NatWest apologises as banking app goes offline

BBC Tech • June 06, 2025 • Technology

NatWest's mobile banking app stopped working in the UK, leaving many customers unable to access their accounts. While card payments were unaffected, some reported problems with the bank's online service. NatWest apologized and is fixing the issue, but did not provide a time for when it will be resolved.

Key Facts:

• NatWest's mobile banking app had an outage in the UK.
• Over 3,000 people reported issues with the app on Downdetector.
• NatWest's online banking service was said to be working, but some customers disagreed.
• Card payments through NatWest were not affected by the outage.
• NatWest apologized and stated they are working quickly to fix the app.
• The bank has not given a specific time for when the app will work again.
• Some customers have also had issues with online banking.
• Banking outages have been frequent, and NatWest has paid compensation for previous issues.

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BBC Tech

M&S hackers sent abuse and ransom demand directly to CEO

BBC Tech • June 06, 2025 • Technology

Hackers targeted Marks & Spencer (M&S) with a ransomware attack, sending a threatening email directly to the company's CEO, Stuart Machin, demanding a ransom. The email came from a group called DragonForce and used the account of an employee from Tata Consultancy Services. Customers were later informed that their data might have been compromised.

Key Facts:

• Hackers sent an abusive email to M&S CEO Stuart Machin on April 23, demanding a ransom.
• The email came from the hacker group called DragonForce and was sent using an employee account from Tata Consultancy Services.
• The email confirmed for the first time that M&S was hacked by a ransomware group.
• Hackers claimed to have encrypted M&S’s servers and stolen customer data.
• The company informed customers weeks later that their data might have been stolen.
• The incident connects to an ongoing hack affecting another retailer, Co-op, which DragonForce also claimed responsibility for.
• Tata Consultancy Services is investigating whether its systems were involved but stated the email did not come from its system.
• The ransomware group provides services on their darknet website for other cybercriminals, taking a percentage of ransoms collected.

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BBC Tech

How airline fees have turned baggage into billions

BBC Tech • June 04, 2025 • Technology

Airlines are making a lot of money from baggage fees, with U.S. airlines alone earning $7.27 billion last year. This has led to more people buying small suitcases that fit as hand luggage to avoid extra costs. The trend is also seen in increased social media content about packing tips and compliant luggage.

Key Facts:

• U.S. airlines earned $7.27 billion from baggage fees last year.
• Airlines like Air Canada and Southwest have recently started charging for checked luggage.
• Many travelers now opt for small suitcases that fit as carry-ons to avoid these fees.
• There is a strong demand for carry-on luggage, as confirmed by a UK bag firm.
• Social media content about packing and fitting bags to airline rules is becoming popular.
• The overall cost of all extra airline fees worldwide is expected to be $145 billion this year, according to the International Air Transport Association.
• Airlines began charging for checked bags to compete with low-cost carriers.
• The first U.S. airline to charge for a checked bag on domestic flights was American Airlines in 2008.

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Stores open at midnight as fans rush to buy Nintendo Switch 2

BBC Tech • June 04, 2025 • Technology

The Nintendo Switch 2 has been released worldwide, with many stores opening at midnight to meet eager fans. Although there are questions about its higher game prices, the strong pre-order numbers suggest significant interest in the new console.

Key Facts:

• The Nintendo Switch 2 is now available globally, with some stores opening at midnight for the launch.
• Many customers pre-ordered the console, with UK retailer Currys reporting it's their largest gaming pre-order ever.
• Some pre-orders were canceled by the supplier Game, and Nintendo paused pre-orders in the US briefly over tariff concerns.
• The Switch 2's main high-profile game, Mario Kart World, costs £74.99, which is higher than usual.
• Currys sold 30,000 units, citing high excitement for the release.
• The original Nintendo Switch has sold over 150 million units since its release in 2017.
• The Switch 2 continues the "hybrid" design, which allows use as both a handheld and a TV-connected console, now with a larger screen and more power.
• This is the first time Nintendo has released a direct sequel to a previous console model.

