No, the founder of MoneySavingExpert and well known money saving expert Martin Lewis, is not dead, despite fake adverts to the contrary
TECHNOLOGY POWERING BUSINESS
February 2020
Google Seeks Huawei Trade Exemption – Report
Google has reportedly applied for a trade exemption licence from the US government, so it can continue working with Huawei
Facebook Cancels F8 Developer Conference Over Coronavirus
As shares on Wall Street and global market continue to tumble, Facebook cancels its annual developer conference due to coronavirus concerns
UK Readies ‘National Cyber Force’ To Tackle Terrorists, Hostile Nations
Specialist 'National Cyber Force' for the United Kingdom to be launched in the spring to tackle hostile nation states and terror groups
Microsoft Warns Of Coronavirus Impact
Redmond does not expect to meet its guidance for sales of Windows and Surface devices due to the coronavirus outbreak
Facial Recognition Firm Clearview AI Hacked
Privacy compromise. American company that has a database of more than three billion photographs of people has been hacked
Nokia At Centre Of Merger Speculation – Report
Media report that Nokia is exploring its strategic options including asset sales or mergers, triggers rise in share price
Redcar Council Still Crippled By Ransomware Attack
Pen and paper still being used. Northern local council admits its IT systems are still down, 19 days after a ransomware attack
Apple Shareholders Vote On Chinese App Removal Policies
Apple's policy to obey Chinese government orders to remove certain apps from its App Store in China is facing a shareholder vote
Google To Spend Billions On US Data Centres
Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai confirms plan to spend $10 billion in 2020 on Google data centres and offices across the United States
NTSB Slams Tesla’s Autopilot Safeguard, Blames Regulator Oversight
Tesla and US safety regulators criticised over a lack of safeguards in a fatal 2018 Autopilot crash by US National Transportation Safety Board
AI and Public Standards
As the Committee on Standards in Public Life release their awaited report considering AI and its impact on the delivery of services, can government services leverage the power of AI safely and securely?
US Supreme Court Rejects Apple Appeal Against VirnetX
Bad news for Apple, as the US Supreme Court rejects iPad maker's appeal against a $440m patent infringement financial penalty
Met Boss: Facial Recognition Less Concerning Than Knife In Chest
The United Kingdom's most senior police officer Cressida Dick has strongly defended the use of facial recognition by police forces
Mozilla Turns On DoH By Default For US Firefox Users
Mozilla Foundation has turned on its privacy feature called DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) for American users of the Firefox browser
Mexico’s Economy Ministry Suffers Cyber-attack At Weekend
Mexican government department detected a cyber-attack on some of its servers on Sunday, but insists sensitive data was not compromised
Samsung Admits Rogue Alert Resulted In Data Breach
Breach admission. Samsung now admits its rogue alert last week in its Find My Mobile app resulted in some users seeing other people's data
HP $15 Billion Share Buyback To Thwart Xerox Advances
HP board announces 'financial value creation plan' that will see it buy back billions in shares, to defeat Xerox's offer that 'meaningfully undervalues HP'
5G Wireless Networks Ruled Safe By Ofcom
5G networks well within safety limits. Testing by UK regulator Ofcom of 16 5G base stations in the UK find no identifiable risks for people's health
Brazil Launches Nationwide Instant Payments System
Brazil's central reserve bank set to offer instant payments infrastructure as basis for private services aimed at companies and individual consumers
FinTech Part 2: Building the FinTech Ecosystem
How are FinTech companies innovating? What's the tech that sits behind the development of their apps and support networks, and what these advancements might mean for wider industries and consumers.
