Tech

YouTube Tightens Global Crackdown on Ad Blockers

YouTube, owned by Google, has intensified its global efforts to crack down on users who use ad blockers on its platform.

According to Android Authority, more and more YouTube users are seeing a warning message asking them to either disable ad blockers and watch ads, or pay $14 for a YouTube Premium subscription.

In the past few weeks, more users with ad blockers installed have discovered that they are unable to watch YouTube videos.

The company has now launched a global effort to encourage users to either allow ads or try YouTube Premium, which includes YouTube Music.

A company spokesperson told The Verge that using ad blockers violates the platform’s terms of service. Ads support a diverse ecosystem of creators globally and allow billions to access their favorite content on YouTube,” the spokesperson said.

In June, YouTube confirmed that it was disabling videos for users with ad blockers. At the time, it was only a “small experiment globally.” In May, YouTube added unskippable 30-second ads to its TV app and later began testing longer but less frequent ad breaks on TV as well.

Last month, the streaming platform announced that it would be discontinuing its lower-cost “Premium Lite” subscription plan after a two-year pilot in select countries.

The company stated that it would no longer offer “Premium Lite” after October 25th.

YouTube’s “Premium Lite” plan, which costs $7.39 per month, was first introduced in select European countries in 2021. It offered ad-free viewing across YouTube’s spectrum of apps and formats, but it did not include other Premium features such as offline downloads, background playback, or any YouTube Music benefits.

The removal came after YouTube Premium raised its individual plan prices for the first time, with the plan now starting at $13.99 per month. Family plans were also raised to $22.99 per month late last year.

Analysis

YouTube’s crackdown on ad blockers is a sign that the company is taking the issue of ad revenue seriously. Ads are the primary way that YouTube creators are compensated for their work, and YouTube relies on ad revenue to keep its platform free for users.

However, many users are unhappy with YouTube’s decision to crack down on ad blockers. They argue that they are using ad blockers because they are concerned about their privacy and security, and because they find many ads to be annoying.

It is unclear how effective YouTube’s crackdown on ad blockers will be. Some users may simply find ways to circumvent YouTube’s new measures. However, YouTube’s decision to crack down on ad blockers is a sign that the company is committed to protecting its ad revenue and supporting its creators.

Continue reading YouTube Tightens Global Crackdown on Ad Blockers →

Tech

Google Launches New .ing Domain for One-Word Websites

Google has launched a new domain extension, .ing, which allows brands and businesses to create one-word websites. The .ing domain is now available for early access registration, but users will be required to pay an additional one-time fee.

The .ing domain is designed for a variety of purposes, including creating fun websites, giving to charity, designing beautiful products, or editing existing documents. Users can register for their unique .ing domain through partner companies such as GoDaddy and 101Domain.

The early access period for .ing domains will run until December 5th, with fees decreasing on a daily basis. On December 5th at 16:00 UTC, .ing domains will be publicly available at a base annual price through the registrar of choice.

Google is also working on a new .meme top-level domain, which is currently in a limited registration period. Early access to .meme domains will open on November 28th, and the domain will be available for registration beginning December 5th.

Google AI Chatbot Bard is Now Faster and More Responsive

Google’s AI chatbot Bard has been updated to be faster and more responsive. Responses will now show in real-time while in progress, and users will be able to skip responses that they think will not be useful.

This update makes Bard even more helpful and useful for users who need quick and accurate answers to their questions.

Continue reading Google Launches New .ing Domain for One-Word Websites →

Tech

Elon Musk Aims to Make X a Top Dating and Job Hiring Platform

Elon Musk has expressed his desire to soon make X into a top dating and job hiring platform. He believes that the platform’s focus on user posts would be a key differentiator, as it would allow users to get to know each other better before matching or hiring.

Musk also emphasized the importance of video live-streaming on the platform, particularly for sporting events and political events. He believes that this would give users a direct line to what is happening on the ground, without the filter of the media.

In order for X to succeed in these new endeavors, Musk said that the company needs to become a one-stop shop for users. This would involve integrating payments, messaging, video, and calling into a single app. He pointed to WeChat as an example of a successful platform that has achieved this integration.

Overall, Musk’s vision for X is ambitious, but it is also clear that he has a deep understanding of the needs of users. By focusing on user posts, video live-streaming, and integration, Musk believes that X can become a truly revolutionary platform.

