Key TakeawaysApple has been asked to stop geo-blocking its services on apps like Apple Music, Books, iTunes Store, App Store, and more.Geo-blocking is the practice of restricting certain content based on the location of the user. This kind of discrimination is prohibited in the EU.The tech giant has one month to acknowledge the order and assure its commitment to comply with it.On Tuesday (November 12), the EU asked Apple to stop geo-blocking its services on apps, such as Apple Arcade, App Store, iTunes Store, Apple Music, Books, and Podcasts.Apple has a habit of restricting certain content based on the geographical location of the user. It also has different user interfaces for different countries.Its worth noting, however, that geo-blocking content is a standard practice in the streaming industry. Platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Disney Plus offer different catalogs for different locations. This is due to varying licensing and copyright deals.Speaking of Apple, it also has a lot of restrictions when it comes to payment methods. Users can only pay with cards that have been issued in their own country or the country from where they registered their Apple account.So, if youre traveling to a different country, you might not be able to download apps if theyre not already available in your country of residence.EUs Stance on Geo-BlockingMany of the above-mentioned geo-blocking practices are not allowed in the EU under the 2018 geo-blocking regulation. The European Commission and Consumer Protection Commission network feel that users should be able to download whatever apps are available in a country even if theyre only traveling or temporarily visiting.Therefore, an investigation was launched, led by Germanys Bundesnetzagentur, Belgiums Directorate General for Economic Inspection, and Irelands Competition and Consumer Protection Commission(CPC), under the supervision of the European Commission (EC).At the end of it, the European Commission issued a warning to Apple and asked it to put a stop to these practices.Speaking about the same, European Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said We are stepping up the fight against geo-blocking. No company, big or small, should unjustly discriminate against customers based on their nationality, place of residence, or place of establishment.Apple has one month to acknowledge the order and ensure it will comply with it. If it fails to do so, national regulators will take necessary measures to ensure enforcement.Add Techreport to Your Google News Feed Get the latest updates, trends, and insights delivered straight to your fingertips. Subscribe now! Subscribe now Krishi is an eager Tech Journalist and content writer for both B2B and B2C, with a focus on making the process of purchasing software easier for businesses and enhancing their online presence and SEO.Krishi has a special skill set in writing about technology news, creating educational content on customer relationship management (CRM) software, and recommending project management tools that can help small businesses increase their revenue.Alongside his writing and blogging work, Krishi's other hobbies include studying the financial markets and cricket. View all articles by Krishi Chowdhary Our editorial processThe Tech Reporteditorial policyis centered on providing helpful, accurate content that offers real value to our readers. We only work with experienced writers who have specific knowledge in the topics they cover, including latest developments in technology, online privacy, cryptocurrencies, software, and more. Our editorial policy ensures that each topic is researched and curated by our in-house editors. We maintain rigorous journalistic standards, and every article is 100% written byreal authors.

Key TakeawaysAmazon was recently hit by a data breach that compromised the personal details of 2.8 million employees.The main vulnerability lies in a file transfer software called MOVEit. Amazons property service management vendor used this software for its internal operations.So when the hacker group, identified as Nam3L3ss, struck and stole the data of 25 organizations, Amazon became one of the victims.Amazon has confirmed a data breach that compromised the data of 2.8 million of its employees. Stolen data includes names, addresses, work phone numbers, email IDs, and building locations of affected employees.So far, it looks like sensitive information such as financial information, government IDs and Social Security numbers are safe.The companys core systems are also fine. The breach took place through a third-party vendor thats responsible for managing its property details. The vendor has not been named.Amazon also refused to comment on exactly how many employees information has been compromised. However, we managed to find the exact number through screenshots that were allegedly published by the hacker.Speaking of the hacker, a group called Nam3L3ss has claimed responsibility for the attack. They posted about their successful campaign on BreachForums where it claimed to have stolen over 250TB worth of data.It also said that the data it has published is only 0.001% of its total stock which apparently consists of information taken from over 1,000 breaches. In the end, it also warned the companies to keep an eye out for posts about the leaks, indicating that they might have very sensitive details in their hands.The breach was first noticed by cybersecurity firm Hudson Rock. In its report, it revealed that the main cause of the breach was a file transfer software called MOVEit.The unnamed vendor used this software for its internal operations, not knowing that it had a major security vulnerability.The vulnerability, which is being tracked as CVE-2023-34362, is a critical SQL injection flaw that allowed the hacker group to break into the softwares vulnerable system and extract information.By the end of the process, the group had managed to steal the data of at least 25 organizations (including Amazon) and steal 2.8 million lines of data.This isnt the first time that the MOVEit breach has affected an organization. The latest hit is part of a much larger chain of attacks that started in May last year and has affected many other renowned organizations such as Lenovo, HP, Delta Airlines, and HSBC.Progress Software, the company that owns MOVEit has also commented on the issue and said that this is not a new flaw. Instead, its an extension of the zero-day vulnerability that was discovered last year.Last year, the vulnerability was exploited by a group called the Cl0p ransomware gang. Researchers are yet to find out whether Nam3L3ss conducted an independent attack or simply bought the already stolen data from Cl0p or its associates.Regardless of whether this is a new vulnerability or not, its a major security concern. The good thing is as per reports, the unnamed vendor has already resolved the security issue.Add Techreport to Your Google News Feed Get the latest updates, trends, and insights delivered straight to your fingertips. Subscribe now! Subscribe now Krishi is an eager Tech Journalist and content writer for both B2B and B2C, with a focus on making the process of purchasing software easier for businesses and enhancing their online presence and SEO.Krishi has a special skill set in writing about technology news, creating educational content on customer relationship management (CRM) software, and recommending project management tools that can help small businesses increase their revenue.Alongside his writing and blogging work, Krishi's other hobbies include studying the financial markets and cricket. View all articles by Krishi Chowdhary Our editorial processThe Tech Reporteditorial policyis centered on providing helpful, accurate content that offers real value to our readers. We only work with experienced writers who have specific knowledge in the topics they cover, including latest developments in technology, online privacy, cryptocurrencies, software, and more. Our editorial policy ensures that each topic is researched and curated by our in-house editors. We maintain rigorous journalistic standards, and every article is 100% written byreal authors.

