Weekly Tech Round-Up
This week: a breakthrough tool to prevent satellite collisions, Discord delays age verification plans, Reddit faces a major UK fine over children's data, a creative AI-powered photo app, and a reminder about antivirus protection.
🛰️ New System Aims to Prevent Satellite Collisions
Researchers at the University of Manchester have created a new system that could help prevent satellites from crashing into each other in Earth’s increasingly crowded orbits.
The tool connects what a satellite is designed to do — such as capturing high-resolution images — with the collision risks linked to different satellite sizes and orbital altitudes.
By identifying potential dangers earlier in the planning process, designers may be able to reduce risks before satellites are even launched.
Source: BBC News
🎮 Discord Delays Global Age Verification Rollout
Discord is pushing back plans to start verifying the age of all users in March following weeks of user outcry.
The platform’s co-founder and chief technology officer said a planned global rollout of a process to determine users under the age of 16 would now be delayed until the latter half of this year.
Discord stressed it would still meet any specific legal obligations around age verification, and that verification will form part of the platform in the future.
However, it said it is now developing “more verification options” that would not require facial recognition or ID scans. One option under development is credit card verification.
Source: BBC News
⚖️ Reddit Fined £14.47m Over Children’s Data Use
Reddit has been fined £14.47 million by the UK’s data watchdog for unlawfully using children’s personal information.
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) said the platform failed to properly check the age of its users, potentially exposing children to inappropriate and harmful content online.
In response, Reddit said it did not require users to share identity information, regardless of age, because it is committed to privacy and safety.
The regulator stated that companies running online services likely to be accessed by children have a responsibility to protect them, including ensuring that the way data is collected and used does not expose them to risk.
Source: BBC News
🎨 App of the Week: Vimage
This week’s app of the week is Vimage.
More than just another filter-heavy editor, Vimage is a sophisticated cinemagraph creator that uses AI to bring still images to life with subtle motion effects.
The app is free to download on iOS and Android devices:
🛡️ Antivirus Software: Don’t Overlook Built-In Protection
Antivirus software is often included for free within the operating systems that run Windows and Apple computers. Ensuring that this built-in protection is switched on can instantly improve your security.
- New computers often include a trial version of separate antivirus software such as McAfee, Norton or Avast.
- When the trial expires, you may need to pay or register to continue using it.
- Separate antivirus products do not always work well alongside built-in protection and can sometimes interfere with it.
- With many products available, it’s worth researching which solution best fits your needs.
