Rob Kardashian’s revenge porn is social media’s latest headache

Members of the Kardashian-Jenner family, like Kanye West’s wife Kim and supermodel Kendall, didn’t become famous by being afraid of the spotlight. Heck, their reality TV show, Keeping up with the Kardashians, centers around every move they make in their personal and business lives. But that celebrity status arguably requires some degree of responsibility. And that’s something Rob Kardashian, 30, failed to exercise when he posted explicit photos and videos of his ex-girlfriend Blac Chyna, on social media last week.

He first took to Instagram to show his more than nine million followers naked pictures of her, which based on his captions came as a knee-jerk reaction to Chyna sleeping with another man in their home. Within minutes, Instagram not only took his original posts down, but also suspended his account — and it’s still not active as of this writing. But Kardashian wasn’t done. After his first posts on Instagram, he then moved on to Twitter to continue the mission of shaming his ex and the mother of his child, Dream. Kardashian posted a few more nude images of Chyna there, along with a string of tweets detailing problems in their relationship.

Blac Chyna (right) leaving the Los Angeles Superior Court.

As for Chyna, she said on Good Morning America that she was devastated, naturally: “This is a person that I trusted. I felt comfortable, you know, with even sending these pictures and even talking to him about certain things.” Later on Monday, she appeared in a Los Angeles court, where she was granted a restraining order on Kardashian, who was ordered by the judge to not post any photos of her, their daughter or Chyna’s other kid on any of his social media accounts.

Oddly enough, unlike Instagram, Twitter removed the tweets containing naked photos of Chyna, but chose to leave his account active. When asked why the company didn’t shut down Kardashian’s account, a Twitter spokesperson told Engadget that it doesn’t “comment on individual accounts, for privacy and security reasons.” According to its hateful conduct policy, “The consequences for violating our rules vary depending on the severity of the violation and the person’s previous record of violations. For example, we may ask someone to remove the offending tweet before they can tweet again. For other cases, we may suspend an account.”

It seems the only reason Kardashian’s Twitter is still active is because he hasn’t violated its terms of service before. Otherwise it’s unclear what the company’s argument could be. The problem with Twitter’s ToS is that it’s still vague and, more importantly, doesn’t excuse the fact it took 30 minutes to address a revenge porn case on its platform — especially on a high-profile account with over 7 million followers. While Twitter has been getting better about dealing with harassment and hateful conduct recently, Kardashian’s case shows that the company still needs to keep improving its efforts.

Last year, for example, the company permanently banned one of its most offensive users, former Breitbart Tech Editor Milo Yiannopoulos, but that was only after he spearheaded a trolling campaign against Saturday Night Live cast member Leslie Jones. Meanwhile, Instagram says that it values “maintaining a safe and supportive space for our community and we work to remove reported content that violates our guidelines.” Based on Instagram’s terms of use, Kardashian clearly broke the rules when he shared images that were supposed to be intimate, and to its credit the company did the right thing by immediately suspending his account. Above all, though he also broke California’s criminal revenge porn law, Penal Code Section 647(j)(4) PC, which states that anyone who violates the following is guilty of a disorderly conduct offense, “a misdemeanor”:

“Any person who intentionally distributes the image of the intimate body part or body parts of another identifiable person, or an image of the person depicted engaged in an act of sexual intercourse, sodomy, oral copulation, sexual penetration, or an image of masturbation by the person depicted or in which the person depicted participates, under circumstances in which the persons agree or understand that the image shall remain private, the person distributing the image knows or should know that distribution of the image will cause serious emotional distress, and the person depicted suffers that distress.”

Although Kardashian may be on the hook legally, Twitter and Instagram aren’t liable for the explicit content posted on his account. Erica Johnstone, a privacy lawyer at Ridder, Costa & Johnstone LLP and co-founder of nonprofit anti-revenge porn organization Without My Consent, says that neither Instagram nor Twitter could face any legal action for Kardashian’s actions, citing a US federal law that gives immunity to online services like them for content posted by third parties.

