In the rapidly expanding online world, teenagers are becoming prime targets for scammers. Over a recent five-year period, financial losses reported by teens increased by an alarming 2,500%, outpacing the 805% rise among seniors. Experts attribute this to scammers exploiting the tech-savviness of younger users while capitalising on their lack of experience.
Scammers use various tactics, including impersonating online influencers, romance schemes, and phishing for sensitive information through gaming platforms. One growing threat involves sextortion, where victims are coerced into sharing explicit images that are later used to demand money under the threat of public exposure. Tragically, such incidents have already led to devastating consequences, including teen suicides.
Parents are urged to foster open communication with their children about these risks, creating a safe space for them to share any unsettling online encounters. Basic steps like monitoring app usage, staying connected on social media, and setting clear tech boundaries can go a long way in shielding teens from these dangers. The key, experts stress, is building trust and ensuring children know they have unwavering support, no matter the situation.
Apple has introduced an ‘Enhanced Visual Search’ feature in iOS 18, allowing users to identify landmarks in photos by matching data with a global database. While convenient, the feature has sparked privacy concerns, as it is enabled by default, requiring users to manually turn it off in settings if they prefer not to share photo data with Apple.
The feature uses on-device machine learning to detect landmarks in photos, creating encrypted ‘vector embeddings’ of image data. These are then sent to Apple for comparison with its database. While the company has reportedly implemented privacy safeguards, such as encrypting and condensing data into machine-readable formats, critics argue the feature should have been opt-in rather than opt-out, aligning with Apple’s usual privacy standards.
This toggle builds on Apple’s earlier ‘Visual Look Up’ tool, which identifies objects like plants or symbols without sending data to Apple’s servers. Privacy advocates suggest that Apple could have maintained this approach for Enhanced Visual Search, questioning why it requires shared data for similar functionality.
The debate highlights ongoing tensions between technological convenience and user privacy, raising questions about how far companies should go in enabling features that require data sharing without explicit consent.
AT&T and Verizon have confirmed cyberattacks linked to a Chinese hacking group known as “Salt Typhoon,” but assured the public on Saturday that their US networks are now secure. Both companies acknowledged the breaches for the first time, stating they are cooperating with law enforcement and government agencies to address the threat. AT&T disclosed that the attackers targeted a small group of individuals tied to foreign intelligence, while Verizon emphasised that the activities have been contained following extensive remediation efforts.
The attacks, described by US officials as the most extensive telecommunications hack in the nation’s history, reportedly allowed Salt Typhoon operatives to access sensitive network systems, including the ability to geolocate individuals and record phone calls. Authorities have linked the breaches to several telecom firms, with a total of nine entities now confirmed as compromised. In response, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has urged government officials to transition to encrypted communication methods.
US Senators, including Democrat Ben Ray Luján and Republican Ted Cruz, have expressed alarm over the breach’s scale, calling for stronger safeguards against future intrusions. Meanwhile, Chinese officials have denied the accusations, dismissing them as disinformation and reaffirming their opposition to cyberattacks. Despite assurances from the companies and independent cybersecurity experts, questions remain about how long it will take to fully restore public confidence in the nation’s telecommunications security.
President-elect Donald Trump has called on the US Supreme Court to postpone implementing a law that would ban TikTok or force its sale, arguing for time to seek a political resolution after taking office. The court will hear arguments on the case on 10 January, ahead of a 19 January deadline for TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, to sell the app or face a US ban.
The move marks a stark shift for Trump, who previously sought to block TikTok in 2020 over national security concerns tied to its Chinese ownership. Trump’s legal team emphasised that his request does not take a stance on the law’s merits but seeks to allow his incoming administration to explore alternatives. Trump has expressed a newfound appreciation for TikTok, citing its role in boosting his campaign visibility.
TikTok, with over 170 million US users, continues to challenge the legislation, asserting that its data and operations affecting US users are fully managed within the country. However, national security concerns persist, with the Justice Department and a coalition of attorneys general urging the Supreme Court to uphold the divest-or-ban mandate. The case highlights the growing debate between free speech advocates and national security interests in regulating digital platforms.
Starting Saturday, all small- and medium-sized portable electronic devices sold in the EU must use USB-C ports for charging, a move aimed at reducing waste and increasing convenience for consumers. Devices like smartphones, tablets, cameras, and headphones will now share a standardised charger, eliminating the need for multiple charging cables.
The new rule follows a 2022 vote by the European Parliament and member states to phase out alternative charging methods. Consumers can also choose to opt out of receiving a charger with new devices, further cutting down on waste. Laptop manufacturers will be required to comply with similar standards starting April 28, 2026.
Anna Cavazzini, chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection, hailed the change as a victory for sustainability and cost savings. The measure is expected to save EU households €250 million annually and significantly reduce the waste generated by discarded chargers. The Parliament has pledged to closely monitor manufacturers as they implement the new rules.
