Latest news with #BigBrother-style
Scotsman
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Doorbell Detectives and Scam Interceptors review: These Big Brother-style shows turn daytime TV into long periods of boredom punctuated by moments of terror
You can tell its summer as, despite the downturn in the weather leaving us less likely to head outside, the main terrestrial broadcasters don't seem to have anything new for our viewing pleasure. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Which is how I ended up watching Doorbell Detectives (BBC1, Mon, 8.30pm), which inexplicably was given a prime-time slot this week before retreating to a more usual daytime airing in a terrifyingly Big Brother-style anti-crime double bill with Scam Interceptors (BBC1, weekdays, 2.30pm). Watchdog's Matt Allwright – who has carved himself a niche in these low-budget infotainment shows – hosts Doorbell Detectives, standing uneasily in the middle of a set which is part hay-barn and part GP's waiting room. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad What little budget the show has is taken up by a floating screen in the middle of the barn, on which Matt can show us grainy footage from doorbell cameras up and down the country. Matt Allwright in the Doorbell Detectives studio, a 'cross between a hay barn and a GP's waiting room' (Picture: BBC/Objective Media Group t/a Purple Productions) Apparently, one-in-five homes comes equipped with these mini CCTV rigs, constantly texting alerts to phones across suburbia, alerting home owners to the delivery man chucking a parcel on the doorstep, next door's cat relieving itself on the azaleas, or little Tommy from No.35 belting down the pavement on his e-scooter. Matt and his doorbell detectives seem to the think this is a good thing, and brings in Anton, a former police officer with 30 years' experience, to help one Manchester resident previously left severely under-surveilled to fit a camera to her own home. Anton, who seems to think he is testifying in the witness box rather than offering advice on a semi-serious daytime TV show, offers essential advice such as 'make sure the battery is charged', while brushing off concerns about the invasion of everyone's privacy. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Some people can get a bit funny about catching what's going in neighbouring properties,' he says, as if the wish to maintain some sort of privacy is the main indicator of a serial killer. Doorbell Detectives features footage taken from doorbell cameras of would-be criminals attempting thefts and burglaries (Picture: BBC/Objective Media Group t/a Purple Productions) Meanwhile, back in the studio, Matt chats to people who caught would-be burglars in the all-seeing eye of their doorbell camera, and finds out what they did next. Mainly, it seems, telling everyone else in the neighbourhood WhatsApp group, so they could check their doorbell cameras as well. That's because 'confronting thieves is dangerous', Matt tells us, before then proving it by talking to homeowner Alison, whose husband was badly beaten up by a fleeing criminal. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Understandably, Alison doesn't want to be identified, so Matt ends up talking to a floating phone lock-screen in the middle Doorbell Detectives' luxo-barn. It all gets very tense in the Scam Interceptors HQ. The team are Harleen Nottay, Mark Lewis, Aaron Ng, and Nick Stapleton (Picture: BBC Studios) It's all very low-rent, and frankly very dull, unlike its partner Scam Interceptors, which is Mission: Impossible compared to Doorbell Detectives' Hettie Wainthropp Investigates. Rav Wilding sits in 'Interceptor HQ' in Glasgow, accompanied by a team of black-clad investigators, staring at a bank of screens – all with headsets and flashing lights. Apparently, they have employed the services of an 'ethical hacker' to get into the computer systems of those scam callers who regularly call to warn you that someone has spend thousands of your hard-earned pounds online. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad They can listen into the scammers calling an unsuspecting pensioner and – hopefully – warn them they are being scammed. Unfortunately, you wonder how they don't get caught in that Spider-Man meme, the one where several Spider-Men are all pointing at each other, each caller claiming the other is the scammer. Rav is incredibly enthusiastic, the music is pounding and urgent, and the sense of tension is palpable. Both these shows leave you with the uncomfortable feeling of being observed anonymously, distantly by unknown powers. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But beyond that, the effect they have must be the opposite of the one required. Far from imparting information that might help keep you safe, far from being an effective crime-busting tool, and very far from giving you a reassuring notion that these criminals are being deterred, these shows can only serve to frighten the viewers at home. Given these are daytime shows, many of those viewers will be the very frail, vulnerable or elderly people they profess to want to protect. And leaving them in a state of fear, unwilling to go out, to engage with the world, to enjoy a full life. Only stuck inside watching TV. Which, as we know, is a problem. Because its summer, and there's nothing on.
