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Free Static Code Analysis with Sonarqube

TweakWin7 - Mon, 04/01/2024 - 01:00
Whether you write code professionally or just as a hobby, static code analysis is an important tool for any developer to find bugs, security vulnerabilities, and opportunities to improve the quality of your code. The most popular tool is called Sonarqube which offers a free open-source community edition that can be installed locally and supports most of the popular languages. While it does not have...

Elon Musk confirms X accounts with certain subscriber levels will get Premium bonuses

Mashable - 6 hours 38 min ago

Elon Musk already announced that AI chatbot Grok would be available for Premium as well as Premium+ members later this week, and now he's making more tweaks to X's paid tiers.

Or, more specifically, he's allowing some X users the same benefits as those that are paying.

"Going forward, all X accounts with over 2500 verified subscriber followers will get Premium features for free and accounts with over 5000 will get Premium+ for free," posted Musk on Wednesday.

Tweet may have been deleted

Musk appears to be talking about accounts who have a certain number of paid subscribers, which is a feature that enables users to access "bonus content" from creators they follow on X. Subscriptions cost a set amount each month (subscribing to Musk's account will set you back $3.96 per month, for instance), with the creators picking the price point. It's basically X's attempt to compete with Patreon.

The problem? Even X's biggest accounts don't really have that many subscriptions. Musk himself, who has almost 179 million followers, only has a measly 149 subscribers at the time of writing.

SEE ALSO: X / Twitter use is down by nearly a quarter since the Musk Era started, report says

It's possible, of course, that Musk isn't actually referring to subscriptions, and simply means verified followers. Mashable reached out to X but received the usual "busy now, please check back later" automated response.

Categories: IT General, Technology

LinkedIn is testing a TikTok-like video feed

Mashable - 7 hours 14 min ago

LinkedIn is testing a short-form video feed, following in the footsteps of so many other apps that are trying to be like TikTok.

TikTok, home to over a billion users, has sent social media apps scrambling for years. Instagram, YouTube, and even Netflix have tried to mimic TikTok's winning formula: the app's vertical video feed and the way it happens to spark trends and conversations on the daily.

LinkedIn confirmed to TechCrunch that it is playing around with a video feed, which was first spotted by strategy director Austin Null. In a post on LinkedIn itself, Null showed a short demo of the feed, which looks a lot like that of TikTok or Instagram Reels. The vertical feed, currently in beta, appears in the app under a new "Video" tab. The videos are like other LinkedIn posts, which users can like, comment under, or repost.

SEE ALSO: Instagram is copying TikTok, and the strategy is working

It is unclear when the feature is rolling out to the wider LinkedIn community. Karina Hsu, a founder and startup builder, also shared the demo on X, writing, "[it] feels like TikTok for work - currently a mix of inspirational podcast clips + current events."

LinkedIn has grown its own influencer community in recent years, with podcasters, career coaches, and business-owners regularly posting a variety of content on the app and building massive followings. The company told TechCrunch that users are primarily seeking more videos for learning and development purposes. TikTok, a place where more and more young people go to learn, is also home to plenty of career-related content. Now, LinkedIn is hoping to step in by going down the vertical-video path.

On the other hand, the platform has unsuccessfully tried to imitate popular features in the past, like LinkedIn stories — a Snapchat/Instagram facet which didn't much make sense for a professional network.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The White House knows the risks of AI being used by federal agencies. Here's how they're handling it.

Mashable - 7 hours 32 min ago

New requirements from the White House will address the risks of AI used by federal agencies that impact Americans everyday. That includes government bodies like the Transportation Security Administration and federal healthcare.

On Thursday, Vice President Kamala Harris announced a sweeping policy from the Office of Management of Budget that requires all federal agencies to safeguard against AI harms, provide transparency of AI use, and hire AI experts. The policy builds on President Joe Biden's executive order at the Global Summit on AI Safety in the UK last October, along with initiatives outlined by Harris.

"I believe that all leaders from government, civil society and the private sector have a moral, ethical and societal duty to make sure that artificial intelligence is adopted and advanced in a way that protects the public from potential harm, while ensuring everyone is able to enjoy its full benefit," said Harris in a briefing. The statement underscored the White House's vision that AI should be used to advance the public interest.

That means laying out strict ground rules for how federal agencies use AI and how they disclose it to the public.

Safeguards for AI discrimination

The requirement that will directly impact Americans the most is implementing safeguards that protect against "algorithmic discrimination." The OMB will require agencies to "assess, test, and monitor" any harms caused by AI. Specifically, travelers can opt out of the TSA's use of facial recognition technology, which has been proven to be less accurate for people with darker skin.

SEE ALSO: AI shows clear racial bias when used for job recruiting, new tests reveal

For federal healthcare systems like Medicaid and Medicare, a human is required to oversee applications of AI such as diagnostics, data analysis, and medical device software.

The OMB policy also highlights AI used to detect fraud, which has helped the U.S. Department of the Treasury recover $325 million from check fraud, and requires human oversight when such technology is used. The policy goes on to say if the agency can't adequately provide safeguards, they have to stop using the AI immediately.

Transparency reports to hold agencies accountable

Less impactful for Americans' on a day-to-day basis, but equally important, the OMB also requires federal agencies to publicly provide inventories of AI they use and how they are "addressing relevant risks." In order to standardize inventories and ensure the reports are accountable, the OMB has detailed instructions for what to provide.

The White House is hiring

Working with AI and providing its due diligence is going to be a lot of work for the government, which is why they're scaling up employment. The OMB policy will require every federal agency to designate a "Chief AI Officer." A senior administration official said it's up to the individual agencies to determine whether the Chief AI Officer is a political appointee or not.

