Washington state is readying a $1 million anti-vandalism project, part of which involves testing a $30,000 drone that paints over graffiti. Signed into law on March 15 by Gov. Jay Inslee, the “Graffiti Abatement and Reduction Pilot Program” is scheduled to go into effect on June 6, and includes “field…
Read MoreAI ethicists warn of ‘digital hauntings’ from dead loved ones
The internet is filled with personal artifacts, much of which can linger online long after someone dies. But what if those relics are used to simulate dead loved ones? It’s already happening, and AI ethicists warn this reality is opening ourselves up to a new kind of “digital haunting” by…
Read MoreMany rural areas could soon lose cell service
Rural and Indigenous communities are at risk of losing cell service thanks to a 2019 law intended to strip US telecom networks of Chinese-made equipment. And while local companies were promised reimbursements as part of the “rip-and-replace” program, many of them have so far seen little of the funding, if…
Read MoreRomance scams just ‘happen in life,’ says CEO of biggest dating app company in the US
Online romance scams netted con artists over $1.1 billion in 2023, with an average reported loss of around $2,000 per target. These victims who span age, gender, and demographics often aren’t only out of money—their time, emotions, and sometimes even physical safety can be on the line. And while the…
Read More6 Smartphone Mistakes That Leave You Vulnerable To Online Stalkers
SAN FRANCISCO — Smartphones have become a part of nearly everything we do in the digital age. From ordering food to entertainment to finding someone to date, our phones are in our hands or somewhere nearby all the time. Unfortunately, there are plenty of bad seeds out there that know…
Read MoreAlarming Study Offers Warning For iPhone, Mac Users: Hidden Privacy Dangers Found Lurking In Apple’s Default Apps
ESPOO, Finland — When you first unbox your shiny new iPhone or MacBook, you’re likely eager to dive in and start exploring all the exciting features. However, a startling new study by researchers Amel Bourdoucen and Janne Lindqvist from Aalto University in Finland uncovers some disturbing truths about the privacy implications of…
Read MoreStartup pitches a paintball-armed, AI-powered home security camera
It’s a bold pitch for homeowners: What if you let a small tech startup’s crowdfunded AI surveillance system dispense vigilante justice for you? A Slovenia-based company called OZ-IT recently announced PaintCam Eve, a line of autonomous property monitoring devices that will utilize motion detection and facial recognition to guard against…
Read MoreGmail debuted on April Fool’s Day 20 years ago. The joke is still on us.
A completely free email service offering 1 GB of storage, integrated search capabilities, and automatic message threading? Too good to be true. At least, that’s what many people thought 20 years ago today, when Google announced Gmail’s debut. To be fair, it’s easy to see why some AP News readers…
Read MoreThe Opt Out: Reduce your privacy risk by deleting a bunch of files
You are more than a data point. The Opt Out is here to help you take your privacy back. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more › YOU’VE PROBABLY heard about the benefits of spring cleaning and keeping only what…
Read More‘Cyberflasher’ sent to prison for the first time in England
England’s court system has sentenced a “cyberflasher” to over a year in prison—a first for the country after its Online Safety Act went into effect on January 31. The 39-year-old culprit—already a registered sex offender—recently admitted in court to sending explicit photos of himself in February to both an adult…
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