Latest news with #onlineSafety
Irish Times
21 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Eamon Ryan backed higher CEO pay at some State firms
Former Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan urged that Government departments and agencies should have greater freedom to offer more competitive packages including performance bonuses and increments when seeking CEOs for commercial State bodies. Martin Wall reports. Martin also reports that a legal challenge brought by Elon Musk's social network platform against the online safety code introduced by the country's media regulator is scheduled to commence on Tuesday. Twitter International Unlimited Company, which operates X, alleges in High Court proceedings that Coimisiún na Meán engaged in 'regulatory overreach' in its approach to restrictions on certain video content. Cork-based packaging group Zeus has completed bolt-on acquisitions in England and Spain that will add €20 million to its annual revenues, which will be in excess of €500 million this year. Ciaran Hancock has the details. Pizza maker Crust & Crumb is spending €12.5 million on boosting production as it extends a deal with supermarket chain Tesco. As Barry O'Halloran writes, the Ballyconnell, Co Cavan-based company will hire 120 more workers and double the size of its production facility to 7,430sq m after agreeing to supply Tesco with new premium pizza varieties. READ MORE Job numbers in occupations exposed to artificial intelligence (AI) in Ireland have grown 94 per cent since 2019, and the technology is making workers better able to command higher wage premiums, according to a new report from PwC. Colin Gleeson has read the report. Ireland's largest business lobby group, Ibec has called on the Government to increase the amount of public investment into research and development as Ireland drops below the European average for public spend per capita. Hugh Dooley reports. London-based pan-Asian restaurant chain, Tootoomoo is planning an expansion into the Irish retail lunch market following success with J Sainsbury in the UK. Hugh reports. While we may not be too focused on what's happening in Hungary, Hugh Linehan outlines why we should worry about the government there and its plans to control media in the country. In Your Money, there will be plenty of people taking their first job this summer, but what should you expect ?How much should you be paid? Will you be taxed? Fiona Reddan answers these and other questions. Dominic Coyle meanwhile answers a reader question on whether one needs to go to probate to deal with a dead relative's small holding of shares. If you'd like to read more about the issues that affect your finances try signing up to On the Money , the weekly newsletter from our personal finance team, which will be issued every Friday to Irish Times subscribers.
Irish Times
a day ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Challenge by X to Irish media regulator's online safety rules set to begin this week
A legal challenge brought by Elon Musk's social network platform against the online safety code introduced by the country's media regulator is scheduled to commence on Tuesday. Twitter International Unlimited Company, which operates X , alleges in High Court proceedings that Coimisiún na Meán engaged in 'regulatory overreach' in its approach to restrictions on certain video content. Coimisiún na Meán is contesting the case. The company contends that the new online safety code contradicts Irish law requirements for protecting and balancing fundamental rights, particularly freedom of expression. READ MORE The company wants the court to quash the commission's decision last October to adopt certain sections of the code, which applies binding rules to video-sharing platforms headquartered in Ireland. It obliges the platforms to protect people, especially children, from harmful video and associated content. It is also seeking the court to overturn the commission's decision to apply the code to X. Coimisiún na Meán, in a statement late last year, in advance of the court action, said that as Ireland's regulator for online safety it had developed rules and regulations rooted in Irish and EU legislation following extensive consultation. [ Media regulator made 'big mistake' in not tackling algorithms in online safety code, Dáil hears Opens in new window ] 'We will engage in this litigation process and will defend the online safety code and its objective of keeping people, especially children, safe online,' it said at the time. At the launch of the code last October the then Minister for Media Catherine Martin said it represented 'a big step forward in online safety' that would 'make all of us, but particularly our children, safer online'. She said the rules would introduce 'real accountability' for online video-sharing platforms and require them 'to take action to protect those that use their platforms, including by having robust complaints-handling procedures and introducing effective age-verification'. The legal case brought by Twitter International takes particular issue with a section of the code that requires video-sharing platforms to preclude users from uploading or sharing video the code defines as 'restricted'. Falling under the code's 'restricted' heading is video content that bullies or humiliates a person or that promotes eating disorder behaviour, suicide, self-harm or behaviour prejudicial to the safety of children, including dangerous challenges. Twitter International claims the definition is 'broadly framed' and capable of encompassing a 'wide spectrum of content, including legal content'. The company notes that the EU's