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

Elton John and Dua Lipa seek protection from AI

BBC Tech • May 10, 2025 • Technology

A large group of British artists, including Elton John and Dua Lipa, have asked the government to change copyright laws to protect their work from being used by artificial intelligence (AI) without permission. They want developers to tell creators when their material is used to train AI systems and have signed a letter requesting this change.

Key Facts:

• Over 400 British musicians, writers, and artists signed a letter asking for copyright protection from AI.
• The letter is addressed to Sir Keir Starmer and seeks support from the prime minister.
• Artists are worried about AI using their work without permission and affecting the UK’s creative industry.
• They proposed an amendment to the Data (Use and Access) Bill to require transparency from AI developers.
• The government is looking into measures that benefit both creative industries and AI companies.
• Not everyone agrees with the artists, as some believe the proposals might hinder UK growth and innovation.
• Concerns arise as AI tools use data, including copyrighted material, to create new content.
• The government had considered allowing developers to use creators' content but faced backlash and is re-evaluating.

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BBC Tech

Two porn sites investigated for suspected age check failings

BBC Tech • May 09, 2025 • Technology

Ofcom is investigating two porn sites, Itai Tech Ltd and Score Internet Group LLC, for not having proper age checks required by the UK's Online Safety Act. The law mandates that sites with adult content must ensure children cannot access them, and companies breaking this rule may face severe fines.

Key Facts:

• Ofcom is the UK's communications regulator.
• They are investigating Itai Tech Ltd and Score Internet Group LLC.
• These sites might not comply with new child safety age-check laws.
• The Online Safety Act requires robust age-checking to block minors from adult content.
• Many platforms with adult content have submitted detailed age-check plans.
• Some sites have blocked UK access completely to comply.
• Breaching the Online Safety Act can lead to large fines.
• Itai Tech Ltd uses AI technology to create images that appear to remove clothing, which is a concern under these rules.

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BBC Tech

Visit the Arctic vault holding back-ups of great works

BBC Tech • May 08, 2025 • Technology

The Arctic World Archive is an underground vault near Longyearbyen, Norway, that stores important digital data on film to preserve it for hundreds of years. Customers from more than 30 countries have stored various cultural and historical artifacts, aiming to protect them from risks like technology failure and natural disasters.

Key Facts:

• The Arctic World Archive is located in a decommissioned coal mine near Longyearbyen, Norway.
• Data is stored on film reels inside metallic envelopes to ensure long-term preservation.
• Over 100 deposits from more than 30 countries include digitized art, literature, and scientific observations.
• The vault's conditions are dark, dry, and cold, ideal for preserving film for centuries.
• The archive was inspired by the nearby Global Seed Vault, which protects plant seeds.
• Svalbard's remote location is considered safe from war, terrorism, and natural disasters.
• GitHub has stored open-source software code in the archive, highlighting its critical role in technology preservation.

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BBC Tech

Pay day banking outages hit 1.2m people, banks reveal

BBC Tech • May 08, 2025 • Technology

Around 1.2 million people in the UK faced banking outages on pay day in February, affecting their ability to access accounts. Banks like Lloyds, TSB, Nationwide, and HSBC have responded by paying compensation and planning measures to avoid future issues.

Key Facts:

• About 1.2 million UK banking customers experienced disruptions on February 28, a common payday.
• The disruptions were detailed in letters to the chair of the Commons Treasury Committee.
• HSBC's customers waited an average of two hours to reach online customer services, against a normal wait time of five minutes.
• Lloyds Banking Group had the most significant impact, with 700,000 customers affected.
• A total of over £114,000 has been paid in compensation, with Nationwide paying the highest amount.
• The banks reported no increase in fraudulent activity during the disruption.
• The UK's major banks have experienced over 33 days of tech outages in the last two years.
• Experts said outdated IT systems are a major cause of these outages, and banks need to invest in IT improvements.

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BBC Tech

Wikipedia legally challenges 'flawed' online safety rules

BBC Tech • May 08, 2025 • Technology

Wikipedia is challenging the new Online Safety Act in court. They are concerned that the rules could force them to verify the identities of their volunteers, which may put the volunteers' safety and privacy at risk.