Scotsman
28-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
'VAR cameras' in Tesco self checkouts spark privacy fears
The new AI checkout tech is turning heads — but shoppers are split between laughs and privacy concerns 👀 Sign up to the weekly Cost Of Living newsletter. Saving tips, deals and money hacks. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Tesco has introduced AI-powered cameras at some self-checkouts to catch missed scans The system shows instant video replays, drawing comparisons to football's VAR Some shoppers find it amusing, while others feel it's invasive and unfair The move aims to reduce rising shoplifting amid a UK theft surge in 2024 Tesco staff welcome the tech as it helps monitor theft while easing checkout pressure Tesco has rolled out AI-powered cameras at some self-service checkouts to catch shoppers who forget (or try to avoid) scanning items. The technology comes complete with instant video replays of the 'offense,' and its uncanny resemblance to football's infamous Video Assistant Referee (VAR) hasn't gone unnoticed. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Social media users have been quick to mock the supermarket's new 'VAR' tech, with videos of the checkouts racking up millions of views. The system works by spotting when an item hasn't scanned properly, then flashing a live-action replay on the screen with a polite message: 'The last item wasn't scanned properly. Remove from bagging area and try again.' (Photo:) | Getty Images Not everyone is impressed. While some customers find the tech amusing, others worry it's a slippery slope toward Big Brother-style surveillance. One user on Bluesky wondered, 'What's next? Drones following you around the aisles?' Another Facebook commenter vowed never to use Tesco's self-checkouts again. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Tesco says it hopes this will speed up the checkout experience and cut down on theft — a major issue as shoplifting in the UK soared to record levels in 2024. According to the Office for National Statistics, shoplifting offences recorded by police jumped 20% last year to over half a million incidents in England and Wales. Retailer reports paint an even grimmer picture: the British Retail Consortium estimates more than 20 million thefts cost UK shops £2 billion in the year leading up to September 2024. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Tesco staff seem to welcome their new AI helpers. One anonymous worker told the BBC they often feel like 'a security guard' juggling multiple checkouts alone — and that shoplifting attempts are common. But customer Heather, 30, from Nottingham, says the new technology feels intrusive and unfairly penalises honest customers who use self-scan properly. "Yes, you have cameras following you everywhere in the store, but this is simply too invasive," she told the BBC. 'If stores are so paranoid about shoppers stealing goods, then they should go back to staffed tills instead of wasting money on this invasive technology." The AI rollout follows similar moves by rivals like Sainsbury's, which recently installed AI recognition tech on their own self-service lanes. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Retailers are clearly stepping up efforts to combat theft, which has pushed some to take drastic measures: Greggs has started moving self-serve food behind counters at high-theft locations, and supermarkets have tagged expensive items or swapped coffee for empty, display jars. Tesco previously experimented with giant trolley scales to catch thieves at its Trinity Square Extra store in Gateshead — a move that also divided shoppers, with one Reddit user quipping, 'Am I at border control or Tesco?' In the battle against shoplifting, it seems supermarkets are not just watching what you buy — they're watching how you buy it, too. Are you struggling to make ends meet as costs continue to rise? You can now send your stories to us online via YourWorld at It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.