Latest SpaceX Funding Round Could Value Company At £28bn
Elon Musk's rocket company looks to raise additional $250m as it builds satellite broadband network, NASA orbital vehicle and Mars transporter
Uber To Relaunch Self-Driving Vehicle Tests In California
Uber gradually resumes tests of autonomous vehicles after 2018 fatality, as self-driving car companies face increasing pressure to show path to viability
US State Sues Google For ‘Illegally Gathering Data On Children’
Federal lawsuit by US state of New Mexico accuses Google of illegally gathering students' data via G Suite for Education products and Chromebooks
Researchers Use AI To Find New Type Of Antibiotic
MIT researchers use machine learning to pinpoint molecule capable of killing drug-resistant bacteria in approach said to usher in a 'new age'
US Renews Pressure On UK Over Huawei In 5G Networks
Senior US officials say they will continue to work with the UK over finding 5G alternatives, following decision to allow Huawei a limited role in 5G networks
US Bill To Clamp Down On End-To-End Encryption
US lawmakers intend to introduce bill in coming weeks that could clamp down on tech firms offering their users end-to-end encryption protection
Expansion For HAPS Alliance For High Altitude Connectivity
Telcos, tech, and aviation firms join alliance that seeks to utilise stratosphere for telecommunications and broadband connectivity
US DoD Department Hacked And Data Compromised
Combat support agency of the Pentagon has been hacked, exposing the personal data of roughly 200,000 people it has been revealed
Russia’s GRU Blamed For Huge Cyberattack On Georgia
The United Kingdom and the United States have called out Russia's campaign of “unacceptable cyberattacks against Georgia”
Foxconn ‘Cautiously Resuming’ Chinese Factory Production
World's largest contract manufacturer Foxconnn announces that its mainland factories are 'cautiously resuming China output'
UK Google Accounts To Be Placed Under US Jurisdiction
Change of terms of service will see British Google accounts moved out from Irish (European Union) control and placed within US jurisdiction
Samsung Sent Mysterious Alert To Users Overnight
Samsung admits it accidentally sent an alert to thousands of its devices worldwide in the early hours of Thursday morning
MGM Resorts Admits Data Breach Of 10.6 Million Guests
Casino owner MGM has admitted it suffered a data breach in 2019, that included information about celebrities and CEO's of major tech firms
US Questions Tech Firm Liability Exemption For User Posts
Does Facebook and Google still need immunity from legal liability for user post? US Attorney General doesn't seem to think so
US Warns Of Gas Pipeline Shutdown After Ransomware Attack
Real world dangers posed by malware after natural gas pipeline in the United States is shut down after a ransomware attack
European Commission Unveils Strategy For Digital Future
Europe launches ambitious digital strategy as it seeks to create single European market for data in an effort to combat Silicon Valley and Chinese rivals
Facebook Ordered To Unlock NSO Staffer Account
WhatsApp hack development. Israeli court orders Facebook to unblock a personal account belonging to an employee at NSO Group
Amazon Ring Enables 2FA After Privacy Scares
Ring division adds an extra layer of security to its smart home devices after a number of unsettling cyber-security incidents
Dell Sells Cybersecurity Division RSA Security
RSA Security is to be sold to a consortium for just over $2 billion, as Dell seeks to 'simplify' it business and product portfolio
Jeff Bezos Pledges $10 Billion To Fight Climate Change
Amazon founder and one of the world's richest men has pledged $10 billion in order to fight the “biggest threat to our planet”
Julian Assange Could Be ‘Tortured To Death’, Doctors Claim
Doctors pen open letter to The Lancet making astonishing claim about Assange's fate, but spokesman says his health is improving
US Considers Blocking Chip Shipments To Huawei – Report
Taiwan's TSMC could be ordered to halt shipments of silicon chips to Huawei under potential new US restrictions
Digital Pollution: Cleaning Your Digital Footprint
As businesses strive to reduce their emissions, their digital services and processes are often forgotten. Taking a comprehensive approach to digital emissions is now a priority. 2020 will see a shift in how digital pollution is managed ...
Apple Admits Coronavirus Will Impact iPhone Supplies
Coronavirus update. Apple admits it is experiencing “slower return to normal conditions” and warns of iPhone supply shortages
Council Staff Revert To Pen And Paper Following ‘Cyber-Attack’
Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council online services offline for more than a week following incident that experts call a likely ransomware incident
Microsoft Kills Glitchy Security Update Due To Reboot Problems
Update aimed to fix security issue with UEFI boot managers, but some users said they were left unable to reboot their systems or with reset user profiles
IOTA Cryptocurrency Still Offline Following Heists
IOTA fixes bug in desktop cryptocurrency wallet after crooks make off with more than $1m, but network has remained offline since last week
EU Looks To Take Lead On Industrial Data
Data and AI strategy set for launch this week advances bloc's efforts to build industrial data powerhouse while fending off competition from US and China
US-China Huawei Row Overshadows Munich Security Conference
US officials rally support for alternatives to Chinese firm's 5G dominance, while Huawei hits back at new charges and 'lawful intercept' wiretap allegations
Zuckerberg Urges Closer Regulation Of Social Media
Social media companies should be regulated as something between a newspaper and a telecommunications firm, Facebook chief tells conference
Automation Part 2: Your First Robot Employee
Automation in the workplace will have many forms. The rise of AI could usher in new businesses processes that need little human input. In a world of automation, will businesses be able to integrate these systems with their workforces?
