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TechSwu
TECHSWU
December 15, 2025
Meet Madelaine Thomas, the inspiring founder of Image Angel and a trailblazer in the fight against revenge porn. Emerging from a traumatic past as a professional dominatrix, Thomas was thrust into the tech world after her intimate images were stolen and shared without consent.
Rather than succumbing to shame, she transformed her pain into purpose, dedicating herself to advocacy and policy reform around image-based abuse.
Image Angel is revolutionizing digital safety by using advanced watermarking technology that helps victims regain control over their intimate images.
If an image is shared without consent, the technology identifies its origin, empowering victims to take action. Thomas's unique background fuels her mission, as she actively challenges the stigma surrounding survivors.
With her platform gaining recognition, she aims to turn her story into a beacon of hope for others in the digital age, proving that those who’ve lived the struggle can indeed carve out innovative solutions.
A recent report by ESET cybersecurity researchers has unveiled a chilling discovery: six malicious Android apps may be secretly recording users' conversations and snooping on their messages. Among these, WaveChat stands out for its audacious capability to capture background audio even when the phone's microphone isn't in use.
Although these apps primarily target users in India and Pakistan, concerns over privacy are universal. The trojanized apps, collectively known as VajraSpy, have garnered only about 1,400 downloads, but their deceptive nature, often masquerading as popular communication apps, serves as a stark reminder of the importance of downloading trusted software.
Always scrutinize app permissions and opt for reputable developers! While these threats haven't reached the United States, caution isn't just advised—it's necessary.
Sergey Brin's return to Google has ignited fresh excitement in the company's AI journey, infusing it with urgency and technical prowess. After stepping back in 2019, Brin’s re-engagement in late 2022 came at a crucial time, as competitors like OpenAI surged forward.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai highlighted Brin's hands-on approach, noting his active participation in coding and analyzing AI models alongside research teams. This shift aimed to bolster Google's image amid perceptions of lagging in the AI race.
While Brin isn't an executive, his expertise and founder mentality have fostered a culture of swift execution, notably with the Gemini models that showcase substantial improvements in AI capabilities. Despite claims of being behind, Google’s internal strengths, coupled with Brin’s involvement and a renewed focus on innovation, have positioned it back among the industry's elite.
Whether his return is the definitive reason for this resurgence remains a topic of discussion, but the impact is undeniably significant.
DJI has officially unveiled the Mic 3, the much-anticipated sequel to its beloved pocket microphone, already a staple in the world of TikTok and YouTube. Debuting at the IFA tech conference on September 5, the Mic 3 packs some serious upgrades: featuring 32-bit dual recording, intelligent noise-canceling, and an impressively compact design—it's half the size of its predecessor, the Mic 2.
With a lightweight body that fits comfortably on clothing and a detachable rotating clip, it’s designed for maximum versatility. However, there's a catch! U.
S. availability is limited at launch, leaving eager fans to seek unofficial overseas options.
Priced at $329 with a charging case, the Mic 3 promises professional-quality audio with 400 meters range and an eight-hour battery life, making it the perfect tool for content creators.
Russia's recent ban on Roblox, labeled as a means to safeguard children's moral development, sparked protests in Tomsk, Siberia. Demonstrators rallied under banners proclaiming "Hands off Roblox" and "Digital Iron Curtain," expressing frustration over censorship in a digital world easily circumvented by VPNs.
Critics argue that while the ban aims to protect youth from inappropriate content, its efficacy is questionable, considering the lack of viable local alternatives. Roblox, which has faced similar bans in countries like Iraq and Turkey, reiterated its commitment to safety, emphasizing built-in protections for users.
The protests highlight a growing discontent with government-imposed restrictions, fueling debates on censorship and digital freedom, as many young Russians grapple with a technology landscape that is increasingly restrictive yet bypassable. This clash between authority and the digital youth reflects a broader struggle for freedom in an age of rapid technological change.
Recent research from PSE Consulting reveals a surge in AI-assisted shopping, particularly among Gen Z and urban consumers, as we approach the festive season. Nearly half of UK adults (49%) now use AI tools regularly, with 22% planning to utilize them for Christmas shopping.
Adoption among younger consumers, aged 18-34, climbs to 42%, reflecting a notable shift in shopping habits. A striking 85% of potential AI users are willing to trust these tools for order placements and payments.
However, it's not all smooth sailing; concerns around privacy, fraud, and accuracy linger, with nearly half of consumers apprehensive about data handling and fraudulent activities. While early adopters are fully embracing AI for deal-hunting, older, more traditional shoppers remain hesitant, highlighting a growing confidence divide in the digital shopping landscape.
Retailers must adapt quickly to engage both segments effectively in this evolving market.
In a recent social media stir, Grimes, Elon Musk’s ex-girlfriend and mother of their three children, revealed that Musk has blocked her on X (formerly Twitter). In response to a user's observation of her unusual status, she quipped, “For context, I'm just living my life.
” Amid an ongoing custody dispute, Grimes emphasized that her primary focus is co-parenting, stating, “I am not interested in public dramatics.” Since their on-and-off relationship began in 2018, Grimes and Musk welcomed three children: X Æ A-Xii, Exa Dark Sideræl (Y), and Techno Mechanicus (Tau).
Their separation has fueled legal battles regarding parental rights, with Grimes recently voicing her frustrations about access to her children. Despite these challenges, both are committed to raising their kids together, striving to maintain a cooperative co-parenting arrangement as they embark on their individual life paths.