How To Manage Massive Scenes By Linolafett on April 10, 2025 Videotutorials Lino Thomas shares his approach on how to create large scenes which contain a lot of detail using collection instances.This approach allows you to create a dense world without using a lot of time nor resources. If you have not been using collection instances regularly, this might be the workflow for you!

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Yeah, Maybe Don't The Minecraft Movie chicken jockey chaos has, unfortunately, reached the ‘live poultry being smuggled into cinemas’ level, right as Jimmy Fallon kills the joke "No, this is not good." Aye, we know, Jimmy. Image credit: Warner Bros./The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon News by Mark Warren Senior Staff Writer Published on April 10, 2025 You've probably seen at least one video of people lobbing popcorn everywhere while watching A Minecraft Movie by this point, because it's not enough just to cheer and have a bit of a chuckle when the chicken jockey scene pops up. Well, it now looks like at least one moviegoer has taken things even further into 'you're kinda being a bellend' territory, by smuggling a live chicken into a screening. Yeah, there's now a clip of an actual animal being roped into a scenario that probably scares the life out of it because these kinds of memes always have to turn into a p**sing contest to see who can make them not quite as funny in thre quickest time. In this case, two instances of that have happened at once - thanks, real chicken smuggler and Jimmy Fallon. To see this content please enable targeting cookies. As far as the former's concerned, TikTok looks to have limited viewing and sharing of the original clip showing them and their actual chicken because it's unsurprisingly concluded that the video "may not be comfortable for some audiences". Naturally, this being the internet, there are plenty of pages across the socials that've yoinked the clip and uploaded it themselves, because it meets the lofty criteria required to be 'HOURLY🕑 shitpost' material. As you might expect, it shows the live chicken being brandished by someone riding on someone else's shoulders as the chaos erupts in reaction to the chicken jockey line. There's also a shot of it seemingly walking around in the cinema's concourse afterwards. Look, we here at VG247 appreciate a good gag, but putting a live animal in this situation ain't cool. I know it might seem it if you're an edgy 12 year old in search of clout, but trust me, leave the chickens at home. Also, it's kinda dickish to waste good popcorn. The good news is that we may well not have to worry about people taking the chicken jockeying any further than this, cos American late night TV host Jimmy Fallon and his Tonight Show have just done what they do best - killed the joke dead, RIP. I mean, just watch the clip below. To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Do you really want to be the person who keeps on making chicken jockey gags now that people might be reminded of that when they hear or see you? No, you don't. It's over. Time to find the next thing. Hey, maybe you might find some material in this feature if you don't want to wait for the inevitable sequel. There's a chicken jockey in it, I swear.

Image: Nintendo LifeSure, Mario Kart World's free-roaming and knockout races are something, but do you remember back when you used to be able to squeeze two racers onto one kart? Now that was a hook. That's exactly what Mario Kart: Double Dash!! brought to the table in 2003, the first and last time we would see the mechanic crop up in the series. However, the classic GameCube racer was almost a lot more singular, with Nintendo considering parking the dual-driver gameplay for something more in line with what players had seen before — the horror. That's according to a 2003 Nintendo Dream interview, recently translated into English by Shmuplations. In it, developers Tadashi Sugiyama, Shinya Takahashi and Kiyoshi Mizuki stated that the two-driver mechanic was a way for the team to "innovate while not destroying what makes Mario Kart unique", but it was difficult to implement and potentially confusing to play. Worried that the central hook could be offputting for some players, the devs confessed that they were also secretly making a single-driver version, just in case things went wrong. Sugiyama said the following: Yeah, so you've got all these expectations, and you've got to add something new. The "two drivers" concept, therefore, was something we came to at the end of a veryyy long process of brainstorming. We were a little worried about it though, so at first we were developing a single-driver version too, in parallel with the two-driver development. Takahashi jokingly refers to this side project as the team's "emergency escape hatch" — a way out just in case they had to pivot away from the dual-driving at the 11th hour. Gosh, now that's some preparation. Fortunately, as you'll know if you've ever played Double Dash!! (or done so much as to look at its cover art), the two-racers-per-kart hook made it across the finish line. "But in the end, owing I think to the majority of our staff who really wanted to do something new," Sugiyama continued, "we consolidated the development into just the two-driver concept". Phew. Image: Zion Grassl / Nintendo Life Later in the interview, the