The White House wants to grow the AI workforce even further by committing to hiring 100 "AI professionals" through a national talent search. So if you know a lot about AI and have a passion for working in government, you can check out a career fair on April 18 or check out the Administration's AI.gov website for employment info.

Trying not to stifle innovation

Lest the e/accs get too riled up, the policy also makes an effort to foster innovation and development by (responsibly) encouraging the use of AI. For instance, under the new policy, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is meant to use AI to improve forecasting of environmental disasters, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will use machine learning to better predict the spread of disease.

Overall, the OMB policy covers a lot of ground that aims to create more accountability, transparency, and protections for the public.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT's The Mini crossword answers for March 28

Mashable - 7 hours 52 min ago

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for March 28 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for March 28

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, March 27, 2024:

AcrossMicrosoft search engine
  • The answer is Bing.

Intentional mislead
  • The answer is Decoy.

Feature on an iPhone's Clock app
  • The answer is Alarm.

Altoids, e.g.
  • The answer is Mints.

Comic actor Rogen
  • The answer is Seth.

DownNot fully represent

The answer is Belie.

"Sorry, that's out of the question"
  • The answer is I can't (one word, no punctuation or spaces).

N, as in navigation
  • The answer is North.

Businesses that employ personal trainers
  • The answer is Gym.

Hydroelectric projects
  • The answer is Dams.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Polestar's Tesla Model Y rival gets price and launch date for North America

Mashable - 8 hours 22 min ago

Polestar 4 is finally arriving in the U.S.

The "performance SUV coupé," as Polestar calls it, first launched in China last year, followed by a launch in Europe and Australia in February 2024.

The model with all the bells and whistles costs $72,900. Credit: Polestar

In the U.S., the long range, single motor version will start at $54,900, while the long range, dual motor variant will cost $62,900 (that's before the $1,400 destination fee). There are a couple more variants in between, depending on which upgrade packs you choose; the priciest version is the long range, dual motor Polestar 4 with Plus and Performance packs, which will cost $72,900.

While the optional upgrades bring additional goodies such as a heads up display, larger wheels, and better brakes, all the key figures are essentially the same across the board, depending only on whether you choose the single motor, or the dual motor version.

Yes, you can also get it in gold. Credit: Polestar

All models have the same, 102kWh battery, with a maximum DC charging speed of 200 kW. For the single motor version, you get 300 miles of estimated EPA range, 272 horsepower, and a 0-60mph time of 6.9 seconds. The dual motor version loses some of that range, which drops to 270 miles, but has exactly double the horsepower at 544hp, and a 0-60mph time of 3.7 seconds.

None of these figures beat the Polestar 4's main rival, the Tesla Model Y, which starts at $43,990. Even its top variant, Tesla Model Y Performance, is cheaper at $52,490, faster with a 3.5 second 0-60mph time, with an estimated range of 279 miles.

A 10.2-inch driver display comes as standard in all variants. Credit: Polestar

Besides a very distinctive design and that Swedish charm (Polestar started out as a Volvo spinoff, though the Swedish company has recently been handing over the reins to parent company Geely), Polestar 4 does have a few more things going for it. It's slightly longer and wider, its infotainment is powered by Android Automotive OS which Android users will probably love, and its interior is less sparse, with a 10.2-inch driver display coming as standard (that's besides the main, 15.4-inch center display), while a 14.7-inch HUD is optional.

Those dual blade front lights are something else. Credit: Polestar

Safety should also be top-notch, with a driver assist system powered by twelve cameras, twelve ultrasonic sensors, and a radar (some safety features are optional, though, and must be purchased separately).

SEE ALSO: Polestar 4 is an electric car that combines everything into one

Polestar 4 will become available for pre-order in the U.S. in "late April," with customer deliveries starting in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Categories: IT General, Technology

A one-month subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is only $8

Mashable - 8 hours 32 min ago

TL;DR: Through April 2, get a one-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription for just $7.97 (reg. $15).

A subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate could enhance the experience for Xbox players who are looking to elevate their gaming experience. And if you've been hesitant to try the Game Pass, this might be an excellent opportunity to give it a whirl because a one-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is on sale — marked down to just $7.97 (reg. $15) through April 2. 

This pass gives you access to over 100 games to play with friends, and new games are added frequently. You'll also get all the benefits of Xbox Live Gold, which allows you to connect online with a like-minded community of gamers. There's even cloud gaming available across your devices.

This subscription gets you an EA Play membership at no extra cost. This gives you access to exclusive content, in-game challenges, and select game trials to check out for up to ten hours.

This offer is only available to new users and those with existing but expired Game Pass accounts. And it should be noted that this offer is not stackable.

If you've always wanted to know what Game Pass Ultimate is all about, here's a chance to explore it at a fraction of the usual cost.

Get a one-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription for just $7.97 (reg. $15) until April 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: NERDUSED Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: 1-Month Subscription $7.97 at the Mashable Shop
$15.00 Save $7.03 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

Learn to code with this course bundle on sale for $40

Mashable - 8 hours 32 min ago

TL;DR: Through April 2, you could take the first steps toward a coding career with this 15-course Learn to Code bundle while it's on sale for just $39.97.

If you want to learn to code, there are easier and more affordable ways to begin than going back to a classroom. Online learning is an unexpected perk of living in a digital world. Learning from home is easier to manage around your busy schedule and can save you money. Case in point, the 2024 Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle is on sale for $39.97 through April 2.

