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Most of us are watching porn, whether or not we admit it. But aren't you tired of (or maybe even troubled by) just doing the same old thing to get off online over and over again?

If you're wondering why you've become so bored by the widely accessible mainstream porn that just seems to keep doing more of the same, Pornhub and its parent company Aylo (formerly MindGeek — the company changed its name in 2023) deserves part of the blame. As does XVideos, one of the most-viewed porn sites, which is owned by WGCZ. But don't worry, there are porn and erotica alternatives that can upgrade your self-love sessions.

SEE ALSO: Boomers are into trans porn, Pornhub's Year in Review shows Pornhub's many controversies

For years, Aylo has been accused of monopolistic dominance in the porn industry. In addition to Pornhub, it owns RedTube, YouPorn, Xtube, Brazzers, Reality Kings, and many more. The conglomerate disputed that characterization to Mashable back in 2020, with representative Michael Willis pointing to viewership data that shows its sites aren't alone among the most popular porn sites. Still, Aylo has a vast amount of power and influence over porn industry actors and producers. Its biggest competitor, WGCZ, keeps a low-profile and camouflages its network of brands (contact information for WGCZ wasn't immediately available).

"We don't dispute that MindGeek properties drive considerable traffic, but to say it drives a disproportionate volume of traffic is not accurate," Willis said over email in 2020.

Take that as you will. In 2022, for a Mashable story on Pornhub's 15th anniversary, Ph.D. candidate Maggie MacDonald called the adult industry an oligopoly: a market with limited players. Pornhub and its parent company not only dominate porn, but they set the standard of what viewers want to see.

Accusations of monopoly aside, MindGeek, Pornhub, and XVideos are, to varying degrees, linked to other extremely troubling allegations.

In January 2020, a judge awarded $13 million to 22 women who accused porn producer Girls Do Porn — one of Pornhub's former official content partners used to sell users on purchasing a subscription — of tricking and coercing them into performing. Despite the lawsuit's allegations being filed back in 2016, Pornhub only took down Girls Do Porn's channel in October 2019, waiting until after federal prosecutors charged Girls Do Porn owners and employees with sex trafficking. It led many to question whether Pornhub cared at all about the fact that it profited from abusive and criminal videos. In late 2023, Aylo agreed to pay $1.8 million to settle a criminal probe related to Girls Do Porn.

As of 2024, searching for Girls Do Porn on Pornhub and XVideos turns up no results.

Separately, in 2018, adult performer Nikki Benz sued MindGeek for sexual battery. (Los Angeles prosecutors declined to press criminal charges.) Pornhub's parent company wouldn't comment on the lawsuit when Mashable reached out in 2020.

In December 2020, a New York Times op-ed added more accusations of these websites hosting unethical videos linked to child sex abuse material (CSAM), non-consensual sexually explicit material ("revenge porn"), rape, and other forms of abuse. The op-ed led Mastercard and Visa to stop processing payments on Pornhub, and the company also purged videos from unverified accounts. While a monumental, long-overdue step forward in addressing these longstanding issues, it's important to consider the implications for sex workers as well. The Times piece has also been criticized for promoting an anti-porn religious group that seeks to outlaw sex work, rather than advocating for the protection of such a vulnerable population.

In a statement provided to the Times, Pornhub responded to the allegations by stating that it, "is unequivocally committed to combating child sexual abuse material, and has instituted a comprehensive, industry-leading trust and safety policy to identify and eradicate illegal material from our community," and that assertions of Pornhub allowing CSAM on the site "is irresponsible and flagrantly untrue."

Since the op-ed, only verified accounts may upload videos on Pornhub; verification requires proof of age. As of 2024, Pornhub requires uploads of proof of consent from all performers in videos as well. Previously, performers were only required to keep records of this.

In addition to these accusations, free porn sites (aka "tube" sites) have relied on profiting off of widespread piracy, making it difficult for performers to earn a living. According to a 2019 TechCrunch article, MindGeek spent nearly $2 million to combat piracy, "though that would amount to less than half a percent of the company's 2015 revenue." Now, however, Pornhub only allows verified accounts to upload content — but some performers told Mashable back in 2022 that they make better money on OnlyFans.

What is ethical porn?

Ethical porn, which focuses on performers' rights, consent, safety, and compensation has become an increasingly discussed issue in the industry. Unfortunately, there's really no guaranteed ethical free porn in the way that tube sites provide it.

Aside from most perpetuating the same problems described above, there's also little industry transparency, accountability, or credible information available. It's basically industry whistleblowers feeling as though they sacrifice their careers to speak up or journalists shedding light on abuses like those alleged against Girls Do Porn.

Yet the reality is free porn isn't going anywhere (for now), and some tube sites can be more ethical than others. New business models are emerging that provide free clips with the explicit permission of performers and creators.

Trying out alternatives to Pornhub and XVideos is about so much more than just ethics, though. There are whole worlds of unique X-rated content just waiting to be explored, perfect for both aficionados and newcomers. There are sites with artsy high productions, the down and dirty kinky, genuine amateurs, personalized experiences with stars, and an underrated category of erotica that isn't just video porn.

Links below are NSFW and 18+ only, obviously.Free porn Ethical free porn is hotter than unethical free porn. Credit: Vicky Leta / Mashable

Bellesa.co

• The gist: Categorizing itself as "porn for women," Bellesa provides ethical porn through a partnership program with curated and relatively lengthy (typically at least 10 minutes long) free clips directly from the creators. There's a paid option called Bellesa Plus (from $10/month) that includes ad-free videos from various studios. And there's also user-submitted erotica, articles on sexual health, and a built-in sex toy shop.

• Best for: Beginners or those with more softcore, women-friendly, sex-positive tastes that are on a budget and don't like to waste too much time searching getting off.

• Ethics: While initially criticized for perpetuating the pirated porn issues, its partnership program introduced a viable model for ethical free porn to the industry.

Reddit

• The gist: An unexpected haven of ethical and free communal horniness, the "front page of the internet" has an abundance of thriving porn subreddits. Amateur lovers rejoice, because there's something for absolutely everyone in r/realgirls, r/girlsinlove, r/gifsgonewild, r/gonewild, and r/gonewildtrans. These aren't places of exploitation, but communities that celebrate exploration, both from the uploader and receiver's perspective. If the loss of Tumblr porn has left you feeling without a welcoming horny internet community to call home, then you're in luck.

• Best for: The kind of grounded, home video, guilt-free stuff that somehow leaves you feeling like maybe this whole porn thing can actually be a net positive for society. It's also perfect for voyeurs and those with an exhibitionist kink.

• Ethics: If you know Reddit, you know the best moderators tend to take their rules seriously. In each of these subreddits, the identity and age of every submission is thoroughly vetted and then protected to ensure the content isn't being uploaded maliciously. Reddit's rules strictly forbid involuntary pornography and sexually suggestive content involving a minor. Piracy is pretty much a non-issue since professionals are forbidden from posting. Realness is valued above all else, so you get much less of the manicured misogynistic bullshit of regular porn. On top of all that, encouraging comments are the norm, while mean-spiritedness and hate speech is either strongly discouraged or flat out banned.

ManyVids

• The gist: This performer-oriented platform mostly has pay-per-view clips, but also has some free ones on offer, too.

• Best for: Ethically-minded budgeters who put favorite performers above preferences for a specific category or type of content.

• Ethics: Similar to OnlyFans, ManyVids creators upload their own content. Again, most of it is paid, but there's a few free videos here and there.

xHamster

• The gist: Calling itself an "independent tube site," xHamster is a hugely popular and big library (over 10,000 pages and counting) focused on authentic amateur content uploaded by users from within its community.

• Best for: Those who absolutely cannot do without the tube site experience, but are looking for a lesser of two evils.

• Ethics and inclusivity: This one was on the line for us; xHamster was also caught up in the Girls Do Porn controversy. It disabled its Girls Do Porn channel and began actively taking down the company's videos following the lawsuit as well as built an algorithm to spot common search terms related to the videos. As of 2024, xHamster requires verification to upload content, and has a reporting procedure for copyright violations.

