Tech

X panic as viral hoax claims Gmail is shutting down

Published

2 years ago

February 24, 2024

A hoax statement purportedly issued by Google claimed that the search giant was shutting down its ubiquitous Gmail service — sending the internet into a panic.

The fake news release, which appeared to be addressed to the 1.8 billion users of the service worldwide and was posted on X, stated: “Google is sunsetting Gmail. After years of connecting millions worldwide, enabling seamless communication, and fostering countless connections, the journey of Gmail is coming to a close.”

The notice, featuring the company’s logo, emerged shortly after Google announced it was pausing the release of its text-to-image AI tool Gemini following outcry over the software rendering factually and historically inaccurate images.

The statement even provided a specific date — Aug. 1, 2024 — as the deadline until which Gmail users would “be able to access and download all your emails.”

It ominously added, “After this date, Gmail accounts will become inaccessible.”

Spread quickly

The hoax swiftly spread across social media platforms, although many users were quick to identify it as false.

However, speculation arose that the hoax may have originated from Chris Bakke, a self-described tech entrepreneur known for internet pranks.

Bakke has a history of internet pranks, including using a photoshopped news article about McDonald’s Hamburglar to mock a New York Times profile of convicted Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes, as reported by Business Insider.

Gmail is here to stay.

— Gmail (@gmail) February 22, 2024

Email platform

Gmail, with a user base of 1.8 billion people representing one-fifth of the world’s population, remains the most popular email platform globally.

Despite criticisms of Google’s privacy policies, including accusations of scanning user messages for targeted advertising, the company has affirmed its commitment to Gmail.

Tech

Apple set to unveil budget iPhone 17e, new iPads and low-cost MacBook

Apple’s Tim Cook announces major product reveals this week, highlighting budget iPhone 17e, new iPads, and low-cost MacBook.

Published

4 days ago

February 27, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Apple’s Tim Cook announces major product reveals this week, highlighting budget iPhone 17e, new iPads, and low-cost MacBook.

Apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook has confirmed a major week of product announcements kicking off Monday morning, building momentum toward a global “Apple Experience” event across New York, London and Shanghai. The tech giant is expected to spread its reveals across three days, fuelling speculation about its biggest refresh cycle yet.

Leading the buzz is the rumoured budget-friendly iPhone 17e, signalling Apple’s push to capture more price-conscious consumers without sacrificing performance. Two new iPads powered by advanced chips are also tipped to headline the lineup, pointing to stronger AI capabilities and faster processing speeds.

Rounding out the expected reveals is a low-cost 12.9-inch MacBook that’s already generating serious interest, alongside updated MacBook Pro models and a refreshed Mac Studio. It’s shaping up to be one of Apple’s most significant multi-product launches in recent years.

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#Apple #TimCook #iPhone17e #AppleEvent #TechNews #iPad #MacBook #Innovation

Tech

Nvidia posts record revenue as AI fears shake investors

Nvidia’s £68.1 billion revenue, up 73%, raises investor concerns about AI’s impact and tech customers’ financial health.

Published

4 days ago

February 27, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Nvidia’s £68.1 billion revenue, up 73%, raises investor concerns about AI’s impact and tech customers’ financial health.

Nvidia posted strong quarterly earnings, but Wall Street remained unimpressed, causing shares to fall 5%. Analysts point to investor concerns over AI dominance and a stalled $100 billion deal with OpenAI.

Experts discuss what factors in the earnings report failed to meet market expectations, including revenue projections and details around the Vera Rubin chip architecture. Competition from alternative chipmakers and scrutiny of hyperscaler cash flows are also shaping investor sentiment.

Despite recent setbacks, analysts remain cautiously bullish on Nvidia, highlighting long-term AI potential and the company’s dominant position in the chip market.

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Tech

Meta launches lawsuits over alleged scam advertising operations

Meta targets scam advertising networks in Brazil, China, and Vietnam, intensifying its crackdown on scams across its platforms.

Published

4 days ago

February 27, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Meta targets scam advertising networks in Brazil, China, and Vietnam, intensifying its crackdown on scams across its platforms.

Social media giant Meta has launched aggressive legal action targeting alleged scam operations using its platforms. The company has filed lawsuits against four advertising networks based in Brazil, China and Vietnam.

Meta has also issued cease and desist letters to eight marketing consultants accused of helping clients bypass the platform’s enforcement systems. The move signals a tougher stance on organised scam activity operating at scale.

While no criminal charges have been laid, Meta says it is doubling down on efforts to protect users and restore trust across its platforms as scam activity continues to rise globally.

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