Facebook Helped Hack ‘Tails’ OS to Catch a Child Predator

A report today from Motherboard details how Facebook and the FBI used a zero-day exploit for privacy OS Tails to catch a child predator. The reason I’m specifically linking to it is because of this paragraph:

Facebook told Motherboard that it does not specialize in developing hacking exploits and did not want to set the expectation with law enforcement that this is something it would do regularly. Facebook says that it identified the approach that would be used but did not develop the specific exploit, and only pursued the hacking option after exhausting all other options.

That is a slippery slope argument that will be used by politicians, like how Apple does what it can to help the FBI get into terrorists’ iPhones. “But you helped them before, why not again?” More fuel on the EARN IT fire.

WWDC 2020: iPad Pro Inspired iMac Could be on The Way

Apple may use WWDC 2020 to unveil an iMac inspired by the iPad Pro, according to tipster Sonny Dickson. Cult of Mac reported that this could mean thinner bezel.

The new all-in-one is expected to feature significantly slimmer bezels like Pro Display XDR, plus AMD Navi graphics. It has been almost eight years since the iMac got its last redesign, and despite still being a pretty machine, it is starting to look a little long in the tooth today. It’s understandable that many Apple fans want something new. Recent rumors have hinted at a significant iMac refresh — complete with a new design — will come this year. Now tipster Sonny Dickson, who has been accurate in the past, has some new tidbits to share. Dickson says the new iMac will use “iPad Pro design language, with Pro Display like bezels.” He doesn’t go into detail, but this suggests a return to sharper edges, a thinner form factor, and an almost edge-to-edge screen.

Cloudflare Introduces 1.1.1.1 DNS for Families

Cloudflare has introduced 1.1.1.1 DNS for families that adds an extra layer of protection to keep kids safe online. There are now two extra variants of the DNS service. 1.1.1.2 can block malware, and 1.1.1.3 can block both malware and adult content.

Introducing 1.1.1.1 for Families — the easiest way to add a layer of protection to your home network and protect it from malware and adult content. 1.1.1.1 for Families leverages Cloudflare’s global network to ensure that it is fast and secure around the world. And it includes the same strong privacy guarantees that we committed to when we launched 1.1.1.1 two years ago. And, just like 1.1.1.1, we’re providing it for free and it’s for any home anywhere in the world.

Good to see Cloudflare offer more options for people. They aren’t the only company doing this either; I’ve rounded up four other private DNS services to use.

Ireland Subreddit Shutting Down at Midnight in Bid to Stop Racist Trolls

The Ireland subreddit is to close every night at midnight local time in an attempt to stop a deluge of racist posts. BBC News reported that it plans to add moderators and filters as a longterm solution.

Moderators said having to check every comment on the social network’s forums had pushed them to “breaking point”.vThe page is now seeking to expand its team of moderators and add filters that can spot posts “hateful” comments.vIn a post on the page, which has 280,000 members, it said: “We’re taking the very difficult decision today to shut down Reddit Ireland temporarily between midnight and 08:00 each day in order to stem the flow of racist/extremist content which is being posted at these times.”

State of Michigan Launches Map of Free Wi-Fi Hotspots

In partnership with Connected Nation Michigan, the State of Michigan released a free online map of free Wi-Fi hotspots for citizens who don’t have easy access to broadband (although the tool is there to use even if you do have your own internet).

“This pandemic has shown a real need to tackle the barriers of access, adoption, and affordability to fully enable the opportunities that the internet makes possible,” Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist said. “If we are going to close the Internet gap, we need to make sure we’re doing everything we can in the interim to expand access to existing broadband options for communities where it’s not readily available or affordable.”

It’s nice to see such a great tool from my state.

Black Lives Matter Plaza Seen From the Sky in Apple Maps

Apple Maps has been updated to reflect the area of Washington D.C. now known as Black Lives Matter Plaza. Cult of Mac noticed that its likely that an older imager of the street has been edited to feature the road painting that now currently exists.

Black Lives Matter Plaza is a two-block section of downtown Washington, not far from the White House, which was renamed by Mayor Muriel Bowser on June 5 following the death of George Floyd while in police custody on May 25. Not only has the street been renamed, but “Black Lives Matter” has been painted onto it in 35-foot capital letters. You’ve likely already seen it if you’ve been on social media or read the news at all in recent days. Now you can get an even better view of it inside Apple Maps.

Honda Hit by Suspected Ransomware Attack

Honda has been hit by a suspected ransomware attack, BBC News reported. Global production was halted Monday, and it had not restarted at its main plant in Ohio, nor in Turkey, India or Brazil, at the time of this writing.

Honda can confirm that a cyber-attack has taken place on the Honda network,” the Japanese car-maker said in a statement. It added that the problem was affecting its ability to access its computer servers, use email and otherwise make use of its internal systems. “There is also an impact on production systems outside of Japan,” it added. “Work is being undertaken to minimise the impact and to restore full functionality of production, sales and development activities.” The firm – which makes motorcycles, cars, generators and lawn mowers, among other products – said one of its internal servers was attacked externally.

IBM to Stop Making and Selling Facial Recognition Software in Wake of Black Lives Matter Protests

IBM announced it will no longer develop or sell facial recognition software in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests, Computing reported. Big Blue revealed the decision in a letter to members of Congress on Tuesday.

In a letter to the members of the US Congress, IBM CEO Arvind Krishna said that the company would no longer sell general purpose facial recognition software and would also oppose use of such technology for racial profiling, mass surveillance, violations of basic human rights or any purpose “which is not consistent with our values and principles of trust and transparency”. IBM’s decision to quit the facial recognition services has come at the time when US faces countrywide demonstrations over the tragic death of George Floyd, a black man, while in police custody in Minneapolis.

Apple Industry Analyst Rene Ritchie - TMO BGM Interview

Rene Ritchie has been covering personal technology for over a decade. He currently hosts his own YouTube channel where he provides news analysis and insight on Apple and related technologies and culture. He also co-hosts MacBreak Weekly on the TWiT network and writes a column every Monday for iMore. He is the former Editor-in-Chief of iMore.

Rene and I discussed an incredible range of Apple topics: the MBP’s awful 720p FaceTime camera, the aging iMac design, the future of iMac Pro, the Butterfly keyboard, Rene’s enthusiasm for Apple and the trustworthiness of the company. I also got to know Rene better as we chatted about growing up with Macs, his love of Apple Watch bands, Pokémon and years of studying martial arts. Rene finished with several tips for video podcasters.