News & Analysis
How Americans Feel about AI
Talking to your family about artificial intelligence.
Instagram Testing Age Verification Technology
Instagram has announced new ways to verify the approximate age of its users, including Face-Based-Age-Prediction (FBAP) technology that can anonymously determine a person’s approximate age.: How it works and why it matters
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.
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.
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?
More Recommendations
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.
FBI Issues Warning About Sextortion After Arrest in Teen Death
The FBI, the Department of Homeland Security and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) issued a joint national public safety alert on financial sextortion schemes.
Generosity is Great, But Be Cautious When Giving to Charity
“Giving Tuesday,” which is now behind us, is really the start of the end-of-the-year holiday giving period. Unfortunately, this season of generosity also brings out online scammers.
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.
Battening Down your Facebook Hatches
Controlling who can see your friends list is only one of many optional privacy settings.
Managing Tech for Tots
Over the past several years we’ve seen an explosion in the use of tablets and other devices by children who are barely out of diapers.
How We Got Here
Because they’ve been written about extensively, there’s no need for me to repeat how the internet – Facebook, Twitter and lesser-known sites like Gab and the now-suspended Parler have contributed to the division, vitriol and violence that has shaken our country.
Misinformation Amplified by Social Media
As Daniel Patrick Moynihan once wrote, “Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts.
Getting Ready for ‘Virtual School’
Fortunately, most families already have a broadband connection and either a computer or tablet, but there is still a digital divide as was evidenced by that now-famous photo of two young girls sitting in a parking lot of a Salinas Taco Bell to access the restaurant’s WiFi because they didn’t have internet at home.
More Recommendations
Google Password Checkup Helps Make Sure You Have Secure and Unique Passwords
Weak or compromised passwords are among the biggest threats to online security and privacy. Once cyber criminals get hold of your password, they can not only use it to break into your account but sell it to other criminals
Youth from Around the World Set 16 Goals to Commemorate 16 Years of Safer Internet Day
More at SmarterInternet,org. Sign up for our mailing list. For the past several months, young people from 35...
How to Disable Facetime till Apple Fixes Serious Privacy Flaw
As you may have heard, there is a flaw on Apple Facetime for iOS and Mac that makes it possible for someone to listen in on what the microphone of another user hears even if that person hasn’t accepted the call.
Protecting Children from Inappropriate Content in the UK
We talk to John Carr about internet safety for kids in the UK and newly regulated laws to protect children from inappropriate content and the proper education methods to seek information.
Media Literacy for Educators and Families with Young Children
ConnectSafely’s CEO Larry Magid and K-12 Education Director Kerry Gallagher talk about media literacy aimed at young children and teens. Kerry talks about approaching media literacy in the classroom as an educator while Larry approaches it as a journalist.
How to Avoid Succumbing to Fake Websites — Political or Otherwise
Microsoft’s revelation that websites controlled by a group with ties to the Russian government is not only a warning to political operatives from both parties, but to everyone.
Facebook Slips, Snapchat Grows Among Teens — Nearly Half Online “Almost Constantly”
A new survey from Pew Research found that Snapchat is now the social media app that teens use most often, followed closely by YouTube.
Europe’s New Privacy Law Shakes Up Entire Tech Industry and Impacts European Teens
Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) kicked in on Friday, May 25th, and its impact will be felt not just in Europe but around the world — especially in Silicon Valley, where many tech companies are based. That’s because the GDPR’s rules affect any company that touches data from European citizens, which is pretty much every tech company. It could also have a negative impact on some European teenagers.
Facebook is Cleaning Up Inappropriate Content But You Still Need to be Vigilant
by Larry Magid I’m about to report on some interesting numbers from Facebook regarding inappropriate material it...