Security is hard. It's even harder now that, apparently, the UK Government has secretly ordered Apple to reduce the security of its services. That's why my colleagues and I had to take the government to court.It's an honest struggle to secure your organisation's data. At Privacy International, like every organisation, we're always struggling with decisions about where our data is stored, how it is secured, and how to ensure backups.When our data is stored on servers elsewhere, like most organisations, we fret and take necessary additional measures. We take the natural position that the data should be secured. We use encryption to do so.When I look at my phone, however, I worry. On there, amidst all my personal information, and my family's, I also have my work data. On all our personal devices there are work emails, chats, contracts, reports, travel details, events, contacts... it's nearly impossible to segment the two worlds. And yet that data also gets backed up. In my case, and for millions of people in the UK and billions across the world, our data ends up on Apple's servers.For me, this became an urgent matter in August 2024. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Russian Government began listing individuals on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, 'stop-lists' of people. I was listed, amongst many others, as being part of 'London's hostile agenda' against Russia.Many UK parliamentarians (including ministers), and people working for academia, think tanks and the private sector have been similarly listed.Sitting at home in August, seeing that listing, my heart sank. While I'm unlikely to visit Russia, and so the direct impact of that listing is limited, my name is nonetheless there to be seen by all, defined as an opponent of Russia.My next response was to start hardening my home network and all my familys devices. I turned on every security functionality I could, raising every bar there was.Now those protections are being taken away from me, by the UK Home Secretary. On February 5th the Washington Post revealed that Apple had received an order from the UK Government to undermine the security of the very service I had turned on to directly control the encryption of my data on Apple's servers. While Apple has said nothing publicly about this order, it soon thereafter announced that it would remove that service from the UK. As a result of that decision, I will at some point lose that ability to control my security.I am again feeling exposed, targeted, and confused. I am worried about my family's safety. And this time, it's apparently because of the UK Home Secretary's choices.Unless the UK Government changes the course it seems to be on, my family and I will lose that layer of security on the private minutiae of our lives: the recipes we've saved to try at family mealtime, photos from my child's school plays, videos from Christmasses past. Alongside are records of my work at PI with lawyers, journalists, and rights defenders across the world.We stepped up and filed our case because everyone - including my family - has a right to privacy and security.We believe that the UK's apparent attempt to undermine encryption could have global consequences, opening up a back door to millions of peoples personal data that could be accessed by hackers and oppressive governments.No government should have the power to suspend security, or to halt security innovation, affecting all users whether in their country or affecting users world-wide. Yet that power exists in the Investigatory Powers Act, and it's now purportedly been used, in secret.This undermines the security of us all.This is why we took our case to the Investigatory Powers Tribunal. For now, the UK's secret order seems to have affected millions of people in the UK. Unless we all push back, it will affect billions of people across the world. The Home Secretary musn't get to secretly decide the security fates of us all.Dr Gus Hosein is executive director of Privacy InternationalTimeline of UK government's order for a backdoor into Apple's encrypted iCloud service7 February: Tech companies brace after UK demands backdoor access to Apple cloud The UK has served a notice on Apple demanding backdoor access to encrypted data stored by users anywhere in the world on Apples cloud service.10 February: Apple: British techies to advise on devastating UK global crypto power grab A hitherto unknown British organisation, which even the government may have forgotten about, is about to be drawn into a global technical and financial battle, facing threats from Apple to pull out of the UK.13 February: UK accused of political foreign cyber attack on US after serving secret snooping order on Apple US administration asked to kick UK out of 65-year-old UK-US Five Eyes intelligence sharing agreement after secret order to access encrypted data of Apple users.14 February: Top cryptography experts join calls for UK to drop plans to snoop on Apples encrypted data Some of the worlds leading computer science experts have signed an open letter calling for home secretary Yvette Cooper to drop a controversial secret order to require Apple to provide access to users encrypted data.21 February: Apple withdraws encrypted iCloud storage from UK after government demands backdoor access After the Home Office issued a secret order for Apple to open up a backdoor in its encrypted storage, the tech company has instead chosen to withdraw the service from the UK.26 February: US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard probes UK demand for Apples encrypted data 5 March: Apple IPT appeal against backdoor encryption order is test case for bigger targets The Home Office decision to target Apple with an order requiring access to users encrypted data is widely seen as a stalking horse for attacks against encrypted messaging services WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal.11 March: Secret London tribunal to hear appeal in Apple vs government battle over encryption A secret tribunal is due to meet at the High Court in London this week to hear tech giant Apple appeal against a Home Office order to compromise the encryption of data stored by its customers on the iCloud service worldwide.13 March: US Congress demands UK lifts gag on Apple encryption order Apple and Google have told US lawmakers that they cannot tell Congress whether they have received technical capability notices from the UK.14 March: The Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) holds a day-long secret hearing into an appeal brought by Apple against a government notice requiring it to provide law enforcement access to data encrypted by its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) service on the iCloud, despite calls for the hearing to be opened to the public.