As AI continues to revolutionize industries and ChatGPT tech becomes more widely used, the demand for skilled developers in these areas is soaring. According to Coursera, the field of AI engineering is projected to see a 23 percent growth through 2032. If that stat excites you, you could get in on the fun and start learning to code immediately with this comprehensive bundle.

Featuring fifteen courses and 213 hours of instructional content, it's a low-cost, low-commitment way to determine whether this industry is right for you.  

It covers nearly all the most in-demand coding languages, including the versatile Python, C++, JavaScript, and Vuex. You'll also dive deep into the world of artificial intelligence with specialized courses that cover fundamental concepts, advanced techniques, and real-world applications. There's even a course called Game Development and Coding for Kids.

Don't miss the opportunity to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the world of coding, AI, and ChatGPT development at a limited-time price drop.

Save hundreds on this Learn to Code bundle while it's on sale for just $39.97 until April 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shutterstock The 2024 Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle $39.97 at the Mashable Shop
$1,500.00 Save $1,460.03 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

Get lifetime access to skill development for just $35

Mashable - 8 hours 32 min ago

TL;DR: Through April 2, this limited-time sale gives you lifetime access to StackSkills Unlimited for only $34.97.

We live in a world where things evolve and change pretty quickly. If you want to stay on top of your game professionally, staying current with in-demand skills is a must. Fortunately for all of us, online learning allows us to do that more easily than before. For example, StackSkills Unlimited offers tons of courses to support your efforts, and lifetime access is on sale for just $34.97 through April 2.

StackSkills Unlimited gives you access to over 1,000 online learning courses. The variety is vast and includes topics like IT, graphic design, coding, business, marketing, learning a new language, playing an instrument, and more. The teachers include hundreds of what's said to be the top instructors online. 

One benefit of having lifetime access to the courses is that you get to benefit from the new courses added every month. This means you should have new subjects to explore on a consistent basis

You will also be able to track your progress and participate in quarterly question-and-answer webinars with instructors. This subscription also includes high-quality customer service if you ever need it.

It's compatible with both mobile and desktop, and you have access to unlimited devices. This lifetime access also includes StackSkills Unlimited updates.

This offer is a super easy way to continue educating yourself on the things that matter to your professional and personal world.

Don't miss out on the hundreds of dollars in savings on lifetime access to StackSkills Unlimited for just $34.97 until April 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: StackSkills StackSkills Unlimited: Lifetime Access $34.97 at the Mashable Shop
$600.00 Save $565.03 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

Learn ChatGPT for just $16.97

Mashable - 8 hours 32 min ago

TL;DR: Through April 2, you can score this Introduction to ChatGPT course for 79% off — just $16.97.

Are you ready to improve the way you work and engage with AI? You can with this Introduction to ChatGPT course! This course, led by International Open Academy, delves into the world of cutting-edge artificial intelligence in order to teach you the ins and outs of using ChatGPT.

ChatGPT isn’t just another AI tool — it's a game-changer. Through this certified course, you'll learn the secrets behind ChatGPT's capabilities and uncover how to harness its power for both personal and professional purposes. Originally, this course cost $80, but it’s on sale for $16.97 through April 2.

With ChatGPT, you can write captivating content, deliver exceptional client services, and generate valuable leads — all with the help of AI. With nine educational lectures and 25 hours of content, you'll dig deep into the fundamentals of ChatGPT, from understanding its inner workings to exploring its economic potential. Plus, you'll gain practical skills that you can use in your professional life.

Completing this course and using ChatGPT can help you create engaging content, perform quality market research, use data to make informed decisions, improve your sales and marketing techniques, and more.

By completing each lesson and passing the module exams, you'll earn an official certificate of completion. This recognition not only validates your newfound skills but also shows that you're ready to thrive. With ChatGPT as your sidekick, you'll not only improve your productivity but also learn how to navigate the advanced world of artificial intelligence.

Until April 2, you can get the Introduction to ChatGPT course at the best price online while it’s on sale for $16.97.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: International Open Academy Introduction to ChatGPT $16.97 at the Mashable Shop
$80.00 Save $63.03 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch 'Lisa Frankenstein' at home: When is it streaming?

Mashable - 8 hours 32 min ago
The best deals to watch 'Lisa Frankenstein' at a glance: BEST FOR MOST PEOPLE Peacock Premium annual subscription $59.99/year (save 17%) Watch Now BEST FOR XFINITY CUSTOMERS Peacock Premium Free with eligible Xfinity accounts (save $59.99/year) Get Deal BEST FOR STUDENTS Peacock Premium for Students $1.99/month for one year (save $4/month) Get Deal BEST FOR FIRST RESPONDERS Peacock Premium $1.99/month for one year (save $4/month) Get Deal BEST FOR INSTACART USERS Peacock Premium Free with Instacart+ subscription (save $59.99/year) Get Deal BEST FOR JETBLUE MEMBERS Peacock Premium Free for one year for Mosaic status members (save $59.99) Get Deal BEST NON-STREAMING OPTION Rent or buy on digital $19.99 or $29.99 at Prime Video Get Deal

Mix equal parts '80s nostalgia, teen rom-com, and oddball horror and you'll get Lisa Frankenstein — soon to be the latest addition to the Peacock movie catalog. The film landed in theaters in February and is already headed to streaming, where it'll likely fare better.

Here's everything you need to know about how to watch Lisa Frankenstein, the fresh spin on an old corpse tale. Plus, the best Peacock streaming deals.

What is Lisa Frankenstein about?

