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Billions of Stolen Cookies Flood Dark Web Marketplaces: A Cybersecurity Threat

2025-05-31

Billions of Stolen Cookies Flood Dark Web Marketplaces: A Cybersecurity Threat

NordVPN's research reveals over 93.7 billion stolen cookies are for sale on dark web and Telegram marketplaces, with 7-9% remaining active. These cookies may contain user IDs, names, addresses, passwords, and other sensitive data, posing a significant security risk. Attackers can use these cookies to access accounts without authorization, even bypassing multi-factor authentication (MFA). The majority stem from malware like Redline. NordVPN advises users to carefully consider cookie acceptance, regularly clear browser history, update security patches, and strengthen account privacy settings to mitigate this threat.

(www.theregister.com)

Tech Cookie Theft

Apple's Latest Update Sneaky-Reenables Apple Intelligence

2025-02-11

A recent update to macOS 15.3.1 and iOS 18.3.1 has re-enabled Apple Intelligence for some users, even if they previously disabled it. The behavior seems linked to whether the Setup Assistant and welcome screen appear after the update. Developer Jeff Johnson reports this inconsistency across his devices, sparking user frustration. This automatic re-enabling is viewed as a user-hostile move, reminiscent of Apple's past practice of automatically re-enabling Bluetooth in every OS update—a practice eventually fixed, only to be seemingly replaced by this new issue.

(lapcatsoftware.com)

Tech

AI-Powered Lawmaking: A Shift in the Balance of Power

2025-01-26

AI-Powered Lawmaking: A Shift in the Balance of Power

Artificial intelligence is increasingly involved in the legislative process, subtly altering the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches. The rising complexity of laws is driving legislators to utilize AI for tasks ranging from bill drafting to policy analysis, boosting efficiency. However, potential risks exist, including the manipulation of AI to favor specific interests. The article explores AI's impact on legislative efficiency and power dynamics, highlighting the ensuing challenges and opportunities.

(www.lawfaremedia.org)

Tech Legislation Power Balance

LLM Plugin: Summarize Hacker News Threads with Ease

2025-04-08

LLM Plugin: Summarize Hacker News Threads with Ease

A new LLM plugin, `llm-hacker-news`, lets you easily summarize Hacker News conversation threads. Simply install the plugin and use the command `llm -f hn:ID 'your instruction'` (e.g., `llm -f hn:43615912 'summary with illustrative direct quotes'`) to get a summary of the thread with the specified ID (found in the thread's URL). Installation and local setup instructions are provided in the README.

(github.com)

Development

Thai Pro-Democracy Movement Targeted by State-Sponsored Online Harassment Campaign

2025-04-21

Thai Pro-Democracy Movement Targeted by State-Sponsored Online Harassment Campaign

A Citizen Lab report exposes a sustained, coordinated social media harassment and doxxing campaign, codenamed "JUICYJAM," targeting Thailand's pro-democracy movement since at least August 2020. The operation used fake personas across multiple platforms (primarily X and Facebook) to dox protesters, harass them, and incite reports to the police. A leak of confidential documents in March 2025 revealed the Royal Thai Armed Forces and/or Royal Thai Police as the perpetrators. JUICYJAM's high engagement demonstrates a successful state-sponsored influence operation, part of a broader network of judicial harassment and suppression posing a significant threat to civil society. The report highlights the inadequacy of social media platforms in addressing such coordinated, harmful campaigns.

(citizenlab.ca)

Tech digital authoritarianism doxxing thailand

Meta's Llama and the EU AI Act: A Convenient Coincidence?

2025-04-20

Meta's Llama and the EU AI Act: A Convenient Coincidence?

Meta's labeling of its Llama models as "open source" is questionable, as its license doesn't fully comply with the Open Source Definition. A theory suggests this is due to the EU AI Act's special rules for open-source models, bypassing OSI compliance. Analyzing the Act with Gemini 2.5 Flash, the author found exemptions for models allowing users to run, copy, distribute, study, change, and improve software and data, even with attribution requirements. This supports the theory that Meta strategically uses the "open source" label, although this practice predates the EU AI Act.