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TikTok blocks searches for extreme thinness 'skinnytok' hashtag

BBC Tech • June 04, 2025 • Technology

TikTok has blocked the search for the hashtag "skinnytok" because it is associated with content promoting extreme thinness and unhealthy weight loss. Users who search for this will now be directed to mental health support resources. This action follows concerns raised by eating disorder experts and digital authorities, although challenges remain as similar content may still appear elsewhere on the platform.

Key Facts:

• TikTok blocked the "skinnytok" hashtag to prevent access to unhealthy weight loss content.
• The hashtag contains posts showing extreme dieting and exercise routines.
• Users searching for "skinnytok" will now be directed to mental health resources instead.
• Experts from eating disorder charities have expressed concern about the hashtag's negative impact.
• The hashtag has over half a million posts linked to promoting extreme thinness.
• France has seen particular concern over the trend, with experts warning about its effects on young people.
• TikTok frequently reviews its safety measures to keep up with new risks.
• In the past, TikTok removed "chubby filters" after they led to body image concerns.

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Pornhub pulls out of France over age verification law

BBC Tech • June 03, 2025 • Technology

Pornhub, operated by the company Aylo, will stop its services in France due to a new law requiring stricter age verification for users. Aylo argues that the law threatens user privacy and believes age checks should occur at the device level. Pornhub is also withdrawing from some U.S. states over similar age verification concerns.

Key Facts:

• Pornhub will stop operations in France due to a law requiring porn sites to verify users' ages more carefully.
• France is Pornhub's second-largest market after the United States.
• Aylo, the company behind Pornhub, believes the French law could harm user privacy.
• French officials say that the law will reduce children's access to harmful content.
• Aylo also runs other sites like Youporn and RedTube, which will also not be available in France.
• The company has previously withdrawn from some U.S. states for similar age verification reasons.
• The UK and EU are implementing similar regulations to ensure online content is safe for children.
• Aylo is owned by Canadian private equity firm Ethical Capital Partners.

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BBC Tech

Apple and Google clash with police and MPs over phone thefts

BBC Tech • June 03, 2025 • Technology

Senior figures from Apple and Google are discussing with UK police the best ways to handle phone theft in the country. The police suggest using each phone's unique number, called an IMEI, to block stolen phones, but the companies have concerns about potential fraud. Both firms have introduced new features to prevent thefts, while there is debate over how effectively the tech industry can tackle the issue.

Key Facts:

• The Metropolitan Police in the UK seized over 1,000 phones in a crackdown on theft in February.
• Two-thirds of thefts in London involve phones, and many are linked to violent crimes.
• An IMEI is a unique identifying number for each phone, used to block stolen devices.
• While UK phone networks block stolen devices using the IMEI, this doesn't stop use in other countries.
• Apple introduced Stolen Device Protection and Google added Theft Detection Lock to combat phone theft.
• Police estimate 75% of stolen phones are sent abroad, mainly to China and Hong Kong.
• Police are asking cloud providers to block lost or stolen devices from connecting online.
• MPs expressed concern that Apple and Google have not fully committed to tackling phone theft globally.

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BBC Tech

North Face and Cartier customer data stolen in cyber attacks

BBC Tech • June 03, 2025 • Technology

Recently, The North Face and Cartier reported that hackers stole customer data from their systems. While no financial information was accessed, customer names and email addresses were taken. The North Face faced a cyber attack using a method called "credential stuffing," where hackers used stolen usernames and passwords from other breaches, while Cartier experienced a different type of attack but quickly contained it.

