Google rolls out tool to let people remove personal info from Search

by Hansraj Agrawal | Sep 22, 2022 | Technology

Google has started to roll out a new privacy feature that will allow people to directly make a request to remove Search results that contain their personal information.

Google’s “Results about you” tool, announced during its annual developer conference earlier this year, is now rolling out to some users, reports 9to5Google.

With this new tool, if you find your personal information like home address, email address, phone number or any other information on Google Search, just click on the three-dot overflow menu that appears in the top-right corner of each result.

The existing ‘About this Result’ panel opens with a new “Remove result” option appearing at the bottom of your screen, the report mentioned.

Currently, to remove any personal identifiable information (PII), you need to go to a Google Support page and fill out a form containing the URL you wanted to be removed from the search results.

Now, you can also monitor the progress of a removal from aResults about you’ tool.

In addition to an “All requests” feed, you have filters like “In progress” and “Approved.”

This page also lets you make a new request with a walkthrough that involves a “Why would you like to remove this result?” step.

Google earlier said that when it receives removal requests, “we will evaluate all content on the web page to ensure that we’re not limiting the availability of other information that is broadly useful, for instance in news articles”.

Removing contact information from Google Search doesn’t remove it from the web, “which is why you may wish to contact the hosting site directly, if you’re comfortable doing so”.

Earlier this year, Google updated its policies around removing personally identifying information.

–IANS

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(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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What is the SOVA virus?

by Hansraj Agrawal | Sep 22, 2022 | Technology

Several Indian banks, including HDFC Bank and IDBI Bank, have warned account holders against downloading their mobile applications from any source other than official app stores. They issued the alert after an advisory issued by Indian Computer Emergency Response Team or CERT-In. Reason? A new type of malware, the SOVA virus.

A new version of the Trojan virus, SOVA, has reportedly targeted over 200 mobile banking and crypto apps and is stealing their login credentials and cookies. It can hold the information to ransom.

What is SOVA?

SOVA is an Android banking trojan malware that targets banking apps to steal personal information and adds false layers over a range of apps. These layers help the malware mimic the payment app. The malware was first detected for sale in the underground markets in September 2021.

What can SOVA do?

SOVA virus can harvest usernames and passwords via keylogging, stealing cookies and adding false overlays to a range of apps. There are several functions an SVA malware can perform. These include performing gestures like swiping, stealing cookies, taking screenshots, and adding false overlays. The virus has also undergone an update. Now, it can encrypt all the data and hold it for ransom.

How does SOVA work?

The malware spreads through smishing. Smishing is a process where fraudulent SMS are sent to individuals prompting them to share their details, including passwords. Once the app is downloaded on the mobile phone, the malware sends the list of all the downloaded apps to the server that the attacker controls.

The server sends back the list of targeted apps to the malware and stores the critical information in an XML file. The malware and the server then manage the apps.

Can the attacked app be uninstalled?

Sorry. After the latest updates, when a user tries to uninstall an attacked app, they will be unable to do so. A message, “This app is secured”, will be displayed on the screen.

How can users protect themselves?

Download the mobile apps only through official app stores. Also, check the “Additional Information” section while downloading the apps and review the app details, number of downloads and user reviews.

Another practice CERT-In recommends is downloading the latest updates of the apps and operating software provided by device vendors. Additionally, download and activate anti-virus software.

Do not browse un-trusted websites or follow un-trusted links and exercise caution while clicking on the link provided in any unsolicited emails and SMSs

In case of any unusual activity in the bank accounts, immediately report it to the respective banks.

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YouTube announces new ways for creators to make money through Shorts

by Hansraj Agrawal | Sep 21, 2022 | Technology

YouTube said it has introduced the next chapter in rewarding creativity on the platform. At its inaugural Made on YouTube event, YouTube shared that it is expanding the platform’s monetisation system, the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), to allow more creators to join the program. It is introducing new ways for creators to earn revenue through Shorts, and opening up ads monetisation for those who feature music in their videos.