Key Facts:

• Wikipedia is seeking a judicial review of the new Online Safety Act rules.
• Wikimedia Foundation supports Wikipedia and is filing the legal challenge.
• They worry the rules could classify Wikipedia as a "Category 1" site, requiring more duties.
• Being classified as Category 1 might force them to verify volunteer identities.
• This identity verification could lead to privacy issues or legal risks for volunteers.
• The government cannot comment because the legal action is ongoing.
• This is the first legal challenge to these specific safety rules.
• Wikipedia believes the rules are vague and may unfairly include their platform.

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BBC Tech

Apple hits back at US judge's 'extraordinary' contempt order

BBC Tech • May 08, 2025 • Technology

Apple is asking a higher court to pause a judge's order that says Apple violated previous rules in an antitrust case involving Epic Games, the company behind Fortnite. The judge claims Apple did not allow alternative payment options in its App Store as previously ordered, but Apple argues the order is unjust.

Key Facts:

• A U.S. judge ruled that Apple violated an order to allow outside payment options in its App Store.
• The order comes from a 2020 antitrust case filed by Epic Games against Apple.
• Epic Games claimed Apple's App Store collected high commissions on in-app purchases.
• The judge rejected Epic's monopoly claims but found Apple restricted alternative payment options.
• Apple argues stopping it from charging fees on external App Store purchases is unfair.
• Apple wants an appeals court to lift the ban and pause the judge's order.
• The judge's recent findings cite internal Apple documents showing awareness of non-compliance.
• Apple plans to follow the court's order while appealing the decision.

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BBC Tech

iPhone maker announces plan to build Mitsubishi EVs

BBC Tech • May 08, 2025 • Technology

Foxconn, the company that makes iPhones, will start making electric cars for Mitsubishi Motors. They plan to build these cars in Taiwan and sell them in Australia and New Zealand by the end of 2026. This is part of a new agreement between Foxconn and Mitsubishi, although the deal is not yet final.

Key Facts:

• Foxconn is the maker of Apple's iPhones.
• Foxconn will design and build electric vehicles for Mitsubishi Motors in Taiwan.
• The agreement is currently a "memorandum of understanding," a kind of non-binding deal.
• Foxconn's joint venture, Foxtron, will handle design and manufacturing with Yulon Motor.
• The new electric cars are expected to be available in Australia and New Zealand in the latter half of 2026.
• Mitsubishi faces increasing competition from Chinese carmakers, especially in Southeast Asia, South America, and Europe.
• Foxconn is the largest contract electronics manufacturer in the world.

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BBC Tech

Ofcom needs more powers to remove misleading posts, says watchdog

BBC Tech • May 07, 2025 • Technology

A UK inspector, Sir Andy Cooke, says the media regulator Ofcom needs more power to quickly remove misleading social media posts to prevent them from causing harm. He believes the current Online Safety Act does not provide Ofcom with enough tools to effectively stop the spread of harmful content, especially during events like riots.

Key Facts:

• Sir Andy Cooke, a high-ranking official, emphasized the need for Ofcom to have more power to take down misleading social media posts quickly.
• He argued that the existing Online Safety Act is insufficient for handling such situations.
• Ofcom was criticized for not taking enough action to limit false and inflammatory posts during riots.
• Over 30 arrests were made due to social media posts during 2024 riots, sparked by a tragic event in Southport.
• Two individuals received prison sentences for posts promoting racial hatred.
• A report found police were not prepared for the scale of riots and had limited ability to manage online content.
• Sir Andy suggested changing laws about inciting public disorder to discourage misleading posts.
• He called for innovative police strategies to combat false information spreading on social media.

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BBC Tech

Maker of Pegasus spyware told to pay $167m for WhatsApp hack

BBC Tech • May 07, 2025 • Technology

NSO Group, which makes the Pegasus spyware, has been ordered to pay WhatsApp $167 million for hacking 1,400 phones in 2019. This is the first time a spyware developer has been held accountable for exploiting phone vulnerabilities. NSO claims the spyware is for use against serious criminals, but it has faced accusations of misuse by governments to monitor various individuals.