Scotsman
28-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
'VAR cameras' in Tesco self checkouts spark privacy fears
The new AI checkout tech is turning heads — but shoppers are split between laughs and privacy concerns 👀 Sign up to the weekly Cost Of Living newsletter. Saving tips, deals and money hacks. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Tesco has introduced AI-powered cameras at some self-checkouts to catch missed scans The system shows instant video replays, drawing comparisons to football's VAR Some shoppers find it amusing, while others feel it's invasive and unfair The move aims to reduce rising shoplifting amid a UK theft surge in 2024 Tesco staff welcome the tech as it helps monitor theft while easing checkout pressure Tesco has rolled out AI-powered cameras at some self-service checkouts to catch shoppers who forget (or try to avoid) scanning items. The technology comes complete with instant video replays of the 'offense,' and its uncanny resemblance to football's infamous Video Assistant Referee (VAR) hasn't gone unnoticed. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Social media users have been quick to mock the supermarket's new 'VAR' tech, with videos of the checkouts racking up millions of views. The system works by spotting when an item hasn't scanned properly, then flashing a live-action replay on the screen with a polite message: 'The last item wasn't scanned properly. Remove from bagging area and try again.' (Photo:) | Getty Images Not everyone is impressed. While some customers find the tech amusing, others worry it's a slippery slope toward Big Brother-style surveillance. One user on Bluesky wondered, 'What's next? Drones following you around the aisles?' Another Facebook commenter vowed never to use Tesco's self-checkouts again. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Tesco says it hopes this will speed up the checkout experience and cut down on theft — a major issue as shoplifting in the UK soared to record levels in 2024. According to the Office for National Statistics, shoplifting offences recorded by police jumped 20% last year to over half a million incidents in England and Wales. Retailer reports paint an even grimmer picture: the British Retail Consortium estimates more than 20 million thefts cost UK shops £2 billion in the year leading up to September 2024. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Tesco staff seem to welcome their new AI helpers. One anonymous worker told the BBC they often feel like 'a security guard' juggling multiple checkouts alone — and that shoplifting attempts are common. But customer Heather, 30, from Nottingham, says the new technology feels intrusive and unfairly penalises honest customers who use self-scan properly. "Yes, you have cameras following you everywhere in the store, but this is simply too invasive," she told the BBC. 'If stores are so paranoid about shoppers stealing goods, then they should go back to staffed tills instead of wasting money on this invasive technology." The AI rollout follows similar moves by rivals like Sainsbury's, which recently installed AI recognition tech on their own self-service lanes. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Retailers are clearly stepping up efforts to combat theft, which has pushed some to take drastic measures: Greggs has started moving self-serve food behind counters at high-theft locations, and supermarkets have tagged expensive items or swapped coffee for empty, display jars. Tesco previously experimented with giant trolley scales to catch thieves at its Trinity Square Extra store in Gateshead — a move that also divided shoppers, with one Reddit user quipping, 'Am I at border control or Tesco?' In the battle against shoplifting, it seems supermarkets are not just watching what you buy — they're watching how you buy it, too.
Scottish Sun
27-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Dangerous phone myths that leave you ‘vulnerable' to Big Brother-style spying – & millions of gadget owners are affected
There are simple ways users can protect themselves from malware SPY-PHONE! Dangerous phone myths that leave you 'vulnerable' to Big Brother-style spying – & millions of gadget owners are affected Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ANDROID users who follow dangerous phone myths are putting themselves at risk from Big Brother-style spying. The platform has long had a reputation for being more vulnerable to malware than iOS due to its open nature. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Many Android users are lulled into a false sense of security Yet many real threats today are not where most users think they are. The myths surrounding Android malware can give users a false sense of security and lead to risky behaviour. Here are EIGHT of the most common Android malware myths that put your phone at risk – and what you should be doing instead. Malware only comes from outside the Play Store The truth is bad actors are increasingly using sophisticated methods to avoid detection. One of the most common misconceptions is that Android malware only originates from sketchy websites, pirated APKs, or unofficial app stores. While these are certainly higher risk, they are not the only sources of malicious software. Increasingly, malware is showing up in apps that appear completely legitimate. Some sneak through Google Play's review process, posing as flashlight tools, camera filters, VPNs, or even educational