Facebook this morning announced the launch of a new set of educational resources focused on helping young people think critically and behave thoughtfully online. The Digital Literacy Library, as the new site is being called, is aimed at educators of children aged 11 to 18, and address topics like privacy, reputation, identity exploration, security, safety, […]
View More Facebook launches a digital literacy library aimed at educatorsCategory: Safety
New smart car feature alerts you if you leave something in the back seat
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It can be as simple (and stinky) as forgetting leftovers in the back seat, or as tragic and terrifying as leaving a pet or young child sitting in the back while a car heats up in the summer sun. That’s where Nissan’s “smart” alert system comes in.
Nissan’s rear door alert — or RDA — system was first introduced in the Nissan Pathfinder last year. The recently patented technology triggers the horn and a message display through door sensors alerting drivers to check the back seat after the car is parked if the back door was opened before the ride started. The tech was filed as an “activity monitoring apparatus.” Read more…
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Ransomware technique uses your real passwords to trick you
A few folks have reported a new ransomware technique that preys upon corporate inability to keep passwords safe. The notes – which are usually aimed at instilling fear – are simple: the hacker says “I know that your password is X. Give me a bitcoin and I won’t blackmail you.” Programer Can Duruk reported getting […]
View More Ransomware technique uses your real passwords to trick youDidi will resume late night Hitch rides, but only allow drivers to pick up passengers of the same sex
Didi Chuxing’s inter-city carpooling service will resume night operations on a limited basis about a month after a female passenger was allegedly murdered by an unregistered driver who accessed the platform using his father’s account. Called Didi Hitch, the service will return on June 15 with new safety measures, including one that only allows drivers […]
View More Didi will resume late night Hitch rides, but only allow drivers to pick up passengers of the same sexLifeDoor crowdfunds the production version of its fire-thwarting door-closer
At CES in January I was pleasantly surprised by the LifeDoor, a smart home gadget that’s actually worth having. These little boxes automatically close doors when smoke detectors go off, inhibiting the spread of fire and smoke. The company is heading to KickStarter to fund the production version of the device, which has several improvements over the prototype I saw.
View More LifeDoor crowdfunds the production version of its fire-thwarting door-closerUber applies for patent that would detect drunk passengers
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I am a bar-hopping, 20-something Uber customer — and this patent application that the ride-sharing company just applied for sounds mortifying.
Uber has applied for a patent for a system that can “predict a user state.” That is, a new artificial intelligence product from Uber could figure out if you’re drunk, and just how far gone you are from your “normal state.” CNN first spotted the application.
The system would use a series of smartphone interaction measurements to figure out a passenger’s “user state.” The activity it would look at is: “data input accuracy, data input speed, interface interaction behavior, device angle, or walking speed.” It could also possibly take into account data about location, time of day, and other factors. Read more…
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Women’s Safety XPRIZE $1M winner is a smart, simple panic button
Devices like smartphones ought to help people feel safer, but if you’re in real danger the last thing you want to do is pull out your phone, go to your recent contacts, and type out a message asking a friend for help. The Women’s Safety XPRIZE just awarded its $1 million prize to one of dozens of companies attempting to make a safety wearable that’s simple and affordable.
View More Women’s Safety XPRIZE $1M winner is a smart, simple panic buttonUber’s 911 button is now available for riders in the app
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Uber’s (newish) CEO Dara Khosrowshahi says he’s all about safety — for riders, drivers, pedestrians, and other people on the road.
That’s why last month he spearheaded a series of new features and updates to the ride-hailing app. A suite of new safety features, including more vigorous driver background checks, a list of trusted contacts to alert about your travel plans, and a new in-app safety center were previewed. On Tuesday, they’re going live.
As part of the new safety rollout, a 911 button will be available to all riders. In the coming months, the driver app will offer a similar safety tool to dial law enforcement directly. Live location sharing to emergency dispatchers in seven initial cities will also go live. Read more…
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View More Uber’s 911 button is now available for riders in the appTo win back teens, Facebook launched a website
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Facebook has launched a “youth portal” for “teens” featuring things “teens” like such as dancing emoji, social justice, and “blog posts.”
The company intends for the portal to serve as a youth resource — with a hefty dose of safety tips — so that they can “have a great experience” on Facebook. Experiences that teens are all definitely having, alongside their moms and comment-happy great aunts.
It emphasizes the fact that Facebook can “empower” youth; that it’s a great place to help teens find their voice, and have an impact.
How do you do, fellow kids?
Image: Facebook Read more…
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View More To win back teens, Facebook launched a websiteWatch Tesla’s Autopilot avoid a swerving semi-truck
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Tesla’s semi-autonomous driving mode, Autopilot, did what it’s supposed to do — move the car out of harm’s way.
In a video from last week, a driver in a Tesla Model X was traveling on I-95 in North Carolina when a swerving semi-truck suddenly came into the Tesla’s lane. The electric car automatically moves over onto the empty shoulder to avoid the oncoming traffic, and the driver then proceeds to move into the fast lane behind the truck.
YouTuber Jeremy Visnesky seems to document the live-saving moments in the semi-autonomous vehicle. Visnesky shared another Tesla safety feature coming in handy over the weekend when the car slowed down and beeped to warn about a truck merging into a freeway lane. Read more…
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Uber introduces a bunch of new safety features
In a post today, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi announced a slew of new features for the app, designed to address growing concerns over rider safety. A majority of the additions are contained within a handy Safety Center landing page inside the app. The section features a bunch of insight into the company’s process for screening […]
View More Uber introduces a bunch of new safety featuresLifeDoor closes your home’s doors automatically to protect against fires
It turns out that in case of a fire in your home, a closed door is the best barrier against spreading smoke, heat, and flames. But who’s going to run around the house shutting doors? LifeDoor is a simple gadget that sits on your doors’ hinges and closes them automatically (and gently) when smoke is detected. It’s kid safe and firefighter approved. Read More