YouTube car-crashing duo arrested, Amazon Sidewalk network’s security risks. Plus, Amazon’s latest feature alerts you about frequently returned items. I show you how your smartphone can be a lifesaver. Also, TikTok’s strange warning about Fruit Roll-Ups (Hint: It’s about plastic). Matt explores the weirdest and best subreddits. Allie shares some effortless ways to make money from the comfort of your couch — no hair brushing required.
TikTok’s Dark Side: Why it’s more than just a fun app & you need to remove it
The U.S. is inching closer and closer to a nationwide ban on TikTok. Those short, shareable videos make it the largest social app out there. Get this: 150 million Americans use TikTok, including about two-thirds of teens.
What’s the big deal? TikTok is a national security threat. The Chinese-owned social media platform’s parent company ByteDance is based in Beijing and is required by Chinese law to give the government access to collected data. (By the way, if you’d like to stay updated on tech topics the easy way, join over 400,000 people who get my free daily newsletter and sign up here.)
TikTok collects data that includes search and browsing history, facial ID, voice prints, texts, location, and photos. Here’s a wrinkle: You can watch the videos without creating an account. Is that safe to do? The answer below will shock you.
Talk to your kids
It’s not up for debate: TikTok gathers lots of user data. It also is built from the ground up to be addictive, making it so easy to share quick videos catered to the interests of each user.
Then there are the viral “challenges” that can lead to injury or death — ever heard of the choking or blackout challenge? It’s terrifying.
All these things are dangerous enough, and young people are especially vulnerable. As a parent, you can have controls to restrict your kids from visiting certain websites or downloading certain apps. That’s all well and good, but it’s not enough.
The Wall Street Journal reports that children with TikTok accounts are sending screen recordings of videos to their friends who can’t access the app themselves. Kids are filling their phones with these video clips to the point where they can’t even update them.
Are you safe simply watching the videos?
You don’t need a TikTok account to watch the content. People with accounts can simply send you links. You still share some information with TikTok, such as in your browser, when you watch it elsewhere.
According to Caitlin Fennessy, vice president and chief knowledge officer at the International Association of Privacy Professionals, your browser type, phone information, and IP address are up for grabs.
TikTok videos are popular enough to be found on virtually every social media and video hosting platform, including Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. This is where it gets tricky.
Grab these 8 discounted gardening supplies to freshen up your yard this spring
credit: Amazon.com
Despite being the first week of spring, snow still lingers on fields and hills in some states, hiding the promise of blooming flowers. But don’t wait until the sun melts the snow away to think about your garden. Take advantage of discounted gardening supplies and stock up your shed for the coming season. Before winter fully flees, make sure you are well-prepared to give your lawn and garden the care they deserve.
Kim Komando Today - March 23, 2023
Steve Jobs resurrected with AI, shocking scam uses Uber drivers & urgent iCloud warning. Plus, Allie has a dire warning for Samsung and Pixel owners, Matt tells us how to remote help for free, make money writing wedding vows and speeches, and a hilarious joke to end it all!
Trilogy Media: The YouTube Scam-Busting Duo You Need to Know | The Kim Komando Show
Ashton Bingham and Art Kulik, the dynamic duo behind YouTube channel Trilogy Media take on scammers and fraudsters like never before. From epic glitter bomb pranks to doorstep confrontations, these two will stop at nothing to take down scammers.
One man is making the smallest sculptures in the world
When you think of sculptures, you probably imagine something large and ivory in the courtyard of an ancient city. But one man is trying to flip that perspective on its head by creating sculptures that can fit in the eye of a needle. So, how is he doing this?
Why every animal has this in common
Animals come in all shapes and sizes. An elephant can grow to be thousands of pounds, and a gerbil can weigh just a few ounces. But, there is one thing that all animals have in common. Once you discover what it is, you can never unsee it.
Does Antarctica actually have its own flag?
Humans have been exploring Antarctica for over a century. Multiple countries have laid claim to large swaths of the continent, but there is no general government, and each outpost functions independently. So, how did it end up with a flag, and why does it look so cool?
Creating artistic masterpieces using a typewriter
Discover the fascinating world of typewriter art and witness the creative process behind turning a vintage machine into a tool for producing intricate art pieces. You won’t believe how one man was able to design this new form of art.
Can a 200-year-old invention capture lightning in a bottle?
In the late 18th century, electricity was evolving from an exciting parlor trick to real science. Scientists used glass bottles, wool cloth and metal balls to create and control electricity. But what if you tried recreating one of these objects using the tools from that era? Would it work?
Why it’s impossible to overcook mushrooms
Mushrooms are different from any other food we eat. They can elevate any dish and make even the most novice cook look like a world-class chef. But what makes mushrooms so unique, and why can’t they be overcooked?
How scientists are better understanding dyslexia
Dyslexia has long been associated with difficulty in reading. But, recent research has shown that some people with the condition can solve puzzles and understand optical illusions better. So, why is this and what does it mean for future research on this disorder?
Man makes QR code for father's gravesite to share his legacy | The Kim Komando Show
When Michael Bourque’s father John Harold Bourque passed away in 2017, he wanted to honor him in a special way. As a veteran, carpenter, husband, and father, John lived a remarkable life that deserved to be celebrated. Michael came up with a unique way to do just that.
The future of drone package delivery
Drones can bring packages to your doorstep faster and more quietly than ever before, setting up a revolution for the delivery business. But didn’t we go down this path already with results that weren’t promising? One company may be able to change that.
The oldest business in the world
The world’s oldest hotel is in Japan and has been in business since 705 AD. It’s been owned by the same family for 52 generations. Recently this ancient business has started to undergo some changes. But is this a good thing, or should they stick to the adage “don’t fix what isn’t broken?”
What is the sharpest object in the world?
The sharpest object in the world is not a knife or razor blade. It’s a tiny, needle-like tip made of a single carbon atom. But this incredible tool is not used to cut things. Instead, it’s used to do something you may not have thought was possible.
The world's strongest magnet
Have you ever seen a magnet so strong that it could lift a car? Well, get ready to be amazed! The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory’s “pulsed field magnet” can generate a magnetic field over 3,000 times stronger than a typical refrigerator magnet. So how powerful is this thing, and what can we do with it?
The incredible technology behind sandpaper
It’s fascinating to see technological advancements surrounding us daily, from our smartphones to the latest kitchen gadgets. But it may surprise you to learn one of the most advanced pieces of technology in recent times is basic sandpaper. So, what are some of its best modifications?
The future of airliners
Have you ever wondered why airplanes haven’t changed much since the rise of commercial air travel? They still use the same “tube and wings” design. But there is exciting news. Engineers are working on a new type of plane that could revolutionize the air travel industry. So, what does this new design look like?
The voice of Mario
If you were alive in the ‘90s, you’re familiar with the voice of the giant monkey and lizard-killing plumber from many video games. That iconic voice has a face, and to see the words “It’s-a me, Mario!” coming out of this man’s mouth will shock you.