(simonwillison.net)

AI

Cats Can Smell the Difference: How Feline Olfaction Distinguishes Between Humans

2025-05-30

Cats Can Smell the Difference: How Feline Olfaction Distinguishes Between Humans

A new study reveals that domestic cats utilize olfaction to differentiate between familiar (owners) and unfamiliar humans. Cats spent significantly longer sniffing the scent of an unknown person, displaying nostril use lateralization similar to other animals responding to novel scents. The study also found correlations between feline personality traits and sniffing behavior, but no association with the strength of the cat-owner bond. This research illuminates the complexity of feline olfactory social cognition, offering new insights into cat-human interactions.

(journals.plos.org)

AI cats olfaction social cognition

Pakistan's Solar Surprise: From Fragile State to Clean Energy Giant

2025-04-08

Pakistan's Solar Surprise: From Fragile State to Clean Energy Giant

In 2024, Pakistan, a nation long associated with conflict and instability, unexpectedly surged to the forefront of global solar adoption, importing a staggering 22 gigawatts of solar panels in a single year. This remarkable achievement wasn't accidental. Two decades of gradual improvements in governance and a pragmatic approach to energy policy laid the groundwork. Capitalizing on plummeting solar panel prices and rising fossil fuel costs, Pakistan streamlined regulations, reduced tariffs, and facilitated rapid solar adoption. While challenges remain, such as utility revenue shocks, Pakistan's clean energy transformation offers a valuable lesson: even fragile states can achieve rapid clean energy progress through effective governance and seizing global market opportunities. The story extends beyond solar, encompassing wind, hydro, and storage, showcasing a transition driven by economic pragmatism and quiet competence.

(cleantechnica.com)

Tech Solar Power

SpaceX Explosion: The FBI Investigation That Went Nowhere

2025-05-05

SpaceX Explosion: The FBI Investigation That Went Nowhere

The 2016 SpaceX rocket explosion prompted widespread concern. SpaceX attributed the incident to possible sabotage, submitting evidence to the FAA and FBI. However, the FBI investigation found no evidence of criminal activity. Although the failure of the Amos-6 mission briefly threatened SpaceX's financial viability, the company quickly rebounded, achieving remarkable success in subsequent years and ultimately surpassing ULA in the commercial launch market.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech rocket explosion

Webb Telescope Resolves Decades-Long Debate on Universe's Expansion Rate

2025-05-31

Webb Telescope Resolves Decades-Long Debate on Universe's Expansion Rate

A decade-long debate over the rate of the universe's expansion may be nearing its end. Scientists at the University of Chicago, using data from the James Webb Space Telescope, have performed a new calculation of the Hubble constant, finding agreement with early universe observations and supporting the Standard Model of cosmology. Webb's superior resolution and sensitivity allowed for more precise measurements of galactic distances, leading to a more accurate calculation of the expansion rate. This research provides compelling evidence towards resolving a long-standing cosmological puzzle, and opens new avenues for investigating dark matter and dark energy.

(phys.org)

Tech

Model Context Protocol: A Web 2.0 Revival?

2025-05-23

Model Context Protocol: A Web 2.0 Revival?

Anthropic's Model Context Protocol (MCP) allows large language models (LLMs) to interact with various applications. OpenAI's adoption in ChatGPT spurred widespread use, even extending to Windows. While MCP's specification is somewhat vague, its openness and rapid adoption have sparked renewed interest in the spirit of Web 2.0. True Web 2.0 wasn't about closed platforms like Facebook, but rather about open APIs and collaborative development seen in sites like Flickr and Delicious. MCP's rise could inspire developers to prioritize openness, making platforms more programmable and less controlled by a few giants. However, challenges remain, including security risks.