Written by Diablo Cody (Jennifer’s Body) and directed by first-timer Zelda Williams, Lisa Frankenstein follows Lisa (Kathryn Newton), a high school outcast in the '80s. She longs to be with her dream guy, who happens to be a 19th century dead guy buried in the graveyard she frequents. A Mary Shelley-esque miracle brings her dream guy (Cole Sprouse) to life, which spawns a newfound confidence in Lisa and leads to a journey of love and murder. It's a "delightfully deranged" rom-com, as Mashable's Film Editor Kristy Puchko wrote in her review.

Here's a look at the horror-comedy in the official trailer:

Is Lisa Frankenstein worth watching?

It may not have dominated the box office or scored perfect ratings across the board of critics, but this teen tale is anything but dull. And if Rotten Tomatoes is any indication, it's a hit amongst audiences.

Puchko notes that this "gleefully fucked-up comedy" may have a few wonky bits, but that's what helps it "hit the sweet spot of those '80s comedies that have come before."

"Here is a movie that isn't afraid to wear its oddball heart on its sleeve, combining the horny and horrific, the goofy and the gross, to dynamic effect," she adds.

Read our full review of Lisa Frankenstein.

Is Lisa Frankenstein streaming?

Lisa Frankenstein will officially make its streaming debut on Peacock on March 29, less than two months after its theatrical debut. If you already have a Peacock subscription, you're good to go. If not, you'll need to sign up to watch — and unfortunately, there's no free trial.

Peacock is still one of the most affordable streaming services on the market, despite its price hike last summer. If you don't mind a few ads interrupting your streaming experience, it'll cost you just $5.99 per month. For the ad-free Premium Plus plan, it'll run you $11.99 per month instead.

Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium or Premium Plus $5.99 per month or $11.99 per month Watch Now How to watch Lisa Frankenstein at home: Best Peacock streaming deals

Before you sign up for Peacock to watch Lisa Frankenstein, do yourself a favor and check out the deals below. You can score a Peacock subscription at a discount or you may even qualify for a free account if you're eligible.

Best long-term Peacock deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium annual subscription $59.99 per year (save $11.89) or $119.99 per year (save $23.89) Get Deal

If you're not interested in long-term streaming on Peacock, you can sign up for as low as $5.99 for the month, then cancel. However, you can get a whole lot more bang for your buck if you subscribe to an annual plan instead of a monthly plan. It'll cost you either $59.99 per year with ads or $119.99 per year without — that's 12 months of streaming for the price of 10, or about 17% in savings.

Best Peacock deal for Xfinity customers Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock / Xfinity Peacock Premium Free for select Xfinity customers Learn More

Select Xfinity customers can still secure Peacock Premium for free. Be sure to check your own eligibility through your account.

  • Xfinity Internet users on the Gigabit or Gigabit+ plans can score free Peacock Premium for two years (offer ends June 25, 2025).

  • Xfinity Internet customers that are Diamond or Platinum Xfinity Rewards members can also score Peacock Premium for free by redeeming a reward for it. Sign in at xfinity.com/rewards and choose Peacock as a reward. Then wait for your email (it may take a couple hours) with instructions on activating the offer.

  • NOW TV customers can also receive Peacock Premium as part of their service.

  • New customers with Xfinity Internet and an X1 TV Box, Flex streaming TV Box, or a Xumo Stream Box from Xfinity can get Peacock Premium for free for six months.

Best Peacock Deal for students Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for Students $1.99 per month for one year Watch Now

Students who want to watch Lisa Frankenstein can score Peacock Premium for just $1.99 per month for an entire year. That's less than your daily coffee purchase. You'll have to prove you're actually a student through SheerID, but once you do, you'll get a unique promo code to secure the discount. Just remember the code can only be used once.

Best Peacock deal for first responders Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for First Responders $1.99 per month for one year Watch Now

If you're a first responder, you can take advantage of this special offer and score Peacock Premium for only $1.99 per month instead of $5.99 per month. You'll have to verify your first responder status via SheerID and sign up using the unique promo code sent to you. You can renew the deal annually if you continue to meet verification qualifications, but you'll have to go through the process and receive a new promo code each year. Learn more about eligibility terms and requirements.

Best for Instacart users Opens in a new window Credit: Instacart / Peacock Peacock Premium annual subscription Free for Instacart+ subscribers (save $59.99/year) Watch Now

At the end of 2023, Instacart announced a new partnership with Peacock — new and existing Instacart+ members ($99.99/year) now get Peacock Premium included for free with their subscription. That's a $59.99 per year value. Make sure to take advantage of this freebie if you haven't yet. Instacart+ members also enjoy free grocery delivery on orders over $35, lower fees, credit back on eligible pickup orders, and more perks for $99.99 per year. Plus, your first two weeks are free, which means you can enjoy Lisa Frankenstein and other Peacock shows and movies for free during that trial period.

Best for JetBlue members Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock / JetBlue Peacock Premium Free for one year for Mosaic status members Watch Now

Through July 2025, JetBlue TrueBlue members can earn 1,000 free TrueBlue points when they sign up for Peacock. Meanwhile, TrueBlue members with Mosaic status can get an entire year of Peacock Premium for free (a $59.99 value). Unfortunately, the offer is only valid for new Peacock subscribers. Learn more about eligibility and terms over on Peacock's special offer page.

Other ways to watch Lisa Frankenstein at home

Don't want to sign up for another streaming service just to watch a single film? You can also opt for renting or purchasing Lisa Frankenstein on digital video-on-demand services like Prime Video and Apple TV for $19.99 or $29.99, respectively. With rentals, you'll get 30 days to start watching and only 48 hours to finish once you begin. If you struggle to watch things in a specific time frame, you'll likely be better off purchasing a digital copy of the film instead.