Blackview's Tab 90 is an affordable Android tablet at roughly $140, but its 11-inch display makes it look like a much more expensive device.

Gmail is suddenly changingNurPhoto via Getty ImagesUpdate: Republished on March 24 with new warnings for Google users and new concerns as the serious risks from these upgrades become clear.Theres a new battle taking place on your computers and your phones that will shape how you use technology for years to come. Google is leading the chargealbeit its not alone, and Gmail will likely change more than any other platform. That means serious decisions for its 3 billion users, who are well advised to think before clicking yes.Were talking AI and the breakneck speed with which new tools are being stitched into the platforms and services we all use daily. Apple may have been hit with an unintended slowdown, but not Google and Microsoft. Theres no stopping them.Take your Chrome search history as an example. Its surprisingly personal what you search on the web and how you term those searches. But AI will be let loose on that history, if you let it, using this to get to know you better so it can help you more. But this isnt an executive assistant, its a technology platform owned by the worlds most valuable marketing machine. Buyer beware, as they say.Or how about Microsofts new (and seemingly automated) opt-in to having its own Copilot AI let loose on OneDrive. Do you want Microsoft Copilot sniffing your OneDrive files? PC World asks. Too late. Allowing AI to sniff your cloud files may seem a little creepy, but Microsoft says it will only work with your authorization.And so we come to Gmail, and Googles confirmation on Thursday that Gmail is rolling out a smarter search feature powered by AI to show you the most relevant results, faster. No doubt this is useful. Factoring in how you engage with emails and senders to better serve up results, to resolve the pain in email search. If youve ever struggled with finding information in your overflowing inbox, Google says, youre not alone.But again this is AI set loose on your personal information. I asked Google about the privacy implications and was assured that our priority is respecting our users privacy while giving them choice and control over their data. To that end, this particular tool is one of the 'smart features that users can control in their personalization settings. You can read more about those settings here.Theres no suggestion that your data is being syphoned off to train models or enhance marketing profiles, but it is being analyzed. As Android Police has just warned, if you think Googles terms of service are reasonable, you may still want to stop Google from storing your conversations in Gemini. The AI landscape is evolving rapidly, and legislators are slow to keep up with the ethical and legal ramifications of generative AI.Users must now need to decide on their own red lines. For me, theres a big difference between auditable on-device AI analysis versus whats done in the cloud, however assuring privacy policies might be. Theres a major difference between cant and wont, as Amazons recent change to its own local versus cloud processing makes clear.Android Police recommends turning off AI training now. It wont impact your Gemini experience and acts as insurance against any changes to Geminis terms of service. The good news is that you only need to turn AI training off on one device to disable it across all devices where youre signed into Gemini. The bad news is that there is a variety of privacy policies governing different platforms and services. Its worth double checking for any AI youre using with access to private content like emails.Gmails latest AI trick.GoogleAs ESETs Jake Moore has warned, any data that we share onlineeven in private channelshas the potential of being stored, analyzed and even shared with third parties. When information is a premium and even seen as a currency of its own, AI models can be designed to delve more deeply into users divulging vast amounts of personal information. Data sharing can ultimately create security and privacy issues in the future and many users are simply unaware of the risks.Ive argued before that Gmail and email more widely need to catch up with the on-device processing being applied to other platforms, and heres another good reason why thats becoming so critical. It has become a selling point for new message and app security features. The same should be true for email.Its no coincidence that Apple is struggling to make AI work where others are not. As Wired says, Apples approach to this stuff is likely not close to the norm. Youll need to be comfortable handing over large amount of data to make Alexa work its best, while OpenAIs Sam Altman seems happy to destroy entire categories of jobs at the altar of progress. But Tim Cook and Apple? A cleaner, more positive image has for decades been part of the companys appeal, and that includes a very clear focus on privacy.This new Gmail tool is dubbed most relevant search and is rolling out across personal Google accounts. Google says it can be accessed on the web and in the official Gmail app for Android and iOS. You can toggle back and forth between legacy recent and AI relevant results. Business users will get this as well, but not for some time.Its interesting that this change is being timed differently for home and business users. There are increasing concerns across enterprises as to the proprietary and sensitive data leaking out via AI prompts, with little if any governance at play.According to Global Data (via Verdict), almost three-quarters of businesses are worried about the privacy and data integrity risks of artificial intelligence (AI), which is slowing adoption of the technology. These researchers also warn that 59% of businesses [are] lacking confidence in adopting the technology for their organizations. Only a fifth (21%) of respondents reported high or very high adoption of AI within their organizations.Just as with home users, this space is moving so quickly that users are failing to grasp the security and privacy implications of whats taking place on their computers and phones. The risk is that the default CISO position needs to become no until the right governance and controls are available. Exciting new features are neatly presented, but front a vast ecosystem of data capture and analysis. This relies on policies to protect our most sensitive data from leakage or abuse. We have seen some we will see more.Harmonic Security warns that generative AI tools have become integral to modern workflows, promising efficiency and innovation, these benefits come [with] significant risks related to data security. Despite their potential, many organizations hesitate to fully adopt Al tools due to concerns about sensitive data being inadvertently shared and possibly used to train these systems. Organizations risk losing their competitive edge if they expose sensitive data. Yet at the same time, they also risk losing out if they dont adopt GenAl and fall behind. Maybe one explanation for Googles staggered timing.In the last year we have seen one Gmail/Workspace AI upgrade after another. This wont stop. And so it will become ever more important for users to be clear as to what theyre agreeing, how it works, and what opt-ins and opt-outs are available.

