Technology

CrowdStrike says 97% of affected Windows systems are back online

[ad_1] A week after a faulty update caused a global IT outage that grounded flights and knocked TV stations off-air, the boss of CrowdStrike has revealed nearly all systems are back online.In a post on LinkedIn, George Kurtz said "over 97%" of systems running its software were back online as of 25 July. Microsoft previously estimated 8.5 million machines had been disabled by a bug in CrowdStrike's software.That figure, and
Technology

Video game performers go on strike over artificial intelligence

[ad_1] Major video game makers - like Activision, Warner Bros and Walt Disney - are facing a strike by Hollywood performers over the use of artificial intelligence (AI).It follows a year and half of talks over a new a contract between the games studios and a union representing more than 2,500 performers.The two sides say they have agreed on several key issues, such as wages and job safety, but protections
Technology

Technology shares drop in US and Asia as AI stocks slide

[ad_1] Financial markets in the US and Asia have fallen sharply as investors sell off shares in technology companies, with artificial intelligence (AI) stocks hit particularly hard.In Wednesday's trading in New York, the S&P 500 lost 2.3% and the tech-heavy Nasdaq fell 3.6%, in their biggest one-day falls since 2022. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped by 1.2%.The losses were driven by major firms including Nvidia, Alphabet, Microsoft, Apple and
Technology

Would-be reality TV contestants ‘not looking real’

[ad_1] Valerie Penso-CuculichTV producer Ms Penso-Cuculich says reality TV applicants are using too much AI to alter how they lookValerie Penso-Cuculich knows a thing or two about picking contestants for reality TV shows.She’s a casting director for such programmes as Love Island USA, The Real Housewives of Dubai, and The Millionaire Matchmaker.Ms Penso-Cuculich says that AI has made her first contact with applicants far more complicated.“Potential contestants are increasingly using
Technology

Instagram removes 63,000 ‘sextortion’ accounts in Nigeria

[ad_1] Instagram owner Meta says it has removed thousands of accounts in Nigeria that were trying to target people in sextortion schemes.Such scammers typically pose as young women online to trick people into sending sexually explicit material before blackmailing them.Victims of sextortion crimes have taken their own lives due to the stress, stigma and shame felt after being scammed.Meta said in a blogpost on Wednesday it had removed about 63,000
Technology

Google dunks long-running plan to cut cookies

[ad_1] In a surprise move Google has abandoned a plan to block third-party cookies from its Chrome internet browser.The idea was first announced four years ago, but after a series of delays it has now been cancelled entirely.Cookies are small files stored on your computer which allow advertisers to track internet activity and target advertising.Google says it will instead pursue a new approach which will give users an “informed choice
Technology

IT outage exposes fragility of tech infrastructure

[ad_1] As the global chaos subsides and systems continue to return online, the enormous IT outage which caused havoc around the world on Friday reveals a few uncomfortable truths about the foundations of our digital lives - and how fragile they might be.The outage showed that even the platform of an enormous firm like Microsoft, with its deep pockets and huge investment in robust system security, could be knocked sideways
Technology

Australian banks, media, airlines hit by major IT outage

[ad_1] A raft of Australian businesses - including major banks, media outlets and an airline - have reported being hit by a mass IT outage.Jetstar has been crippled at Sydney airport, supermarkets are experiencing checkout chaos, and broadcast networks have been left scrambling on air as autocue and graphics failed.Outage website Downdetector also shows issues being reported by the National Australia Bank, telecom firm Telstra, Google and more.The cause of