Social media technology
Social media websites such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn have proved enormously popular, and while they are consumer focused, the principles of collaboration and information sharing that they embody are highly relevant for corporate IT. We analyse the latest trends in social media technology, social networking and explain how they can be applied to enterprise IT strategy.
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Tip
21 Mar 2025
How to incorporate social media into SEO strategies
While social media marketing and SEO seem like two separate practices, when used together, they can enhance any organization's digital marketing strategy. Continue Reading
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News
17 Mar 2025
Online Safety Act measures come into effect
Regulator Ofcom is now able to take enforcement action against platforms under the Online Safety Act if they fail to proactively safeguard against content such as terrorist or child sexual abuse material Continue Reading
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27 Nov 2023
Industrial metaverse brings commercial transformations
While the adoption issues of the metaverse in the consumer market are real, in the industrial world, the metaverse’s payoffs are tangible. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Nov 2023
Spatial computing redraws the world of work
Immersive technologies such as augmented, mixed and virtual reality are nothing new but next-generation capabilities are coalescing into a spatial computing ecosystem that is set to create a new immersive world of work Continue Reading
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Opinion
13 Nov 2023
Why digital leaders should build their personal branding
Prioritising the development of personal branding can help your organisation attract talented people Continue Reading
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Opinion
10 Nov 2023
How the Online Safety Act will impact businesses beyond Big Tech
The Online Safety Act will impact an estimated 100,000 online services in the UK and overseas Continue Reading
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News
09 Nov 2023
NCSC makes annual Black Friday plea to consumers
Ahead of the annual festival of retail avarice, the NCSC is once again asking consumers to do the bare minimum to avoid falling victim to scams Continue Reading
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News
07 Nov 2023
Unesco unveils seven-point anti-disinformation plan
United Nations body outlines seven proposals for civil society, governments, regulators and tech platforms to adopt to combat the source of disinformation Continue Reading
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News
30 Oct 2023
Everdome unveils Spaces metaverse-as-a-service platform
Citing a McKinsey report that reveals 60% of users are eager to transform everyday life, Dubai-based metaverse project releases metaverse-as-a-service product line, which aims to make the immersive platform more accessible for all Continue Reading
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News
27 Oct 2023
Tech firms cite risk to end-to-end encryption as Online Safety Bill gets royal assent
Tech firms continue to be concerned that the Online Safety Bill could undermine end-to-end encryption despite government reassurances Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Oct 2023
10 STEM TikTokers to follow in 2023
Short-form video content is a great way to discover new science and technical topics. Check out these STEM influencers on TikTok. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Oct 2023
TL;DR (too long; didn't read)
TL;DR is an abbreviation for "too long; didn't read." It often appears in social media posts, online articles, blog posts, text messages, emails, and comments responding to various types of content. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Oct 2023
social network
A social network is a website or app that lets people connect with each other on a common platform. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Sep 2023
Retailers and customers alike open to AI, but calls for caution
Retail-related studies into AI’s influence suggest its capabilities are welcome by the sector and shoppers alike – but tech leaders advise treading cautiously Continue Reading
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News
20 Sep 2023
Parliament passes sweeping Online Safety Bill but tech companies still concerned over encryption
Ofcom will consult on standards to enforce new powers, but tech companies remain concerned about the impact of the bill’s ‘spy clause’, which could require them to scan encrypted messages Continue Reading
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News
19 Sep 2023
Braverman puts pressure on Meta to pause end-to-end encryption plans
The home secretary is calling on Meta to halt its plans to introduce encrypted messaging services on Facebook and Instagram until the company puts measures in place to detect abuse Continue Reading
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News
15 Sep 2023
TikTok fined €345m under GDPR for failing to protect children’s privacy
Data protection regulators warn social media companies to take all necessary measures to protect children’s privacy Continue Reading
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News
