South Yorkshire bin lorries used to find mobile phone 'not spots'
As part of the project, a free online map will be created with a postcode checker, to show users which of the UK's four main service providers - EE, O2, Three, and Vodaphone - offer the best coverage in their area.
'Not Spots'
George Gibson, from Streetwave, said phone and internet access was one of the most important forms of infrastructure, but it had not been "mapped out" like roads and railways."We don't understand which of our communities are suffering from digital exclusion," he said.He added that bin lorries were ideal for the project because as they already had to drive to every residential and commercial property in the region.Similar projects have been carried out in places including Norfolk, Dorset and Gloucestershire.South Yorkshire's Mayor Oliver Coppard said: "Digital connectivity isn't a luxury, it's a necessity, whether it's accessing public services, running a business or just staying in touch with friends and family."Too many people in South Yorkshire are still stuck in mobile 'not spots' where coverage is patchy or non-existent."That's why it's important this project is giving us the data we need to change, to make sure everyone in South Yorkshire can get the signal they need, wherever they live."
Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds or catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
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The Guardian
3 hours ago
- The Guardian
Racing strike leads to battle lines being drawn in bitter dispute over tax reforms
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This followed hot on the heels of a suggestion by Michael Dugher, the BGC's chair, in a column in the Racing Post that 'any increase in costs gets passed on not just to the sport, through reduced spend on sponsorship, but also punters. That might mean worse odds, fewer offers, less generous promotions'. The same column also included perhaps the most absurd sentence to appear in the pages of the sport's trade paper since Fred Done, the chair of BetFred, suggested that cutting the maximum stake on roulette machines in betting shops from £100-a-spin to £2 could force him to close his entire high-street estate. 'Additionally,' Dugher wrote, 'the idea that betting on horseracing is purely a game of 'skill' and not also a game of 'chance' is nonsense. How many punters back a horse because they like the name or the colours? If betting on horses were purely a game of skill, how is it that a 150-1 shot wins a Group 1 at Goodwood?' 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Taken as a whole, the BGC's response to racing's 'strike' action is informative, because it should leave no-one in racing with any lingering doubt that those traditional betting brands that many still think of as 'the bookies' are now just subsidiaries of global gambling operators, whose primary concern is the risk-free profits from fixed-margin gaming. The BGC wants racing to argue for no change at all – ie. 15% duty on betting and 21% on gaming – when that is the one thing that is almost certainly not going to happen. The government needs funds, the Treasury has already consulted on 'harmonisation' and gambling revenue is a blindingly obvious target for a tax hike. 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Sky News
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BlackRock backs Gupta's bid to retain grip on UK steel empire
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Devices such as smart speakers, connected appliances, and home security systems promise convenience and safety but come with substantial privacy risks. These gadgets continuously gather data, including voice recordings, video footage, and usage patterns, which are often shared with third parties like corporations or even law enforcement agencies. For example, smart security cameras can provide footage to police with a warrant, and in some cases, you may not even be notified when your data is accessed. This level of intrusion underscores the need for stronger privacy protections and more transparent practices from technology providers. To safeguard your personal space, it is crucial to review device settings, restrict data-sharing permissions, and opt for products designed with user privacy in mind. By taking these steps, you can regain some control over the data generated within your home. Work and Education: Expanding the Reach of Surveillance Surveillance technologies are no longer confined to traditional office environments. Schools, remote work setups, and even religious institutions are increasingly adopting monitoring tools. For instance, remote proctoring software used during online exams tracks students' behavior through webcams and microphones, raising concerns about data security and algorithmic biases. Similarly, workplace productivity tools monitor employees' activities, often without their explicit consent, blurring the lines between professional and personal life. These practices not only erode privacy but also create an environment of constant oversight, which can affect mental well-being and trust. However, there are examples of resistance. Union-led efforts and student advocacy campaigns have successfully challenged some invasive practices, highlighting the importance of collective action. By organizing and voicing concerns, individuals and groups can push back against excessive surveillance and demand greater accountability from institutions. All The Ways You're Being Surveilled in 2025 Watch this video on YouTube. Below are more guides on surveillance technologies from our extensive range of articles. Semi-Public Spaces: The Hidden Costs of Convenience When you visit retail stores, attend events, or enter semi-public spaces, you may unknowingly be subjected to surveillance. Businesses increasingly deploy technologies like facial recognition to monitor customer behavior, often without clear disclosure or consent. While these systems are promoted as tools for enhancing security or improving customer experiences, they are far from infallible. Errors in facial recognition have led to wrongful accusations and detentions, exposing the technology's limitations and potential for harm. As a consumer, you have the power to influence these practices. Supporting businesses that prioritize transparency and privacy can send a strong message. Additionally, advocating for regulations that require clear disclosure of surveillance practices can help ensure accountability. By making informed choices, you can contribute to a culture that values individual rights over unchecked monitoring. Public Spaces: The Decline of Anonymity Public spaces, once synonymous with anonymity and freedom, are now heavily monitored. Streets, parks, and transportation hubs are equipped with surveillance tools such as facial recognition cameras and license plate readers. Even ride-sharing services contribute to this ecosystem by tracking users' movements. While these technologies are often justified as measures to enhance public safety, they come at the cost of personal freedom and autonomy. The pervasive monitoring of public areas raises critical questions about the balance between security and privacy. As surveillance becomes more widespread, the concept of anonymity in public life is rapidly disappearing. This shift has profound implications for how individuals interact with their surroundings and exercise their rights in public spaces. Travel and Transit: Surveillance on the Move Travelers encounter some of the most invasive forms of surveillance. Airports, border crossings, and transit hubs employ advanced technologies to monitor passengers. Customs officials may search digital devices, examining emails, photos, and social media activity. In some cases, algorithms analyze facial expressions and online behavior to assess potential security risks, further expanding the scope of surveillance. To minimize your exposure, consider carrying fewer devices and limiting the sensitive data stored on them when traveling. However, individual actions alone are insufficient to address the systemic nature of these practices. Broader reforms and international agreements are necessary to protect travelers' privacy rights and ensure that surveillance measures are proportionate and transparent. Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Privacy The rise of surveillance technologies calls for proactive measures to safeguard personal privacy. While systemic change requires collective action, there are steps you can take as an individual to reduce your exposure and advocate for broader reforms: Advocate for stronger privacy laws and regulations that limit the misuse of surveillance technologies. and regulations that limit the misuse of surveillance technologies. Support organizations and initiatives that fight against invasive monitoring practices. and initiatives that fight against invasive monitoring practices. Choose technologies and services that prioritize user privacy, such as those with end-to-end encryption or minimal data collection policies. that prioritize user privacy, such as those with end-to-end encryption or minimal data collection policies. Educate yourself and others about the risks associated with surveillance and share strategies for mitigating them. Privacy is a fundamental right, but preserving it in a surveillance-driven world requires vigilance and action. By staying informed, making deliberate choices, and supporting efforts to hold institutions accountable, you can play a role in shaping a future where privacy is respected and protected. Media Credit: Proton Filed Under: Technology News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
