Private data including criminal records stolen in Legal Aid hack

BBC Tech • May 19, 2025 • Technology

A cyber-attack on the Legal Aid Agency (LAA) has resulted in the theft of a large amount of private data, including criminal records, dating back to 2010. As a response, the Ministry of Justice is advising past legal aid applicants to be cautious and protect their personal information.

Key Facts:

• A cyber-attack on the Legal Aid Agency's online system occurred, involving data going back to 2010.
• The Ministry of Justice reported the breach and is urging the public to watch for suspicious activity.
• The stolen data might include contact details, birth dates, national ID numbers, criminal records, job information, and financial data.
• The hackers claim to have accessed 2.1 million pieces of data, but this number is not confirmed by the Ministry of Justice.
• Legal Aid’s online services, essential for providers to log work and receive payments, have been taken offline.
• The National Crime Agency and National Cyber Security Centre are involved in handling the incident.
• The Ministry has advised people to verify the identity of anyone contacting them online or by phone before sharing any information.
• The breach follows other recent cyber-attacks on businesses like Harrods, Marks & Spencer, and Co-op, leading to operational disruptions.

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The inside story of a council held to ransom in cyber-attack

BBC Tech • May 19, 2025 • Technology

In February 2020, a cyber-attack hit Redcar and Cleveland Council's computer network in England, causing major disruption to services like social care and waste collection. Hackers locked staff out of their systems, and the attack took weeks to manage. Experts from the National Cyber Safety Centre (NCSC) were involved to help restore services.

Key Facts:

• The cyber-attack occurred in February 2020 and affected Redcar and Cleveland Council in England.
• The attack was caused by a virus hidden in an email attachment that spread through the council's computer network.
• Hackers demanded payment (a ransom) to unlock the council's IT systems.
• Services disrupted included social services, bin collections, and sharing information with police and the NHS.
• By Monday, February 10, IT staff were trying to fix the damage by isolating infected computers.
• The National Cyber Safety Centre (NCSC) assisted in managing the crisis.
• The former council leader, Mary Lanigan, stated the attack was "devastating" for everyone involved.

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Apple boosts India's factory hopes - but a US-China deal could derail plans

BBC Tech • May 18, 2025 • Technology

Apple plans to move most of its iPhone production destined for the U.S. from China to India. However, a recent trade agreement between the U.S. and China might impact India's manufacturing ambitions. Despite this, there are early signs of India gaining from changes in global supply chains.

Key Facts:

• Apple is moving most of its iPhone production for the U.S. from China to India.
• The U.S. and China reached a trade agreement to lower import taxes on goods, which could affect India's manufacturing plans.
• U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods have dropped significantly, from 145% to 30%.
• India's export orders have recently surged, reaching a 14-year high according to a survey.
• India has agreed to a trade pact with the UK, reducing duties in sectors like whiskey and automobiles.
• India's government is encouraging foreign investment by opening up its markets after years of protectionist policies.
• Despite trade shifts, countries like Vietnam remain competitive in manufacturing, challenging India's position.
• India's government initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme have had limited success in boosting manufacturing growth.

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UK driverless cars unlikely until 2027 - but Uber says it's ready now

BBC Tech • May 18, 2025 • Technology

Driverless cars in the UK are expected to be approved by 2027, although Uber claims it is ready now with its technology. Currently, some self-driving features are allowed, but a human driver must stay in control. Uber is working with technology firms and already operates driverless taxis in other countries, but the UK government plans to finalize legislation by the second half of 2027.

Key Facts:

• Uber says it is ready to use driverless taxis in the UK, but government approval is delayed.
• The UK government expects full self-driving cars on roads by the second half of 2027.
• Current UK laws require a human driver to be in control, even with automated technology.
• Uber has partnered with Wayve and other tech companies for developing driverless car systems.
• Driverless taxis by Uber are already in use in the US, China, UAE, and Singapore.
• In the US, Uber’s driverless taxis are operational 20 hours a day, seven days a week.
• There are public safety concerns, as shown by a 2024 poll where 37% of Brits felt very unsafe in driverless cars.
• Studies in the US suggest automated vehicles have fewer accidents than human-driven cars.

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The secretive US factory that lays bare the contradiction in Trump's America First plan

BBC Tech • May 18, 2025 • Technology

A new semiconductor factory is being constructed near Phoenix, Arizona, by the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). This facility aims to produce the world's most advanced chips and represents a significant shift in semiconductor manufacturing from Taiwan to the United States. The expansion is influenced by the U.S. government's economic policies, such as tariffs, and addresses global supply chain concerns.