11 Sep 2023
Polish election questioned after Pegasus spyware used to smear opposition, investigation finds
Senate committee alerts prosecutors over potential crimes by public officials involved in purchasing Pegasus spyware used to monitor and smear political opponents Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Sep 2023
Gearing up for the industrial metaverse
With the hype around the metaverse probably at an all-time low since the former Facebook invented it, it could be argued that its potential is at an all-time high. Where will this potential be exploited and though what tools? Continue Reading
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News
05 Sep 2023
Zoom looks to transcend AI hype with Companion
Collaboration and comms technology firm makes further addition to comms platform to help improve collaboration and productivity through generative AI-powered assistant Continue Reading
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News
31 Aug 2023
Ducktail social media marketing malware rears its head again
Use of the Ducktail infostealer, which first popped up in 2022 targeting Meta Business accounts, seems to be increasing Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Aug 2023
Adopting and adapting to the industrial metaverse
The industrial metaverse heralds commercial transformations, driving benefits across operations and industries. We look at the benefits an industrial version of the emerging computing environment can offer to corporations Continue Reading
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News
23 Aug 2023
Enterprise elevated in Zoom Q2
Collaboration and communications technology provider releases second-quarter results showing steady increase in total revenue and significant rise in enterprise revenue Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Aug 2023
The industrial metaverse drives benefits across operations and industries
Technological, human, and legal aspects will play a role in determining the pace of adoption and diffusion of industrial applications of the metaverse. Payoffs can be substantial in terms of collaboration, productivity, efficiency and cost reduction Continue Reading
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News
15 Aug 2023
Online safety message failing to get through to women
The security community could be doing a lot more to make its advice and guidance more accessible to women, according to a study Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Aug 2023
Industrial metaverse heralds commercial transformations
Despite the best of intentions, sometimes rebrands just don’t work. Yet while the adoption issues of the metaverse in the consumer market are real, in the industrial world, the metaverse’s payoffs are tangible Continue Reading
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News
10 Aug 2023
ShapesXR draws $8.6m in bid to become XR prototyping industry standard
Key investment round secured for virtual reality design and collaboration platform favoured by Meta founder Continue Reading
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News
08 Aug 2023
MPs warn about growing prevalence of tech-enabled domestic abuse
The UK government must take action to prevent perpetrators from being able to use connected or smart technologies to conduct their domestic abuse, a select committee has warned Continue Reading
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News
03 Aug 2023
Scottish NHS trust ducks fine after staff shared patient data via WhatsApp
NHS Lanarkshire has been issued a formal reprimand by the ICO after staff members used WhatsApp to share patients’ personal data with one another Continue Reading
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News
02 Aug 2023
Pig butchers caught using ChatGPT to con victims
Romance scammers looking to con people out of their savings appear to be turning to generative AI tools to save time and effort Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Jul 2023
fediverse
The fediverse is a collection of independently hosted interconnected server instances. Continue Reading
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News
21 Jul 2023
Government boosts protection for encryption in Online Safety Bill but civil society groups concerned
House of Lords adopts amendment to require Ofcom to commission a report before requiring technology companies to scan encrypted messages, but drops proposals for judicial oversight Continue Reading
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News
20 Jul 2023
Qualcomm and Meta collaborate to enable on-device AI applications using Llama 2
Mobile tech giant working with social media platform to make available Llama 2-based implementations on smartphones and PCs to enable new generative AI applications using Snapdragon platforms Continue Reading
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News
20 Jul 2023
Online Safety Bill screening measures amount to ‘prior restraint’
The Open Rights Group is calling on Parliament to reform the Online Safety Bill, on the basis that its content-screening measures would amount to “prior restraint” on freedom of expression Continue Reading
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News
12 Jul 2023
Ofcom’s online safety preparedness efforts hobbled by government