Apple Watch Series 10AppleThe Apple Watch could be due for the biggest feature shake-up it has had in a long time.Apple is working on adding a camera to the Watch series, according to Bloombergs Mark Gurman.The end goal is not to have Watch buyers going around snapping still photos with their Apple Watch, rather than an iPhone, but to give Apples wearable the ability to see and analyze the world around the wearer. It will employ Apple Intelligence to recognize and react to objects and scenes shown to the watchs camera.A version of this feature is already available in the iPhone 16, dubbed visual intelligence.You can use visual intelligence to quickly learn more about the places and objects around you, says Apple.Its used to translate text, look up details of businesses, recognize plants and animals, and to read text out loud. Presumably all of this, and more, will come to Apple Watch if these plans pan out.This makes more sense in the way Apple is reportedly set to put a camera in the Apple Watch Ultra. Its expected to be placed in the side of the watch, by the crown. This positioning will let you effectively point your arm at an object and have the Watch Ultras camera see it.The standard Apple Watch is expected to put the camera in the screen area, which may make capturing certain scenes, to give them the visual intelligence treatment, a little more awkward.It could make the camera effectively invisible, though. There are now under-screen cameras that sit behind the display panel. Apple is rumoured to be developing this tech for the iPhone series.While early versions of this tech still made it clear where the camera was, the screen often seeming to have a small lower-resolution section, it has since improved dramatically.Apple Watch With Camera Release DateWhen are Apple Watch with cameras coming? Not this year, and they arent expected to arrive until 2027.Visual intelligence in the Apple Watch could serve as a precursor to Apple smart glasses, which have long been rumoured but never officially acknowledged.In January, it was reported Apple had shelved plans for smart glasses that would connect to a Mac again a report from Mark Gurman. However, since then the concept has again surfaced, as a product in contention for a public release by the end of the decade.Meta is already into its second generation of consumer-focused smart glasses, thanks to its collaboration with Ray-Ban. The Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer can be used to capture video and stills, to play audio and interact with Meta AI, but they do not have the kind of visual intelligence proposed for a future Apple Watch.

