Phishing in Messenger Apps – What’s New?
Anonymized data, voluntarily provided by Kaspersky Internet Security for Android users, has shown which messenger apps are the most popular among phishing scammers. The biggest share of detected malicious links between December 2020 and May 2021 were sent via WhatsApp (89.6%), followed by Telegram (5.6%). Viber is in third place with a share of 4.7% […].....»»
‘Selos’ ni Shaira Moro tinanggal sa streaming apps matapos ireklamo
MATAPOS ireklamo ng “copyright infringement“, tinanggal na ng kampo ng baguhang singer na si Shaira Moro ang viral song na “Selos” sa mga streaming platform. Sikat na sikat ngayon ang “Selos” ni Shaira na binansagang Queen of Bangsamoro Pop, ngunit kinailangan nga itong tsugin sa mga digital music app dahil sa umano’y pagkopya ng tunog.....»»
Apple Developing Strategy to Address EU Core Technology Fee Impact on Apps Going Viral
Apple recently made headlines with the announcement of a 0.50 euro Core Technology Fee that apps distributed using the new EU App Store business terms.....»»
SEC, NTC move to block OctaFX websites
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has secured the endorsement of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) for the blocking of the websites and apps of OctaFX......»»
NTC blocking unlicensed investment apps
The National Telecommunications Commission has ordered the blocking of access to the website and app of foreign exchange platform MiTrade, accused by the Securities and Exchange Commission of offering investment opportunities without the necessary license......»»
Your Data, Your Rights: Proactive Steps for Personal Data Protection
Safer Internet Day 2024 comes amid data fears about limited access imposed on various popular apps, causing users to circumvent the new rules by downloading replacements. In an era where vast amounts of data are constantly being collected and analyzed, the risks of data breaches, identity theft, and invasion of privacy are more pronounced than […].....»»
Apple confirms home screen web apps will no longer work on European iOS devices
Title: Apple Disables Web Apps in EU Following European Digital Markets Act In a significant development, tech giant Apple has decided to disable progressive web.....»»
Over 600 Vision Pro Optimized Apps Announced by Apple – The Daily Guardian
Title: Apple Announces Native Support for Over 600 Apps on Vision Pro Headset In a groundbreaking move, Apple has announced that its Vision Pro headset.....»»
Apple Vision Pro Set to Launch with 600+ Optimized Apps and Games – The Daily Guardian
Title: Apple Vision Pro to Launch with Over 600 Optimized Apps and Games In an exciting announcement, Apple has revealed that its upcoming Vision Pro.....»»
Explained: PDIC and How It Works
At some point, I’m sure you’ve seen the acronym “PDIC” and “PHP500,000” together somewhere, especially if you’re constantly in digital banking apps or physical branches up and about. In the world of finance, understanding mechanisms that safeguard your hard-earned money is of utmost importance. One key player in this domain is the Philippine Deposit Insurance […].....»»
Delivery drivers urge Mayor Baste for business permit exemption
Title: Delivery Drivers Seek Exemption from Business Permit Requirement A group of delivery drivers in Davao is urging Mayor Sebastian Duterte to exempt them from the mandatory business permits. The drivers, including those from various delivery apps such as Grab and FoodPanda, are concerned about the financial burden imposed by the business permits, which range from P2,000 to P6,000. They argue that this requirement is unique to Davao City among all cities and provinces in the Philippines. Grab rider Rolando Atico emphasized the need for solidarity among all delivery drivers, regardless of the app they work for. He urged fellow drivers to support each other, as the financial impact may extend beyond just Grab and FoodPanda. Atico also requested Mayor Duterte to reconsider the requirement and reinstate the previous occupational permit, which only cost P125. The group is facing a 30-day deadline to obtain the business permits, and they are citing financial constraints as a reason for their request for an extension. Failure to comply could result in their removal from the delivery platforms, jeopardizing their livelihoods. Additionally, they are advocating for changes to Davao City's Revenue Code, proposing a model similar to Cebu City, where only an occupational permit is required. The drivers are also calling for an inquiry into the lack of transparency and unilateral actions of food delivery companies, particularly concerning rider capitalization and financial concerns. They believe that a thorough investigation will help ensure fairness and equity in their financial obligations and working relationship with the delivery companies. Maribel Paguican, the Business Bureau officer-in-charge, stated that non-certified delivery riders categorized as service contractors must obtain a business permit. She mentioned two permits for occupational and business activities, with a discounted structure for delivery riders. However, concerns have been raised about increased taxes, potentially ranging from P3,000 to P6,000, along with an additional tax on top of the declared income of P1,400. The delivery drivers' plea for exemption from the business permit requirement reflects their concerns about the financial impact and the potential threat to their livelihoods. Their call for solidarity and support from fellow drivers highlights the urgency of the situation. This story sheds light on the challenges faced by delivery drivers in Davao and the implications of the business permit requirement on their financial well-being. It also underscores their efforts to seek fairness and equity in their working relationship with the authorities and delivery companies......»»
