Image: Team CherryIn the absence of any official Hollow Knight: Silksong news, any update to the game, no matter how small, is a cause for speculation amongst the community who, let's not forget, have been waiting for this one since 2019.Well, today we have another minor update, to the Steam page this time, and it's rekindled the "we're so back!" fires once again (thanks for the heads up, VGC).As noted on just about every social media channel we can think of, the Silksong Steam page has been treated to a very minor update, opting the game in for GeForce Now (meaning it'll be playable on the platform whenever it finally releases), tweaking the copyright date and changing some hidden assets.Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube799kWatch on YouTube It's the kind of development that would likely pass unnoticed for the vast majority of titles, but we're all so hungry for Silksong news, that the community is running with it. Indeed, a brief glance at 'Silksong' on Twitter and BlueSky reveals a whole host of claims that the hotly-anticipated game is inbound, with more than a handful of users optimistically suggesting that the Steam update means official word from Team Cherry is coming tomorrow.SILKSONG TOMORROW woot000 (@woot000.com) 2025-03-24T05:31:09.389ZSILKSONG TOMORROW LETS GO EthanTube112 (@ethantube112.bsky.social) 2025-03-24T11:27:27.062ZNaturally, the page update is far from anything concrete. Sure, tweaks to the copyright information and release prep could hint at something big around the corner, but it equally could point towards Team Cherry getting its affairs in order while it continues to work on the game. And let's admit it, no hype train is faster than Silksong's.The hopeful glimmer is that this isn't the first bit of Silksong news we've heard of late. Just last week, Xbox Wire referenced the game in the console's "incredible" upcoming line-up, and the title briefly disappeared from the eShop last month before being reinstated. That follows an actual development update from Team Cherry back in January, in which Matthew 'Leth' Griffin confirmed, "the game is real, progressing and will release" hardly the biggest news drop but hey, we'll take what we can get. Playing the waiting gameUpdate: Restored after a few hoursAfter weeks of rumoursSo, do you think this Steam update is a sign of big news to come? Let us know in the comments.[source videogameschronicle.com]Related GamesSee AlsoShare:02 Jim came to Nintendo Life in 2022 and, despite his insistence that The Minish Cap is the best Zelda game and his unwavering love for the Star Wars prequels (yes, really), he has continued to write news and features on the site ever since. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related ArticlesPSA: Nintendo Reminds Us It's Winding Down Gold Points Next WeekReminder: This is the last weekend you can earn GPPlants vs. Zombies Looks Set To Be Revived And 'Reloaded' On SwitchReady those peashootersChances Are You've Never Heard Of Nightdive Studio's Latest Switch RereleaseOr perhaps you have..!Pokmon's Team Rocket Is Returning To The Trading Card Game In A New SetHere's a first lookSquare Enix Publisher Sale Brings Delightful Discounts To A Boatload Of RPGsBen Starr even has some recommendations

Start your engines applications for TechCrunchs Startup Battlefield 200 competition are open! If youre a pre-Series A startup founder looking to make your mark on a global stage, this is an opportunity you cant pass up. We want to see you showcase your game-changing innovations to the world at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025s premier startup pitch competition.As a competitor, youll have the opportunity to gain exposure, pitch your startup to world-class VC judges and to the Disrupt 2025 audience and get a shot at the coveted $100,000 equity-free prize. Dont let this remarkable moment pass you by.The competition is expected to be cutthroat this year. Thousands of startups applied in 2024, and we are expecting another large flood of applications from inspiring innovators in 2025. If you think your startup has what it takes, dont wait! TechCrunch reviews every application in detail, but the sooner you apply, the better.Startup Battlefield 200 perksImage Credits:Kimberly White / Getty ImagesA free exhibit table for all three days of Disrupt 20254 complimentary tickets to Disrupt 2025Branding/listing in the official Disrupt 2025 event appPress list accessLead generationExclusive access to masterclass sessionsThe ability to pitch on the Disrupt Stage to world-famous VCsExpert advice from top-tier investors to help you scaleA chance to win $100,000 equity-freeThats not all. Go to our official Startup Battlefield 200 event page to learn more details.Apply to compete todayStartup Battlefield has welcomed over 1,500 alumni across its history, including game-changing startups like Trello, Mint, Dropbox, Discord, and more. Startup Battlefield is proven to be the ultimate launchpad for the next generation of disruptors and you could be part of that legacy.If youre with a bold, early-stage startup with a transformative vision, we want to see you compete for the title. Startup Battlefield 200 is the place to make your mark whether youre bootstrapped, pre-seed, or seed-funded. Series A startups in capital-intensive industries may also qualify.Dont miss your chance to compete on a global stage during the biggest startup pitch competition of the year. Apply today!Apply Today!