Forward-looking: Samsung's upcoming XR headset and smart glasses mark a push into the extended reality space, where Apple's Vision Pro and Meta's smart glasses reside with very moderate success. Both devices would run on Android XR OS, a platform built by Google and Qualcomm, and be powered by the latest Snapdragon XR2 Plus Gen 2 chip. The headset is expected to arrive with top specs, including micro-OLED displays, a 90Hz refresh rate, and up to 1,000 nits of brightness. At Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event in January, the company teased an XR headset in the vein of the Apple Vision Pro, alongside a pair of smart glasses reminiscent of the Meta Ray-Ban ones.According to South Korean publication ET News, Samsung's upcoming smart glasses are codenamed "Haean," after a city in South Korea. They are expected to launch alongside the XR headset currently in development under the name "Project Moohan." Both devices will run on Android XR OS, a new operating system developed by Google and Qualcomm specifically for extended reality devices.The report adds that the smart glasses will resemble a regular pair of sunglasses to avoid standing out in public. They are also said to feature a thin and lightweight design, making them comfortable for users with virtually any face shape to wear for extended periods.Samsung is reportedly still finalizing the features and specifications of Haean, so details remain scarce. However, rumors suggest it could be powered by the Snapdragon XR2 Plus Gen 2 chip, feature a 12MP camera, and include a 155mAh battery. Potential software features may include video recording, music playback, voice calling, and social sharing.In parallel, Samsung continues development of Project Moohan, its XR headset aimed at competing with the Apple Vision Pro. It will also run on Android XR OS and is rumored to support features such as eye tracking, hand gestures, and speech recognition. // Related StoriesOne confirmed detail about Project Moohan is that it will use the Snapdragon XR2 Plus Gen 2 chip, which enables high-end capabilities, including up to 4.3K resolution per eye, 90Hz refresh rates, and support for up to 12 concurrent cameras.According to Daily Korea, Samsung's XR headset will feature micro-OLED displays with a 3,840 x 3,552 resolution, a 90Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 1,000 nits. The rest of the specifications remain under wraps.While Samsung has confirmed a 2025 launch window, an exact release date has not yet been announced.

What just happened? DNA testing specialist 23andMe has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in order to facilitate a sale. Mark Jensen, chair and member of the special committee of the board of directors, said that after a thorough evaluation, it was decided that a court-supervised sale process would be the best path forward to maximize the value of the business. 23andMe was founded in 2006 as a direct-to-consumer genetics testing specialist and became a publicly traded company in June 2021, trading under the ticker symbol "ME." At the time, co-founder and CEO Anne Wojcicki said the company had over 11 million users that were using genetics to transform how they diagnose, treat, and prevent human disease.At its peak, 23andMe's valuation topped $6 billion, but things wouldn't last.The company struggled to recover from a massive data breach that started in April 2023 and ran for a full five months. It was later revealed that hackers had gained access to information on around 5.5 million people that were using the company's DNA Relatives feature. Exposed data reportedly included names, birth years, ancestry reports, and more. Another 1.4 million users reportedly had family tree data exposed in the breach, a 23andMe rep told TechCrunch.Consumers also sort of lost interest in "at-home" DNA testing, which some view as a "one and done" model that doesn't lend itself to repeat business.The company attempted to restructure, announcing plans late last year to lay off 40 percent of its workforce. The move was expected to save more than $35 million annually with a one-time expense of $12 million related to severance packages. It was perhaps a case of too little, too late.Share value in 23andMe has cratered, and currently sits at just $0.92 per down from an all-time high of more than $320. // Related StoriesThe company also announced that Wojcicki is resigning as CEO, effective immediately, but will stay on as a member of the board. CFO Joe Selsavage has been appointed interim chief executive, we're told.Image credit: National Cancer Institute

