Ersu Ablak is a journalist based in Istanbul, Turkey. I have been writing for various newspaper mainly on science, technology and society for over 15 years. I have done a radio show for 12 years.

How to make internet safer for kids without censorship?

11 Jun 2019  |  www.hurriyetdailynews.com  |  English  |  Cyberbullying

The article discusses the challenges of keeping children safe online without resorting to censorship. It highlights the prevalence of online abuse among children, citing studies by Ofcom and Ditch the Label. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat are criticized for not doing enough to protect children. The article suggests that software solutions like Antitoxin, which uses artificial intelligence to detect malicious behavior, could help. However, it also emphasizes the importance of regular communication between parents and children to ensure online safety.

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Information Commissioner’s Office Ofcom Ditch the Label

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Anita Alig is a freelance journalist based in Spiddal,  County Galway, Ireland.

She contributes to online news websites while running two news/poetry blogs and writing content for corporate clients. Anita is the founder of the Poetry Cooperative.

UK officials request warrant to enter the headquarters of Cambridge Analytica

21 Mar 2018  |  Blasting News  |  English  |  Corporate Ethics

UK officials are seeking a warrant to access Cambridge Analytica's data following revelations of unethical practices by whistleblower Christopher Wylie. A Channel 4 documentary exposed the company's involvement in fake news campaigns and other unethical activities. The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has requested Facebook to halt its audit of Cambridge Analytica to avoid prejudicing the investigation. Facebook's share price has dropped significantly amid the controversy, and Mark Zuckerberg has been asked to appear before the UK's Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee.

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Information Commissioner's Office Channel 4 Stroz Friedberg Guardian Huffington Post CBS News CNBC Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee

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Richard Assheton has half a decade's experience reporting from across Europe, Africa and Asia for news brands including The Times, the Financial Times and the Guardian, covering global events and producing exclusive news and features. His subjects are not always easy interviews: he has sought out ...

'Terrorism' database cites 'Islamophobic' sources in Muslim profiles

05 Oct 2023  |  Middle East Eye  |  English  |  Libel Cases

A Middle East Eye investigation reveals that the World-Check financial risk database, owned by Refinitiv, continues to use sources accused of promoting far-right and Islamophobic agendas. The database has faced multiple lawsuits from Muslim organizations wrongly listed under 'terrorism'. Notable sources include Jihad Watch and the Gatestone Institute, which have been linked to anti-Muslim sentiment. The article highlights the ongoing issues faced by organizations like the Finsbury Park Mosque and calls for regulatory intervention by bodies like the Information Commissioner's Office.

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Information Commissioner's Office World-Check Council of American-Islamic Relations Muslim Aid Finsbury Park Mosque Gatestone Institute David Horowitz Freedom Center Palestine Solidarity Campaign Palestinian Return Centre

Interpretive

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Left

Political View

Kylie Bull is an editor and contributor based in Norwich, United Kingdom.

Retail Sector Unprepared for Increasingly Sophisticated Cyber Attacks

01 Feb 2019  |  www.hstoday.us  |  English  |  Data Breaches

The retail and consumer products industry is increasingly targeted by sophisticated cyber-attacks from various malicious actors, including nation-states and criminal groups. Despite the rising threat, the industry has not sufficiently invested in cybersecurity measures, particularly in securing supply chains. Data breaches, especially involving financial information, are becoming more frequent and costly. The report highlights the need for the retail sector to adopt threat-based cybersecurity strategies and digital transformation initiatives to enhance security and operational efficiency. High-profile retailers like Amazon, eBay, AliExpress, and TaoBao are driving the digital transformation, but many traditional retailers are struggling to keep up. The article underscores the importance of integrating security into digital transformation efforts to mitigate new vulnerabilities and protect against evolving cyber threats.

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Information Commissioner's Office BDO Cyber Threat Intelligence IBM Ponemon Institute Verizon

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Paul Collins is a journalist based in Kampala, Uganda. Worked for International media houses and has great experience in documentaries. He is also prolific in reporting about different events.