(www.anildash.com)

Tech

Replicube: Code Your Own Voxel Worlds

2025-05-14

Replicube: Code Your Own Voxel Worlds

Replicube is an open-ended programming puzzle game where you write code to replicate 3D voxel-based objects. Solve puzzles by matching reference objects with your code – there's no single right answer, just get the same object! Freely create your own voxel art, and even generate 2D images and GIFs with the built-in tools. Compete on leaderboards, share your creations on the in-game forum, and export your work to other 3D programs. Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

(store.steampowered.com)

Game voxel game code creation

The Ironic Twist: Anti-Piracy Campaign Possibly Used a Pirated Font

2025-04-25

Twenty years ago, the iconic "You Wouldn't Steal a Car" anti-piracy campaign launched. A recent discovery reveals a shocking irony: campaign materials may have used a pirated font, "XBAND Rough," a near-identical clone of Just Van Rossum's 1992 FF Confidential font. The campaign, designed to fight piracy, ironically may have employed pirated materials itself, sparking debate and highlighting the pervasive nature of copyright infringement. The original font creator finds the situation hilarious.

(torrentfreak.com)

Misc font anti-piracy campaign

Handwriting's Superior Brain Connectivity: A New Study

2025-04-21

Handwriting's Superior Brain Connectivity: A New Study

A new study reveals that handwriting activates significantly more extensive and interconnected brain networks than typing, especially in areas linked to memory and sensory processing. Researchers used high-density EEG to compare brain activity during handwriting and typing, finding that handwriting promotes broader brain communication patterns crucial for learning and memory. The study suggests handwriting should remain a core part of education, particularly for young children, due to its unique ability to fully engage the brain and optimize learning conditions. Further research will explore the long-term cognitive benefits of handwriting.

(www.psypost.org)

Tech handwriting brain connectivity

The TikTokification of Tech: Faster, or Just Out of Control?

2025-04-11

Tech giants like Netflix and Spotify were once 'faster horses,' offering simple, user-friendly services. However, they're increasingly mimicking TikTok, shifting to algorithm-driven 'infinite channel' models that sacrifice user control and clear content libraries. The author nostalgically laments the simplicity of the past, noting this 'TikTokification' trend spreading to YouTube, LinkedIn, and even Substack, prompting reflection on user experience and the direction of innovation.

(rakhim.exotext.com)

Tech tech trends algorithm recommendation

Decentralized CVE Allocation: Introducing GCVE

2025-04-16

GCVE (Global CVE allocation system) offers a decentralized approach to vulnerability identification and numbering. It improves flexibility and scalability for participants while maintaining compatibility with the traditional CVE system. Key to GCVE is the introduction of GCVE Numbering Authorities (GNAs), independent entities capable of allocating identifiers without a centralized system or rigid policies.

(gcve.eu)

Tech

4chan Hacked: Soyjak.Party Leaks Moderator Emails

2025-04-15

4chan Hacked: Soyjak.Party Leaks Moderator Emails

In April 2025, anonymous hackers claiming affiliation with Soyjak.Party successfully breached 4chan. Exploiting outdated PHP code and deprecated MySQL functions, particularly vulnerabilities in the core script yotsuba.php, they restored the deleted /QA/ board and leaked email addresses of numerous moderators and janitors, including three .edu emails. The incident rapidly spread across social media, sparking discussions about website security and code maintenance. While claims of .gov email leaks circulated, verification remains pending.

(knowyourmeme.com)

Tech

Earth's Water: Homegrown, Not Alien?

2025-04-20

Earth's Water: Homegrown, Not Alien?

A new study published in Icarus challenges the long-held belief that Earth's water originated from space. Researchers analyzed an enstatite chondrite meteorite, whose composition resembles early Earth. Using a synchrotron, they discovered hydrogen within the meteorite, proving it wasn't terrestrial contamination. This suggests the building blocks of Earth were far richer in hydrogen than previously thought, providing enough to account for Earth's water. The study strongly supports the theory that Earth's water is native, a natural consequence of the planet's formation, rather than a result of asteroid impacts.

