Latest news with #anonymity
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
Yorkshire's anonymous child torturers - brothers, 10, who targeted two boys and almost killed them
"It was a horrific crime branded "the most notorious committed by British children since James Bulger". But few in Yorkshire will be aware of the horrific torture of two young children at the hands of two, equally as young, brothers in a small South Yorkshire village. That is because they joined the short but terrifying list of young criminals granted lifelong anonymity - despite one being branded a psychopath with very little chance of rehabilitation. The terrifying attack began on April 4 2009, where two bothers, aged 10 and 11, had abducted and tortured two other young boys in Edlington. The two brothers had led the victims to an isolated wasteland near Doncaster, away from anyone seeing their disgusting plan for the boys. READ MORE: M62 delays LIVE after crash involving police car READ MORE: Drivers warned to fill up with petrol and diesel by Monday or risk running out of fuel During that terrifying time, one boy was forced to strip naked and they were made to perform a sex act for 90-minutes on each other, while a metal ring was used to strangle the other. According to the BBC, a sink was dropped on the older boy's head, and the younger boy had a sharp stick rammed into his arm and cigarettes pushed into the wound. The victims were made to eat nettle, then hit by stones and bricks then covered in a sheet which was then set alight when there were sounds of somebody nearby. Thankfully, on Sunday 5, the two brothers were arrested and charged two days later (April 7) with attempted murder and robbery of both the injured boys. When they appeared at Sheffield Crown Court, the court heard what they had done and saw parts of the torture were filmed on a phone and was used as evidence. The pair pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent, to robbing one of the boys of a mobile phone and the other of cash and to two counts of intentionally causing a child to engage in sexual activity, and to one additional charge of actual bodily harm relating to a previous incident involving another 11-year-old boy. A child protection expert, Eileen Vizard, who had been involved in the James Bulger case, had warned the sentencing judge that the younger brother was a "very high risk" to the community. She was very concerned that he was at risk of becoming "a seriously disturbed psychopathic offender" unless he was properly treated. Following Vizard's warning, the brothers were given indeterminate sentences on January 23 20210, where the judge in the case Mr Justice Keith, ordered that under Section 39 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 they should not be named. In 2016, in fear of being attacked, the brothers were granted legal lifelong anonymity on grounds that they would be "at serious risk of attack" if their true identities were known. But the time in prison did not stop the youngest brother form committing another crime, as he was returned to prison immediately in August 2017 after being found in possession of a machete. Get all the latest and breaking South Yorkshire news straight to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter here.
BreakingNews.ie
17-07-2025
- BreakingNews.ie
Rapist (37) jailed for taking advantage of 'sleeping and probably intoxicated' woman
A man who raped a woman while she was sleeping and continued to rape her after she managed to escape the first attack, has been jailed for seven years at the Central Criminal Court. The 37-year-old man pleaded guilty to two charges of rape on September 29th, 2019. The father of five has a number of previous convictions, both in Ireland and outside the jurisdiction. He can't be named to protect the woman's right to anonymity. Advertisement The woman said in her victim impact statement that she had managed to get away from the man that night, but he followed her and continued to rape her. She said she felt as if she were 'a rag doll' during the rape. She said that because of the anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder she has suffered as a result of the rapes, she finds herself locking herself in her bedroom at home. She has missed out on many special occasions with her children as a result. She described having a panic attack at her son's First Communion after she struggled to attend it in the first instance. 'I feel a failure as a Mum,' she said and described herself as feeling like 'a prisoner in my own home'. Advertisement 'I have lost the years my children needed me the most, important years that I will not get back,' she continued, adding that her youngest child sees her locked away in a room crying a lot, and with her older children, it seems as if they are caring for her rather than her for caring for them. She said on Thursday she was 'passing the shame on to him (the accused)– because I don't deserve the shame'. In an updated statement read to the court on Thursday, the woman said that she previously believed crying to be a sign of weakness, but now feels it is not. She said the words in her statement reflected her strength and that she is a 'strong woman who survived that night' and did not give up, despite delays in the legal process. Advertisement 'I kept fighting and kept going because of my strength', she said, adding that she wanted to show other victims that it is possible to cry and have anxiety while fighting for justice. Addressing the man, she said that while she wished she could forgive him, she had 'never once felt remorse or guilt for you what you did'. She said she does not believe that the man feels these emotions at this time. The woman told the man that she hopes he reflects on his actions, that his attitude towards women changes and he learns to treat them with respect. She told him she hopes he completes his sentence and never makes a woman feel worthless or disrespected again. Advertisement Strict conditions Mr Justice Paul Burns imposed a sentence of eight years, with the final 12 months suspended on strict conditions for three years in order to encourage rehabilitation. Mr Justice Burns noted the man appeared to have singled out the woman for 'unwanted attention' and ignored her rejections of his advances. He said the man took advantage of the woman's 'sleeping and probably intoxicated condition', ignored her protests, appeared to mock her and used a degree of violence beyond that inherent in the act of rape. The judge noted the mitigation, including the man's guilty plea. He directed the man to place himself under the supervision of the Probation Service for three years post-release, and that the defendant