games. These apps may work as advertised, but quietly harvest user data, inject adware, or install background services that are hard to detect. Some use delayed activation, waiting days or weeks to execute harmful behaviour. While the Play Store is safer than most third-party stores, it is not immune to malware. Always check permissions, reviews, developer history, and download counts before installing apps. Avoid sideloading APKs unless you trust the source and understand the risks. Don't assume every app on the Play Store is safe. FBI and GCHQ issue urgent warning over Chinese spy operation accessing people's messages, photos and location You're safe if your phone runs Android 13 or later Not true. Threats keep adapting to OS changes. While older Android versions are more vulnerable to malware – especially those not receiving security updates – that doesn't mean newer versions are entirely safe. Even with Android 15's improved security features, malware campaigns continue to evolve with more sophisticated evasion techniques. Many malware threats rely on social engineering and trick users into giving up sensitive data or granting unnecessary permissions. Newer Android versions can limit what apps can do in the background, but they can't protect you from every human error. To stay safe, always be wary of apps asking for extra permissions. Malware can manipulate users into giving access, irrespective of the phone's Android version. Remember that safe behaviour is as crucial as system-level defences. You only need an antivirus app to stay safe on Android Another dangerous myth. Many antivirus apps on Android are more about marketing than real protection. They often run persistent background processes, drain the battery, and serve ads while offering little beyond what Google Play Protect already does. In reality, Android is built on a permission-based sandbox model that limits what apps can access. 2 There is a valuable protection service on the Play Store – but it's not foolproof You probably don't need a third-party antivirus application if you're not sideloading random apps or tapping suspicious links. Some so-called security apps may also contain malware, or at the very least, aggressively collect user data. Ironically, users install them to feel secure, not realising they might be introducing more risk. Instead of downloading antivirus apps, focus on good digital hygiene. Don't grant unnecessary permissions, keep your OS up to date, avoid sketchy apps, and use Google's built-in security features to protect your phone. You'll know right away if your phone is infected Another popular myth is that malware instantly attacks your phone when you download it. While there are rare advanced persistent threats, most Android malware is less dramatic and more about stealthy profit-making. For example, they might steal your credentials, record calls, show fraudulent ads, or subscribe to paid services. Some spyware can operate for months without noticeable symptoms, especially if disguised as a system app. These types of malware often operate quietly in the background, draining your battery or mobile data. You may not notice them for days or even weeks. Watch for warning signs like overheating, unexpected data usage, performance lags, or strange notifications. Run a manual scan with Play Protect and check which apps can access your background data or display over other apps. Factory resetting your phone removes all malware In many cases, a factory reset will wipe malware from your phone. However, advanced malware can persist, especially if installed in the system partition or preloaded on the device by a malicious vendor. Some threats can survive resets or reinstall themselves through a hidden dropper. A factory reset is not a guaranteed fix. If your phone remains compromised, you may need to reflash the firmware or use special tools provided by security vendors. Rooted phones are always at risk Rooting your phone bypasses some built-in security features, which can increase your exposure to threats. But this does not automatically mean your device is compromised. You can still secure your rooted devices by limiting root access, using firewalls, and restricting permissions. Rooting expands both the risks and your control. If you understand the tradeoffs and take steps to mitigate vulnerabilities, a rooted phone is not necessarily a magnet for malware. VPNs protect you from all malware VPNs are great for encrypting your internet traffic and hiding your IP address, but they don't offer comprehensive malware protection. They won't stop you from installing a malicious app, clicking a phishing link, or falling victim to a fake login page. Although many VPN providers offer malware filters, they're limited in scope. VPNs are a privacy tool, not an antivirus replacement. You can use them as part of your security toolkit, but they should not be your only line of defence. Google Play Protect is all you need against malware Google Play Protect is a valuable built-in defense mechanism. It scans apps for malware before and after installation and regularly checks for suspicious behavior. However, it has limitations. It may not detect sophisticated threats, especially those with delayed activation or encrypted payloads. Play Protect is a helpful security measure, but it is not foolproof. For complete protection, keep your device updated, use permission controls wisely, and be selective about the apps you install, even those from the Play Store.