Key Facts:

• NSO Group must pay WhatsApp $167 million for hacking incidents in 2019.
• Pegasus spyware can secretly access microphones and cameras on phones.
• NSO allegedly allowed misuse of Pegasus to monitor journalists, activists, and political figures.
• A list of 50,000 phone numbers suspected of being hacked was leaked in 2021.
• French President Emmanuel Macron and others were reportedly hacked with Pegasus.
• NSO Group has been ordered to pay additional damages to Meta.
• WhatsApp’s legal victory could open legal challenges from other tech companies.
• NSO says its technology is meant to fight serious crimes and terrorism.

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BBC Tech

Tech Life

BBC Tech • May 06, 2025 • Technology

The BBC Sounds program "Tech Life" features a segment about a man working as a moderator in Ghana. It also includes a farewell to Skype, as the service is phased out.

Key Facts:

• The program is called "Tech Life" and is available on BBC Sounds.
• It discusses the role of a moderator in Ghana.
• The show mentions saying goodbye to Skype, implying it will no longer be in use.
• The episode was released on May 6, 2025.
• The episode lasts for 26 minutes.
• The content may include sensitive scenes.

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BBC Tech

Empty shelves and payment problems after Co-op cyber attack

BBC Tech • May 06, 2025 • Technology

Some Co-op stores are experiencing empty shelves and issues with contactless payments due to a recent cyber attack on the company. This cyber attack has also led to some customer data being stolen.

Key Facts:

• A major cyber attack has hit Co-op stores, leading to some shelves being empty.
• Some stores are currently unable to accept contactless payments and are communicating to customers that they are "cash only".
• The company confirmed that a significant amount of customer data was stolen due to the cyber attack.
• Deliveries to Co-op stores have been disrupted due to the cyber attack.
• The cyber criminals behind the attack claim to have private information of 20 million Co-op members, but the company hasn't verified this number.
• As of April, Co-op reported a 22% growth in its active membership, with 6.2 million-member owners.
• The company has assured it's only personal details like names and contact details, not banking details or passwords that have been compromised.
• Some shoppers have been unable to pay by card or contactless in Co-op stores since the cyber attack, a problem affecting a small portion of its 2,300 stores.

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BBC Tech

The people refusing to use AI

BBC Tech • May 05, 2025 • Technology

Sabine Zetteler, a communications agency owner, and others are choosing not to use artificial intelligence (AI) due to various concerns including the environmental impact and its potential effects on human jobs and critical thinking. While AI services like ChatGPT are increasingly popular, they also consume significant amounts of energy.

Key Facts:

• Sabine Zetteler runs a communications agency in London and is against using AI.
• AI services such as ChatGPT have grown rapidly in popularity, with ChatGPT recording over five billion visits each month.
• Despite the popularity of AI systems, they require considerable energy for training and maintenance.
• A report by Goldman Sachs estimated that a ChatGPT query uses almost ten times more electricity than a Google search.
• Florence Achery, a business owner, chooses not to use AI due to its heavy energy consumption and negative environmental impact.
• Sierra Hanson, based in Seattle, avoids AI as she worries it could harm our problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
• Others, like a digital marketer named Jackie Adams (pseudonym), initially resisted AI for environmental reasons but have started using it due to workplace necessity.

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BBC Tech

OpenAI says non-profit will remain in control after backlash

BBC Tech • May 05, 2025 • Technology

OpenAI, a company that creates artificial intelligence technology, has decided to stay under the control of its for-profit board while also becoming a public benefit corporation. This decision comes after push-back about a potential loss of focus on societal benefit in the company's pursuit for growth.

