rimom - FotoliaNewsBarings Law enleagues 15,000 claimants against Google and MicrosoftBarings Law has signed up 15,000 claimants in a data breach suit against Microsoft and Google. The firm says the tech giants use personal data without proper consent to train AI modelsByBrian McKenna,Enterprise Applications EditorPublished: 14 Jan 2025 17:00 A law firm based in Manchester has gathered around 15,000 claimants for an impending data breach lawsuit against Microsoft and Google.The firm began signing up clients in November 2024 for a class action against the US tech giants. It believes them to be illegally collecting and using peoples data to train their artificial intelligence (AI) models.The firm, which has litigated on several data breach cases, including the Capita cyber attack and the leaking of medical records in the South Staffs Water hack, managed to assemble over 10,000 sign-ups in just under a month, it said.This followed, it said, a two-year investigation by the firm, which has found evidence that significant amounts of non-consented data collected by Microsoft and Google is being used in training and developing large language AI models.We are pleased to have accumulated such a vast number of sign-ups for this landmark case, said Adnan Malik, head of data protection at Barings Law.The swift response from 15,000 claimants highlights the growing public demand for accountability in the face of persistent data privacy issues, and our dedicated team at Barings Law is intent on seeing this demand met.With our history of tackling significant data breach cases, we are committed to challenging the pervasive misuse of personal data by corporations, ensuring that privacy is not sacrificed in the name of technological advancement.Read more about big tech getting sued for feeding AI models with personal dataBarings Law plans to sue Microsoft and Google over AI training data.AI firm Anthropic hits out at copyright lawsuit filed by music publishers, claiming the content ingested into its models falls under fair use and that any licensing regime would be too complex and costly.The firm alleges a raft of data privacy transgressions, including the collection of information regarding users voices, demographics, time spent on apps, and personal information including email addresses and the contents of emails.Malik said the numbers of claimants were a significant step forward in the firms pursuit of the case. We still have a way to go, but the numbers in such a short space of time demonstrate peoples determination to fight for more accountability from major corporations and the safeguarding of their personal data, he added.Barings claims the use of personal data for the training of Googles and Microsofts AI models is being done without proper authorisation or consent from users, who may understand data is being collected, but be unaware of the role this data plays in the training of AI large language models.It continues to invite anyone with a Microsoft or Google account, or those whove used either firms services, to join the lawsuit. This includes those who have used platforms and services such as YouTube, Gmail, Google Docs, Google Maps, LinkedIn, OneDrive, Outlook, Microsoft 365 and Xbox.When the firm announced the recruitment of clients for a class action in November 2024, Malik said: Individuals have the right to know what data of theirs is being stored and what it is being used for. They also have the right to opt out of their behaviours, voice, likeness, habits and knowledge being used to train AI for the profit of tech giants.Many authors, artists and others are currently filing lawsuits against generative AI companies for using personal data to train their models. IT companies in the firing line include Meta, Google, GitHub, Microsoft, OpenAI, Stability AI, Midjourney, DeviantArt, as well as AI song-generator start-ups Suno and Udio.In The Current Issue:Interview: Wendy Redshaw, chief digital information officer, NatWest Retail BankPreparing for AI regulation: The EU AI ActDownload Current Issue

What is the best VPN for your smart TV right now?ZDNET's favorite VPN for smart TVs is NordVPN. This VPN combines excellent speed, server connections, security, and a plethora of ways you can use it with your smart TV -- including with Android-based TVs, Apple TVs, Amazon Fire Sticks, and gaming consoles.ZDNET writers have decades of experience, combined, in testing and reviewing VPN software. We understand how important VPNs can be in improving your privacy and security online. To provide you with the best recommendations, we constantly monitor the market and conduct our own investigations. Sort by All The best smart TV VPNs in 2025 Show less View now at NordVPN Few smart TVs have native VPN support, unless they are based on the Android operating system. We thus recommend VPNs based on speed, strong connectivity, and multi-platform support.NordVPN rates well in all of these categories. The VPN provider's software is compatible with a host of systems and hardware. NordVPN has also provided useful guides on smart TV installation.Suppose you want to use NordVPN on your smart TV. Your options include downloading and installing native apps for Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV, installing the VPN on your router, or sharing your internet connection through Ethernet cables.Also:NordVPN reviewDue to the relatively recent expansion of its server network, NordVPN often earns the top spot in our VPN recommendations. It provides excellent speeds, server selection, and stability. Customers, too, like the support on offer and note this VPN is easy to use.Our favorite smart TV VPN can be costly, but the best deals are with two-year contracts, starting at $3.59 per month, and include three months of free access added. Alternatively, one-year plans begin at $4.99 per month. One month of access costs $12.99.NordVPN features: Simultaneous connections:10 |Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, and routers |Countries:111 |Kill switch:Yes |Logging:Email address and billing information only |Money-back guarantee: 30 days|Trial: Seven days on Android Pros Rapid speeds Extensive server network Apple TV compatibility Cons Premium plans can be expensive Few smart TVs have native VPN support, unless they are based on the Android operating system. We thus recommend VPNs based on speed, strong connectivity, and multi-platform support.NordVPN rates well in all of these categories. The VPN provider's software is compatible with a host of systems and hardware. NordVPN has also provided useful guides on smart TV installation.Suppose you want to use NordVPN on your smart TV. Your options include downloading and installing native apps for Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV, installing the VPN on your router, or sharing your internet connection through Ethernet cables.Also:NordVPN reviewDue to the relatively recent expansion of its server network, NordVPN often earns the top spot in our VPN recommendations. It provides excellent speeds, server selection, and stability. Customers, too, like the support on offer and note this VPN is easy to use.Our favorite smart TV VPN can be costly, but the best deals are with two-year contracts, starting at $3.59 per month, and include three