Highly anticipated: Blizzard's first attempt to remaster a classic Warcraft game four years ago failed spectacularly. Now, for the franchise's 30th anniversary, the company is aiming for redemption by updating and repackaging the entire trilogy with high-resolution graphics, new user interface features, and more. Newly updated editions of Blizzard's first two Warcraft titles are now available on Battle.net, along with a substantial update to the company's critically panned remake of Warcraft III.Warcraft I: Remastered and Warcraft II: Remastered feature new sprites and backgrounds that aim to preserve the art direction of the original versions but in higher resolution, with an option to toggle between the old and new visuals. Enhanced menu features include health bars, hotkey indicators, expanded unit selection, and more.Blizzard released Warcraft III: Reforged in 2020, but numerous bugs and missing features dragged its Metacritic rating to historic lows. Adding insult to injury, the flawed new version replaced the original in users' Battle.net accounts, rendering it unplayable. Blizzard staffers later blamed the poor release to budget cuts and neglect from parent company Activision.The new patch upgrades the game to version 2.0, tweaking the visuals and adding user interface functions. The 2020 release replaced Warcraft III's character models and environments with new assets, but the update allows players to revert to more retro-faithful graphics or mix and match the two styles.A new $39.99 Battle Chest, designed to evoke Blizzard's famously bulky retail packages, bundles together the three revised editions alongside the original versions of Warcraft and Warcraft II. Warcraft I: Remastered is available individually for $9.99, Warcraft II: Remastered for $14.99, and Warcraft III: Reforged for $29.99. Reforged also supports macOS. // Related StoriesClassicists wishing to save money can still buy the original Warcraft for $5.99 and Warcraft II for $9.99 on Battle.net or GOG.com.Those opting for DRM-free copies on GOG may notice a sticker for the GOG Preservation Program, which the site introduced on the same day Blizzard released the new Battle Chest to celebrate both GOG's and Warcraft's anniversaries. The new program rebrands the store's pledge to continue patching retro games to function smoothly on modern operating systems. The sticker and category tag aim to help shoppers identify the 100 compatible titles, including classics like Warcraft, Monkey Island, Myst, Resident Evil, Fallout, and more.

AmazonAmazon has just launched a new store full of stuff costing no more than $20. Its the tech behemoths way of taking on the likes of Chinese retailers Temu and Shein, whose own bargains are becoming increasingly popular with online shoppers in the U.S.Currently in beta, Amazons new store, called Haul, is a mobile-only offering and will appear as a new tab on the companys shopping app after you next update it. Alternatively, visit www.amazon.com/haul on your phones web browser.Recommended VideosAnnouncing the store on Wednesday, Amazon said the new platform offers affordable items in categories that include fashion, home, lifestyle, and electronics, though the delivery time of one to two weeks means that impatient shoppers might want to steer clear of Haul.RelatedAll items are priced $20 or less with the majority priced $10 and under, and some items as low as $1, Amazon explained in a post on its website. Customers can enjoy even more savings when they add more items to a single order, with 5% off orders $50 and over, and 10% off orders $75 or more.Amazon cites a few examples of what you can find, including a three-piece trimmer razor set for $2.99; colorful table runners to help decorate for the holidays for $2.99; an iPhone 16 case for $1.79; a womens elastic stretch cinch belt for $1.99; and a pair of touchscreen winter gloves for $3.21.At those prices, the quality is going to be far from top-notch anyone whos already shopped on places like Temu and Shein will have a reasonable idea of what to expect. To try to build trust, Amazon says it screens Haul products to ensure that theyre safe, authentic, and compliant with applicable regulations.If you really dont like what you get, Amazon is offering free returns on all purchases over $3 within 15 days of delivery, and is also providing hassle-free returns at more than 8,000 drop-off locations across the U.S., including at Amazon Lockers, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Markets, UPS, and Staples.As customers search for more affordable options amid rising living costs, places like Temu and Shein have thrived in recent years, with their success now prompting Amazon to make moves in the same sector.In another effort to boost shopping activity on its site, Amazon recently debuted a new AI-powered Shopping Guide feature designed to reduce the time a customer spends researching a potential purchase by summarizing key points and important information for product listings that have been filtered for your specific needs.Editors Recommendations

