We, as humans, all have a few things in common. We are all born, live and die. But what if computers could change that? What if you were able to upload your consciousness to a digital world and live virtually forever? Is that something that will become a reality? If so, when?
Check your kid’s phone for this app now
Briana from Houston is like so many moms I know. She’s busy, loving and doing everything she can to raise smart, safe kids in a digital world that changes faster than you can hit “update.”
She told me that when her 12-year-old daughter asked to download an app called Zepeto, it seemed harmless enough. Create a cute avatar. Dress it up. Play games. Chat with friends.
A digital Barbie? Not even close
Zepeto carries a 12+ age rating, the kind of label that gives parents a false sense of security. Briana trusted it. Why wouldn’t she? That rating implies it’s safe and age-appropriate.
Narrator voice: It was not harmless.
Within days, her daughter was receiving explicit messages from a stranger pretending to be a teenager.
He asked: What do you like to do? Do your parents check your phone? Have you ever had sex?
That’s not harmless chat. That’s grooming. And it was happening right under her mom’s nose inside what looked like a sweet, sparkly avatar world.
Mash-up of Roblox, Snapchat and The Sims
Zepeto, developed in South Korea, is a metaverse-style app where kids create 3D avatars, explore virtual spaces and chat with others. It has bright colors, customizable outfits, dance moves and digital selfies.
But behind the filters and fashion lies a darker reality.
Apps like Zepeto are wide open to abuse:
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Your IP address: What it is and why you need to protect yours if you care about privacy
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Behind the scenes, though, is a whole different story. It’s full of numbers like your Internet Protocol (IP) address, basically your digital home address. This numeric label distinguishes your phone or computer from other devices worldwide.
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3 reasons you shouldn't go another day without antivirus software
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Run a small business? Follow this end-of-the-year checklist before 2022 ends
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The new year is right around the corner, which means it’s time for New Year’s resolutions, paperwork filing and holiday vacations. For busy business owners, there’s a lot to keep track of. Make sure you don’t forget anything important with this small business checklist.
New Google Maps features, Windows hack, video camera tricks
Hackers breached Twitter. This could put your whole digital world in danger. Plus, Google Maps is rolling out three new features that will change your future trips forever. Also, you’ll get insider Windows tips plus a few video camera tricks. We’re also taking you inside the FTC’s battle with fake reviews along with Meta’s fight to get rid of “leap seconds.”
2022 digital life resolutions
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Video doorbell company is making a major privacy change you should know about
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10 best apps to install on your new Android
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So, you got a new Android phone? Be prepared: You’re entering a whole new digital world. Android is the world’s most popular mobile operating system. It offers an impressive range of cool features and unique apps that make life more fun and productive.
5 critical reasons you need VPN protection
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Do you consider yourself a privacy-conscious person? Are you concerned about your online safety? Well, you’re certainly not alone. The hard truth is by surfing the web or making any transactions online while connected to a network that’s not secure, you’re exposing private info and buying habits for anyone to see.
CES fails: Kim's tech misses at this year's trade show
CES, the annual tech trade show underway in Las Vegas, showcases the best of the best in the digital world. But there are always some misses in the bunch, too. Check out my list of CES 2020 fails, from a toilet paper delivery robot to a not-so-smart assistant.
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It seems like there’s a new data breach or hack around every corner, and cybercriminals are always finding clever new ways to get their hands on your info. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself this new year and beyond.
Keeping your data safe in a dangerous digital world
There’s a new data breach around every corner, and hackers are fighting to get their hands on your personal information. The one way to protect yourself is with a VPN, or virtual private network. Kim talks with Harold Li, Vice President at ExpressVPN, about the importance of having a VPN to keep you protected and secure in this dangerous digital world.
Phone calls are dead - Texting is tedious - So walkie talkie voice chat is coming
What’s old is new again, as the new Apple Watch and Watch OS will feature a 35-year-old technology for the digital world. Since texting can’t convey emotion very well, Apple’s turning to this new method of messages. 10-4 everybody! Listen to Kim explain why we all might be talking into our wrists very soon.
Baffled by Bitcoin? Masters of Cryptocurrency explain everything you need to know
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3 ways to find the real deals on Amazon
Here’s some trivia for you: Amazon has more than 2 million sellers. But when you’re dealing with 2 million faceless merchants, you have to be careful. You may think you’ve found a bargain, but later you end up finding the same item for significantly less. Some of these digital storefronts are misleading, as are their wares. Here’s how to know you’re getting the best deal possible.