China removes anonymity for bloggers with over 500,000 followers, raising concerns about privacy and whistleblowers. Other topics include Google discontinuing web DRM, Apple warning about state-sponsored iPhone attacks, FTC's breach reporting order, bans on WeChat and Kaspersky, Phylin's new features, Linux Mint 21.3 update, a murder case involving a fitness app, and YouTube cracking down on ad blockers. The episode concludes with reflections on ads, alternative ways to support content creators, and a call to support the podcast.
China's new measure to remove anonymity for bloggers has raised privacy concerns and the risk of doxing among users.
Apple warns Indian politicians of state-sponsored iPhone attacks ahead of the next general elections, prompting further investigations.
Deep dives
China removes anonymity for popular bloggers
China has implemented a measure that requires self-media accounts with over 500,000 followers to display real name information. This move to remove anonymity has raised concerns about privacy and doxing among users. Self-media accounts include news and information that is not necessarily approved by the government, a genre of online content that regulators have cracked down on in recent years to control cyberspace.
YouTube's crackdown on ad blockers leads to uninstalls
YouTube's crackdown on ad blockers has resulted in significant numbers of ad blocker uninstalls, according to various ad-blocking companies. While some users have made the switch to different ad blockers, others have stopped using ad blockers altogether. It is important to note the security benefits of using an ad blocker, as malvertising poses significant risks. Users are encouraged to whitelist YouTube on their ad blockers rather than completely uninstalling them.
Apple warns Indian politicians of state-sponsored iPhone attacks
Apple has issued warnings to over half a dozen lawmakers in India's main opposition party, stating that their iPhones have been targeted in state-sponsored attacks. These warnings were delivered just months before next year's general elections. While Apple confirmed sending threat notifications to individuals, it did not attribute the threat notifications to any specific state-sponsored actor. The Indian government has expressed concern about the matter and is investigating further.
Bitwarden introduces past key support
Bitwarden, the password manager, has added past key support. Users can now create past keys through the web extension, which can be used across all devices once created. This update provides users with an additional layer of security for their Bitwarden accounts.
China is killing anonymity for bloggers, Google kills their Web DRM initiative, Apple warns Indian politicians of state-sponsored iPhone attacks, Bitwarden passkey support.