Twitch streamers will be able to block banned users from watching streams

Twitch, renowned for its chat ban tools, is set to empower streamers with a heightened ability to manage their audience even before a stream begins.

During the latest installment of Patch Notes, a monthly show dedicated to product updates, Twitch unveiled a forthcoming feature that will permit streamers to prevent banned users from not only participating in chat but also accessing the livestream itself in real time. This initiative serves as an extension of Twitch's ongoing efforts to combat harassment and enhance user safety.

Scheduled for release within the coming weeks, this anti-harassment enhancement will seamlessly integrate with Twitch's existing blocking mechanisms, ensuring that users on the blocklist are automatically denied entry to a stream. While the feature will not be enabled as the default setting, streamers will have the flexibility to activate it through moderation settings.

During the Patch Notes presentation, Trevor Fisher, Twitch's Senior Product Manager, acknowledged the feedback from the community over the years, indicating a strong desire for more robust tools to manage channel bans.

"The demand for channel bans to have a more significant impact has been a recurring theme, and we have listened to our community's voice," Fisher explained.

It is important to note that this new option will have certain limitations. It will solely apply to logged-in users who are on the block or ban list, restricting their access to ongoing livestreams. However, the feature will not extend to IP blocking at this stage, and identifying anonymous, logged-out users remains a challenge for the platform.

Additionally, this enhancement will not affect the viewing of VODs, highlights, and clips by unwanted viewers, although Twitch has plans to incorporate this functionality in the future. This step showcases Twitch's ongoing commitment to refining its tools and features for streamers' benefit and the overall improvement of the streaming experience.

Signal Introduces Usernames for Encrypted Messaging: A Secure Way to Connect

Signal, the encrypted messaging service, is launching a new feature in the coming weeks: support for usernames. This beta feature allows users to establish unique usernames, enabling connections without divulging phone numbers. source: Signal Blog To create a username, navigate to your settings and select "Profile." Once you've chosen a unique username, generate a QR code or link to share with others. Recipients can connect by entering your username into the chat bar. Usernames can be changed at any time, though previous usernames may be claimed by others. Signal began testing usernames last fall. Unlike social media platforms, Signal usernames do not serve as logins or public handles. They offer a discreet means of communication without revealing personal phone numbers. While a phone number is required to register for Signal, sharing it is optional. Usernames remain private and do not appear on profiles or in chats unless shared explicitly. As Randall Sarafa, Signal'

AT&T Resets Millions of Customer Passcodes After Data Leak: What You Need to Know

AT&T recently confirmed a significant data breach affecting over 7.6 million current customers and 65 million former customers. The leaked information, which dates back to 2019 or earlier, includes personal details like names, addresses, phone numbers, and social security numbers. Fortunately, financial information and call history were not compromised. In response to the breach, AT&T has reset passcodes for affected customers. Passcodes, usually four-digit numbers, serve as an additional layer of security when accessing accounts. However, security experts warn that the encrypted passcodes leaked alongside customer information could be easily deciphered, posing a risk of unauthorized account access. Affected customers are advised to set up free fraud alerts with major credit bureaus and remain vigilant for any suspicious activity related to their accounts. AT&T is proactively reaching out to impacted customers via email or letter to inform them about the breach and the meas

Safeguarding Internet Privacy: Supreme Court of Canada Upholds Protection of IP Addresses

In a recent ruling, the Supreme Court of Canada affirmed the significance of privacy rights concerning internet addresses. The court declared that police cannot simply obtain a suspect’s IP address without a court order, emphasizing the expectation of privacy that Canadian residents hold for such information. The court's decision stemmed from a case in 2017 involving Calgary police investigating fraudulent online activities at a liquor store. Initially, police demanded IP addresses from a credit card processor, which eventually led to obtaining subscriber information from Telus. This information was pivotal in making arrests and securing convictions in multiple offenses. Despite previous convictions, the accused contested the legality of obtaining IP addresses without proper authorization. The Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision, asserted that IP addresses carry a reasonable expectation of privacy, necessitating judicial approval before access. The ruling emphasizes that obtaining jud

THEHACKCITY

Search This Blog