TikTok is testing a new tool that helps creators spot fake videos of themselves made with AI, and report them to the platform for removal. For anyone who posts videos or shares their image online, this matters because deepfakes and AI impersonations are becoming more common, and having a way to fight back protects your reputation and identity. Worth knowing: if you use TikTok and get invited to test this tool, you'll need to verify who you are through a video selfie and ID check, though TikTok says it won't keep copies of your documents.
Zoox, a company building self-driving taxis, discovered that thick smoke can confuse its vehicles' computer vision system, making them unable to "see" the road properly. For older adults who may rely on or share roads with these autonomous vehicles, knowing their limits in real-world emergencies matters—especially since smoke from fires or accidents could be common in certain situations. Worth knowing: if you see a self-driving taxi acting strangely near smoke or fog, it's safe to assume the vehicle may be struggling to navigate, so keep your distance.
Apple has raised the price of its TV box significantly, making it one of the pricier options on the market compared to similar devices from Amazon and Roku. If you're mainly interested in streaming movies and shows without breaking the bank, the cheaper alternatives often do the same job just as well. Worth knowing: before upgrading or buying a new streaming device, compare what services you actually use most—Apple TV makes most sense if you're already deep in Apple's ecosystem with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
Amazon Web Services has a software glitch that's showing some customers wildly inflated bills—sometimes jumping from pocket change to billions of dollars—though the actual charges don't match these scary numbers. If you or a family member uses AWS for a small business or hobby project, seeing such a huge figure could cause unnecessary panic, even though you won't actually be charged that amount. Worth knowing: if you use AWS and spot an unusually high bill estimate, check Amazon's status page or contact their support team rather than assuming you've been overcharged.
A surveillance company called Flock Safety has stopped testing microphones designed to listen for sounds of human distress (like screaming) in public spaces after privacy concerns were raised. This matters because such systems could send armed police to investigate loud arguments or celebrations on the street, and many states consider this type of listening in on private moments to be illegal eavesdropping. Worth knowing: these listening devices are still being used to detect gunshots in some cities, but they're often unreliable—police have even responded to fireworks, showing how easy it is to make dangerous mistakes.
Fubo, a streaming service that brings traditional TV channels to your home, is raising prices by $15 a month because it's getting back some channels from NBC that it lost in a dispute last fall. When those channels disappeared in November, Fubo actually lowered its prices to be fair to customers—but now that some channels are returning, the company is raising them back up. Worth knowing: if you subscribe to Fubo, check your bill soon to see which NBC channels have returned and whether the price increase makes sense for what you actually watch.
A young man has been arrested for hiding malicious software inside fake games on Steam (a popular gaming platform) that secretly stole cryptocurrency from people who downloaded them. Older adults who use cryptocurrency or have family members who do should know that scammers increasingly hide theft schemes inside seemingly innocent downloaded software. Worth knowing: before downloading any game or software, check the publisher's name carefully, read recent user reviews for complaints about suspicious activity, and never store large amounts of cryptocurrency on devices connected to the internet.
Several companies are now making phones specifically designed for children that limit what kids can do—offering features like calling and texting without access to social media, games, or endless web browsing. Parents in this age group often worry about their grandchildren's screen time and online safety, so these simpler phones could be a practical middle ground between a basic device and a full smartphone. Worth knowing: if you're helping a young person in your life choose their first phone, asking about parental control options and looking at brands that focus on restricted features rather than unrestricted access might align better with your own values around technology use.
# Apple and Google Told to Remove "Nudify" Apps
San Francisco's attorney has ordered Apple and Google to remove apps that use artificial intelligence to create fake nude images of people without their permission. These apps are being used to harass and exploit people, particularly women, and both companies have been given orders to take them down from their stores. You can protect yourself by being cautious about what photos you share online, and it's worth reporting any suspicious app activity to your device's support team if you notice something concerning.
San Francisco's attorney general has ordered Apple and Google to remove apps that use artificial intelligence to create fake nude images of real people from ordinary photos. These "nudification" apps can be misused to harass, blackmail, or humiliate someone by making it look like they're in explicit situations they never were. Worth knowing: if you hear about someone's intimate images being shared online without consent, report it to the platform immediately and contact local law enforcement, as this is increasingly treated as a serious crime.
Amazon discovered a billing error that showed some cloud customers they owed billions of dollars when they actually owed nothing—the company has now fixed the glitch. If you use Amazon's cloud services for your business or rely on a company that does, incorrect billing can cause real panic and financial confusion, even if it's eventually corrected. Worth knowing: if you receive an unexpectedly large bill from any online service, contact their support team immediately rather than paying it, as errors do happen and companies can usually sort them out quickly.
reMarkable has released a new tablet called the Paper Pure that's designed to feel like writing on actual paper, with a cleaner screen and better performance than its older model. For anyone who loves reading, note-taking, or sketching without the distractions of email and notifications, this device offers a peaceful alternative to regular tablets and computers. Worth knowing: if you've been curious about e-ink tablets but worried they might be too complicated, trying one out at a store or asking a younger family member for a hands-on demo could help you decide if it's right for you.