Continue reading Elon Musk Aims to Make X a Top Dating and Job Hiring Platform →

Tech

Pro-Palestinian Cyber Activists Target Allies of Israel

Countries supporting Israel, including India, have recently experienced an increase in cyberattacks. Pro-Palestinian cyber activists have expanded their targets beyond Israel, focusing on countries they see as allies of Israel in the conflict with Hamas.

 

The United States, France, India, and Italy have all seen a significant rise in hacking attempts against their interests, as reported by the cybersecurity firm CheckPoint. For instance, groups like ‘Cyber error system’ continued to focus on Asia, particularly India, with over 230 attacks attributed to them, citing the ongoing conflict as their rationale.

 

Another group, ‘Mysterious Team Bangladesh,’ known for its cyber operations against France and India, declared its readiness to initiate cyberattacks against Israeli targets. They collaborated with ‘Team_insane_Pakistan’ and exchanged target information and successes. Their attacks targeted various Israeli entities, including the space agency, port authorities, media outlets, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), and financial institutions, although the damage inflicted was minimal.

 

France experienced over 300 incidents, primarily Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks and website defacements, with minimal impact. The conflict’s escalation and foreign leaders expressing solidarity with Israel led to more nations becoming potential targets.

 

The suspension of financial aid to the Palestinians by the European Union on October 10 resulted in cyber operations targeting European organizations. Notably, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s personal website experienced a DDoS attack, and similar attacks were launched against various entities, including the British military and UNICEF.

 

While the direct damage from these cyberattacks remains relatively contained, the broader implications underscore the need for robust cybersecurity measures.

Tech

Parliament Panel May Summon Apple Officials

Parliament Panel May Summon Apple Officials Over Hacking Attempt Alerts

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology (IT) is considering summoning Apple officials during an upcoming meeting to address recent alerts on “state-sponsored attacks” sent to Opposition leaders and other public figures in the country on their iPhones, according to a report by news agency ANI.

The committee’s secretariat has expressed deep concern and is treating the matter with the utmost seriousness, said an official of the committee secretariat.

Background

Apple recently sent alerts to several Opposition leaders and other public figures in India warning them of potential “state-sponsored attacks” on their iPhones . The alerts have raised concerns about the security of Apple’s devices and the possibility of foreign governments attempting to interfere in India’s internal affairs .

The Way Forward

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology (IT) is expected to summon Apple officials during an upcoming meeting to discuss the issue. The committee will seek answers from Apple regarding the alerts and measures being taken to ensure the security of its devices.

In conclusion, the recent alerts sent by Apple to several public figures in India have raised concerns about the security of its devices. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology (IT) is taking the matter seriously and is expected to summon Apple officials during an upcoming meeting to discuss the issue. It remains to be seen what steps will be taken by Apple to address these concerns.

Source

 

Newsbeat

Vivek Venkataswamy Resigns from BJP, Joins Congress

Vivek Venkataswamy, who was previously a member of the BJP, has decided to leave the party. He is expected to join the Congress, and this move took place in the presence of senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

 

This decision by Vivek Venkataswamy is seen as a significant setback for the BJP in Telangana, especially with the upcoming assembly elections. He has formally resigned from the BJP and will meet Rahul Gandhi in Hyderabad to announce his joining of the Congress.

 

In his resignation letter to the BJP’s state unit president, G Kishan Reddy, Vivek expressed his gratitude for the support he received during his time with the BJP.

 

It has been reported that A Revanth Reddy, the president of the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC), reached out to Vivek and encouraged him to join the Congress. Additionally, there are indications that Vivek’s son, Vamshi Krishna, may be nominated by the Congress to contest in the Chennur constituency.

Source

Also Read…

Ram Mohan Goud Returns to BRS
Newsbeat

Ram Mohan Goud Returns to BRS

Hyderabad: Barely two weeks after joining the Congress, Muddugouni Ram Mohan Goud on Wednesday rejoined the BRS party in the presence of senior leader and Minister T Harish Rao. His wife and former corporator Lakshmi Pasanna Goud and other leaders also joined the BRS.

Goud was the BRS candidate in the 2018 elections and lost to Congress candidate D. Sudheer Reddy, who later defected to the BRS along with other Congress MLAs. Goud had joined the Congress in the presence of TPCC Chief Revanth Reddy on October 12.

