significant law designed to shield children and adults from harmful online content.

While the advice is not obligatory, Ofcom is urging social media companies to follow it, announcing plans to release a report in 2027 assessing individual platforms’ responses to the guidelines.

The regulator indicated that the OSA could be reinforced if the recommendations are not acted upon or prove ineffective.

“If their actions fall short, we will consider formally advising the government on necessary enhancements to online safety laws,” Ofcom stated.

Dame Melanie Dawes, Ofcom’s chief executive, has encountered “shocking” reports of online abuse directed at women and girls.


Melanie Dawes, Ofcom’s chief executive. Photo: Zuma Press Inc/Alamy

“We are sending a definitive message to tech companies to adhere to practical industry guidance that aims to protect women from the genuine online threats they face today,” Dawes stated. “With ongoing support from our campaigners, advocacy groups, and expert partners, we will hold companies accountable and establish new benchmarks for online safety for women and girls in the UK.”

Ofcom’s other recommendations suggest implementing prompts to reconsider posting abusive content, instituting “time-outs” for frequent offenders, and preventing misogynistic users from generating ad revenue related to their posts. It will also allow users to swiftly block or mute several accounts at once.

These recommendations conclude a process that started in February, when Ofcom conducted a consultation that included suggestions for hash matching. However, more than a dozen guidelines, like establishing “rate limits” on posts, are brand new.

Internet Matters, a nonprofit organization dedicated to children’s online safety, argued that governments should make the guidance mandatory, cautioning that many tech companies might overlook it. Ofcom is considering whether to enforce hash matching recommendations.

Rachel Huggins, co-chief executive of Internet Matters, remarked: “We know many companies will disregard this guidance simply because it is not legally binding, leading to continued unacceptable levels of online harm faced by women and girls today.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

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

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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

“Curb Your Enthusiasm” Stars Dive into 120 Episodes of Cringe-Worthy Content in This Week’s Top Podcasts

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This week's picks

Late fragment
Wide range of weekly episodes available
This introspective and thoughtful show interviews people in their 80s about politics, religion, sex and money. Its outstanding line-up includes Neil Kinnock, Miriam and Margolyes, and Proulis. The first episode of our latest series is a wide-ranging conversation with humanitarian Terry Waite. This is a thoughtful look at his homelessness situation, his economic situation, and what it was like to spend his five years in chains and in total solitary confinement. Alexi Duggins

drink champion
Wide range of weekly episodes available
If you're looking for a quick listen, the latest episode of this loud, alcohol-filled series isn't for you. But if he has more than three hours to spend in conversation with the likes of Grandmaster Flash and Ludacris (below) with his MC Noah and DJ EFN of Hip Hop, it's a lively laugh into the Golden Age of Hip Hop. It will be a journey filled with. advertisement

Ludacris, Guest of Drink Champs. Photo: Mario Anzuoni/Reuters

real black history
Wide range of weekly episodes available
Francesca Ramsey and Conscious Lee shed light on the lesser-known figures who have shaped black culture beyond Martin Luther King Jr., and engage in many fascinating discussions. The excellent first episode focuses on the women of the Black Panther Party, including Assata Shakur, a fugitive targeted by the FBI who maintains her innocence. Hannah Verdier

hidden 20%
Wide range of weekly episodes available
A neurodivergent mind can lead to great creativity, as evidenced by Seedlip entrepreneur Ben Brunson, who was diagnosed with autism and ADHD as an adult. He currently hosts a podcast to change people's perceptions of his 20% who don't fit the neurotypical classification. Guests including actor Kit Harington, vocal coach Carey Grant, and athlete Adele Tracy will bring their insights. HV

A history of curbing enthusiasm
Wide range of weekly episodes available
After 23 years, the final series of Curb has just begun. That's why two of its stars, Jeff Garlin and Susie Essman, are celebrating with a rewatch podcast that rewinds it all the way to the beginning. In fact, in the first episode, Larry David talks about pre-pilot development. A must-listen for avid fans. Holly Richardson

There's a podcast for that

Mary Robinson, host of Mothers of Invention. Photo: Murdo MacLeod/The Guardian

this week, nima job Our picks for the 5 best podcasts on climate crisisfrom the positive changes we can make as individuals to combat the crisis, to the impact on Indigenous communities.

Pre-drilled
From award-winning investigative journalist Amy Westervelt's exclusive season focusing on Namibia's growing oil reserves to Guyana's oil boom that is creating more economic uncertainty for the general public (not to mention rising sea levels) , which delves into the most pressing issues surrounding the climate crisis. . Amy explores the complexities that arise when a country faces both climate change and poverty simultaneously.

mothers of invention
In this fascinating podcast, Mary Robinson (above), Ireland's first female president, shares the microphone with comedian Maeve Higgins and series producer Timari Kodikara. The all-female case leaves no room for debate as to whether men are primarily responsible for the climate crisis. Each episode spotlights a heroic brown, black, and indigenous woman taking on the challenges facing our planet. The trio also give airtime to concerns young people have about how the climate crisis will affect their future prospects. The show features a wide range of guests, from female climate change activists like Diara Tucano to U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders.

