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UK set to fine TikTok for breaching children safety

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The UK says it may fine the company $29 million for violating kids’ privacy

Ask anyone under the age of 18 to name their favourite app, and there’s a good chance they’ll say “TikTok.”

The short-form video platform has taken the world by storm in recent years, thanks to its addictive mix of user-generated content and algorithm-driven recommendations.

However, it turns out that TikTok may have crossed a line when it comes to its youngest users.

The UK’s data privacy regulator is investigating whether TikTok violated children’s privacy law by processing data of kids under 13 without parental consent.

If found guilty, the company could be fined up to £27 million (about $29 million).

In a legal document notifying TikTok of the possible fine, the UK Information Commissioner’s Office says TikTok may have processed sensitive categories of data “without legal grounds,” and may have failed to provide information to its users transparently enough.

So what does this mean for TikTok’s future in the UK?

According to the UK Information Commissioner’s Office, TikTok may have violated children’s privacy law by processing data of kids under 13 without parental consent.

The ICO is also investigating whether TikTok collected sensitive categories of data without legal grounds and failed to provide information to its users transparently enough.

If found guilty, TikTok could be fined up to $29 million. That would be a drop in the bucket for a company like ByteDance, which is valued at over $75 billion.

However, it would be a big deal for TikTok in the UK, where the app has been downloaded over 32 million times.

How Did This Happen?

It’s important to note that there is no evidence that any user data was actually mishandled or misused by TikTok.

Rather, the ICO is concerned that TikTok may have collect children’s data without their parents’ knowledge or consent.

TikTok has always maintained that it has a separate app called “Tik Tok Kids” for users under the age of 13.

However, according to the ICO, some children were able to bypass these age restrictions and create accounts on the main TikTok app. As a result, their data may have been collected without their parents’ knowledge or consent.


What Happens Next?

It’s still unclear what will happen next in this case. The ICO is currently in talks with ByteDance about possible resolutions, but no decisions have been made yet.

In the meantime, TikTok will continue to operate as normal in the UK.

But if found guilty, this would be a big deal for TikTok in the UK, where the app has been downloaded over 32 million times.

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Apple’s upcoming product rumours and expectations

Apple to unveil new iPhone SE 4, possibly named iPhone 16E, along with other products this Wednesday.

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Apple to unveil new iPhone SE 4, possibly named iPhone 16E, along with other products this week.

In Short

Apple will launch its first major product of 2025 this Wednesday, likely the iPhone SE 4. Other products such as a refreshed MacBook Air and an iPad with upgraded chips may also be announced, while some anticipated releases are delayed.

CEO Tim Cook announced the event via Twitter last week. Industry speculation suggests that the new product could be the iPhone SE 4, possibly rebranded as the iPhone 16E.

Apple

Expectations include a 6.1-inch OLED display, USB-C charging, a 48MP rear camera, and Face ID. This model will reportedly feature Apple’s first in-house 5G modem.

Cook referred to the new release as “the newest member of the family,” fuelling speculation about its naming. Other products may be announced, including a refreshed MacBook Air with an M4 chip, and an iPad 11th generation featuring the A17 Pro chip.

An iPad Air with the M3 chip and a new Magic Keyboard is also possible, although these may launch later in the spring.

However, some anticipated products will not debut this week. AirTag 2 is expected in mid-2025 with enhanced features, and a new smart home hub, known as ‘HomePad’, may release later than initially planned.

Additionally, the M4 Ultra Mac Studio and Mac Pro are not expected until the WWDC this summer. For updated information and products, readers can explore items such as MagSafe wallets and wireless charging stands available on Amazon.

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Meta initiates layoffs, prioritizing AI focus, efficiency

Meta begins layoffs targeting low performers, aiming to trim 5% of workforce for AI investment amidst industry-wide efficiency drive.

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Meta begins layoffs targeting low performers, aiming to trim 5% of workforce for AI investment amidst industry-wide efficiency drive.

In Short

Meta is laying off about 4,000 employees, or 5% of its workforce, as part of a shift towards AI and greater efficiency. This move, part of a broader trend in Big Tech, has raised employee fears about job security and a culture of fear under CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

Meta has initiated significant layoffs, impacting thousands as the company pivots towards AI investment and efficiency.

CEO Mark Zuckerberg aims to eliminate around 5% of the workforce, equating to nearly 4,000 employees. This decision aligns with a broader trend among Big Tech firms to streamline operations after extensive hiring during the pandemic.

Reports indicate employee anxiety regarding these changes, with some claiming a culture of fear under Zuckerberg’s leadership. Concerns include the potential reputational damage for employees laid off under performance-based criteria.

Affected workers in the US will receive severance packages, including 16 weeks of pay plus additional compensation based on service length. Nonetheless, some employees fear that innocent parties could face cuts to meet corporate quotas, hindering workplace morale.

The layoff strategy will target employees receiving low performance ratings, with management instructed to identify up to 15% eligible for cuts. Notifications will occur across different time zones to affected employees via email, with access to company systems revoked shortly thereafter.

European employees in specific countries will follow local regulations, which may alter the process.

As part of restructuring, Meta is consolidating teams, particularly merging Facebook and Messenger groups. The Reality Labs division is being realigned with the main business to reverse previous organizational changes.

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Breakthrough app detects sleep issues in the blink of an eye

OptAlert launches free iPhone test for detecting sleep issues, utilising AI to screen for obstructive sleep apnea with high accuracy.

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Optalert launches free iPhone test for detecting sleep issues, utilising AI to screen for obstructive sleep apnea with high accuracy.

In Short

Australian company Optalert has launched a free iPhone app, Owl Eye, that detects sleep issues by analysing users’ blink patterns and screening for obstructive sleep apnea with 96.6% accuracy. The app is currently available in Australia and New Zealand, with plans for wider release.

Australian company Optalert has introduced a free iPhone test for detecting sleep issues.

The app differs from traditional sleep trackers by assessing users while awake, requiring only ten minutes to complete.

It focuses primarily on screening for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and is backed by data from leading Australian sleep laboratories.

An AI-based algorithm, developed from this data, classifies individuals with a remarkable 96.6% accuracy regarding OSA.

Optalert is currently pursuing regulatory certification to operate as a medical device across various regions, including the US, Europe, and China.

The app functions by analysing users’ blink patterns during a concentration task facilitated by the iPhone’s camera, disregarding video content to ensure privacy.

This technology helps identify impairment due to insufficient oxygen during sleep.

Those receiving a positive result can seek further diagnosis and treatment for their sleep issues.

The app, named Owl Eye, is currently available on the Apple App Store in Australia and New Zealand, with plans to expand its reach shortly.

Paul Zubrinich, Chief Marketing Officer of Optalert provides his involvement with the app and shares insights on the technology behind Owl Eye.

In the broader context of sleep technology, the trend indicates increasing accessibility to personal health data previously confined to clinical settings, promising advancements in sleep health.

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