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MySpace employees reportedly read your mid-2000s DMs

Jun25
by on June 25, 2019 at 11:28 am
Posted In: Around the Web


Long before Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram ruled the social media world, there was Myspace. One of the earliest social networks crossed the mark of 100 million users in 2006. However, a report published by Vice today suggests that its employees used a specific tool to spy on its users. The report notes that employees used the tool named ‘Overlord’ (apt, evil name), to look at users’ passwords and messages. While ‘Overlord’ was designed to moderate the platform, and cater to data requests from authorities, some employees used it to snoop on people without their knowledge. Sources told Vice that the tool…

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There’s $70,000 worth of Bitcoin hidden inside this image

Jun25
by on June 25, 2019 at 11:21 am
Posted In: Around the Web, blockchain, cryptocurrency, Hard Fork


Satoshi’s Treasure, the alternate reality scavenger hunt for $1 million worth of Bitcoin, has just released its 14th clue. Best part is: it’s loaded with $70,000 in Bitcoin. “[Three] keys and additional $70,000 will be rewarded to hunters who solve the puzzle,” reads a notice on the game‘s website. There are curious things to note here, besides the dope prize. This clue is the “Zero Knowledge Key,” and it comes with a message: “Don’t be so SNARKy”. (Hint: budding cryptocurrency project Zcash utilizes technology known as “ZK-SNARKS” to keep its transactions relatively private.) Satoshi’s Treasure began back in April. Inspired by Ready Player One, players…

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Or just read more coverage about: Bitcoin

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Patients’ social media use can threaten the reliability of clinical trials

Jun25
by on June 25, 2019 at 11:00 am
Posted In: Around the Web, Social Media, syndication


Testing new pharmaceutical treatments is a complicated process. Very often, participants have preferences or hopes, either about what the test should measure or about what the outcome should be. Patients often enrol in the trial seeking access to experimental drugs while physicians usually have guesses about which treatment will work better. The sponsor will only recover millions of investment in the drug development if the trial is successful. Making sure that all these preferences do not shape the outcome of the test is crucial for its credibility. For that reason, treatments are often masked –“blinded” – so that neither physicians…

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Here’s how to delete or deactivate your Facebook account

Jun25
by on June 25, 2019 at 10:04 am
Posted In: Around the Web, Basics, Social Media


Welcome to TNW Basics, a collection of tips, guides, and advice on how to easily get the most out of your gadgets, apps, and other stuff. Social platforms like Facebook walk a fine line between being handy and consuming your whole life. Whether your screen time notification says you’ve spent a horrendous amount of time on your phone today, or you just don’t feel the need to share every inch of your life on a news feed anymore — it might be time to finally pull the plug on your online life and delete your account temporarily… or forever. Although…

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Or just read more coverage about: Facebook

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Alleged moderator of dark web drug market AlphaBay facing 20 years in prison

Jun25
by on June 25, 2019 at 8:24 am
Posted In: Around the Web, cryptocurrency, Hard Fork


An alleged moderator of AlphaBay, a dark web marketplace, has been indicted for facilitating sales on the site before law enforcement shut it down as a result of Operation Bayonet.   According to court documents, the moderator received numerous payments in Bitcoin. Bryan Connor Herrell, 24, who allegedly operated under the nicknames “Penissmith” and “Botah” has been charged with conspiring to engage in a racketeer corrupt organization.  Herrel was reportedly paid in the cryptocurrency for his services, and was tasked with settling disputes between buyers and sellers. He has also been accused of operating as a scam watcher, monitoring attempts to defraud the…

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