Browsing: Tech

Retailers are increasingly deploying AI-powered surveillance, including body scans, CCTV, and facial recognition, to combat shoplifting. However, civil liberties advocates express concerns that this technology could lead to individuals being placed on “secret watchlists” and effectively banned from public spaces. The government maintains that while commercial facial recognition is permissible, it must adhere to stringent data protection regulations and be used transparently. A BBC reporter recently tested this technology at an independent Post Office.

Five individuals, including two prominent British social media campaigners, have been denied US visas. The US State Department accused them of attempting to “coerce” American tech platforms into suppressing free speech, a move that has drawn condemnation from European leaders.

Following a period of uncertainty, The Next Web has been acquired by Tekpon, marking the beginning of a new era. This article outlines the renewed vision for TNW, emphasizing human-centric storytelling, rigorous journalism, and a commitment to filtering the noise in the evolving tech landscape.

LG is preparing to introduce CLOiD, a new domestic robot helper, at CES 2026. This innovative bot is designed to handle various household tasks, aiming to improve daily convenience and streamline home management.

New advancements in fire retardant technologies are emerging to create safer buildings and protect against wildfires. Companies like Halt are using substances such as Burnblock to treat wood, making it highly resistant to flames, while First Graphene is incorporating graphene into plastics to slow fire spread. Researchers are also developing sprayable gels for pre-emptive wildfire protection, marking a significant shift towards more effective and less toxic fire safety solutions.

Online reviews, once a trusted guide for buyers, have lost their credibility as businesses increasingly manipulate ratings for sales. This article explores how tactics like ‘review gating’ and incentivization skew public perception, and how algorithms prioritize high scores over authenticity. Consumers are adapting by seeking personal recommendations, cross-referencing information, and prioritizing direct experience, signaling a need for platforms to reform their review systems to regain trust.

The LG Gram Pro 17 and Gram Pro 16 will use a new ultralight material that doesn’t compromise durability.

The defence industry faces a significant skills shortage, driven by ethical concerns among younger generations, a perception of being technologically conservative, and intense competition for STEM talent. As governments increase defence spending, the sector is working to rebrand its image, highlight its broader societal contributions, and diversify its recruitment strategies to attract a new wave of skilled professionals.

Two individuals previously employed by cybersecurity firms have admitted guilt to orchestrating ransomware attacks that extorted $1.2 million in Bitcoin from a medical device company and targeted several other organizations using ALPHV / BlackCat ransomware.

A former cryptocurrency entrepreneur, responsible for two digital currencies that experienced a catastrophic collapse, resulting in an estimated $40 billion (£29.9 billion) loss, has received a 15-year prison sentence from a New York judge for what was described as an “epic” fraud.