Microsoft's bug bounty program, established in 2013, has paid over million to ethical hackers for identifying vulnerabilities in its products. In the latest reporting period, Microsoft allocated .6 million to reward these contributions. External security researchers, referred to as hackers, are compensated through this program, which promotes coordinated vulnerability disclosure. A zero-day attack occurs when a vulnerability is known to the vendor but not yet patched, creating a risk for exploitation. While ethical hackers help reduce zero-day threats, some individuals exploit vulnerabilities for profit, highlighting that bug bounty programs cannot fully eliminate these risks.
Ongoing negotiations between the SAG-AFTRA union and game publishers regarding the use of artificial intelligence in acting are facing significant challenges. SAG-AFTRA has made some progress but remains "frustratingly far apart" from a comprehensive agreement on AI-related issues since the strike initiated by its members in July 2024. Key issues include game publishers' desire to create digital replicas of actors' voices without consent, which raises concerns about performers' rights and potential exploitation. SAG-AFTRA opposes these proposals and has urged its members to stay informed about the gaps in protections for performers. Despite difficulties with the primary bargaining group, SAG-AFTRA has successfully secured interim agreements with over 160 games, yielding higher earnings than non-struck games and demonstrating that protective terms are acceptable to various game companies.
Eos Positioning Systems has updated its Eos Tools Pro app for Android to fully support Skadi Series GNSS receivers. The update includes features such as compatibility with both Skadi and Arrow Series GNSS receivers, tilt compensation for accurate positional data even when poles are not vertical, and the Skadi Smart Handle for achieving RTK-level accuracy without a physical range pole. Additionally, the app allows seamless integration with third-party applications for transmitting GNSS data. The updated app is available for download on the Google Play Store.
Dino Patti and Arnt Jensen, founders of Playdead, are in a public dispute over intellectual property issues stemming from a LinkedIn post by Patti in 2024, where he shared an image originally owned by Jensen. Jensen is demanding DKK 500,000 (approximately ,600) as compensation. Jensen's legal team claims Patti's use of Playdead's assets and disclosure of confidential information breaches confidentiality agreements. Patti has accused Jensen of bullying him, prompting him to make the situation public. Playdead has stated they have formally addressed concerns regarding Patti's alleged infringement and unauthorized use of their trademarks and copyrighted materials. Patti left Playdead in 2016 following internal discord.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued claim forms to approximately 3.7 million consumers affected by misleading marketing tactics related to Avast antivirus software. The FTC's complaint, filed in February 2024, accused Avast of falsely assuring customers of privacy protection while collecting and selling identifiable browsing data to over 100 third parties through its subsidiary, Jumpshot. As part of a settlement, Avast is required to pay .5 million in compensation and is prohibited from misrepresenting its data usage policies or selling browsing data for advertising. The FTC will notify 3,690,813 customers who purchased Avast software between August 2014 and January 2020, with email notifications sent until March 7, 2025. Eligible consumers can submit claims at www.ftc.gov/Avast, with compensation amounts varying based on the number of claims filed.
A Minecraft Movie targets young fans of the game and parents seeking family-friendly entertainment. The recently unveiled trailer features vibrant colors and Jack Black's charismatic performance. It hints at a central conflict involving invaders suppressing joy and creativity, with Black's character emphasizing the importance of creativity for survival. The film is designed to capitalize on the success of the best-selling video game and includes a star-studded cast featuring Jason Momoa, Jennifer Coolidge, and others. The official synopsis describes four misfits who are transported to the Overworld and must navigate challenges while learning to embrace their creativity. Directed by Jared Hess, the film is set to release on April 4.
Avast has reached a settlement of .5 million regarding the sale of user data. Customers who purchased Avast's antivirus products between August 2014 and January 2020 may be eligible for compensation. Users must complete the settlement claim form by June 5 and keep an eye on their inboxes for a claim ID to participate.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed a complaint against Avast for deceptive marketing practices related to its antivirus software, claiming it misled users about protecting their privacy while collecting and selling browsing data. As part of a settlement, Avast will pay .5 million to compensate affected consumers and is prohibited from misrepresenting its data usage or selling browsing data for advertising. The FTC will notify approximately 3.7 million consumers who purchased Avast software between August 2014 and January 2020, with emails expected by March 7, 2025. Eligible individuals can file claims online by June 5, 2025, without needing to pay or provide sensitive information. The FTC has also reported over million in refunds to consumers in 2024.
In 2020, Avast faced backlash for collecting user data without adequate disclosure and selling it to over a hundred companies through its subsidiary, Jumpshot. Investigations revealed vulnerabilities in their anonymization process, allowing users to be re-identified. In response to public outcry, Avast shut down Jumpshot and CEO Ondrej Vlcek apologized. The FTC initiated an investigation, resulting in penalties for Avast in February 2024, including a ban on selling user data and a settlement of .5 million. Customers who purchased Avast products between August 2014 and January 2020 may be eligible for a refund, with emails containing Claim Numbers sent starting February 24, 2025. Refund amounts will depend on the number of claims filed.