Why did Goud rejoin the BRS?

There are a few possible reasons why Goud may have rejoined the BRS. One possibility is that he was unhappy with the Congress party. The Congress party has been struggling in Telangana in recent years, and Goud may have felt that he had better chances of winning an election with the BRS.

Another possibility is that Goud was pressured by the BRS to rejoin the party. The BRS is the ruling party in Telangana, and it has a lot of power and influence. Goud may have felt that he had no choice but to rejoin the BRS if he wanted to stay in politics.

What does this mean for the upcoming Telangana elections?

Goud’s return to the BRS is a boost for the party ahead of the upcoming Telangana elections. The BRS is already the frontrunner in the elections, and Goud’s return will make it even more difficult for the other parties to defeat the BRS.

The Congress party is particularly hurt by Goud’s return to the BRS. The Congress was hoping to make a comeback in the upcoming elections, but Goud’s return to the BRS makes it more difficult for the Congress to win seats.
It remains to be seen whether Goud will be able to win the LB Nagar constituency in the upcoming elections.

However, his return to the BRS is a positive development for the party and a setback for the Congress.

Continue reading Ram Mohan Goud Returns to BRS →

Newsbeat

Man Killed After Being Hit by Car in Bangalore

Bangalore, November 1, 2023: A man was killed after being hit by a car in Pulikeshi Nagar, Bangalore on the 18th of October. The victim, Syed Asghar, was a second hand car dealer.

https://hnknews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Bangalore-car-accident.mp4?_=1

According to the police, Asghar had sold two cars to Amin, who still owed him Rs.4 lakh. When Asghar asked for the arrears, Amin allegedly hit him. Asghar then filed a case against Amin.

In a fit of anger, Amin allegedly hired a car and hit Asghar on the 18th of this month. He then portrayed the incident as an accident.

The police, however, suspected foul play and launched an investigation. They arrested Amin on the basis of CCTV footage and other evidence.

Amin has been charged with murder and is currently in police custody.

The incident has shocked the local community and has raised concerns about the safety of
citizens.

Video of the incident has gone viral on social media and has sparked outrage among the public. The video shows a car hitting Asghar and then speeding away.

The police have urged the public to come forward with any information that may help the investigation.

Newsbeat

CM KCR Labels Congress for Past Violence and Lust for Power

Hyderabad: Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao, also known as KCR, has been criticizing the Congress for its history of violence and its relentless pursuit of power, even as the party is facing internal divisions. KCR, who leads the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), urged the public to reject the Congress as a message to leaders who have not shown dedication to Telangana and its citizens.

During public rallies in Huzurnagar, Miryalaguda, and Devarakonda constituencies, KCR highlighted the Congress’s past actions, including events dating back to 1956 when seven individuals opposing the merger of Telangana with Andhra were killed in police confrontations. He reminded the people of Huzurnagar about the injustices suffered by Telangana during the Congress’s rule in the former Andhra Pradesh, as well as the Congress’s failure to protect Telangana’s interests during the state’s bifurcation, especially concerning the distribution of river water, which negatively affected Telangana’s farmers.

In response to N Uttam Kumar Reddy’s remarks, KCR clarified that he never claimed to have built Nagarjuna Sagar but had emphasized the Congress’s failure to protect Telangana’s interests related to water resources management.

KCR pointed out the BRS’s commitment to fighting for Telangana’s rights within the Assembly, emphasizing that when he demanded water for drought-affected crops in Huzurnagar, the state government quickly released water the next day. He contrasted this with the lack of a strong response from Congress leaders when a former Chief Minister threatened to withhold funds from Telangana.

KCR also mocked the Congress for its internal strife, describing it as a party with numerous Chief Ministerial candidates in Telangana, focused more on personal ambitions than the welfare of the people. He urged voters to choose a party that fulfills its promises and prioritizes the region’s interests over Congress leaders who seek personal gains and contracts.

He criticized top Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, TPCC president A Revanth Reddy, and CLP leader Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, for their plans to scrap the Dharani land records management portal, suggesting that Congress candidates’ victory would lead to land issues for farmers and the denial of farmer welfare programs.

KCR reiterated that violent attacks on BRS leaders would not be tolerated, mentioning the recent knife attack on Medak MP Kotha Prabhakar Reddy. He asked people to consider their votes carefully, emphasizing that elections where the people win are the true elections that will bring justice to all. He concluded that the Congress, which he believes has not cared for the people, would not win the upcoming November 30 polls.