developers shared that the team had initially conceived of the two-racer mechanic utilising a sidecar rather than one racer in the front and one in the back, but that brought up issues of its own. "Normally when one thinks of two people in a car, you think of a driver and passenger seat side-by-side," Sugiyama said, "But for Mario Kart, that would end up making the karts too wide. Can you imagine 8 massive karts lined up like that?" The team later settled on the front and back approach and let you swap out the driver at any time so you always had the chance to see both characters. "We were able to do pretty much everything we imagined," Takahashi commented. It's an interesting interview, and well worth a read in full if you're after some more info on the beloved racer. With GameCube coming to NSO on Switch 2, it's probably about time that we get our hands on it again. Right, Nintendo? Right?? Including Zelda: Wind Waker! With a bunch of Nvidia Shield TV talk, too Where does Double Dash rank on your list of the best Mario Kart games? Let us know in the comments. [source shmuplations.com] Related Games See Also Share:0 0 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 Articles Nintendo Comments On Mario Kart World's Controversial Price "Whenever we look at a given game, we just look at what is the experience" "Don't Let Nintendo Ruin The Entire Industry" - Is $80 For Mario Kart World A Bridge Too Far? "If they pull it off, others will follow" Oops, Yoshi's Woolly World Featured In Switch 2's "Compatible Switch Games" What's going on here? Video: Digital Foundry Dives Into GameCube Emulation For The Switch 2 With a bunch of Nvidia Shield TV talk, too

Meta whistleblower Sarah Wynn-Williams, the former director of Global Public Policy for Facebook and author of the recently released tell-all book “Careless People,” told U.S. senators during her testimony on Wednesday that Meta actively targeted teens with advertisements based on their emotional state. This claim was first documented by Wynn-Williams in her book, which documents her time at Facebook and the “careless” disregard from its top execs, including CEO Mark Zuckerberg and former COO Sheryl Sandberg, about the power the tech company wields in the world and its capability to do harm. Though the focus of Wednesday’s hearing was largely on Meta’s dealings with Chinabeen the subject of earlier congressional investigations into Meta’s harms to children back in 2021. In response to a question from Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Wynn-Williams admitted that Meta (which was then known as Facebook) had targeted 13- to 17-year-olds with ads when they were feeling down or depressed. “It could identify when they were feeling worthless or helpless or like a failure, and [Meta] would take that information and share it with advertisers,” Wynn-Williams told the senators on the subcommittee for crime and terrorism within the Judiciary Committee. “Advertisers understand that when people don’t feel good about themselves, it’s often a good time to pitch a product — people are more likely to buy something.” She said the company was letting advertisers know when the teens were depressed so they could be served an ad at the best time. As an example, she suggested that if a teen girl deleted a selfie, advertisers might see that as a good time to sell her a beauty product as she may not be feeling great about her appearance. They also targeted teens with ads for weight loss when young girls had concerns around body confidence, Wynn-Williams said. She claimed that Meta was aware that users aged 13-17 were a vulnerable but “very valuable” demographic to advertisers, which was the motive. In fact, she said that one business leader at the company even explained to her that Facebook was aware that it has the “most valuable segment of the population” for advertisers, teens, and said that Meta should be “trumpeting it from the rooftops.” At the time, Wynn-Williams had been suggesting to the exec that a trillion-dollar company was not short on money and didn’t need to go this route to add a little more to its coffers. If Meta was willing to target teens based on their emotional states, it stands to reason they’d do the same to adults. And one document displayed during the hearing showed an example of just that, it turned out. In a screenshot of an internal chat, a Facebook policy director asks if it’s true that Facebook was doing research into young mothers and their emotional state, to which another person replied, “yes,” even joking that they may ask their “apparently morally bankrupt colleagues” if there was any other research like this. Adding a bit more color to her comments, Wynn-Williams also noted that it had surprised her how many Silicon Valley executives didn’t let their own children use the products they built. “I would say, ‘Oh has your teen used the new product we’re about to launch?,’” Wynn-Williams said. “And they’re like, ‘My teenagers are not allowed on Facebook. I don’t have my teenager on Instagram.’ These executives … they know. They know the harm this product does. They don’t allow their own teenagers to use the products that Meta develops. The hypocrisy is at every level.” In a company statement, Meta denied the allegations in Wynn-Williams’ testimony, calling them “divorced from reality and riddled with false claims.”

