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Tech Transparency Project

All articles tagged with #tech transparency project

Nudify Apps Persist in Apple and Google Stores, Bloomberg Reports
technology1 month ago

Nudify Apps Persist in Apple and Google Stores, Bloomberg Reports

Bloomberg, citing the Tech Transparency Project, says Apple and Google continue to host nudifying apps that can alter images to appear nude, with 18 such apps in the Apple App Store and 20 in Google Play, totaling hundreds of millions of downloads and about $122 million in revenue; Apple has removed some apps and blocked related search terms, while Google has suspended others; regulators worldwide are pushing for stronger action against nonconsensual sexual content online.

Nudify Apps Surface in Apple and Google Stores Despite Policies
technology1 month ago

Nudify Apps Surface in Apple and Google Stores Despite Policies

Bloomberg reports that Apple and Google continue to host nudifying apps that can alter images to appear nude despite store rules; the Tech Transparency Project found 18 nudify-capable apps in the Apple App Store and 20 in Google Play, with 483 million downloads and $122 million in revenue. Apple has removed several identified apps and blocked related search terms after Bloomberg’s inquiry, while Google says it has suspended many apps for policy violations. Researchers warn that enforcement is uneven and that autocomplete can boost visibility. Regulators in the US and UK are moving to curb non-consensual sexual content.

Nudify Apps Persist in App Stores Despite Bans
technology1 month ago

Nudify Apps Persist in App Stores Despite Bans

A Tech Transparency Project report finds that Apple and Google continue to host Nudify apps that can alter images to look nude, despite store policies; searches for terms like nudify or undress reveal such apps and ads for similar tools in both stores, with some removed but dozens remaining and reportedly 483 million downloads and about $122 million in revenue according to AppMagic estimates; enforcement is described as uneven and opaque, prompting calls for broader curbs on these apps worldwide.

Campaigners Allege X Accepted Payment from Terrorists
technology2 years ago

Campaigners Allege X Accepted Payment from Terrorists

The Tech Transparency Project found that X, formerly Twitter, granted subscription perks, including blue check marks, to accounts tied to designated terrorist groups and others barred from operating in the US. For a monthly fee, these accounts could access longer posts and better promotion. X removed some of these check marks after the report, stating its security was "robust". The move to charge for check marks was controversial, with critics concerned about potential issues of disinformation and impersonation. The Tech Transparency Project raised concerns about potential legal issues, and X responded by stating it adheres to legal obligations and would take action if necessary. Elon Musk's decisions following his takeover of X have been controversial, including the reinstatement of rapper Kanye West's account after offensive posts.

"Allegations of Terrorists Buying Verification Checks Spark Sanctions Concerns for X"
technology2 years ago

"Allegations of Terrorists Buying Verification Checks Spark Sanctions Concerns for X"

The Tech Transparency Project alleges that social media platform X has been selling premium subscriptions to individuals and organizations subject to US sanctions, including leaders of the US-designated terrorist organization Hezbollah. The report identifies 28 accounts that were granted checkmarks under owner Elon Musk’s paid verification plan, raising questions about the platform's vetting process. X has removed most of the verifications but still displays two gold checks on specific accounts. The platform claims to have a secure approach for its monetization features and states it will take action if necessary. However, the report argues that X's own policies prohibit transactions with sanctioned entities, and questions remain about how these accounts obtained verification.

Platform X's Controversial Dealings with Terrorist Groups Exposed
technology2 years ago

Platform X's Controversial Dealings with Terrorist Groups Exposed

The Tech Transparency Project revealed that X, the social network owned by Elon Musk, has been providing premium, paid services to accounts associated with US-sanctioned entities, including leaders of Hezbollah and other terrorist groups. These accounts have paid for checkmarks, which were previously used to verify notable and authentic accounts on the platform. The report suggests that this may violate US sanctions, as X charges for premium services and may be engaging in financial transactions with sanctioned entities. X responded by stating that they have a secure approach for monetization features and will take action if necessary.

Social Media Platform X Accused of Allowing Terrorist Payments and Misinformation Monetization
technology2 years ago

Social Media Platform X Accused of Allowing Terrorist Payments and Misinformation Monetization

A report from the Tech Transparency Project reveals that Twitter has allowed sanctioned individuals and groups to pay for its premium service, raising concerns about potential violations of US sanctions. The report found 28 verified accounts belonging to individuals and groups considered national security threats by the US government, with 18 of them being verified after Twitter began charging for verification. The company's verification policy, implemented under Elon Musk's leadership, allows anyone to pay for a blue checkmark without requiring identification. Twitter also offers gold checkmarks to advertisers, including sanctioned entities, potentially violating US government policies. Twitter has responded that it is reviewing the report and will take action if necessary.