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Get these apps off your phone

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Get these apps off your phone

The U.S. government doesn’t have a say in what you download, unless you use a government device. Starting Aug. 15, U.S. House of Representatives staffers are banned from using all ByteDance apps on government devices. 

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TikTok’s already out, but now the ban includes a handful of other apps you or someone in your life might be using. 

  • CapCut: Video editing tools and filters
  • Hypic: Photo editing tools and filters
  • Lark: Collaboration app designed for work
  • Lemon8: Social media app focused on fashion, beauty, travel, food and other lifestyle categories

It all comes down to ByteDance’s ties to Communist China. It’s based in Beijing and is required by Chinese law to give the government access to collected data.

The app for TikTok is pictured on a phone screen. (Yui Mok/PA Images via Getty Images)

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Let’s dive deeper into what they collect

If you think the ByteDance paranoia is overblown, here’s the laundry list of data you give up every time you scroll TikTok:

  • Your name, age, username, email address, password, phone number and location.
  • Your IP address, cellphone carrier, time zone, the model of your device and the OS you use.
  • Biometric identifiers, like facial IDs and voiceprints.
  • The content of your messages, plus exactly when you send, receive and read them.
  • If you buy stuff from the TikTop shop, your purchase information, including your credit card numbers, billing and shipping addresses.
  • Your activities on other websites and apps (or in stores), including info on what you purchased.
  • File names and types.
  • Your keystroke patterns and rhythms.
  • Objects and scenery that show up in your videos, including tourist attractions, shops and other landmarks.
  • The web pages you visit the most and how you interact with them.
  • Any text, images and videos on your clipboard.
  • Information about your videos, images and audio.

TikTok also embeds data into images and ads to track the time and date you view a page, complete with a description. The amount of data TikTok collects is so extensive that it can come dangerously close to cloning your entire phone. 

TECH LIFE UPGRADES SMARTER THAN THE STUFF ON TIKTOK

Where TikTok stores its data has also been a major red flag for Congress. Information collected in the U.S. is connected straight to servers in China, though the company says they have changed their systems to store American data in the U.S.

What about Temu?

Last year, one of my warnings about the mega-popular shopping app went viral. The hype is starting to fade, but Temu was the most downloaded app of its kind in the U.S. in 2023.

Temu’s tagline — “Shop like a billionaire” — refers to the low, low prices on everything from clothing to home goods to electronics. Though the company is based in the U.S., Temu is owned by PDD Holdings, which is based in China. And that company also owns Pinduoduo, which was removed from the Google Play store for containing malware.

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Temu on the App Store is displayed on a phone screen. (Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

As you shop, Temu can:

  • Monitor activity on other apps
  • Track your notifications
  • Reads private messages
  • Change settings

Depending on what you enable, it gets full access to all your contacts, calendars and photo albums, plus your social media accounts, chats and texts. 

Do this now

It’s up to you, of course, what apps to keep on your phone. You may feel comfortable simply limiting permissions. But you may want to go a step further.

AI EXPERT: CHATGPT PROMPTS YOU’LL WISH YOU KNEW SOONER

Delete apps from your Android phone:

  • Long-press an app, then tap App Info > Uninstall.
  • Go to Settings > Apps & Notifications to see a list of your apps and delete them the same way.
  • Or open the Google Play Store app and navigate to Menu > My apps & games. Tap on the app and hit Uninstall.
  • NOTE: Samsung and OnePlus phones have an Uninstall option under the app shortcuts menu.

Delete apps from your iPhone

  • Touch and hold an app, then tap Remove App > Delete App > Delete.
  • Or use the App Library to get a curated list of your apps grouped by category. Swipe past the last page of your Home screen to access it. Tap and hold the app, then select Delete App > Delete.

A man holds an iPhone in his hand. (Silas Stein/picture alliance via Getty Images)

But Kim, I must scroll TikTok …

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… Or some other app on my list above. There is a safe-ish way to do it, at least where all the data from your real phone isn’t going who-knows-where:

  • Install TikTok on an old device that’s no longer connected to your email, banking info or anything else.

