Youtube is removing some ad control for creators

Starting in November, YouTube is streamlining ad controls for creators. Instead of individual settings for pre-roll, post-roll, skippable, and non-skippable ads in YouTube Studio, creators will now have the option to enable or disable ads before or after a video.

If ads are enabled, YouTube will determine the appropriate placement, whether it's pre-roll, post-roll, skippable, or non-skippable, according to a notice on a support document authored by "Rob," a member of the YouTube team.

YouTube contends that most creators won't experience a significant impact, as many of these ad formats are already enabled by default. Rob stated, "In the last year, for long-form videos that were enabled for monetization at the time of publishing, more than 90 percent of videos had pre-roll, post-roll, skippable, and non-skippable ads turned on." However, for creators seeking finer control over the types of ads shown to their viewers, this change may be disappointing.

Additionally, YouTube is introducing new options for mid-roll ads. For live streams, creators will have the ability to preview a 60-second countdown before an ad plays, with the option to skip it if they wish to avoid interrupting the stream. Creators hosting live streams will also have the option to delay mid-roll ads for up to 10 minutes. In the coming months, with long-form videos, YouTube plans to offer creators the choice between automated mid-roll ad breaks and manually selected ones; currently, creators can only choose one option or the other.

These YouTube ad updates come in the wake of news about the platform experimenting with longer, less frequent ad breaks on connected TVs. The company has also announced the introduction of 30-second unskippable ads for viewers watching YouTube on connected TVs and is exploring measures to disable videos for users employing ad blockers.

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

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