Money maker. Super follow feature coming soon on Twitter, will allow users to receive tips or digital payments from followers
TECHNOLOGY POWERING BUSINESS
February 2021
Windows 10 ‘Sun Valley’ Promises Major Overhaul
OS refresh. Major update to six year old Windows 10 operating system, dubbed Sun Valley, is expected in October/November this year
Oxford University Confirms Hack Of Biology Lab Studying Covid-19
NCSC investigates after hackers compromised one of the world’s top biology labs at Oxford University, that is investigating Coronavirus
Consumer Group Which? Targets Qualcomm In Legal Action
Legal action against Qualcomm could result in 29 million UK 4G smartphone owners being entitled to possible £30 compensation
Google To Change Review Process Of Scientist Work
Executives at troubled Google AI research unit say they are working to retain trust, after departures of two notable women
NHS Challenged Over Data Contract With Palantir
Contract between NHS and data mining firm Palantir now at centre of lawsuit filed by UK political website
California Can Enforce Its Own Strict Net Neutrality Law
Open Internet Victory? Ruling from US federal judge rejects attempt by US broadband providers to block California's tough net neutrality law
Australia Passes Amended ‘Media Bargaining Law’
Australia becomes first country in the world where a government arbitrator can set prices tech giants must pay for local content
Facebook Oversight Board Confirms Appeal Over Trump Ban
Unnamed 'user' files appeal with Facebook's Supreme Court (the Oversight Board) against the 'indefinite' ban on Donald Trump
Facebook To Invest $1 Billion In News Industry
After the very public row with the Australian government, Facebook confirms it is investing $1 billion in the news industry
EU Opens Consultation On Gig Economy Worker Rights
After UK's top court rules Uber drivers are workers, European Commission begins consultation on gig economy worker rights
EE To Expand 4G Coverage As Part Of Shared Rural Network
Mobile operator EE is to add 4G connectivity to 579 rural areas this year, as part of the Shared Rural Network initiative
President Biden Targets Silicon Shortage With Executive Order
Chip shortage targetted by US executive order that will review supply chains for four critical products experiencing shortages
Elon Musk No Longer World’s Richest Man
It was a short run. Fall in Tesla share price sees Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos reclaim title as world's richest man from Elon Musk
SolarWinds Executives Defend Conduct Before US Senate
'It was the Russians.' Senior executives from SolarWinds, Microsoft, FireEye and CrowdStrike defend themselves at US Senate
30,000 Apple Macs Infected With ‘Silver Sparrow’ Malware
Red Canary security researchers warn up to 30,000 Apple Mac computers are infected with 'Silver Sparrow' malware, that has no known goal
Epic Games Refused Permission To Sue Apple In London
Fornite maker Epic Games refused permission to sue Apple in London over App Store commission charges, but Google can be sued in the UK, ruling states
WhatsApp To Limit Messaging, Unless Users Agree New Terms
Users who don't agree to WhatsApp's updated terms will be blocked from messaging, and their account could be eventually deleted
The State of X Commerce. What’s Next in the Digital Retail Space?
The retail space is being radically transformed, thanks to the pandemic. E-commerce and then M-commerce has rapidly evolved. But what's next? What will the digital retail landscape look like post-COVID-19?