TechCrunch All Stage is returning to Boston, MA on July 15 for a jam-packed day where founders no matter what stage theyre in will gain practical insights to fuel their startup growth. With a lineup of expert-led sessions, founders will leave with actionable strategies they can implement right away. Investors will also be there, eager to network and find the next big opportunity to support. Its a perfect blend of learning, connection, and innovation. The event formerly known as Early Stage now reflects that startup success happens at every level. Book your ticket now to save up to $320 with our Early Bird rates but dont wait, these offers wont last.Secure your spot before March 31 at 11:59 p.m. PT to save $300+ on TC All Stage passes.Why go to TC All Stage?At TC All Stage, you can be part of the ultimate scaling summit brought to you by TechCrunch. Join 1,200 founders and VCs at Bostons SoWa Power Station on July 15 to participate in hands-on breakout sessions, expert-led roundtables, and meaningful networking opportunities between founders and VCs you cant get anywhere else.If youve ever wondered how to sharpen your pitching skills to raise VC funding or how to build a high-octane sales team, TC All Stage is the place to be.Gain key practical takeaways to supercharge your scaling journey.Network with influential founders and VCs who can offer guidance and potential backing.Draw inspiration from the dynamic, growth-driven startup atmosphere.Explore a range of products and services in the Expo Hall to fuel your business growth.Maximize your brand visibility to 1,200+ founders and investors, whether youre an attendee or exhibiting.Esteemed speakers at TC All StageCharles E. Hudson from Precursor Ventures is one of the judges at Startup Battlefield at TechCrunch Disrupt 2022 in San Francisco on October 19, 2022. Image Credit: Haje Kamps / TechCrunchAt TC All Stage, you get unparalleled access to accomplished startup leaders and VCs. Through panel-led breakout sessions, youll receive exclusive insights and tips that can help take your startup to the next level.Cathy Gao Partner at Sapphire VenturesChris Gardner Partner at Underscore VCCharles Hudson Founder and Managing Partner at Precursor VenturesTiffany Luck Partner at NEAJon McNeill CEO and co-founder of DVx VenturesJahanvi Sardana Partner at Index VenturesThats not all! Check out the TC All Stage speaker page for the latest speaker reveals and to apply for your chance to speak.What are you waiting for?Theres never been a better time to get a leg up as a startup founder. And if you register for TC All Stage today, youll save up to $310 on passes. Dont let this deal pass you by, prices will go up on March 31 at 11:59 p.m. PT.Want even more brand visibility at TC All Stage?Go beyond attending exhibit your brand and innovation in front of 1,200 founders and investors. Space is limited, so dont miss your chance to make an impact!Grab your exhibit table here before they run out.Or, explore sponsorship opportunities and activations at TC All Stage. Get in touch with our team by fillingout this form.Dont miss out on the best deals for TechCrunch eventsSubscribe to the TechCrunch Eventsnewsletter for early access to special deals and the latest event news.

