THEHACKCITY

     The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued new directives requiring app-based communication platforms to ensure their services cannot be used without an active SIM card. This move follows the introduction of the Telecommunication Cybersecurity Amendment Rules, 2025 , which expand telecom regulations to include a new category called Telecommunication Identifier User Entity (TIUE) . Under these amended rules, TIUEs must meet several cybersecurity requirements. One major requirement is the mandatory use of a Mobile Number Validation (MNV) Platform to verify users linked to a mobile number. Additionally, the government now has the authority to instruct TIUEs to stop using specific telecom identifiers for user verification or service delivery if needed. Why these rules matter When the TIUE framework was first proposed, experts raised concerns that the definition was too broad. Because TIUE includes any organisation that uses mobile numbers to identify or se...

  Cloudflare Outage Disrupts Dashboard Access and Website Functionality On the morning of Tuesday, 18 November 2025 , many websites using Cloudflare began reporting issues not only with website availability, but also with access to the Cloudflare dashboard for account holders. Even when a user could successfully log in, many reported that dashboard features were unresponsive or greyed out. What Happened Although Cloudflare’s official system-status page lists a number of scheduled maintenance windows in its global datacentres for 18 November, It is confirmed its a broad outage event affecting dashboard features at the time of writing. ( Cloudflare Status ) However: Users on forums reported that the support-portal and dashboard UI were displaying errors or failing to load. ( HardwareZone Forums ) Some websites using Cloudflare reported inability to perform routine operations (e.g., DNS updates, firewall rule changes, cache purges) because the dashboard was non-responsive...

Elon Musk has unveiled his latest venture, a groundbreaking AI company named Macrohard , set to challenge Microsoft’s software dominance using cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology. This strategic move highlights Musk's ambition to disrupt the tech industry by creating innovative AI solutions that could potentially redefine productivity software and development tools. Macrohard: Revolutionizing Software with Artificial Intelligence Announced by Musk on X (formerly Twitter), Macrohard is positioned as a direct competitor to Microsoft, aiming to build AI-driven alternatives to traditional software ecosystems. “It’s a tongue-in-cheek name, but the project is very real,” Musk confirmed, emphasizing Macrohard's mission to leverage AI for comprehensive software simulation and automation. Musk stated, “In principle, since software companies like Microsoft do not manufacture physical hardware, it should be possible to replicate them entirely with AI,” stressing the potential ...

  The Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against the company behind a popular software tool used by landlords to set rental prices. The lawsuit claims that RealPage’s rent recommendation algorithm artificially inflates rental prices and "deprives renters of the benefits of competition in apartment leasing." The complaint, joined by eight states, accuses RealPage of collecting confidential rental price data from competing landlords who use its software. This data is then allegedly fed into RealPage’s pricing algorithm, which provides rent rate suggestions to landlords. According to the lawsuit, these suggestions go beyond mere "recommendations." RealPage is also accused of influencing other landlord policies by discouraging concessions and discounts for renters. The software even includes an "auto accept" feature that allows landlords to automatically adjust rents according to the algorithm’s recommendations, effectively outsourcing their pricing decisi...

**Exploring Bunny.net's Video Stream Service: A Comprehensive Overview** In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, efficient and reliable content delivery is crucial for businesses and content creators. Bunny.net, a global content delivery network (CDN) provider, has emerged as a prominent player in this space, offering a suite of services designed to optimize the distribution of digital content. Among its offerings, Bunny.net's Video Stream service stands out as a powerful tool for seamless video delivery. This article explores the features, benefits, and use cases of Bunny.net's Video Stream service, shedding light on why it has become a popular choice for video content delivery. ### Introduction to Bunny.net Bunny.net, formerly known as BunnyCDN, has built a reputation for providing fast, reliable, and cost-effective CDN solutions. The company's mission is to make the internet faster and more efficient by delivering content closer to end-users. With a network of ov...

Understanding Proxies: Types, Uses, and Considerations What is a Proxy? A proxy server acts as an intermediary between a client requesting a resource and the server providing that resource. When you use a proxy server, your internet traffic is routed through the proxy before reaching its destination. This process can mask your IP address, enhance security, and improve access to resources. Types of Proxies HTTP Proxy Purpose : Used for web browsing. Functionality : Intercepts HTTP requests and forwards them to the web server. Usage : Ideal for accessing geo-restricted content and basic web browsing. HTTPS Proxy Purpose : Similar to HTTP proxies but adds encryption. Functionality : Ensures secure communication between the client and the server by encrypting the data. Usage : Suitable for secure transactions, protecting sensitive information. SOCKS Proxy Purpose : Versatile and supports various types of traffic (e.g., HTTP, FTP). Functionality : Operates at a lower level and is not limite...