Here are all the links to rent or purchase the film on digital:

Categories: IT General, Technology

'3 Body Problem's £20 million star is the worst part of the entire show

Mashable - 9 hours 2 min ago

Netflix's sci-fi series 3 Body Problem features a myriad of fantastical elements, from proton supercomputers, to razor-sharp nanofibres, to ridiculously high-tech virtual reality headsets which let you eat dirt. Yet the most unbelievable, unforgivable, infuriating part of the entire show had nothing to do with any of this amazing technology.

Instead, it was when lovelorn cancer patient Will Downing (Alex Sharp) shelled out £19.5 million to buy his crush a star.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Netflix's '3 Body Problem'

In 3 Body Problem's sixth episode "The Stars Our Destination," Will visits the titular organisation in order to purchase a star. Having recently been bequeathed a fortune of £20 million, the sad dying physics teacher decides to spend £19.5 million of it to buy star DX3906 as an anonymous gift to Jin (Jess Hong), the unwitting object of his affections. 

For those of you playing from the U.S., that’s a price tag of over $24.5 million at the current conversion rate. It's also one of the biggest, most brazen scams I have ever heard of.

How to buy a star (Spoiler: You can't) Credit: Courtesy of Netflix.

The first and most obvious issue is that The Stars Our Destination's entire business model is illegitimate, because it's impossible to buy or sell a star.

One of the first rules of commerce is that you can't sell anything you don't own. In order to sell a star, you must first own the star. However, Article II of the United Nations' 1967 Outer Space Treaty states that no nation can claim sovereignty or ownership over any celestial body. Article VI further dictates that nations are held responsible for the outer space activities of their non-government entities, and must ensure they act in accordance with the treaty. The UK, China, and the U.S. are all signatories.

In short, nobody can own a star, whether they're a government, organisation, or private individual. Yet despite this, unsung villain The Stars Our Destination seems to have unilaterally and unlawfully claimed ownership of the entire universe in order to sell off chunks of it for cash. 

The whole endeavour reeks of an imperialist power dividing up land in anticipation of conquering it. Though to be fair, it is pretty on brand for humans to make contact with aliens then immediately resort to space colonialism.

Credit: Courtesy of Netflix.

One could argue that The Stars Our Destination's ownership paperwork is merely a symbolic gesture of appreciation for generous donations, rather than a legal certificate of title. After all, the organisation's purported purpose is to raise funds for a global defence rather than operate as a profitable commercial entity. 

However, Will makes it explicitly clear that he feels no loyalty to the human race, only to Jin. Considering this, it makes no sense that he would decide to make a £19.5 million donation toward humanity's survival, the benefits of which won't be seen until long after both he and Jin have passed. He wouldn't even sign a document pledging allegiance to humans on his deathbed.

The only way Will would shell out that much cash is if he thought he was actually buying Jin legal ownership rights to a star lightyears away. The Stars Our Destination essentially scammed a dying man out of millions.

I have renamed the North Star. It's Bartholomew now. Credit: Courtesy of Netflix.

Setting aside the issue of ownership, The Stars Our Destination can't even sell legitimate celestial naming rights.

Like gift cards and charitable donations, naming a star has long been a stalwart among presents for people you don't really know or like. There are numerous organisations that claim to sell the stars' naming rights, such as Star Register, Name a Star, Star Registration, and International Star Registry. Absolutely none of them are official. 

Each such commercial star registry keeps and maintains its own record of stars, which carries about as much weight as the registration certificates they email out to you. When you purchase star naming rights from such businesses, all you're paying for is a piece of paper and a line in the company's internal documents.

I could sell star naming rights of equal legitimacy by simply knocking together a few certificates in Canva, flogging them for 50 bucks a pop, then jotting down customers' chosen names in my Notes app. On an unrelated note, if anyone would like to name a star, hit me up — I have a few billion you can pick from.

Credit: Amanda Yeo / Mashable

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) is the only earthly organisation with the authority to name celestial bodies, and it doesn't offer that privilege for sale.

"As an international scientific organisation, the IAU dissociates itself entirely from the commercial practice of 'selling' fictitious star names, surface feature names, or real estate on other planets or moons in the Solar System," reads the IAU's website. "Some commercial enterprises purport to offer such services for a fee. However, such 'names' have no formal or official validity whatsoever."

Importantly, the IAU doesn't claim to actually own any of the celestial bodies it names. It just labels them so that scientists are all on the same page. It's a bit like how you might call a squirrel at the park "Peter," prompting all your friends to do so as well. None of you own Peter, but everyone knows which furry rodent you're referring to.  

Men will literally buy a celestial body instead of going to therapy Credit: Courtesy of Netflix.

Okay, so star naming and ownership are scams. But what about looking at Will's present from a more romantic point of view? Some may see blowing millions of dollars on a shiny, useless gift for a loved one as a grand gesture of love. To quote the poets, a star is like a diamond in the sky, and diamonds are a girl's best friend.

You know what would be even more romantic? Literally setting someone up for life.

Twenty million entire British pounds is an exorbitant amount of money, more than the vast majority of humans could ever dream of seeing in one lifetime. This life-changing pile of cash could easily fund more than one person living out the rest of their days in comfort, free of the stress and uncertainty that plagues all us wretched souls condemned to capitalism’s rat race.

However, Will is apparently beyond such concerns. Will's under-2kg brain determined that the best possible use of £20 million wasn't to buy his unspoken love a house, or a car, or a real physical diamond she can hold in her hand. Rather than materially improving Jin's life, Will decided to spend the cash on a dubious certificate of ownership for something she doesn't want, from an organisation she's shown no interest in.