Key Facts:

• TSMC is building a semiconductor factory in Arizona.
• This factory will produce advanced semiconductor chips.
• TSMC is a major company, making 90% of the world's top semiconductors.
• The factory's construction is influenced by U.S. tariffs on imported chips.
• TSMC plans to invest $100 billion in the U.S. to expand its facilities.
• The factory is part of efforts to reduce reliance on Taiwan for chip manufacturing.
• The facility follows TSMC's design models from Taiwan.
• China's government is monitoring the situation due to geopolitical implications.

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Elton brands government 'losers' over AI copyright plans

BBC Tech • May 18, 2025 • Technology

Sir Elton John expressed anger over the UK government's plans to allow AI companies to use artists' content without paying them. The government rejected a proposal from the House of Lords to require AI companies to disclose their sources, causing concern among artists about their rights and income.

Key Facts:

• Sir Elton John criticized the UK government's plan to exempt AI companies from certain copyright laws.
• The House of Lords proposed changes to require AI firms to be transparent about the materials they use but the government rejected this.
• Generative AI creates new content by learning from large amounts of existing data like text and music.
• Sir Elton John and other artists believe these changes could harm young artists financially.
• The House of Lords voted to add transparency to the Data (Use and Access) Bill, but the House of Commons rejected it.
• Sir Elton threatened legal action if the government does not adjust its plans.
• Over 400 artists, including Sir Paul McCartney, wrote to the prime minister asking for better copyright protection.
• The government stated they want both the creative industries and AI companies to thrive.

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BBC Tech

A letter from the M&S hackers landed in my inbox - this is what happened next

BBC Tech • May 18, 2025 • Technology

A BBC reporter named Joe Tidy communicated with hackers claiming they attacked M&S and Co-op, causing disruptions. The hackers provided evidence of stealing customer and employee data, which led the companies to confirm the data breach. The hackers are linked to a cybercrime group called DragonForce, known for offering ransomware services to other criminals.

Key Facts:

• Joe Tidy, a BBC reporter, received messages from hackers claiming responsibility for the M&S and Co-op cyber attacks.
• The hackers shared evidence of stolen data from customers and employees of these companies.
• The Co-op initially downplayed the hack but later admitted to a significant data breach after contact from Tidy.
• The hackers were demanding ransom in Bitcoin but did not disclose the amount.
• The cybercrime group DragonForce is linked to the attacks, known for providing ransomware services.
• DragonForce operates on the darknet, offering tools for data encryption and extortion for a share of the ransom.
• DragonForce recently expanded its services to include more options and 24/7 customer support.
• DragonForce has been active since at least 2023, targeting organizations with their rebranded cybercrime services.

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Tech Now

BBC Tech • May 17, 2025 • Technology

The article discusses a Formula One team's efforts to be more environmentally friendly by using recycled materials in its cars. It highlights a visit to the McLaren Technology Centre to see these changes in action.

Key Facts:

• Formula One is exploring ways to be more sustainable.
• McLaren, a Formula One team, is using recycled materials in their cars.
• The article features a visit to the McLaren Technology Centre.
• The focus is on making the sport environmentally friendly.
• This initiative is part of broader efforts to reduce the environmental impact of Formula One racing.

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BBC Tech

Tesco apologises after software issue hits website and app

BBC Tech • May 16, 2025 • Technology

Tesco experienced technical problems with its website and app, preventing some customers from changing online orders or accessing Clubcard details. The company has apologized and stated that the issues have been resolved.

Key Facts:

• Tesco's website and app had IT problems on Friday afternoon, affecting some services.
• Customers couldn't make changes to online orders or access Clubcard details during the issue.
• Tesco's spokesperson confirmed that the problem was a software issue, which has been fixed.
• Outage reports increased for a couple of hours, according to the monitoring site Downdetector.
• More than 20 million people use Tesco's Clubcard loyalty program for discounts.
• Two other large UK retailers, M&S and the Co-op, recently faced disruptions from cyber attacks.
• Tesco clarified that its issues weren't because of a cyber attack.

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The camera tech propelling shows like Adolescence

BBC Tech • May 15, 2025 • Technology

The Netflix show "Adolescence" made use of advanced camera technology to film scenes in one continuous take, called a "oner," providing a smooth viewing experience. This was possible due to lightweight and self-stabilizing cameras, which have significantly advanced in recent years.