Sam Hill / Digital TrendsLove crossword puzzles but dont have all day to sit and solve a full-sized puzzle in your daily newspaper? Thats what The Mini is for!A bite-sized version of the New York Times well-known crossword puzzle, The Mini is a quick and easy way to test your crossword skills daily in a lot less time (the average puzzle takes most players just over a minute to solve). While The Mini is smaller and simpler than a normal crossword, it isnt always easy. Tripping up on one clue can be the difference between a personal best completion time and an embarrassing solve attempt.Recommended VideosJust like ourWordle hints and Connections hints, were here to help with The Mini today if youre stuck and need a little help.RelatedBelow are the answers for the NYT Mini crossword today.New York TimesAcrossFolded layer of a McGriddle EGGHost of the 2024 Summer Olympics PARISPlant thats a source for tequila or mescal AGAVEThe clue number SEVENRomantic getaway? TRYSTDownRarin to go EAGERTurkey Day topping GRAVYWhat ___? (Can you explain this mess?) GIVESDestination fora time machine PASTThe document should be in your inbox now SENTEditors Recommendations

The contract electronics maker reported better-than-expected profit for the third quarter as the artificial-intelligence boom drove demand for AI servers.

ASML said it would maintain its 2030 sales and margin targets, betting that booming demand for artificial intelligence will drive orders for equipment that chip makers need to make increasingly powerful semiconductors.

Historians rank presidents one way, the public another. A few presidents surprise skeptics and rise to distinction.

The show about five Irish sisters with a deep bond, co-created by Sharon Horgan, returns Wednesday.

Trump's DOGE man Trump says Elon Musk will lead DOGE, a new Department of Government Efficiency Musk's Department of Government Efficiency to target "massive waste and fraud." Jon Brodkin Nov 13, 2024 3:07 pm | 265 An image posted by Elon Musk after President-elect Donald Trump announced he will lead a new Department of Government Efficiencyor "DOGE." Credit: Elon Musk An image posted by Elon Musk after President-elect Donald Trump announced he will lead a new Department of Government Efficiencyor "DOGE." Credit: Elon Musk Story textSizeSmallStandardLargeWidth *StandardWideLinksStandardOrange* Subscribers only Learn morePresident-elect Donald Trump today announced that a new Department of Government Efficiencyor "DOGE"will be led by Elon Musk and former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. Musk and Ramaswamy, who founded pharma company Roivant Sciences, "will pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies," according to the Trump statement on Truth Social.DOGE apparently will not be an official federal agency, as Trump said it will provide advice "from outside" of government. But Musk, who has frequently criticized government subsidies despite seeking public money and obtaining various subsidies for his own companies, will apparently have significant influence over spending in the Trump administration. Musk has also had numerous legal disputes with regulators at agencies that regulate his companies."Republican politicians have dreamed about the objectives of 'DOGE' for a very long time," Trump said. "To drive this kind of drastic change, the Department of Government Efficiency will provide advice and guidance from outside of Government, and will partner with the White House and Office of Management & Budget to drive large scale structural reform, and create an entrepreneurial approach to Government never seen before."Muskthe CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, and owner of X (formerly Twitter)was quoted in Trump's announcement as saying that DOGE "will send shockwaves through the system, and anyone involved in Government waste, which is a lot of people!"Trumps perfect gift to AmericaTrump's statement said the department, whose name is a reference to the Doge meme, "will drive out the massive waste and fraud which exists throughout our annual $6.5 Trillion Dollars of Government Spending." Trump said DOGE will "liberate our Economy" and that its "work will conclude no later than July 4, 2026" because "a smaller Government, with more efficiency and less bureaucracy, will be the perfect gift to America on the 250th Anniversary of The Declaration of Independence.""I look forward to Elon and Vivek making changes to the Federal Bureaucracy with an eye on efficiency and, at the same time, making life better for all Americans," Trump said. Today, Musk wrote that the "world is suffering slow strangulation by overregulation," and that "we finally have a mandate to delete the mountain of choking regulations that do not serve the greater good."Musk has been expected to have influence in Trump's second term after campaigning for him. Trump previously vowed to have Musk head a government efficiency commission."That would essentially give the world's richest man and a major government contractor the power to regulate the regulators who hold sway over his companies, amounting to a potentially enormous conflict of interest," said a New York Times article last month.The Wall Street Journal wrote today that "Musk isn't expected to become an official government employee, meaning he likely wouldn't be required to divest from his business empire."Jon BrodkinSenior IT ReporterJon BrodkinSenior IT Reporter Jon is a Senior IT Reporter for Ars Technica. He covers the telecom industry, Federal Communications Commission rulemakings, broadband consumer affairs, court cases, and government regulation of the tech industry. 265 Comments