months of free access added. Alternatively, one-year plans begin at $4.99 per month. One month of access costs $12.99.NordVPN features: Simultaneous connections:10 |Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, and routers |Countries:111 |Kill switch:Yes |Logging:Email address and billing information only |Money-back guarantee: 30 days|Trial: Seven days on Android Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at ExpressVPN ExpressVPN is another of our top choices for use with smart TVs. It provides some of the best speeds (and minimal speed loss) in our tests, is easy to use, and is compatible with a range of platforms and operating systems.To use this VPN with your smart TV, refer to ExpressVPN's guides for assistance. This VPN provides native apps for use with systems including Apple TV, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV, or you can install the VPN directly onto your router.If you're still having trouble, you can use ExpressVPN's DNS-based MediaStreamer service, which improves streaming but won't have the same protection a VPN provides.Also:ExpressVPN reviewIf pricing was more in line with its competitors, ExpressVPN may have secured the top spot. If speed is king, however, you might be tempted to pay, with annual plans priced at $6.67 per month. Three months of free access are included. If you want to sign up for a six-month contract, you will pay $6.66 per month. One month of service is priced at $12.95.ExpressVPN also offers dedicated IP addresses bolted onto your subscription for $3.19 per month.ExpressVPN features: Simultaneous connections:8|Kill switch:Yes |Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Linux, Fire TV, Android TV, tvOS, and routers|Countries:105|Logging: No browsing logs, some connection logs |Money-back guarantee:30 days|Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS Pros Excellent speeds Vast server network User-friendly Cons Expensive ExpressVPN is another of our top choices for use with smart TVs. It provides some of the best speeds (and minimal speed loss) in our tests, is easy to use, and is compatible with a range of platforms and operating systems.To use this VPN with your smart TV, refer to ExpressVPN's guides for assistance. This VPN provides native apps for use with systems including Apple TV, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV, or you can install the VPN directly onto your router.If you're still having trouble, you can use ExpressVPN's DNS-based MediaStreamer service, which improves streaming but won't have the same protection a VPN provides.Also:ExpressVPN reviewIf pricing was more in line with its competitors, ExpressVPN may have secured the top spot. If speed is king, however, you might be tempted to pay, with annual plans priced at $6.67 per month. Three months of free access are included. If you want to sign up for a six-month contract, you will pay $6.66 per month. One month of service is priced at $12.95.ExpressVPN also offers dedicated IP addresses bolted onto your subscription for $3.19 per month.ExpressVPN features: Simultaneous connections:8|Kill switch:Yes |Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Linux, Fire TV, Android TV, tvOS, and routers|Countries:105|Logging: No browsing logs, some connection logs |Money-back guarantee:30 days|Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Surfshark Surfshark often ranks as one of the best affordable VPNs in our recommendations. It's excellent value for money and provides you with a solid server network, user-friendly mobile apps, and unlimited simultaneous connections.Like its competitors, Surfshark has provided comprehensive guides for setting up the VPN with smart TVs. Native apps for systems including Android TV, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV are available, alongside Roku and Chromecast. You can also set up Surfshark on your router.Also: Surfshark VPN reviewCustomers like the VPN's user interface and ease of use.The cheapest Surfshark subscription is for two years and costs $2.19 per month. Alternatively, you can sign up for one year and pay $2.99 per month or $15.45 for just one month of access. One- and two-year contracts also provide you with three months of free access, which gets added to the length of the contract.Surfshark features:Simultaneous connections:Unlimited| Ad-blocker | Two-factor authentication | Kill switch: Yes |Countries: 100 |Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Fire TV, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, tvOS, and routers | Money-back guarantee: 30 days |Trial: Seven days on Android, iOS, and macOS Pros Excellent value for money Affordable basic plans Apple TV compatibility Cons Speeds can be slower than competitors Surfshark often ranks as one of the best affordable VPNs in our recommendations. It's excellent value for money and provides you with a solid server network, user-friendly mobile apps, and unlimited simultaneous connections.Like its competitors, Surfshark has provided comprehensive guides for setting up the VPN with smart TVs. Native apps for systems including Android TV, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV are available, alongside Roku and Chromecast. You can also set up Surfshark on your router.Also: Surfshark VPN reviewCustomers like the VPN's user interface and ease of use.The cheapest Surfshark subscription is for two years and costs $2.19 per month. Alternatively, you can sign up for one year and pay $2.99 per month or $15.45 for just one month of access. One- and two-year contracts also provide you with three months of free access, which gets added to the length of the contract.Surfshark features:Simultaneous connections:Unlimited| Ad-blocker | Two-factor authentication | Kill switch: Yes |Countries: 100 |Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Fire TV, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, tvOS, and routers | Money-back guarantee: 30 days |Trial: Seven days on Android, iOS, and macOS Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at PIA Private Internet Access, also known as PIA, is one of our favorite open-source VPNs that puts security and privacy first.While PIA's interface could do with an update, it works well on the big screen and can be used with smart TVs through your router, native apps for Apple TV, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV, or by sharing your PC's internet connection.During our speed tests, PIA performed reasonably well, and we like the usability and flexibility of this VPN service. Customers applaud its Linux support in particular, and also note PIA's open-source approach as a benefit.The best deal right now for PIA access is a two-year contract, which costs only $2.19 per month and comes with two months of free service. You can also sign up for six months for the equivalent of $7.50 per month or test the VPN for one month, which costs $11.99.Private Internet Access features:Simultaneous connections:Unlimited|Kill switch:Yes |Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, tvOS, routers, Fire TV, and NAS |Countries:91 |Logging:No-logs policy |Money-back guarantee:30 days |Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS Pros Open source Unlimited simultaneous connections Multi-platform Cons Limited