When asked if they work with authorities to report cases like Kardashian and Chyna’s, Twitter simply pointed us back to its previous statement about not commenting on individual accounts due to privacy reasons. Instagram, for its part, works “with law enforcement agencies to investigate these crimes, and we provide tools to make it easy to quickly report this type of content and help us take action,” according to a source inside the company. In this particular case, it’s obvious Instagram took a tougher approach than Twitter, something that likely has to do with the experiences its owner Facebook has been confronted with in recent months.

Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook’s chief operating officer.

Earlier this year, if you recall, Facebook came under fire for taking more than two hours to take down a murder video that was uploaded to its site, with the company claiming that it couldn’t do it sooner because the content hadn’t been flagged. That ordeal seems to have taught Facebook that it needs to be more proactive about cleaning up the mess their users create — especially if it’s one with millions of followers, as was the case with Kardashian’s Instagram account.

That said, these social networks, particularly Twitter, still need to use common sense when dealing with situations like this one — it’s hard to understand why Kardashian’s can keep tweeting as if nothing ever happened. “I think there is more work to be done to protect people from being exploited online through digital abuse,” Johnstone says, before adding that, despite the loose ends, she’s “encouraged by the evidence that Silicon Valley is prioritizing that work.”

Google’s 2017 Pixel XL may pack a squeezable body

For all the buzz surrounding Google’s next Pixel phones, there hasn’t been much talk of what they would actually look like beyond generic hints. However, you might be getting a much better glimpse at the future flagship. Android Police has obtained leaked info that it says is detailed enough to produce a 3D render of the sequel to the Pixel XL, codenamed “Taimen.” The LG-made device reportedly borrows the styling cues of the original phone, but packs a G6-like 6-inch, 2:1 ratio display (here AMOLED instead of LCD) with a minimal bezel. More importantly, it would include a squeezable frame akin to HTC’s U11 — you’d give your phone a firm grip to interact with Google Assistant. That sounds about as gimmicky as it does on the U11, but we’d want to try it ourselves before delivering a verdict.

The source also points to a considerably larger rear camera section (no dual cameras here, sorry), the potential absence of visible antenna bands and the use of ‘3D’ glass on the sides, although the display itself would be flat.

As for what’s inside? The contact doesn’t have anything new to share, but Android Police trusts a recent XDA leak that has the new Pixel sporting a 1440p screen resolution, a Snapdragon 835 processor, 4GB of RAM and at least one variant with 128GB of storage. The smaller Pixel sequel (nicknamed “Walleye”) would have similar performance, but it would be “almost identical” to its 2016 ancestor with a 5-inch 1080p display. Its biggest change would be the removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack in favor of stereo speakers, although it’s not clear whether or not that tweak would translate to the XL.

This isn’t a photo or press render, and Android Police is quick to stress that minor aspects could change between now and the launch later this year. You’d have good reason to be cautious. With that said, the site has accurately depicted both LG’s Android Wear 2.0 smartwatches and the original Pixels in the past. We wouldn’t be shocked to see a phone like this at a Google event in the next few months.

Source: Android Police

Facebook will test Messenger ads worldwide

You might be cringing at the thought of seeing ads in Facebook Messenger, but Facebook doesn’t appear to have those reservations. The social network has revealed that it’s expanding its beta test of home screen Messenger ads worldwide in the weeks ahead. It’ll be a slow rollout, but the targeted promos should be widely visible by the end of 2017. At least the company isn’t shy about why it’s pushing forward.

Messenger product lead Stan Chudnovsky tells VentureBeat that it’s a simple matter of income: advertising is “how we’re going to be making money right now.” There are “other business models” under consideration, he says, but they all tie into ads. In short: don’t expect Facebook to have second thoughts as long as it’s making billions of dollars in profit from ads.