The Wohlers Report, a cornerstone of market intelligence in additive manufacturing (AM), marks its 30th anniversary this year with substantial revisions informed by extensive industry consultations. In this exclusive interview with Madhi Jamshid, Director of Market Intelligence at Wohlers Associates, powered by ASTM International, provides insights into the additive manufacturing market and the state of industrial 3D printing in 2025. 3D Printing Industry readers can . The 2025 report indicates the global AM industry reached $21.9bn in value, segmented for the first time into distinct categories: $4.4bn from materials, $6bn from machine sales and related services, $10.1bn from printing services, and $1.4bn from software. This breakdown enhances clarity on performance and potential growth opportunities in each segment of the AM industry. Among these, the materials segment experienced the strongest growth rate, reflecting increasing industrial adoption. However, the machine manufacturing segment showed a decline of approximately 1.5%. Jamshid explained the downturn as partly mitigated by the inclusion of ongoing agreements and service revenues. In a new approach responding to industry feedback, Wohlers Associates has introduced and defined upper and lower growth boundaries to its market forecasts for the first time. The global AM market is projected to grow at an annual compounded rate of 18 per cent, potentially reaching $115bn by 2034. However, Jamshid stressed market volatility, noting that continued sluggishness could limit growth to around $84bn, whereas an accelerated recovery could boost the market to $145bn. Total AM Market Revenue. Image via Wohlers Associates, powered by ASTM International. The State of the 3D Printing Industry “2024 was a difficult year, but we had incremental success and growth,” Jamshid said, noting that while many companies reported positive figures, the overall market sentiment remained subdued. “We grew as an industry. We had successes, but it was not as high as we expected.” The Asia-Pacific region emerged as the top performer, achieving substantial growth compared with Europe, which saw moderate performance, and North America, where growth was negative. Jamshid explained that the strong performance in Asia-Pacific was fueled by increased adoption of entry-level machines, competitively priced industrial-grade machines, and a continued domestic adoption, particularly in China. Notably, Jamshid highlighted the growing importance of China within the additive manufacturing sector, although he expressed skepticism about the reliability of certain domestic figures. “The size of [the Chinese] market seems to be underestimated,” he remarked, indicating that Wohlers Associates believes official estimates may require adjustment. Wohlers Associates combined qualitative insights with quantitative survey responses to gauge market sentiment. Of companies providing feedback, approximately half expressed negative views about market conditions in 2024, while only a small minority described the year positively. Jamshid noted the complexity of market dynamics, stating, “Despite a significant portion of companies reporting declining revenue, many others demonstrate robust growth. It underscores how critical strategy and domain focus are for performance.”  The additive manufacturing industry is transitioning toward greater consolidation and a shift from product-centric to solution-oriented approaches. “Five or ten years ago, a lot of focus was on developing products—the next big machine with more lasers, the next sensor, or the next alloy. Now the industry has to focus on providing complete solutions. We anticipate companies, including new startups, to shift focus toward leveraging AM, not as the ultimate offering, but as an alternative or complementary solution for cost savings or enhanced performance. This shift signifies AM’s maturation, from novelty to application and now solution-driven approaches. AM companies will be expected to stay engaged with end-users through the implementation process, gaining a deep understanding of their real needs and offering custom solutions tailored to their specific requirements,” Jamshid said.  