Category: Science and Technology

In a significant blow to TikTok, Universal Music Group (UMG) has initiated the removal of its extensive music catalog from the platform, impacting global superstars such as Taylor Swift, Drake and Olivia Rodrigo.

This drastic action comes as a result of failed negotiations to renew the licensing agreement that allowed TikTok to feature music from some of the biggest names in the industry.

With the previous deal expiring on Jan. 31, the inability to reach a new agreement has led to a notable void in the platform’s music offerings.

TAYLOR SWIFT IS THE LATEST HIGH-PROFILE DEEPFAKE VICTIM. HERE’S WHAT LAWMAKERS ARE DOING TO PROTECT THEM

The discord between the two giants centers on several critical issues, including financial compensation for artists and songwriters, the handling of AI-generated music, and measures to ensure online safety, safeguarding against hate speech, bigotry, bullying, and harassment. UMG’s decision to pull its music from TikTok marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over the value and protection of creative content in the digital age.

MORE: ASK KURT: ARE TIKTOK VIDEOS SAFE TO VIEW OUTSIDE OF THE APP?   

UMG has publicly accused TikTok of trying to coerce them into accepting an unfavorable agreement, one that falls short of addressing the record label’s concerns over fair artist remuneration, the implications of generative AI on copyright and creativity, and the assurance of a safe online environment for both creators and users.

AS ‘MANIC CLEANING’ TRENDS ON TIKTOK, PSYCHOLOGISTS REVEAL REASONS, RISKS BEHIND IMPULSIVE TIDY

In retaliation, TikTok expressed disappointment, suggesting that UMG’s actions were motivated by self-interest, undermining the benefits offered by a platform that boasts a user base of over a billion people. TikTok criticized UMG for prioritizing profit over the interests of the artists and songwriters it represents.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

MORE: TIKTOK STILL IRRESISTIBLE? 5 STEPS TO RACHET UP YOUR FAMILY’S PRIVACY NOW  

The fallout from this dispute means that TikTok users will find UMG-owned tracks silenced in their videos, forcing them to seek alternatives from the catalogs of other music labels.

This development could significantly alter the landscape of music usage on social media, potentially affecting how users interact with and discover new music on the platform.

TikTok users, you’ll face immediate changes to the music available for your content creation, which could influence your content strategy and follower engagement.

Titles from Taylor Swift may disappear along with those of a large percentage of major recording artists. It also invites you to be more cognizant of the business and ethical dynamics at play in the platforms you use, potentially shaping your expectations and demands as a consumer in the digital content landscape.

As both parties stand their ground, the broader implications for the music industry and content platforms are clear. This standoff not only highlights the complexities of licensing agreements in the digital age but also underscores the growing challenges faced by artists, record labels, and platforms in navigating the intricate balance between innovation, copyright protection, and fair compensation.

We reached out to both UMG and TikTok for a comment but did not hear back before our deadline.

MORE: DON’T USE TIKTOK? THE CHINA-OWNED SOCIAL NETWORK MAY STILL HAVE YOUR DATA 

The resolution of this conflict, or lack thereof, will likely set precedents for future negotiations and collaborations between music rights holders and digital platforms, signaling a new era in the ongoing evolution of music distribution and consumption.

How do you feel about UMG’s decision to remove its music from TikTok? Do you agree or disagree with their reasons? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Read More 

The case that stripped Elon Musk of his record-breaking $56B Tesla pay package was spearheaded by a shareholder who did a stint playing drums for...

The company declared Volvo Cars is focused on “developing and concentrating its resources on its own ambitious journey.” Read More 

“Tesla will move immediately to hold a shareholder vote to transfer state of incorporation to Texas,” Musk wrote on X. Read More 

Amazon has introduced a new way of signing in to your Amazon account that does not require a password.

It’s called a passkey. Amazon is an early adopter of this new authentication method.

With a passkey, you can sign in to your Amazon account using the same biometric methods you use to unlock your device, whether it’s through a fingerprint, facial recognition or a lock screen PIN.

UNLOCK EXCLUSIVE INSIGHTS: JOIN KURT’S CYBERGUY NEWSLETTER FOR FREE TO GET SECURITY ALERTS AND LIFE-CHANGING HACKS TO YOUR INBOX

A passkey is designed to replace traditional passwords with a safer and more convenient alternative. Unlike passwords, which are often vulnerable to theft or guessing, passkeys offer enhanced security by linking your identity to a specific device.

Essentially, a passkey proves that you have physical access to your device and can unlock it. This means you no longer have to rack your brain remembering complex passwords or resorting to easily guessable information like names or birthdays.

Additionally, passkeys are less susceptible to phishing attacks compared to traditional passwords or one-time codes sent via text messages, making them a more secure option for Amazon customers.

MORE: 10 INSIDER TIPS TO GET STUFF ABSOLUTELY FREE ON AMAZON

MORE: A PRIVACY WIN: AMAZON LIMITS POLICE ACCESS TO YOUR RING CAMERA

Here are three key features of Amazon’s passkeys:

1) Cross-platform compatibility: Passkeys work seamlessly across various platforms and browsers, including iPhones, laptops, Android phones, and the Chrome browser.

2) End-to-End Encryption: Your passkeys and biometric data remain private, as they are never shared with Amazon, safeguarding your account against phishing attacks and data breaches.

3) Option to Use Password: If you prefer, you can still use your Amazon password to sign in even after enabling passkeys.