WhatsApp Hits Two Billion Users, Defends Encryption
Facebook-owned messaging app now used by a staggering 2 billion people, as platform defends its default use of end-to-end encryption
US Court Grants Amazon Request For Pentagon JEDI Delay
Bad news for Microsoft after US court grants Amazon request for halt on all work concerning the Pentagon's JEDI cloud contract
United States Levels New Charges Against Huawei
US accuses Huawei of stealing trade secrets and assisting Iran, as US Commerce Dept extends temporary trading license for 45 days
Swiss Encryption Firm Crypto AG At Centre Of Spying Allegation
Was a Swiss cryptography company acting as a front for America's CIA during the cold war, in order to eavesdrop on other countries?
Foxconn Denies Factory Manufacturing Reports
Still closed. Taiwanese manufacturer denied reports that its factories are partially operational after closure triggered by Coronavirus outbreak
Andy Rubin’s Essential Phone Venture Closes Down
Father of Android Andy Rubin closes down Essential smartphone venture after releasing just one phone in a five year period
Google Acquisition Of Looker Data Sciences Approved
Alphabet unit completes $2.6bn acquisition of Looker Data Sciences after approval from British competition watchdog
MWC 2020 Cancelled As Coronavirus Crisis Deepens
Organisers pull the plug on Mobile World Congress 2020 as death toll from Coronavirus climbs dramatically in just one day
US Judge Approves T-Mobile’s Sprint Acquisition
Appeal by a number of US states that acquisition would violate antitrust laws and raise prices has been overruled by US judge
Google Begins Appeal Against EU Shopping Penalty
Alphabet unit begin fightback against European antitrust regulators in three day hearing at EU General Court in Luxembourg
Government To Put Ofcom In Charge Of Regulating Internet Content
More powers on the way for British communications watchdog Ofcom, after Government decides Internet firms cannot regulate themselves
Fate Of MWC 2020 To Be Decided Friday – Report
Organisers GSMA allegedly to meet on 14 February to decide if Mobile World Congress (MWC) should go ahead in light of Coronavirus outbreak
Samsung Unveils Foldable Z Flip, And 5G Flagship Galaxy S20
Second attempt at folding phone arrives, dubbed the Z Flip, coupled with Samsung's new flagship device namely the Galaxy S20
Apple Joins FIDO Alliance To Replace Passwords With Trusted Devices
Significant development? The FIDO Alliance that aims to remove the need for passwords, signs Apple as new board member
German Lawmakers Back Position Not To Ban Huawei – Report
Huawei could be allowed to supply 5G equipment to German mobile operators, a strategy paper from German lawmakers has revealed
Apple Loses Rehearing Bid In VirnetX FaceTime Case
Potential setback for Apple in the patent battle between it and VirnetX, after US Court of Appeals rejects Apple plea for rehearing
Samsung Offers Glimpse Of Galaxy Z Flip Smartphone
Electronics giant Samsung offers a surprise teaser of square folding smartphone during Academy Awards event
US Charges Four Chinese Military Officials Over Equifax Hack
The US Department of Justice has charged four Chinese military hackers with carrying out the 2017 breach of Equifax credit agency
Critical ‘BlueFrag’ Bluetooth Vulnerability In Older Android OS
Security researchers ERNW identity critical vulnerability affecting the Android Bluetooth subsystem, which it is calling 'BlueFrag'
Xerox Increases Hostile Takeover Offer For HP
Show me the money! In effort to tempt HP shareholders, Xerox increases its hostile takeover offer from $33.5 billion to $34 billion
Facebook Accounts On Twitter, Instagram Hacked
Facebook has been targeted by Saudi-based hacking collective OurMine after compromise of its Twitter and Instagram accounts
Coronavirus Impact Sees Sony, Amazon Withdraw From MWC
Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona later this month sees more big name tech firms withdraw due to Coronavirus outbreak
Apple Fined For Deliberately Slowing Old iPhones
France's fraud watchdog imposes $27 million fine on Apple for deliberately slowing down older iPhone models, but also some very recent handsets
Automation Part 1: The Robots Are Coming
Is it hyperbole about the coming automation revolution? Are robots about to take our jobs? In this first feature, we bring some much-needed sanity to the debate. Which sectors are likely to be most affected? Should these people start l ...