is to be given credit for any time served in custody on this matter alone. Advertisement Mr Justice Burns noted the impact of the offending on the woman, who he said had 'found the strength to speak up in court today', and acknowledged that the legal process had been difficult for her. He commended her bravery in coming forward and said the court hoped with the support of her family and friends and appropriate interventions, she would make further progress in dealing with the aftermath of these events. A local sergeant told Bernard Condon SC, prosecuting, at an earlier sentence hearing that the man was visiting family in County Donegal when his cousin was out socialising with the victim. He joined them, and over the course of the evening, he regularly engaged in conversation with the woman. At one point, he put his hand on her leg, but she pushed him away. On another occasion, he grabbed her while she was passing by and danced with her in a provocative way. She again pushed him away. On the car journey home, which they shared with several other people, he told her he couldn't wait to get her home, advising her that by the time he was done with her, she would be pregnant with another child. The man offered her vodka in the car, but when she said she would not drink it because it caused her to black out, the man replied, 'All the better'. She ultimately gave in and took a sip of the vodka. The sergeant told Mr Condon that when they reached the woman's friend's house, the man continued to speak to the woman in a sexualised way. She struggled to keep her eyes open and eventually fell asleep on a couch. Intense pain She woke to find the man trying to kiss her while he was raping her. She told him to stop and said she did not want this. She continued to wriggle and try to escape before she managed to get off the couch. The woman said she tried to get up off the floor but was unable to get to her feet, and he attacked her again, raping her and leaving her in intense pain. He ripped her underwear during the assault. He finally lay down next to her. She picked up her clothing, got dressed and left the house. The rape was reported, and she was treated in her local Sexual Assault Treatment Unit, and she was found to have injuries both to her general body and her genitalia. The man was arrested and interviewed, and while he initially denied there was any contact between them, he was re-arrested following DNA analysis. He then accepted that if anything had happened, he had been asleep at the time and couldn't offer any further explanation. The woman prepared a victim impact statement, which was read into the record by the investigating sergeant. She said that the impact of what the man did to her that night has followed her for six years. She described his behaviour as 'disgusting and unforgivable'. She said she suffered panic attacks and sleep deprivation, and now needs medication for anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. She said she finds herself being 'hyper vigilant and being on high alert' – she struggles to relax. The woman said she has found herself unable to work on several occasions and has experienced panic attacks while at work. She said the rape has impacted her confidence and sanity. She said she feels as if she can see the man's face everywhere, and it feels as if she is shutting down, and she struggles to breathe. She said this continues until her 'brain kicks in' and she realises it is not the accused. The woman said she was thankful for her family and thanked her husband for his support. Dominic McGinn SC, defending, said his client was not from Ireland and was visiting family that night. He has five children from two different relationships. Ireland Three men plead guilty to unlawful killing of Tom... Read More He asked Mr Justice Burns to take into account his client's pleas of guilty as the most significant mitigating factors in the case. Mr Justice Burns suggested that the man's comments to the woman over the course of the night were 'indicative of some element of premeditation'. The judge advised the woman that she was entitled to apply to the criminal injuries tribunal in relation to the cost of her medication and on account of any earnings she may have lost due to the impact the rape had on her. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can call the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800-77 8888, access text service and webchat options at or visit Rape Crisis Help.
Geeky Gadgets
16-07-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
The Shocking Truth Behind Tor's OS Spoofing Removal
What happens when the very tools we trust to safeguard our privacy begin to erode that trust? The Tor Project, long heralded as a champion of online anonymity, has sparked outrage among its users after quietly removing a critical feature: operating system (OS) spoofing. This feature once masked users' operating systems, creating a unified 'anonymity set' that made it harder for adversaries to track individuals. But in a move that many see as a betrayal of its core mission, the organization not only eliminated this feature but also denied its removal in an official newsletter—despite evidence to the contrary. For a project built on transparency and user empowerment, this contradiction has left its community reeling, questioning whether the Tor Project is still the privacy advocate it claims to be. Sam Bent provide more insights into the growing rift between the Tor Project and its user base, unpacking the implications of removing OS spoofing and the broader concerns about transparency and accountability. Readers will gain insight into how this change impacts their anonymity, why critics are accusing the organization of gaslighting, and what this controversy reveals about the shifting priorities of privacy-focused tools. At its heart, this is a story about trust—and what happens when it's fractured by the very entities tasked with protecting it. As the dust settles, one question looms large: can the Tor Project regain the confidence of its users, or has it crossed a line it cannot come back from? Tor Browser Privacy Controversy What Is OS Spoofing, and Why Does It Matter? OS spoofing was a feature in the Tor Browser that masked users' operating systems, making it appear as though all users were running Windows. By creating this uniformity, the feature established a consistent 'anonymity set', which reduced the likelihood of users being identified based on their operating systems. This was particularly important in combating tracking and fingerprinting techniques that rely on unique system attributes to identify individuals. In 2025, the Tor Project removed this feature, exposing