Closing Kingsdown Sports Centre would be unfair, wrong and possibly unlawful

03 Oct 2023  |  www.bristol247.com  |  English  |  Community Issues

The article criticizes Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees and the city council for their decision to potentially close Kingsdown Sports Centre, arguing it would be unfair, wrong, and possibly unlawful. The author, Paul Collins, highlights the lack of transparency and misleading information provided by the council, emphasizing the centre's importance to the community, including its partnerships with the NHS. Collins urges the mayor to reconsider and engage with the community to understand the full impact of the closure.

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Information Commissioner’s Office Bristol City Council NHS

Opinionated

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Left

Political View

David Cowan is an author & journalist based in France. He travels extensively within Europe, North America and Asia, so can undertake assignments globally.

Second site error left national records wide open

17 Aug 2023  |  BBC News فارسی  |  English  |  Genealogy

A researcher, Fergus Smith, discovered a security flaw in the Scotland's People genealogy website, allowing unauthorized access to birth, death, and marriage records. The National Records of Scotland (NRS) took immediate action but concluded that only one customer had accessed the data. The incident did not meet the threshold for reporting to the Information Commissioner's Office. Following privacy concerns from an adoptive mother, NRS removed thousands of names from the site. St Andrew's Children's Society supported the concerns, emphasizing the importance of confidentiality in adoption.

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Information Commissioner's Office National Records of Scotland St Andrew's Children's Society

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Chiara Crescenzi is a journalist based in Roma, RM, Italia.

In London, AI monitors subway passengers

29 Mar 2024  |  Wired Italia  |  Italian  |  Public Transportation

Artificial intelligence-based surveillance software has been monitoring the movements, behavior, and body language of thousands of London subway passengers to detect criminal activity or dangerous situations. Transport for London (TfL) tested 11 algorithms at Willesden Green station from October 2022 to September 2023, generating over 44,000 alerts, with 19,000 sent in real-time to station staff. The AI was used to detect aggressive behavior, unauthorized access, and fare evasion, among other things. However, the AI also made errors, such as misidentifying children and failing to distinguish between different objects. Privacy experts have raised concerns about the accuracy of object detection algorithms and the potential expansion of surveillance systems to include more sophisticated detection or facial recognition software. TfL has stated that the trial provided useful insights and that any broader use of the technology would depend on consultation with local communities and industry experts.

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Information commissioner’s office Wired US Ada Lovelace Institute British Transport Police Big Brother Watch Access Now

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I'm a Brazilian freelance journalist currently based in London and a scholarship holder at the Erasmus Mundus Master's program in Journalism, Media and Globalisation. Recently I have had bylines at Euronews, Climate Home News, Next City, Agência Pública, InfoAmazonia and Folha de S. Paulo, among ...

UK online platforms expected to boost age-assurance as regulator's research shows children bypass restrictions

29 Oct 2024  |  mlexmarketinsight.com  |  English  |  Data Privacy

UK online platforms are anticipated to enhance age-assurance measures following research by the Information Commissioner's Office, which revealed that many children provide false ages to circumvent restrictions. The study highlights the need for improved age-verification tools to ensure online safety for minors.

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Information Commissioner's Office

Informative

Factuality Scale

Dr Andrew Garthwaite is a freelance journalist based in London, United Kingdom. 

In the past he has worked as a statistical journalist for the Financial Times, a magazine journalist for social justice advocacy publication 'Now or Never', a researcher in cardiovascular epidemiology for the ...

MoD fined £350k after disclosing personal details of 265 Afghan aides

13 Dec 2023  |  www.army-technology.com  |  English  |  Government Penalty

The Information Commissioner’s Office fined the Ministry of Defence £350k for data breaches in September 2021 that endangered 265 Afghan nationals seeking relocation under the UK's Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy. The breaches involved the inappropriate disclosure of personal information, including email addresses and photographs, which could have posed a threat to the individuals if accessed by the Taliban. The MoD has since taken measures to address the issue and cooperated with the ICO investigation. The incident was also raised in the House of Commons, leading to an investigation and new data security measures.