The Irish Sun
27-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Dangerous phone myths that leave you ‘vulnerable' to Big Brother-style spying – & millions of gadget owners are affected
ANDROID users who follow dangerous phone myths are putting themselves at risk from Big Brother-style spying. The platform has long had a reputation for being more vulnerable to malware than due to its open nature. 2 Many Android users are lulled into a false sense of security Yet many real threats today are not where most users think they are. The myths surrounding Android malware can give users a false sense of security and lead to risky behaviour. Here are EIGHT of the most common Android malware myths that put your phone at risk – and what you should be doing instead. Malware only comes from outside the Play Store The truth is bad actors are increasingly using sophisticated methods to avoid detection. One of the most common misconceptions is that Android malware only originates from sketchy websites, pirated APKs, or unofficial app stores. While these are certainly higher risk, they are not the only sources of malicious software. Increasingly, malware is showing up in apps that appear completely legitimate. Some sneak through These apps may work as advertised, but quietly harvest user data, inject adware, or install background services that are hard to detect. Most read in Tech Some use delayed activation, waiting days or weeks to execute harmful behaviour. While the Play Store is safer than most third-party stores, it is not immune to malware. Always check permissions, reviews, developer history, and download counts before installing apps. Avoid sideloading APKs unless you trust the source and understand the risks. Don't assume every app on the Play Store is safe. FBI and GCHQ issue urgent warning over Chinese spy operation accessing people's messages, photos and location You're safe if your phone runs Android 13 or later Not true. Threats keep adapting to OS changes. While older Android versions are more vulnerable to malware – especially those not receiving security updates – that doesn't mean newer versions are entirely safe. Even with Android 15's improved security features, malware campaigns continue to evolve with more sophisticated evasion techniques. Many malware threats rely on social engineering and trick users into giving up sensitive data or granting unnecessary permissions. Newer Android versions can limit what apps can do in the background, but they can't protect you from every human error. To stay safe, always be wary of apps asking for extra permissions. Malware can manipulate users into giving access, irrespective of the phone's Android version. Remember that safe behaviour is as crucial as system-level defences. You only need an antivirus app to stay safe on Android Another dangerous myth. Many antivirus apps on Android are more about marketing than real protection. They often run persistent background processes, drain the battery, and serve ads while offering little beyond what Google Play Protect already does. In reality, Android is built on a permission-based sandbox model that limits what apps can access. 2 There is a valuable protection service on the Play Store – but it's not foolproof You probably don't need a third-party antivirus application if you're not sideloading random Some so-called security apps may also contain malware, or at the very least, aggressively collect user data. Ironically, users install them to feel secure, not realising they might be introducing more risk. Instead of downloading antivirus apps, focus on good digital hygiene. Don't grant unnecessary permissions, keep your OS up to date, avoid sketchy apps, and use Google's built-in security features to protect your phone. You'll know right away if your phone is infected Another popular myth is that malware instantly attacks your phone when you download it. While there are rare advanced persistent threats, most Android malware is less dramatic and more about stealthy profit-making. For example, they might steal your credentials, record calls, show fraudulent ads, or subscribe to paid services. Some spyware can operate for months without noticeable symptoms, especially if disguised as a system app. These types of malware often operate quietly in the background, draining your battery or mobile data. You may not notice them for days or even weeks. Watch for warning signs like overheating, unexpected data usage, performance lags, or strange notifications. Run a manual scan with Play Protect and check which apps can access your background data or display over other apps. Factory resetting your phone removes all malware In many cases, a factory reset will wipe malware from your phone. However, advanced malware can persist, especially if installed in the system partition or preloaded on the device by a malicious vendor. Some threats can survive resets or reinstall themselves through a hidden dropper. A factory reset is not a guaranteed fix. If your phone remains compromised, you may need to reflash the firmware or use special tools provided by security vendors. Rooted phones are always at risk Rooting your phone bypasses some built-in security features, which can increase your exposure to threats. But this does not automatically mean your device is compromised. You can still secure your rooted devices by limiting root access, using firewalls, and restricting permissions. Rooting expands both the risks and your control. If you understand the tradeoffs and take steps to mitigate vulnerabilities, a rooted phone is not necessarily a magnet for malware. VPNs protect you from all malware VPNs are great for encrypting your internet traffic and hiding your IP address, but they don't offer comprehensive malware protection. They won't stop you from installing a malicious app, clicking a phishing link, or falling victim to a fake login page. Although many VPN providers offer malware filters, they're limited in scope. VPNs are a privacy tool, not an antivirus replacement. You can use them as part of your security toolkit, but they should not be your only line of defence. Google Play Protect is all you need against malwar e Google Play Protect is a valuable built-in defense mechanism. It scans apps for malware before and after installation and regularly checks for suspicious behavior. However, it has limitations. It may not detect sophisticated threats, especially those with delayed activation or encrypted payloads. Read more on the Irish Sun Play Protect is a helpful security measure, but it is not foolproof. For complete protection, keep your device updated, use permission controls wisely, and be selective about the apps you install, even those from the Play Store. Eight most dangerous myths The following myths can give users a false sense of security and lead to risky behaviour. Don't get caught out. Malware only comes from outside the Play Store You're safe if your phone runs Android 13 or later You only need an antivirus app to stay safe on Android You'll know right away if your phone is infected Factory resetting your phone removes all malware Rooted phones are always at risk VPNs protect you from all malware Google Play Protect is all you need against malware
