Science and Technology Archives - Page 11 of 18

Around 6,000 porn sites start checking ages in UK

21

Jul

Science and Technology

Age checks go live on 6,000 porn sites in UK

In a sweeping push to enhance online safety and protect minors, nearly 6,000 adult content websites in the UK have begun implementing mandatory age-verification systems. This move marks one of the most significant regulatory shifts in the online adult industry, aiming to ensure that only users aged 18 and over can access explicit material.According to recent laws, those who run adult websites are now required to implement strong age verification processes, such as confirming identification or utilizing approved third-party services. This mandate forms a component of a larger initiative by UK regulators aimed at reducing underage access to pornography and…

Earth is spinning faster, leading timekeepers to consider an unprecedented move

20

Jul

By Steve P. Void

Science and Technology

Earth’s increasing speed leads timekeepers to an unprecedented crossroads

The planet’s natural rhythm is changing—and timekeepers around the world are watching closely. Earth is rotating faster than it used to, prompting scientists and international timekeeping authorities to consider an adjustment that has never been made before: subtracting a second from Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).This potential step, known as a "negative leap second," would mark a first in human history. While leap seconds have been added to synchronize clocks with Earth’s slightly irregular rotation, the idea of taking one away introduces complex challenges to technology, communications, and global systems that rely on precise timing.For decades, timekeeping has accounted for the…

Breakthrough discovery shows that moths listen to plants — and avoid the noisy ones

20

Jul

By Steve P. Void

Science and Technology

Research shows moths listen for plant sounds and avoid noisy types

In an extraordinary development in our knowledge of insect behavior, recent scientific studies have shown that moths can recognize sound signals from plants — and they seem to favor those that are less noisy when deciding on egg-laying locations. This finding changes long-standing beliefs about how insects relate with their surroundings and introduces new pathways for research in ecological communication.The study's findings suggest that moths, far from being passive navigators of the natural world, are acutely attuned to the subtle sounds emitted by the plants around them. More significantly, their ability to “listen” seems to influence crucial decisions, such as…

Medieval knight’s complete skeleton discovered beneath Polish ice cream parlor

20

Jul

By Steve P. Void

Science and Technology

Complete skeleton of medieval knight found beneath ice cream shop in Poland

A significant archaeological find has been uncovered in central Poland, where a medieval knight's remains were discovered underneath a location that used to be a well-known ice cream shop. This surprising discovery has piqued the interest of historians and locals alike, providing a unique insight into the area's rich history and its ties to feudal Europe.The uncovering took place amid regular renovation efforts in a town celebrated for its historic buildings and lively market scene. While laborers excavated beneath the edifice, they stumbled upon a stone sarcophagus lying far beneath the contemporary base. Further investigation revealed that the burial site…

19

Jul

By Steve P. Void

Science and Technology

New tech challenges: trucking’s uneasy relationship

The trucking industry, a cornerstone of global logistics and supply chains, is undergoing a transformation. From automation and artificial intelligence to clean energy initiatives and advanced telematics, new technologies are reshaping how freight moves across highways and through cities. However, this evolution is not without its challenges. While innovation promises increased efficiency and cost savings, it also sparks concerns around job security, regulatory adaptation, and the practicalities of implementation.Many professionals in the field feel torn between the appeal of modern operations and the challenges of implementing them practically. As businesses, drivers, and regulators strive to find their way through this…

Trump unveils AI plan that aims to clamp down on regulations and 'bias'

19

Jul

By Steve P. Void

Science and Technology

Trump reveals AI initiative focusing on fewer regulations and combating ‘bias’

Former President Donald Trump has announced a new artificial intelligence project that focuses heavily on reducing federal oversight and tackling what he terms political partiality within AI systems. As artificial intelligence quickly grows in numerous fields—such as healthcare, national defense, and consumer tech—Trump's approach marks a shift from wider bipartisan and global endeavors to enforce stricter scrutiny over this advancing technology.Trump’s latest proposal, part of his broader 2025 campaign strategy, presents AI as both an opportunity for American innovation and a potential threat to free speech. Central to his plan is the idea that government involvement in AI development should…

Apple and Google have 'effective duopoly' in UK says regulator

19

Jul

By Steve P. Void

Science and Technology

Regulator Says Apple and Google Maintain ‘Effective Duopoly’ in UK

Apple and Google, two of the world’s most influential tech companies, continue to dominate the digital ecosystem in the United Kingdom, drawing concern from the country’s top competition watchdog. According to the regulator, the tight grip these two firms hold over mobile operating systems, app stores, and web browsers significantly limits consumer choice and stifles innovation.The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has been examining the mobile tech sector in depth, and its findings suggest that Apple and Google’s hold on core digital infrastructure creates what amounts to a digital duopoly. Their dominance extends beyond hardware and into the critical…

Deepfakes to become criminal offence in NI 'sooner rather than later'

18

Jul

By Steve P. Void

Science and Technology

‘Sooner rather than later’: NI set to make deepfakes a criminal offence

The rapid evolution of digital technologies has brought remarkable innovations, but it has also introduced new risks—among them, the rise of deepfakes. These hyper-realistic manipulated videos and audio clips, created with the aid of artificial intelligence, are increasingly being used to mislead, defame, or exploit. In response to the growing threat, Northern Ireland appears poised to introduce legislation making the malicious creation and distribution of deepfakes a criminal offense.Although the use of deepfakes originally emerged in entertainment and creative spaces, their potential for abuse has become more apparent. From fake videos impersonating public figures to deceptive content designed to blackmail…

Weak password allowed hackers to sink a 158-year-old company

17

Jul

By Steve P. Void

Science and Technology

Weak password lets hackers take down 158-year-old company

In today's digital world, cybersecurity is essential for every organization, not just large tech companies or banks, regardless of their size, industry, or background. However, even with increased awareness, a recent event highlights how a minor lapse in online security can result in severe repercussions. An established company with over 150 years of history experienced significant disruption because of a fragile password—an easy mistake that allowed hackers access and eventually caused the company's collapse.The corporation under discussion had been a pillar in its industry for more than a century and a half. Known for its enduring resilience, it successfully navigated…

World's first 150mph car returns to beach where it broke record

17

Jul

By Steve P. Void

Science and Technology

World’s first 150mph car heads back to historic record beach

A century after making automotive history, a pioneering land speed vehicle has returned to the very shoreline where it first stunned the world. The car, known for breaking the 150 mph barrier—a feat once thought impossible—has revisited the beach that served as its proving ground, offering a powerful reminder of human ambition and the relentless pursuit of progress.This return is more than a nostalgic gesture. It’s a moment of reflection on a pivotal era in engineering, when daredevils and innovators challenged the limits of technology on stretches of sand instead of tracks or test facilities. The vehicle’s reappearance on the…