Paid porn Your sex life deserves an investment into paid porn. Credit: Bob Al-Greene / Mashable

OnlyFans

• The gist: Taking the online horniness industry by storm, OnlyFans has basically created a whole new category of adult entertainment. Essentially combining social media influencers and models with the appeal of camming, it's a platform that gives fans direct access to a much racier version of their Instagram favs' feeds (if they pay a monthly fee, of course). They can even direct message them with personal requests. Content ranges from just a bit more explicit than IG, to full blown NC-17 sex.

• Cost: Depends.

• Best for: Instagram lovers who seek a a bit of personal connection to their spank bank material.

• Ethics: OnlyFans puts the power back in the hands of the X-rated performers who don’t need to rely on monopolistic platforms or unethical production companies to get paid. Back in 2020, though, there was a huge safety breach leaking terabytes of content, which undermines what’s valuable about the platform. Be wary of participating in that piracy.

Kink.com

• The gist: BDSM is one of the most misunderstood and maligned genres of porn, often used as evidence for why it's inherently misogynistic and bad for society. But Kink.com proves quite the contrary, consistently regarded as one of the most ethical names in porn while providing a seemingly endless library for every type of perversion.

• Cost: $15-$39.99 a month depending on subscription plan

• Best for: Lovers of hardcore BDSM porn who want to ensure their performers are being treated ethically.

• Ethics: First of all, consent is absolutely key to any healthy BDSM experience, and Kink.com embedded that into its mission. While sadly the in-house studio shut down back in 2017, it continues to ensure the safety and well-being of every performer by requiring all studios follow their strict Kink Consent Protocols. Performers fill out a comprehensive checklist of what they consent to, which is enforced throughout shooting with check-ins and aftercare. The company even created a more generalized version of this checklist, to encourage others to make this standard industry practice.

XConfessions or LustCinema

• The gist: If you're looking for an auteur of porn, look no further than Erika Lust. The feminist indie adult filmmaker creates beautiful works of erotic cinema through her two main projects. LustCinema publishes feature-length films by female directors regularly, which cover many categories but share an emphasis on the sensual, passionate, and emotional. Meanwhile with XConfessions, Lust takes submissions from subscribers and turns their greatest fantasies into a reality on screen. From the content itself to the creators behind it, there's an emphasis on inclusivity and diversity.

• Cost: $9.95-$34.95 a month depending on subscription package

• Best for: Cinephiles who like a little bit of plot and a whole lot of sex.

• Ethics: Lust has practically written the book on ethics in porn, while also being a vocal and powerful advocate for sex ed. She thinks deeply about the effects mainstream tube sites are having on our sexual culture, and aims to correct what she sees as harmful through her work — which truly makes consent look sexy as hell.

Truly alt (and awesome) porn and erotica Think outside the box for online porn. Credit: Bob Al-Greene / mashable

Dipsea

• The gist: Audio is one of the most underrated outlets for horniness. Don't believe me? Just try some free stuff on for size. When you're ready to upgrade, give Dipsea a spin. This predominantly app-based platform (which recently launched a web version) provides a constantly expanding library of high production audio erotica for all orientations, experience levels, and proclivities. There are even guided sessions, like partnered exercises for dirty talk or mindful sex exercises.

• Cost: $12.99 a month or $69.99 annually on iOS or Android

• Best for: Anyone who feels intimidated, unrepresented, or even triggered by video or visual porn, particularly women and queer folks.

• Ethics: Because the sex is all imaginary, and the platform is subscription-based (meaning contributors are paid), there really isn't a stronger ethical guarantee.

Literotica

• The gist: A longstanding bastion of written erotica online, Literotica engages your mind as much as your nether regions. Whether you're a writer or reader, it's a community that pushes you to consider new perspectives and ways of getting off, even providing some ideas you can bring to the bedroom with you.

• Cost: Free

• Best for: The literary-minded hornball who knows their strong imagination can get off without visuals.

• Ethics: Authors submit their own work for consideration and continue to own the copyright after publishing. Also, we're talking about imaginary sex so you know you're getting your rocks off ethically.

MakeLoveNotPorn

• The gist: We put MakeLoveNotPorn (MLNP) in this category because its creator, Cindy Gallop, insists it's not porn, nor is it even "amateur." Instead, it's positioned as the antithesis to Pornhub and all tube site porn, as a “social sex” where you can upload yourself or watch others have “real world sex.” It isn't only mushy gushy stuff, though. There's something for everyone's taste, and even more importantly, inclusive of all different bodies, orientations, and races. MLNP even rethought the tagging system, introducing categories that are not only less crude, but also help you see this kind of content in new ways.

• Cost: Go here for some free peeks. Otherwise it's $5 to rent a video for 3 weeks, or $10-$50 per month depending on subscription.

• Best for: Seekers of a revolutionary and unique way to get off to watching people have sex online, with a personal vibe that's unlike any other.

• Ethics: Gallop is another leader and innovator in not only ethical sex entertainment, but also in how it can become a source for good, citing feedback like this one to demonstrate MLNP's impact. Enthusiastic consent is the lifeblood of every video, whether it's softcore or powerplay. Half of all proceeds from user purchases go toward the MakeLoveNotPornstar they paid to watch.

This article was originally published in 2020 and updated in 2024.

GET $50 OFF: As of March 8, the 'Marvel's Spider-Man 2' PlayStation 5 digital edition console is available for just $399.99 at PlayStation, GameStop, Target, and Best Buy.

Opens in a new window Credit: PlayStation Our pick: Marvel's Spider-Man 2 PlayStation 5 digital edition console $399.99 at Best Buy
Get Deal

The PlayStation 5 console has been nearly impossible to get a hold of since its release in 2020. Now, the company is rewarding gamers for their loyalty and patience by offering limited-time deals on highly anticipated gaming bundles.

Last week, you could get the Marvel's Spider-Man 2 PlayStation 5 Slim bundle for $449.99 at Best Buy. And today? You can score the digital edition of the PlayStation 5 console (Slim model) specifically designed for Marvel's Spider-Man 2 for an even lower price of $399.99 just about anywhere consoles are sold, including PlayStation, GameStop, Target, and Best Buy.

Sure, it's not an actual disc, but you'll get the game and the console for the lowest price we've seen yet.

This special introductory price won't last long. According to PlayStation, it's valid until April 9, when the price will jump to $449.99.

Here's the fine print:

• There's a one console per household limit for this deal.

• The vertical stand is sold separately.

• This is a disc-free console, so you'll need an internet connection and a PlayStation Network account to access and download games.

• The game voucher code is in the box.

• Only one DualSense is included.

• A signature is required upon delivery.

Welcome to March. The month when sunsets get later each day and we start to feel hope that warmth will soon return. For those who suffer from allergies, March holds some of the last days before spring pollen takes hold and has us ordering tissues in bulk quantities. If you deal with seasonal allergies, stay ahead of the pollen with these deals on Coway air purifiers at Amazon.

Best Coway air purifier deals today Best single-room air purifier Coway Airmega AP-1512HH air purifier $151.47 at Amazon (save $78.52) Get Deal Best air purifier for large spaces Coway Airmega 400 air purifier $350 at Amazon (save $86.23) Get Deal Best air purifier for warm climates Coway Airmega Aim 2-in-1 air purifier $102.20 at Amazon (save $21.29) Get Deal

Nobody wants to spend the spring season in an allergy-induced haze. While March and April typically call for flinging open the windows during spring cleaning, that's also an invitation for pollen to nestle itself into you home. From the air itself to the furniture and the linens, spring pollen can get pretty much everywhere and be bothersome for many. Fortunately, today's deals on Coway air purifiers all feature HEPA filters that excel when it comes to capturing tiny air particles like pollen and viruses. Before the allergies take hold, make sure your home is equipped with the defense of an air purifier. Here are today's best deals on Coway air purifiers.