Movie & Games TrailersElioBy Vincent Frei - 24/03/2025 First contact with adventure with Elio! This new movie by Pixar introduces a boy who always wanted to meet aliensuntil he actually does! This cosmic journey is packed with heart, humor, and a universe of surprises!The Animation and VFX are made by:Pixar Animation StudiosDirectors: Release Date: June 20, 2025 (USA) Vincent Frei The Art of VFX 2025

Were kicking off a brand new mini-series dedicated to unlocking the power of SMOUSE add-ons for Blender. In this first video, well be tackling the magic of underwater caustics: a fantastic SMOUSE tool that makes achieving this effect surprisingly easy.Links and credits:SMOUSE Everything Bundle use a coupon code gleb10 to get an extra 10% discount (a limited number of copies)SMOUSE on Gumroad the coupon code gleb10 should still work!Underwater Caustics Shader (Free and Pro versions)Blue Glacier by rpaylor, CC AttributionUnderwater Terrain #AgisoftNatureChallenge by yuma.jp, CC AttributionGiants Cave #AgisoftNatureChallenge by Alexei MKLT, CC AttributionDonut Photoscan by valwes, CC AttributionSwimming pool entertainment Construction Water by Mehdi Shahsavan, CC AttributionDust Particles+ assetPolyhavenMusic: Spooky Boop Otis McDonaldThis is just the beginning in the next two videos, well be exploring other powerful SMOUSE tools including a closer look at Shaders Plus and showing you how they all work together to create stunning visuals, previously really hard (if not impossible) to achieve in Blender.You May Also Like:The Lighting Addon Weve Been Waiting For Light WranglerOnce you use it, its hard to go back to default Blender light controls. Light Wrangler is a Blender add-on that transforms scene lighting by enabling you to place and adjust lights effortlessly (with a simple right-click).The post SMOUSE Add-ons Underwater Caustics Tutorial appeared first on Creative Shrimp.

JM Caf in Beijing | Zhi XiaIn the historic Xicheng District of Beijing, JM Caf is a 105m adaptive reuse project adjacent to the White Pagoda Temple, a landmark dating back to the Yuan Dynasty. The surrounding area, once characterized by traditional hutong courtyards, has undergone extensive urban renewal, transforming into a dynamic node where historical significance meets contemporary urban life. Today, the district emulates Beijings evolving Citywalk culture, which embraces pedestrian exploration and urban discovery.JM Caf Technical InformationArchitects1-5: B.L.U.E. Architecture StudioLocation: No.30, Dongcha, Gongmenkou, Xicheng District, Beijing, ChinaArea: 210 m2 | 2,260 Sq. Ft.Project Year: 2024Photographs: Zhi XiaBlurring the boundaries between architecture, the city, and the surrounding environment allows the space to naturally blend into the urban texture and become an organic part of it. B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio ArchitectsJM Caf PhotographsAerial View | Zhi XiaTerrace | Zhi XiaEntrance | Zhi XiaTerrace Detail | Zhi XiaInterior | Zhi XiaColumn Detail | Zhi XiaTables | Zhi XiaColumns | Zhi XiaInterior | Zhi XiaInterior | Zhi XiaInterior | Zhi XiaInterior | Zhi XiaArchitectural Response to PlaceRather than imposing an entirely new architectural language, JM Caf mediatesheritage and contemporary culture. The intervention is not a standalone object but a layered spatial experience drawing from the dynamic interplay of the urban environment. The cafe functions as a public gathering space and a private retreat, strategically positioned to capture views of the White Pagoda Temple while integrating with the daily rhythms of the hutong.The design embraces a multi-level approach, guiding visitors from the lively square into the interior and the roof terrace. This circulation strategy fosters a sense of discovery, ensuring that the architectural experience is not static but sequential, echoing the fluidity of movement inherent in Beijings historic alleyways.JM Caf Spatial Qualities and CirculationThe spatial organization of JM Caf is carefully choreographed, encouraging an organic transition from the public realm to more intimate settings. The journey begins at the stainless-steel faade, which reflects the surrounding environment, blurring the boundary between the built and the unbuilt. This reflective surface captures fleeting images of pedestrians and the urban square, creating a dynamic interplay between architecture and its context.As visitors step inside, the space unfolds in gradual layers. A semi-outdoor area, formed by a recessed glass faade, allows for a moment of pause, a space that mediates between the activity of the square and the interior calmness of the caf. Using stepped seating and strategically placed greenery reinforces a sense of spatial depth, subtly framing sky views and historic temples beyond.A defining feature of the project is its ability to dissolve spatial boundaries, merging architecture with the surrounding cityscape. Using a gradient stainless-steel treatment, transitioning from mirror-polished to frosted, alters the perception of solidity and transparency. This shifting materiality