Sony Hijacked? Killer Technology; EU vs. Google and More

Posted November 25th, 2014 at 2:02 pm (UTC-4)
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Today’s Tech Sightings:

Tech’s Gender Gap Wasn’t Always So Bad. Here’s How It Got Worse

A filmmaker whose daughter wanted to drop out of her computer science major because she was one of only two girls attending resulted in a documentary about gender inequality in the U.S. tech and science sectors. The film, called CODE: Debugging the Gender Gap, explores the  lack of American female and minority computer science engineers and the roots of the problem.

Is Your Technology Killing You?

If you are hopelessly addicted to your latest tech toys, you might want to consider how they are adversely affecting your health.

The Spoon That Could Make Thanksgiving More Enjoyable for Those Suffering From Tremors

People suffering from tremors and Parkinson’s Disease have some welcome help this Thanksgiving holiday. Lift Labs, which was recently acquired by Google, makes special attachments for spoons and forks that stabilize the utensils to allow patients to eat without  embarrassing tremors.

Fake? #GOP Pwns Sony Networks, Worldwide

Sony, which appears to have been hacked, is reportedly on lockdown after a hacker group called #GOP blackmailed the company.

EU Digital Csar Warns Monopolists; Google Foes Play Down Call for Break-Up

The European Union’s top digital markets official warned Monday that Google antitrust probes should not be rushed, as sponsors of a parliamentary motion to rein in Google played down suggestions that the company should be splintered.

Meet Regin, Government-Created Spyware That’s Been Active Since 2008

Cybersecurity company Symantec has uncovered a sophisticated malware-based tool called “Regin” or Backdoor Regin used by government agencies (though it’s not clear which country’s government) for mass surveillance. It turns out Regin has been in use since 2008 and has been detected in 10 countries, including Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Mexico.

At China Online Coming-Out Party, Beijing spells Out Internet Control Ambition

Attendees at China’s ‘World Internet Conference’ got a taste of the country’s Internet ambitions when the director of the Cyberspace Administration of China said at the opening ceremony that “cyberspace should also be free and open, with rules to follow and always following the rule of law.” Skeptics who witnessed the controlled summit environment worry that talk of a free and open Internet is just that – talk.

Aida Akl
Aida Akl is a journalist working on VOA's English Webdesk. She has written on a wide range of topics, although her more recent contributions have focused on technology. She has covered both domestic and international events since the mid-1980s as a VOA reporter and international broadcaster.

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