News & Analysis
UN Internet Governance Forum Focuses on AI
I spent five days last week in Kyoto, Japan, at the 18th annual United Nations Internet Governance Forum.
Is There a Relationship Between Tech Use and Gun Violence?
It was bullets, not bytes — that took the lives of 10 people in Buffalo and 21 people, including 19 elementary school students, in Uvalde, Texas. Still, some are blaming video games and social media, along with mental illness.
Pair of California Bills to Protect Kids Online Show Promise, but there are Concerns
California lawmakers are considering a pair of bills to regulate kids’ use of online services. The state’s tech laws can impact the entire country.
Ask Trish: Deepfakes
I’ve been hearing all about deepfakes in the news these days. What are deepfakes and why are people so worried about them?
Managing Privacy on Facebook
There’s an old saying, “Everyone complains about the weather, but nobody ever seems to do anything about it.” The same could be said about Facebook privacy.
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Despite Laws and FCC Rules, Robocalls Remain a Problem
Google the term “robocall,” and you’ll find an FCC webpage that begins, “Unwanted calls – including illegal and spoofed robocalls – are the FCC’s top consumer complaint and our top consumer protection priority.”
Facebook Offers Tools to ‘Slow Down’ Toxic Conversations
Facebook has new tools to help moderate conversations and potential conflict within a group.
Tips for Preventing ‘Ransomware’ Attacks
A ransomware attack can encrypt data or lock you completely out of your device. It can also be used as a form of blackmail or extortion if the hacker finds something that they think may embarrass or incriminate you. Although victims are often large companies or public agencies, it can affect small businesses or people at home.
New Research & Resources for Online Wellness
It’s been a big week when it comes to resources for promoting wellness and helping protect children online. with new resources from Google and Instagram and a study from Common Sense Media.
Protect Against Identify Theft
There are things you can do to reduce the chances of being a victim of identity theft, and if you are a victim, there are things you can do to recover.
Safe Online Dating During and After the Pandemic
When it comes to online dating safety, there is good advice that’s been around for years and new advice based on the pandemic.
Good and Not-So-Good News about Digital Civility
While adults showed some improvement, teens did significantly better than previous years.
Safer Internet 2021 Day Goes Online
Safer Internet Day is a global awareness-raising campaign that started in Europe in 2004 and is now celebrated in more than 100 countries.
Battening Down your Facebook Hatches
Controlling who can see your friends list is only one of many optional privacy settings.
One Person’s Internet Junk is Another Person’s Treasure
That expression, “one person’s junk is another person’s treasure” could certainly be applied to the internet. But when it comes to some controversial content, I’d go a step further to say “one person’s sewer is another person’s rose garden.”
Well-Being on Instagram: The Latest Advice
We had a wide-ranging discussion with Instagram's head of safety, Vaishnavi J, about feeling pressure to present a...
Cybersecurity During COVID-19 (Webcast)
Larry Magid and Kerry Gallagher spoke with McAfee's Baker Nanduru, who had some excellent advice for all of us who are...
Gmail Anti-Phishing Technology Looks Promising
Phishing is one of the internet’s biggest security risks. That’s when a scammer sends you an email that appears to...
Online Dating in the Time of Covid-19 and Divisiveness
We spoke with online dating expert Julie Spira about dating during Covid-19 and "dating in the age of Trump." We...
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Google Reining in Too Much of a Good Thing
The common expression “too much of a good thing” can apply to almost everything that we enjoy, including the internet and mobile devices. My grandparents understood that, but apparently, many of my contemporaries don’t when it comes to tech. I’m guilty as well.
Facebook Begins Notifying Users if their Data Was Accessed by Cambridge Analytica
Facebook is in the process of notifying users whether their personal information may have been accessed by Cambridge...
US Safer Internet Day 2018: Passionate Speakers & Students are a Recipe for Success
More than 200 students from Austin Independent School District were on hand February 6th for the official U.S....
The Connection Between Online Safety and those Amazing Kids from Parkland, Florida
Like many, I have been deeply moved by the actions of student survivors of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas school shootings on Valentine’s Day.
Safer Internet Day a Good Time to Think About Your Use of Connected Tech
by Larry Magid Tuesday, February 6th is Safer Internet Day. The big U.S. celebration will be in Austin, but you don't...
Online Privacy Day Reminds Us to Stay Alert Year ’Round
by Larry Magid Sunday is “Data Privacy Day,” when a host of companies, nonprofits and government agencies remind...
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s 2018 Challenge: Fix Facebook’s Important Issues
Every year Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg takes on a challenge. One year it was to learn Mandarin. Another it was to...
Internet Governance Forum tackles fake news, artificial intelligence and blockchain
For the past 12 years, the United Nations has sponsored the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), a “multi-stakeholder” event that brings together people from governments around the world along with tech executives, nonprofits and academics.