allows the building to engage with its environment in a performative manner, responding to light, movement, and changing perspectives.One of the most striking spatial elements is the rooftop terrace, accessed via a sculptural spiral staircase. Here, visitors are afforded an unparalleled view of the White Pagoda Temple, re-establishing a connection between the historic landmark and contemporary urban life. The terrace features a minimalist stone sculpture, a modern interpretation of the pagoda form, integrating contemporary design with historical reverence. This gesture transforms the rooftop into a social and contemplative spacewhere architecture and history intersect.Materiality and Sensory ExperienceJM Caf employs a restrained material palette that is deeply rooted in its context, reinforcing a dialogue between tradition and modernity. The predominant use of white and grey tones reflects the color scheme of the White Pagoda Temple, ensuring a visual continuity between the old and the new. Key material choices include:Stainless steelextends from the exterior faade into the interior, unifying the project with a seamless material gesture.White and light grey stoneform a tactile surface that grounds the space while establishing a direct relationship with Beijings historic hutongs.Frosted acrylic light boxesdissolve spatial boundaries and create an ethereal interior atmosphere.The project carefully orchestrates light and shadow to create a dynamic sensory experience. The skylight positioned above the stepped seating area floods the space with natural light, establishing an indoor-outdoor quality even within the cafs depths. This design strategy highlights the materiality of the surfaces, emphasizing texture and depth.The frosted acrylic light boxes installed on the ceiling at night cast a soft, diffused glow, echoing the traditional lanterns of Beijings old streets. The juxtaposition of these contemporary lighting elements against the grey-brick exterior reinforces a subtle yet powerful material contrast.The three original wooden structural columns were reimagined as sculptural elements, subtly hinting at their historical presence while integrating seamlessly into the contemporary design language. These columns create a dialogue between the past and present, offering a tactile reminder of the sites architectural lineage.JM Caf PlansLevel 1 | B.L.U.E. Architecture StudioRooftop | B.L.U.E. Architecture StudioDiagram | B.L.U.E. Architecture StudioJM Caf Image GalleryAbout B.L.U.E. Architecture StudioB.L.U.E. Architecture Studio is a Beijing-based architectural practice founded by Shuhei Aoyama, specializing in adaptive reuse, urban renewal, and contemporary interventions within historical contexts. The studios work is characterized by a deep sensitivity to spatial fluidity, materiality, and the interplay between architecture and its surroundings, often blending minimalist aesthetics with cultural narratives. Their projects, including renovations of traditional hutong spaces, emphasize the harmonization of past and present, creating environments that foster both community interaction and intimate experiences.Credits and Additional NotesArchitect: Shuhei Aoyama, Yoko Fujii, Kawashima Masaya / B.L.U.E. Architecture StudioClient: JM CafeSite Area: 105 mGross Area: 210 mMain Materials: Light grey tile, Grey brick, Stainless steel, White aggregate concrete, Plaster, Da Gu cement, White oak, Frosted acrylic

Spring is HereIn New York, Laura Gonzalez creates a romantic shopping fantasia for famed Parisian retailer PrintempsByRichard Martin March 24, 2025East, Interiors (Gieves Anderson/Printemps)SHAREParisian designerLaura Gonzalezcould have easily been overwhelmed by a project that involved hard-launching a famed and venerable French luxury retailer inside one of Manhattans most well-respected art deco buildings, One Wall Street. The challenge: How to marry the rich heritage of the Printemps brand, founded in a classic Boulevard Haussmann building in Paris in 1865, with the architectural style of a classic Manhattan address?Gonzalezs answer was to flex. Instead of developing a singular style to define this important new addition to the Financial Districts cultural landscape, she created ten distinct spaces by turns colorful and whimsical, futuristic and fresh, and reverential to the brands and the buildings storied pasts.Read more about the storied store on aninteriormag.com. New YorkRetail

