Rules to keep children safe online finalised by Ofcom April 24, 2025 Ofcom has issued the final safety codes requiring online platforms to implement over 40 protective measures for users under the age of 18 by July. These include tools to verify user age, block underage access to adult content, and remove harmful material linked to self harm, suicide, and eating disorders. Platforms that fail to comply [...]
EU fines Meta and Apple a combined £600m for breaching digital laws April 23, 2025 The European Commission has imposed significant fines on Apple and Meta, marking the first enforcement actions under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to promote fair competition and enhance consumer choice. Apple has been fined €500m (£428.3m) for restricting app developers from directing users to alternative purchasing options outside its App Store. The commission [...]
Will Zuckerberg have to sell WhatsApp and Instagram? April 14, 2025 Meta Platforms heads to trial on Monday in a landmark antitrust case that could force chief executive Mark Zuckerberg to sell Instagram and WhatsApp – two pillars of its $1.3 trillion (£1 trillion) empire. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has alleged that Meta, then Facebook, illegally bought Instagram in 2012, and WhatsApp two years later, [...]
More than 30,000 migrants crossed Channel since Starmer took office April 5, 2025 More than 30,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel in small boats since Sir Keir Starmer became Prime Minister, according to the latest government figures. A total of 154 people made the crossing in four boats on Friday, according to the Home Office. This brings the migrants total for the year so far to 6,796, [...]
UK has become the epicentre of WhatsApp scams in Europe April 1, 2025 The UK has become the epicentre of WhatsApp scams in Europe, with British consumers losing more money on the platform than in any other country. Analysis compiled by Revolut revealed that in 2024, WhatsApp fraud accounted for 21 per cent of all reported scams in the UK, with victims losing an average of £2,437 per [...]
Cracks appear in the AI boom as market reassesses growth prospects March 5, 2025 The optimism surrounding AI is facing scrutiny as investors and industry leaders reassess the long term profitability of AI-related infrastructure. Recent stock market trends suggest a shift away from the AI sector, with semiconductor and cloud computing stocks among the worst performers in 2025 so far, according to AJ Bell. AI hype faces a reality [...]
MPs slam Tiktok, Meta and X over misinformation failures February 26, 2025 MPs were left frustrated after questioning executives from big tech firms TikTok, Meta and X on how platforms handle misinformation and harmful content. The science, innovation and technology committee (SITC)’s evidence session on Tuesday, saw platform representatives struggle to provide clear answers on their content moderation policies. The session formed part of its ongoing inquiry [...]
Amazon, Microsoft, Alphabet and Meta: Is big tech overspending on AI? February 7, 2025 Tech titans have projected pouring billions of dollars into artificial intelligence (AI) in 2025, yet Wall Street impatiently awaits returns on their investments. Amazon is leading the charge, having recently committed over $100bn to AI infrastructure this year, surpassing Microsoft, Alphabet and Meta. The four tech behemoths reported a combined $246bn investment in AI in [...]
Meta fact-checking U-turn probed over Ronaldo Facebook deepfake scam February 6, 2025 Meta’s decision to scrap fact-checking on Facebook and Instagram is under review after Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Nazario was caught up in a deepfake scam. The company’s oversight board has launched an investigation after Meta initially rejected calls to remove a post that used an AI-manipulated video of Ronaldo to promote a gambling app. Meta [...]
Google parent firm Alphabet drops pledge on using AI tech for weapons and surveillance February 5, 2025 Google’s parent company Alphabet has removed its commitment to avoiding artificial intelligence (AI) applications for weapons and surveillance from its ethical guidelines. The tech behemoth stressed the importance of collaboration between businesses and democratic governments to develop AI that “protects people, promotes global growth, and supports national security.” The revised guidelines were announced in a [...]