audiovisual media services directive draws a clear distinction between illegal content, which includes incitement to hatred, and 'legal but harmful' content. [ How can we keep our kids safe online? Here are some tips for parents Opens in new window ] Twitter was renamed as X in July 2023 following its acquisition by Mr Musk, one of the richest men in the world and a close ally and supporter of US president Donald Trump. Over recent months the Trump administration has strongly hit out at what it sees as attempts to censor free speech on US-owned social media platforms. Last week, US secretary of state Marco Rubio said his country would impose visa bans on foreign nationals it deemed to be censoring Americans. He suggested the new policy could target officials regulating US tech companies. Mr Rubio said in a statement that a new visa restriction policy would apply to foreign nationals responsible for censorship of protected expression in the US. He said it was unacceptable for foreign officials to issue or threaten arrest warrants for social media posts made on US soil. 'It is similarly unacceptable for foreign officials to demand that American tech platforms adopt global content moderation policies or engage in censorship activity that reaches beyond their authority and into the United States,' he said.
The Sun
2 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Chilling tactics sick sextortion scammers use to lure kids into sending naked pics & why YOU could be their next target
BRITS have been warned about what sextortion scammers look out for in victims - and how to avoid falling into their trap. Teenage boys are at particular risk of being targeted by Nigerian sextortion gangs posing as young women, according to the National Crime Agency. 3 3 3 But a charity has warned that the problem can strike at any age or gender. Sextortion is a cybercrime in which criminals use fake identities to befriend victims online before persuading them to perform sexual acts on camera. These images or videos are then recorded, and the criminals threaten to share them online unless victims pay up - though demands for money don't usually stop there. In a number of tragic cases it has driven kids to suicide. Scottish teen Murray Dowey, 16, took his own life in 2023 after he was tricked into sending an intimate image before it was used to blackmail him. And in 2022, Jordan DeMay, 17, died by suicide after he too was targeted online by a criminal gang posing as a teenage girl. Along with Nigeria, fraudsters often come from the Ivory Coast and the Philippines. "They often target those with the ability to pay and who would have a lot to lose if the video is shared," a spokesperson for The Cyber Helpline told The Sun. "The most important thing for victims to remember is that if this is happening to them, they are likely the victim of organised and highly-experienced criminals - they are not alone and confidential support is available." The NCA's Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command Safety Centre received 380 reports of sextortion in 2024. Between January 2024 and January 2025, 19 per cent of victims using The Cyber Helpline's services for support from sextortion crimes were male. But the charity believes the number is not indicative of the actual gender balance among sextortion crimes, knowing men are less likely than women to report or seek support for these kinds of issues because of feelings of embarrassment and shame amongst men associated with crimes of a sexual nature. Men most likely to fall victim to revenge porn were between the ages of 18 and 24 (37.5%), closely followed by 25 to 39 year-olds (31.3%). But The Cyber Helpline says it has worked with victims across all ages, including 21.9% of victims sitting within the ages of 40 to 66 years old, and 9.3% being between the ages of 13 to 17. Who do sextortion scammers target? The Cyber Helpline says there is no single 'type' of person who falls victim to sextortion, warning that anyone can be targeted. However, some patterns do emerge. For example, young men seeking online relationships or casual encounters, especially those flattered by attention, are often disproportionately targeted. But ultimately, the success of these scams depends far more on timing and emotional vulnerability than on personality traits. "Many victims are simply caught off-guard during periods of loneliness, stress, or curiosity - moments when judgement may be impaired," a spokesperson for The Cyber Helpline said. "The impact can be profound, often leading to anxiety, shame, and even suicidal thoughts. The emotional toll is often what traps victims in silence. "That's why it's essential to remove the stigma, reinforce the message that victims are not to blame, and encourage reporting and seeking help. "Scams rely on secrecy. Breaking that silence is the first step to recovery and justice." So what should everyone do to avoid falling victim to a sextortion scam? 1. Trust your gut If it feels too good to be true, then it probably is, the Cyber Helpline says. If you feel something is wrong and you are being asked to do things you are uncomfortable with, then put an end to the conversation immediately and seek advice. 