FACIAL RECOGNITION IS EXPANDING ITS WATCHFUL EYE BUT SUFFERS FROM NOTABLE FAILS

To enable passkeys, your device must meet specific software requirements:

Additionally, ensure that you are using the latest version of your web browser and have both screen lock and Bluetooth enabled on your device. In the event you need to sign in to another Amazon Marketplace from your browser, you will either need to set up a new passkey or sign in using your Amazon password.

MORE: 6 IMPORTANT AMAZON PRIVACY SETTINGS TO CHANGE RIGHT NOW

Switching to a passkey is simple if you have an existing Amazon account along with either an iPhone, Android, or Mac with the latest software.

If you don’t see that prompt when you sign in or you’re a new Amazon customer, here’s how to set up a passkey on the Amazon app. First, if you don’t already have the Amazon Shopping app, download it from the App Store or Google Play. Setting up a passkey is similar for iOS and Android devices, but you may see some variations in the screens and messages.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

If you don’t see a prompt when you first sign in or you’re a new Amazon customer, here’s how to set up a passkey on your computer.

Now you can use your passkey to sign in to your Amazon account without a password. Just enter your email and choose Sign in with a passkey. Your device will ask you to authenticate with your face, fingerprint, or PIN.

MORE: 9 BEST FEATURES OF AMAZON PRIME YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT

Amazon’s passkey is a new way of signing in to your Amazon account that does not require a password. It is a safer and more convenient alternative to traditional passwords, as it uses your biometric data or lock screen PIN to verify your identity. Passkeys work across different platforms and browsers, and they are encrypted end-to-end, so your data is never shared with Amazon or anyone else.

What do you think of Amazon’s passkey? Are you going to make the switch or stick with using a password? Why or why not? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Read More 

The company said it can induce lucid dreams, a type of dream in which the dreamer knows they are asleep.  Read More 

In the shadow of a recent incident involving an Alaska Airlines flight, where a door plug blew out from a Boeing 737 Max 9, Kayak has observed a significant shift in user behavior. 

The travel search engine reports a staggering 15-fold increase in the usage of its aircraft filter. 

This surge reflects a growing trend among travelers: a heightened desire to know the exact model of aircraft prior to booking their flights.

UNLOCK EXCLUSIVE INSIGHTS: JOIN KURT’S CYBERGUY NEWSLETTER FOR FREE TO GET SECURITY ALERTS AND LIFE-CHANGING HACKS TO YOUR INBOX

The genesis of this trend can be traced back to an unsettling event three weeks ago. It was then that travelers’ trust in aircraft safety was shaken, prompting them to seek more information about their flights.

Recognizing this concern, Kayak CEO Steve Hafner emphasized the company’s commitment to providing peace of mind. “Kayak makes it easy for concerned travelers to avoid 737 Max flights,” he stated, acknowledging the nervousness surrounding this particular aircraft model.

MORE: THE BEST TRAVEL GEAR FOR 2024

In response to this increased demand, Kayak has strategically enhanced its platform. The aircraft filter, once a more obscure feature, now takes a prominent position, readily accessible to users. Moreover, Kayak has refined its search capabilities, allowing users to distinguish between the 737 Max 8 and 737 Max 9 models. Previously, these models were grouped together.

This feature traces its roots to a response to earlier Boeing-involved tragedies – the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crash in March 2019 and the Lion Air Flight 610 crash in 2018. Both disasters involved 737 Max planes and led to the initial creation of the aircraft filter. The recent surge in the filter’s usage marks a notable departure from its previously modest use, though Kayak did not disclose specific usage statistics.

FAA WILL HAVE ‘BOOTS ON THE GROUND’ AT BOEING 737 MAX FACTORY UNTIL QUALITY CONTROL DEEMED APPROPRIATE: REPORT

MORE: 3 WAYS TO INCREASE YOUR PRIVACY AND SAVE MONEY WHEN BOOKING TRAVEL

The recent decision by the FAA to lift the grounding order of the Boeing 737 Max 9, following thorough inspections, has done little to assuage the concerns of wary flyers. Despite regulatory assurances, a segment of the traveling public remains apprehensive about boarding any 737 Max aircraft.

Hafner, while advocating for the use of the filter during booking, also urges continued vigilance. He notes that airlines frequently substitute aircraft, a practice that necessitates travelers to verify their aircraft type even after purchasing their tickets.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

MORE: UNEXPECTED HERO APP TURNS AROUND TERRIFYING TRAVEL TROUBLE 

This heightened consumer awareness around aircraft types is not universally catered to in the travel industry. Competitors like Google Flights display aircraft types in search results but stop short of offering a dedicated filter. Similarly, Skyscanner, another major player in the field, does not currently provide such a filter.

As travelers navigate through a landscape marked by safety concerns and a desire for transparency, Kayak’s adaptation to these evolving needs reflects a broader shift in the travel industry towards greater consumer empowerment and awareness. I just checked my upcoming Alaska Airlines flight and switched to an American non-737 Max flight, opting to fly across the country on an Airbus A321 instead.

For the time being, some airlines are showing consideration for passengers wary of traveling on the 737 Max aircraft by, in some instances, offering the option to switch to different flights, steering clear of the aircraft that has faced criticism over its manufacturing standards.

How do you think the travel industry can restore trust and confidence in the safety of air travel? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Read More 

Tech giants on Tuesday talked up how customers are lapping up their generative AI-powered products, but mounting costs of developing the cutting-edge features irked investors...

New Mexico attorney general Raúl Torrez's office has sued Meta for exposing kids to adult sex content and alleged child predators. Read More 

As phone thefts become more sophisticated and increasingly common, Apple has released a new iPhone update that gives users a fighting chance to protect their...