If you can, keep it off your home’s Wi-Fi network and buy a cheap data plan. Otherwise, be sure to use the guest network. And now ask yourself if those videos, photo editing tools and cheap goods are really worth all the trouble.

Get tech-smarter on your schedule

Award-winning host Kim Komando is your secret weapon for navigating tech.

Copyright 2024, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved. 

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OpenAI keeps shuffling its executives in bid to win AI agent battle

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OpenAI keeps shuffling its executives in bid to win AI agent battle

OpenAI announced yet another reorganization Friday, consolidating certain areas and making company president Greg Brockman the official lead of all things product.

In a memo viewed by The Verge, Brockman wrote that since OpenAI’s product strategy for this year is to go all-in on AI agents, the company is combining its products to “invest in a single agentic platform and to merge ChatGPT and Codex into one unified agentic experience for all.”

To do this, the company is making a suite of org chart changes, although it’s still operating under some of the same ones from last month. That’s when AGI boss Fidji Simo went on medical leave and OpenAI announced that Brockman would be in charge of product strategy and CSO Jason Kwon, CFO Sarah Friar, and CRO Denise Dresser would take control of business operations.

It’s all part of OpenAI’s recent strategic shift to focus on key revenue drivers like coding and enterprise and stop pouring resources into “side quests” ahead of its potential IPO later this year and amid investor pressure to turn a profit.

In Simo’s continued absence, Brockman’s role leading product strategy is now official, as well as the company’s “scaling” arm. Under Brockman will be four different pillars. The first is core product and platform, led by Thibault Sottiaux, who has been OpenAI’s engineering lead for Codex, and the second is critical enterprise industries, led by ChatGPT head Nick Turley. Third is the consumer pillar, such as health, commerce, and personal finance, which will be led by Ashley Alexander, who has been its healthcare products VP. The fourth pillar — core infrastructure, ads, data science, and growth — will be led by Vijaye Raji, who has been OpenAI’s CTO of applications.

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Brockman wrote in the memo that OpenAI’s goal is now to “bring agents to ChatGPT scale, in order to give individuals and organizations significantly more value and utility from our products.”

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Is that traffic ticket text a scam or real?

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Is that traffic ticket text a scam or real?

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

You’re going about your day when your phone buzzes. A text hits your phone. It looks official. It sounds urgent. And suddenly, you are being told you owe money for a traffic violation. That is exactly what Todd from Texas experienced. He emailed us and said:

“I received this text message today. It was so baffling because I haven’t lived in California for nearly a decade. I didn’t click on anything or respond. How can I tell if this is for real or if this is a scam?”

If you’ve gotten a message like this, you are not alone. This type of scam is spreading fast, and it is designed to pressure you into acting before you think. Let’s break down what is really going on.

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  • Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.

FAKE AGENT PHONE SCAMS ARE SPREADING FAST ACROSS THE US

This message may look official, but several red flags show it is likely a scam designed to pressure you into paying quickly. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What the traffic ticket scam text looks like

At first, the message seems convincing. It claims to be a “final reminder” from the California DMV, and it warns of penalties like license suspension and added fees. It even includes a link that appears somewhat official. However, once you slow down and take a closer look, the red flags quickly start to pile up.

The biggest red flags in this message

Here are the key warning signs to watch for in messages like this.

9 WAYS SCAMMERS CAN USE YOUR PHONE NUMBER TO TRY TO TRICK YOU

1) The phone number makes no sense

The message comes from a number with a +63 country code. That is the Philippines, not California. Government agencies in the U.S. do not send official legal notices from international numbers. That alone is a major warning sign.

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2) No name, just “Dear Driver”

Legitimate notices from a DMV or court almost always include your full name or at least some identifying information. “Dear Driver” is vague on purpose. It allows scammers to send the same message to thousands of people.