The development reflects the diversity of the platform’s growing creator community and allows its over 2 million monetising creators to make money on YouTube across any creative format.

“Over the past three years, YouTube has paid creators, artists, and media companies more than $50 billion dollars,” said Susan Wojcicki, CEO of YouTube. “ We’re doubling down. We’re introducing the next chapter in how we reward creativity on our platform by expanding access to our YouTube Partner Program.”

Starting in early 2023, Shorts-focused creators can apply to YPP by meeting a threshold of 1,000 subscribers and 10 million Shorts views over 90 days. These new partners will get all the benefits YPP offers, including ad monetisation across Shorts and long-form YouTube videos. This is another option to the existing criteria where long-form creators can still apply to YPP when they reach 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours.

With 30 billion daily views and 1.5 billion monthly logged-in users, Shorts are exploding around the world. To reward this new creative class, beginning in early 2023, YouTube is moving away from a fixed fund and doubling down on a unique revenue-sharing model for Shorts for both current and future YPP creators. Because ads run between videos in the Shorts Feed, every month, revenue from these ads will be added together and used to reward Shorts creators and help cover costs of music licensing. From the overall amount allocated to creators, they will keep 45 per cent of the revenue, distributed based on their share of total Shorts views. The revenue share remains the same, no matter if they use music or not.

“This is the first time revenue sharing is being offered for short-form video on any platform at scale, adding to the ways creators can already earn revenue on YouTube,” said Neal Mohan, YouTube’s Chief Product Officer.

The complexities of music licensing have meant that most long-form videos that feature music don’t result in creators being paid. To build a bridge between the music industry and creators, YouTube is introducing Creator Music, a new destination that gives creators easy access to an ever-growing catalogue of music for use in their videos, while providing artists and music rights holders with a new revenue stream for their music on YouTube. Creators can now buy affordable, high-quality music licenses that offer them full monetizing potential—they will keep the same revenue share they’d usually make on videos without any music. And for creators who don’t want to buy a license up front, they’ll be able to use songs and share revenue with the track’s artist and associated rights holders. Creator Music is currently in beta in the U.S. will expand to more countries in 2023.

“We’re building the bridge between artists and creators on YouTube to elevate the soundtrack of the creator economy,” said Lyor Cohen, YouTube’s Global Head of Music.

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Google’s new feature allows users to buy train tickets in select countries

by Hansraj Agrawal | Sep 21, 2022 | Technology

Google has announced a new feature that will allow users to buy train tickets in Search in select countries, which will be available in more countries soon.

The users in Germany, Spain, Italy and Japan can now shop for train tickets directly on Google Search, for travel in and around select countries.

Google said it has embedded sustainability into its travel tools.

“For some trips, taking a train might be the more sustainable option, but finding the prices and schedules to get from A to B can take a few separate searches,” said Richard Holden, VP of Travel Products at Google.

“Starting today, you can now shop for train tickets directly on Google Search, for travel in and around select countries – including Germany, Spain, Italy and Japan,” he mentioned in a blog post late on Tuesday.

Just query something like “Berlin to Vienna trains” and you’ll see a new module in the search results that lets you choose your departure date and compare the available options.

Once you select the train that works best, there’s a direct link to complete your booking on the partner’s website.

“This feature will expand to more locations as we work with other rail providers. We also plan to begin testing a similar feature for bus tickets in the near future to broaden your choices for intercity travel,” said Holden.

Moreover, with new filters for both flights and hotels, it’s easier to find more sustainable options on Google Search, he added.

–IANS

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(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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Microsoft rolls out new Windows 11 update in more than 190 countries

by Hansraj Agrawal | Sep 21, 2022 | Technology

Tech giant Microsoft has announced that it is now rolling out the latest version of Windows 11 — Windows 11 2022 update — in more than 190 countries.

