From going passwordless to police crackdowns on illegal file-sharing, we're bringing you this week's latest industry news...
Apple has issued a software patch to block "zero-click" spyware that could infect iPhones and iPad.
Independent researchers identified the flat, which lets hackers access devices through the iMessage service even if users do not click on a link or file.
University of Toronto's Citizen Lab, which first highlighted the issue, had previously found evidence of zero-click spyware, but "this is the first one where the exploit has been captured so we can find out how it works," said researcher Bill Marczak.
The researchers said that the previously unknown vulnerability affected all major Apple devices, including iPhones, Macs and Apple Watches.
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The tech giant says traditional passwords can be easily compromised and using alternative methods will make using Microsoft services safer.
Although users will be able to ditch using passwords, Microsoft states the "feature will be rolled out over the coming weeks."
At the moment, users need to opt in to use the new feature. This means people can continue using passwords if they want to.
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Internet users who allegedly illegally share or downloaded the film 'Ava' are being threatened with legal action.
Internet providers were forced to reveal customer names and addresses following a court order issued on behalf of Voltage.
It is the first time in years that rights holders have used these methods to seek redress for piracy.
It comes as UK police arrested three people accused of running an illegal streaming network.
The practice of sending letters to those identified as having downloaded illegal content is not without controversy, because the threats of legal action are rarely taken to court.
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Tech companies poured $65m into lobbying in 2020 - but only 6% of their lobbying activity is targeted at climate policy.
The world’s biggest tech companies are coming out with bold commitments to tackle their climate impact but when it comes to using their corporate muscle to advocate for stronger climate policies, their engagement is almost nonexistent, according to a new report.
Apple, Amazon, Alphabet (Google’s parent company), Facebook and Microsoft poured around $65m into lobbying in 2020, but an average of only 6% of their lobbying activity between July 2020 and June 2021 was related to climate policy, according to an analysis from the thinktank InfluenceMap, which tracked companies’ self-reported lobbying on federal legislation.
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