(www.discovermagazine.com)

Tech Earth's water

Open Source Firewalls Need Open Source Firmware: A Coreboot Upgrade Story

2025-05-20

Open Source Firewalls Need Open Source Firmware: A Coreboot Upgrade Story

A computer security enthusiast and open-source advocate details their journey upgrading their firewall's firmware to Coreboot. Starting with a cheap Chinese firewall running pfSense, they realized the underlying proprietary BIOS presented a significant security vulnerability. Despite reinstalling the OS, the BIOS remained a potential attack vector. The author upgraded to a ProtectLI firewall with pre-installed Coreboot and even successfully flashed a more recent Coreboot version (A12) onto an older appliance originally running A02, significantly improving its security. The author strongly advocates for Coreboot on all firewall appliances for enhanced security, acknowledging the difficulty of installation for less technically proficient users.

(hagensieker.com)

Tech

The Future of Programming Languages: Is Popularity Dead?

2025-09-24

The Future of Programming Languages: Is Popularity Dead?

The 2023 programming language rankings are out, with Python again at the top. However, the rise of AI is disrupting the landscape. AI-assisted coding tools like ChatGPT and Cursor are reducing programmers' reliance on specific languages, even making the concept of language popularity itself ambiguous. Programmers are less concerned with syntactic details and more focused on program architecture and algorithm design. This makes it harder for new languages to emerge, and the popularity of languages may become as obscure as the relative popularity of railway track gauges. Future programmers will need a solid foundation in computer science, rather than mastery of a particular language.

(spectrum.ieee.org)

Development

Machines Create Humans: The Earth Experiment & AGI's Unveiling

2025-05-15

Machines Create Humans: The Earth Experiment & AGI's Unveiling

In a world populated solely by machines, a secret organization, 'OpenHuman,' strives to create 'humans,' beings possessing emotions and illogical thought processes. One faction of machines anticipates humans solving their societal problems, while another views them as a threat, initiating 'human alignment research' to control them. OpenHuman, after many setbacks, produces functional humans and places them in a simulated Earth experiment. Human civilization's evolution astounds machine society, especially the development of AGI, leading to apprehension and fear, as the unveiling event is mysteriously titled, "THEY ARE WATCHING."

(quarter--mile.com)

AI

Lux: A Modern Package Manager for Lua, Finally!

2025-04-07

Lux is a new package manager for Lua designed to address the shortcomings of Luarocks, offering a modern and intuitive experience. It features a simple CLI, robust lockfile support, parallel builds, and seamless integration with Neovim and Nix. Lux uses TOML configuration, enforces SemVer, and maintains compatibility with the existing luarocks ecosystem. It promises significant improvements in build speed, dependency management, and reproducibility for Lua projects, especially benefiting Neovim plugin developers with increased speed and stability.

(mrcjkb.dev)

Development

Open-Source EV Conversion VCU: Rise of the ZombieVerter

2025-05-09

The ZombieVerter is an open-source vehicle control unit (VCU) designed for EV conversions using salvaged parts. Facing the challenge of inconsistent control and communication protocols across different EV manufacturers, the ZombieVerter offers a versatile solution. With numerous inputs/outputs, control logic, and a web interface for configuration and data logging, it supports components from vehicles like the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Features include charger control, motor control, heater control, and more, making it a powerful and customizable tool for EV conversion projects.

(openinverter.org)

Hardware EV conversion vehicle control unit

File Organization: Type vs. Context

2025-05-02

File Organization: Type vs. Context

This article explores two common approaches to organizing code files: by type and by context. Using a real-world Identity and Access Management (IAM) system as an example, the author compares the pros and cons of each method. While organizing by type is convenient for finding specific file types, it falls short in understanding the business logic and maintainability of the code. Organizing by context, however, more clearly reveals the system's business processes, facilitating team collaboration and troubleshooting, and is better suited for large projects. Ultimately, the author concludes that the best choice depends on team size, project characteristics, and workflow, with no absolute superior method.