Despite Ofcom’s progress so far, UK government changes to the scope and timetable of the Online Safety Bill are hobbling the ability of the regulator to successfully prepare for the new regime Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Jul 2023
Reddit pricing: API charge explained
Providing a free API was becoming costly for Reddit. Enterprise-scale developers now have to pay for access to Reddit's data. Continue Reading
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News
11 Jul 2023
EU formally grants data adequacy to US
The European Commission has formally granted the US data adequacy, allowing companies and organisations to freely transfer personal data across the Atlantic via the EU-US Data Privacy Framework. But privacy activist Max Schrems has already committed to legally challenging the decision Continue Reading
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News
11 Jul 2023
Malicious URL volumes soar as cyber criminals pull on Threads
Malicious actors have been quick to exploit the buzz around Meta’s newly launched Threads platform, with thousands of new suspicious domains registered exploiting its branding Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Jul 2023
Considerations for meaningful metaverses: cornerstones of success
Immersive technologies of all varieties are enabling new computing environments that will affect the fabric of emerging commercial and societal landscapes. Crucial considerations will play a role Continue Reading
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News
07 Jul 2023
Alaian, Qualcomm seek out extended reality startups
Collaboration between telco alliance and leading mobile platform provider looks to offer emerging talents in extended reality the ability to accelerate their growth and promote the development of disruptive offerings Continue Reading
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News
06 Jul 2023
Meta’s Threads hits app stores, but no EU launch in sight
Meta’s Twitter competitor makes its debut and signs up millions of users in just 12 hours, but concerns over compliance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act have sunk a pan-European launch for now Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Jul 2023
Immersive technologies advance training and design
Building on a similar discussion on the emerging metaverse at the iconic cultural event a year ago, this year’s SXSW saw a select group of experts discuss how immersive technologies could be a driver for future societies Continue Reading
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News
04 Jul 2023
‘Political lethargy’ to blame for digital exclusion, says Lords
A House of Lords report about digital exclusion across the UK has blamed slow and undedicated government intervention for the extent of digital exclusion Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Jun 2023
Could social media revolutionise war crimes trials?
Computer Weekly speaks with open source investigators about how they use social media to gather evidence of war crimes, and the trouble with using such evidence in legal proceedings Continue Reading
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News
19 Jun 2023
Prime minister Rishi Sunak faces pressure from banks to force tech firms to pay for online fraud
The UK’s major banks have told the prime minister to force tech firms to do more to prevent fraud that the banks end up paying for Continue Reading
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News
14 Jun 2023
TSB calls on Meta to intervene and protect users from fraud losses of £250m this year
TSB is the latest bank to demand more action from social media sector in helping to reduce online fraud Continue Reading
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News
13 Jun 2023
Delivery charges and slow payments have customers abandoning baskets
Customer expectation has been on the rise, both on and offline, and no-code automation firm Primer finds there are several reasons why consumers are choosing not to checkout Continue Reading
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News
31 May 2023
Lloyds Bank calls on tech companies to control social media ‘wild west’
Lloyds Banking Group is calling on tech giants to step forward in the fight against online fraud, which emanates in the social media ‘wild west’ Continue Reading
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News
25 May 2023
Build 2023: Microsoft wants developers to build IT with AI
Software giant Microsoft is pushing the idea of next-generation business applications, powered by AI-based copilots with data feed plugins Continue Reading
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News
22 May 2023
Facebook owner Meta fined record €1.2 billion over EU-US data transfers
Decision could have implications for other companies using Standard Contractual Clauses to share data between Europe and the US Continue Reading
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Definition
22 May 2023
marketecture (marchitecture)
Marketecture (also known as marchitecture) refers to non-technical descriptions of a company's products or services that let various stakeholders understand the product's core functionality and how it works with other products as part of a broader ecosystem. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 May 2023
Paid verification explained: Everything you need to know