2. Be careful of requests for sexual acts Avoid situations where you remove clothes or perform sexual acts online. This can include in front of a webcam, digital camera or smartphone. The minute that information goes online or comes into someone else's possession, you immediately lose control of it. 3. Be careful who you connect to on social media or dating sites Do not accept friend requests from complete strangers and be incredibly wary of direct messages from strangers. Use a different email address on dating sites and make sure the email address doesn't give away any personal details such as your full name. And don't assume that it's a safe contact just because you have mutual friends. "A scammer may connect with your friends first to appear genuine before targeting your account," warned Jake Moore, Global Cybersecurity Advisor, at web security firm ESET. "It's important to do your due diligence and verify any authentic connections on anyone you meet online too, before engaging in anything that may lead to sensitive communications." 4. Think about your online privacy and security Avoid sharing sensitive information about yourself online, such as address and contact details. Review your social media profiles and remove anything that can be used against you. Ensure you have strong security in place on your online accounts. What to do if you fall victim to a sextortion Report it Contact your local police station. The police will take your case seriously, will deal with it in confidence and will not judge you for being in this situation. You should also report this to your internet service provider who will be able to preserve any evidence they have relating to the communications from the criminals and to the provider the recorded call was made on. Victim under 18 years of age should, in coordination with a trusted adult if possible, report the crime to the CEOP, a government team dedicated to helping victims of child exploitation and furthering online protection for minors, in addition to your local police station. Cut communications Don't communicate further with the criminals. Don't pay Many victims who have paid in the belief that the perpetrators will fulfil their promise of deleting the recordings, instead continue to receive more demands for higher amounts of money from the perpetrators. In some cases, even when the demands have been met the offenders will still go on to post the explicit videos. If you have already paid, check to see if the money has been collected. If it has, and if you are able, then make a note of where it was collected from. If it hasn't, then you can cancel the payment - and the sooner you do that the better. Preserve evidence Take screenshots of all your communication. Make a note of all details provided by the offenders, for example; the Zoom/Google Teams name (particularly the ID if possible), the Facebook URL; the Western Union or MoneyGram Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN); the virtual currency payment details; any photos/videos that were sent, etc. Importantly, do not delete any correspondence. Block sharing If you have a copy of the content -then you may be able to block it being shared on some platforms. For example, may be able to help prevent images being shared on their partner platforms which include Facebook, TikTok and OnlyFans. Deepfake danger There's also concern about AI and deepfake technology that mean fraudsters don't even need explicit content from you to carry out blackmail. Instead, they can create realistic fake videos using a single image to place your face onto explicit content to threaten you with instead. "Crucially, scammers often pretend to be someone you'd find sexually attractive," The Cyber Helpline says. "For many male victims, this means offenders impersonate young women to initiate flirtatious or sexual conversations. "But the tactic is adaptable — the scammer tailors their persona to the perceived orientation and desires of the target. "This is why awareness and caution are essential, regardless of your sexual orientation. "Offenders typically follow a highly standardised script, and while the platforms they use — from mainstream apps to niche sites — may change, the underlying methods remain consistent." If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Make your internet a safer place with AdGuard, now $16 for life
The following content is brought to you by Mashable partners. If you buy a product featured here, we may earn an affiliate commission or other compensation. TL;DR: Online safety for the whole family is easy with this lifetime AdGuard Family Plan, now just $15.97 (reg. $169) with code FAMPLAN. Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription $15.97 $169.99 Save $154.02 with code FAMPLAN Get Deal The internet isn't just cluttered with ads; there are also trackers and other hidden threats. AdGuard keeps you safe online by blocking intrusive ads, stopping trackers, and safeguarding your privacy across all your devices. Right now, you can grab lifetime protection for the whole crew with the AdGuard Family Plan. Cover up to nine devices for only $15.97 (reg. $169.99) with code FAMPLAN. The internet should be fun, not frustrating. AdGuard tackles the most annoying parts of online life, like pop-ups, autoplay videos, and banner ads, so that you can enjoy your time browsing, streaming, and scrolling again. Aside from blocking ads, AdGuard also protects your privacy. Your information will stay safe from trackers and activity analyzers, and you'll be shielded from malware and phishing websites that you or your family members could fall victim to. Moms and dads will love AdGuard's parental control feature, which keeps your kids safe from inappropriate content online. This Family Plan lets you protect up to nine devices with AdGuard, so you can make sure everyone's devices stay safe. And it works with Android and iOS operating systems alike, so it can be used on tablets, smartphones, and laptops. Secure your own AdGuard Family Plan for life for just $15.97 with code FAMPLAN. StackSocial prices subject to change.