Looking ahead, Jamshid expects a continued consolidation driven partly by financial pressures and shifts in strategic focus. “The focus is not necessarily going to be on future growth or hype,” Jamshid explained. “Instead, it’s going to be on turnarounds, with an emphasis on acquiring troubled assets with valuable intellectual property (IP), cutting costs, and transforming them into successful companies with better strategies.” Jamshid predicted vertical integration would accelerate, with larger manufacturers and even end-users absorbing smaller companies. He also drew attention to market saturation among original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), particularly in China, where numerous new vendors have entered recently. Revenue growth rates in the AM Market- Category. Image via Wohlers Associates, powered by ASTM International. Insights into Strategic Approaches to Additive Manufacturing Jamshid pointed out that business models emphasizing tailored, high-value applications or specialized materials such as refractory alloys have proven effective. Firms focusing on sectors like defense have also gained an advantage by aligning strategically with governmental requirements and securing investments or research funding. “Trying to establish agreements with a specific set of customers and focus on their needs—for example, in the defense sector—has become an interesting strategy,” Jamshid said. Conversely, Jamshid cautioned against competing primarily through low-cost offerings, a strategy that has increased market share for some companies but could ultimately prove unsustainable. “The model that we do not recommend is trying to be the cheapest and trying to be everything to everyone,” he noted, adding that such approaches have historically underperformed. Geopolitical factors are further influencing competitive dynamics, with Western firms positioned advantageously for sectors such as aerospace and defence due to supply chain sensitivities. Jamshid suggested Asian manufacturers, particularly Chinese OEMs, could find greater success in industries with fewer geopolitical complications, including consumer goods and manufacturing support sectors such as footwear mold production.  Understanding the Global Additive Manufacturing Market by Region In total, the latest report integrates 356 category responses. Jamshid explained, “Companies are tagged based on the location of their additive manufacturing operations. For example, Nikon SLM Solutions, although Japanese-owned, manufactures most of its powder bed fusion machines in Germany and thus is classified as a German company.” Regional performance varied sharply. Asia demonstrated the highest growth, driven predominantly by China’s burgeoning internal AM sector. “Chinese offerings have become highly competitive—not just because of pricing, but also due to increasing domestic adoption in sectors like medical, aerospace, automotive industries, as well as recently emerging applications in shoe molding, consumer electronics, tire molds, and sport hardware,” Jamshid remarked. He highlighted China’s BLT manufacturing hinges for OPPO’s latest smartphone as a notable example. In contrast, the Americas experienced a decline. European growth was moderate, with Germany, historically a significant exporter of AM machinery, reporting a 20% reduction in exports (of all AM machines) compared to the previous year. Cross-border trade data also revealed shifting market dynamics. China’s exports rose significantly, coupled with reduced imports—a sign that domestic suppliers are increasingly meeting internal demand. The US, meanwhile, saw its AM machine imports surge, indicating increased reliance on foreign suppliers. Germany’s exports fell sharply, now representing only one-third of China’s total exports in this category. Exports from China, Germany, and the US combined amounted to approximately $2bn, exclusively covering AM machines and excluding domestic machine sales, materials, software, or printing services. Jamshid described this figure as an indication of the size of the overall AM industry. Germany continues to dominate the US market for metal additive manufacturing machines, accounting for approximately 80% of imports, despite a notable decline in the country’s overall AM equipment exports. According to research, this paradoxical situation underscores “limitations or considerations that US companies have when working with certain manufacturers or regions.” Revenue growth rates in the AM Market- Region. Image via Wohlers Associates, powered by ASTM International. Additive Manufacturing Market Growth Forecast and Trends Jamshid emphasized that materials and printing services are expected to be the primary beneficiaries of growth, with materials alone anticipated to experience a 21% compounded annual growth rate. “Materials providers will likely see the strongest growth rates over the next decade,” Jamshid remarked.  