Key Facts:

• The North Face and Cartier reported customer data thefts.
• The North Face attack happened in April and was considered "small-scale."
• Cartier's system was accessed temporarily by unauthorized individuals.
• Both companies lost data like names and email addresses, but not financial info.
• The North Face attack involved "credential stuffing," using stolen login details from other breaches.
• Affected customers of The North Face need to change their passwords.
• The UK's National Crime Agency is prioritizing catching the attackers.
• Cartier enhanced its security after the incident and informed authorities.

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BBC Tech

Tesla is 'not interested' in producing cars in India - minister

BBC Tech • June 03, 2025 • Technology

Tesla, the electric vehicle company led by Elon Musk, has decided not to manufacture cars in India, India's heavy industries minister said. The company plans to open two showrooms in India, but it hasn't committed to local car production despite previous incentives offered by the Indian government.

Key Facts:

• Tesla will open two showrooms in India for selling its cars.
• The Indian government offered incentives for global electric vehicle makers to produce in India, but Tesla was not interested.
• Indian minister HD Kumaraswamy said other car companies are interested in making electric cars in India, but not Tesla.
• Tesla was involved in early discussions about manufacturing in India but pulled out of later talks.
• President Trump mentioned it would be unfair if Tesla built a factory in India.
• Tesla's plans to start a base in India were put on hold in 2022 due to local production demands from the government.
• Tesla's EV sales would face challenges in India due to cost, charging infrastructure, and local road conditions.
• India's Tata Motors leads the local EV market, with MG Motors in second place.

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BBC Tech

The British jet engine that failed in the 'Valley of Death'

BBC Tech • June 02, 2025 • Technology

Reaction Engines, a UK-based company, developed a new engine technology intended for space planes. Despite progress, the company failed due to financial difficulties and lack of investment, resulting in its closure at the end of October 2024.

Key Facts:

• Reaction Engines worked on engine technology for a reusable space plane starting from the 1980s.
• The key technology was a heat exchanger aimed at cooling air entering the engine at very high speeds.
• The UK Ministry of Defence and Rolls-Royce were involved in hypersonic research with Reaction Engines.
• The project struggled to secure the funds needed to continue development by the end of 2024.
• Rolls-Royce decided to prioritize other projects, contributing to the company's downfall.
• The company's closure affected about 200 employees, leading to immediate layoffs.
• Employees had a farewell gathering to mark the closure of the company.

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BBC Tech

Outrage in Kenya over detention of software developer

BBC Tech • June 02, 2025 • Technology

Kenyans are upset about the arrest of Rose Njeri, a software developer who made a tool to help people speak out against the government's finance bill. Police detained her in Nairobi and took her electronic devices, but neither police nor the government explained the arrest. People protested outside the police station for her release, and concerns have been raised about privacy rights and potential tax changes affecting the cost of living.

Key Facts:

• Rose Njeri, a software developer in Kenya, was detained by police in Nairobi.
• She created a website to help people protest the government's finance bill.
• The government has not commented on her arrest.
• Last year, deadly protests occurred over proposed tax increases, which were later withdrawn.
• Activists gathered outside the police station to demand her release.
• Rose Njeri's electronic devices were seized during a police raid.
• The new finance bill proposes changes to how goods are taxed, possibly raising prices.
• The finance minister said the changes aim to close tax loopholes.

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BBC Tech

The AI copyright standoff continues - with no solution in sight

BBC Tech • June 02, 2025 • Technology

The UK government plans to let AI companies use copyrighted content for AI training, causing protests from the creative industry. The controversial Data (Use and Access) Bill, which includes this plan, faces opposition in the House of Lords, with arguments about protecting creative jobs versus advancing AI technology.

Key Facts:

• The UK government wants AI developers to use copyrighted material without owners’ initial permission unless they opt out.
• The Data (Use and Access) Bill proposes these changes and is currently stuck between the House of Lords and the House of Commons.
• Nearly 300 House of Lords members oppose the bill in its current form, wanting AI companies to disclose and possibly license used content.
• Supporters like Sir Nick Clegg argue strict permission could harm the UK's AI industry.
• Opponents like Baroness Beeban Kidron fear it endangers the creative industry, calling it "state sanctioned theft."
• Kidron wants amendments to include reports on the law’s impact on creative sectors.
• The Bill may be shelved if disagreements continue, affecting unrelated sections, including data sharing and infrastructure mapping.

