Today’s Tech Sightings:
A Google carpet is seen at the entrance of the new headquarters of Google France before its official inauguration in Paris, France, Dec. 6, 2011. (Reuters)
Google Age-discrimination Lawsuit May Become a Monster
Two people Google turned down for employment filed a lawsuit in California a year ago, claiming they were rejected because they were both over 40. Now, a San Jose federal court is being asked to determine if others who were also rejected because of their age can join a class action suit. Google reportedly receives as many as two million job applications each year.
Mobile Ransomware Use Jumps, Blocking Access to Phones
Internet security firm Kaspersky Lab says the number of Android users falling victim to ransomware hackers has nearly quadrupled since last year. While ransomware has traditionally targeted PCs, encrypting files and demanding ransom, the mobile ransomware Kaspersky researchers detected, called Fusob, was responsible for 56 percent of the attacks. Fusob is disguised as a multimedia player and downloads when users visit porn websites.
Saudi Arabia to Introduce Hi-tech Bracelets in Hajj Safety Push
Saudi Arabia is going high-tech as part of a safety drive during the annual Muslim pilgrimage (hajj) to the holy city of Mecca. More than 2,000 people were crushed last September as pilgrims converged on an intersection near Mecca. The new plan will give all pilgrims GPS-connected electronic bracelets that will provide information and directions. The bracelets will also save personal and medical data to help locate and identify individuals in need of medical care or assistance.
More:
- The Internet of Medical Things
- Chinese Site Hit With ‘Probably the Biggest DDoS Attack Ever’
- Facebook Wins Privacy Case, Can Track Any Belgian It Wants
- Hacker Takes Over Oculus CEO’s Twitter, Announces New Boss
- The Advent of Virtual Humans
- Apple Patents Technology to Block Your Phone Camera
- Source: BMW Teams Up With Tech Firms for Driverless Cars
- Facebook Increases Users by 13 Percent in Africa
- Mozilla’s New Game Uses Emoji to Teach You About Encryption