Facebook Restarts Australian News, After Government Agrees Changes
Australian government agrees to alter its 'media bargaining law', after Facebook blocked local news from its platform last week
Chrome OS Overtakes macOS In 2020
Chrome OS is now the second most popular operating system in the world, after it overtook macOS, thanks to Chromebook lockdown sales
Nvidia Driver For New GPU Card Restricts Cryptomining
Global shortages of GPU cards for gamers and digital artists, sees Nvidia trying to stop new cards being snapped up for cryptomining
IBM ‘Considering Sale’ Of Watson Health AI Unit
IBM may reportedly sell off Watson Health AI analytics business as it seeks to refocus around more profitable areas such as hybrid cloud
High Court Blocks Huawei Demand In Blow To Extradition Case
High Court judge denies Huawei's request to force HSBC to disclose documents, dealing blow to efforts to stop Meng Wanzhou's US extradition
Google Fires AI Researcher Amidst Diversity Row
Google fires ethical AI researcher Margaret Mitchell following probe into corporate email misuse following dispute over December exit of Timnit Gebru
Facebook’s Australian News Ban Spurs International Outcry
World leaders take umbrage at Facebook's decision to ban news from its platform in Australia, as US lawmaker calls move an 'admission of monopoly power'
US Bill Would Help Smaller Publishers Negotiate With Facebook, Google
Planned US bill would allow small news publishers to band together in negotiations with big tech platforms such as Facebook and Google
Bitcoin Surpasses $1tn Market Value In Latest Surge
Continued surge in Bitcoin price sees its market capitalisation exceed $1 trillion, amidst increasing acceptance by mainstream companies and investors
Drone ‘Entered Gatwick Airspace’ After Losing Control
Australian-built unmanned 'flying car' rose into Gatwick airspace in 2019 incident after operator lost control and kill switch failed to work, probe finds
WhatsApp To Press Ahead With Privacy Update
What backlash? Facebook's WhatsApp says it will go ahead with its privacy policy update, but hopes that it has better explained the process
Brand Voice
Understanding your business’s threat landscape
As the pandemic has continued, businesses now face an expanding level of security threats. With the cyber threat landscape moving to remote workers' homes, it is critical all enterprises re-evaluate their cybersecurity policies, practi ...
Google Appoints Executive At Troubled AI Research Group
After the 'firing' of Timnit Gebru and subsequent staff unrest, Google appoints black executive to oversee AI research going forward
UK Court Rules Uber Drivers Are Workers
UK Supreme Court rules Uber drivers are workers, not self employed contractors, in major intervention in the British 'gig economy'
Kia Motors America Faces $20 Million Ransomware Demand – Report
South Korean car maker Kia admits it has suffered an “extended systems outage”, but says there is no evidence of ransomware
Malware Now Targets Apple’s M1 Processors
Apple security warning. Researcher discovers malware is now being rewritten to target Apple's inhouse designed M1 processors
US Charges Three North Korean Hackers
US charges three North Korean military hackers, and accuses one of them of being involved in Wannacry (2017) and Sony Pictures (2014) hacks
White House Takes On Silicon Shortage, Identifies Choke Points
Biden administration is ramping efforts to help car makers deal with chronic silicon shortage that is impacting production
Facebook Pulls News From Australia, Citing Incoming Law
Australia has been 'unfriended' by Facebook, after it follows through on warning and stops users sharing news on its platforms
New York Sues Amazon Over Pandemic Protection For Workers
New York’s attorney general files lawsuit against e-commerce giant, alleging it failed to protect workers during pandemic
Google Signs News Corp To ‘News Showcase’ Scheme
International media group that includes newspapers such as the Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Sun, sign three year deal with Google
Ericsson Claims Samsung Infringed 4G, 5G Patents
Round two. Swedish telecoms giant Ericsson claims Samsung has infringed some of its 4G and 5G patents – US ITC says it will investigate
IBM Pledges ‘Net Zero’ Greenhouse Emissions By 2030
Big Blue going green. IBM announces 2030 target, and becomes one of 20 new companies to join the 'Climate Pledge' on greenhouse gas emissions
SpaceX Raises Another $850 Million Funding – Report
Up, up and away. Elon Musk's space firm raises an extra $850 million, but could have had raised billions of dollars if needed
