Technology

Meta is highlighting a splintering global approach to online speech

Published

1 year ago

January 9, 2025

Meta is highlighting a splintering global approach to online speech

Meta’s overhaul of its content moderation and fact-checking policies in the US is bringing into focus a key geopolitical tension likely to grow under the incoming Trump administration: the regulation of speech online.

CEO Mark Zuckerberg made no secret of his attempt to align his interests with those of President-elect Donald Trump, saying he planned to work with Trump to “push back on governments around the world that are going after American companies and pushing to censor more” — naming Europe specifically. The US and the European Union have long had different approaches when it comes to digital regulation, which has at times inflamed tensions since many of the largest tech companies that end up being targeted by Europe’s rules are the US’s crown jewels. That dynamic is likely to be exacerbated under a second Trump administration, with the incoming president’s protectionist policies.

“The inflection point is Trump, and Facebook is just following along,” says Daphne Keller, director of the program on platform regulation at Stanford University’s Cyber Policy Center. Through the policy change, Meta is signaling to Trump that “we want to be part of a fight with Europe. We’re on your side. We’re pro-free speech,” she says.

“The inflection point is Trump, and Facebook is just following along”

Meta says the end of its third-party fact-checking program is a change it’s making “starting in the US.” The company is switching from working with third-party fact-checkers to a crowd-sourced Community Notes model, styled after X, along with fewer restrictions on what negative things users can say — particularly about women and LGBTQ people — on their platforms. Zuckerberg says this combined with other content moderation policy changes will make it so less content is inappropriately removed, a common complaint the right has been making for years, even if that means more unsavory (but legal) content stays up longer.

Under Europe’s Digital Services Act, large platforms like Meta can be held accountable for failing to remove illegal content or that which violates their own terms of service in a timely manner once it’s reported, with fines as high as 6 percent of their annual global revenue. Meta says that under its changes, it will still take down illegal content but is loosening its approach on what’s sometimes referred to as “lawful but awful” content, such as likening women to “household objects.”

Even so, should Meta expand its new approach globally, it could run into trouble in Europe. Some digital law experts worry that the DSA’s risk assessment and risk mitigation provisions could be interpreted to compel platforms to remove speech, even if the law doesn’t directly require the removal of certain harmful content. Those parts of the law require platforms to assess risk and create plans to mitigate the potential negative impact of their services on “fundamental rights,” which may be vague enough for some regulators to make the case that content moderation and fact-checking decisions may be included.

Others, like London School of Economics and Political Science associate law professor Martin Husovec, have said that fears that the DSA would turn the EU into a “Ministry of Truth are misplaced,” since even though there’s opportunity for abuse, the law is not “pre-programmed” to suppress lawful disinformation.

European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier declined to comment on Meta’s announcement but said in a statement that they will continue to monitor designated “very large online platforms” like Meta for compliance with the DSA. “Under the DSA, collaborating with independent fact-checkers can be an efficient way for platforms to mitigate systemic risks stemming from their services, while fully respecting the freedom of expression,” Regnier says. “This applies to risks such as the spread of disinformation, or negative effects to civic discourse and electoral integrity.”

Regnier also noted that Meta signed the voluntary Code of Practice against disinformation, which includes certain commitments about working with fact-checkers. But it could continue to follow X’s footsteps in reversing that commitment.

During a press conference after Meta’s announcement, Regnier said that Europe isn’t asking any platforms to remove lawful content. “We just need to make the difference between illegal content and then content that is potentially harmful … There, we ask just platforms to take appropriate risk mitigation measures.”

Regardless, Meta will still likely need to remove more speech in Europe than it does in the US to comply with local laws. For example, Holocaust denial is illegal in countries like Germany, while the US has no such speech restrictions. Still, Keller points out that European leaders are less unified now than they were a couple years ago when it comes to dealing with issues like gender identity and immigration. “A bunch of right and far-right parties are coming to power in Europe. So there’s far less of a unified European political agenda around culture wars issues than there used to be,” she says.

Even so, Keller says she worries that Zuckerberg’s rhetoric toward Europe in his announcement could create a dynamic that emboldens European regulators who want to go after US platforms over speech concerns. “He will offend them, and they’ll get their backup, and then they really will interpret it to give themselves broader powers and to be able to punish Meta more,” Keller says. “It’s almost like he’s going to drive them into becoming the censors that he claims they are now.”

Technology

TikTok is still down, here are all the latest updates

Published

11 hours ago

January 27, 2026

Press Room

TikTok is still down, here are all the latest updates

Starting early Sunday morning, TikTok’s now under new ownership US arm started breaking down just a couple of days after Oracle & Co took the reins. Its For You page algorithm is suddenly unreliable, while features like comments are failing to load or loading slowly, and publishing new videos seems nearly impossible for many people.