Published March 24, 2025 10:00am EDT close 'CyberGuy': Is that iPhone app spying? What Apple's App Privacy Report can tell you Tech expert Kurt Knutsson urges you to use Apples App Privacy Report to see what your apps are really up to. Do you remember Apples"Privacy. That's iPhone" marketing campaigns? If youre not aware, the company likes to portray its products as being synonymous with privacy. However, the recent wave of security vulnerabilities affecting iPhones and Macs suggest Apples products may not be as secure as advertised.A recent security blunder only reinforces this point. Security researchers discovered that Apples built-in password manager app, Passwords, was vulnerable to phishing attacks for nearly three months after launch. This meant an attacker on the same Wi-Fi network as you, like at an airport or coffee shop, could redirect your browser to a lookalike phishing site to steal your login credentials.Stay protected & informed! Get security alerts & expert tech tips sign up for Kurts The CyberGuy Report now. A person holding an iPhone (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)What you need to knowSecurity researchers atMysk, noticed that Apple's Passwords app, introduced with iOS 18 in September 2024, had a significant security flaw that left users vulnerable to phishing attacks for nearly three months.The app used unencrypted HTTP connections instead of the more secure HTTPS to fetch logos and icons displayed alongside stored passwords. This allowed attackers on the same network, such as public Wi-Fi at a coffee shop or airport, to intercept these requests and potentially redirect users to phishing sites designed to steal login credentials.The issue remained unresolved from iOS 18s launch in September 2024 until Apple fixed it in December 2024, leaving users exposed for nearly three months. If someone opened the Passwords app and tapped a link, like "Change Password," while connected to an insecure network, an attacker could intercept the request and redirect them to a fraudulent site mimicking a legitimate one, such as a fake Yelp login page. Since the app did not enforce HTTPS, users might not notice the switch, putting their sensitive information at risk. A woman on her iPhone (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Apple has fixed the issue nowApple addressed the problem after security researchers from Mysk reported it in September 2024. The iOS 18.2 update, released in December, patched the vulnerability by enforcing HTTPS for all network communications within the Passwords app, making it much harder for attackers to intercept or redirect traffic.If youre using an iPhone or iPad with the Passwords app, ensure your device is updated to iOS 18.2 or later. This ensures youre protected from this vulnerability. If you havent updated yet and used the app on public Wi-Fi between September and December 2024, consider changing passwords for any accounts you accessed during that period, just to be safe.How to update the software on your iPhoneFollow the steps to update your iPhone or iPad:Tap onSettingsTap onGeneralTap onSoftware UpdateIf an update is available, it will give you the option to download and install Software update (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)6 ways you can stay safe from hackers targeting your passwordsApple's recent security blunder with the Passwords app highlights the importance of taking steps to protect your digital identity. Here are some ways you can stay safe from hackers targeting your passwords.1) Use a reliable password manager:Apple apps are generally more secure than third-party options, but the Passwords app clearly wasnt. The fact that the security vulnerability existed for three months before Apple fixed it proves that Apple needs to put more emphasis on keeping customer data secure. Id suggest opting for a reliable password manager instead of relying on Apples offering. Get more details about mybest expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 here.2) Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Its good to have a password manager, but you know whats even better? 2FA.Adding an extra layer of security with 2FA can prevent hackers from accessing your accounts, even if they steal your password. Use authentication apps like Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator or hardware security keys instead of SMS-based codes, which are vulnerable to SIM-swapping attacks.3) Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities and use a VPN:Hackers can exploit unsecured public networks to intercept your login credentials. If you must access sensitive accounts onpublic Wi-Fi, use a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic and prevent attackers from snooping on your data. VPNs will protect you from those who want to track and identify your potential location and the websites that you visit. A reliable VPN is essential for protecting your online privacy and ensuring a secure, high-speed connection.4) Beware of phishing attacks and install strong antivirus software:You can have all the protection in the world but a phishing email or SMS can still cause havoc. Hackers often use fake login pages to trick you into entering your credentials. Always verify URLs before entering login details, avoid clicking on suspicious links in emails or messages. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.5) Keep your devices updated: Regularlyupdate your devices and software to ensure you have the latest security patches.6) Regularly monitor all your accounts:Monitor your accounts for suspicious activity and report any unusual transactions or login attempts to Apple.Kurt's key takeawayThree months is a long time for a security flaw in a password manager to go unpatched, especially from a company that presents itself as a leader in privacy and security. This incident highlights a troubling reality. Apples security measures are not infallible, and even built-in system apps can expose users to serious risks. While the fix eventually arrived, it should not have taken this long for such a fundamental issue to be addressed. If Apple wants to maintain its privacy-first image, it needs to do better by ensuring more rigorous security testing before launch.Do you think Apple is doing enough to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats or are there additional steps the company should take to protect its users? Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/Contact.For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading toCyberguy.com/Newsletter.Alert:Malware steals bank cards and passwords from millions of devices.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Maksim Kabakou - FotoliaOpinionWill DeepSeek force us to take application security seriously?The rise of DeepSeek has prompted the usual well-documented concerns around AI, but also raised worries about its potential links to the Chinese state. The Security Think Tank considers the steps security leaders can take to counter threats posed by nation state industrial espionage?ByMike Gillespie and Ellie HurstPublished: 24 Mar 2025 DeepSeek, the Chinese chatbot launched in January 2025, has made waves across the tech and security world. With over 10 million downloads, its rapid adoption raises an important question: How much of this was driven by genuine interest, and how much was simply curiosity, without fully understanding the implications? Could this widespread use be quietly introducing Chinese source code into corporate networks?The initial outrage surrounding DeepSeek wasnt just about its capabilities, it was about its cost. The software shocked the market by delivering high-level mathematics, coding, and reasoning skills comparable to ChatGPT and other top-tier AI models, but at a fraction of the cost and with significantly fewer resources.What can CISOs do? The answer is simple: what they should already be doing when introducing any new software, hardware, or AI. The core of cyber security remains the same raising awareness, educating employees, and implementing fundamental security measures. But with Chinese technology already deeply embedded in government, critical infrastructure, and businesses, are we trying to fix a leak after the dam has already burst? The reality is, we lack the time, skills, and resources to untangle the extent of Chinese tech in our systems.So what makes DeepSeek different? Is it truly a unique risk, or is the media frenzy simply reminding us of the security concerns weve been aware of all along? After all, businesses have long been integrating technology from multiple nation states including Russia without fully questioning the long-term consequences. Only now are we stepping back to ask: Was this a good idea?A knee-jerk, unilateral response from security leaders while well-intentioned fails to account for the deeply interconnected nature of modern business ecosystems. Practical security steps, such as risk assessments, network segregation, vendor due diligence, and access controls, should already be standard practice. But these measures should never be reactive; they should be part of an ongoing conversation before any new technology is introduced.Consider the compromised federal phone system during the Obama administration. A lack of due diligence meant officials believed they were purchasing an American-built system only to later discover it had been assembled in the US from Chinese components. The lesson? Due diligence matters, and it costs money.If security is a priority, then we must be willing to invest in it not just in tools and technology, but in continuous education and awareness. The question isnt whether DeepSeek is a risk. The real question is: Are we finally ready to take security seriously?The Security Think Tank on nation state espionageElisabeth Mackay, PA Consulting: How CISOs can counter the threat of nation state espionage.In The Current Issue:UK government under-prepared for catastrophic cyber attack, hears PACSpace and power constrain datacentre planningDownload Current IssueSLM Series: Pryon - Mastering RAG implementation CW Developer NetworkSLM series - Qodea: A jumpstart for multi-model AI strategies CW Developer NetworkView All Blogs

