Are you thinking about a career in architecture or environmental design? UC Berkeleys College of Environmental Design (CED) offers intensive summer programs that could help you decide if these creative fields are right for you. Whether youre a professional, undergraduate, or high school student, CEDs Summer Programs invite you to explore architecture, urban design, sustainable city planning, and landscape architecture in an academic setting. Discover Architecture and DesignArchitecture and environmental design are not just about creating buildings; they involve crafting spaces that improve the quality of life and address environmental challenges. UC Berkeleys immersive CED Summer Programs are designed to introduce you to these disciplines in an engaging, hands-on way. Through collaborative and exploratory learning, youll gain insight into the core principles of design in a collaborative, explorative, and experiential learning environment.(Courtesy UC Berkeley)DISC: Innovating for Sustainable CitiesDISC (Design + Innovation for Sustainable Cities) is tailored for current college students interested in urban innovation. This full-time program integrates studio work, lectures, seminars, digital workshops, and field trips to provide a comprehensive understanding of how to design and plan for resilient and sustainable urban environments. Participants tackle real-world problems and project sites, exploring intersections between architecture, urban planning, and environmental design. The multidisciplinary approach equips students to consider issues of affordable housing, transportation, social equity, climate change, and livability to create long-term solutions for cities. Summer Institutes: Specialized Tracks in DesignUC Berkeleys Summer Institutes offer specialized programs designed for individuals exploring architecture, city planning, or landscape architecture. These intensive, studio-based tracks provide academic and professional-grade experiences, helping you build a portfolio for advanced academic or professional opportunities.InArch: This track introduces architectural design, theory, and digital design tools. Students also learn from site visits and professional guest lecturers. Ideal for beginners, it helps students develop foundational skills and produce a strong portfolio.InCity: Focused on city planning and design, this program emphasizes a sustainable and equitable urban development. Through collaborative projects and fieldwork, youll learn how to create livable, inclusive urban spaces.InLand: Centered on landscape architecture, InLand emphasizes ecological principles and resilient design. Exploring a selected site in the Bay Area, students learn to craft environmentally sensitive landscapes that serve their communities.(Courtesy UC Berkeley)Studio-Based Learning ExperienceCEDs Summer Programs studio-based learning environment encourages collaboration, exploration, and experimentationkey elements of the design process. In studio, youll work alongside peers from diverse backgrounds, share ideas, and receive feedback from experienced instructors and professionals.Collaboration: Teamwork and continuous feedback is at the heart of the CED Summer Programs. Working in teams and guided by experienced instructors, youll tackle complex design problems, learning to value diverse perspectives and different approaches. This collaborative experience is essential for professional practice.Exploration: Youll delve into various facets of architecture and design, from theoretical concepts to practical applications. This exploratory process helps you understand the breadth and depth of the field, allowing you to discover what truly excites you.Experimentation: Students are challenged to push boundaries, try new ideas, and learn from both successes and failures. This iterative approach fosters creativity, innovation, continuous learning, and adaptation, essential qualities every designer needs.(Courtesy UC Berkeley)Chart Your Career PathAlums who attended one of UC Berkeleys CED Summer Programs speak of a transformative experience. The immersive, hands-on nature of these programs provides a realistic view into these fields, empowering you to make informed choices about your future.For more details and to apply, visit the UC Berkeley College of Environmental Designs Summer Programs website.

When we talk about data privacy, tech giants like Google and Facebook are often blamed for using personal data to show ads and recommendations. Less discussed are the businesses whose entire business model revolves around collecting your data and selling it to other companies and governments. These companies often operate in legal gray areas, with the consent required to collect user data buried deep in the fine print.Whats even more concerning is that these data brokers fail to adequately protect the data they collect. Last year, National Public Data made headlines forfailing to secure 2.7 billion records of individuals whose data it had harvested. Now, hackers have reportedly stolen data from Gravy Analytics, the parent company of Venntel, which has sold vast amounts of smartphone location data to the U.S. government.Enter the giveaway by signing up for myfree newsletter. A woman working on her laptop (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)What you need to know about the breachHackers claim to have breached Gravy Analytics, a major location data broker and parent company of Venntel, a firm known for selling smartphone location data to U.S. government agencies. The compromise is massive, including sensitive location data that tracks precise smartphone movements, customer information and even internal infrastructure, according to a404 Media report.The hackers are threatening to make the stolen data public. The files contain precise latitude and longitude coordinates of the phone and the time at which the phone was there. Some even indicate what country the data has been collected from.Hackers have claimed access to Gravy's systems since 2018. If true, this represents a serious security lapse on the companys part. It is baffling how companies that collect and sell user data (a practice that arguably shouldnt be allowed in the first place) failed to protect it from being leaked.404 Media also suggests that the hackers gained deep access to the companys infrastructure, including Amazon S3 buckets and server root access. The exposed customer list reportedly includes major companies like Uber, Apple and Equifax as well as government contractors like Babel Street. A hacker (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)What this breach means for peopleThis data breach highlights the serious security flaws in the location data industry. Companies like Gravy Analytics and Venntel have been profiting from collecting and selling sensitive location data, often without proper user consent. They've prioritized profit over security, and now the privacy of millions is at risk. This data could end up on black markets, endangering individuals, especially those in vulnerable situations, by making them targets for harassment or worse.The FTC's recent crackdown on Gravy, announced in December, underscores their negligence. The proposed order will prohibit these companies from selling or using location data, except in specific cases like national security or law enforcement. The implications are worrying. Sensitive locations like schools and workplaces could become easy targets for those with malicious intent. A person using their cellphone and working on their laptop (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)5 ways to stay safe in the age of data breachesThe Gravy Analytics breach serves as a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities in the digital age. While its impossible to control how every company handles data, you can take steps to minimize your exposure and protect your privacy. Here are five actionable tips to stay safe.1) Limit app permissions: Many apps request access to location data, contacts and more, even when it's not necessary for their functionality. Regularly review the permissions for apps on your smartphone and revoke access to anything that feels excessive. For instance, a weather app doesnt need access to your microphone or camera.2) Use a VPN:Virtual private networks (VPNs) can mask your IP address and encrypt your internet activity, making it harder for data brokers and hackers to track your online behavior. A good VPN adds an extra layer of security, especially when using public Wi-Fi networks.3) Opt out of data sharing where possible:Some companies allow you to opt out of having your data collected or shared. Services like Your Ad Choices and privacy settings within platforms like Google can help you reduce the amount of data collected. Check for opt-out options with any apps or services you use frequently.4)Avoid free apps that monetize data: Free apps often generate revenue by selling user data. Instead, consider paid versions of apps that explicitly prioritize privacy. Research the company behind the app to understand its data handling policies before downloading.5) Invest in data removal services:Data removal services can help you regain some control over your personal information by identifying and removing it from people-search websites, data broker platforms and other online databases.Check out my top picks for data removal services here.Kurts key takeawayCompanies that collect and sell user data pose a significant threat to privacy, and when they fail to protect this data, it often ends up in the hands of even worse actors. Cybercriminals, and even some governments, can exploit this information to target individuals. It is crucial to implement stringent repercussions for these companies when they fail in their duty to safeguard user data. A mere slap on the wrist is not enough. We need real accountability to deter negligence and protect individual privacy rights.Should companies face stronger penalties for failing to protect personal data? 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 2024 CyberGuy.com.All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com. Related Topics

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