Rumors of censorship targeting anti-ICE protesting or attempting to block discussion of Jeffrey Epstein appear to be misguided (even the governor of California is resharing misinformation now), with problems blocking traffic to all kinds of videos and messages on the service through Monday night.

Read on below for the latest updates about the ongoing TikTok problems.

Technology

Malicious Google Chrome extensions hijack accounts

Published

11 hours ago

January 27, 2026

Press Room

Malicious Google Chrome extensions hijack accounts

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Cybersecurity researchers have uncovered a serious threat hiding inside Google Chrome.

Several browser extensions pretend to be helpful tools. In reality, they quietly take over user accounts. These extensions impersonate popular human resources and business platforms such as Workday, NetSuite and SAP SuccessFactors. Once installed, they can steal login data and block security controls designed to protect users.

Many people who installed them had no warning signs that anything was wrong.

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WHY CLICKING THE WRONG COPILOT LINK COULD PUT YOUR DATA AT RISK

Cybersecurity researchers warn that fake Google Chrome extensions are silently hijacking user accounts by stealing login data and bypassing security protections. (Bildquelle/ullstein bild via Getty Images)

The fake Chrome extensions to watch out for

Security researchers from Socket’s Threat Research Team identified five malicious Chrome extensions connected to this campaign. The add-ons were marketed as productivity or security tools, but were designed to hijack accounts.

The extensions include:

DataByCloud Access
Tool Access 11
DataByCloud 1
DataByCloud 2
Software Access

We reached out to Google, and a spokesperson told CyberGuy that the extensions are no longer available on the Chrome Web Store. However, some are still available on third-party software download sites, which continues to pose a risk. If you see any of these names installed in your browser, remove them immediately.

Why malicious Chrome extensions look legitimate

These malicious add-ons are designed to look legitimate. They use professional names, polished dashboards and business-focused descriptions. Some claim to offer faster access to workplace tools. Others say they restrict user actions to protect company accounts. Privacy policies often promise that no personal data is collected. For people juggling daily work tasks or managing business accounts, the pitch sounds helpful rather than suspicious.

What these extensions actually do

After installation, the extensions operate silently in the background. They steal session cookies, which are small pieces of data that tell websites you are already logged in. When attackers get these cookies, they can access accounts without a password. At the same time, some extensions block access to security pages. Users may be unable to change passwords, disable accounts or review login history. One extension even allows criminals to insert stolen login sessions into another browser. That lets them sign in instantly as the victim.

Why malicious Chrome extensions are so dangerous

This attack goes beyond stealing credentials. It removes the ability to respond. Security teams may detect unusual activity, but cannot fix it through normal controls. Password changes fail. Account settings disappear. Two-factor authentication tools become unreachable. As a result, attackers can maintain access for long periods without being stopped.

How to check for these extensions on your computer

If you use Google Chrome, review your extensions now. The process only takes a few minutes.

Open Google Chrome
Click the three-dot menu in the top right corner
Select Extensions, then choose Manage Extensions
Review every extension listed

Look for unfamiliar names, especially those claiming to offer access to HR platforms or business tools.

WEB SKIMMING ATTACKS TARGET MAJOR PAYMENT NETWORKS

Malicious Chrome add-ons disguised as productivity tools targeted users of popular business platforms like Workday, NetSuite and SAP SuccessFactors. (Photo by S3studio/Getty Images)

How to remove suspicious Chrome extensions

If you find one of these extensions, remove it immediately.

Open Manage Extensions in Chrome
Find the suspicious extension
Click Remove
Confirm when prompted

Restart your browser after removal to ensure the extension is fully disabled. If Chrome sync is enabled, repeat these steps on all synced devices before turning sync back on.

What to do after removing the extension

Removal is only the first step. Change passwords for any accounts accessed while the extension was installed. Use a different browser or device if possible.

A password manager can help you create strong, unique passwords for each account and store them securely. This reduces the risk of reused passwords being exploited again.

Next, see if your email has been exposed in past breaches. Our No. 1 password manager pick includes a built-in breach scanner that checks whether your email address or passwords have appeared in known leaks. If you discover a match, immediately change any reused passwords and secure those accounts with new, unique credentials.

Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com.

Finally, review account activity for unfamiliar logins, locations or devices and be sure to follow the steps below to stay safe moving forward.

Ways to stay safe going forward

Simple habits can significantly reduce your risk.

1) Limit browser extensions

Only install extensions you truly need. The fewer extensions you use, the smaller your attack surface becomes.

2) Be cautious with add-ons

Avoid extensions that promise premium access or special tools for enterprise platforms. Legitimate companies rarely require browser add-ons for account access.