server network Private Internet Access, also known as PIA, is one of our favorite open-source VPNs that puts security and privacy first.While PIA's interface could do with an update, it works well on the big screen and can be used with smart TVs through your router, native apps for Apple TV, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV, or by sharing your PC's internet connection.During our speed tests, PIA performed reasonably well, and we like the usability and flexibility of this VPN service. Customers applaud its Linux support in particular, and also note PIA's open-source approach as a benefit.The best deal right now for PIA access is a two-year contract, which costs only $2.19 per month and comes with two months of free service. You can also sign up for six months for the equivalent of $7.50 per month or test the VPN for one month, which costs $11.99.Private Internet Access features:Simultaneous connections:Unlimited|Kill switch:Yes |Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, tvOS, routers, Fire TV, and NAS |Countries:91 |Logging:No-logs policy |Money-back guarantee:30 days |Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at IPVanish IPVanish is another great option for smart TV use, especially if you're a fond console (or PC) gamer. When you select a server to connect to, you can easily access latency and ping statistics, reducing lag and ensuring privacy without disrupting your gaming session.IPVanish works best on Android TV and Amazon Fire TV. An Apple TV native app is also now available. You can also install the app on your router, share your internet connection via a PC, or hotspot through a mobile device with the VPN installed. If you need help, you can refer to IPVanish's setup guides, although the website could do with better organization around its guides.Also: IPVanish reviewWe like IPVanish's highly customizable interface and service, allowing you to choose from various encryption protocols. Customers say they appreciate the professional service and customer support.IPVanish is a very affordable VPN as long as you are willing to sign up for a two-year contract. If this is the case, you will pay only $2.19 per month. The annual plan is relatively cheap, too, and costs $3.33 per month. If you only want one month of VPN service, expect to pay $12.99.IPVanish features:Simultaneous connections: Unlimited |Kill switch: Yes |Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, Kodi, and routers | Logging: None, except billing data |Locations: 75 |Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS Pros Gaming mode Affordable Reasonable speeds Great for Kodi Cons Limited server network IPVanish is another great option for smart TV use, especially if you're a fond console (or PC) gamer. When you select a server to connect to, you can easily access latency and ping statistics, reducing lag and ensuring privacy without disrupting your gaming session.IPVanish works best on Android TV and Amazon Fire TV. An Apple TV native app is also now available. You can also install the app on your router, share your internet connection via a PC, or hotspot through a mobile device with the VPN installed. If you need help, you can refer to IPVanish's setup guides, although the website could do with better organization around its guides.Also: IPVanish reviewWe like IPVanish's highly customizable interface and service, allowing you to choose from various encryption protocols. Customers say they appreciate the professional service and customer support.IPVanish is a very affordable VPN as long as you are willing to sign up for a two-year contract. If this is the case, you will pay only $2.19 per month. The annual plan is relatively cheap, too, and costs $3.33 per month. If you only want one month of VPN service, expect to pay $12.99.IPVanish features:Simultaneous connections: Unlimited |Kill switch: Yes |Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, Kodi, and routers | Logging: None, except billing data |Locations: 75 |Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS Read More Show Expert Take Show less Smart TV VPNs, compared Smart TV VPNCompatibilityServer networkPriceNordVPNWindows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, routers111$3.59/monthExpressVPNWindows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Linux, Fire TV, Android TV, tvOS, routers105$6.67/monthSurfsharkWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Fire TV, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, tvOS, routers100$2.19/monthPrivate Internet AccessWindows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, tvOS, routers, Fire TV, NAS91$2.19/monthIPVanishWindows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, Kodi, routers75$2.19/month Show more What is a smart TV VPN service and why should you use one? VPN services are designed to improve your online privacy. VPNs create encrypted tunnels between your device and internet services, masking your IP address and making it more difficult to eavesdrop and monitor you. They are not a silver bullet for security but, instead, are an important tool in our arsenal.For smart TVs, a VPN can stop your internet service provider (ISP) from monitoring what you are streaming, and where from, and can also be used to change your location. In some cases, this can help you avoid throttling or give you the ability to bypass geolocation blocks -- although the latter is a legally gray area.See also: What is a VPN and why do you need one? Show more How to set up a smart TV VPN Charlie Osborne | ZDNETOnce you've chosen the smart TV VPN you want, you should check whether a native app is available. The most common TV operating system with native apps is Android TV, although you can often use a VPN on your Amazon Fire TV Stickor Apple TV.Find your app in your TV's repository, typically in its centralized smart hub. After installing the app, open it and log in to the service with the username, email, and password you created when you subscribed. Alternatively, some VPNs allow you to log in through a QR code or a one-time passcode.Once your VPN has been installed, select a country or preferred server, and you're done.If the VPN you want to use is unavailable for your TV, you may have to set up a VPN service on your router instead. Most VPN providers have extensive FAQ sections on their sites detailing how to complete a manual setup.See also: How to set up a VPN on your routerHow we test VPNs Many providers recommended in this list have been subject to in-depth testing and reviews by the ZDNET team. We've been talking about VPNs for years, spoken with their management and their users, and developed a generally favorable impression.ZDNET tests VPN services from multiple locations, but we can't test from all locations. Every home, community, local ISP, and nation has a different infrastructure.We analyzed the best VPNs for smart TVs using the following criteria:Performance:Our top VPNs must have a minimum level of performance. After all, there's no point in using a VPN while streaming if your connection continually drops or lags.Simultaneous connections: Many VPNs limit the number of devices you can connect through a service simultaneously. If you have a phone, tablet, laptop, desktop, or smart TV you want to use with a