Best single-room air purifier Opens in a new window Credit: Coway Our pick: Coway Airmega AP-1512HH air purifier $151.47 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $78.52 Get Deal Why we like it

Packed with user-friendly features, the Coway Airmega AP-1512HH air purifier uses a HEPA filter to capture things you'd rather not inhale like dust, pollen, and smoke. It uses a four-stage filtration system including a deodorization filter. The air purifier's LED uses color coding to let you know how clean or dirty the indoor air is. You can select between three speeds or let the auto setting decide. The Coway Airmega AP-1512HH is designed to filter the air in rooms up to 361 square feet.

Best air purifier for large spaces Opens in a new window Credit: Coway Our pick: Coway Airmega 400 air purifier $350.00 at Amazon
$436.23 Save $86.23 Get Deal Why we like it

Suitable for spaces up to 1,560 square feet, the Coway Airmega 400 means business when it comes to filtering spring allergens in larger spaces. If your whole family deals with allergies and you're aiming at cleaning indoor air in your living room, dining room, den, and the kitchen, this could be a great solution. The HEPA filter works to reduce 99.99% of 0.01-micron particles that happen to be in the air which includes pollen. It also aims to reduce odors which could be great if you have pets or fry up bacon often.

Best air purifier for warm climates Opens in a new window Credit: Coway Our pick: Coway Airmega Aim 2-in-1 air purifier $102.20 at Amazon
$123.49 Save $21.29 Get Deal Why we like it

If you live in a hot climate and March brings about pollen from spring blooms in addition to rising temps, the Coway Airmega Aim 2-in-1 air purifier will tackle indoor allergens and cool you off. The unit uses a HEPA filter to rid the air of allergens while also working as a cooling fan. With an included remote control and the fan that oscillates up to 80 degrees, you'll be able to enjoy indoor life without pollen and while keeping cool. The Coway Airmega Aim 2-in-1 is designed to filter the air in rooms that measure up to 246 square feet.

SAVE $180: As of March 8, get the Eufy Clean X8 Pro robot vacuum for just $319.99 at Amazon. That's a discount of 36% and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Eufy Clean X8 Pro $319.99 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $180.00 Get Deal

Tired of having to take time out of your schedule to vacuum your home? Wish you had someone else to do it for you? You need a robot vacuum. It's high time you welcome one into your home if you haven't already, because these dirt-hungry devils are better than doing it all yourself. If you aren't sure where to start when it comes to shopping for robovacs, don't worry. There's a great option on sale today that should more than do the trick, and you'll also get some pretty great savings in return.

As of March 8, you can get the Eufy Clean X8 Pro robot vacuum for just $319.99 at Amazon. That's $180 off its normal price of $499.99, and a discount of 36%. This is the lowest price we've seen for this vacuum, so you'll be getting a lot of robovac for a little cash.

This robot vacuum is great for hoovering up dirt, crumbs, pet hair and all the other gross stuff that gets ground up in your carpet and strewn everywhere else. It offers a combined 8,000Pa of suction power with its Twin-Turbine tech as well as a roller brush that can cut through the gross stuff like a knife through butter. It uses iPath laser navigation to create maps of your home for custom cleaning routines so it can avoid obstacles, too – so no more of that running into the litter box over and over again.

It's super quiet, can handle multiple floors with its custom mapping and "no go" zones, and it can hold plenty of dirt before it's time to be emptied. This is a great entry-level robot vacuum with all the bells and whistles of a premium model. If you don't yet have a robot vacuum, this is one you can absolutely start with.

GET 30% OFF: Level up your mobile gaming with the Backbone One controller for just $69.99 (save $30)!

Opens in a new window Credit: Backbone Our pick: Backbone One mobile gaming controller for iPhone $69.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal

Looking to upgrade your mobile gaming experience? Amazon's got you covered with 30% off the Backbone One Mobile gaming controller.

This nifty gadget has responsive analog triggers, tactile buttons, and clickable thumbsticks so you can transform your mobile device into a full-fledged gaming console. Plus, with pass-through charging technology and a 3.5 mm headset jack, you can keep your device powered up while gaming on the go (as long as your iPhone has a lightning connector; if you have an iPhone 15, you'll need to see the USB-C version).

SEE ALSO: The best gaming deals this week, from 'Star Wars Jedi: Survivor' to 'Dead Space'

With this deal, you'll also receive a month of Backbone+ (even if you prefer to use it for gameplay without the premium subscription). The Backbone app is the central hub for your gaming experience; you can explore new games, join your friends, and share gameplay clips on social media.

Although this controller has a PlayStation-style design and features, it'll work with Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and any other game or service that supports controllers.

Mashable UK editor Shannon Connellan speaks to some of The Gentlemen's leading cast about prepping for the series, the appeal of deconstructing wealth, and some of the series' most memorable scenes.

The Gentlemen is streaming on Netflix from March 7.

John Cena and Zac Efron, Jermaine Fowler, Andrew Santino, William H. Macy and Peter Farrelly break down the film's elusive character. Ricky Stanicky is currently streaming on Prime Video.

From Dune: Part 2's weird baths to Oscar hype, host Josh Burstein takes us on a comedic journey through the week's top stories.

TL;DR: Watch the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix for free on ORF, ServusTV, RTBF, or RTL ZWEE. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Fans of F1 are desperate for some genuine competition for Max Verstappen, but after the Bahrain GP, we're not convinced that anyone can match the pace of the Red Bull driver. But we live in hope. Things could change in Saudi Arabia this weekend. We're not sure how, but they could.

If you're interested in watching the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, we've got all the information you need.

When is the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix?

The 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix takes place over 50 laps of the 6,174-kilometre Jeddah Corniche Circuit in Jeddah. The full schedule can be found here:

• Practice 1 — 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. GMT on March 7

• Practice 2 — 5 to 6 p.m. GMT on March 7

• Practice 3 — 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. GMT on March 8

• Qualifying — 5 to 6 p.m. GMT on March 8

• Race — 5 p.m. GMT on March 9

Sky Sports is broadcasting live coverage of every race weekend this season, with race highlights of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix available on Channel 4 after the race on March 9. But there's an alternative you should know about, and it's completely free.

How to watch the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix for free

The good news is that you can stream F1 for free in 2024. The following platforms are offering free coverage of this season:

• Austria — ORF or ServusTV

• Belgium — RTBF

• Luxembourg — RTL ZWEE

The problem is that these free streaming services are geo-restricted, meaning you'll be blocked if you attempt to connect from an unsupported location. Fortunately, you can bypass these geo-restrictions with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other countries, meaning you can access these streaming services from anywhere in the world.

Unblock these free streaming services by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a 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 Austria, Belgium, or Luxembourg

4. Connect to ORF, ServusTV, RTBF, or RTL ZWEE

5. Watch the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix for free

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 services do tend to offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Formula 1 live streams for free. This is clearly not a long-term solution, but it does mean you can stream the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix without actually spending anything.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming platforms from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for F1?

There are a number of streaming-friendly VPNs out there, but ExpressVPN is the top choice for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 94 countries including Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is protected

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• Up to five 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 30-day money-back guarantee.

Watch the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Stream the 2024 World Triathlon Championship Series Abu Dhabi for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Swimmers, cyclists, and runners are all really impressive. But triathletes are on another level. To be able to perform to such a high standard in each discipline is simply incredible. It's exhausting to even watch.

If you want to watch the 2024 World Triathlon Championship Series Abu Dhabi for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is the World Triathlon Championship Series?

The World Triathlon Championship Series is World Triathlon's annual series of events used to crown an annual world champion. There are multiple rounds of competitions culminating in a Grand Final race.

When is the 2024 World Triathlon Championship Series Abu Dhabi?

The World Triathlon Championship Series starts in Abu Dhabi. The full schedule for the event is as follows:

• March 8 — Women's Race at 11:35 a.m. to 1:05 p.m. GMT

• March 8 — Men's Race at 1:35 to 3:05 p.m. GMT

• March 9 — Mixed Relay at 10:35 a.m. to 12:25 p.m. GMT

How to watch the 2024 World Triathlon Championship Series Abu Dhabi for free

The World Triathlon Championship Series opener in Abu Dhabi will be shown live on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These powerful tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can access BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Access BBC iPlayer to stream the World Triathlon Championship Series 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 the World Triathlon Championship Series in Abu Dhabi 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 free streaming sites without committing with your cash. This is not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the World Triathlon Championship Series in Abu Dhabi before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 94 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 always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to five 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.