Key Facts:

• OpenAI is the creator of the artificial intelligence service, ChatGPT.
• There was a disagreement about who should control OpenAI.
• OpenAI's boss, Sam Altman, has said the company will stay under the control of its for-profit board but will also become a public benefit corporation. This type of corporation has a duty to serve the public, not just make money for shareholders.
• Some critics, like the co-founder Elon Musk, believe the company's pursuit of growth could distract it from its original aim: to develop technology that benefits humanity.
• Some employees and experts had previously asked regulators in two states (California and Delaware) to stop OpenAI from changing its structure.
• The new plan allows OpenAI to get rid of its current complex way of doing things, which limited its profits. This had made it difficult for the company to attract investors, such as Microsoft.
• Sam Altman said that he believes making more money and expanding access to artificial intelligence are in line with OpenAI's mission.
• It's still not known if this new plan will satisfy the company's critics and investors.

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BBC Tech

Beware phony IT calls after Co-op and M&S hacks, says UK cyber centre

BBC Tech • May 05, 2025 • Technology

The UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has alerted businesses to be on guard against fake IT help desk calls after notable British stores were targeted in cyber attacks. The NCSC advised companies to revisit their password reset systems and the way IT help desks verify staff members prior to resetting passwords.

Key Facts:

• UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has issued a warning about fraudulent IT help desk calls following cyber attacks on Marks & Spencer, Co-op, and Harrods.
• The cyber attackers are impersonating IT help desk calls to gain unauthorized access to organizations' networks.
• The NCSC has advised businesses to review their IT help desk password reset processes and ensure proper identification before resetting passwords.
• The term "social engineering" refers to methods used by cyber criminals to gain trust and trick people into revealing sensitive information like passwords and security codes.
• Hackers are suspected to be part of a group known as Scattered Spider, which includes English-speaking cybercriminals.
• Scattered Spider is not a well-organized group, but its members have conducted planned attacks on various companies and stolen or scrambled data to extort victims.
• Cyber defenders are also advised to monitor "Risky Logins", that is, unusual login patterns such as odd hours or locations.
• Scattered Spider hackers have previously attacked casinos in Las Vegas, and six of them were arrested in the US and UK.
• In recent developments, the cybercriminals responsible for the current attacks have communicated directly with the BBC, but their identity remains anonymous.

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BBC Tech

Long-distance romance and closure from husband's death - your memories of Skype

BBC Tech • May 04, 2025 • Technology

Skype, a popular video call service that played a unique role in people's lives, will stop providing most services on May 5, retaining only the Skype for Business feature. Since its launch in 2003, the platform was instrumental in enabling free computer-to-computer calls and affordable calls to global landlines and mobiles. However, its prominence has waned with Microsoft’s increased focus on Teams.

Key Facts:

• Skype, a video call service once popular globally, will cease most services by May 5.
• Skype allowed free computer-to-computer calls and affordable calls to landlines and mobiles around the world.
• Microsoft, which owns Skype, has been focusing more on another product, Teams, leading to Skype's reduced prominence.
• Since its inauguration in 2003, Skype has played a significant role in people's personal and professional lives.
• Some users shared their memories of using Skype, including a couple whose relationship was primarily long-distance due to Skype, and a woman from New Zealand who found closure from her husband's death through the service.
• Despite its decrease in popularity, Skype still has some dedicated users, including a woman who used it to keep in touch with her mother across long distances.
• The "Skype for Business" feature will be the only remaining service from Skype after May 5.

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BBC Tech

Co-op cyber attack affects customer data, firm admits, after hackers contact BBC

BBC Tech • May 02, 2025 • Technology

The Co-op supermarket chain in the UK recently experienced a cyber attack that leaked customer and employee information. The hacking group, known as DragonForce, claimed the attack was more serious than what Co-op initially described, adding that it also attacked other businesses like M&S and Harrods.

Key Facts:

• A hacking group named DragonForce claimed responsibility for a cyber attack on UK supermarket chain Co-op.
• DragonForce informed BBC they had stolen a large amount of customer and employee data.
• While Co-op acknowledged the breach, they initially stated that the attack had little impact on their operations.
• The hackers claimed to have information of 20 million Co-op members, but the company has not confirmed this figure.
• DragonForce also claimed responsibility for similar attacks on other businesses, such as M&S and Harrods.
• UK government minister Pat McFadden urged companies to prioritize cyber security in light of these events.
• Co-op employs roughly 70,000 people and operates over 2,500 supermarkets, 800 funeral homes, and an insurance business.
• Despite DragonForce trying to extort money from Co-op, the criminals did not reveal what they plan to do with the stolen data.