Disney+ has released the final trailer for Andorseason 2.Welcome to the Rebellion, Diego Lunas Cassian Andor says in the new footage. The Rebel Alliance continues to take shape as they prepare for the impending battle against the Empire. Speaking of the Empire, the construction of the Death Star heats up, with Director Orson Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn) overseeing the process.In the Imperial Senate, Mon Mothma (Genevieve OReilly) conducts an emotional speech that will serve as a rallying cry for the Rebellion.The Empire cannot win, Cassian impassionately states in the trailer.Please enable Javascript to view this contentSeason 2s cast includes Luna as Cassian Andor, OReilly as Mon Mothma, Mendelsohn as Orson Krennic, Stellan Skarsgrd as Luthen Rael, Denise Gough as Dedra Meero, Kyle Soller as Syril Karn, Adria Arjona as Bix Caleen, Faye Marsay as Vel Sartha, Varada Sethu as Cinta Kaz, Elizabeth Dulau as Kleya Marki, Alan Tudyk as K-2SO, and Forest Whitaker as Saw Gerrera.Created by Tony Gilroy, AndorRogue One: A Star Wars Story. Season 1 followed the first year of Cassians transformation from petty criminal to Rebellion hero.Lucasfilm/Disney+The 12-episode second season will be told in four weekly chapters, covering the four years leading up toRogue One.Writers for season 2s three-episode blocks include Tony Gilroy (1-3), Beau Willimon (4-6), Dan Gilroy (7-9), and Tom Bissell (10-12).Andorseason 1 is streaming on Disney+ and Hulu. Additionally, the first three episodes ofAndorseason 1can be watched for free on Disney+s YouTube channel.The first three episodes ofAndorseason 2 premiere on April 22, 2025, on Disney+.Editors Recommendations

Prince of Prussia is a new, free retro-inspired title from Adamatomic that combines the brutal, unforgiving platforming of Prince of Persia with all the Nazi-killing fun of Wolfenstein. Oh, and did we mention you can play it in your browser? Its available from adamatomic.itch.io/prince, and all you need is a keyboard (though a gamepad might make it slightly easier.)Prince of Prussia throws the player in head-first with a single message that sums up the entire game: God damn Nazis. Youre in jail, and theyre alive. You can fix this. Its tongue-in-cheek in the best way, with all the retro-charm you could ask for as long as youre willing to start overa lot.Recommended VideosThe game utilizes the arrow keys and the X and C keys. Spoiler alert: both keys are jump buttons, but the jump is directional. Slaying enemies is as easy as walking into them (once you find a weapon, anyway), but the game doesnt hold your hand at all. That said, its a refreshing dose of nostalgia for anyone who longs for the days of old NES titles that take a sadistic joy in killing you at every turn.Screenshot AdamtomicPrince of Prussia only has 15 levels and doesnt take terribly long to finish, especially once you get the hang of it. If you die, you can just restart from the beginning of the level. Adamatomic says its rated M for Mature, but the opening of the game gives you the real rating: N for Nazi-stabbin.Please enable Javascript to view this contentAdamatomic (real name Adam Saltsman) has made quite a few indie games through Itch.io, includingBandit Accountancy, Dust Settlers, Cave of Cards, and more.Editors Recommendations

The genetic testing company, which plans to try to sell all of its assets, holds biological information on millions of people.

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