US diplomats targeted by Russian sonic weaponry, Iranian TV host stabbed in London, journalists attacked in Londonderry, Gmail's 20th anniversary, Gladiators show revival, CIA director's affair through dummy Gmail account, impact of instant messaging
Russian military unit may be targeting US diplomats with directed energy weapons.
British counter terrorism officers are investigating the stabbing of an Iranian TV host in London.
Journalists covering a dissident republican parade in Londonderry were attacked with petrol bombs by masked youths.
Deep dives
Gmail Revolutionizes Email Communication
In 2004, Gmail took the world by storm with its clean interface and innovative approach to email communication. It replaced fragmented email services like AOL and Hotmail with simplicity and efficiency, making email a trendy tool to use. Despite its initial invite-only exclusivity, Gmail's free service garnered widespread adoption, thanks to its strategic data collection practices and business model.
The Evolution of Workplace Communication
Email remains a cornerstone of workplace communication, with 350 billion emails sent daily. Despite the rise of messaging apps like Slack, WhatsApp, and others, email retains its status as the primary means of interaction in white-collar environments. The workplace integration of various platforms showcases a hybrid approach to communication, blurring the lines between personal and professional channels.
Data Collection and Privacy Concerns
Google's business model leverages data collection to personalize user experiences and target ads effectively. However, scrutiny from regulatory agencies prompted Google to cease scanning Gmail users' emails for targeted advertising in 2017. The shift reflected growing awareness of privacy concerns and data protection, marking a pivotal moment in user data management.
Cultural Significance of Email
Email's cultural impact resonates across popular culture, from TV shows like The Office to real-world scenarios like the Petraeus-Broadwell scandal. It remains an integral part of communication in everyday life, reflecting a mix of functionality, convenience, and occasional pitfalls resulting from human error. Despite the emergence of new communication tools, email maintains its relevance and enduring presence in our digital lives.
Instant Messaging in Real-World Scenarios
Instant messaging platforms like Gmail have been used in high-stakes situations, such as the clandestine communications between figures like David Petraeus using Gmail's draft function. This unconventional usage highlights the versatility and adaptability of email platforms in facilitating discrete, covert exchanges. The Petraeus-Broadwell affair underscores the unexpected and multifaceted roles email systems can play beyond traditional communication.
British counter terrorism officers are investigating the stabbing last Friday of an Iranian TV host outside his home in London. Iran International presenter Pouria Zeraati was hospitalised, before being discharged and moving to a safe place under the supervision of the Metropolitan Police. We talk to British Iranian journalist Sima Sabet, who has also been targeted.
Have US diplomats been targeted by Russian sonic weaponry? A joint report between The Insider, Der Spiegel and CBS's 60 Minutes alleges it’s the result of their brains being targeted by "directed energy" weapons operated by a secretive Russian military unit. We meet one of the journalists involved in the story.
In Londonderry journalists covering a dissident republican parade on Easter Monday were attacked with petrol bombs thrown by masked youths. Politicians have condemned the violence. We hear the testimony of one of the reporters targeted.
We talk to the producers behind the successful BBC reboot of Gladiators.
And as Gmail celebrates its 20th anniversary, how useful is email today as a form of communication? Or has it been overtaken by messaging apps like WhatsApp?
Presenters: Ros Atkins and Katie Razzall
Producer: Simon Richardson
Guests: Sima Sabet, former presenter, Iran International; Dan Baldwin, Managing Director, Hungry Bear Media; Julia Hobsbawm, journalist and author; Niall Deeney, Derry Correspondent, Belfast Live; Mike Isaac, Tech Reporter, The New York Times; Shashank Joshi, Defence Editor, The Economist; Michael Weiss, Editor, The Insider
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