Internet trends, social media, and platform news, covering X (Twitter), Bluesky, Reddit, online culture, platform policy changes, and digital safety.
Canada’s surveillance bill, C-22 (Lawful Access Bill), is advancing toward passage with little debate. Major tech companies like Signal, Apple, and Google oppose it due to concerns over encryption backdoors, metadata storage mandates, and expanded information sharing with foreign governments.
A key member of the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) steps down after 26 years, reflecting on accomplishments like encryption freedom and warning of new AI threats.
Comcast Xfinity has introduced same-day router delivery for new subscribers. Available in 20 markets, with in-store pickup at 700 locations.
The 2026 US-Canada-Mexico World Cup is projected to exceed $150 billion in total revenue, driven by AI referees and TikTok broadcasting rights. Sponsorship structures are also undergoing dramatic shifts, with traditional giants giving way to emerging players like NVIDIA, OpenAI, and Middle Eastern oil capital.
Google Earth’s flight simulator is now accessible via web browsers. No installation needed, but it’s not meant for actual flight training.
EFF hosts 'EFFecting Change' on June 17 to combat rising surveillance and censorship of LGBTQ+ community, discussing safe digital spaces and platform accountability.
Google Chrome removes final workaround for Manifest V2 extensions. Traditional ad blockers like uBlock Origin become unusable. Chrome 150 removes related flags, and v151 fully deletes remaining features.
A VA study of over 1 million patients found the 2024–2025 COVID vaccine lowered cardiovascular events by 38%, especially in those 75+. Amid anti-vaccine rhetoric driving low uptake, we examine public health implications.
CVE-2026-20262 vulnerability in Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager's Web UI allows root privilege escalation via insufficient file upload validation. Limited attacks have been confirmed, and CISA has ordered federal agencies to patch within two weeks.
Ant Group is rumored to be secretly testing an AI-native version of Alipay. The company refuses to comment. Amid intensifying AI payment competition, the focus is on adapting to the agent economy and risk management.
In Q1 2026, over 75 data center construction plans were blocked in the U.S., totaling $130 billion. Bipartisan opposition spreads as residents fear rising power and water costs.
A warning that AI technology erodes liberal democracy and accelerates capital concentration. An in-depth analysis criticizing the myth of technological 'neutrality'.
Health Minister confirms individual NHS patients cannot opt out of Palantir's FDP data processing, but NHS trusts can refuse. Contract renewal due in February 2027.
Senators Ted Cruz and Ron Wyden introduce bipartisan JAWBONE Act. Prohibits federal employees from coercing platforms to censor speech, grants victims a private right of action.
California's bill S.B. 2564 aims to ban "surveillance pricing," which sells the same product at different prices based on personal data. The EFF supports the bill, highlighting its significance for privacy and fairness.
Waze is rolling out traffic light icons on its navigation map, a long-requested feature. Already standard on competing services, this visual upgrade is gaining attention.
EFF kicks off Season 2 of its digital rights Q&A for the LGBTQ+ community for Pride Month, offering practical advice on online privacy—from choosing photos on dating apps to staying safe during protests.
In Taylor, Texas, 87 acres donated by a farmer as a park in 1999 were resold to a data center developer for $10 million in 2025. Residents are pushing back against the city's disregard of the deed’s conditions, taking the case to an appeals court.
With the reauthorization deadline for FISA Section 702 looming, EFF demands a warrant for FBI's warrantless searches of Americans' communications. A no-compromise stance.
Prediction market Kalshi mandates disclosure of workplace information for certain bets as an insider trading countermeasure. Past incidents involving MrBeast employees and political candidates have occurred, and its effectiveness is being watched.