Watch the World Triathlon Championship Series in Abu Dhabi for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

VPNs are great tools for anyone concerned about diminishing privacy on the internet. These days, it's difficult to surf the web without leaving behind a trail of your activity.

While there's certainly no foolproof privacy option, VPNs are a popular way to shroud your web identity, and they're available for almost any device that connects to the internet, including iOS devices like the iPhone.

What is a VPN?

A VPN forms a protected tunnel that you send all of your information through. Instead of sending and receiving information in the open, it happens under the cover of an encrypted connection between your iPhone and the websites and services that you are visiting. Nobody can see your data, and all of your activity is protected against online threats like viruses, hackers, and malware.

Do you need a VPN for your iPhone?

An iPhone is an expensive purchase, and therefore something that you should really be protecting at all costs. To keep your data protected in transit, you need a VPN. With a VPN's protection, nobody can see or tweak your network traffic, not even the network's owner. VPNs encrypt your traffic before it leaves your phone. This encrypted data stream travels to a server owned by the VPN company, where it's decrypted and sent on its way. This keeps your activity under wraps.

What is the best VPN for your iPhone?

Whether or not you need a VPN is completely up to you. Your iPhone provider isn't going to recommend or offer the service. It comes down to whether or not you'd like to increase your anonymity online — and much of this depends on how you use the web.

If you do wish to invest in a VPN, we can help. We have listed the best VPNs to protect your iPhone, including popular services like PureVPN, CyberGhost VPN, and NordVPN.

These are the best iPhone VPNs in 2024.

We know why you're here, and that's to access more content from around the world with the help of a VPN. You can use these popular services to binge-watch all of the movies and shows you want, even if they're not usually available in your location. Once you've connected to a VPN, you'll be able to override streaming geo-restrictions and unblock everything on offer.

You've already got a lot of options when it comes to streaming, with the likes of Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+ pumping out masses of great entertainment at the moment, but sometimes these sites can be cruel. We've all been in the same situation: you sign up to a service to watch a particular show, only to realise that it's not available in your location.

This is when a VPN can help.

What is a VPN?

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are valuable tools for improving your online security. They help you to stay safe and anonymous online by shielding your personal data from the prying eyes of authorities and hackers.

These clever services work by hiding your IP address and rerouting your internet traffic through an encrypted VPN tunnel. This secures your bank transactions, protects your digital identity, and lets you work safely on public WiFi networks. This process also means that you can trick leading streaming sites into thinking you are based in another country, meaning you can watch all the extra content that is normally locked to that location.

What should you consider when subscribing to a VPN?

There are plenty of things that you should consider when it comes to streaming with a VPN, and we have highlighted a selection of the most important things to think about before subscribing:

• Bandwidth — There are some VPNs out there that place monthly caps on network bandwidth, meaning you can only download a certain amount of data. You should avoid these services, unless you're on a free trial. If you're paying for a VPN, you should be able to download and upload as much as you want.

• Connection speed — A VPN is going to produce a drop in your connection speed, but you shouldn't accept anything that results in painful buffering. If you're going to be streaming with a VPN, you obviously don't want anything that will impact your connection speed to the point that you can't watch a film or show without frustration.

• Encryption — There are different levels of encryption, and whilst it's important to take note of the grade provided by your VPN, the best options will all offer powerful protection for your data. You are likely to come across terms like "military-grade" and "enterprise-grade," which just means that you can rely on it to do its job.

• Number of connections — The best VPNs let you connect an unlimited number of devices with the same account. At the very least, you should opt for a service that offers multiple simultaneous connections. This means you can stream securely on all your devices.

• Privacy policy — It's worth paying special attention to the data-handling, storage, and usage practices of the VPN you are planning on using. These practices should be laid out in a privacy policy, and if they aren't clear, it's best to avoid. Most VPNs require access to your IP address, online transactions, and browsing history, plus your personal details when you sign up. If privacy is the objective, it's absolutely essential that your VPN is not going to store these details. If it does, the whole thing is kind of pointless.

• Server network — The best VPNs provide access to thousands of geographically diverse servers, which means you should always be able to find a stable and speedy connection for streaming. If you want to unlock content from a particular location, you should make sure a VPN has servers in that country.

There are absolutely loads of things to consider when subscribing to a VPN, and we wouldn't expect you to remember everything. The most important things to keep in mind when searching for a streaming-friendly VPN are connection speed and server network. The rest is a bonus.

Should you use free VPNs?

The good news is that there are plenty of free versions of popular VPNs, plus free trials of VPNs with full access to everything you get with a premium plan. Alternatively, you can pay for a VPN. So which option is best for you and your lifestyle?

As with most things in life, you get what you pay for with VPNs. There tends to always be a catch with free versions, and it's normally in the form of limited data usage. If you're just an occasional user, these plans will work fine. But if you're going to be streaming or downloading, this isn't going to work. Free trials are a little bit different: they come with everything you get in a paid plan, but obviously they don't tend to last very long. Trials are great for testing out a service before committing, but this isn't a long-term solution.

What we're saying is that the best option for streaming securely and accessing the online world without restrictions is with a paid subscription to a VPN. To gain access to advanced security features without limitations on usage, you need to pay up. The best VPNs are generally the most expensive, but there are plenty of cheap plans out there, especially if you're willing to commit to a lengthy contract.

What is the best VPN for streaming?

A VPN is the safest, fastest, and most reliable way to gain access to your favourite shows, movies, sporting events, and videos. This does not mean that every VPN is great for streaming however, and some services are better suited to the job than others.

Finding a VPN for streaming is not a simple task, and that's why we've helped you out by lining up a selection of your best options. We know that everyone has a different set of priorities when it comes to connection speed, security, and customer support, and that's why this line-up offers a bit of everything.

We checked out everything on offer, and ExpressVPN, NordVPN, CyberGhost VPN, Surfshark, and more have made the cut. It's really down to you to decide on your favourite option, and we recommend taking your time and carefully considering everything on offer.

These are the best streaming VPNs in 2024.

"Is that totally, like, street legal?"

This is the question Jamie Dornan pain-whispers after suffering through Da Bomb on his Hot Ones episode, shortly before describing it as "a violent leap off a cliff" and telling host Sean Evans he never wants to see him again.

Aside from that he manages to keep things fairly calm, answering questions about his lowest moment auditioning, the times he nearly gave up on acting, and his new season of The Tourist while munching through increasingly spicy wings.

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 8 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for March 8

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Friday, March 8, 2024:

AcrossPut away in the overhead bin

• The answer is stow.

Pair for a skier

• The answer is poles.

Confuse

• The answer is addle.

With 9-Across, noted product of Vermont

• The answer is maple.

See 8-Across

• The answer is syrup.

Liquid-absorbing substances

• The answer is sops.

DownSends incessant messages to

• The answer is spams.

Bad Wordle to spoil

• The answer is todays.

Seasoned hand

• The answer is oldpro.

Begin to cry

• The answer is wellup.

Slowly drips out

• The answer is seeps.

The best deals for watching the Oscars live without cable: BEST LIVE TV STREAMING SERVICE YouTube TV free trial, then $62.99 per month for 3 months (save $30) Get Deal BEST BUNDLE OPTION Hulu + Live TV (includes Hulu, ESPN+, and Disney+ with ads) $76.99 per month Get Deal MOST AFFORDABLE LIVE TV STREAMING SERVICE Sling Blue $20 for your first month, then $40 per month (save $20) Get Deal BEST FOR STREAMING THE NEXT DAY Hulu with ads free 30-day trial, then $7.99 per month Get Deal BEST NON-STREAMING OPTION Gesobyte Digital Antenna $29.90 at Amazon Get Deal

Last year was full of movie magic. With Barbenheimer launching a massive return to cinema and streaming services throwing their hats into the ring, we were blessed with some truly exceptional films in 2023. On March 10, Hollywood honors those films we've fallen so hard for at the 96th Academy Awards ceremony. The Oscars will take place at Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, with Jimmy Kimmel hosting for the fourth time. For those who cannot attend in person (aka all of us), here's everything you need to know to tune into the ceremony live — with or without cable.