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Tech Now

BBC Tech • May 31, 2025 • Technology

The European Spallation Source (ESS) in Sweden is a facility designed to produce the most powerful source of neutrons in the world. It offers insights into various science and technology-related topics, such as embryo screening, Formula One's environmental efforts, supercomputers in climate research, nuclear fusion, AI in gaming, and advancements in electric flight.

Key Facts:

• The European Spallation Source (ESS) is located in Sweden.
• ESS is built to generate the strongest source of neutrons.
• Neutrons are tiny particles that help scientists understand materials at a very detailed level.
• The program featured explores new testing methods for predicting diseases in unborn children.
• Environmental initiatives in Formula One racing are being investigated.
• Supercomputers are being used to study climate change.
• Nuclear fusion is being explored as a potential endless source of clean energy.
• Innovations in gaming and electric flight were highlighted at recent conferences.

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BBC Tech

Football and other premium TV being pirated at 'industrial scale'

BBC Tech • May 30, 2025 • Technology

A new report says illegal streaming of sports and other premium TV is happening on a large scale, partly due to inaction by major tech companies like Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft. The report also highlights that devices like the Amazon Fire Stick are commonly used to access these illegal streams, which puts users at risk of cyber threats and affects broadcasters financially.

Key Facts:

• Illegal streaming of sports and premium TV is reported to occur widely.
• Major tech companies are criticized for not doing enough to stop illegal streaming.
• Amazon Fire Stick is identified as a popular tool for accessing illegal streams.
• Watching illegal streams can expose users to cyber risks like malware and scams.
• Sports broadcasting rights are very valuable, reaching over $60 billion globally.
• Sky and DAZN have previously warned about the financial impact of piracy.
• Digital Rights Management (DRM) systems from Google and Microsoft are said to be outdated, contributing to piracy issues.
• A man was jailed for selling modified Fire Sticks for illegal streaming, showing the legal risks involved.

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BBC Tech

US green energy firms brace for federal funding cuts

BBC Tech • May 29, 2025 • Technology

US green energy companies, like HIF Global, are waiting to see how Congress will handle clean energy tax credits. The outcomes of these decisions could affect projects like a proposed large e-methanol plant in Texas, which relies on these credits for funding.

Key Facts:

• HIF Global plans to build a large e-methanol factory in Texas, costing $7 billion.
• The factory would use carbon dioxide and green hydrogen, created with renewable energy, to produce e-methanol.
• The construction of this plant is expected to create thousands of jobs.
• HIF Global has not yet decided on the investment, waiting for decisions on US clean energy tax credits.
• A proposed budget bill in the US Senate could affect the availability of clean hydrogen tax credits.
• Tax credits are essential to compete with international e-methanol producers, especially from China.
• The Trump administration has been critical of green energy and has paused some green project funding.
• Ongoing court cases could affect future green energy funding, with decisions possibly going to the Supreme Court.

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BBC Tech

Customers furious after Game cancels Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders

BBC Tech • May 29, 2025 • Technology

Some customers who pre-ordered the Nintendo Switch 2 from the UK retailer Game will not receive their consoles on the release date. Game has apologized for canceling these pre-orders and is trying to fix the problem, but it has not explained why the cancellations happened.

Key Facts:

• Game is a UK high street store that canceled some pre-orders of the Nintendo Switch 2.
• The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to be released on June 5.
• Game did not provide a reason for canceling the pre-orders.
• The company is trying to reinstate as many affected pre-orders as possible.
• Some games for Switch 2, like Mario Kart World, have a high price of £74.99.
• High demand has led most retailers to stop taking new pre-orders close to launch.
• The original Nintendo Switch was the fastest-selling console in the US in 2017.
• Midnight launches, once common, may return as retailers hold limited stock in stores.