Meta and Twitter offer users the option to pay for a verified badge. This has sparked debates about fairness and the potential for increased fake accounts. Continue Reading
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News
08 May 2023
Chat control: EU lawyers warn plans to scan encrypted messages for child abuse may be unlawful
Leaked legal advice warns that European ‘chat control’ proposals to require tech companies to scan private and encrypted messages for child abuse are likely to breach EU law Continue Reading
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News
26 Apr 2023
Researchers deal blow to Gootloader gang that supported REvil
Thousands of compromised WordPress blogs have been spreading the Gootloader malware for years, but eSentire’s security research team are turning the tables on the gang that played a key role in REvil ransomware attacks Continue Reading
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News
18 Apr 2023
Tech companies and NGOs urge rewrite of Online Safety Bill to protect encrypted comms
The Online Safety Bill faces amendments in the House of Lords amid concerns that it could weaken the security of end-to-end encrypted communications for UK citizens Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Apr 2023
The CIO challenges brought by e-commerce in Kuwait
E-commerce is growing fast in Kuwait, resulting in new challenges for CIOs in the retail sector Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Apr 2023
Snapchat
Snapchat is a mobile app that allows users to send and receive "self-destructing" photos and videos. Photos and videos taken with the app are called snaps. Continue Reading
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News
04 Apr 2023
TikTok fined in UK over unlawful use of children’s data
The ICO has fined TikTok £12.7m for breaches of data protection law, including unlawfully collecting data on children under 13 Continue Reading
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E-Zine
04 Apr 2023
Revitalising UK digital government
In this week’s Computer Weekly, as the UK plummets down the international rankings for digital government, can its £400m identity system revitalise the UK’s digital strategy? We examine the container management platforms from the big six storage suppliers. And we look at the challenges of achieving IT sustainability while continuing to drive digital innovation. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Mar 2023
crowdsourcing
Crowdsourcing is the practice of turning to a body of people to obtain needed knowledge, goods or services. Continue Reading
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News
31 Mar 2023
Mounting Russian disinformation campaign targeting Arab world
Researchers have found evidence of a broad Russian disinformation campaign targeting Arabic-speakers in the Middle East and North Africa Continue Reading
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E-Zine
28 Mar 2023
Is TikTok really a security threat to your business?
In this week’s Computer Weekly, with the UK government becoming the latest administration to ban TikTok, we ask whether the controversial social media app is really a security threat to enterprises. Technology guru Bruce Schneier tells us about the need to take back control of AI and the personal data it relies on. And we look at how firms are trying – and failing – to make AI work for online content moderation. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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News
27 Mar 2023
France latest to ban TikTok on government devices
Following bans in the UK and US, France has moved to enact restrictions on TikTok, and other social media apps, on government devices Continue Reading
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News
20 Mar 2023
BBC cracks down on TikTok after review
The BBC is asking staff not to install TikTok on corporate-owned devices without a justified business purpose, although its use will still be allowed to share media content with its audiences Continue Reading
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News
17 Mar 2023
UK TikTok ban gives us all cause to consider social media security
The UK government’s ban on TikTok should give all organisations cause to look into what information social media platforms are collecting on us, and what they are using it for Continue Reading
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News
16 Mar 2023
TikTok banned on UK government devices
The UK government has followed in the footsteps of its US and European counterparts and banned the use of Chinese social media app TikTok on official devices Continue Reading
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E-Zine
14 Mar 2023
Digital dedication – the transformation of Guinness World Records
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we find out about the digital transformation at Guinness World Records – dedication, that’s what you need. We examine the new space race – to launch low-orbit, low-cost communications satellites. And we look at the role of technology in sustainability strategies. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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News
06 Mar 2023
Fintech industry calls for regulatory change to help struggling consumers
Fintech trade body calls for regulatory changes to allow fintechs to broaden services for people struggling in the cost-of-living crisis Continue Reading