VPN, you need a service that allows at least five or six simultaneous connections.Security: There's no point in using a VPN unless its security protocols and encryption levels are up to scratch. We also ensured the development team behind each recommended VPN cares about improving security and patching reported bugs.Kill switch: A kill switch prevents you from having an unprotected connection. It is an important feature for a VPN, as it protects you by preventing a return to a default Wi-Fi connection should your internet connection unexpectedly drop.Geo-blocks and streaming: VPNs can be key to accessing local content and services while you're away from home. We ensured that our top recommendations performed well given these factors and are unlikely to slow down your connection while streaming, including when you are running a VPN on your TV.Platforms: What systems and devices can you run the VPN on? Our smart TV VPN recommendations naturally have to offer easy-to-use and intuitive apps suitable for this hardware. In particular, we always look for Android TV and Fire TV compatibility.Support: As with any subscription software, you may encounter problems with installing apps, using the service, renewing, or canceling. We list VPNs with an available support team.Countries and servers: In how many different countries does the VPN have servers? This can include physical and virtual servers, and whether there are enough -- at least 50 or so -- to provide variety.Trial length and price: Each VPN we recommend has a solid money-back guarantee.For a more extensive breakdown, check out our comprehensive VPN testing methodology page. Show more Choosing the right smart TV VPN Choose this VPN...If you want...NordVPNThe best smart TV VPN overall. NordVPN is compatible with a variety of TV platforms and provides you with speed, security, and stability.ExpressVPNA speedy smart TV VPN. While it is more expensive than many competitors, this multi-platform option will give you fantastic speeds for streaming.SurfsharkAn affordable smart TV VPN. Surfshark has consistently low pricing and provides excellent value for money.Private Internet AccessAn open-source smart TV VPN. Private Internet Access has an open and transparent approach to security for protecting all of your devices.IPVanishA gaming-ready VPN. IPVanish offers reasonable speeds for a reasonable price and provides server information that allows you to pick the right option to reduce lag. Show more What are the factors to consider when choosing a smart TV VPN? When you are selecting your new smart TV VPN, consider the following factors:Price: You need to weigh the overall price of your new VPN plan. Try to take advantage of promotions, but ignore countdown timers -- they typically are just marketing tools. While top-notch VPNs can cost upwards of $10 per month, many are available for only a few dollars.Apps: When selecting a VPN, try it first to ensure you like its accompanying TV app. Some VPNs, for example, have great desktop software but are lacking elsewhere, meaning they are not as intuitive or easy to use.Security: Choose a reputable VPN provider that emphasizes user privacy and security. Frequent patch updates, transparent disclosure of security incidents, warrant canaries, and no-logs policies are all important factors.Simultaneous connections: If you're paying for a VPN suitable for your smart TV, you might still want to use it across multiple devices, such as a desktop, a laptop, or smartphone. We recommend that you sign up for a plan supporting at least six devices. Many paid VPN plans now offer unlimited connections.Contract length: You must also decide how long you want to use a VPN. If you opt for a two-year term, you tend to secure the best prices, but other options are also available. After you've made a selection, you typically have a 30-day money-back guarantee. Show more FAQs on VPNs Is it worth getting a VPN just for my smart TV? If the only reason you want to install a VPN is to mask your IP address and change your location to access a streaming content library outside your original location, then perhaps it is worth it. Considering how useful VPNs can be in protecting your online privacy outside of smart TV usage, we would recommend that you also use one on your PC and mobile device. Show more Do I have to pay for a smart TV VPN? While there are free VPNs and free VPN plans, the majority will come with heavy restrictions on speed and server choice, and some providers might display ads or sell your information. Considering that you will likely want to access content such as TV shows or films, you will need a VPN without speed limits -- and these tend only to be available with paid subscriptions. Show more Do Samsung TVs have a built-in VPN? Samsung devices have Knox, a built-in VPN client best suited for business use, as it requires manual configuration and is extremely basic. Most of the time, consumers will opt for a paid, third-party VPN service instead.Regarding smart TVs, most models do not offer VPN services out of the box, including those from Samsung. Instead, you will need to find a VPN app in an Android TV hub when available (Tizen OS is unlikely to have VPN apps), install a VPN on your router or bridge the gap by using a device connected to your TV, such as an Amazon Fire TV Stick. Show more Can you use a VPN with TV streaming services? Yes, you can. In fact, one of the reasons VPNs are so popular is that they can be used to access different geo-locked content libraries across streaming services, including Netflix.Keep in mind that this is a legally gray area, and you may be breaking the terms of service. Furthermore, if they detect VPN usage, some streaming services limit content libraries to only media available under universal licenses. Show more What is the best free VPN for smart TVs? Free VPNs usually come with caveats: the sale of your data, extremely limited server networks, or throttled speeds. If you want to use a free VPN before taking the plunge and signing up for a paid service, the only free VPNs we recommend trying out with a smart TV are Proton VPN, Windscribe, andHotspot Shield. Show more How do I tell if my VPN is safe? To check if your VPN is safe and working properly, first choose a reputable vendor known to have a strong security background.Next, compare your IP address before and after enabling a VPN connection. You can find this under your device's settings (typically under Wi-Fi) or by visiting whatismyipaddress.com. If they both display the same IP, your VPN may not be working properly.You can also visit dnsleaktest.com to see if any DNS leaks are detected while you are using a VPN, which could be a sign that your information is being leaked. Show more Are smart TV VPN services legal? Yes, smart TV VPN services are legal in the United States, but legality varies from country to country.Check the laws of your location before using a VPN. Some countries, such as North Korea and Belarus, ban their use outright, whereas others, including Russia and China, frown upon it.For a list of countries where VPN usage is illegal, check out NordVPN's guide. Show more Other VPNs we've tested Further ZDNET Tech Coverage Smartphones Smartwatches Tablets Laptops TVs Other Tech Resources ZDNET Recommends