Epic Games Files Apple Antitrust Complaint With EU
Epic Games presses nuclear option and files an antitrust complaint against Apple with the European Commission
Pfizer Attack Carried Out By North Korean Hackers
North Korean hackers have attempted to steal valuable Covid-19 vaccine information from Pfizer, warns South Korean intelligence
Bitcoin Breaches $50,000 Barrier For First Time
Bitcoin, the world's biggest digital currency, continues to grow in value, after rising to a new record high over $50,000
Mercedes Recalls Millions Of Cars Over Software Bug
Recall for more than a million Mercedes cars, concerning a call location glitch that is supposed to alert the emergency services
Google, Microsoft, Qualcomm Object To Nvidia Acquisition Of ARM
Growing opposition by big name players in the tech industry to Nvidia's proposed acquisition of ARM, which is also facing multiple investigations
Volkswagen Blames Chip Makers For Silicon Shortage
German car maker VW blames poor planning by chip makers as the principle reason for most car brands having to reduce factory production
Parler App Back Online Using ‘Independent’ Tech
Controversial social platform Parler, popular with the far right is now back online, but difficulties remain for its users
Google Has Not Updated Its iOS Apps For Two Months
No update for Google's iOS apps including Chrome, Photos, YouTube etc, after Apple insists on privacy 'nutrient label' requirement
Disruptors: How Businesses are Using Technology to Radically Change
The pandemic has thrown businesses into disarray, but can enterprises still use technology to become disruptors in their industry, sector and marketplace? Digital transformation continues – if in a different form. And what does disrupt ...
UK Holders Of .EU Domains Get Three-Month Reprieve
Holders of .eu domains based in the UK now have an extra three months to reinstate their domain before it is permanently withdrawn, Eurid says
US Administration Promises Action On Car Chip Shortage
Biden administration to launch supply chain review for critical components such as semiconductors, as carmakers forced to halt production
Canada Approves Breakthrough Bitcoin Exchange Fund
Canadian financial regulator clears way for world's first Bitcoin exchange-traded fund, improving investor access to the volatile virtual asset
Miami Votes To Explore Offering Bitcoin Transactions
Miami votes to study offering Bitcoin option for city government transactions amidst moves designed to attract tech companies to the area
Facebook ‘Working On Smartwatch’ With Messaging, Health Features
Facebook smartwatch would reportedly allow messaging via Messenger and WhatsApp and include health features, but could spur data fears
Google To Pay £55m To French Publishers Under Copyright Deal
New copyright law spurs three-year Google deal with French national and local news publishers over online content reuse, but some call arrangement unfair
Dating App Bumble Sees Shares Soar On Debut
Dating app company Bumble sees market cap rise to more than $8bn after Nasdaq listing, as investors rush to scoop initial offerings and tech shares
Ofcom Hits O2 With £10.5 Million Fine For Overcharging
Put on the naughty step. Mobile operator O2 fined £10.5m by UK regulator for overcharging 140,000 customers between 2011 and 2019
Huawei Seeks UK Court Order For HSBC Documents To Clear CFO
Chinese networking giant Huawei launches court action against HSBC in an effort to clear name of its chief financial officer
Australia To Introduce Publisher Payment Bill Next Week
Facebook called it 'bad legislation' and Google says it is 'unworkable', and threatened to pull out, as Australia gears up to vote on new bill
Microsoft’s Surface Duo Set For European Launch Next Week
Coming next week to this side of the pond, Microsoft's Surface Duo will still cost an eye watering £1,349 for the dual screen device
Biden To Consider Targeted Restrictions For China Over Tech
Biden administration to consider targeted restrictions of sensitive technology exports to China, and will not lift restrictions
Microsoft Cloud To Help Volkswagen Self-Driving Push
German car maker Volkswagen expands Microsoft partnership to use Azure cloud services to help it develop self-driving cars
Twitter Mulls Digital Payment Option For Users
Monetising option. Jack Dorsey reveals Twitter exploring ways to allow users to receive tips or digital payments from followers
More Privacy Safeguards Needed – EU Watchdog
Privacy watchdog EDPS backs European Commission's DMA and DSA draft rules on tech firms, but suggests more safeguards are needed
President Biden Halts TikTok Sale To Oracle/Walmart