3) Check permissions carefully

Be wary of extensions that request access to cookies, browsing data or account management. These permissions can be abused to hijack sessions.

4) Review extensions regularly

Check your browser every few months and remove tools you no longer use or recognize.

WHATSAPP WEB MALWARE SPREADS BANKING TROJAN AUTOMATICALLY

Several fake browser extensions were removed from the Chrome Web Store after researchers linked them to account takeover attacks. (Photo Illustration by Serene Lee/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

5) Use strong antivirus software

Strong antivirus software can help detect malicious extensions, block suspicious behavior and alert you to browser-based threats before damage occurs.

The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

6) Consider a data removal service

If your work or personal information has been exposed, a data removal service can help reduce your digital footprint by removing your details from data broker sites. This lowers the risk of follow-up scams or identity misuse.

While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They aren’t cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.

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.

Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com.

7) Avoid third-party download sites

Do not reinstall extensions from third-party websites, even if they claim to offer the same features. These sites often host outdated or malicious versions.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Browser extensions can be useful, but this research shows how easily they can also be abused. These fake Chrome add-ons did not rely on flashy tricks or obvious warnings. They blended in, looked professional and quietly did their damage in the background. The good news is that you do not need to be a tech expert to protect yourself. Taking a few minutes to review your extensions, remove anything unfamiliar and lock down your accounts can make a real difference. Small habits, repeated regularly, go a long way in reducing risk. If there is one takeaway here, it is this: convenience should never come at the cost of security. A clean browser and strong account protections give you back control.

How many browser extensions do you have installed right now that you have never looked at twice? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

OpenAI’s president is a Trump mega-donor

Published

23 hours ago

January 26, 2026

Press Room

OpenAI’s president is a Trump mega-donor

OpenAI’s co-founder and longtime president, Greg Brockman, didn’t just make a run-of-the-mill donation to the main pro-Trump super PAC — together, he and his wife Anna’s September 2025 donations equaled the largest of them all, totaling $25 million to “MAGA Inc.,” per a recent filing. The Brockmans’ donations made up nearly one-fourth of the six-month fundraising cycle.

It’s the latest in a string of examples of tech executives cozying up to President Trump’s administration, happening as the administration pushes to aggressively back the AI industry and defang state-level regulations that companies like OpenAI have largely opposed. OpenAI did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Brockman’s multimillion-dollar donation isn’t the only example of him spending big, under his own name, on lobbying efforts that have their sights set on dismantling potential AI industry regulation. The pro-AI super PAC “Leading the Future,” of which Brockman is a significant backer, has bought ads targeting New York State Assemblymember Alex Bores — a cosponsor of New York’s RAISE Act, which was watered down at the last minute after coordinated lobbying efforts.

Though news of the Brockmans’ donations first broke earlier this month, it’s seen a resurgence in online discussion after the recent death of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, where federal officers have fatally shot two people during an anti-immigrant crackdown. Tech workers from across the industry, including multiple employees at OpenAI, have signed a letter calling for their CEOs to cancel all contracts with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and publicly condemn the department’s actions. “When Trump threatened to send the national guard to San Francisco in October, tech industry leaders called the White House,” the petition’s website states. “It worked: Trump backed down. Today we’re calling on our CEOs to pick up the phone again.”

However, since Trump’s inauguration, tech leader after tech leader has donated to his inauguration fund, flocked to Mar-a-Lago to meet with him, or attended White House dinners by his side. In return, they’ve gotten an administration eager to roll back consumer protections and tech regulation. Trump’s AI Action Plan resurrected a failed Republican attempt to bar states from passing AI regulations, to tech leaders’ delight. The new provision states that “AI is far too important to smother in bureaucracy at this early stage” and that the government “should not allow AI-related Federal funding to be directed toward states with burdensome AI regulations that waste these funds,” though it should also “not interfere with states’ rights to pass prudent laws that are not unduly restrictive to innovation.” Targets of the moratorium include SB 53, the landmark AI transparency bill California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed in September despite many tech companies lobbying against it, including OpenAI.

In 2019, Brockman co-wrote a blog post about how hard it is to “change powerful systems … once they’ve been deployed,” and that it’s “important to address AGI’s safety and policy risks before it is created.” Six years later, his posts have shifted in tone, highlighting the importance of “approach[ing] emerging technology with a growth-focused mindset.” In a New Year’s Eve post on X, Brockman wrote that “this year, my wife Anna and I started getting involved politically, including through political contributions, reflecting support for policies that advance American innovation and constructive dialogue between government and the technology sector.” He added that “it’s been great to see the president’s and his administration’s willingness to engage directly with the AI community.”