📸 Android secretly scans photos for ‘sensitive content’

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☀️ On this day: On February 26, 1991, Sir Tim Berners-Lee introduced the WorldWideWeb, the first web browser and WYSIWYG HTML editor. Initially developed on the NeXTSTEP platform, it marked a significant milestone in making the internet accessible to the public.

What’s happening:

• 📸 Android secretly scans photos for ‘sensitive content’

• 🆓 Microsoft tests 'free with ads' Office version

• 🍏 Apple shareholders back DEI policies

• 💻 Google’s AI coding tool now free for individuals

• 🎵 Musicians release silent album to protest AI laws

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• + 📈 Trending tools and resources

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Hand-picked news:

📸 Android secretly scans photos for ‘sensitive content’ ↗️LINK

• What: Google’s October 2024 Android update introduced SafetyCore, a hidden system service that scans images for sensitive content, including nudity, using on-device machine learning. It was silently installed on Android 9+ devices without user consent and does not appear in standard app lists.

• Why: Google claims SafetyCore enhances security by preventing accidental sharing of explicit images. However, its lack of transparency and automatic installation have raised privacy concerns, with some fearing broader content monitoring.

• Impact: Users can disable SafetyCore through system settings, but reports suggest it reinstalls after updates. Unlike Apple’s similar feature, which requires consent, Google’s approach has been criticized for its lack of user control and clarity.

🆓 Microsoft tests 'free with ads' Office version ↗️LINK

• What: Microsoft is testing a free, ad-supported version of Office for Windows, allowing users to access Word, Excel, and PowerPoint without a subscription. The free version includes banner ads and 15-second video ads and requires OneDrive storage instead of local file saving.

• Why: While Office is already free on the web, this test suggests Microsoft is exploring new ways to expand access while monetizing through ads. However, key features like drawing tools, dictation, and animations would be missing.

• Impact: If launched, this could provide free access to Office for casual users but may push professionals toward paid plans due to feature limitations. Microsoft says there are no official plans yet to release the ad-supported version.

💻 Google’s AI coding tool now free for individuals ↗️LINK

• What: Google launched a free version of Gemini Code Assist, its AI-powered coding tool, for individual developers worldwide. It helps users generate, complete, and debug code within IDEs like Visual Studio Code, GitHub, and JetBrains.

• Why: Google aims to make AI coding assistants more accessible, offering up to 180,000 code completions per month, far exceeding GitHub Copilot’s 2,000-limit free tier. The tool supports 38 languages and natural language commands for coding assistance.

• Impact: Freelancers, students, and hobbyists gain access to a powerful AI coding assistant without a paywall. However, advanced enterprise features like Google Cloud integrations remain exclusive to paid tiers.

🍏 Apple shareholders back DEI policies ↗️LINK

• What: Apple shareholders voted against a proposal to end the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, rejecting a challenge from the conservative National Center for Public Policy Research. Apple defended its DEI policies, calling them vital to its success.

• Why: The conservative think tank argued DEI poses legal and financial risks, claiming Apple’s policies could discriminate against some workers. However, Apple and its investors sided with maintaining diversity initiatives.

• Impact: Apple joins companies like Costco and Deutsche Bank in defending DEI, while others, including Amazon and McDonald’s, have scaled back due to political pressure. The fight over DEI continues amid broader conservative opposition.

🎵 Musicians release silent album to protest AI laws ↗️LINK

• What: Over 1,000 musicians, including Kate Bush and Annie Lennox, released a silent album, Is This What We Want?, to protest UK proposals that could let AI companies train models on copyrighted music without permission. The album features recordings of empty studios, symbolizing the potential loss of creative control.

• Why: The UK government suggests allowing AI firms to use legally accessible content unless creators opt out, a move critics call unfair and exploitative. Artists argue this would harm their industry while benefiting AI companies.

• Impact: The album, available on Spotify, raises funds for Help Musicians. Meanwhile, protests continue, with newspapers and public figures urging the government to reconsider. The copyright law consultation closes today.

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