Facebook does care about the kinds of ads you see. While it’s fine with ads kicking you to a website, it would prefer that ads lead to chats with businesses. You’re more likely to respond to an ad if it takes you to another conversation inside the chat app, Chudnovsky says. The question is whether or not people will simply roll with the changes or balk at them. It’s entirely likely that people will just shrug and move on, but there is a chance this could steer some users toward ad-free alternatives.

Source: VentureBeat

Apple quietly extends first-gen Watch warranty to three years

The first-generation Apple Watch suffered from a few problems, including “ballooning batteries” that ended up displacing a few users’ screens. In response, Apple quietly extended service coverage on first-gen device battery issues for an extra year. Now, they’ve done it again in response to another issue: According to MacRumors, first-generation Apple Watch owners can receive a free repair if the back cover of their device separates from the watch.

First-generation Apple Watch owners who encounter this problem will have a total of three years of coverage from the date of purchase. If your Apple Watch has this issue, you can schedule an appointment at the Genius Bar or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. Additionally, you can call Apple Support and mail the watch to an Apple Repair Center.

Take note, though: While Apple has circulated an internal memo on this topic, they haven’t made the policy public. There are some reports that Apple Watch owners were required to pay for their repairs, despite the warranty extension. If you encounter this problem, escalating your request until you find someone who’s aware of the policy should do the trick.

Via: The Verge

Source: MacRumors

Toyota’s $100 million fund will back AI, robotics startups

Today, Toyota announced the launch of Toyota AI Ventures, a new venture capital subsidiary focused on startup tech companies working on artificial intelligence. The fund has received an initial $100 million from the Toyota Research Institute (TRI), an AI-, robotics- and autonomous car-focused initiative created in 2015.

AI Ventures will direct its investments towards AI, robotics, autonomous vehicles and data and cloud technology. Along with funding, it will also offer companies it invests in both mentorship and support at its Silicon Valley headquarters. “One of the biggest challenges entrepreneurs face is knowing if they’re building the right product for the right market. We can help them navigate that uncertainty, and we’re committed to doing so in a founder-friendly way because their success is our success,” said TRI VP Jim Adler in a statement. AI Ventures says it will also be proactive in how it tracks down companies to invest in. Rather than only considering pitches from those seeking investors, it will also seek out and support new companies aiming to solve key research challenges the fund is interested in.

So far, the fund has invested in three startups. Silicon Valley-based Nauto designs systems for companies that monitor their drivers and road environments in order to prevent accidents and curtail bad driving. SLAMcore is a UK company that develops algorithms for smart tech, like drones and self-driving vehicles, that allow them to create a map of their surroundings and position themselves within it. And the third company, Intuition Robotics, is a social companion technology startup located in Israel.

Toyota joins a number of other companies forming AI-focused venture capital funds including Baidu, which established theirs last year, and Google’s Gradient Ventures, which was announced today. In a statement TRI CEO Gill Pratt said, “TRI is growing quickly, and we recognize the critical importance of expanding our collaboration with the world’s brightest entrepreneurial talent. This venture is a major step towards our mission to empower talented entrepreneurs who share Toyota’s commitment to enhancing the quality of human life.”

Via: TechCrunch

Source: Toyota

Facebook Messenger Home Screen Ads Rolling Out Worldwide

Home screen ads in Facebook Messenger, which have been in testing in Australia and Thailand since January, will soon roll out to all users in a beta capacity, Facebook announced in a blog post this morning.

The Facebook Messenger home screen currently displays recent messages from friends, “Shared Days,” Favorites, and friends who are currently online. When ads roll out, this screen will also feature tailored advertisements similar to the ads already displayed on Facebook and Instagram.

Today we’re pleased to announce the global beta expansion of Messenger ads. People already spend time on Messenger interacting and conducting commerce with businesses and brands they love, and now with Messenger ads, they have an opportunity to discover experiences directly on their home tab.

