Ukrainian dam breach: What is happening and what's at stake
The dramatic rupture of the dam that upheld Ukraine’s largest reservoir released a torrent of water, raising fears of widespread damage and flooding in areas where tens of thousands of people live
1970-01-01 08:00
46 Books that Changed the World
Here, in no particular order, are just a few of history’s most influential tomes—and how they made humanity look at things in a new light.
1970-01-01 08:00
Xbox Owners Finally Have Cheaper Storage Expansion Card Options
Xbox Owners will be glad to hear Seagate finally has some competition for storage expansion
1970-01-01 08:00
EU member Slovenia overwhelmingly defeats Moscow ally Belarus for a seat on the UN Security Council
In an election reflecting opposition to Russia’s war against Ukraine, European Union member Slovenia has overwhelmingly defeated Moscow’s close ally Belarus for a seat on the U.N. Security Council starting in January
1970-01-01 08:00
What are the takeaways from Prince Harry's day in a London court?
It's rare enough to see a senior British royal testifying in a court of law
1970-01-01 08:00
Legislation needed to protect data from AI ‘ghostbots’, say researchers
Lack of data protection laws in the UK could see an increasing problem of AI “ghostbots” made from people’s digital footprints, new research from Queen’s University Belfast has suggested. “Ghostbot” is a term used to describe what happens when artificial intelligence is used to create digital reincarnations of the dead. The technology used to create this includes chatbots, deepfakes or holographs that can replicate the voice, face and even personality of a dead person using data from social media. 'Ghostbots' lie at the intersection of many different areas of law, such as privacy and property, and yet there remains a lack of protection for the deceased’s personality, privacy, or dignity after death Dr Marisa McVey, Queen’s University Belfast As the concept of digital reincarnation moves into the mainstream, celebrities are beginning to showcase the capabilities of such technology, for example, a hologram of the late Robert Kardashian created using deepfake technology was gifted to Kim Kardashian by Kanye West in 2020, which used her father’s likeness and spoke in his voice. A research study titled Governing Ghostbots from Queen’s University Belfast, Aston Law School and Newcastle University Law School, has suggested that greater societal awareness of “ghostbots” and a “do not bot me” clause in wills and other contracts could prevent people from being digitally reincarnated without permission. The research looked at potential legal avenues to protect privacy (including post-mortem privacy), property, personal data, and reputation. Dr Marisa McVey from the School of Law at Queen’s University Belfast said there was a lack of protection for people’s privacy or dignity after death. Currently, in the absence of specific legislation in the UK and further afield, it’s unclear who might have the power to bring back our digital persona after we die Dr Marisa McVey, Queen’s University Belfast “’Ghostbots’ lie at the intersection of many different areas of law, such as privacy and property, and yet there remains a lack of protection for the deceased’s personality, privacy, or dignity after death,” she said. “Furthermore, in the UK, privacy and data protection laws do not extend to heirs after death,” she said. “While it is not thought that ‘ghostbots’ could cause physical harm, the likelihood is that they could cause emotional distress and economic harm, particularly impacting upon the deceased’s loved ones and heirs. “Currently, in the absence of specific legislation in the UK and further afield, it’s unclear who might have the power to bring back our digital persona after we die.” In the US and EU there is increasing momentum to legislate on who has ownership over a person’s digital identity, for example the EU AI Act which requires greater transparency for deepfakes and chatbots. In the absence of legislation in the UK, one way to protect our post-mortem selves might be through the drafting of a legally binding ‘do not bot me’ clause that could be inserted into wills and other contracts while people are still alive Dr Marisa McVey, Queen’s University Belfast Dr McVey has suggested that in addition to more formal legislation, an increased understanding of the phenomenon of “ghostbots” could help people to protect their data. “In the absence of legislation in the UK, one way to protect our post-mortem selves might be through the drafting of a legally binding ‘do not bot me’ clause that could be inserted into wills and other contracts while people are still alive,” she said. “This, combined with a global searchable database of such requests, may prove a useful solution to some of the concerns raised by ‘ghostbots’. “We also suggest that in addition to legal protections, greater societal awareness of the phenomenon of ‘ghostbots’, education on digital legacies and cohesive protection across different jurisdictions is crucial to ensure that this does not happen without our permission.” The research was a part of the Leverhulme Trust-funded project Modern Technologies, Privacy Law And The Dead. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Banking app feature allows economic abuse survivors to mute malicious messages Augmented reality headset Vision Pro is ‘most advanced device ever’ – Apple Revealed: The delivery apps charging you double for your food shop
1970-01-01 08:00
DJ Michael Bibi diagnosed with rare brain and spinal cancer