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News
02 Mar 2023
Salt Labs identifies OAuth security flaw within Booking.com
Security flaw in Booking.com OAuth implementation could be used to launch account takeovers, but researchers discovered and flagged the issue before it could be exploited in the wild Continue Reading
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News
20 Feb 2023
Twitter 2FA changes bring more risks than benefits
Twitter’s approach to nudging users away from insecure SMS-based 2FA is being questioned over its logic Continue Reading
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News
20 Feb 2023
App-based Zopa bank buys BNPL fintech
App-based Zopa bank is adding a buy now, pay layer platform to its technology stack through its first acquisition Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Feb 2023
social media policy
A social media policy is a corporate code of conduct that provides guidelines for employees who post content on the internet either as part of their job or as a private person. Continue Reading
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News
14 Feb 2023
Researcher exposes crypto scam network exploiting YouTube
A massive network of fake YouTube videos promoted by automated sock puppet accounts is reeling in hundreds of cryptocurrency enthusiasts and persuading them to hand over their money, WithSecure researchers found Continue Reading
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E-Zine
10 Feb 2023
CW EMEA: Kyiv is ready for anything
CIOs must be ready for the unexpected, but not many CIOs and IT teams face keeping a city’s vital IT running while fighting for their lives. In this issue of CW EMEA, Oleg Polovynko, CIO at Kyiv City Council, explains how the IT team in the Ukrainian capital has kept services running for its residents amid relentless bombing by Russian forces. We also look at how the Netherlands is planning to regulate AI to reduce bias, how highly accurate time protocols ensure fair trading in finance, and the use of technology in agriculture in Denmark. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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News
10 Feb 2023
BNPL accounted for 12% of UK online spending in January
Buy now, pay later products from fintech providers accounted for 12% of the £8bn spent online in the UK in January, according to analysis Continue Reading
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News
10 Feb 2023
Social media platform Reddit breached in phishing attack
An unspecified threat actor obtained access to internal documents, code and business systems at Reddit after stealing employee credentials in a phishing attack Continue Reading
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News
09 Feb 2023
Cost-of-living crisis creates appetite to switch banks
As millions of Brits struggle with their finances, many view tailored financial services as beneficial Continue Reading
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News
09 Feb 2023
Twitter CEO Elon Musk pauses datacentre downsizing push in wake of outage
Twitter CEO Elon Musk has called a temporary halt to the company’s push to cut costs by downsizing its infrastructure expenditure after an outage left users around the world unable to post tweets Continue Reading
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News
09 Feb 2023
Consumers want tech-driven clothing stores
As consumers increasingly visit stores as the pandemic subsides, NTT Data finds that technology in shops could persuade consumers to return to physical shopping Continue Reading
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News
08 Feb 2023
Prolific social media fraudster jailed for three years
Ramzan Abubakarov of Hendon will serve three-year prison sentence after using Telegram to coordinate series of frauds which netted almost £2m Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Feb 2023
The one problem with AI content moderation? It doesn’t work
The use of artificial intelligence for content moderation is likely to become more pronounced with the passage of the Online Safety Bill, but practitioners and experts question the efficacy of this approach Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Feb 2023
newsgroup
A newsgroup is an online discussion forum where users can post messages, exchange ideas and read the comments of others. Continue Reading
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News
03 Feb 2023
Finance regulator finding more misleading promotions quicker through improved digital tools
UK finance regulator able to find and block misleading promotions faster through improved digital tools Continue Reading
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News
03 Feb 2023
FCA cracks down on misleading promos by social media influencers
Social media is becoming a major part of the FCA’s work in clamping down on misleading financial advertising and promotions, with multiple influencers rapped for their behaviour Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Feb 2023
Pinterest
Pinterest is a social curation website for sharing and categorizing images found online. Continue Reading
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News
01 Feb 2023
Romance fraudsters stole £65m from Brits since 2020