users' actual operating systems—whether Linux, macOS, Windows, or others—in HTTP headers. The implications for privacy are far-reaching: Users are now categorized by their real operating systems, fragmenting the anonymity set and reducing collective protection. Adversaries can more easily identify users through passive fingerprinting , which analyzes system-specific attributes such as OS type. , which analyzes system-specific attributes such as OS type. Those using less common operating systems face heightened risks, as their systems stand out in server logs and tracking data. For a tool designed to safeguard anonymity, this change represents a significant concern, particularly for users who rely on Tor to protect their privacy in high-risk environments. Confusion and Contradictions: The Tor Project's Response The controversy intensified when the Tor Project addressed the issue in a newsletter, claiming that OS spoofing had not been removed and was 'here to stay.' This statement directly contradicted developer documentation and discussions on GitLab, where the removal of OS spoofing was explicitly outlined. Critics argue that the organization misrepresented the change, framing it as a 'harmonization' rather than acknowledging the elimination of a critical privacy feature. Adding to the confusion, the removal was not widely communicated to users. Instead, it was buried in technical release notes and developer discussions, leaving many unaware of the change. This lack of transparency has led to accusations that the Tor Project deliberately avoided open dialogue, undermining user trust and informed consent. For an organization that champions privacy and user empowerment, this approach has been widely criticized as inconsistent with its stated values. Tor Project Just Gaslit Their Entire User Base Watch this video on YouTube. Advance your skills in privacy by reading more of our detailed content. Privacy Risks and Erosion of Trust The removal of OS spoofing has broader implications for both user privacy and trust in the Tor Project. By exposing users' operating systems, the change undermines a core principle of anonymity: uniformity. Without this feature, users are more vulnerable to tracking and identification, particularly those using less common systems that stand out in data logs. The incident has also drawn attention to the role of Privacy Guides, a nonprofit organization that advises on privacy tools. Privacy Guides defended the Tor Project's decision, claiming the change had minimal impact on user privacy. However, critics argue that this stance downplays the significance of the issue and contributes to misinformation. The situation highlights the need for independent scrutiny and accountability for organizations that position themselves as privacy advocates. Concerns About Organizational Priorities The OS spoofing controversy is part of a broader pattern of behavior that raises questions about the Tor Project's organizational priorities. Critics have accused the organization of focusing more on fundraising efforts than addressing user concerns transparently. Additionally, the Tor Project has expressed a desire to discourage users from modifying browser settings, further limiting user choice and control. These actions suggest a shift away from empowering users to make informed decisions about their privacy. Instead, the organization appears to be centralizing control, a move that some argue contradicts the open source and privacy-first ethos upon which the Tor Project was founded. This perceived shift in priorities has led to growing skepticism among users and privacy advocates alike. What This Means for Users For those who rely on the Tor Browser to protect their anonymity, the removal of OS spoofing and the subsequent miscommunication represent a significant breach of trust. This incident underscores the importance of critically evaluating the tools and organizations that claim to prioritize privacy. Users concerned about their anonymity should consider the following steps: Stay informed about updates to privacy tools and assess how changes may impact your security and anonymity. Explore alternative tools and projects that emphasize transparency and user choice. Advocate for greater accountability and open communication from privacy-focused organizations. By taking these steps, users can better protect their privacy and hold organizations accountable for their actions. The Path Forward The Tor Project faces a critical juncture in its relationship with its user base. To rebuild trust, the organization must prioritize transparency, clear communication, and a renewed focus on empowering users. Acknowledging past missteps and committing to open dialogue will be essential in restoring confidence among its community. As the debate over OS spoofing and organizational priorities continues, users are encouraged to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their privacy. The incident serves as a reminder that even trusted tools and organizations must be held to high standards of accountability. Media Credit: Sam Bent 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.
CTV News
02-07-2025
- General
- CTV News
U.S. contractors say their colleagues are firing live ammo as Palestinians seek food in Gaza
This photo, provided by an American contractor on condition of anonymity, shows Palestinians behind gates before entering a food distribution site operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation in May 2025, shortly after the start of the organization's distribution sites. (AP Photo)
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Yahoo
ICEBlock, an app for anonymously reporting ICE sightings, goes viral overnight after Bondi criticism
ICEBlock, an iPhone app that allows users to anonymously report sightings of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, has rocketed to one of the coveted top spots in Apple's U.S. app store rankings. The upshot: criticism from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi helped get it there. ICEBlock had about 20,000 users, mostly in Los Angeles, where ICE raids have become commonplace over recent weeks, according to CNN. Following Bondi's remarks late Monday, the app went viral overnight. As of Tuesday afternoon, the app is now one of the most downloaded free iPhone apps in the United States. ICEBlock allows users to lawfully share information about where they have seen ICE within a five-mile radius of their location. The app also sends notifications when ICE agents are sighted nearby to the user's location. The app does not collect or store any user data, which TechCrunch confirmed by analyzing the app's network traffic as part of a test.