When are the 2024 Oscars?

The 96th Academy Awards will be held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 10, 2024 and will air live at 7 p.m. ET on ABC, with the pre-show airing ahead of it at 6:30 p.m. ET. For those with cable or over-the-air TV, you can tune your TV to your local ABC station or watch online via ABC.com or the ABC app by logging in through your pay TV service provider. No cable access? No worries; we've rounded up the best ways to watch the Oscars live without cable below.

Who are this year's Oscar nominees?

It comes as no surprise that Barbie and Oppenheimer both scored a ton of Oscar nominations after the exceptional year each film had, with the latter earning 13, the most of any film. Yet despite its eight nominations, Barbie was also snubbed in major categories — neither Greta Gerwig (the film’s director) nor Margot Robbie (its star and producer) received individual nominations.

After Oppenheimer, Poor Things and Killers of the Flower Moon came out on top with 11 and 10 nominations, respectively. Bradley Cooper's Maestro managed to nab seven, while American Fiction, Anatomy of a Fall, The Holdovers, and The Zone of Interest each earned five — including Best Picture. See a full list of the 2024 Oscar nominations below in the FAQs.

How can I watch the Oscar nominees for Best Picture?

Want to get up to date on the best films of the year (at least by the Academy's standards) ahead of the ceremony? Here's a hint: you're going to need a lot of streaming services. American Fiction, Anatomy of a Fall, Poor Things, and The Zone of Interest are currently only available to rent or purchase on digital. Meanwhile, The Holdovers and Oppenheimer are streaming on Peacock, Barbie is streaming on Max, Maestro is streaming on Netflix, Killers of the Flower Moon is streaming on Apple TV+, and Past Lives is streaming on Paramount+ with Showtime. Learn more in our roundup of the best ways to watch all 10.

How to watch the Oscars live without cable

If you've cut the cord and committed to the world of streaming, you'll need a live TV streaming service in order to watch the Oscars live. These services essentially act as cable alternatives, allowing you live access to a well-rounded channel selection via your internet connection (rather than a cable connection). Unlike cable, these services are contract-free, so you can cancel whenever you wish. And as a bonus, many of them offer free trials — that means you could very well watch the Oscars live for free, then cancel before you're charged. But we'll leave that up to you. Here are the best options (and deals) for a live TV streaming service.

Best introductory offer: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube YouTube TV free trial, then $62.99/mo for your first 3 months (save $30) Get Deal

YouTube TV's base plan includes over 100 live channels, including your local ABC network. You'll also get unlimited DVR space, three simultaneous streams, and up to six individual accounts with personalized recommendations. It's "arguably the best premium live TV streaming service out there," especially with the current introductory offer. For a limited time, you can get your first three months of YouTube TV for just $62.99 per month instead of $72.99 per month — that's $30 in savings. Not to mention, you can test the waters with a free 7-day trial.

Best for bundling: Hulu + Live TV Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu + Live TV Hulu + Live TV $76.99 per month Get Deal

Hulu + Live TV is pretty similar to YouTube TV, with access to over 95 live TV channels (including your local ABC network), personalized profiles, and unlimited DVR. It's a bit pricier, however, at $76.99 per month with no free trial. But we still recommend it because your subscription comes bundled with Hulu with ads, Disney+ with ads, and ESPN+ with ads (a $14.99 per month value). That's three premium streaming libraries on top of nearly 100 live channels all for just $76.99 per month.

Most affordable overall: Sling TV (only for select areas) Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Blue package $20 for your first month, then $40 per month Get Deal

We love Sling for its a la carte setup and affordable pricing. You pick your package and channels depending on what you actually want to watch. In order to watch the Oscars, you'll need access to ABC, which is included in Sling's Blue base package. Unfortunately, since ABC is a local network, it's only available in some local markets. Check to see if your local market includes ABC before you pull the trigger — Chicago, Fresno, Houston, Los Angeles, and more are included. Typically, Sling's base package costs $40 per month, but with the current introductory offer, you'll pay just $20 for your first month.

Best for streaming later: Hulu with ads Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu with ads free 30-day trial, then $7.99 per month Get Deal

If you can properly avoid spoilers, a regular Hulu with ads subscription will give you access to the ceremony the day after the live show on March 11. It's by far the cheapest option: you can sign up for free for 30 days, then it'll cost you just $7.99 per month. You won't get all the excitement that comes with watching live, but if you don't mind that, this is your best bet.

Honorable mention: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV free 7-day trial, $79.99 per month Get Deal

Another live TV streaming service similar to YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV, Fubo is more-so geared at sports fans. It includes access to your local ABC network, as well as over 100 other live channels. Plus, you can test it out for seven days. After that, you'll have to pay $79.99 per month, making it one of the more expensive options on the list.

Honorable mention: DirecTV Stream Opens in a new window Credit: DirecTV Stream DirecTV Stream starting at $69.99 per month Get Deal

DirecTV Stream offers another reliable live TV viewing experience, with your local ABC network and other favorites. However, its plans can get pretty expensive due to hidden fees. They start at $69.99 per month for the 75+ channel plan.

Another option for watching live: get a digital antenna Opens in a new window Credit: Gesobyte Gesobyte Amplified HD Digital TV Antenna $29.90 at Amazon
Shop Now

If you live close enough to your local TV station broadcast towers, you can access broadcasts live and for free with a digital antenna. There are a ton of options on the market — check out these recommendations from our friends at PCMag (which is owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis) — ranging in price and style. Check the distance range before making a purchase. The closer you are, the clearer your local broadcasts will come through. For example, the one above by Gesobyte, which has over 33,000 5-star reviews, costs less than $30 and offers a 250-mile range.

Wondering how to make ChatGPT read its text responses aloud? In case you missed it, OpenAI announced the new feature on Monday.

The perk is rolling out to the Android, iOS, and web versions of the popular AI platform. But you may be wondering, "How do I activate this feature?" Allow us to show you in a few simple steps.

(Note that this feature is different from ChatGPT Voice, which lets you have full-blown conversations with the AI assistant.)

How to make ChatGPT read its responses aloud

As mentioned, you can prompt ChatGPT to read its responses aloud, which is particularly useful if it spits out a lengthy response. Instead of reading it yourself, you can make ChatGPT verbalize it for you.

In this tutorial, we'll be using the iOS ChatGPT app as our model.

Total Time

• 3 min

What You Need

• iPhone

Step 1: Launch ChatGPT

Fire up ChatGPT on Android or iPhone. (Make sure the app is updated before launching it.)

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Step 2: Ask ChatGPT a question to prompt a response

Fire off a question or statement to ChatGPT and wait for a response from the AI assistant.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Step 3: Long press the response

After long pressing the response, a menu will appear. Tap on "Read Aloud." Soon after, you'll hear a voice read the message.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The ChatGPT read aloud feature should be available to all users, whether you have a subscription or not. If you don't see the new feature yet, try updating the app. If you're still having trouble, don't worry. Wait a bit and try again — the new tool is rolling out to users gradually.

There are movies that grab you by the throat. There are movies that punch you in the gut. Love Lies Bleeding is both, and I fucking love it. 

From the mind of Rose Glass, writer/director of the 2020 stunner Saint Maud, comes a queer romance that's as packed with thrills as it is with raw sensuality and dazzling star power. Come for Kristen Stewart sporting a DIY mullet and a dirty mouth. Come for Katy O'Brian (Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania's scene-stealing warrior princess Jentorra) flexing not only her muscles but her range as a beguiling bodybuilder with a perm as big as her dreams. Come for Ed Harris and Dave Franco in roles both comedic and nerve-rattling. But come. 