Fantastic nighttime Dubai skyline with illuminated skyscrapers. Rooftop perspective of downtown ... [+] Dubai, UAE.gettyIn a bold move to establish itself as the world's premier destination for digital content creators, Dubai has unveiled the Creators HQ at Emirates Towers, backed by a substantial AED 150 million ($40.8 million) Content Creators Support Fund. The initiative, which aims to attract 10,000 influencers to the UAE, represents a significant step in the emirate's strategy to diversify its economy and cement its position as a global hub for digital innovation.The launch, which took place during the third edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit, marks Dubai's latest effort to tap into the booming creator economy. The summit, held under the theme 'Content for Good,' brought together an impressive gathering of over 15,000 content creators, 420 speakers, and 125 CEOs and global experts at Dubai's Emirates Towers, DIFC, and the Museum of the Future.What sets this initiative apart is its comprehensive approach to creator support. The Creators HQ isn't just another co-working space it's a full-service institution designed to address every aspect of a content creator's professional journey. Members will receive assistance with the coveted UAE Golden Visa applications, relocation support, and guidance for company setup and registration. The Golden Visa program, which allows recipients to stay in the UAE for five to ten years without requiring a national sponsor or regular renewal, represents a significant incentive for international creators considering a move to Dubai.In a significant development, the hub has already formed a strategic partnership with Meta to launch the "Creators for Purpose" program. This collaboration aims to empower regional creators to produce meaningful content that promotes positivity across Instagram and Facebook, further highlighting the UAE's commitment to fostering responsible digital content creation.MORE FOR YOUThe facility will host more than 300 events and workshops annually, offering comprehensive training programs led by industry experts. These programs will cover essential skills such as branding, video production, storytelling, audience engagement, monetization strategies, and sponsorship opportunities. Additionally, the hub will provide creative camps for youth, mentorship opportunities, and funding support for promising creators.Dubai's vision extends beyond just social media influencers. The Creators HQ aims to attract a diverse range of creative professionals, including podcasters, visual artists, advertising and marketing firms, media and music producers, animation studios, and fashion and lifestyle brands. The initiative also seeks to establish partnerships with technology companies, including streaming services, gaming and esports firms, virtual and augmented reality developers, and AI startups, creating a fully integrated creative ecosystem.The timing of this initiative is particularly strategic, as the creator economy continues to grow globally. By positioning itself as a creator-friendly destination with world-class infrastructure, tax benefits, and now specialized support for digital content creators, Dubai is setting itself up to capture a significant share of this rapidly expanding market.The creation of the Creators HQ, funded by the Content Creators Support Fund launched in 2024, demonstrates Dubai's commitment to fostering innovation in the digital content sector.This initiative aligns with Dubai's broader economic diversification strategy, adding another layer to its growing reputation as a global hub for innovation and digital media. By providing comprehensive support to content creators, from visa assistance to professional development and networking opportunities, Dubai is creating an ecosystem that could potentially reshape the global creator economy landscape.The success of this ambitious project could have far-reaching implications for both Dubai and the creator economy at large. If successful in attracting its target of 10,000 influencers, the initiative could establish Dubai as the world's premier destination for digital content creation, while simultaneously contributing to the emirate's economic diversification goals and strengthening its position in the global digital economy.As the world continues to embrace digital transformation, Dubai's investment in the creator economy positions it at the forefront of this cultural and economic shift. The Creators HQ represents not just an opportunity for content creators, but a strategic move to shape the future of digital content creation on a global scale.

By Andrew R. ChowJanuary 14, 2025 12:27 PM ESTWith the TikTok ban looming in less than a week, creators are scrambling to find a replacement. Many have simply migrated over to TikToks direct American competitors, like Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts. But another unlikely challenger has emerged: the Chinese-owned Xiaohongshu, a social media app often referred to as Red Note in English.While Red Note had previously catered almost exclusively to Chinese audiences, Americans are flooding onto the platform this week, making it the number one on the App Store for two days straight. Lemon8, a separate Chinese social media app owned by TikToks owner ByteDance, sits at number two. On those apps, Chinese influencers and fashionistas appear in between American newcomers showing off their woodworking or floating down the Mississippi River.It is unlikely Americans will settle on Red Note or Lemon8 long term: They face the same regulatory pressures that TikTok does. But these apps ascendance does reveal an acute desire from Americans to find their next social media destination; their general wariness about TikToks top American competitors; and their discontent with a ban that many see as paternalistic.It was a bit of a spite thingand I also wanted to be one of the first people over there, says Christina Shuler, an entrepreneur who runs the small business Glam Farmhouse and joined Red Note this week. Hopefully I can be part of the crowd that maybe can change how our government views this whole situation.TikTok's BanTikToks likely shuttering stems from a bill passed by Congress last year, which forced the apps parent company ByteDance to either sell it by Jan. 19, or face a ban in the U.S. TikTok took the law to court, arguing a violation of freedom of speech. But last week, Supreme Court Justices expressed skepticism about the companys legal arguments. Because ByteDance has said it will not sell TikTok, the ban will likely go into effect Sunday. (The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday that Chinese officials have discussed the possibility of allowing Elon Musk to invest in or run the companys U.S. operations.)Read More:TikToks Fate Arrives at the Supreme CourtSo many users are looking to establish themselves on other platforms. American companies have been preparing for this influx: Snap, for instance, announced a new Monetization Program last month, which places ads within eligible creators videos.But this week, Red Note and Lemon8 seem to be the main beneficiaries. Red Note was founded in 2013 as an online shopping guide before pivoting towards social media and e-commerce. Over 