  Understanding VPN: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners In today's digital age, the internet is an essential part of our daily lives. From online banking and shopping to social networking and entertainment, we rely on the internet for numerous activities. However, with the increasing reliance on the internet, concerns about online privacy and security have become more prominent. This is where a VPN comes into play. If you're unfamiliar with the term, this guide will explain what a VPN is, how it works, and why you might want to consider using one. What is a VPN? VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. It is a service that creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device (such as a computer, smartphone, or tablet) and the internet. Think of it as a private tunnel through which your data travels, hidden from prying eyes. How Does a VPN Work? When you connect to the internet without a VPN, your data travels through your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and can be potenti...

On Friday, Apple introduced significant updates to its App Store regulations, notably permitting the global distribution of emulators for retro console games, accompanied by the option for downloading associated titles. Nonetheless, the tech giant emphasized that developers bear the responsibility of ensuring compliance with copyright regulations. While Android users have long enjoyed access to a plethora of emulators for reliving classic gaming experiences on their devices, Apple's recent policy adjustment is poised to incentivize developers in this domain to consider bringing their emulator applications to the App Store. Under the new guidelines, emulator apps must integrate an in-app purchase mechanism for the procurement of digital items. With Apple adapting its App Store protocols in response to regulatory mandates, the emergence of such gaming applications could potentially furnish the company with an additional revenue stream. Earlier this year, in alignment with the EU'...

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...

Apple has taken legal action against a former employee, Andrew Aude, for allegedly leaking confidential information to journalists and employees of other companies. The lawsuit, filed in California state court, accuses Aude of divulging undisclosed details about Apple's Journal app, the development of the VisionOS headset, regulatory compliance strategies, employee headcounts, and other product hardware characteristics. According to the lawsuit, Aude reportedly communicated extensively with a Wall Street Journal journalist, referred to as "Homeboy," over 1,400 times using an encrypted messaging app between June and September 2023. He also shared a final feature list for an unannounced Apple product with "Homeboy" over the phone and exchanged over 10,000 text messages with another journalist at The Information, even traveling across the continent to meet her. Apple alleges that Aude leaked a list of finalized features for Apple's Journal app in a phone call w...

New York City is set to launch a trial of technology utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to detect guns at subway turnstiles, announced Mayor Eric Adams on Thursday. This initiative follows a recent incident at a Brooklyn subway station where a man was shot with his own firearm during an altercation. The city has teamed up with Evolv, a company based in Massachusetts known for its weapons detection technology used in schools and various venues nationwide. However, Evolv has faced criticism regarding the accuracy of its machines, along with two government investigations and a class action lawsuit from shareholders. The pilot program, scheduled to commence in 90 days, aligns with the POST Act, mandating the New York City Police Department to disclose surveillance technologies used and provide impact and use statements before implementing new technologies. During this waiting period, the city will also assess other potential vendors. Mayor Adams emphasized the city's openness to te...

FTX co-founder Sam Bankman-Fried has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for his involvement in seven counts of conspiracy and fraud related to the collapse of the cryptocurrency exchange he established. The judge handed down a sentence of 240 months for four charges and 60 months for two others, along with ordering Bankman-Fried to forfeit more than $11 billion, including property, as recommended by prosecutors. The judge's decision fell short of the 40 to 50 years requested by prosecutors, but exceeded the defense's plea for six and a half years, though it was notably less than the maximum sentence of 110 years. During the trial, it was revealed that Bankman-Fried was aware of the risks FTX faced, misused customer funds, and knowingly engaged in wrongful activities. He justified his actions by weighing the risk of getting caught against potential gains. The judge dismissed claims that customers would be reimbursed, highlighting that FTX customers suffered losses of $8 billio...

Starting from Monday, the messaging app Telegram will be temporarily suspended in Spain due to concerns raised by media companies. This decision comes from Judge Santiago Pedraz of the Audencia Nacional, a court that handles important cases. Several media companies, such as Atresmedia, EGEDA, Mediaset, and Telefonica, filed complaints stating that Telegram was allowing users to share content without proper authorization. While these claims are under investigation, Judge Pedraz has agreed to block Telegram's services in Spain. It's stated that mobile operators will be responsible for enforcing this block. The order was issued because authorities in the Virgin Islands, where Telegram is registered, didn't respond to a court request made in July 2023. The court needed information to identify the individuals behind the accounts uploading copyrighted content. Due to the lack of cooperation, Judge Pedraz saw it necessary to take this "precautionary measure." However, so...

