Apple, Google, and Microsoft will soon implement passwordless sign-in

  • Apple, Google and Microsoft have announced their plans to build passwordless sign-in across all mobile, desktop and browser platforms that they control.
  • This means passwordless authentication will come to all major device platforms in the near future.
  • A passwordless login process is expected to increase simplicity and security for users, making it more difficult for hackers to compromise login details.
  • You can read the full story on the Verge’s website.

UK watchdog will have power to impose fines on big tech firms

  • The new Digital Markets Unit (DMU) will be given the power to impose multi-billion-pound fines on major tech firms such as Google and Facebook.
  • Fines will be given to companies who breach rules designed to protect consumers and businesses.
  • The DMU will protect small businesses from predatory practices and give consumers greater control over how their data Is used.
  • This coincides with the introduction of the Online Safety Bill which will require tech firms to protect users from harmful content such as child sexual abuse.
  • You can read the full story on the Guardian’s website.

Roblox warning from Cheltenham school as child is groomed online

  • A warning has been sent to parents in Gloucestershire after a parent informed the school that her child was groomed online via the Roblox chat function.
  • The warning reminded parents of the risks associated with computer games and the importance of using parental controls and utilising reporting and block functions on Roblox.
  • For more information on staying safe on Roblox, check out our Safety Card.
  • You can read the full story on the Gloucestershire Live’s website.

TikTok expands test of new ‘friends’ tab

  • TikTok has confirmed a test of changing the ‘discover’ tab to a new ‘friends’ tab instead, available to selected users.
  • This will showcase videos posted by your connections.
  • The tab will highlight posts from followers that you follow back, accounts you follow and other suggestions.
  • The tab will also prompt users to connect with more people to expand in-app interactions.
  • You can read the full story on the Social Media Today’s website.

Inappropriate names in Nintendo Switch Sports prompt report function requests

  • People have reported seeing inappropriate usernames in the new Nintendo Switch Sports.
  • Nintendo Switch Sports have a name filtering system to catch inappropriate language, but some users seem to have circumnavigated this.
  • Users have called for effective means of reporting people which it currently does not.
  • Currently the only option players have is to block the player.
  • You can read the full story on the Nintendo Life website.

Sussex launches safety reporting app to reduce violence against women and girls

  • Sussex police force has launched a crime reporting app to improve safety of women and girls.
  • Safe Space Sussex has been created in partnership with over 250 businesses to provide a network of places people can go if they feel at risk of a potential offence.
  • The app works by using the mobile phone number with a named contact and directs users to the nearest safe space which is open based on location data.
  • They can then identify themselves to trained staff who can contact authorities.
  • You can read the full story on the Police Oracle’s website.