Social media has become a fundamental aspect of modern life. Most people now use at least one platform, if not more. As such, having a social media presence has become vital for marketing and engaging with the public. However, the past 12 months have seen a paradigm shift in how social media platforms operate.When Elon Musk bought Twitter in October 2022, he soon began changing the platforms policies. In November 2022, Musk stated, as part of his reply to Stephen King, that: The goal is a trusted digital town square, where a wide range of views are tolerated. Since then, other social media companies have started moving their policies in a similar direction.Theres been enormous pressure from the European Union to reform social media, but people like Musk have pushed back against it and created this American standard of freedom of speech, says reputation consultant Madelaine Hanson. Consequently, were seeing a massive shift in what people are prepared to share, and thats had some negative and positive effects, both from a moral standpoint and a reputational standpoint.Meanwhile, with the growing interest in artificial intelligence (AI) following the release of ChatGPT, social media companies are now leveraging their vast amounts of user-generated data to train their own AI systems.Twitter was rebranded as X in July 2023 and has become part of Musks plan for an everything app. One of the key changes that Musk made was to pivot from advertising to paid subscriptions for generating revenue. This resulted in the previous verification system which was a reliable method for confirming the identity of accounts belonging to businesses, prominent figures and journalists being replaced by one that promotes content for whoever pays (with some exceptions) for the premium service on X.X also downsized its workforce and now relies on a community notes feature for fact-checking. While crowdsourcing information can work, such as with Wikipedia, community notes can be slow and misinformation is not always reliably identified. Nonetheless, similar practices have recently been adopted by Meta for its Facebook and Instagram platforms, as it has stopped using independent fact-checkers.With the removal of fact-checking, social media bots have become a widespread problem. These are often intended as a propaganda tool and can artificially create or promote content that algorithms will showcase. Algorithms, which curate the content users see, will often share posts from people who users do not follow or have any interest in. For example, even if a user does not follow Elon Musk on X, his posts will still be frequently promoted to them.I think the attempt to monetise the platform has had what I call rage farmers increase enormously; you can monetise saying awful, evil things, because theyre going to get so many more retweets and comments, says Hanson. My advice would be to not set up a Twitter [X] account, unless you are concerned that somebody may hijack your identity. As a consequence of recent policy changes, the promotion of far-right content and the training of AI, many users are choosing to leave X Many social media companies are now training AI using content published on their platforms by users. Meta has Meta AI, while X has Grok. Although some platforms, such as Facebook, allow users to opt out of their information being used in this manner, X does not give its users this option. The training of AI is part of some social media companies wider plans to shift into the AI market.The training of AI is especially concerning for those working in the creative fields, as any designs, artwork or writing could be incorporated into the training of the platforms AI. This has become a key driver for artists and writers deciding to move away from using X.New social media platforms have also emerged. Meta has launched a microblogging platform called Threads. Meanwhile, decentralised social networks, such as Mastodon and BlueSky the latter initially developed as a research project at Twitter before becoming independent have become popular.The anonymising nature of social media has emboldened some users to post aggressive, extreme or harmful content. Many social media users feel there has been an increase in far-right rhetoric. Its worse than ever; I dont think Ive ever seen so much deep vitriol and aggressive violent language, says Hanson.Following Donald Trumps inauguration as US president, Meta updated its guidelines to say: We do allow allegations of mental illness or abnormality when based on gender or sexual orientation, given political and religious discourse about transgenderism and homosexuality and common non-serious usage of words like weird. This change in policy has left some users feeling less safe than they did previously.As a consequence of recent policy changes, the promotion of far-right content and the training of AI, many users are choosing to leave X. One of the most prominent departures was The Guardian, which stopped using X, citing disturbing content promoted or found on the platform.Tania Stevenson, an independent councillor in the Derby area, is currently petitioning local authorities and public bodies to disengage from using X. The petition states that X has become increasingly associated with hate speech, intolerance, and bigotry.Many users are migrating to newer platforms, such as Threads, Mastodon or BlueSky. However, there is much more to migrating to a new social media site than creating a new profile. Users need to let their followers know they are leaving the platform. Deleting or deactivating an account is not recommended, as usernames can be made available