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BBC Tech

Co-op gives away free pasta sauce and coffee by mistake

BBC Tech • May 02, 2025 • Technology

The Co-op mistakenly listed some of their goods for very low prices or free on the Deliveroo app due to a clerical error. Some shoppers were able to purchase these items before the mistake was corrected.

Key Facts:

• The Co-op had a suspected error on the Deliveroo app that reduced prices of some products by up to 100%.
• Shoppers were able to purchase products like Loyd Grossman pasta sauce, Costa ground coffee, and Fox's cookies for free.
• Whether a company has to honour mistakenly advertised lower prices depends on its terms and conditions.
• One shopper was able to purchase £80 worth of goods for just £3.29.
• It has been indicated that a cyber attack has affected the Co-op recently, but this incident is not linked to that.
• The pricing error was confirmed by a Deliveroo spokesperson and was said to have been part of a temporary issue with a promotional campaign.
• According to Citizen's Advice, a customer's rights when shopping for a discounted item due to a pricing error can depend on a store's terms and conditions.
• In a previous similar situation in 2022, a pricing mistake for copies of Fifa 23 Ultimate Edition on India's Epic Games store allowed some to purchase the game for just 4.80 rupees. The publisher Electronic Arts (EA) chose to honor these purchases.

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BBC Tech

Who should you trust for a weather forecast?

BBC Tech • May 01, 2025 • Technology

Andrew Brown, a cybersecurity lecturer, runs a popular weather forecasting page on Facebook called "Wally's Weather" which provides updates for Queensland, Australia. This has highlighted a growing trend where individuals turn to social media for news and weather updates, as seen in the United States where 20% of adults do so.

Key Facts:

• Andrew Brown runs the Facebook page "Wally's Weather", with 107,000 followers and 24 million monthly views.
• He posts regular updates on weather conditions in Queensland, Australia.
• During a record-breaking flood in Queensland, Brown shared frequent posts, advising his audience on the situation.
• This trend is also present elsewhere, with 20% of American adults getting their news and weather updates from social media.
• However, there is concern over 'weather influencers', as they can sometimes exaggerate conditions, causing fear among followers; this was observed with a different social media-based weather forecaster called Higgins Storm Chasing.
• Traditional authority on weather, like the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, is still considered most reliable by experts such as Prof Daniel Angus.
• Despite criticism, these social media weather forecasters are popular because they offer highly localized, real-time updates.
• According to a study by the Reuters Institute and University of Oxford, people pay equal attention to influencers on Facebook and mainstream media.

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BBC Tech

Harrods latest retailer to be hit by cyber attack

BBC Tech • May 01, 2025 • Technology

The British luxury department store Harrods is the most recent retailer to be affected by an online attack. Despite attempts to breach their digital systems, Harrods has kept its physical and online stores open and operational.

Key Facts:

• Harrods, a luxury department store in the UK, experienced a cyber attack.
• The company maintained its online and physical store operations despite the cyber attack.
• Harrods is not the only retailer affected, with the Co-op and Marks & Spencer also dealing with similar attacks.
• Richard Horne, leader of the National Cyber Security Centre (which helps organizations handle cyber threats), says these events should encourage these stores to be more cautious.
• It's unclear whether the online attacks on Harrods, the Co-op, and Marks & Spencer are related.
• The Co-op reacted to its cyber attack by closing down parts of its digital systems.
• The breach has spurred the Co-op to enforce stricter rules during remote work meetings, like having cameras on and verifying attendees.
• The Marks & Spencer cyber attack disrupted their operations, stopping online orders and leaving some store shelves empty. This attack is believed to be a ransomware attack, which is where hackers lock away a company's digital files and data until they are paid a ransom.

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BBC Tech