MPs’ alarm over potentially deadly social media videos

  • MPs have raised concerns over potentially deadly social media videos designed to trigger epileptic fits.
  • This follows warnings from Clare Pelham, the chief executive of the Epilepsy Society, of targeting on social media with videos with flashing lights.
  • The society recently recruited someone dedicated to finding and reporting posts intended to cause epileptic fits.
  • The government has been urged by the Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) Committee chair, Julian Knight, to take immediate action and not wait for the Online Safety Bill.
  • Full story, here.

 

Apple bans Fortnite from App Store

  • Apple has banned Fortnite from its App Store until a legal battle with its maker, Epic Games, has concluded.
  • The game won’t be available for download on iPhones or other Apple devices.
  • Epic Games chief executive, Tim Sweeney, announced that the legal appeals process can take up about five years to complete.
  • Users that already have Fortnite installed on Apple devices will be able to continue playing the game but won’t receive any further updates.
  • This follows the game’s previous removal from the App store in 2020 when Fortnite violated policies by launching its own in-app payment system.
  • Full story, here.

Cyber safety is just as important as emergency response preparation

  • A new global survey by consumer cyber safety company, NortonLifeLock (NLL), shows that UK adults believe cyber security education should start young.
  • The results show that 85% believe that parents teaching their children about cyber safety is essential.
  • The survey included responses from more than 1,000 adults.
  • Online safety was ranked just as important as being prepared for an emergency, financial management, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
  • Around 95% of survey participants agreed that it’s more important than ever for parents to communicate how children can keep themselves safe online.
  • However, around 75% admit it can be tricky for parents to shield their children from online threats.
  • Full story, here.

Android adds new accessibility features

  • Google has announced a vast array of new updates which include accessibility features.
  • The updates include new facial gesture controls designed for people with motor impairments and new handwriting recognition feature for Lookout, an app to help people with impaired vision or blindness.
  • The new Android accessibility features will include ‘Camera Switches’ where gestures like opening mouth or raising eyebrows can be used to activate various commands.
  • A standalone app Project Activate was also announced to help communication using facial gestures to trigger actions like playing audio or sending a text message.
  • The release date for these and other new features hasn’t been announced but is likely to be around December.
  • Full story, here.