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Information Commissioner’s Office Ministry of Defence Taliban House of Commons

Interpretive

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Center-Left

Political View

I am a Bristol-based freelance journalist. I previously worked for The Bristol Cable, a local member-owned media co-operative. Here, I worked as an Early Career Journalist and started writing my first stories.

I now work as a freelancer and alongside the Cable my work is featured in  The ...

Improvements at Priory Hospital Bristol after serious issues revealed last year

28 Jul 2021  |  The Bristol Cable  |  English  |  Hospital Management

Priory Hospital Bristol has made significant improvements following a critical inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in 2020, which led to the closure of two children's wards. The hospital, now only serving adults, has been rated 'Good' overall by the CQC, although safety still requires improvement. The Priory Group, under new ownership by Waterland, has addressed staffing and management issues, but challenges remain, including nurse vacancies and data protection compliance. The closure of children's wards left Bristol without overnight mental health beds for children, but NHS England plans to add more beds in the region.

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Information Commissioner's Office Care Quality Commission NHS England Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership

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Nicola Kelly has reported for BBC Radio 4's flagship 'From Our Own Correspondent' and World Service programmes 'Newshour', 'Newsday', 'World Update', 'World Business Report' and 'Focus on Africa'.

Field report and produce mixed packages, interview, dispatches, live and pre-recorded two-ways. 

...

FCDO ‘error’ reveals data on Afghan teacher in hiding from Taliban

10 Aug 2022  |  www.theguardian.com  |  English  |  Afghanistan Crisis

An Afghan teacher in hiding since the Taliban takeover had his personal details leaked by the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to another Afghan citizen through the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS). The FCDO has reported the incident to the Information Commissioner’s Office and assured the family that their information has not been further shared. The teacher expressed distress over the government's error, fearing increased risk and misidentification as a British spy. The ACRS, which is separate from the Afghan relocations and assistance policy (Arap), aims to resettle over 5,000 people in its first year.

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Home Office Information Commissioner’s Office Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Factual

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Wooyoung Lee is a Seoul-based freelance journalist, covering social, political, and cultural issues with a decade of experience in reporting Korea-related stories for print and online.

Big Tech challenges pave way for unprecedented UK regulatory coordination

05 Oct 2023  |  mlexmarketinsight.com  |  English  |  Digital Markets

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), Ofcom, and the Information Commissioner’s Office are collaborating to establish a new pro-competition regulatory regime targeting Big Tech companies like Google and Facebook. This initiative follows the CMA's market study highlighting the dominance of these companies in the UK's digital advertising market. The Digital Markets Taskforce and the Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum will guide the development of this regime, aiming to enhance competition and innovation while coordinating with international regulatory efforts. The government will ultimately decide on the implementation of these recommendations.

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Information Commissioner’s Office Competition and Markets Authority Ofcom UK Government European Commission

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Joe Lo is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom who is available to cover any event in London but specialises in politics and football.

The Government Won’t Tell Us If It Has the Khashoggi Murder Tape; What’s It Got to Hide?

13 Mar 2019  |  www.vice.com  |  English  |  Freedom of Information

The UK government faces criticism for not confirming whether it possesses a recording of Jamal Khashoggi's murder, following a VICE FOI request. Critics accuse the government of prioritizing arms sales and relations with Saudi Arabia over transparency and human rights. The FCO's repeated delays in responding to the FOI request have drawn condemnation, with accusations of attempting to suppress stories about Khashoggi to avoid embarrassing the Saudi government. The article highlights the ethical concerns surrounding UK-Saudi dealings, particularly in light of Saudi Arabia's actions in Yemen.

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Information Commissioner's Office Foreign and Commonwealth Office UK Government Saudi Arabian Government

Interpretive

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Left

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Tuhin Sarwar, 
Bangladeshi Author & Journalist | Human Rights & Social Justice Advocate
Experienced journalist and author specializing in human rights, the Rohingya crisis, and child labor. Editor of Article Inside and The Today. My work has been published in renowned international outlets like ...