DJ Michael Bibi has revealed that he has been diagnosed with a rare form of brain and spinal cancer that is “moving fast”. The 32-year-old producer opened up about the diagnosis in a new Instagram post, more than two weeks since he last posted about discovering he had a “neurological problem” after a check-up for his tinnitus. Bibi, one of the most popular DJs in the UK’s dance music scene, told fans he has been diagnosed with primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma. He posted a selfie showing a peace sign with a cannula in his hand on Monday night (5 June) and wrote: “Writing this post is a hard one. Last week I was diagnosed with CNS lymphoma. A very rare cancer that affects the brain and spine. “Unfortunately it’s moving fast and I have to stay in hospital starting treatment immediately. Typing this message doesn’t quite seem real and I’m sorry for the bad news. “I don’t know what lies ahead,” he continued. “I’m tired but I know I am strong and I won’t let this beat me. I will be back stronger for you all. Love Bibi.” Bibi was set to play at Manchester’s Parklife festival and Glastonbury this summer. It is unclear if he will be able to perform. Fellow DJs and others in the music industry sent him well wishes, including Steve Aoki, Paris Hilton, Tiesto and the electronic duo, Disclosure. Hilton wrote: “Sending you lots of love and light. Love you.” Aoki added: “Positive energy and healing to you legend. You’ll get through this.” His record label Solid Grooves also posted on Instagram in support of the founder, including a series of photographs of Bibi performing various DJ sets. It said: “The entire Solid Grooves team sends our love and support while he recovers, and we hope to have him back with us as soon as possible to make more memories.” According to Cancer Research UK, only two in every 100 brain or spinal cord tumours are lymphomas. Symptoms can include headaches, blurred vision, personality changes, seizures, and difficulty walking and balancing. Lymphoma means the cancer began in the lymphatic system, which is a system of thin tubes and lymph nodes that run throughout the body. Most lymphomas of the brain start in the front section of the brain but can also start in the spinal cord, eyes and layers of tissue that surround the organ. Read More Fitness fanatic, 26, diagnosed with stage 4 cancer after feeling dizzy Husband of non-smoker, 24, who died two weeks after lung cancer diagnosis reveals single telltale sign Sarah Beeny: Why I’m no longer scared of cancer My child is vaping – how bad is it? ‘Covid killed my taste buds – then my business’ Gemma Collins blasted for promoting headset as ‘magic’ cure for depression
1970-01-01 08:00
Susan Boyle reveals she had a minor stroke during return to 'Britain's Got Talent'
Susan Boyle returned to the stage that made her famous 14 years ago and shared a bit of news.
1970-01-01 08:00
Joe Rogan podcast sees ‘Adam and Eve’ conspiracy flood TikTok – but what is it?
Controversial podcaster Joe Rogan - who’s previously made headlines for spreading “racist myths about Jews”, suggesting we should “just shoot” homeless people, and saying it’s not “wise” to take away weapons from gun owners – has now caused TikTok users to create videos about a climate crisis conspiracy theory. Based upon a bogus book from 1965 by Chan Thomas called The Adam and Eve Story: The History of Cataclysms, the baseless theory pertains to the shifting of Earth’s magnetic poles, and was brought up in an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience on 18 January. “Researcher” and YouTuber Jimmy Corsetti told Rogan: “The theory on that is that it happens in cycles of 6,500 years and that it’s a 90-degree flip, but six days later, around the seventh day, it corrects itself. “Because of [the flip] the Earth essentially does a standstill, the sun will be direct – will basically stay in the same spot, causing heating like we’ve never experienced … - so the theory is that when that event happens it’s going to be cataclysmic.” Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Except, it’s a load of nonsense, with Nasa research scientist Martin Mlynczak telling The Verge: “There’s no proof and no science and no physics behind any of the claims about the magnetic field change being associated with climate change. “[It] is total bogus. If that’s what happened every 6,500 years, we would certainly see it; it would be in all the records. “The amount of energy to bring that about is tremendous, and you know, there’s nothing to initiate it.” According to the American non-profit Media Matters, seven TikTok videos between January and April were spotted containing clips from Rogan’s podcast discussing the conspiracy theory, with one video posted just last month clocking up over 14.6m views. In a statement to The Verge, Corsetti said: “Keep in mind that those various TikTok clips are edited portions of my conversation on the Joe Rogan Podcast where I am explaining the difference between ‘mainstream scientific view’ of pole shifts, in comparison to the Adam and Eve Story - which is certainly not considered accepted science.” Glad that’s cleared up. Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
1970-01-01 08:00
Pete Davidson has an update on that ferry he bought with Colin Jost
Pete Davidson is wondering why he ever bought that decommissioned Staten Island ferry with his former "Saturday Night Live" castmate Colin Jost.
1970-01-01 08:00
Cuba Gooding Jr settles rape lawsuit ahead of civil trial
Actor Cuba Gooding Jr reaches settlement with rape accuser, just as civil trial was about to start.
1970-01-01 08:00
Joran Van der Sloot's lawyer files petition to block his temporary transfer to the US
An attorney for Joran Van der Sloot, the prime suspect in the 2005 disappearance of Alabama teenager Natalee Holloway, has filed a habeas corpus petition against his client's temporary transfer from a Peru prison to the US.
1970-01-01 08:00
