News & Analysis
Survey Sheds Light on Parent, Teen Feelings about Generative AI
A recent study conducted by Kantar on behalf of the Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI) found that both parents and teens are not only aware of generative AI like ChatGPT but also mostly optimistic about its impact.
Is Artificial Intelligence the Next Search Engine?
Google fundamentally changed the way we search for information, and IA services like ChatGPT and Bard may do the same.
What is Catfishing and Why It’s Dangerous
Catfishing can result in disappointment and broken hearts, but — as in the case in Riverside — it can also end in tragedy.
White House Order Provides Guidance on AI Safety
What you should know about President Biden’s executive order on the development and use of Artificial Intelligence.
Beware of ‘Smishing’ Scams
The first few times I got a text message from a stranger that appeared to be directed at someone else, I politely informed them that they’d reached the wrong number.
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Apple’s Upcoming Safety Check Quickly Turns Off Location Sharing
Apple, in cooperation with the National Network to End Domestic Violence, the National Center for Victims of Crime and the Women’s Service Network, has developed Safety Check for the next version of iOS – the operating system for iPhones and iPads.
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.
Social Media Can Contribute to Despair about War but also Provide Relief
Like many people, I’ve spent a lot of time in front of my phone, computer and TV, focused on the war in Ukraine. On some TV news programs, it’s literally the only subject covered, sometimes in minute detail.
How to Talk with Your Kids About War in Ukraine
How parents and other adults respond can have a big impact on how a young person handles the news coming out of Ukraine.
Russian Cyberattacks are Possible. Be Prepared But Not Panicked.
Although it’s very unlikely that average Americans will be directly targeted by a Russian cyberattack, it is quite possible to become an indirect victim of an attack against a company, health care organization or government agency we rely on.
Real-Time Location Sharing Can Enhance, Jeopardize Safety
Snapchat is the latest app to add real-time location sharing, which means you can use it to inform friends and family of your exact location even if the app is closed.
Metaverse: What’s the Risk?
You’ve probably heard the term “metaverse,” which is being embraced by numerous tech companies. The company formerly known as Facebook is so committed to the idea, that it’s renamed itself “Meta” to symbolize its deep dive into this new online world.
Computing Has Gone Full Circle, and It’s Time to Go Back a Bit
My very first computer was a Cyber 70. I didn’t own it nor did I ever get within a few feet of it. It was a giant mainframe housed at the University of Massachusetts Amherst Graduate Research Center.
Russian Cyberattacks are Possible. Be Prepared But Not Panicked.
Although it’s very unlikely that average Americans will be directly targeted by a Russian cyberattack, it is quite possible to become an indirect victim of an attack against a company, health care organization or government agency we rely on.
Real-Time Location Sharing Can Enhance, Jeopardize Safety
Snapchat is the latest app to add real-time location sharing, which means you can use it to inform friends and family of your exact location even if the app is closed.
Metaverse: What’s the Risk?
You’ve probably heard the term “metaverse,” which is being embraced by numerous tech companies. The company formerly known as Facebook is so committed to the idea, that it’s renamed itself “Meta” to symbolize its deep dive into this new online world.
Computing Has Gone Full Circle, and It’s Time to Go Back a Bit
My very first computer was a Cyber 70. I didn’t own it nor did I ever get within a few feet of it. It was a giant mainframe housed at the University of Massachusetts Amherst Graduate Research Center.
Facebook Not Alone in Embrace of ‘Metaverse’
As you’ve undoubtedly heard, Facebook has renamed itself Meta. Some people thought that was in response to the company’s recent troubles, but a company the size of Facebook doesn’t go through a major rebranding in a matter of weeks. It’s clearly been on the drawing board for months, if not longer.
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Facial Recognition Loses Support as Bias Claims Rise
Following the lead of San Francisco, Boston and several other cities, Detroit is poised to end a contract with a company that provides facial recognition technology to its police department.
Pulitzer-Prize Winning Reporter on How to Find Trustworthy News
ConnectSafely's Kerry Gallagher and Larry Magid spoke with Alan Miller of The News Literacy...
TikTok Adds Parental Controls and Disables Direct Messaging for Users Under 16
TikTok, the popular app that allows users to share short (typically 15 second) videos announced Family Pairing to give parents greater control over their teen’s safety setting.
Apple and Google Building Automated Covid-19 Contact Tracing Technology
You may have heard about the technology developed jointly by Apple and Google to automate contact tracing to help alert people who may have been in proximity to someone infected with COVID-19.
How to Keep 'Zoombombers' from Disrupting your Online Meetings or Classes
As you may have heard, several school districts, including New York City, are banning the use of Zoom video conferencing because of security and privacy concerns.
Avoiding Financial Fraud During Covid-19
ConnectSafely’s CEO Larry Magid speaks with US Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Tom Edwards and Visa VP Lori Hodges about why financial fraud is expected to increase in the coming weeks
Resources for Coping, Learning, and Shopping While Stuck Home
There is never a good time for a pandemic, but the silver lining on this very dark cloud is that it’s happening at a...
Prepare Now in Case You Need Remote Tech Support During Coronavirus Crisis
If you’re like most people, you probably have occasional problems with your PC, Mac or other devices. And while some people have the technical skills to solve these problems themselves, most people rely on help from tech support
Parenting and Working While Sheltering at Home
A blog post by Larry Magid and a podcast with Larry and ConnectSafely education director, Kerry Gallagher about working from home while your kids are at home engaged in home-based learning.