Data Crunching: How IT can help your business to grow
OneWeb Launches Another 34 Broadband Satellites
SpaceX challenger OneWeb this week launched another 34 satellites to bring its total to 40 in orbit, as its rivalry with SpaceX hots up
US Mulls Controlling Stake In Ericsson, Nokia To Counter Huawei
US Attorney General William Barr suggests the US and its allies take 'controlling stakes' in Ericsson, Nokia as a counter to Huawei
US Appeals Court Refuses To Overturn Net Neutrality Ruling
American court refuses to rehear an appeal against controversial FTC decision to reserve net neutrality rules in the United States
Vodafone To Remove Huawei From Core European Networks
Removing Huawei kit from core European networks will cost 200 million euros, but Vodafone warns about delays if European governments follow British lead
App Developer Calls For Open Revolt Against Apple
Developer of BlueMail publishes open letter calling on fellow app developers to join fight against Apple for allegedly “stealing ideas”
Huawei Hits Verizon With Patent Lawsuit
Chinese firm Huawei Technologies alleges US carrier Verizon “profited greatly” from using its patents without authorisation
IBM CEO Ginni Rometty Steps Down, Arvind Krishna To Take Over
Long serving CEO and chairman of Big Blue, Ginni Rometty, is to retire on 6 April, and will be replaced by cloud boss Arvind Krishna
The Tap Economy Part 1: Screen Commerce
How lucrative could the mobile economy become? In part 1 of this series, we consider the development of M-commerce and how it is likely to expand. And, what business opportunities mobile can deliver and, how all enterprises should be m ...
Apple Closes 42 Stores In China Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
Deadly coronavirus outbreak in Chinese mainland has lead Apple to temporarily close 42 stores in that country, it has been reported
Qualcomm Confirms EU Antitrust Probe Of 5G Chips
Not again. Qualcomm admits it is facing an EU antitrust investigation over sales of its 5G modem chips, as it warns of Coronavirus disruption
Google Fiber Drops TV Offering
Decision made to focus solely on providing high-speed Internet services, as customer need for 'traditional TV' wanes
UK Firm SSTL Approved For Data-Relay Spacecraft For Moon
Ground control to Major Tom. British firm SSTL and its 'Lunar Pathfinder' will provide communications with missions on moon surface
Apple Patent For No-Crease Folding iPhone Screen Approved
Is Apple developing a folding phone? Reports surface after Apple has a patent approved for a special hinge mechanism for a folding screen
US Meeting To Review Fresh Huawei, China Restrictions – Report
High level Trump administration officials to meet later this month to discuss further restrictions on tech exports to China and Huawei
Apple App Developers Questioned As Part Of DoJ Antitrust Probe
US Justice Department officials question iPhone app developers as part of antitrust investigation of Apple and other technology giants
Rural Not-Spot Deal Sees Operators Argue Over Costs
Rival mobile operators clash with BT-owned EE over costs to access its network masts, ahead of crunch meeting on Wednesday
Google Sent Private Videos In Google Photos To Strangers
Oh boy. Google admits significant privacy gaffe with its popular Google Photos service that saw people's videos shared with other users
UK To Ban Diesel, Petrol Car Sales From 2035
Environmental push. Boris Johnson announces Britain is to bring forward its ban on sales of new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2040 to 2035
Twitter Warns ‘State-Sponsored Actors’ Accessed Phone Numbers
Platform warns IP addresses with 'ties to state-sponsored actors' attempted to access phone numbers associated with user accounts
Office Cleaners Pose Cyber Risk, Police Warn
Criminal gangs are planting “sleepers” in cleaning firms so they can access corporate IT systems, British police have warned
TCL Confirms End Of Line For BlackBerry Smartphones
The final end for BlackBerry smartphones? Chinese electronics firm TCL Communication confirms no new handsets after August 2020
Google Disappoints After Revealing YouTube’s $15 Billion Revenue
Strong financials from Google's parent, as it reveals for the first time the turnover of YouTube and Google Cloud business
Huawei Beats Apple To Reach No. 2 Smartphone Spot
Huawei second only to Samsung for full-year 2019 sales, in spite of US ban, while iPhone 11 boosts Apple to lead in fourth quarter
Microsoft Plans To Force-Switch Chrome Users To Bing Search Engine
Microsoft roundly criticised as it plans to force-install Bing search engine extension for Office 365 ProPlus installations using Google's Chrome
Amazon Surges Past $1tn Mark Once Again On Strong Earnings
But Amazon Web Services faces increased cloud competition from Microsoft, whose Azure grew 62 percent year-on-year in the fourth quarter
Elon Musk Marks Tesla Success With Dance Music Track
Release of 'Don't Doubt Ur Vibe' follows strong orders for Cybertruck and share price rise that values Tesla second in the world after Toyota
MEPs Back Single Charger For Smartphones
Resolution calls for introduction of single charging method, in spite of Apple's warning that new regulations would stifle innovation
WhatsApp Stops Working On Millions Of Android, iOS Phones
Phones using Android 2.3.7 'Gingerbread' and earlier or iOS 8 and older are no longer able to run WhatsApp as company blocks older devices