300 million people use the app, which is filled with Mandarin speakers delivering travelogues, beauty tutorials, animal videos and language lessons. Red Note also has a live online marketplace, a format extremely common in Asia, but much less prevalent in the U.S. While some new users noted that the name Red Note seems to allude to Mao Zedongs Little Red Book, the company has stressed that the names are unconnected.Before this week, the few American users of Red Note had included musicians looking to tap into the Chinese market, like John Legend and Mariah Carey. This week, a wave of TikTokkers announced on that app that they would be migrating over to Red Note, and encouraged their followers to join them.Marcus Robinson, a 29-year-old fashion designer, created a Red Note account to share his thrifting adventures and promote his clothing company, P-13. He previously had accrued 21,000 followers on TikTok, and estimates that 40% of his brands sales came from that app. I thought I was going to keep building and make a living ultimately, he says. Robinson heard about Red Note on TikTok, set up an account, and started posting. After just 36 hours on the app, he already has nearly 10,000 followers and 22,000 likes. He engages with his Mandarin-language followers thanks to translations and captions provided by CapCut, an AI-powered video editing app owned by ByteDance. I honestly feel like my brand will grow a lot quicker than it did on TikTok, he says. They're all asking for clothes, asking me to model clothes. Everything's flying right now.Shuler, the 32-year-old woodworker based in South Carolina, had been earning money from TikTok thanks to brand partnerships, the Creator Rewards program, and product commissions. Her first post on Red Note, in which she announced herself as a TikTok refugee and gave a tutorial on how to install a sliding barn door, received 10,000 likes. Right now, everyones so positive and people are caring, she says. Other videos containing the hashtag TikTokrefugee have been viewed 100 million times.Shuler says that her posts on Red Note are already performing better than those on the Meta platforms Instagram and Facebook. Unless you pay Meta to promote your posts, theyre not really going to show it to peopleso Ive seen a significant drop in engagement on both of those platforms, she says. And Facebook is just a bunch of angry people on there. So it was refreshing to get on Red Note and know that my content was appreciated.Shuler says shes even been learning a few Mandarin phrases thanks to the app. Neither she nor Robinson are particularly concerned about the data privacy worries associated with Chinese apps. If youve already bought anything from Temu or Shien, I feel like whatever data that they want, they probably already have, she says.It is quite possible that Red Notes honeymoon will be short-lived. Some users have expressed concern that Red Note will be quicker to censor content that is political, sexual or LBGTQ-related. And Red Note also faces a potential ban: While Congresss Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act singles out TikTok and other ByteDance apps, it also regulates other foreign adversary controlled applications.Nobody thinks rednote is a viable long-term replacement, wrote one Redditor on Monday. This is just a form of protest; a big middle finger to the US government and their billionaire masters.

Editor's take: Conventional wisdom suggests that a tool as powerful as the Internet should make finding employment exponentially easier for job seekers. Yet, unsurprisingly, humanity has managed to complicate it. According to data from hiring platform Greenhouse, roughly one in five jobs posted online either are not real or were never intended to be filled. Both scenarios sound equally unbelievable but critics make some compelling arguments for why it is likely true.Some suggest "ghost job" postings are actually a corporate strategy used to make onlookers believe their business is growing or actively hiring when in reality, that is simply not the case. The practice could also help executives reach quarterly goals without the backlash of removing jobs from career sites.There are plenty of other reasons that come to mind as to why a job listing might not be what it seems on the surface. For example, it is entirely possible that a company wants to make a hire eventually but doesn't have the resources or ability to do it right away.As Stack Overflow highlights, some companies are always on the lookout for new candidates but that doesn't necessarily mean they are actively hiring. Others may have simply "forgot" to take down a listing after making a recent hiring, or want to keep attracting new candidates following a hire in case their first pick does not work out for whatever reason. Worse yet, some companies post ghost jobs to make existing employees feel "replaceable" or so they believe additional help is on the way to alleviate their workload.If you are in the job market and not making much headway, consider alternative routes. Word of mouth is still incredibly powerful; reaching out to contacts you have made over the years through networking could lead to opportunities you might not have otherwise even known about. And if you're feeling overly ambitious, now might be the perfect time to branch out and start your own business. // Related StoriesImage credit: Tahir Osman, Getty Images

One of the most popular features to arrive on Android in recent years could soon get a few tweaks. Android Authority recently discovered the changes to Circle to Search in the Google app, v16.0.7.One of the upcoming changes to Circle to Search is a new feature that will assist users while playing games. This feature, called Get Game Help, is activated by a new chip. It quickly initiates a Google search with the phrase: Get help with this game.Heres the new feature in practice:Google Search Circle to Search - Get Game HelpCircle to Search will also introduce a new animation playing when you enter and exit the tool. When Circle to Search is activated on the phone, the search bar expands from a pill shape at the bottom of the screen. Once the search is finished, the search bar shrinks back into a pill-shaped G icon. The upcoming version will feature the search bar gliding up when a search is initiated and then smoothly returning to the bottom of the screen upon entry and exit.Check out the demo below.Google Circle to Search - New entry and exit animationsThe graphics look a lot like how Apples Siri works in iOS 18, no?Recommended VideosFinally, Circle to Search is expected to feature three themes for the Search bar: a standard white background, a new color-matched palette, and a translucent background.Android AuthorityGoogle first announced Circle to Search in January 2024. Initially, it was exclusive to the Samsung Galaxy S24and Google Pixel 8 series. Since then, the feature has gradually rolled out to more devices, including older Pixel models and many other handsets.Please enable Javascript to view this contentWhen the changes to Circle to Search will launch is currently unknown.Editors Recommendations

CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the job cuts are necessary as the company builds the most important technologies in the world.