Elder fraud scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, as illustrated by a recent case where an 82-year-old woman lost her life savings to criminals posing as the FBI. After depleting her accounts, the scammers coerced her into withdrawing funds via a Bitcoin machine and kept her isolated in a hotel under the guise of ‘protection.’ Despite her family’s intervention, the scammers struck again, convincing her to hand over $20,000 by exploiting false hopes of recovering a promised reward.
Elderly individuals are prime targets for such schemes, often due to their savings, trust in others, and unfamiliarity with modern technology. Fraudsters employ tactics like intimidation, urgency, and psychological manipulation to exploit their victims. According to recent statistics, seniors lose billions annually to scams, with the emotional toll leaving many feeling ashamed and fearful.
To combat these threats, experts recommend verifying unsolicited requests, limiting personal information sharing, using strong security measures, and reporting suspicious activity. Education and vigilance are key to protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring scammers are outsmarted.
AI is set to redefine retail in 2025, offering highly personalised shopping experiences. AI assistants are expected to manage up to 20% of eCommerce tasks, including product recommendations and customer service. Industry leaders like Citi and Google Cloud predict more intuitive and efficient retail processes but warn about data privacy concerns. Enhanced demand forecasting could also reduce inventory costs by 10%.
Experts highlight potential challenges, such as algorithmic biases and AI-driven fraud. Regulators worldwide are preparing new policies to ensure secure and fair AI implementation as businesses invest heavily in AI capabilities.
AI will not only handle routine tasks but also revolutionise customer interactions. With advanced behavioural insights and multimodal capabilities, businesses are poised to gain deeper understanding and engagement with their customers. However, widespread industry transformation is expected to take several years as companies address scalability and trust in AI decision-making.
The Indian government has launched several initiatives to strengthen consumer protection, focusing on leveraging technology and enhancing online safety. Key developments include the introduction of the AI-enabled National Consumer Helpline, the e-Maap Portal, and the Jago Grahak Jago mobile application, all designed to expedite the resolution of consumer complaints and empower citizens to make informed choices.
The government of India also highlighted the significant progress made through the three-tier consumer court system, resolving thousands of disputes this year. In the realm of e-commerce, major platforms like Reliance Retail, Tata Sons, and Zomato pledged to enhance online shopping security, reflecting the government’s commitment to ensuring consumer confidence in the digital marketplace.
The e-Daakhil Portal has been expanded nationwide, achieving 100% adoption in states like Karnataka, Punjab, and Rajasthan, making it easier for consumers to file complaints online. The Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) is also drafting new guidelines to regulate surrogate advertising and has already taken action against 13 companies for non-compliance with existing rules.
The importance of these initiatives was underscored at the National Consumer Day event, where key officials, including Minister of State for Consumer Affairs B L Verma and TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti, were present. The event highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to foster a safer and more transparent consumer environment, especially in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Google is introducing major updates to its Maps Timeline feature, shifting towards enhanced privacy by storing location history locally on users’ devices. This change means that any unbacked location history data will be automatically deleted after three months unless users take action to save it. Notifications regarding the update will provide a six-month window to back up data, urging users to preserve personal memories or valuable travel records before permanent deletion.
To save Timeline data, users can utilise Google’s export tools on their devices or through the web. This process allows users to maintain access to their past location history while ensuring it remains private and under their control. However, some users have reported unexpected deletions, emphasising the importance of regular backups to avoid data loss.
These updates are part of the US-based tech giant’s broader efforts to address privacy concerns by limiting the storage of sensitive data on its servers. While this move enhances data security, users are encouraged to take proactive steps to back up important information, explore privacy features like incognito mode, and consider additional tools such as VPNs to protect their online activity.
Vietnam’s new internet law, known as ‘Decree 147,’ came into effect Wednesday, requiring platforms like Facebook and TikTok to verify user identities and share data with authorities upon request. Critics view the move as a crackdown on freedom of expression, with activists warning it will stifle dissent and blur the lines between legal and illegal online activity. Under the rules, tech companies must store verified information alongside users’ names and dates of birth and remove government-designated “illegal” content within 24 hours.
The decree also impacts the booming social commerce sector by allowing only verified accounts to livestream. Additionally, it imposes restrictions on gaming for minors, limiting sessions to one hour and a maximum of 180 minutes daily. Vietnam, with over 65 million Facebook users and a growing gaming population, may see significant disruptions in online behaviour and businesses.
Critics liken the law to China’s tight internet controls. Activists and content creators have expressed fear of persecution, citing recent examples like the 12-year prison sentence for a YouTuber critical of the government. Despite the sweeping measures, some local businesses and gamers remain sceptical about enforcement, suggesting a wait-and-see approach to the decree’s real-world impact.