Online romance fraudsters have scammed Brits out of £65m in the past three years, according to retail bank TSB Continue Reading
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News
01 Feb 2023
CryptoRom scam abuses Apple and Google app stores to claim victims
Sophos researchers report on two fake apps used by romance scammers to lure victims into parting with their money, both of which were able to escape the attention of Apple and Google app store safeguards Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jan 2023
Fine-tune a social media emergency plan with ISO 22329:2021
Social media and its effective management are major interests for emergency management professionals. Find out how ISO's recent standard can help guide a social media strategy. Continue Reading
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News
31 Jan 2023
Digital banking changing the high street forever as banks close branches and open alternatives
Banks are reshaping their channels as customers move to digital services, with physical innovation complementing digital strategies Continue Reading
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News
27 Jan 2023
Lords question ‘extensive’ government online safety powers
Digital minister Paul Scully defends government Online Safety plans to give secretary of state powers to direct Ofcom Continue Reading
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Opinion
23 Jan 2023
The rise of fraud in pop culture is impacting consumers’ digital trust
Shows such as The Tinder Swindler and Inventing Anna were big money-earners for Netflix in 2022, but Onfido’s Mike Tuchen says their popularity risks damaging consumer trust Continue Reading
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News
20 Jan 2023
WhatsApp’s £4.8m fine raises questions for organisations using behavioural advertising
The Irish Data Protection Commissioner has fined WhatsApp, owned by Meta, in a case that will raise questions for organisations that rely on contracts rather than consent to comply with GDPR when offering behavioural advertising Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Jan 2023
doomscrolling
Doomscrolling, sometimes also called doomsurfing, refers to constantly checking disturbing or upsetting news articles or videos online, often via social media. Continue Reading
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News
19 Jan 2023
UK seeks to ban sharing ‘positive’ Channel crossing videos online
Under UK government amendments to the Online Safety Bill, video footage that shows people crossing the Channel in a ‘positive light’ could be added to a list of illegal content that all tech platforms must proactively prevent from reaching users, while senior managers could face further criminal sanctions Continue Reading
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News
17 Jan 2023
Cloudflare urged to clamp down on pirates, counterfeiters
A whitepaper produced by brand protection specialist Corsearch calls on Cloudflare to do more to stop online content piracy and sales of counterfeit goods Continue Reading
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News
16 Jan 2023
The Security Interviews: Protecting your digital self
Our digital self – the virtual presence of who we are online – has a pervasive influence in the real world. People make judgements based on these digital depictions, so what can be done to ensure positive representation? Continue Reading
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News
06 Jan 2023
Proposed digital fraud refund rules risk excluding many victims
Proposals to establish a fraud refund mechanism in the UK risk excluding many victims of digitally enabled fraud, a major bank has warned Continue Reading
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News
06 Jan 2023
Meta to appeal £345m fine for Facebook and Instagram privacy breaches
Social media company Meta is to appeal after the Irish Data Protection Commission fined the company for breaching GDPR Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Jan 2023
Top trends in tech, and retail’s early adopters
Computer Weekly identifies the retail industry’s early adopters of what McKinsey & Co deems the top tech trends Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Dec 2022
Developed for Big Science in Europe, highly accurate time protocols ensure fair trading in finance
Protocols developed for use at the European Organisation for Nuclear Research are now being used for many other applications, including financial services Continue Reading
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News
21 Dec 2022
Top 10 retail technology stories of 2022
Computer Weekly looks at what 2022 had in store for the retail industry – after the pandemic increasing technology adoption for most of the retail sector, what have firms put in place to survive the next few years? Continue Reading
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E-Zine
20 Dec 2022
The Post Office IT scandal – cock-up or cover-up?
In this week’s Computer Weekly, the second phase of the Post Office IT scandal inquiry revealed further shocking details at every turn – we review the latest evidence. We examine progress of the roll-out of fast broadband connectivity across the UK. And as the Online Safety Bill returns to Parliament, we look at the ongoing arguments about how to keep the internet safe. Read the issue now. Continue Reading