There is also growing optimism within end-user sectors, despite recent subdued machinery sales. “Many end-users have already invested heavily in machines over the past two to three years, and it takes considerable time—sometimes up to three years—for full-scale operational implementation,” he explained. He cited a major US military end-user as an example, noting their AM operation increased fourfold within one year, encompassing more parts, higher materials consumption, and expanded applications. Material producers are already benefiting from increased usage, with around 70 percent of those surveyed (of all sizes) reporting positive growth, according to Wohlers’ data. “The significant growth we’re seeing in material sales clearly signals expanding utilization of additive manufacturing,” Jamshid added. Beyond numbers, the 2025 Wohlers Report includes detailed information on AM applications in various industries, recent trends in investment, supply chain readiness, academic research, government-sponsored programs, and regional insights on the AM landscape and adoption. This level of cross-sector, multiregional insight is rare and instrumental for both granular and high-level strategic planning. Jamshid highlighted a significant expansion in contributions from industry experts, with around 230 specialists from six continents involved in creating this year’s comprehensive report. The insights provided by these experts offer essential contextual information for accurately interpreting market data.  Academic research data included in the report indicates that the US and China continue to lead in AM-related publications. However, when adjusted for GDP, performance varies significantly, suggesting differences in national research efficiency and investment strategies. This comparative analysis gives readers a deeper understanding of global innovation dynamics, not just volume.  The Voice of Customer “We began the development of this version by conducting a systematic voice-of-customer study this year, meeting in person with our historical clients, partners, and AM industry leaders in the US and Europe,” said Jamshid. “The industry is at a very different place compared to a decade or two ago. Our goal was to better understand evolving needs and interests of the AM industry—what stakeholders want to hear more of, and what data might no longer be as relevant.”The rigorous approach taken by the Wohlers Report development team seeks to incorporate best practices essential for any decent data analysis, among which are sampling error, selection bias, and size-effect bias. Jamshid underlined transparency in their methodology as a key differentiator, drawing on ASTM expertise and over 40 experts supporting the process of quality control and data verification in this year’s report. This approach is coupled with the crucial contribution of those 230 external industry experts whose insights constitute approximately 80% of the report. The Wohlers Report attracts a diverse readership, ranging from AM vendors and end-users to government, academia, investment communities, and by companies exploring additive manufacturing as a new business opportunity. Jamshid noted that the latest edition initiates the first phase of the Wohlers Report 2.0 initiative. It introduces substantial changes, including full transparency in methodologies, completely modernized visualizations, an expanded range of data sources, many new technical and regional sections, and technology-specific data. Acknowledging past user feedback, Jamshid emphasized enhanced accessibility: “One of the main complaints we received was that it was hard to use images and tables. So, this year, we are providing downloadable images and tables to users, along with the data behind our charts.” The Wohlers Report distinguishes itself by combining rigorous technical depth with comprehensive market analysis, offering a resource that supports both operational and technical decision-making and long-term strategic planning. It provides value across sectors—informing government stakeholders on supply chain capabilities and production readiness, guiding industry with insights on emerging technologies and applications, and supporting academic institutions in aligning research efforts with industry needs. Drawing on contributions from hundreds of experts, the report delivers context-rich data that helps organizations interpret trends, identify gaps, and prioritize investments. Wohlers Associates has introduced a licensing model instead of the traditional flat-rate pricing, aiming to improve affordability and accessibility for all users, including those from academia, small enterprises, and large corporations alike. The full 2025 Wohlers Report is available here, use the discount code “3DPI-WR25” to get 10% off the purchase price. Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to stay updated with the latest news and insights. Featured image shows the Wohlers Report 2025. Image via Wohlers Associates powered by ASTM International. Michael Petch Michael Petch is the editor-in-chief at 3DPI and the author of several books on 3D printing. He is a regular keynote speaker at technology conferences where he has delivered presentations such as 3D printing with graphene and ceramics and the use of technology to enhance food security. Michael is most interested in the science behind emerging technology and the accompanying economic and social implications.