     According to a report by the Central News Agency Taiwan, Taiwan has officially labeled TikTok as a significant threat to national security, following in the footsteps of the United States, which recently passed a bill aimed at banning the Chinese-owned social media platform. Audrey Tang, Taiwan's Minister of Digital Affairs, stated that TikTok's connections with foreign adversaries are in line with the concerns raised by the United States regarding potential national security risks. In a recent statement, Tang emphasized that Taiwan has categorized TikTok as a "dangerous product." She explained that any product susceptible to control by foreign entities, whether directly or indirectly, poses a threat to national information and communication security, as per Taiwan's standards. This decision by Taiwan echoes similar actions taken in the United States. The recent bill passed by the US House of Representatives targeted ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, gi...

Spotify is stepping up its game by introducing music videos to its mobile and desktop apps in certain countries. This new feature seamlessly integrates music videos with the platform's extensive music library, allowing users to switch between audio and video content effortlessly. As of now, this update is in beta testing and is only available in 11 selected markets, excluding the U.S. The countries included in this initial rollout are Brazil, Colombia, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Kenya, Netherlands, Poland, Philippines, Sweden, and the UK. Sten Garmark, Spotify’s VP Global Head of Consumer Experience, explained that these countries were chosen based on various factors such as market size and local content availability. The company plans to expand this feature to more countries in the future. To access music videos, users need an active premium subscription. Free users will still need to use YouTube to watch music videos. Here's how it works: instead of searching for music videos...

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...

Last month, Apple made a big announcement about removing Home Screen web apps in the European Union with the launch of iOS 17.4. But now, they've changed their minds. What are Home Screen web apps? Home Screen web apps, sometimes called progressive web apps or PWAs, are like mini-apps you can add to your phone's home screen from the web. They work just like regular apps but are based on web technology. Why the Change? At first, Apple said they had to remove Home Screen web apps to follow rules set by the Digital Markets Act in the EU. They were concerned about security and privacy with different web browsers. The Backtrack After facing criticism and concerns about limiting web app possibilities, Apple decided to keep Home Screen web apps in the EU. They realized people wanted to keep using them. What Does This Mean? Home Screen web apps will still work in the EU, just like before. They'll keep using WebKit, which is a tool for browsing the web, ensuring security and privacy...

Elon Musk is taking OpenAI to court today, claiming some pretty wild stuff. He says that GPT-4 is more than just smart; it's actually as smart as a human. He's basically saying that OpenAI, led by Sam Altman, isn't really a charity for the greater good of humanity like it claims. Instead, Musk thinks they're just another tech company trying to make a ton of money. And you know what? He might have a point there! But here's the thing: Musk isn't exactly the most reliable guy when it comes to these matters. His lawyers seem to think it's more profitable to file lawsuits than to stick to the facts. Let's break down the lawsuit. Musk says OpenAI breached a contract. But here's the kicker: there's no actual contract! Musk talks about a "Founding Agreement," but there's no solid proof of its existence. They're going off vibes from emails, which isn't exactly a legal foundation. Then there's this whole thing about an email excha...

Meta, formerly known as Facebook, is making big changes to how it handles news content on its platform. It's planning to remove the news tab from Facebook in the U.S. and Australia by April 2024. This decision follows the discontinuation of Facebook News in the UK, Germany, and France last year. The number of people using Facebook News in Australia and the U.S. has dropped significantly, which influenced Meta's decision. The company wants to focus more on what users enjoy, like short-form videos, rather than news articles. News content makes up less than 3% of what people see on their Facebook feed, so most users might not even notice this change. Over time, publishers have also noticed less traffic coming from Facebook to their websites. This move is partly because of new regulations in countries like Australia and Canada, which require platforms like Facebook to pay online publishers for their content. Meta has decided not to invest in new news-related products and won't ...

In September 2023, WordPress.com quietly updated a developer page about accessing a "Firehose" of around a million daily WordPress posts, clarifying that these feeds are intended for search engines, AI products, and market intelligence providers. This change, which was not previously noted, has sparked discussion, especially after revelations that Automattic, the owner of WordPress.com and Tumblr, plans to share user data with OpenAI and Midjourney. The recent buzz surrounds questions about which WordPress blogs are included, data retroactivity for opt-outs, and the lack of transparency from Automattic. This company has been selling access to post data for years, including through the Jetpack plugin, but has recently announced exclusions for select AI partners. Automattic's deals with OpenAI and Midjourney are particularly contentious as they aim to enhance generative AI tools. This data sharing, facilitated by partners like SocialGist and DataStreamer, offers insights in...