Love Lies Bleeding is a gnarly masterpiece, and you're gonna want to see it on a big screen with the best sound system possible. 

What is Love Lies Bleeding about? Credit: A24

Set in 1980s New Mexico, Love Lies Bleeding centers on the kismet romance of Lou (Kristen Stewart) and Jackie (Katy O'Brian) The two cross paths at a grimy garage gym, the kind where the stink of sweat will never leave the cinderblock walls and cement floor. Handmade signs boast proclamations that "Pain is weakness leaving the body," and "If you believe it, your body can achieve it."

Stewart, who has dazzled on countless red carpets, begins the film elbow-deep in an overloaded toilet. Lou runs the gym, everything from checking in members to closing at night and cleaning the can. In a rundown town, she willingly lives on the fringe, not because she is queer but because she's had a brutal falling-out with her father, local kingpin Lou Sr. (Ed Harris). 

Jackie swans into town as if she's never had a bad day, her smile radiant, her hair bouncy, her muscles glorious. She knows she's a bombshell, and she relishes the attention from gym rats, sketchy would-be employers, and the surly "grade-A dyke" who runs the gym. After a shared glance, and then a shared cigarette, Lou and Jackie rush headlong into sharing more and more of themselves — their bodies, their dreams, and eventually their secrets. Jackie dreams of dominating a bodybuilding competition in Vegas that could change her life for the better. Lou dreams of a world where she doesn’t have to fear for her sister Beth (Jena Malone), who is the devoted punching bag of her abusive husband JJ (Dave Franco).

Their path to these dreams is one thick with violence, impulse, and regret. But the only way out is through. And so in an attempt to save them both from retribution, they must believe in each other and achieve more than they could ever imagine.

Kristen Stewart and Katy O'Brian are mesmerizing together. Credit: A24

Stewart, who was a child actor in adult fare like The Safety of Objects and Panic Room, found mainstream success via the Twilight franchise, but she's effortlessly swung between arty indies (Personal Shopper, Spencer, Love Me) and glossy studio flicks (Underwater, Happiest Season) throughout her career. In her latest, she wears a sneer of a haircut and a sulking disposition, spitting insults at a world that's only treated her badly. But the moment she and O'Brian share a frame, there's a kinetic transformation, a spark in her eyes reflected in her co-star's. Together, their chemistry is electrifying.

Love Lies Bleeding doesn't shy away from sex. Far from the glossy nonsense that plays to straight male fantasies, their fucking is raw, passionate, even clumsy. Close-ups of hands groping flesh and tearing away panties, dirty talk with lips bitten in response. These smoking hot scenes of sapphic love scoff at the tedious online outrage about sex and cinema. Sure, these scenes are titillating. But more than that, they exhibit the ravenousness of these misfits — their need for a connection to someone who really sees them. And they see each other with a definitely female gaze that recognizes warts and all. Or in this case, much blood, sweat, tears, and goop. 

Love isn't easy here. Melodrama flares up with both characters, grabbing on with a ruthless grip that makes every moment exhilarating. Who needs cardio or therapy when Rose Glass is making movies?

Visceral visual splendor and aural horror.  Credit: A24

Glass doesn't waste a frame while building her heady aesthetic. Love Lies Bleeding opens at the bottom of a deep canyon, lit red as fresh blood and looking up at a dark blue, star-studded sky. This proves a sign of what's to come; the same red hue colors flashbacks to a horrid memory. The stars twinkle like the light in Jackie’s eyes or the sequins on her competition bikini. A town caked in dirt, Jackie stands out in her pink and shimmery gym gear. Though built to take on any fight, she is a naive innocent in the seamy underbelly of Lou's family. 

The sound effects ripple with sounds of squelching and tearing. The wet amid the desert underlines the catastrophic collision of hard muscles and fragile emotions. Sometimes these squishing sounds give an expressive oomph to a moment of dramatic tension or to a physical transformation. Sometimes it's a gut-churning sound of violence to drive an offscreen blow right to the bone. Saint Maud also boasted a bold and unnerving soundscape and blood-curdling violence. Love Lies Bleeding proves its spiritual sister, not only in disturbing jolts but also in its ardent leap of faith. 

Love Lies Bleeding is a hopeless romantics' tale turned toxic.  Credit: A24

To follow a stranger home. To move in after one night together. To take on the powers that be. To dream of running away together. Every step of their love is a leap of faith. Though the film stretches into elements of the fantastical, Glass won't let the audience escape the grisly labyrinth of bloody sacrifices made in the name of love. 

Here's where supporting players lend a helping (or hurting) hand. Franco's breezy charm curdles beneath a stringy mullet and uncool dad mustache. Malone's signature sassiness is erased with a dopey broad smile, accented by a split lip and quivering stare. Playing a lovelorn local who'd die for Lou, Anna Baryshnikov (Dickinson) has the air of '60s-era Goldie Hawn on meth — sweet yet savage. Then there's the intoxicating horror of Harris's perturbing patriarch. 

With a long, thinning, gray crescent of hair, he instantly strikes an air of an aging tyrant holding onto flourishes that no longer suit him. Surrounded by bug terrariums and many, many guns, he's an eccentric figure who exudes menace to his underlings, speaking in a low, impatient growl or firing a shot by their heads if he catches them loafing. But in scenes with his daughters, the growl softens — even in the face of Lou's hate. And in this softness, he alludes to a long and complicated relationship, one where cruelty and commendations came with equal intensity. This makes his every syllable one to hang on. Because we, like Lou, know that at any moment the flip my switch. 

In every relationship within Love Lies Bleeding, Glass gives a sense of good and bad, daring audiences to find the line when enough is too much. 

Love Lies Bleeding is a must-see — full-stop.   Credit: A24

Incredibly among the life-or-death drama, lusty romance, and pulpy action, Love Lies Bleeding is wickedly funny. A moment of carefully planted levity here or lunacy there encourages the audience to revel amid moments of revulsion, reminding us of the couple's dizzying newlywed phase even in their darkest moments.

Weaving together tones this different with such grace, Glass is a marvel. Despite its provocative sex scenes and horrific violence, the most outrageous thing about Love Lies Bleeding might be that it's only her second film. Her confidence and trust in the audience would be laudable even if the film didn't work as well as it does. And it works so hard, the audiences leaves out of breath. 

By giving us leading ladies this enchanting, she makes it impossible not to root for Lou and Jackie, but she doesn’t let us off the hook for falling for them. Instead, she delivers an ending that is fearless, fun, and unforgettable. As harrowing as it is tender, as horny as it is horrifying, Love Lies Bleeding is one of the best films of 2024. 

Love Lies Bleeding opens in limited theatrical release March 8, then expands nationwide March 15.

So much of our lives are now lived online. From meeting partners via dating apps, starting a business from scratch and using social media to find clients, or attending work or education remotely, the online world is where we now spend a great deal of our time. But for women, girls, and marginalised people, the digital era also opened up new opportunities for harm and abuse.

Issues like image-based sexual abuse, deepfakes, sexist bias, and surveillance have come to the forefront of conversations around women and digital safety, but harms continue to persist as legislation is slow to catch up. But women are fighting back to ensure that the digital age serves women rather than excludes them, and to insist that the online world is one that we can exist in safely and unapologetically.

In honour of International Women’s Day, we’re spotlighting a list of the women and organisations that are working to make our digital world a safer and more empowering place for women and girls.

SEE ALSO: Deepfakes of Taylor Swift have gone viral. How does this keep happening? Seyi Akiwowo, founder of Glitch

At the age of 23, Akiwowo was elected as the youngest Black female Councillor in East London; a monumental achievement. For Akiwowo, what should have been a cause for celebration ended up being an experience which subjected her to viral online abuse. When the speech she gave to the European Parliament calling out racism went viral, she was met with the full force of online abuse. By using her platform to launch a campaign to "Fix the Glitch," this led her to found Glitch, a not-for-profit which delivers workshops on digital safety and wellbeing. Following their joint campaign with the End Violence Against Women Coalition, the UK government integrated women and girls’ safety into the Online Safety Act, and Glitch are now calling for all political parties to address online abuse in their political manifestos. Her book How To Stay Safe Online is a practical handbook for women and marginalised genders, equipping them with the tools to protect our digital wellbeing.

