Celebs used for deepfake AI ads, Google denies Gmail closure after email hoax
Image: BBC Celebrities including Piers Morgan, Nigella Lawson and Oprah Winfrey have criticised the use of AI deepfake online adverts that gave the false impression they had endorsed a US influencer's controversial self-help course. The adverts promoted the so-called "Genie Script", the centrepiece of a "manifestation" course sold for $37 (£29)…
California blocks driverless Waymo expansion, Motorola launches £90 smartphone
California has blocked a Google-backed driverless car company from expanding to more cities after a series of accidents. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has suspended a request by Waymo, which is owned by Google’s parent company, to launch its robotaxi business in more cities within the state. Vehicles from Waymo and Cruise, a rival,…
Apple launches Sports app, Xbox names games available to Nintendo Switch
Apple launched a new iPhone app today called Apple Sports, giving users a one-stop location to check scores, team stats, betting odds, and more across a number of major sports leagues. The app supports the NBA, NHL, NCAA, Premier League, and several other leagues at launch, including MLS — the soccer league Apple has exclusive…
UK leads operation against Lockbit, Fujifilm launches new TikTok-friendly camera
The UK has led an operation to disrupt what is thought to be the world's largest criminal ransomware group. The National Crime Agency (NCA) has infiltrated systems belonging to Lockbit and stolen its data. The organisation is believed to be based in Russia and, by volume, be the most prolific ransomware group selling services to…
EU formally investigates TikTok, fines Apple over music streaming
The EU has launched a formal investigation into whether TikTok has broken online content rules, including the safeguarding of children. The EU’s executive arm, the European Commission, said it had opened official proceedings against the Chinese-owned short video platform over a potential breach of the Digital Services Act (DSA). It said the investigation was looking at…
Google rolls out Gemini AI model, Honor to unveil Porsche design phone at MWC
Google has started rolling out its ‘most capable’ AI model yet, Gemini. As a replacement for Google’s pre-existing Bard chatbot, the new AI assistant has been off to a slow start as it’s already had to have some major updates to its voice commands and app. Late last year, Google announced its plans to expand…
5 online scams – and how to avoid them
Research shows that almost three in four UK adults have fallen victim to scams¹. With crime rates rising alongside the cost of living crisis², the experts at Independent Advisor VPN share how to spot, and avoid, online scams. James Milin-Ashmore at Independent Advisor VPN comments: “It’s clear to see that the cost of living crisis has driven a…
Amazon’s Jeff Bezos sells $4 billion of shares Prime Video viewers lose more features
Multi-billionaire Jeff Bezos has sold more of his shares in Amazon, bringing the total value of sales in recent days to more than $4bn (£3.2bn). The technology giant, which Mr Bezos founded in 1994, said he has sold 24 million Amazon shares this month. Mr Bezos, who is the firm's executive chair, last sold Amazon…
Zapp announces production of i300 electric motorbike
British electric mobility brand Zapp has announced it is to start the production and commercial rollout of the i300, the brand’s high-performance electric urban motorcycle. Zapp anticipates making initial deliveries of the i300 in Europe in the months ahead, followed by a commercial launch of the i300 in Asian markets in late 2024. The company's…