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BBC Tech

Nvidia revenues surge despite tariff uncertainty

BBC Tech • May 28, 2025 • Technology

Nvidia reported a significant increase in revenue, with a 69% rise in chip sales compared to last year, despite facing challenges from US-China trade tensions. The company plans to increase its manufacturing in the US to cope with the new export controls and tariffs. Nvidia's chips are vital for AI computing, and their sales have grown in key markets despite geopolitical issues.

Key Facts:

• Nvidia's chip sales rose by more than 69% in the first quarter of the year compared to the previous year.
• The company incurred a $4.5 billion charge due to restrictions on the sale of its chips specifically designed for China.
• Nvidia plans to boost manufacturing in the US to address increased costs and complications in its supply chain from new export controls and tariffs.
• The US implemented export controls due to concerns over advanced chip technology potentially being used by China's military.
• Nvidia's CEO, Jensen Huang, criticized US policies restricting exports to China, calling them a "failure."
• Nvidia has seen increased demand for its AI chips from governments in the Gulf states, including substantial sales in Saudi Arabia.
• Revenue from Nvidia’s data center business grew by 73% over the past year.
• Despite challenges, Nvidia continues to hold a strong position in the global AI chip market.

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BBC Tech

Temu's Chinese owner sees profits plunge as trade war bites

BBC Tech • May 28, 2025 • Technology

PDD Holdings, the owner of Temu, reported a significant profit decline by nearly 50% due to a trade policy change ending a duty-free exemption for low-value imports into the US. The decrease in profits led to a 13% drop in the company's share value, and the firm decided to stop direct sales from China to US customers.

Key Facts:

• PDD Holdings owns the online shopping platform Temu.
• The company's profits dropped by about 47% in the first three months of the year.
• US-listed shares of PDD Holdings fell by over 13% following the profit report.
• The US government ended a policy that exempted parcels under $800 from import duties.
• Temu and other Chinese e-commerce platforms faced a 120% tariff on low-value goods entering the US.
• In response, Temu decided to stop selling directly to US customers.
• The EU proposed a two-euro fee on small packages sent directly to homes.
• The UK plans to review its customs treatment of low-value imported products.

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BBC Tech

Texas governor signs online safety law in blow to Apple and Google

BBC Tech • May 28, 2025 • Technology

Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a new law that requires app stores like those run by Apple and Google to verify the ages of users in Texas. This law means minors need parental permission to download apps or make purchases within apps. The law will start on January 1, and similar laws have been passed in other states like Utah.

Key Facts:

• Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed an online child safety law.
• The law requires app stores to verify users' ages in Texas.
• Minors will need parental approval to download apps or make in-app purchases.
• Apple and Google opposed the law, citing privacy concerns.
• Utah passed a similar law earlier this year.
• A federal bill called the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) is also being discussed but has not yet passed.
• The new Texas law will begin on January 1.
• In 2021, Texas made it illegal for social media platforms to ban users for their political viewpoints.

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BBC Tech

Tech Life

BBC Tech • May 27, 2025 • Technology

The article discusses how companies are using AI technology to create chatbots that mimic the voice or image of people who have died. This AI service helps people communicate with digital versions of their deceased loved ones.

Key Facts:

• Companies use AI (artificial intelligence) to develop chatbots that replicate the voice or image of deceased individuals.
• These AI chatbots allow people to have conversations with digital copies of loved ones who have passed away.
• The service aims to provide comfort by making it possible to "speak" with lost family members or friends.
• The technology uses stored data, such as recordings or images, to recreate the person's digital likeness.
• The service was highlighted in a program that aired on May 27, 2025, and will be available for over a year.
• This type of AI application is a part of the emerging "digital afterlife" industry.

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BBC Tech