Seyi Akiwowo, founder of Glitch. Credit: Glitch Georgia Harrison, campaigner and reality TV star

Image-based sexual abuse went from being a personal battle that many victims battled in private to a national campaign when Love Island star Georgia Harrison took her ex-partner Stephen Bear to court for non-consensual sharing. In 2020, Bear had uploaded an intimate video of them on his OnlyFans account, and soon after ‘Georgia Harrison sex tape’ became a top Google search. But after taking the courage to waive her right to anonymity, her campaigning led to a monumental change in the law. It removed the need for intent to cause distress or humiliation for non-consensual sharing to be prosecuted, therefore making it much easier to prosecute and giving countless victims a better chance of justice against this type of digital abuse.

'Love Island' contestant, Georgia Harrison at a demonstration organised by Refuge outside the Houses of Parliament, Westminster, in April 2023, calling for specific protections to be included in the Online Safety Bill. Credit: Stefan Rousseau/PA Images via Getty Images Joy Buolamwini, founder of the Algorithmic Justice League 

Computer scientist Joy Buolamwini was a scholar at MIT’s Media Lab working on her first design project at the institution when she experienced first hand the impacts of racial bias on digital technology. Buolamwini created what she called the Aspire Mirror, which used face-tracking software to register the movements of the user and overlay them onto an aspirational figure. When she realised the facial recognition wouldn’t detect her until she was holding a white mask over her face, she was confronted face on with what she termed the "coded gaze". She soon founded the Algorithmic Justice League, which exists to prevent AI harms and increase accountability. Since then, she has written Unmasking AI, her debut bestselling book on redesigning and reclaiming AI for the good of humanity. In an age where algorithms are replacing humans, this accountability and transparency is essential to preventing technology from creating new risks or entrenching existing inequalities.

Joy Buolamwini, president of the Algorithmic Justice League, speaks during the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) annual meeting in New York in Sept. 2023. Credit: Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images Elena Michael, Director and Co-Founder of Not Your Porn

Not Your Porn is a survivor-led organisation that supports women and girls who have experienced image-based sexual abuse. Michael got involved in Not Your Porn while at law school. Michael and Kate Isaacs, who started the campaign, got in contact over Twitter and since then Michael has gone on to run the campaign with two fellow campaigners. Michael directs Not Your Porn alongside her day job working in support services for neurodivergent children and adults.

In 2024, Not Your Porn will be launching their Survivor Network, which aims to provide a safe space for survivors and raise greater awareness of image-based sexual abuse. In Feb. 2024, Not Your Porn signed a joint letter to Ofcom alongside 43 other specialist organisations and experts, warning that they are not effectively tackling illegal content relating to stalking, harassment and image-based sexual abuse, which is preventing a safer internet for women.

European Sex Workers Alliance

When it comes to online safety, sex workers are often overlooked. Due to the criminalisation of sex work in many countries, the human rights of sex workers are often ignored and not upheld, meaning that they experience disproportionate harms and digital risks. European Sex Workers Alliance are using the lived experiences of sex workers to shape and influence EU and national policymaking, ensuring that sex workers’ voices are heard and their rights protected. 

SEE ALSO: Is WhatsApp banning sex worker accounts?

From their recent lobbying, they got big porn platforms included in the list of Very Large Online Platforms, meaning that the EU’s new Digital Services Act will impose the same accountability and transparency rules on large porn platforms that social media giants are subject to. In April 2024, they are hosting the first Convention on Sex Work, Technology and Human Rights: Digital Rights for All, to bring sex workers and digital rights activists together to learn and collaborate. 

Alice Hendy, Founder of R;pple

Any loss is immensely painful, but loss to suicide is something that changes you forever. Alice Hendy lost her brother Josh to suicide in 2020, when he was aged 21. After looking through his laptop, she realised that Josh was looking at harmful content online before his death, Hendy founded R;pple, a web browser extension that intercepts when people are at their most vulnerable. Once downloaded, if someone searches for content relating to suicide or self-harm, it signposts people to mental health resources and services that can help. 

The work that Hendy has done to prevent suicide and intervene when people are at their lowest is changing lives already; 24 individuals have come to them directly to say they’re still here because of R;pple’s interventions. Hendy was awarded an MBE this year for her services, demonstrating the transformative power that tech designed for good can have on our safety and wellbeing.

Sneha Revanur, founder of Encode Justice

At age 15, Revanur founded Encode Justice, a youth led AI-focused civil society group, to rally against the adoption of a risk-based algorithm in replacement of cash bail. In the three years since its founding, the organisation has grown from her home state of California, to an international movement of 800 members across 30 countries. Encode Justice has contributed to restriction of surveillance in multiple states, spearheaded advocacy for over 10 pieces of federal legislation and helped shape the White House’s Bill of Rights for an Automated Society and President Biden’s executive order on AI. Listed as one of TIME’s 100 AI, she is a groundbreaking Gen Z organiser, who recognises the radical potential and vital role that younger generations play in shaping our digital world for the better. 

Sneha Revanur speaks onstage during Unfinished Live at The Shed in Sept. 2022 in New York City. Credit: Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Unfinished Live Black Girls Code

We are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of closing the STEM gender gap, in an age where technology shapes so many aspects of our lives. The gaps in representation in tech teams results in biased products, be it racist facial recognition software or sexist chatbots. Historically, women have been excluded from the tech industry, and women of colour in particular are historically underrepresented in tech, with just 3 percent of Black women making up the IT workforce. This is what led to the creation of Black Girls Code, which aims to get 1 million girls of colour in tech by 2040. Founded in 2011 by Kimberly Bryant, an African American electrical engineer, the organisation reached over 2.5 million girls and young women in 2023 alone. By closing the STEM gender gap and focusing on girls and women of colour aged between seven and 25, this organisation is making our digital world feminist by design. 

Kimberly Bryant, CEO Black Girls Code, speaking at Glamour Women Of The Year 2016 LIVE Summit in Hollywood in 2016. Credit: Mike Windle/Getty Images for Glamour Hera Hussain, founder of Chayn

Hera Hussain was born in the UK but grew up in Pakistan. After helping two friends escape abusive marriages and realising the challenges to finding basic information about their rights and how to cope with gender-based trauma. This led her to found Chayn, a survivor-led non profit organisation that provides women experiencing abuse with online resources and services in multiple languages.

The resources Chayn provides are free and written by survivors and trauma experts from around the world, ranging from guides on online safety to video courses on healing from image-based abuse and toxic relationships and getting one-to-one reflective support through chat from their Bloom project. More than 500,000 people have benefited from Chayn's services since 2013. In order to make technology safer by design, they also do research on how technology can be made trauma-informed so there’s less abuse.

Hera Hussain, founder of Chayn. Credit: Chayn

If you have experienced sexual abuse, if you are based in the U.S., call the free, confidential National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), or access the 24-7 help online by visiting online.rainn.org. If you have had intimate images shared without your consent, call the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative’s 24/7 hotline at 844-878-2274 for free, confidential support. The CCRI website also includes helpful information as well as a list of international resources.

If you are based in the UK and have experienced intimate image abuse (aka revenge porn), you can contact the Revenge Porn Helpline on 0345 6000 459. If you have experienced sexual violence and are based in the UK, call the Rape Crisis helpline 0808 802 9999.

If you're feeling suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis, please talk to somebody. You can reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988; the Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860; or the Trevor Project at 866-488-7386. Text "START" to Crisis Text Line at 741-741. Contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET, or email info@nami.org. If you don't like the phone, consider using the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Chat at crisischat.org. Here is a list of international resources.