for other users after 30 days, which could lead to social media cloning.Some have gone as far as to delete all their posts from a platform to prevent their content from being used to train an AI. Although platforms do not typically provide tools for bulk deletion, scripts can be used, such as this one for X/Twitter, which can mass-delete posts.Therefore, to prevent cloning, users should consider maintaining their existing social media profiles, but indicating that they are no longer using them by directing followers to other platforms where they can be found.Confirming identity continues to be a challenge on social media, with profiles being cloned to impersonate other people for a variety of reasons, including fraud. This issue has been compounded by the decision to allow new profiles to be created using the usernames of deleted accounts.As a consequence of X changing the verification system to a premium service, it no longer has the valued recognition it once did. Meta offers blue tick verification, but it is marketed as a subscription service to promote content rather than as a tool for confirming identity.BlueSky has taken a different approach to verification. Instead of confirming the identity of a user, BlueSky offers a system whereby a profile can confirm ownership of a website. Most BlueSky users will have bsky.social after their username, but by inserting a few lines of code into the users website, a BlueSky profile name can match the domain name of a website. This solution is by no means flawless, but it does make cloning those accounts more difficult.The social media landscape continues to undergo a paradigm shift, as organisations and individual users question whether they wish to continue to support certain platforms.Twitter/X has been consistently losing users since Musk bought it and started changing policies. Facebook, which is predominantly used by older generations, is also showing declining growth, but Instagram remains popular. Ultimately, if something is free, then the user is the product. In exchange for using any social platform, every user generates income for the platform, through advertising and subscriptions that can be used for whatever the owner decides Threads is showing active use, but not to the degree of other recent platforms. This may be partly due to the algorithm being programmed to downgrade political content, to avoid outrage. Mastodon is gaining popularity, but there have been some challenges due to the distributed nature of the platform. However, BlueSky continues to grow and has quickly proven popular for certain communities, especially in the creative fields. As of late February 2025, there were over 31 million users of BlueSky. The online publishing platform Medium is also popular for hosting long-form posts, such as blogs.I would definitely set up a BlueSky account, because the forum value on BlueSky is enormous and, in terms of targeted marketing, you can be hyper-specific with it, says Hanson. Id set up a Medium account, because that way you have total control over what your blog posts are and its much harder to say something stupid in 600 well-thought-out words, and youll have an established place for your opinions and audience growth.Ultimately, if something is free, then the user is the product. In exchange for using any social platform, every user generates income for the platform, through advertising and subscriptions that can be used for whatever the owner decides. For some platforms, this can include user data being used to train their AI.Many mainstream social media platforms are currently facing a trust issue. Users are questioning whether they want their posts to be used to train an AI. Meanwhile, far-right commentators are emboldened to post inflammatory content for engagement value, while there is an increase in various types of disinformation campaigns due to insufficient content moderation.As such, users are questioning whether they wish to continue being associated with certain platforms if they believe they have become associated with hate speech or engage in exploitative behaviour when training their AI. As such, users are engaging with alternative social media platforms and ensuring they no longer rely on just a single social media outlet.Read more about social mediaMPs grill X, TikTok and Meta about online misinformation: Representatives from the social media firms said that while the scale of their platforms makes content moderation difficult, they are effectively dealing with the vast majority of misinformation.Youth activists protest Meta over mental health impacts: Protest outside Metas London offices marks launch of Mad Youth Campaign, an effort by activists to challenge the ways in which corporate power negatively shapes the conditions young people live under.EU law could usher in transformative change to digital ecosystems: The EUs Digital Fairness Act aims to end exploitative practices online and enhance consumer protection, but civil society groups say it must address the power and information asymmetries between users and tech firms.