Tech Cutting-edge drone tech maps land and water with laser accuracy How lidar is being used to help with environmental research Published April 10, 2025 6:00am EDT close Cutting-edge drone tech maps land and water with laser accuracy YellowScan’s Navigator system is designed to map underwater topography in rivers, ponds and coastal areas. Picture yourself standing by a river, watching as a drone hums overhead. Below, its lidar system scans the landscape, mapping both the land and the shallow waters with pinpoint accuracy. This is precisely what YellowScan’s new Navigator system is designed to do. Built specifically for mapping underwater topography in rivers, ponds and coastal areas, the Navigator is changing the game for environmental monitoring.With precision where traditional methods struggle, it’s giving researchers and conservationists a whole new way to understand our planet’s changing waterways.STAY PROTECTED & INFORMED! GET SECURITY ALERTS & EXPERT TECH TIPS – SIGN UP FOR KURT’S ‘THE CYBERGUY REPORT’ NOW Navigator system (YellowScan)Key features and specificationsThe Navigator weighs approximately 8.16 pounds and is compatible with professional drones. In optimal conditions, it can map shallow waters up to 65.6 feet deep, producing digital models with an accuracy of approximately 1.18 inches. Key features include:Miniaturized high-precision sensor technologySuitability for mapping shallow waters where traditional techniques are unsafeAdaptive signal processing for challenging water conditionsIntegrated camera for true-color data visualizationUp to 45 minutes of autonomy on a single battery charge Navigator system (YellowScan)Environmental applicationsYellowScan emphasizes that the Navigator is a critical tool for addressing climate change impacts and advancing environmental research. Its applications include the following.Tracking coastal erosion and sediment movement: The Navigator provides centimeter-level precision in mapping shorelines, enabling researchers to model erosion patterns and sediment transport more effectively. This data is vital for developing strategies to protect vulnerable coastal communities from flooding and habitat loss.Monitoring underwater biodiversity habitats: By capturing detailed 3D images of underwater ecosystems, the Navigator allows scientists to assess habitat volume and spatial distribution. This capability is particularly useful for studying critical environments like eelgrass beds, which support marine biodiversity.WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?Assessing coral reef degradation: The system’s ability to map reefs in high resolution helps researchers monitor changes in coral health over time. This information is essential for identifying stress factors like bleaching events and guiding conservation efforts.Evaluating sea-level rise impact zones: The Navigator enables precise mapping of low-lying coastal areas at risk from rising sea levels. By providing accurate elevation data, it supports planners in designing mitigation strategies and preparing for climate-induced migration.Documenting changes in marine ecosystems: With its advanced lidar technology, the Navigator captures temporal changes in marine environments, offering insights into how human activity and climate change are reshaping aquatic ecosystems. Navigator system (YellowScan)How the Navigator could transform key sectorsYellowScan highlights the Navigator’s potential to make a significant impact across various sectors. In environmental research, it enhances data collection, leading to more accurate environmental assessments. For marine conservation, the Navigator offers tools to better monitor and protect delicate marine ecosystems. When it comes to coastal protection strategies, it plays a crucial role in developing effective measures to combat erosion and flooding. The system also helps in climate migration planning by identifying vulnerable areas, enabling more informed decision-making. In infrastructure development, the Navigator aids in efficient planning by providing detailed spatial data. Finally, for scientific exploration, it offers researchers new ways to study and understand complex natural environments.GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE Navigator system (YellowScan)Cost of the NavigatorYellowScan hasn’t shared exact pricing for the Navigator yet, but given its advanced tech and precision, you can expect it to be a significant investment. That said, the long-term benefits, like better efficiency, lower operational risks and unmatched data accuracy, make it a smart choice for anyone in environmental research, infrastructure planning or marine conservation. For those interested, it’s best to reach out to YellowScan directly for custom pricing info. Navigator system (YellowScan)Insights from YellowScan's CEOYellowScan CEO Tristan Allouis says, "Years of development and distillation of knowledge were necessary to create YellowScan Navigator. This technology is transforming abstract climate change discussions into concrete, measurable data."Kurt's key takeawaysAt the end of the day, the YellowScan Navigator isn’t just another fancy gadget; it’s a game changer for environmental research. Mapping shallow waters with this level of precision used to be nearly impossible, but now, scientists, conservationists and planners have a powerful new tool at their fingertips. Whether it’s tracking coastal erosion, monitoring marine habitats or preparing for rising sea levels, the Navigator is making complex problems a little easier to solve. And honestly, that’s the kind of tech we need more of.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPIf technology can now map the unseen depths of our waterways with precision, what’s stopping us from taking stronger action to protect them? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover.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 Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Three announcements in the space of a few days this month suggest financial scams have reached a tipping point and banks are ready to up the ante. Santander last week published figures on the amount of money scammed from its UK customers in the first three months of this year. According to the bank, its customers lost £18.4m to fraudsters during the period. To put that into perspective, this is just one bank, and the figure only covers the UK. Such scams – which usually originate from criminals using social media and digital communications apps – cost the UK £11.4bn in 2024, according to figures from the Global Anti-Scam Alliance. This is equivalent to 0.4% of UK GDP, with the average loss per victim standing at £1,443. UK Finance numbers show more than £1bn was lost to fraud – including scams – in 2023, with 40% of all crimes in the UK being scams or fraud. It found that more than three-quarters (76%) of authorised push payment (APP) fraud starts online and 16% starts through telecommunications networks. The very fact that Santander has committed to publishing these figures reflects the seriousness of its drive to stop scams. This is the first Santander Quarterly Scamtracker, which not only drills home the message to customers to be aware, but also highlights particular scams. For example, in the first instalment, it warned customers to be aware of a scam using fake Sports Direct adverts to defraud people. Santander’s announcement came as Stop Scams UK announced that banks and tech firms have agreed to share data on fraud. Banks HSBC, NatWest, Monzo, Lloyds Bank and Santander, together with tech firms Amazon, Google and Meta, and mobile telecommunications firm Three and BT, are among the signatories of a Stop Scams UK joint statement. Stop Scams UK said: “Fraudsters jump across channels as they entice and snare their victims, but most organisations can’t see what is happening to block it or warn consumers. Through sharing intelligence, focusing resources and developing straightforward, actionable communication strategies, we can protect consumers from evolving scam threats and empower them to protect themselves better.” While banks are trying to be more open about the problem, victims – who are often traumatised by the experience – are not reporting scams. The Global Anti-Scam Alliance said 71% of Brits did not report them in 2024, which was an increase from the previous year. Of those that were reported, it said shopping scams remained prevalent in the UK, and there was a rising number of investment scams, which exploit victims through credit cards, bank transfers and online payment platforms. But banks can’t tackle this alone. Tech companies, which host the platforms often used by scammers, have agreed to share data and take action. Beyond that, UK fintech trade body Innovate Finance last week called for support from the government in the form of a national centre to help businesses across different sectors fight fraud through data sharing. Janine Hirt, CEO of Innovate Finance, said that while fraud accounts for over 40% of crime, it receives less than 1% of police resources. “Given the scale of the threat posed to consumers and businesses alike, we urgently need a more collaborative, targeted and effective strategy that aspires to smash fraud in the UK,” she said. The government has a vested interest in cutting scams. It is not just people who fall victim to scammers that suffer, but the UK economy. According to Innovate Finance, payment fraud costs the economy at least £1.2bn annually. One IT professional in the UK banking sector, who wished to remain anonymous, said banks are realising that scams are a very big problem for them as they have to reimburse customers in some cases, even if the loss is no fault of the bank. “That means banks cannot control this form of loss as it depends on customer behaviour and regulations, neither of which banks have direct control over,” he said. “The only option is to find a way to educate customers and try to spot scams before they cause customers to generate losses for the banks.” He said collaboration between banks and online retailers is an “excellent idea” and hoped government anti-cyber crime and anti-fraud intelligence agencies can also take part. “I notice the banks have been updating their cyber scam policies recently, and there are numerous warnings when you try and make a payment online, so it feels like the scam issue is getting a lot more focus,” he added. Metro Bank is an example. It is using artificial intelligence (AI) to help customers spot scams, through AI scam detector platform Ask Silver. The technology enables personal and business customers to instantly check whether they are at risk of a scam. The bank said: “Using their phone or tablet, customers can now simply take a photo or screenshot of any email, website, letter or leaflet they are suspicious about and, using the Metro Bank Scam Checker, send it via WhatsApp. Ask Silver will then use the power of AI to spot if the communication is fraudulent and provide suggestions for next steps on staying safe – in just minutes.” Baz Thompson, head of fraud at Metro Bank, said it takes the security of its customers very seriously and constantly reviews how it can help them fight fraud. “Criminals often play on urgency and speed to trick people into parting ways with their hard-earned cash. Being able to offer a service where customers can know in minutes whether something is fraudulent provides an essential barrier to staying one step ahead of fraudsters,” he said. Read more recent announcements on scams

Samsung is offering a $300 gift card if you pre-order its new 4K OLED Odyssey G8 monitor, 27-inch Odyssey 3D monitor, or the 49-inch curved Odyssey G9.

Not all AI is created equally, and healthcare is a prime example of why. Here are some important considerations for practitioners.