The best streaming deals to watch 'Anatomy of a Fall': BEST FOR NEW SUBSCRIBERS Hulu (with ads) trial Free for 30 days, then $7.99/month (save 16%) Get Deal BEST BUNDLE DEAL Hulu and Disney+ (with ads) $9.99/month (save $5.99/month) Get Deal BEST FOR T-MOBILE CUSTOMERS Hulu Basic (with ads) Free on Go5G Next T-Mobile plans (save $79.99/year) Get Deal BEST FOR STUDENTS Spotify Premium for Students with Hulu Free one-month trial, then $5.99/month (save up to $12.99/month) Get Deal BEST FOR LONG-TERM SUBSCRIBERS Hulu (with ads) annual subscription $79.99 per year (save 16%) Get Deal BEST FOR WATCHING BEFORE THE OSCARS Rent 'Anatomy of a Fall' on Prime Video $5.99 Get Deal

Justine Triet's Anatomy of a Fall, one of our favorite movies of 2023, hits Hulu this month. The film took home the Palme d'Or at last year's Cannes Film Festival and is nominated for five Oscars this year, including Best Picture and Best Director. If you missed this explosive courtroom drama amidst the overflow of excellent cinema in 2023, now's your chance to get caught up.

While the movie won't hit streaming until after the Oscars on March 10, you can still watch it beforehand. Here's everything you need to know to watch Anatomy of a Fall at home.

SEE ALSO: How to watch all of the 2024 Best Picture nominees before the Oscars What is Anatomy of a Fall about?

The initial premise of Anatomy of a Fall is a mystery. Did the man lying dead in the snow below his family's cabin accidentally fall, intentionally jump, or get pushed?

Sandra (played by Sandra Hüller), a German novelist, is accused of killing her husband, Samuel (Samuel Theis) at their isolated French chalet. A year later, we see their relationship scrutinized and picked apart in the courtroom. "What follows is brutally tense and darkly funny, a riveting experiment in cinematic allegiance that sports brilliant performances from Hüller, Milo Machado Graner, Swann Arlaud, and one very good dog," Mashable entertainment reporter Belen Edwards writes in her synopsis.

Read our full review of Anatomy of a Fall.

Featured Video For You The (very) brief Oscars history of women nominated for Best Director How to watch Anatomy of a Fall

Want to watch Anatomy of a Fall before the Oscars? It's currently available to rent or purchase via video-on-demand retailers for around $5.99 or $14.99, respectively. Just note that with rentals, you'll only have 30 days to begin watching and just 48 hours to finish once you start.

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

• Prime Video — $5.99 to rent / $14.99 to buy

• Apple TV+ — $5.99 to rent / $14.99 to buy

• Google Play — $6.99 to rent / $14.99 to buy

• Vudu — $5.99 to rent / $14.99 to buy

• YouTube — $6.99 to rent / $14.99 to buy

When is Anatomy of a Fall streaming?

Although you can still find it in select theaters nationwide, Anatomy of a Fall is set to make its streaming debut on March 22, 2024 exclusively on Hulu. Unfortunately, that's after the Oscars on March 10. If you want to watch it before the ceremony, you'll have to rent or purchase the film via a video-on-demand service, as noted above. If you don't mind the wait, you can stream the film on Hulu. Not a Hulu subscriber? Keep reading to learn the best ways to sign up, including a generous trial that could let you watch Anatomy of a Fall for free.

Where to stream Anatomy of a Fall: The best Hulu deals

If you want to stream Anatomy of a Fall come March 22, you'll need a Hulu subscription. Of course, it's not as cut and dry as you may think. There are monthly and annual options, ad-supported and ad-free tiers, free trials, third-party deals, and even bundles to choose from. Lucky for you, we've broken down all the details below to help you make the best choice for your streaming needs (and for your budget).

Best for new (or returning) subscribers: Hulu 30-day free trial Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu (with ads) Free 30-day trial, then starting at $7.99 per month Watch Now

If you're brand new or returning to Hulu after cancelling previously, you can get a 30-day trial period and easily watch Anatomy of a Fall (and plenty of other great films) for free. Just be sure to cancel before your 30 days are up if you want to avoid charges. If you decide to keep your subscription going after your trial, it'll run you $7.99 per month with ads or $17.99 per month without ads.

Best for long-term viewing: Hulu (with ads) annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu (with ads) annual subscription $79.99 per year (save 16%) Watch Now

For those who don't qualify for the free trial, the best way to save some money on your subscription is to pay for a yearly plan instead of a monthly plan. It typically costs $7.99 per month for the ad-supported tier, but if you opt for an annual plan, that monthly fee drops to just $6.67 per month. Paying $79.99 up front is certainly an investment, but you'll end up saving about 16% over a year's time. If you plan on watching more than just Anatomy of a Fall, sticking around long term definitely gets you more bang for your buck.

Best for T-Mobile customers: Hulu (with ads) included for one year Opens in a new window Credit: T-Mobile / Hulu Hulu (with ads) Free with T-Mobile Go5G Next plan Watch Now

As of late January, T-Mobile customers on the Go5G Next plan can get Hulu with ads for free. To claim your free subscription, just head over to the T-Mobile website and choose "redeem now." Then, enter your T-Mobile number and account details to sign up for Hulu. After your initial 12-month promotional period, you will be prompted to take action to keep your Hulu subscription going. But otherwise, this deal is pretty direct.

Best for students: Spotify Premium for Students with Hulu Opens in a new window Credit: Spotify / Hulu Spotify Premium for Students with Hulu Free 30-day trial, then $5.99 per month Watch Now

Students have access to some of the best streaming deals around. When it comes to Hulu, there are a couple different ways to save. First up, there's Spotify Premium for Students, which includes access to both Spotify Premium as well as Hulu with ads for only $5.99 per month. Better yet, you can test it out for a month before paying anything. The only requirement is that you can prove you're a student through SheerID.

Another option is to sign up for a Hulu student account on its own. While there's no free trial, it'll only cost you $1.99 per month — that's 75% in savings compared to the usual monthly cost. Like the first option, you'll have to be able to prove you're a college student via SheerID in order to claim the deal.

Best bundle deal: Hulu + Disney+ (with ads) Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu / Disney+ Hulu + Disney+ (with ads) $9.99 per month (save 37%) Watch Now

This popular Disney bundle is the top streaming deal for most people. It may not be the best option for you if you're simply looking to watch Anatomy of a Fall, but if you want to watch as many TV shows and movies as possible, then look no further. With the Disney Duo bundle, you'll get access to the full Disney+ streaming catalog, as well as the full Hulu catalog (both with ads) for only $9.99 per month. That's just $2 more per month than paying for Hulu on its own (or 37% in savings).

Sports fans can also toss ESPN+ into the mix with the Disney Trio bundle for only $14.99 (44% in savings) per month. If you don't mind a few ads here and there and you want access to as much content as possible for your money, the Disney bundle has you covered.

TL;DR: Through March 10, get the WonderCube Pro all-in-one mobile keyring at an extra 20% discount with code ENJOY20.

Modern living means being able to video chat with your friends across the country at a moment's notice. It also means needing to carry around an arsenal of wires, chargers, and gadgets just to stay connected while on the go. The minds at WonderCube have given us an adorable solution for that, but don't let the size fool you.

The WonderCube Pro is made to be an all-in-one mobile solution for keeping your digital world afloat without too much clutter. And you can save an extra 20% when you use code ENJOY20 through March 10.

Packed with features and designed with portability and convenience in mind, it acts as a universal charger for all of your Android and Apple devices. It has a one-inch foldout USB cord. The gold-plated connectors with the USB charge offer easy, fast charging.

On top of the charging options, it can sync and transfer super fast, and it has tiny micro-suction cups that allow it to work like a phone stand in a pinch. A built-in flashlight and emergency charger round out the features.

Measuring just one cubic inch, WonderCube Pro is designed to be as small and portable as possible. Attach it to your keyring, backpack, or purse, and take it with you wherever you go.

Upgrade your on-the-go lifestyle to include this little wonder.

Get the WonderCube Pro Keyring while it's on sale for $35.19 when you use code ENJOY20 through March 10 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: WonderCube WonderCube Pro: All-In-One Mobile Keyring $43.99
$70.00 Save $26.01 with code ENJOY20 Get Deal