beyond rosetta Parallels can finally run x86 versions of Windows or Linux on Apple Silicon "Early technology preview" is promising but has lots of limitations for now. Andrew Cunningham Jan 14, 2025 12:34 pm | 13 Credit: Parallels Credit: Parallels Story textSizeSmallStandardLargeWidth *StandardWideLinksStandardOrange* Subscribers only Learn moreVirtualization software like Parallels and VMware Fusion give Mac owners the ability to run Windows and Linux on top of macOS, but for Apple Silicon Macs, that support was limited to the Arm-based versions of those operating systems. And while Windows and Linux both support some level of x86-to-Arm app translation that attempts to maintain compatibility with most software, there are still plenty of things that demand an Intel or AMD processor with the x86 instruction set.Last week, Parallels released a new update that partially resolves this problem: Users of Parallels Desktop Pro 20.2.0 now have access to x86 operating systems via an "early technology preview" of Parallels' "proprietary emulation engine."The technology preview is currently limited to certain 64-bit versions of Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server 2019 and 2022. Parallels also says it has tested several UEFI-compatible Linux distributions, including Ubuntu 22.04.5, Kubuntu 24.04.1, Lubuntu 24.04.1, and Debian versions 12.4 to 12.8. Fedora will install, but it's unstable. 32-bit versions of operating systems, as well as older versions of Windows like Windows 7 or 8, aren't supported. Parallels running the x86 version of Windows 10 on an M1 MacBook Pro. Parallels' virtual CPU appears to identify itself as a 5th-generation Intel Core laptop processor. Credit: Parallels For Windows 11 and supported Linux distros, you can run existing virtual machines using the technology preview, but you can't set up new onesuseful for anyone migrating from an Intel Mac with virtual machines they'd like to keep. If you're trying to set up a new virtual machine, the only officially supported operating systems are Windows Server 2022 and Windows 10 21H2, though there are workarounds available for Windows 10 22H2 and Windows Server 2019.You won't be able to set up fresh copies of Windows 11 or some versions of Linux because the technology preview doesn't support SSE4.2, additional CPU instructions that became common in Intel and AMD processors in the early 2010s. This also means that Windows 11 24H2 VMs are entirely unsupported, since the 24H2 update requires these CPU instructions to work at all.Parallels notes that these operating systems currently run "really slow" due to the overhead required for translation. Windows takes between two and seven minutes to boot, depending on the speed of your Mac, and "the responsiveness of the operating system is low." Rather than attempting to multi-task, Parallels says you should close the app you're using before trying to open another one.Other limitations include a lack of USB passthrough support, no sound, support for just one virtual CPU core and 8GB of RAM, and a lack of support for nested virtualization (which could affect compatibility with features like the Windows Subsystem for Linux). Parallels also says that the translation overhead requires a lot of system resourcesfor example, "an Intel-based Windows 10 VM with 4GBs of RAM assigned will take 8GBs of your Macs memory."While Apple's Rosetta 2 generally does a good job of running Intel Mac apps on Apple Silicon Macs, Apple doesn't support running entire x86 operating systems using Rosetta. The Virtualization Framework built into macOS likewise only supports Arm-compatible operating systems. Though limited, Parallels' support for running x86 operating systems is a unique feature that other companies haven't been able to offer yet. It's also a bit of a blast from the past for longtime Mac usersback in the PowerPC days, Mac owners also had to rely on third-party emulation software like Connectix's Virtual PC for running x86-based operating systems and apps.Andrew CunninghamSenior Technology ReporterAndrew CunninghamSenior Technology Reporter Andrew is a Senior Technology Reporter at Ars Technica, with a focus on consumer tech including computer hardware and in-depth reviews of operating systems like Windows and macOS. Andrew lives in Philadelphia and co-hosts a weekly book podcast called Overdue. 13 Comments

HealthA range of brainwave-reading devices and other gadgets aim to monitor our nervous systems and intervene to improve our well-being. Do they work? 14 January 2025 Jake Wangner/StillsYouve achieved 40 seconds of uninterrupted focus.Apparently, this is cause for celebration. For the past 10 minutes, I have been staring at my phone, trying to move a digital ball up a hill using nothing but the power of my mind. The Mendi headset I am wearing is analysing my brain activity and reflecting that back into the game. The more I concentrate, the higher the ball climbs.This exercise is supposedly working out my mental muscle, just as one might use weights to train physical muscle, ultimately improving my focus and reducing my stress.Like thousands of others, I have spent years wearing a smartwatch that helps me track my fitness and improve my physical health. But the wearables industry has its sights set on a new target: our mental health. We now have smartwatches and brainwave-reading devices that not only analyse the state of our nervous system, but actively intervene to supposedly improve our well-being, making mental health support more accessible and wearable than ever before. We are leveraging the brains ability to rewire itself so that you can increase your emotional control, says Mustafa Hamada, Mendis chief product and science officer.As someone who suffers from stress and anxiety, I am eager to try anything that will help me control it. But with my background in neuroscience, I am cautious of believing the hype. So I delved into the growing range of devices that target concentration, focus, stress and anxiety to figure out how they might work and which might really make a difference

Imagine the bustling floors of tomorrows manufacturing plant: Robots, well-versed in multiple disciplines through adaptive AI education, work seamlessly and safely alongside human counterparts. These robots can transition effortlessly between tasksfrom assembling intricate electronic components to handling complex machinery assembly. Each robot's unique education enables it to predict maintenance needs, optimize energy consumption, and innovate processes on the fly, dictated by real-time data analyses and learned experiences in their digital worlds. Training for robots like this will happen in a virtual school, a meticulously simulated environment within the industrial metaverse. Here, robots learn complex skills on accelerated timeframes, acquiring in hours what might take humans months or even years. Beyond traditional programming Training for industrial robots was once like a traditional school: rigid, predictable, and limited to practicing the same tasks over and over. But now were at the threshold of the next era. Robots can learn in virtual classroomsimmersive environments in the industrial metaverse that use simulation, digital twins, and AI to mimic real-world conditions in detail. This digital world can provide an almost limitless training ground that mirrors real factories, warehouses, and production lines, allowing robots to practice tasks, encounter challenges, and develop problem-solving skills. What once took days or even weeks of real-world programming, with