TikTok's purchase by Oracle and Walmart halted indefinitely, after President Biden orders review of Chinese national security threat
Twitter Refuses Indian Request To Remove Accounts
Looming showdown. Indian government request for Twitter to remove 1,100 accounts and posts is refused by the micro-blogging platform
Apple Partners TSMC For AR Display Screens – Report
Long rumoured augmented reality push by Apple, reportedly sees it partner TSMC to develop ultra-advanced display technology
Ten Hackers Arrested For $100m Cryptocurrency Theft
Criminal gang used 'sim swapping' technique to hijack phone numbers of famous online influencers, sport stars, and musicians
Silicon Shortage Prompts GM To Extend Car Production Cut
Ongoing global shortage of computer chips prompts another car manufacturer to extend production cut in its North American factories
Nevada Draft Bill To Allow Tech Firms To Form Own Communities
Fancy a Facebook suburb? Or a Google neighbourhood? Nevada considers scheme to allow tech firms to create their own communities
Popular Barcode Scanner App Transforms Into Adware
Malwarebytes issues warning, after update to a popular barcode scanning app on Google Play, transforms it into adware pusher
Twitter Develops Subscription Fee To Lessen Ad Reliance
Micro-blogging platform Twitter is developing a subscription product, in an effort to lessen dependence on advertising revenues
Man Shot Dead In YouTube ‘Prank’
A 'prank' robbery filmed in the United States for a YouTube video, reportedly results in a 20-year old man being shot dead
BT Contributes £24 Billion To UK Plc – Report
The scale of contribution of the former UK telecom incumbent BT to the British economy has been revealed in an independent report
Hacker Attempts To Poison US City Water Supply
Real world risk to people's health from hackers demonstrated, after cyber attack attempted to poison water supply for an entire US city
Hyundai, Kia Deny Talks With Apple For Self-Driving Cars
Shares in South Korean car makers plunged on Monday after they denied reports of holding talks to develop long rumoured Apple car
Bitcoin Surges As Tesla Buys $1.5bn Of Digital Currency
Elon Musk is well known for his backing of bitcoin and other digital currencies, as Tesla confirms it will soon accept digital payments for new cars
Microsoft To Remove Legacy Edge Browser In April
April Patch Tuesday update to remove legacy versions of the Edge browser, as Microsoft urges users to migrate to Chromium-based version
Pandemic Sees Surge In Healthcare Ransomware Attacks
Attackers turn to ransomware-as-a-service for easy access as pandemic creates opportunity to pounce on vulnerable healthcare IT
ByteDance Rival Sees Shares Surge On Debut
China short form video app Kuaishou sees massive surge in value after IPO, marking biggest tech debut since Uber's public offering in 2019
Ex-US Cyber Boss Calls For Military Strikes On Ransomware Hackers
US military should use 'information warfare' to strike back against ransomware gangs, as cyber-attacks threaten to disable state and local services
Renault, Stellantis Latest To Hit Brakes On Production
Dacia, Jeep, Renault amongst latest automotive brands to see production affected as impact of chip shortage continues to spread
Regulator Probes PayPal Mobile App Subsidiary Venmo
PayPal subsidiary Venmo under investigation by US consumer regulator over 'unauthorised' debt collections as new administration tightens enforcement
US Senate Proposes Limits On Tech Giants’ Immunity
Latest effort by US lawmakers to limit legal protections of online giants over misinformation takes on greater urgency after deadly Capitol siege
Google Launches ‘News Showcase’ Scheme In Australia
Service launched down under in bid to neutralise Australian government effort to force firms to pay local content publishers
Baltimore Ends Controversial Spy Planes Over Privacy Fears
Controversial aerial surveillance program in major US city to reduce crime ended, after lawsuit and pressure from civil rights group
Billions Of Emails, Passwords Leaked Online
Huge exposure of personal emails and passwords found on dark web hacker forum, is a compilation of many previous breaches
Google CEO Pichai Has ‘Constructive Meeting’ With Australian PM
Australian prime minister reportedly has “constructive meeting” with Alphabet boss Sundar Pichai over controversial media law
Brand Voice
Combating the Insider Threat
Many of the cybersecurity threats come from outside a business’s firewall. However, has your enterprise considered the security threats your staff and contractors could present? Most business will use a range of technologies to prot ...