Individual privacy at global risk

27 Jun 2024  |  tuhinsarwar.substack.com  |  English  |  Digital Age

Various international organizations, including the Information Commissioner's Office of the United Nations, have implemented initiatives to promote awareness regarding the security of personal information. Despite constitutional and legal emphasis on information security and personal privacy, individual privacy is frequently breached, especially in the digital age. The article highlights incidents such as the leaked phone conversation of former Information Minister Dr. Murad Hassan, which led to his resignation. The text discusses how personal privacy is compromised through hacking, leaks, and the misuse of personal information by close acquaintances and multinational corporations. The ongoing debate within the political arena regarding the legal aspects of these issues is also mentioned.

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Information Commissioner's Office United Nations Law Enforcement Agencies

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Callum Smiles is a journalist based in the south of England. I have worked across Europe with an up to date passport and full clean driving licence. 
Along with millions of views when covering illegal immigration and 15 minute cities I am most known for my work in Davos at the annual World ...

Russian hacker group C10p breaches payroll titan Zellis, endangering numerous British corporations

05 Jun 2023  |  www.rebelnews.com  |  English  |  Data Breach

A major cyber attack by the Russian ransomware group C10p has compromised the payroll services provider Zellis, affecting numerous British corporations including British Airways, Boots, and the BBC. The attack exploited a vulnerability in the MOVEit file transfer software, leading to a ransom demand. Companies like DHL, Transport for London, Ofcom, and Ernst & Young have also reported data breaches. The incident highlights significant vulnerabilities in global software and underscores the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures.

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Information Commissioners Office C10p

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Najmeh Tima is a journalist based in Isfahan, Iran. I am working as the free journalist with digital magazine. I especially has worked on cyber security hacks happened around the world and also second editor for everyday news.

I’m a creative and versatile multi-platform business, technology, politics and consumer journalist, copywriter, editor and content strategist. I specialise in creating simplified, engaging explanations of complicated technologies, finances, policies and processes for a variety of audiences and ...

No-Deal Brexit Could Mean U.K. Citizens Can't Access Data Held In A European Cloud

15 Feb 2019  |  Forbes  |  English  |  Cloud Computing

A no-deal Brexit could prevent U.K. citizens and businesses from accessing data stored in European Economic Area (EEA) cloud servers due to GDPR restrictions. Clive Halperin, a data protection expert, explains that without an adequacy decision from the EU, transferring data back to the U.K. will be challenging. The Information Commissioner’s Office is still uncertain about the exact measures to enable data transfer in such a scenario. Companies and individuals are advised to move their data to U.K.-based servers before the Brexit deadline to avoid potential issues.

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Information Commissioner’s Office European Union GSC Solicitors LLP

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Center

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I'm a London-based freelance journalist, with my work published by media outlets, including Financial Times’ publications, BBC Travel, Huffington Post, Africa Report, The European, World Politics Review, The Times and The Sunday Times supplements.

As a journalist, I specialise in business, ...

Millions of UK adults do not know how to remove personal data from devices

27 Dec 2024  |  www.techerati.com  |  English  |  Technology

A significant portion of UK adults are unaware of how to erase personal data from old devices, posing risks of data breaches. The Information Commissioner’s Office highlights the importance of data deletion, especially during the holiday season when new devices are acquired. Younger individuals are more likely to leave data on devices compared to older adults. Recycle Your Electricals suggests that securely deleting data can enable safe resale of old electronics.

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Information Commissioner’s Office Recycle Your Electricals

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Award-winning journalist covering politics, business and economics in the Gulf and Southeast Asia including OPEC and the impact of the global financial crisis. Former correspondent Philippines for the FT, Former co-presenter 'Business Breakfast' and 'Business Tonight', Dubai-Eye 103.8FM, Former ...

Surge in number of Britons fighting to hold on to their citizenship

04 Oct 2023  |  ca.sports.yahoo.com  |  English  |  Government Policy

At least 75 people successfully overturned Home Office orders to strip them of their British citizenship last year, reflecting a dramatic increase in legal challenges against the government's use of these powers. Shamima Begum, who lost her appeal against the Home Office's decision to remove her citizenship, remains stranded in Syria. The rise in challenges follows reforms making it easier to strip citizenship without warning. Critics, including former intelligence officer Huda Mukbil and advocacy groups, condemn the government's actions as discriminatory and draconian. The Home Office defends its use of deprivation orders, citing public safety and legal compliance.