Home screen ads will join “Click to Messenger” ads that drive customers to Messenger after clicking an ad in Facebook or Instagram, and sponsored messages, designed to let companies to send ads to users after an interaction to “re-engage.”

According to Facebook, a “small percentage” of people will begin to see ads on the Messenger home screen towards the end of the month as the company begins to build ad inventory. Facebook says ads will gradually be extended to additional users over the coming months as it learns from the beta experience to ensure it is “continuing to deliver the best experience.”

Global ads will be available to a select number of advertisers starting today, and those advertisers can begin to add Messenger to their ad campaigns.

Tags: Facebook, Facebook Messenger
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Upcoming 2017 Google Pixel XL May Feature ‘Squeezable’ Frame for Activating Google Assistant

Google’s second-generation Pixel XL could feature a squeezable body, a 6-inch AMOLED display, and thinner bezels, according to information and rendered images leaked today by Android Police.

LG is said to be manufacturing the Google Pixel XL 2, which features a design that’s curved like the original Google Pixel. It continues to offer a rear fingerprint sensor (now located in the aluminum portion of the device) and a large single-lens camera, eschewing the dual-lens camera trend.

Rendering created by Android Police
The XL version, which is the only version covered in the leak, offers a 6-inch LG-made display with a 2:1 aspect ratio, rounded corners, and a “minimal bezel.” Design wise, it could look a little like Apple’s rumored iPhone 8, which is also expected to have a longer design with much thinner side and top/bottom bezels. Current iPhone 8 leaks suggest Apple’s device will have little to no bottom bezel and a smaller top bezel, however.

Most notably, the 2017 Pixel XL is rumored to include a “squeezable” frame like the recently launched HTC U11. The technology will let Pixel users squeeze their handsets to activate Google Assistant “in various ways.”

In the HTC U11, the “Edge Sense” feature lets people use a squeeze gesture to activate pressure sensors that can turn on the flashlight, launch the camera, take a photo, or launch Google Assistant.

It’s not clear when Google’s second-generation Pixel XL device will be released, but the original version was unveiled in October of 2016, so a fall release date could be planned. If that’s the case, the Pixel XL will launch during the same time frame as the iPhone 8 and could be one of the device’s main competitors along with the already-available Samsung Galaxy S8 and the yet-to-be announced rumored Galaxy Note 8.

Tag: Google Pixel
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Most popular Android apps this week: Futurama Worlds of Tomorrow, Bacon Escape, Call of War, and more!

The Google Play Store is filled with many apps, which is great for consumer selection, but can often make app discovery difficult. Some apps just never make it to our homescreen. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of this weeks hottest Android apps that have most likely gone under the radar or are so new that they haven’t had enough downloads to be featured or make it onto a top list.

Futurama: Worlds of Tomorrow
App Info: An exciting Futurama adventure awaits! Collect all your favorite characters, build your own New New York, and explore unfamiliar planets in a mission to save the universe! Download the new mobile game that captures the heart of one of TV’s best animated shows, brought to you by the creator of the original Fox series, Matt Groening, and co-developer David X. Cohen! Free

Bacon Escape
App Info: This little piggy went to market, this little piggy stayed home, this little piggy ESCAPED PRISON AND RAN FOR HIS LIFE! It’s time to bring home the bacon. Free

Call of War
App Info: Call of War:GoldenAgeAgain, a multiplayer online and real time SLG game. Grow and customize your homeland, and train different soldier units to battle. Infantries, archers, horsemen, chariots and knights, all of them are waiting to fight for you! On top of that, alliance is also developed! Work together with your allies for faster growth. Help and get helped! Free

Micron
App Info: Micron is a unique fusion of puzzle and rhythm gameplay. Place pieces on the board to deflect bullets of energy that fire to the beat. Guide the bullets to the exit through 51 challenging levels — and 12 bonus levels — featuring a variety of distinctive soundscapes. Your solutions create the music. Free

Find Hidden Apps
App Info: Free Scanning tool that helps to identify malicious apps that have been granted device administrator privileges and are hidden from view. Free

If you like these apps then drop us a comment below with your thoughts. Also if you have spotted a new app that you think is worth a mention, leave a comment below with your suggestion and we’ll be sure to check it out.