3) The link isn’t a real DMV website

The message includes this link:

ca.mnvtl.life/dmv

That isn’t a government domain. Official DMV websites in California use “.ca.gov” or similar trusted domains. Scammers often create lookalike links to trick you into clicking.

4) Urgency and threats

The message pushes you to act quickly with a deadline. It lists consequences like license suspension and extra charges. Scammers rely on fear. When you feel rushed, you are more likely to click without thinking.

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FBI WARNS OF DANGEROUS NEW ‘SMISHING’ SCAM TARGETING YOUR PHONE

5) Asking you to reply to proceed

The text says to reply with “Y” to get instructions. That is another trap. Responding confirms your number is active, which can lead to more scam messages.

6) Generic language and odd phrasing

Parts of the message feel slightly off. The tone is formal but not quite right. That subtle awkwardness is common in scam messages sent to large groups of people.

7) Overloaded threats designed to scare you

The message piles on consequences like license suspension, added fees, court action and even credit damage. In this case, it even mentions a license suspension and a $160 late payment charge. That combination is meant to overwhelm you and push you to act fast. Real agencies usually provide clear, specific notices, not a long list of escalating threats in a single text.

INSIDE A SCAMMER’S DAY AND HOW THEY TARGET YOU

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Scam texts like this often arrive out of nowhere and try to create urgency before you have time to question them. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What this means for you

Even if you have never driven in California, you could still receive this message. Scammers cast a wide net and hope someone takes the bait. If you click the link, you could be taken to a fake payment page. That page may ask for your credit card details, personal information or login credentials. In some cases, it can also install malware on your device or redirect you to credential-stealing pages. This isn’t about a ticket. It is about getting your data.  State DMVs typically do not send final legal notices or payment demands by text message.

Why these scams keep working

These messages work because they tap into something most people fear. Legal trouble, fines and losing driving privileges. They also look just real enough to pass a quick glance. That is all scammers need. As more services move online, these scams will continue to evolve.

Unlike typical DMV scams, this message impersonates a court and escalates the threats to make the situation feel more serious (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Ways to stay safe from traffic ticket text scams

Start with a simple rule. Never trust a payment request that shows up out of nowhere. Here are practical steps you can take:

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1) Do not click the link

If you are unsure, do not tap anything in the message. That includes links and reply options.

2) Use strong antivirus software

If you accidentally click a link, strong antivirus software can help detect malware and protect your data. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com

3) Verify directly with the DMV

Go to your state’s official DMV website by typing it yourself into your browser. Do not use the link in the text.

4) Check the sender carefully

Look at the phone number. International numbers or random strings are a clear warning sign.

5) Ignore generic greetings

Real notices will usually include your name or case details. Vague language is a red flag.

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6) Consider a data removal service

Scammers often get your number from data broker sites. Removing your personal info from those databases with a data removal service can reduce these messages. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com

7) Block and report the number

On your phone, block the sender and report it as spam. This helps reduce future attempts.

8) Turn on spam filtering

Enable spam filtering on your phone or through your carrier to catch more of these messages before they reach you.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Todd did the right thing. He paused, questioned the message and did not click. That one decision likely saved him from handing over personal information. When it comes to messages like this, skepticism is your best defense. If something feels off, trust that instinct.

Should phone carriers and tech companies be doing more to block scams like this before you ever see them? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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  • Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join. 

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Honda’s hybrid future starts with new Accord and RDX prototypes

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Honda’s hybrid future starts with new Accord and RDX prototypes

Honda revealed prototypes of two new hybrid models, an Accord sedan and the Acura RDX SUV, during its annual business briefing this week, built on a platform that it says will begin launching next year. The RDX was announced earlier this year as Honda’s first SUV to feature the next-gen version of its two-motor hybrid system.

In March, Honda announced it would take a writedown of up to 2.5 trillion yen ($15.7 billion) on its EV investments. Now Honda says its EV-related losses will be “resolved” by 2029, and that it will reevaluate its EV plans in 2030.

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