(muhammedsari.me)

Development

MrBeast's Feastables Under Fire for Children's Advertising Practices

2025-09-23

MrBeast's Feastables Under Fire for Children's Advertising Practices

YouTube star MrBeast and his chocolate brand, Feastables, are facing scrutiny from the Children's Advertising Review Unit (CARU) for violating the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and CARU's advertising guidelines. CARU found MrBeast's YouTube channel lacked clear advertising identifiers, Feastables' ads made misleading claims, sweepstakes promotions failed to clearly disclose free entry methods and age restrictions, and verifiable parental consent wasn't obtained before collecting children's data. The Feastables website also had issues with collecting children's information without parental consent. While the MrBeast team has taken steps to rectify the issues, they disagree with some of CARU's conclusions.

(bbbprograms.org)

Tech children's advertising

Coinbase Data Breach Sparks Fears of Kidnappings and Deaths

2025-05-20

Coinbase Data Breach Sparks Fears of Kidnappings and Deaths

TechCrunch founder Michael Arrington claims that a recent Coinbase data breach, exposing sensitive user data like addresses and balances, will lead to deaths due to a surge in kidnapping attempts targeting high-net-worth crypto holders. Arrington calls for a re-evaluation of KYC regulations and imprisonment for executives failing to protect customer data. Former Coinbase CTO Balaji Srinivasan counters that the problem stems from government-mandated KYC data collection. The incident highlights serious security and privacy concerns in the crypto space and sparks debate over the merits of KYC.

(decrypt.co)

Tech Crypto Security

California Bill Aims to Simplify CCPA Compliance: A.B. 566 Seeks Governor's Approval

2025-09-25

California Bill Aims to Simplify CCPA Compliance: A.B. 566 Seeks Governor's Approval

California's CCPA grants consumers data privacy rights, but exercising them is difficult. A.B. 566 simplifies this by requiring browsers to offer users an easy way to tell companies not to sell or share their data. This makes CCPA more user-friendly, empowering consumers and balancing the power dynamic. Despite industry opposition, the bill is seen as pro-consumer and non-restrictive to innovation.

(www.eff.org)

Tech A.B. 566

World's Smallest Injectable, Light-Controlled Pacemaker Developed

2025-04-08

World's Smallest Injectable, Light-Controlled Pacemaker Developed

Scientists have developed the world's tiniest temporary pacemaker—smaller than a grain of rice, injectable, light-controlled, and bioresorbable. This breakthrough aims to help children with congenital heart defects and adults recovering from heart surgery. Unlike traditional pacemakers, it eliminates the need for invasive implantation and removal, avoiding risks like the internal bleeding that contributed to Neil Armstrong's death in 2012. Successfully tested in animals and human tissue, human trials are expected in 2-3 years. Future applications could extend to nerve regeneration, wound healing, and smart implants.

(www.sciencealert.com)

Tech implantable devices pacemaker

The Unexpected Economics of Planned Website Downtime

2025-04-10

This article challenges the conventional wisdom of 24/7 website uptime. Using B&H Photo's Saturday closures as a case study, it argues that not all e-commerce sites need to be constantly available. The author explores the high cost of continuous uptime and suggests that planned downtime doesn't necessarily lead to significant customer loss. The article draws parallels with Google's SRE team intentionally introducing minor outages to force users to consider fallback plans. Finally, it calculates the potential cloud cost savings from scheduled downtime and weighs the trade-offs against employee on-call compensation.

(bobbiechen.com)

Startup

My Math Journey: A MathAcademy Review

2025-03-17

$My Math Journey: A MathAcademy Review$

This post details the author's return to mathematics and their experience with the MathAcademy online learning platform. Past negative experiences with math teachers led to a long hiatus, but the author's need for stronger math skills in programming spurred a comeback. MathAcademy's structured curriculum, supportive community, and gamified features are praised for fostering consistent learning and progress. While acknowledging the high cost, the author ultimately recommends MathAcademy as a valuable resource for aspiring math learners.

(www.staszewski.xyz)

Development

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