For comparison, here is an incomplete list of things one could purchase for £20 million in the year of our Lord 2024:

If I found out someone dropped £20 million to buy me a star I would immediately lose all interest in them. In a time when the mere cost of living is a pressing concern, spending millions on questionable rights to a celestial body is thoughtless at best and willfully spiteful at worst. I cannot fall in love with someone who could have easily ensured I never had to work again, but chose to give me a glorified NFT instead. 

Credit: Chris Baker / Netflix

3 Body Problem only adapts the first instalment of Liu Cixin's Remembrance of Earth's Past trilogy, so there's a chance we could see the consequences of Will's terrible shopping decisions in a second season

But based on all the information the Netflix series has provided thus far, and what the characters actually know, spending £19.5 million to buy a star is one of the worst decisions anyone in the series has made. Considering someone knowingly invited invading aliens to Earth, that's saying a lot.

How to watch: 3 Body Problem is now streaming on Netflix.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Arsenal Women vs. Chelsea Women online for free

Mashable - 12 hours 32 min ago

TL;DR: Stream Arsenal Women vs. Chelsea Women in the FA WSL Cup final for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

If you were picking your favourite matchup for the FA WSL Cup final, Arsenal Women vs. Chelsea Women would probably be pretty high up on the list. Two of the most successful teams in women's football, littered with star players, in a winner-takes-all final? Yes please.

If you want to watch Arsenal Women vs. Chelsea Women for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Arsenal Women vs. Chelsea Women?

Arsenal Women vs. Chelsea Women kicks off at 3 p.m. BST on March 31. This fixture takes place at the Molineux Stadium.

How to watch Arsenal Women vs. Chelsea Women for free

Arsenal Women vs. Chelsea Women in the FA WSL Cup final will be broadcast live on BBC One, with coverage starting from 2:30 p.m. BST on March 31. You can also live stream this fixture for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK. This process makes it look like you're connecting from the UK, so you can access BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Unblock BBC iPlayer by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

  4. Visit BBC iPlayer

  5. Stream Arsenal Women vs. Chelsea Women in the FA WSL Cup final for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) £82.82 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This is not a long-term solution, but it gives you plenty of time to stream Arsenal Women vs. Chelsea Women before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to the best free streaming sites from around the world, you should consider a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best service for unblocking BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Arsenal Women vs. Chelsea Women in the FA WSL Cup final for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

A lifetime subscription to the AdGuard Family Plan is on sale for under £20

Mashable - 12 hours 32 min ago

TL;DR: A lifetime subscription to the AdGuard Family Plan is on sale for £18.22, saving you 71% on list price.

The internet is such a great tool. Instant connection to so much information and people worldwide has changed our world irrevocably. However, it's not all roses and rainbows. There are annoying things like ads that pop up virtually everywhere, messing with our flow. And, of course, the concern of cybersecurity.

That's why the fine minds at AdGuard created a way to help remove some of the downsides that our online activity can bring. A lifetime subscription is currently on sale for as low as £18.22 for a Family Plan.

AdGuard will block those ever-present ads, including the barber type, pop-up ads, and video ads. A subscription to AdGuard also includes privacy protection to help keep your information safe from trackers and analysts. You can also rest assured that the service's data privacy tools will block fake websites, malware attacks, and phishing. It also features a no-logging policy, which means your information is never saved anywhere.

If you have a family with children and decide to go with the Family Plan, you can also activate parental controls. This means you can block your little ones from accessing sites and information, images, and videos that they shouldn't be seeing. 

Don't miss this chance to stay protected and ad-free for life. Pick up a lifetime subscription to the AdGuard Family Plan for under £20.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard Family Plan AdGuard Family Plan (Lifetime Subscription) £18.22 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop Enabling a Culture of Overwork

Havard Management Tip of the Day - 13 hours 30 min ago

If you’re not careful, flexible work can blur the boundary between your employees’ personal and professional lives, leading to a culture of overwork. If your organization needs to make a change, you can follow a three-step plan. Start by assessing the level of overwork in your organization. Conduct interviews and surveys to identify how deeply […]

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Categories: Management

Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for March 28

Mashable - 15 hours 32 min ago

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for March 28's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Say something.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no letters that appear twice.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. What's the answer to Wordle today?

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to Wordle #1013 is...

SPEAK.

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Reporting by Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for March 28

Mashable - 16 hours 32 min ago

Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for March 28's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer. If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

  • Yellow: French exiting the party

  • Green: Anjin

  • Blue: Very large aquatic mammals

  • Purple: Places and things that use slots

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

  • Yellow: Exited

  • Green: One Flying An Airplane

  • Blue: Kinds of Whales

  • Purple: Things with Slots

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to Connections #291 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Exited: DEPARTED, LEFT, SPLIT, WENT

  • One Flying an Airplane: ACE, AVIATOR, FLIER, PILOT

  • Kinds of Whales: BLUE, FIN, GRAY, RIGHT

  • Things with Slots: ATM, CASINO, SCHEDULE, SPATULA

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Is this not the Connections game you were looking for? Here are the hints and answers to yesterday's Connections.

Categories: IT General, Technology

X / Twitter use is down by nearly a quarter since the Musk Era started, report says

Mashable - Wed, 03/27/2024 - 21:26

An uptick in bots, a rise in hate speech, and content moderation policies that are unevenly applied to the social media platform's users.

These are just some of the issues that have plagued X, formerly known as Twitter, since Elon Musk acquired the company back in October 2022.

Now, roughly a year and a half later, it appears that Musk's X has lost almost a quarter of its user base.