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Information Commissioner’s Office Home Office Special Immigration Appeals Commission MI5 Migrants’ Rights Network Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants

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I'm a journalist based in Amsterdam, Netherlands. I regularly produce a 30 minute radio programme for the BBC World Service called CrowdScience ******. 
I also write long form articles on a wide range of subjects such as ****** 
and 
****** 
For much of my career I have worked on news desks, ...

Britain's shoplifting epidemic makes it feel like Iceland staff are on the frontline of a war - we've lost £20m this year to thefts but we're not allowed to share CCTV of prolific offenders

10 Oct 2023  |  Mail Online  |  English  |  Public Safety

Britain's retail sector is facing a severe shoplifting crisis, with Iceland Foods reporting £20 million in losses this year. Richard Walker, executive chairman of Iceland Foods, highlights the increasing violence against staff and the inadequacy of current security measures. He criticizes the government's lack of action, the Information Commissioner's Office for privacy regulations that hinder crime prevention, and the Crown Prosecution Service for not prosecuting enough cases. Walker calls for more police resources, stronger legal powers for security personnel, and harsher sentences for offenders to protect retail workers and curb the crime wave.

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Information Commissioner's Office Crown Prosecution Service

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Sophia Waterfield is a journalist based in York, United Kingdom.

MPs voice concerns over UK GDPR replacement

10 Oct 2023  |  Tech Monitor  |  English  |  Privacy

The Data Protection and Digital Information Bill, intended to replace the EU's GDPR post-Brexit, was debated in the UK Parliament. While the government claims the bill will reduce costs and complexity for businesses, opposition MPs and industry experts express concerns about its impact on data adequacy with the EU, individual rights, and the independence of the Information Commissioner’s Office. The bill aims to simplify compliance for small businesses and enhance the use of AI, but critics argue it does not significantly deviate from existing GDPR frameworks and may increase legal complexities and costs.

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Information Commissioner’s Office UK Parliament Department for Science, Innovation and Technology Labour Party

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Samuel Woodhams is a Researcher at the digital rights group and VPN comparison website, Top10VPN. Based in London, United Kingdom, he writes at the intersection of technology and politics, with a particular focus on internet shutdowns, digital rights and disinformation. His work has been featured ...

London’s Met Police is expanding its use of facial recognition technology

01 Oct 2023  |  www.wired.com  |  English  |  Privacy Concerns

London’s Metropolitan Police is set to expand its facial recognition capabilities with a new £3 million deal with NEC Corporation. The technology, known as Retrospective Facial Recognition (RFR), will process images from various sources to track down suspects. Critics warn of potential privacy abuses and discriminatory practices, while supporters argue it will help reduce crime. The Mayor of London’s office approved the proposal, but concerns about transparency and data protection remain. The use of facial recognition technology continues to be a contentious issue in the UK, with calls for stricter regulations and public scrutiny.

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Home Office Information Commissioner’s Office Mayor of London’s office Metropolitan Police European Digital Rights Big Brother Watch London Policing Ethics Panel House of Commons Science and Technology Committee United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights South Wales Police

Interpretive

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Center-Left

Political View

Emma Woollacott is a journalist based in Oxford, United Kingdom, writing in fields from science and tech to business and politics, freelance since 1992. I've written for most British broadsheet national newspapers, including the Times, Daily Telegraph, Financial Times and Guardian, as well as many ...

Who Do You Trust? Asks Rishi Sunak As His Party Leaks Email Addresses

14 May 2024  |  Forbes  |  English  |  Cybersecurity

The U.K.'s Conservative Party leaked over 300 personal email addresses in a conference registration email, prompting an investigation by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). The breach coincided with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's speech on national security, leading to criticism from the Labour Party. The ICO is assessing the incident, which is a violation of the General Data Protection Regulation. The Conservative Party has a history of data breaches, including incidents involving Greg Hands and Boris Johnson.

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Information Commissioner’s Office Conservative Party Labour Party

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