9 in 10 Pinoys use fintech apps in transactions
Nine out of 10 Filipinos are using financial technology applications in their everyday transactions, cementing the need to make it more secure and convenient to the public......»»
Acorda eyes Pinoy apps vs cybercrimes
With cybercrimes continuously evolving, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. wants the PNP to have homegrown applications to combat crimes being perpetrated on the internet......»»
Dating app abductions raise fears for LGBT+ safety in South Africa
There is an alarming rise in incidents where gay men have been lured to locations where they were physically assaulted, robbed and held hostage after matching on apps.....»»
How Digital Payments Help Your Business
There was a sudden spike in the usage of digital payments in recent years, especially when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world in 2020. This accelerated the use of digital payments as it was much more convenient and safer to transact. Gcash, Maya, and other digital payment apps have been great tools for the ease […].....»»
Meta quarterly profit jumps but it sees volatility in ad market
Meta on Wednesday reported that its quarterly profit more than doubled from last year's figure as it looks ahead at a volatile ad market and lawsuits accusing it of profiting from "children's pain." "Meta earnings looked pretty good," said independent tech analyst Rob Enderle. "They have clearly cut back on the bleeding surrounding their metaverse efforts and the company appears to be on a more even keel right now." The tech giant said it made a profit of $11.6 billion as ad revenue climbed 23 percent to $34 billion when compared to the same period a year earlier. "We had a good quarter for our community and business," said Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg. The number of people using Facebook monthly rose slightly to 3.05 billion in a year-over-year comparison while monthly active users of Meta's "family" of apps was 3.96 billion a 7 percent increase from the same quarter in 2022, the company reported. Meta said it had trimmed costs, with layoffs and other belt-tightening measures started last year providing "greater efficiency." Meta had suffered a rough 2022 amid a souring economic climate and Apple's data privacy changes, which allowed users to block ad targeting, the pillar of Meta's business. Meta's vow of austerity on spending brought an unprecedented round of cost-cutting that saw the company lay off tens of thousands of workers since last November. Meta shares, which closed the formal trading day down, fell more than three percent further in after-hours trades to $289.50. Chief financial officer Susan Li said during an earnings call that Meta is seeing "volatility" in an ad market that started to soften when the conflict between Israel and Hamas began. "It's hard for us to attribute demand softness directly to any specific geopolitical event," Li said. "We have seen broader demand softness follow other regional conflicts in the past, such as in the Ukraine war, so this is something that we're continuing to monitor." Lawsuit peril Analyst Enderle maintained that Meta is at risk from lawsuits poised to damage its image and its wallet. Dozens of US states this week accused Meta of profiting "from children's pain," damaging their mental health and misleading people about the safety of its platforms. "In seeking to maximize its financial gains, Meta has repeatedly misled the public about the substantial dangers of its Social Media Platforms," argued a joint lawsuit filed in federal court in California. The states accused Meta of exploiting young users by creating a business model designed to maximize time they spend on the platform despite harm to their health. In total more than 40 states are suing Meta, though some opted to file in local courts rather than join in the federal case. Meta said the states were singling it out unfairly instead of working with social media companies to develop universal standards for the whole industry. "This landmark lawsuit could herald a seismic shift in how social media platforms approach product features and user engagement," said Insider Intelligence principal analyst Jeremy Goldman. "That said, even as tech stocks face uncertainty, Meta's consistent performance cements its leadership in the digital realm." Meanwhile, the European Union is seeking details on measures Meta has taken to stop the spread of "illegal content and disinformation" in light of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The AI race The tech giant is putting artificial intelligence into digital assistants and smart glasses as it seeks to gain lost ground in the AI race. "I'm proud of the work our teams have done to advance AI and mixed reality with the launch of Quest 3, Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, and our AI studio," Zuckerberg said in the earnings release. The second-generation Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses made in a partnership with EssilorLuxottica have a starting price of $299. "Smart glasses are the ideal form factor for you to let AI assistants see what you're seeing and hear what you're hearing," Zuckerberg said. Meta has taken a more cautious approach than its rivals Microsoft, OpenAI, and Google to push out AI products, prioritizing small steps and making its in-house models available to developers and researchers. "The majority of the world's population will have their first experience of generative artificial intelligence with us," Meta chief technology officer Andrew "Boz" Bosworth told AFP in a recent interview. Meta recently unveiled AI-infused chatbots with personalities, along with tools for creating images or written content using spoken prompts. The post Meta quarterly profit jumps but it sees volatility in ad market appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gibo: AI image generators ‘not harmless’
Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. said that his order limiting the use of artificial intelligence, or AI, applications in the defense sector includes popular image generator apps. He said his order of 18 October was part of the Department of National Defense’s operational security measures following the spate of cyber attacks against Philippine government agencies. Teodoro explained that while recreational apps like photo generators may appear harmless, they pose significant security risks as they allow hackers to attack individuals and entire security organizations. Among Philippine government agencies attacked by hackers were the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, the House of Representatives, and the Philippine Statistics Authority. “These hackers are paralyzing the governmental system to get money. It has been happening in America,” he warned in Filipino. The post Gibo: AI image generators ‘not harmless’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Dozens U.S. states sue Meta
Dozens of American states on Tuesday accused Facebook and Instagram owner Meta of profiting “from children’s pain,” damaging their mental health and misleading people about the safety of its social media platforms. In total, more than 40 states are suing Meta, though some opted to file in local courts rather than join in the federal case. Meta has exploited young users by creating a business model designed to maximize time they spend on the platform despite harm to their health, the joint lawsuit filed in federal court in California claimed. “Kids and teenagers are suffering from record levels of poor mental health and social media companies like Meta are to blame,” New York Attorney General Letitia James in a statement announcing the suit. The suit urges the federal court to order Meta to stop manipulative tactics and pay hefty financial penalties along with restitution, according to James. Meta said it was “disappointed” by the suit and that the states were not working with the array of social media companies to create age-appropriate standards. Meta maintained that it has developed more than 30 tools in its apps to support teenage users, and made it easier for parents to “shape” online activity. The Silicon Valley tech firm contended it is disappointing that attorneys general have singled out Meta instead of seeking industry-wide solutions given the popularity of rivals including TikTok, YouTube and Snap. Social media can also be a place where young people struggling with other issues in their lives go to find support of community, Meta maintained. The post Dozens U.S. states sue Meta appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gibo: DND’s order on use of AI system vital amid spate of gov’t hacking in Phl
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said that his order limiting the use of Artificial Intelligence applications in the defense sector was part of the Department of National Defense’s operational security measures following the spate of cyber attacks against Philippine government agencies. The DND’s internal order, signed by Teodoro on 18 October, directed all the defense employees and personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to refrain from using AI photo generator apps. Teodoro reiterated such a system may pose significant security risks and give access to hackers to attack individuals or the entire security organization. He clarified that the DND’s order is part of its monitoring measures to prevent non-state actors from including the country’s defense sector in their cybersecurity attacks. “These hackers are paralyzing the governmental system to get money. It has been happening in America,” he noted. Teodoro pressed the need to strengthen the country’s cybersecurity parallel to boosting our defense deterrent posture. “Kailangan pagtibayin natin ang ating operational security, unang una na po ang ating internet hygiene na ang bawat empleyado kawani ng (We need to strengthen our operational security, first of all our internet hygiene that every employee) of DND and AFP personnel,” he said. “We shall exercise utmost operation security, especially nowadays,” he added. Teodoro has again warned that AI-powered applications seemed “harmless and amusing” but could be “maliciously used” to create fake profiles that can lead to identity theft, social media engineering, phishing attacks, and other erring activities that compromise someone’s personal data. The post Gibo: DND’s order on use of AI system vital amid spate of gov’t hacking in Phl appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Dozens of US states sue Meta over harm to children
Dozens of US states on Tuesday filed a lawsuit accusing Facebook and Instagram owner Meta of of profiting "from children's pain," damaging their mental health and misleading the public over the safety of its platforms. "In seeking to maximize its financial gains, Meta has repeatedly misled the public about the substantial dangers of its Social Media Platforms," argued the suit filed in federal court in California. In total more than 40 states are suing Meta, though some opted to file in local courts rather than join in the federal case. Meta has exploited young users by creating a business model designed to maximize time they spend on the platform despite harm to their health, the legal filing argued. "Kids and teenagers are suffering from record levels of poor mental health and social media companies like Meta are to blame," said New York Attorney General Letitia James in a statement announcing the suit. "Meta has profited from children's pain by intentionally designing its platforms with manipulative features that make children addicted to their platforms while lowering their self-esteem." The suit