SEE ALSO: Elon Musk says Grok AI will be available to premium X users 'later this week'

According to new data from third-party mobile analytics firm Sensor Tower, X's number of daily active mobile app users in the U.S. has fallen by 23 percent since November 2022. That would be the first full month in which X operated under Musk. 

When looking at year-over-year data, mobile app users in the U.S. are down 18 percent from just one year ago.

As of last month, there were 27 million daily active users on X's mobile app in the U.S.

X on the decline?

According to Sensor Tower's research, as first reported by NBC News, X had "the most material decline in active users compared to its peers."

And the contrast between X's social media competitors is stark.

Tweet may have been deleted

Next to Musk's X, the platform that has faced the biggest decline in users based on mobile app data from Sensor Tower, is TikTok. The viral short form social video app use base declined by 9.5 percent since Nov. 2022. Instagram fell nearly 4.5 percent, Snapchat declined by nearly 2 percent, and Facebook was down by less than one percent.

"This decline in X mobile app active users may have been driven by user frustration over flagrant content, general platform technical issues, and the growing threat of short-form video platforms," Sensor Tower said in its research.

The most abrupt decline in X usage seems to have occurred over last Summer. In a two month span, Musk heralded two of the platform's biggest changes: Musk kicked off July 2023 by rate limiting then-Twitter's users, capping how many times they can reload their Twitter feed and limiting how many tweets they can view in a day. Then, in August 2023, Musk started to rid the platform of its Twitter brand, dropping the iconic bird logo as well as the name "Twitter" and replacing it with "X."  At the time, researchers noticed that X's App Store downloads were immediately negatively affected by the name change. 

By September of last year, X had already lost more than 17 percent of its mobile app users in the U.S. according to Sensor Tower.

X disputes the findings but doesn't prove much

Musk's platform has addressed Sensor Tower's findings and the NBC News report via a public statement posted by an official X account, @XData.

X says that the report "incorrectly claims that fewer people are using X today than previously."

Tweet may have been deleted

The statement continues by pointing out that the report is "based solely on estimates from @SensorTower, which does not have access to the actual data from these platforms and does not include mobile."

Mashable must note that Sensor Tower's estimates are based solely on mobile user data via the platform's official app, so it does include mobile estimates. X might be trying to refer to mobile web usage through a mobile web browser, which Sensor Tower does not account for.

The statement from X concluded with a "too long; didn't read it" summary: "tl/dr: Both our own data and self-reported data from other platforms tells a different story."

X did not provide any data or evidence to refute the report or back up its claims.

In an unrelated post published before the Sensor Tower report, the @XData account claimed that X had "250 million people use X every day" and "550 million people visit the global town square every month."

However, based on data Musk posted to his account shortly after his takeover of the company in Nov. 2022, X was pulling in close to 260 million daily active users at the end of that month. If the recent stats posted by the @XData account are representative of X's daily active users, then this would indeed prove that there has been a decline in users on X. 

Categories: IT General, Technology

Tilda Swinton, Josh O'Connor, and more auctioning off eccentric experiences in support of Gaza

Mashable - Wed, 03/27/2024 - 18:39

The celebrities are back on the auction block, this time in support of humanitarian relief in Gaza.

Cinema for Gaza, a new coalition of British film and television creatives, organized an auction raising money for Medical Aid for Palestine (MAP) amid the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. As entertainers, the experiences and items for sale are of the most unique and attention-grabbing sort.

SEE ALSO: Here's why celebs might sport red buttons on the Oscars red carpet

For sale is a bedtime story from Tilda Swinton, a perfect porridge tutorial from Challengers star Josh O'Connor, and a cuppa with Stranger Things' Joseph Quinn — all over Zoom. If none of those suit your fancy, there's always a "restorative drink" with Alison Oliver from Saltburn or chat about astrology with Sex Education star Aimee Lou Wood, also over Zoom. For an IRL experience, bidders have the opportunity to attend comedian and Poor Things star Ramy Youssef's show, afterparty, and meet and greet.

There's also a variety of memorabilia for sale ranging from from Doctor Who scripts to several The Iron Claw posters with custom doodles by Harris Dickinson.

The auction is the brainchild of Hanna Flint, Julia Jackman, Leila Latif, Sophie Monks Kaufman, and Helen Simmons, all of whom are filmmakers or journalists in the UK. In a statement to The Guardian they said, "As we enter the sixth month of Israel's military siege of Gaza, it has never been more vital to raise funds for the urgent humanitarian work conducted by Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP). Their efforts are not only essential but lifesaving, as Israel's bombardment has obliterated Gaza's healthcare infrastructure."

They sees art and politics as "inextricably linked" and described Cinema for Gaza as "a passionate, inclusive fundraising space powered by the generosity of people from all corners of the film industry who will not stand idly by while Palestinians are dehumanised and attacked with impunity."

Cinema for Gaza is one of several coalitions of artists showing solidarity with Palestine. At the Oscars, many attendees including Billie Eilish, Mark Ruffalo, and Ava DuVernay sported Artists for Ceasefire buttons. Jonathan Glazer, the director of Zone of Interest, drew parallels between his Holocaust film and the current bombardment of Gaza in his acceptance speech for Best International Feature.

The Cinema for Gaza auction begins April 2 and runs through April 12.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Meta and Google fuel abortion misinformation across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, report finds

Mashable - Wed, 03/27/2024 - 18:17

The fight for reproductive rights is happening on social media — and major tech giants may not be helping the cause.

A new report from the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) and global charity MSI Reproductive Choices (MSI) says that Meta and, in a few instances, Google, are restricting abortion information, while furthering misinformation and abuse across countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

The CCDH reports that some abortion providers are restricted from advertising on Meta and Google platforms globally, while Meta also profits from anti-abortion ads placed from within the U.S. that aim to deter people seeking abortions overseas.