SpaceX Starship Rocket Explodes On Landing
Valuable lessons. Second malfunction of SpaceX’s prototype Starship rocket, as it attempts to land vertically after successful launch
Kaspersky
Taiwan Meeting With Top US Official Will Discuss Silicon Shortage
Silicon squeeze. Global shortage of silicon chips will be a topic covered during Taiwan's meeting with a senior US official
Parler CEO Fired By Board Of Directors
Parler founder and CEO John Matze confirms he has been fired by board of directors, as far right social platform faces uncertain future
Two Google Staff Resign, Citing Timnit Gebru ‘Firing’
Staff unrest continues with resignation of two Google engineers, both of whom cited 'firing' of AI ethics researcher Timnit Gebru
Mazda Warns It May Cut Production Due To Silicon Shortage
Needing chips. Ongoing silicon shortages prompt Japanese car maker Mazda to warn it may cut global vehicle production by 34,000
Ofcom Seeks Easy Switching Of Different Broadband Networks
New one touch process plan from Ofcom, to prevent any 'hassle' when users switch their broadband providers that utilise different backhaul networks
Update To Unlock FaceID For Watch Users Wearing Masks
No need for Apple Watch users to remove their facemask, in order to unlock their iPhone, with the iOS 14.5 update currently in beta
Alphabet Posts Record Growth During Pandemic
What pandemic? Strong performance in advertising sales and cloud business drives profits and revenues at Google parent Alphabet
Jeff Bezos To Step Down As Amazon CEO
Bombshell. Amazon founder and one of the richest men in the world, Jeff Bezos, will step down as CEO in second half of this year
Australia Claims Microsoft Bing Ready To Replace Google Search
Government minister claims Microsoft's Bing ready to step in, if Google follows through on threat to withdraw search from Australia
Tesla To Recall 135,000 Vehicles In US
World's most valuable car maker Tesla is to recall over one hundred thousand vehicles in US over faulty touchscreen displays
Google Closes Internal Stadia Gaming Studios
Another closure. Internal Stadia gaming studios is being shuttered, but Google insists Stadia cloud platform will continue
SpaceX Announces First-Ever All Civilian Flight Crew
Inspiration4 will be the world’s first all-commercial astronaut mission that will put all an civilian crew into orbit in Q4 this year
Facebook App Pop-up To Explain Benefits Of Data Collection
Response to Apple privacy rule. Facebook testing new pop-up alert for iPhone apps, explaining benefits of data collection
Pandemic Drives Chromebook Sales ‘Through The Roof’
Remote education sees massive surge in Chromebook shipments, while tablets finish 2020 on a high as users look for ways to stay connected
Google Cloud Offers ‘Zero-Trust’ Security
Google Cloud's BeyondCorp Enterprise eliminates distinction between internal and external users, as enterprises grapple with implications of SolarWinds hack
Ransom-Fuelled DDoS Attacks ‘Surged’ In 2020
Security firm Neustar sees DDoS attacks more than double in 2020, with ransom demands spreading to finance, government, energy sectors
Samsung Warns Auto Chip Shortage May Affect Smartphones
Global shortage in semiconductors for automobiles could have a knock-on effect disrupting orders for mobile devices, says world's biggest memory chip maker
Facebook Developing Content Tools After Advertiser Outrage
Facebook says it is developing 'topic exclusion' tools to help advertisers ensure their ads don't appear alongside hate speech or other harmful content
MEPs Delay Hearing With Tech CEOs ‘By Two Months’
European Parliament suggests new dates for hearing with chief executives of Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Google as it prepares major regulatory overhaul