AT&T supports net neutrality but denounces ‘outdated’ rules

It’s definitely odd to have a company like AT&T, who came out against the previous administration’s FCC rules for net neutrality, decide to join the day of action in support of net neutrality, set for July 12th. AT&T’s Senior Executive Vice President Bob Quinn argues that even while his company may see the earlier rules as burdensome, it is all for an open internet, something he calls “critical for ensuring freedom of expression and a free flow of ideas and commerce in the United States and around the world.”

According to Quinn, AT&T supported 2005’s FCC rules, and even testified as a Democratic witness in support of the Open Internet Order of 2010. “We agree that no company should be allowed to block content or throttle the download speeds of content in a discriminatory manner,” Quinn says in a blog post. It’s the FCC’s regulations from 2015 that, according to Quinn, tried to “subject broadband service to an 80-year-old law designed to set rates in the rotary-dial-telephone era” that AT&T took issue with. Now, however, as the current FCC head Ajit Pai aims to gut net neutrality protections, AT&T is firmly on the side of an open internet.

“In the end, the issue is never really about what the rules should be or whether we should have an open internet,” writes Quinn. “Rather, the debate focuses on whether open internet rules should derive from the 80-year-old Communications Act or some other theory of Congressional authority because the current law predates the internet.”

The telecommunications giant joins Facebook, Google, YouTube, Netflix and Amazon — among many other companies — supporting the day of action rally on the 12th. Various non-profit organizations also support the concept and the protest, including the American Civil Liberties Union, the Electronic Frontier Foundation and Greenpeace.

Via: The Verge

Source: AT&T

The biggest battery in the world could be in a salt cave in Germany

Why it matters to you

If this giant cave battery ends up working the way it’s intended to, it could change the way that the world views energy storage.

Caves aren’t just homes to giant bat colonies — thanks to modern technology, they can also house batteries. And not just any batteries — the world’s largest battery. A few weeks ago, German utility EWE unveiled its plans to build an energy storage system in an old salt mine that could ultimately become the biggest battery on Earth.

The ambitious new project has been named “brine4power,” and will take form in underground salt caverns that were previously natural gas storage facilities, and even further back in history, were salt mines. All these caves have a volume of 3.5 million cubic feet, which ought to give the resulting battery a capacity of up to 700MWh at an output of 120MW.

So how would the battery work? The massive undertaking would depend upon redox flow technology (which involves filling these caves with a lot of saltwater). These types of batteries work by storing energy as liquid electrolytes. A positive catholyte and negative anolyte are kept apart by a membrane that only lets ions pass through.

When the battery is charging, the ions move to the anolyte, and when it’s discharging, the ions move back to the catholyte. Charged molecules are then pumped into a storage tank, where the energy can be kept safe for future use for months at a time. And the cool thing about the brine4power system is that it stores the electricity in liquid form. While it certainly takes up a lot more space, it’s also pretty powerful — if it works, this salt cavern battery ought to be able to supply 75,000 homes with their power for a day.

“We need to carry out some more tests and clarify several issues before we can use the storage principle indicated by the University of Jena in underground caverns. However, I expect that we will have an operating cavern battery by about the end of 2023,” says Ralf Riekenberg, head of the brine4power project.

If things go according to plan, EWE Managing Director Peter Schmidt says the battery could “fundamentally change the … market for control energy. The amount of electricity this kind of storage facility contains — consisting of two medium-sized caverns — is sufficient to supply a major city such as Berlin with electricity for an hour. It means that we will have built the world’s largest battery.”