Source

Newsbeat

Indian student stabbed in US gym, given zero chance of survival

Khammam student stabbed in US gym, given zero to five percent chance of survival

A 24-year-old Indian student, T Varun Tej, is battling for life in the US state of Indiana after a man stabbed him in the head at a public gym. The suspect, Jordan Andrade, has been arrested and charged with attempted murder and aggravated battery.

Andrade told police that he stabbed Varun because he believed Varun was going to assassinate him. However, other gym-goers described Varun as someone who generally kept to himself and was quiet and reserved.

Varun is currently in critical condition and has reportedly been given a zero to five percent chance of survival. His family is urging the Indian government to provide better treatment for him.

Timeline of events

  • Sunday morning: Varun is stabbed in the head by Andrade at Planet Fitness Club in Valparaiso, Indiana.
  • Sunday morning: Varun is taken to a Fort Wayne hospital due to the severity of his injury.
  • Sunday morning: Andrade is arrested by Valparaiso Police.
  • Wednesday afternoon: Andrade is scheduled to make an initial appearance on the charges before Porter Superior Court Judge.

Investigation

The Valparaiso Police Department is still investigating the motive for the attack. It is unclear why Andrade believed that Varun was going to assassinate him.

Varun’s condition

Varun is currently in critical condition and has reportedly been given a zero to five percent chance of survival. He is being treated at a Fort Wayne hospital.

Support for Varun and his family

Varun’s family is urging the Indian government to provide better treatment for him. They have also set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for his medical expenses.

Newsbeat

BJP Transformed India Into an “Unemployed Nation,” Says KTR

Telangana Minister KT Rama Rao on Monday criticized the BJP for turning India into an “unemployed nation.”
He said that the BJP State president, G Kishan Reddy, who has failed to contribute to the development of Telangana, lacks the moral authority to discuss job appointments.

Rama Rao pointed out that India is witnessing the highest unemployment rate in 45 years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He challenged Kishan Reddy to name a state government that has filled more job vacancies than Telangana in the past decade.

Rama Rao dared Kishan Reddy to make the BJP-led Central government release a “white paper” on the number of jobs filled over the last ten years and the existing vacancies in various departments. He stated that more than 16 lakh Central government jobs are lying vacant.

The Minister said that despite the Centre canceling projects like the Information Technology Investment Region (ITIR) and refraining from establishing Bayyaram Steel factory and other provisions promised under Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, the Telangana government succeeded in attracting investments in the private sector and creating over 24 lakh jobs in key sectors like IT, manufacturing, pharma and others.

 

Newsbeat

5th Digital Citizens Summit to be held at T-Hub from Nov 2

Hyderabad: The Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF), in collaboration with the Center for Development Policy and Practice (CDPP), is organizing the 5th Digital Citizens Summit (DCS) from November 2 to 4 at T-Hub, Hyderabad.

The summit will focus on addressing crucial topics related to internet governance, human rights, and the future of the internet. The theme of this year’s summit is “Commoning the Internet for a Vibrant Democracy.”

The DCS is expected to bring together a diverse range of participants, including tech and social innovation experts, academicians, practitioners, civil society organizations, and government stakeholders.

The summit will feature presentations from research scholars and experts on topics such as data ownership and data protection, AI regulations, AI dark patterns, and the digitization of the Indian judiciary system.

In addition, the DCS will also host thirty different workshops on a variety of topics related to digital citizenship.
The 5th DCS is expected to be a valuable platform for discussing the challenges and opportunities of the digital age, and for developing solutions to ensure that the internet is a force for good in society.

Highlights

  • The 5th Digital Citizens Summit will be held at T-Hub, Hyderabad, from November 2 to 4, 2023.
  • The summit will focus on addressing crucial topics related to internet governance, human rights, and the future of the internet.
  • The theme of this year’s summit is “Commoning the Internet for a Vibrant Democracy.”
  • The DCS is expected to bring together a diverse range of participants, including tech and social innovation experts, academicians, practitioners, civil society organizations, and government stakeholders.
  • The summit will feature presentations from research scholars and experts, as well as thirty different workshops on a variety of topics related to digital citizenship.

Continue reading 5th Digital Citizens Summit to be held at T-Hub from Nov 2 →

Exit mobile version