goes on to accuse Meta of misleading the public about the safety of its platforms, including a Horizon World virtual reality offering that is part of the tech titan's vision of the metaverse. The suit urges the federal court to order Meta stop manipulative tactics and pay hefty financial penalties along with restitution, according to James. "Social media companies, including Meta, have contributed to a national youth mental health crisis and they must be held accountable," James said. Meta said it was "disappointed" by the suit. “We share the attorneys general's commitment to providing teens with safe, positive experiences online, and have already introduced more than 30 tools to support teens and their families," a spokesperson said. "We're disappointed that instead of working productively with companies across the industry to create clear, age-appropriate standards for the many apps teens use, the attorneys general have chosen this path." The post Dozens of US states sue Meta over harm to children appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
On the edge of Gaza, Israeli soldiers brace for battle
After 16 days of mobilising and massing near the Gaza Strip, an eerie calm lingers among Israeli troops as they await the highly anticipated invasion of the Hamas-controlled Palestinian territory. The parched desert floor is now filled with hundreds of armoured vehicles along with columns of tanks primed for the expected onslaught. The mechanised steel is adorned with the blue and white Israeli flags, while soldiers labour away with the everyday maintenance of their vehicles. This entire first line is protected by an immense trench, about two kilometres (more than a mile) long, that was dug by engineering units outfitted with heavy machinery. Like most ground offensives, the combat engineering corps will lead the armoured formations when they enter Gaza -- breaching defences and clearing mines and booby traps to pave the way for ground troops. "Military engineering is essential. Without us, no one enters Gaza," explained a soldier serving with unit 601 of the military engineering corps, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "There are a lot of obstacles. The enemy is spraying rockets and other things that I cannot detail to prevent us from progressing," he added. Jammed Israel's general staff said their troops are "ready" for a ground incursion, after more than two weeks of heavy bombardment of Gaza by Israeli warplanes and artillery that the Hamas-run health ministry says has killed more than 5,700 people. The campaign follows the bloodiest day in Israel's 75-year history, when hundreds of Hamas fighters rampaged through communities across southern Israel, killing around 1,400 people and taking more than 200 others hostage, according to Israeli officials. The decision to launch a ground invasion is now in the hands of the Israeli government, even as pressure builds from its allies over the shape and parameters of the operation. As its forces wait to strike, Israel has jammed signals near the Gaza border, rendering navigation applications like Google Maps and Waze useless throughout the militarised zone that has been sealed off from civilian use. AFP journalists on the ground noted that the attempts to pin their locations with the apps resulted in errant positions, including the airport near Tel Aviv or the Egyptian capital of Cairo. To reach the sprawling Tze'elim base some 20 kilometres from Gaza, a steady traffic jam leads to the entrance of the largest military facility in the country's southern desert. For kilometres (miles), tourist buses, family cars, tanks and army jeeps form an seemingly endless convoy en route to the base. Tze'elim has long been renowned as one of the premier training grounds for urban combat, which includes life-size replicas of Gaza neighbourhoods, including a mosque and minarets. The forces that have spent years honing their skills at the base will likely be instrumental in the expected ground campaign. Israeli forces last entered Gaza on foot in 2014, allowing Hamas ample time since then to fortify and expand their defences, including a maze of tunnels snaking under the city. In Tze'elim, "tens of thousands" are believed to be on hand in addition to the 169,500 Israeli soldiers already serving in active duty, while an estimated 360,000 reserves have been mobilised to assist in the fight. "Many are already on the ground," explains a senior officer on condition of anonymity referring to the Gaza border. The families of conscripts flock to the base to deliver meals or join their relatives on brief stints of leave, as they lounge on camping chairs lining the road to the base. 'We have to face this' At the entrance to the facility, Omer, a 23-year-old artillery reservist, searches through the masses of troops hoping to find a friend who is taking him on 24-hour leave. "I have been cut off from everything for 14 days -- two weeks in the field, shooting day and night," explained the artilleryman, with a dirt-smeared face and an Indian necklace hanging from his neck. Before the war, the gunner was a yoga teacher and had been studying in northern India when he received his marching orders. Since then, Omer has been manning his battery during "impossible" nights filled with the repeated concussion of heavy artillery and clouds of dust kicked up by passing armoured vehicles. "The worst thing is being in this shit and not even having time to grieve. I have two friends from Nova killed and a friend of a friend kidnapped," said the Israeli soldier, referring to the desert rave where around 270 people were gunned down by Hamas. "When all this is over, we will also have to face this," he added. "But right now, we don't have time." The post On the edge of Gaza, Israeli soldiers brace for battle appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»