SEE ALSO: Abortion fund networks endure in fight against restricted access How are abortion ads being restricted?

The report claims that ads from MSI have been rejected or removed by Meta in Ghana, Kenya, Mexico, Nepal, Nigeria, and Vietnam, for indeterminate reasons such as "sensitive content", and that Meta has placed blanket advertising restrictions on MSI's local teams based in Nepal and Vietnam, without thorough justification.

Meanwhile, ads on "pregnancy options" in Ghana were reportedly blocked by Google. More specifically, MSI's local team in Ghana said that when planning a campaign using Google Adwords themselves, they were banned from using the term "pregnancy options".

In addition, the report outlines that Google and Facebook both feature fake pages and websites that imitate MSI's content, with the intent to scam users in Kenya, Nigeria, and Vietnam; some of these pages are described as asking prospective clients to make mobile money transfers.

Speaking to Mashable, Google representative Michael Aciman said, "This report does not include a single example of policy violating content on Google’s platform, nor any examples of inconsistent enforcement. Without evidence, it claims that some ads were blocked in Ghana for referencing 'pregnancy options'. To be clear, these types of ads are not prohibited from running in Ghana – if the ads were restricted, it was likely due to our longstanding policies against targeting people based on sensitive health categories, which includes pregnancy."

Aciman also noted that Google does not prohibit ads using the term "pregnancy options"; however, as a part of Google's Personalized Advertising Policies, advertisers cannot target curated audiences when running ads for products or services related to "sensitive interest categories". Therefore, if MSI or other advertisers tried to run a targeted campaign for their own audience list in any these categories, this campaign would not run.

Ryan Daniels, a spokesperson for Meta, said in a statement to Mashable, "We allow posts and ads promoting health care services, as well as discussion and debate around them. Content about reproductive health must follow our rules, including those on prescription drugs and misinformation, and ads promoting reproductive health products or services may only be targeted to people 18+." Meta reiterates this policy in its Transparency Centre.

Daniels added that Meta will be reviewing the information within CCDH's report: "We prohibit ads that include misinformation or mislead people about services a business provides, and we will review the content of this report."

Vital information versus misinformation

The report also alleges misinformation is allowed to run on Meta's platforms: specifically, misinformation was found by the CCDH to be prominent in Mexico, with anti-abortion ads on Meta claiming that abortion drugs pose "high risks" to women. Many of these ads were reported to have been viewed millions of times, and restrictions on ads that promote sexual and other reproductive health services in Mexico were also found to be restricted.

In Ghana, similarly, anti-abortion groups, such as as Americans United for Life (AUL) and Tree of Life Ministries, run by American-born evangelical Christians based in Israel, reportedly placed ads that featured misleading claims about abortions. Such ads were viewed up to 3.83 million times globally, the CCDH says.

Meanwhile, WhatsApp messages from anti-abortion platforms were found to circulate in Ghana, using abusive language and claiming that MSI is part of a "satanic" agenda. According to MSI country teams, including the one in Ghana, such messaging has resulted in clients being too scared to visit local clinics. In Kenya, too, MSI teams said they have been targeted with abusive language on Facebook and X.

Whitney Chinogwenya, marketing specialist at MSI Reproductive Choices, said in a statement, "False information can only be corrected with facts and evidence, yet from Ghana to Nepal, Meta is removing our Facebook pages and ads with no explanation, while turning a blind eye to abusive messages directed at our team members for simply doing their jobs."

"Meanwhile Google does next to nothing about harmful websites advertising fake clinics that put women and girls at serious risk. We’re always firefighting the next issue, with no one to turn to but a chatbot," continued Chinogwenya.

Meta's responses to concerns from MSI teams about advertising and restrictions have been noted by CCDH and MSI to be inconsistent and vague. In Nepal and Vietnam, for example, MSI says its official accounts on Meta platforms have been restricted from advertising, with the team having to open new accounts — and starting from scratch — to proliferate information.

"Social media companies mine users’ personal data in the Global South, but take little care to protect local human rights and civil liberties." - Imran Ahmed, CEO of CCDH

MSI is one of many abortion rights groups facing these difficulties, says the report, with the likes of Amnesty International and several activists also mentioned as being restricted from providing abortion-related content.

"Meta, Google, and others own the platforms on which billions of people get information and share advice, but they refuse to accept the corresponding duty of care to protect people’s ability to access vital medical advice and to take swift action against bad actors who put people’s health at risk," Imran Ahmed, CEO of CCDH, said in a statement. "Social media companies mine users’ personal data in the Global South, but take little care to protect local human rights and civil liberties."

In many of these countries, abortion rights are restrictive. In Ghana, women can seek abortion in certain cases, including rape, incest, or if a risk of fetal abnormality is posed. Kenya has made promises to recognize abortion as a fundamental right, but legal ambiguity around abortion has led to misinformation and illegal procedures at backstreet clinics. In Nepal, abortion has been legalized since 2002, but unsafe procedures are still cause for concern. Mexico decriminalized abortion in 2023, just six months ago, while in Vietnam, abortion in the first 22 weeks of pregnancy is legal.

Regardless of legalities surrounding abortion, information is crucial to communities in the so-called Global South. As Dr. Rishita Nandagiri, a feminist and health lecturer at LSE, wrote in 2022, "While it is important to fight laws that restrict access to abortions, feminist networks and hotlines which provide timely information, such as how to access medical abortion drugs and how to administer them, are equally important."

Categories: IT General, Technology
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