engineers painstakingly adjusting commands to get the robot to perform one simple task, can now be learned in hours in virtual spaces. This approach, known as simulation to reality (Sim2Real), blends virtual training with real-world application, bridging the gap between simulated learning and actual performance. Although the industrial metaverse is still in its early stages, its potential to reshape robotic training is clear, and these new ways of upskilling robots can enable unprecedented flexibility. Italian automation provider EPF found that AI shifted the companys entire approach to developing robots. We changed our development strategy from designing entire solutions from scratch to developing modular, flexible components that could be combined to create complete solutions, allowing for greater coherence and adaptability across different sectors, says EPFs chairman and CEO Franco Filippi. Learning by doing AI models gain power when trained on vast amounts of data, such as large sets of labeled examples, learning categories, or classes by trial and error. In robotics, however, this approach would require hundreds of hours of robot time and human oversight to train a single task. Even the simplest of instructions, like grab a bottle, for example, could result in many varied outcomes depending on the bottles shape, color, and environment. Training then becomes a monotonous loop that yields little significant progress for the time invested. Building AI models that can generalize and then successfully complete a task regardless of the environment is key for advancing robotics. Researchers from New York University, Meta, and Hello Robot have introduced robot utility models that achieve a 90% success rate in performing basic tasks across unfamiliar environments without additional training. Large language models are used in combination with computer vision to provide continuous feedback to the robot on whether it has successfully completed the task. This feedback loop accelerates the learning process by combining multiple AI techniquesand avoids repetitive training cycles. Robotics companies are now implementing advanced perception systems capable of training and generalizing across tasks and domains. For example, EPF worked with Siemens to integrate visual AI and object recognition into its robotics to create solutions that can adapt to varying product geometries and environmental conditions without mechanical reconfiguration. Learning by imagining Scarcity of training data is a constraint for AI, especially in robotics. However, innovations that use digital twins and synthetic data to train robots have significantly advanced on previously costly approaches. For example, Siemens SIMATIC Robot Pick AI expands on this vision of adaptability, transforming standard industrial robotsonce limited to rigid, repetitive tasksinto complex machines. Trained on synthetic datavirtual simulations of shapes, materials, and environmentsthe AI prepares robots to handle unpredictable tasks, like picking unknown items from chaotic bins, with over 98% accuracy. When mistakes happen, the system learns, improving through real-world feedback. Crucially, this isnt just a one-robot fix. Software updates scale across entire fleets, upgrading robots to work more flexibly and meet the rising demand for adaptive production. Another example is the robotics firm ANYbotics, which generates 3D models of industrial environments that function as digital twins of real environments. Operational data, such as temperature, pressure, and flow rates, are integrated to create virtual replicas of physical facilities where robots can train. An energy plant, for example, can use its site plans to generate simulations of inspection tasks it needs robots to perform in its facilities. This speeds the robots training and deployment, allowing them to perform successfully with minimal on-site setup. Simulation also allows for the near-costless multiplication of robots for training. In simulation, we can create thousands of virtual robots to practice tasks and optimize their behavior. This allows us to accelerate training time and share knowledge between robots, says Pter Fankhauser, CEO and co-founder of ANYbotics. Because robots need to understand their environment regardless of orientation or lighting, ANYbotics and partner Digica created a method of generating thousands of synthetic images for robot training. By removing the painstaking work of collecting huge numbers of real images from the shop floor, the time needed to teach robots what they need to know is drastically reduced. Similarly, Siemens leverages synthetic data to generate simulated environments to train and validate AI models digitally before deployment into physical products. By using synthetic data, we create variations in object orientation, lighting, and other factors to ensure the AI adapts well across different conditions, says Vincenzo De Paola, project lead at Siemens. We simulate everything from how the pieces are oriented to lighting conditions and shadows. This allows the model to train under diverse scenarios, improving its ability to adapt and respond accurately in the real world. Digital twins and synthetic data have proven powerful antidotes to data scarcity and costly robot training. Robots that train in artificial environments can be prepared quickly and inexpensively for wide varieties of visual possibilities and scenarios they may encounter in the real world. We validate our models in this simulated environment before deploying them physically, says De Paola. This approach allows us to identify any potential issues early and refine the model with minimal cost and time. This technologys impact can extend beyond initial robot training. If the robots real-world performance data is used to update its digital twin and analyze potential optimizations, it can create a dynamic cycle of improvement to systematically enhance the robots learning, capabilities, and performance over time. The well-educated robot at work With AI and simulation powering a new era in robot training, organizations will reap the benefits. Digital twins allow companies to deploy advanced robotics with dramatically reduced setup times, and the enhanced adaptability of AI-powered vision systems makes it easier for companies to alter product lines in response to changing market demands. The new ways of schooling robots are transforming investment in the field by also reducing risk. Its a game-changer, says De Paola. Our clients can now offer AI-powered robotics solutions as services, backed by data and validated models. This gives them confidence when presenting their solutions to customers, knowing that the AI has been tested extensively in simulated environments before going live. Filippi envisions this flexibility enabling todays robots to make tomorrows products. The need in one or two years time will be for processing new products that are not known today. With digital twins and this new data environment, it is possible to design today a machine for products that are not known yet, says Filippi. Fankhauser takes this idea a step further. I expect our robots to become so intelligent that they can independently generate their own missions based on the knowledge accumulated from digital twins, he says. Today, a human still guides the robot initially, but in the future, theyll have the autonomy to identify tasks themselves. This content was produced by Insights, the custom content arm of MIT Technology Review. It was not written by MIT Technology Reviews editorial staff.