Key Facts:

• "Adolescence" is a Netflix show watched by over 120 million people in its first month.
• The show was filmed using long, continuous takes without cuts, known as "oners."
• Lightweight, self-stabilizing cameras were crucial for these filming techniques.
• The DJI Ronin 4D camera helped achieve smooth and stable footage.
• This camera has sensors that adjust for movement to keep shots steady.
• Recent camera advancements allow seamless transitions between different filming setups.
• Sophisticated controls and built-in filters on cameras enhance how filmmakers capture scenes.
• Cinematographer Matthew Lewis emphasized the role of modern camera tech in the show's production.

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The monthly AI or real quiz: May 2025

BBC Tech • May 15, 2025 • Technology

The article talks about a quiz where people can guess if images of celebrities like Bella Ramsey, Walton Goggins, and Lauren James are real or created by AI. It encourages doing personal research to verify the authenticity of images and news stories.

Key Facts:

• Bella Ramsey, Walton Goggins, and Lauren James are mentioned in the quiz.
• The quiz involves identifying real versus AI-generated images.
• The challenge encourages users to research image sources.
• Participants are urged to check credible news sites for verification.
• The article mentions "Met Gala AI pics" that went viral.
• The content also talks about spotting fake news stories from April 2025.

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Leading crypto firm Coinbase faces up to $400m hit from cyber attack

BBC Tech • May 15, 2025 • Technology

A cyber attack on Coinbase, a major cryptocurrency company, resulted in a potential loss of up to $400 million. Hackers accessed less than 1% of customer data and tried to extort $20 million, which Coinbase refused to pay.

Key Facts:

• Coinbase reported a recent cyber attack could cost the company up to $400 million.
• Hackers accessed less than 1% of Coinbase's customer data.
• The hackers impersonated the company to scam people and demanded $20 million to keep quiet.
• Coinbase refused to pay the ransom and instead plans to reimburse affected customers.
• The company's share price dropped by 4.1% after news of the attack.
• The hacking incident occurred shortly before Coinbase's planned inclusion in the S&P 500 index.
• Security firm Chainanalysis reported $2.2 billion stolen from crypto businesses in 2024.
• Coinbase is working with law enforcement and offers a $20 million reward for information leading to the arrest of the attackers.

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Co-op narrowly avoided an even worse cyber attack, BBC learns

BBC Tech • May 14, 2025 • Technology

Co-op quickly discovered a cyber attack and avoided a more serious issue called ransomware, which locks up computer systems and demands payment. While customer data was still stolen, Co-op is recovering faster than M&S, another retailer hit by the same hackers, who are struggling with ongoing issues from the attack.

Key Facts:

• Co-op detected a cyber attack intended to install ransomware, preventing further damage.
• Ransomware is a type of malicious software that locks systems and demands a payoff to unlock them.
• The attack still resulted in stolen customer data for Co-op.
• M&S was also attacked and is facing significant disruptions, including halted online orders.
• M&S confirmed customer data, excluding payment details, was stolen.
• M&S is losing approximately £43 million each week due to the attack's impact.
• Co-op is starting to restock shelves and recover from the attack.
• The same group, DragonForce, is believed to be responsible for the attacks on both retailers.

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BBC Tech

Co-op says shelves to be more fully stocked this weekend

BBC Tech • May 14, 2025 • Technology

Co-op experienced a cyber-attack that led to payment problems and empty shelves in their stores. The company is working to fix these issues, and shelves should be restocked by the weekend. Co-op's online ordering system for suppliers is coming back online after the disruption.

Key Facts:

• Co-op's shelves became empty due to a cyber-attack.
• The hackers, called DragonForce, also targeted M&S and tried to hack Harrods.
• Co-op is gradually restarting its systems to safely resume operations.
• The attack affected the company's supply chain and logistics, disrupting deliveries.
• Payment systems, including contactless payments, are now working again.
• Co-op thanked its partners and suppliers for their support during this time.
• Hackers claim to have private data of 20 million Co-op members, but the company didn't confirm this.
• M&S confirmed hackers stole some customer data from its systems.

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AI tool put to test sifting public views on botox and fillers

BBC Tech • May 13, 2025 • Technology

An AI tool called "Consult" was used in the UK to analyze public comments on botox and fillers. The tool produced results similar to human analysts and is expected to save time and money by helping with similar tasks in the future.