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
UK officials could be banned from the US as Team Trump says online safety laws are blocking Americans' 'free speech'
British officials involved in policing the UK's online safety laws could be banned from the United States after the Trump administration vowed to keep out foreign nationals it deems to be censoring Americans. Secretary of State Marco Rubio lashed out at 'unacceptable' behaviour as he launched a new policy could target officials regulating US tech companies. And Ofcom officials could be in the firing line, with the organisation responsible for moderating content consumed in the UK. The Trump administration has already made clear its unhappiness at the UK's tech laws and the upcoming Online Safety Bill, which would tighten controls on who can access content online, as it seeks to help out billionaire-owned tech firms based in the US. Mr Rubio did not name any specific instances of censorship. But US tech companies and the administration have challenged US allies in Europe, alleging censorship of social media platforms. He said it was unacceptable for foreign officials to issue or threaten arrest warrants for social media posts made on US soil. 'It is similarly unacceptable for foreign officials to demand that American tech platforms adopt global content moderation policies or engage in censorship activity that reaches beyond their authority and into the United States,' Rubio said. Some foreign officials have taken 'flagrant censorship actions against US tech companies and US citizens and residents when they have no authority to do so,' Rubio said. It comes as the Trump administration faces accusations it is clamping down on freedom of speech inside America itself. Earlier this week Mr Rubio directed officials to stop scheduling appointments with student visa applicants as they prepare to implement a social media vetting process on foreign students wanting to attend US colleges. Trump officials have repeatedly weighed in on European politics to denounce what they see as suppression of right-wing politicians, including in Romania, Germany and France, accusing European authorities of censoring views like criticism of immigration in the name of countering disinformation. In April, Rubio shut down a State Department office that had sought to counter foreign disinformation, accusing it of censorship and wasting U.S. taxpayer money. In a social media post on Wednesday, Rubio added, 'Whether in Latin America, Europe, or elsewhere, the days of passive treatment for those who work to undermine the rights of Americans are over.' Rubio did not name specific countries or individuals that would be targeted. US social media companies like Facebook and Instagram parent Meta have said an EU content moderation law, the Digital Services Act, amounts to censorship of their platforms. Vice President JD Vance denounced content moderation while in Paris in February, calling it 'authoritarian censorship.' Earlier this week the White House said it was 'monitoring' the case of Lucy Connolly after her bid to be freed from prison over a Tweet which 'stirred up racial hatred' was refused. Connolly was jailed for 31 months after she posted an online rant about migrants hours after killer Axel Rudakubana murdered three young girls in Southport on July 29 last year. The former childminder, who is the wife of Conservative councillor Ray Connolly, deleted the post after four hours but was arrested last August and admitted a charge of inciting racial hatred in October. Last week her appeal against her sentence was refused by three Court of Appeal judges meaning she faces serving another eight months behind bars.
