whatsapp WhatsApp Patches Severe Vulnerability Exploited to Install Government Spyware WhatsApp fixes a critical flaw that allows attackers to remotely install advanced spyware on phones through missed audio calls. The exploit reportedly leverages NSO Group's Pegasus software to target a select group of users.
facebook FTC Must Force Facebook Data Portability to Create Real Competition True market competition relies on a consumer's ability to easily leave a bad service for a better one. The author argues that the FTC should force Facebook to offer interoperable friend list exports, creating a viable escape route for users.
facebook Zuckerberg Dismisses Co-Founder Hughes' Call to Break Up Facebook Mark Zuckerberg pushes back against Chris Hughes' plea to split Facebook, arguing that breaking up the company hinders its ability to fight election interference and fund safety measures.
facebook Google Delivers Real Privacy Features While Facebook Offers Empty Promises Tech giants Facebook and Google both emphasize privacy in their recent keynotes, but their approaches differ drastically. Google demonstrates functional, on-device privacy upgrades while Facebook relies on vague promises to repair its damaged reputation.
ftc Apple and Google Pull Three Dating Apps Over Child Safety Concerns Federal regulators force the removal of FastMeet, Meet24, and Meet4U after investigators discover children as young as 12 using the platforms.
facebook Facebook Pivots to Privacy to Build a Global Commerce Super App Despite relying on ad revenue from its News Feed, Facebook shifts its focus toward private, encrypted messaging and e-commerce. The company aims to transform Messenger into a WeChat-like super app that dominates global transactions.
smart city Exposed Chinese Smart City Database Leaks Facial Recognition Scans A publicly accessible database hosted on Alibaba Cloud reveals how smart city technology collects and stores sensitive facial recognition data on hundreds of residents.
facebook Facebook Shifts Focus From News Feed to Privacy and New Features at F8 Facebook uses its F8 conference to outline a future beyond the news feed, focusing instead on privacy, Groups, and new consumer products. TechCrunch analysts break down how this pivot creates new opportunities for startups and investors.
facebook Facebook Unveils FB5 Redesign to Focus on Groups and Marketplace Facebook introduces its biggest interface change in five years, shifting focus from the News Feed to community Groups and Marketplace to repair its reputation.
instagram Instagram Tests Hidden Like Counts to Reduce User Anxiety Instagram is running a test in Canada that hides public Like counts from viewers in an effort to shift the platform's focus from a popularity contest back to genuine self-expression.
facebook Federal Regulators Fine Facebook Up To $5 Billion Over Privacy Violations Facebook faces a record-setting fine from the FTC for breaking a 2011 privacy agreement. The social media giant easily has the funds to cover the massive penalty.
cybersecurity Facebook Buries Millions of Leaked Instagram Passwords Amid Weekly Cyber Threats Facebook quietly revises its estimate of exposed Instagram passwords from thousands to millions during a major political news cycle. Meanwhile, Utah strengthens digital privacy laws and an unknown agent exposes an Iranian hacking group.
mueller report Mueller Report Reveals Encrypted Apps Hindered Trump Investigation The Mueller report highlights how Trump associates and Russian hackers use encrypted and self-destructing messaging apps to evade investigative scrutiny. Unlike other law enforcement officials, Mueller simply notes this obstacle without attacking the technology companies.
facebook Facebook Slashes Portal Video Chat Device Price by Half Amid Privacy Concerns Facebook drops the price of its face-tracking Portal video chat camera from $199 to $99 ahead of Mother's Day. The significant discount follows a rocky launch in a highly privacy-conscious market.
facebook Facebook Announces Faster Messenger and Privacy-Focused Social Platform Vision Facebook kicks off its F8 developer conference by outlining a major shift toward privacy-focused social networking and unveiling a completely re-engineered Messenger app.