The company said the new update will expand Amazon App Store Preview to international markets, built-in Game Pass for Windows 11, new accessibility features, advanced security updates, and much more.

“Our launch approach to Windows 11 leverages our well-established update systems and processes. The measured and phased rollout will offer the update via Windows Update when data shows that your device is ready, as our objective is to provide a quality update experience,” John Cable, Vice President, Program Management, Windows Servicing and Delivery, said in a blogpost.

“We will initially ramp up the offering availability in the first weeks as we monitor quality signals. If we detect that your device may have an issue, such as an application incompatibility, we may put a safeguard hold in place and not offer the update until that issue is resolved,” Cable added.

Eligible users can choose to install the new update by opening Windows Update settings and selecting Check for updates.

The company said it is announcing a new set of experiences including the Tabbed File explorer, considered a component of the 2022 Update for all editions, which will be ready this October.

Microsoft mentioned that it has planned a phased rollout timed with the October optional non-security preview release for these features and then they will be made broadly available in the November 2022 security update release.

It has also reduced the download size of feature updates by 450MB for many users.

“We have also reduced download and installation time of the monthly cumulative update, as well as reclaimed hundreds of megabytes of disk footprint to give back to the user. Learn more about these improvements,” the company said.

–IANS

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(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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Dynamic Island feature on iPhone 14 Pro models take Indians by storm

by Hansraj Agrawal | Sep 21, 2022 | Technology

The Dynamic Island feature on Apple iPhone Pro models has taken the Indian fans by storm and industry experts said on Wednesday that the feature is turning out to be a key differentiator in their choice of owning new iPhones.

The Dynamic Island feature on 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max features a design that blends the line between hardware and software, adapting in real time to show important alerts, notifications and activities.

“I think Dynamic Island is capturing the nerves of the youth. Also, there is a clear differentiator with the Pro models like A16 Bionic chip and a 48MP camera. These features are set to push Apple’s average selling price (ASP) in India,” Tarun Pathak, Research Director at Counterpoint, told IANS.

With the introduction of the Dynamic Island, the TrueDepth camera has been redesigned to take up less of the display area.

Without impeding content on the screen, the Dynamic Island maintains an active state to allow users easier access to controls with a simple tap-and-hold.

According to Prabhu Ram, Head-Industry Intelligence Group (IIG), CMR, while embracing a pill-shaped cutout, Apple has made an impressive and rather creative integration of hardware and software to utilise the screen estate, “while providing users with fun ways to interact with the Dynamic Island on iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max”.

“With Apple developers slated to tap into, and unleash the true potential of Dynamic Island in the times ahead, consumers are excited and have so much to look forward to,” he told IANS.

Ongoing background activities like Maps, Music, or a timer remain visible and interactive, and third-party apps in iOS 16 that provide information like sports scores and ride-sharing with Live Activities can take advantage of the Dynamic Island.

There are some third-party apps that are already taking the advantage of the Dynamic Island feature.

While Spotify, Stitcher, Audible, Amazon Music, NPR One, Overcast, Pandora, YouTube Music, SoundCloud etc are using Apple NowPlaying APIs, WhatsApp, Google Voice, Instagram and Skype are utilising CallKit APIs.

While incoming calls in third-party apps using CallKit take full advantage of the Dynamic Island experience, outgoing calls currently show just an icon.

This will be addressed in a software update coming later this year.

Additionally, the Live Activities API will be available later this year and open even more opportunities for developers to take advantage of Dynamic Island, including sports scores, ride sharing, food delivery, food ?order, fitness workouts, timers, and more.

All Apple first-party apps take advantage of Dynamic Island, like system alerts and notifications, incoming call, AirPods connected, Face ID, AirDrop, Watch unlock, low battery, charging, Silent switch On/Off, NFC interactions, AirPlay, Focus changes, Shortcuts, SIM card alerts, Find My and others

–IANS

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(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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