Key Facts:

• The AI tool "Consult" was used in a Scottish government consultation about non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
• It analyzed 2,000 submissions and found similar themes as human experts.
• The government plans to use AI tools like Consult to save money and reduce bureaucracy.
• Officials believe using such AI tools can save the public sector up to £45 billion.
• There will be human oversight to check the AI tool's work to ensure accuracy.
• "Consult" reduces bias by minimizing human influence in data analysis.
• The tool can handle errors in language but currently only works in English, so other languages must be translated.
• The AI trial aimed to address concerns about "hallucination," where AI might invent information.

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Tech Life

BBC Tech • May 13, 2025 • Technology

A BBC program, "Tech Life," covers experiences of young people from marginalized groups who face online abuse. The program was released on May 13, 2025, and will be available for over a year.

Key Facts:

• The program is called "Tech Life."
• It discusses online abuse faced by young people from marginalized communities.
• The program was released on May 13, 2025.
• It is available on the BBC Sounds platform.
• The content is available for more than a year.

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US cuts tariffs on small parcels from Chinese firms like Shein and Temu

BBC Tech • May 13, 2025 • Technology

The United States has reduced tariffs on small packages sent from China and Hong Kong, affecting companies like Shein and Temu. The tariff rate on these packages, worth up to $800, has decreased from 120% to 54%, following agreements between the U.S. and China to lower some tariffs and engage in further trade discussions.

Key Facts:

• The tariff on small parcels from China to the U.S. has been cut from 120% to 54%.
• This change affects parcels worth up to $800 sent from mainland China and Hong Kong.
• A $200 charge that was supposed to start on June 1 has been canceled.
• The tariff reduction is part of a temporary trade agreement between the U.S. and China.
• Previously, Chinese companies like Shein and Temu used a rule allowing them to avoid import taxes on low-value items (called "de minimis" exemption).
• The "de minimis" exemption was recently closed by the Trump administration.
• The U.S. and China have agreed to further trade talks and have temporarily reduced tariffs on each other's goods.
• President Trump stated that some suspended tariffs might rise again if no further progress is made in negotiations.

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How to avoid a puncture on the Moon

BBC Tech • May 12, 2025 • Technology

A key challenge for future Moon and Mars missions is developing tires that can withstand harsh conditions without getting punctures. New materials and designs are being tested to ensure that lunar and Martian vehicles can cover long distances on their surfaces.

Key Facts:

• Apollo mission rovers used lightweight vehicles with special tires made of zinc-coated piano wire.
• Mars and Moon surfaces present tough conditions that can damage tires.
• Current lunar missions, like Artemis, plan to use new rovers to explore more areas on the Moon.
• New lunar rovers aim to travel up to 10,000 kilometers over 10 years.
• Temperatures on the Moon can drop extremely low, affecting tire performance.
• Michelin and others are exploring materials like metal alloys and high-performance plastics for space tires.
• Nitinol, an alloy of nickel and titanium, is being considered for its ability to bend and return to shape, like rubber.
• Bridgestone has designed a tire inspired by camel footpads to help disperse weight effectively.

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Elon Musk's Starlink trialled on ScotRail trains

BBC Tech • May 12, 2025 • Technology

ScotRail is testing Elon Musk's Starlink satellite technology to provide wi-fi on its trains for six months. The trial involves six trains in northern Scotland and could expand to other regions if successful.

Key Facts:

• ScotRail is using Elon Musk's Starlink satellites for train wi-fi.
• The trial involves six trains in northern Scotland.
• Routes include Inverness to Wick, Thurso, Kyle of Lochalsh, and Aberdeen.
• This is the first use of the technology for passenger wi-fi on UK trains.
• If successful, the technology might expand to the south of Scotland.
• It could also be included in future train purchases.
• The technology is provided by Clarus Networks in partnership with Starlink.
• The aim is to improve internet connections for passengers in rural areas.

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Tech Now

BBC Tech • May 10, 2025 • Technology

A show called "Tech Now" discusses how supercomputers help with important research like studying climate change. It also explores global scientists mapping the universe and examines the potential of nuclear fusion for clean energy.

Key Facts:

• The episode "Supercomputers: Solving the Big Problems" looks into how supercomputers aid climate research.
• It features Paul Carter explaining supercomputers' role in science.
• Laura Goodwin discusses global efforts to map the universe.
• Another segment questions if nuclear fusion can provide endless clean energy.
• The episode lasts 24 minutes.
• The content first aired on May 10, 2025.
• The program is available to watch for 11 months.
• "Tech Now" also covers topics like gaming innovation and electric flight.

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BBC Tech