I'm curious about the climate
If you're feeling confused and unprepared to discuss the climate crisis and its potential impact on your life, this TEDxLondon podcast hosted by Mariam Pasha and Ben Hurst is perfect for you. It's a learning tool. The show demystifies unfamiliar climate terminology, dissects climate issues with expert interviews, celebrates Pride, explores queer ecology, and explores intersex birds and transsexual fish. shed light on the world.

climate of change
Climate of Change doesn't have a huge back catalogue, but its six episodes make for a short and sweet listening experience. Guests include Hollywood veteran Cate Blanchett and clean energy economy entrepreneur Danny Kennedy, as well as Prince William, fashion activist Livia Firth and Don't Look Up director Adam McKay. Appear. Despite highlighting the dire challenges facing our planet, this podcast maintains an optimistic tone while providing insight into the important work being done.

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good together
Hosted by sustainability expert Laura Alexander Wittig, this podcast gives listeners the tools to make a difference in mitigating the climate crisis. In each weekly episode, she learns about terms like “circular economy” and discovers practical tips for incorporating eco-friendly habits into your daily life. Wittig covers a wide range of topics, from sustainable spring cleaning to the environmental impact of her streaming services. If you want to contribute to positive change, this is the perfect podcast to inspire you to channel your inner climate hero.

For more Guardian reporting on the environment and the climate crisis, sign up here to receive the Down to Earth newsletter every Thursday.

Why not try it…

  • collection of memories This production takes you on a journey across Canada, from a Viking-era Norse settlement in Newfoundland to the ruins of a sacred Haida village in Gwaii Harnas. Each episode explores new locations and stories that help us understand our complicated past.

  • Comedians Kiri Pritchard-McLean and Eshild Sears travel across Wales, sampling local food and drink, famous landmarks and talking to local characters. pod of wales.

  • in Small efforts are prohibitedIn , theologian and professor Lee C. Camp, along with guests including actor Martin Sheen, examines what makes a good life possible.

If you want to read the full newsletter, subscribe to receive Listen Here in your inbox every Thursday.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Utilize Arduino to investigate Indian manufacturing and curb the sale of counterfeit products

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Arduino is considering manufacturing in India. The startup, best known for its open source microcontroller boards, wants to limit the rise in counterfeit boards and meet growing demand from India’s youth.

The Italian company is currently exploring partnerships with electronic manufacturing services (EMS) companies in South Asia to start local production as early as the first quarter of next year, CEO Fabio Violante said in a virtual interview. told TechCrunch. This marks a significant change from the company’s current practice of producing all its boards in Italy.

India is the largest market for Arduino IDE downloads with 3.2 million. The country also has local branches of global Arduino distributors such as DigiKey, Mouser Electronics, and Avnet. However, India’s contribution to the customer base is currently less than 1%. Violante believes that her fake Arduino board is the main reason for this discrepancy.

“The strange situation for us in India is that even though the community is very large and the user base of the Arduino IDE is very large, we have no original product to sell to the Indian market, especially because people can’t afford the original product. “The amount is very small because finished electronic products are subject to high import duties,” he said. “So people mainly buy substitute products or clones, and in some cases those counterfeit products are made in China.”

Arduino clones are currently available for less than half the price of the original board. The latter also includes import duties. Therefore, by starting local manufacturing, Arduino will be selling its boards in India at the same low prices as their Chinese counterparts.

However, the problem with cloned boards is not limited to India, Biollante acknowledged, adding that the company currently sells one original board for every five to six clones in the market.

“This is difficult because we are open source and we make money by selling our original hardware,” he said. “So clones and counterfeits are a big part of the market.”

Arduino is trying to address the problem of counterfeit boards around the world by making its hardware more sophisticated and harder to counterfeit.

“Continuous innovation gives us a competitive edge,” Biollante said. “[The new boards] It uses a more sophisticated microcontroller, a more sophisticated power section that is not as easy to copy and paste. ”

The executive was in New Delhi last week to attend an investor-focused event organized by state agency Invest India, where he met with government officials and members of parliament, including India’s Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar. did.

To compete with China, India has been offering cashbacks and subsidies to global manufacturers to become production hubs. As a result, the country’s domestic electronics manufacturing increased by more than 111% to $99 billion in fiscal year 2022-23, from $47 billion in 2017-18, according to government data shared in parliament last week. However, most of this is due to growth in local mobile phone manufacturing. The country is already the second largest manufacturer of mobile phones, with Indian-made handsets accounting for more than 99% of domestic mobile phone sales. The government wants to expand local production not just for mobile phone assembly, but also for components including displays and semiconductors.

Violante told TechCrunch that Arduino is currently considering both large international EMS companies and small local companies in India that specialize in manufacturing electronic circuit boards and development boards.

The executive indicated that the company may initially consider making a $27 product. Uno R4 WiFi It was launched globally earlier this year. It aims to appeal to the masses with specifications such as a 32-bit Cortex M4 processor, 32KB RAM, and 256KB flash storage. However, over time, it may start producing the enterprise-oriented Pro series model that was launched last year.

Violante said Arduino is also looking to work with educational institutions in India to increase brand awareness among students and become part of local curricula. Additionally, partnerships with research institutions help the company connect with companies that collaborate with those institutions. The company already has a partnership with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in the US, and plans to expand that partnership in India as well. Furthermore, Arduino specifically plans to cater to local demand, and its initial start in the country means that, unlike many other startups, it does not rely on China for manufacturing, so over time it will grow locally. There is a possibility that the company will move towards exporting the manufactured boards to other countries.

Source: techcrunch.com