Prime Minister Keir Starmer is calling on Apple and Google to automatically turn on safety features that prevent children from seeing sexual images on their phones. This matters because most parents want extra protection for their kids, and these companies already have the technology ready—they just need to switch it on by default rather than leaving it to parents to find and enable. Worth knowing: if you have grandchildren using iPhones or Android phones, you can check your device settings now to see what parental controls are available, or ask a family member to help you understand what's currently switched on.
Passkeys use your phone's built-in security (like your fingerprint or face) instead of passwords, and they're safer because they can't be stolen or tricked by fake websites the way passwords can. If someone steals your phone, they'd still need to unlock it with your biometric data, making it much harder for them to access your accounts—whereas hackers can often guess or crack passwords even when they're complicated. Worth knowing: before switching to passkeys completely, make sure your bank or email provider offers them, and always set up a backup way to access your accounts in case you lose your phone.
# Beyond Instagram: Introducing the next generation of social apps
Newer social apps are popping up that work differently from Facebook and Instagram — instead of endless feeds designed to keep you scrolling, they're built around your actual interests and hobbies, helping you connect with real communities of people who share what you care about. For those of us who've felt overwhelmed by algorithm-driven feeds or worried about privacy, these alternatives offer a refreshing way to stay connected without the constant bombardment of ads and strangers' content. Worth knowing: if you're curious about trying one, ask a younger family member which newer apps they use, or look for ones focused on your hobby — whether that's gardening, photography, or local news.
Last year, an organization focused on digital rights answered important questions from LGBTQ+ people about staying safe online—covering topics like dating apps, social media, and what personal information is risky to share publicly. For people in the LGBTQ+ community, especially younger adults and those in countries with fewer protections, knowing how to control what information about you appears online can genuinely affect your safety and peace of mind. Worth knowing: if you're concerned about your address or personal details being searchable online, you can request removal from people-search websites, and you should always check your social media privacy settings to control who sees your location and photos.
A criminal gang is now sending fake IT workers to break into office buildings in person, stealing company information using USB drives or taking control of computers remotely. This matters because criminals are getting bolder and mixing old-fashioned burglary tactics with modern hacking—your workplace might be vulnerable even if you're careful online. Worth knowing: if an IT support person arrives unexpectedly at your office, ask your regular IT department to verify their identity before letting them near computers or giving them passwords.
# What to Expect from WWDC 2026
Apple is planning a major overhaul of Siri, its voice assistant, to make it smarter and more helpful at understanding what you actually want—similar to how newer AI systems can have real conversations instead of just following simple commands. For people who've used Siri for years and sometimes found it frustrating, this upgrade could finally make the assistant genuinely useful for everyday tasks like managing your calendar, finding information, or controlling your smart home devices. You can start paying attention to Apple's announcements in early June, when they typically reveal these updates, and maybe hold off on complaining about Siri's current limits until you've seen what's coming.
A thief recently used a Waymo self-driving taxi to help steal yoga clothes from a San Francisco shop, highlighting a gap in how the company handles security footage from its vehicles. For anyone who rides in these taxis or lives in areas where they operate, it's worth understanding that the footage collected isn't necessarily being used to prevent crime or catch criminals the way a traditional taxi driver might. Worth knowing: if you use a Waymo or similar service, assume the camera footage is primarily for the company's own purposes rather than your protection, and report any suspicious activity to local police directly rather than relying on the vehicle's recording system.
Chinese intelligence operatives are posing as legitimate recruiters on LinkedIn, sending convincing job offers to people who work in sensitive fields like defense and technology to trick them into sharing confidential information. If you have access to company secrets or work in industries like aerospace, engineering, or government, you're exactly the kind of person these fake recruiters are targeting. Worth knowing: be cautious about unsolicited job offers on LinkedIn, especially ones that seem too good to be true or come from recruiters you can't verify through your company's official channels.
Phone companies have deliberately designed their apps to keep you scrolling longer than you intend, which is why so many of us find it hard to look away. Spending less time on screens can improve your sleep, reduce eye strain, and give you more time for hobbies and real-world connections—all things that tend to matter more as we get older. You can try simple fixes like turning off notifications, keeping your phone out of the bedroom, or replacing one scrolling session a day with a book, walk, or hobby you actually enjoy.
# TV USB Ports: What You Should Know
Your TV's USB port can charge small devices like tablets and phones, though it charges slowly and isn't designed for heavy-duty power needs. This matters because it's tempting to use it as a convenient charging station in your living room, but overloading it might damage your TV or the device you're charging. Worth knowing: stick to lightweight items like wireless headphones or smartwatch chargers, and avoid plugging in power-hungry devices like laptops or gaming systems.
Apple is now requiring people in Texas to prove their age before downloading apps, following a new state law designed to protect children online. This matters because it's one of the first real tests of how tech companies will handle stricter rules around protecting young users—and it may signal what other states will do next. Worth knowing: if you live in Texas and use the App Store, you may be asked to verify your identity, so have a photo ID or payment method handy when you download apps.
Ultrahuman, a company that makes smart rings to track your health, discovered that hackers got into customer wellness information through an employee's compromised computer. If you wear one of their rings or have shared health data with them, this means personal details like your sleep patterns, heart rate, or activity levels could have been seen by unauthorized people. Worth knowing: check if you have an Ultrahuman account and change your password immediately, then monitor your health data for any suspicious activity or use of your personal information elsewhere.
