Technology
Phone-free restaurants are trending across the US
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You sit down for dinner. The menus arrive. And instead of everyone reaching for their phones, something different happens. People actually start talking. That is the whole point. Across the U.S., a growing number of bars and restaurants are asking customers to put their phones away. Some offer incentives. Others go further and lock devices in pouches. The goal stays the same. Create a space where people actually connect. This is not happening by accident. It reflects a broader shift in how people think about screens, attention and time together.
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COWBOY CHEF SAYS PHONES AND SCREENS AT DINNER ARE TEARING AMERICAN FAMILIES APART
More restaurants are asking diners to put phones away to encourage real conversation and reduce distractions at the table. (David Silverman/Getty Images)
Why phone-free restaurants are gaining popularity
The push toward phone-free spaces reflects a bigger change in how people think about technology. Research continues to link heavy smartphone use with lower attention spans, weaker memory and reduced social connection. As a result, schools, governments and businesses are rethinking when phones belong in the room. At the same time, daily habits show just how attached people have become. Recent data from Consumer Affairs shows Americans check their phones about 144 times a day and spend roughly 4.5 hours on them. That kind of constant interruption adds up. It changes how we experience meals, conversations and even live events. So people are starting to push back.
Who is driving the shift to phone-free dining
You might expect older generations to lead this shift. The opposite is happening. Gen Z is driving much of the change. A December 2025 survey from Talker Research found 63% of Gen Z say they intentionally disconnect from devices. Millennials follow at 57%. Generation X comes in at 42%, while baby boomers trail at 29%. That matters because Gen Z shapes culture, especially when it comes to social habits. When they decide something feels better offline, businesses notice. And businesses are adapting quickly.
Where phone-free restaurants are popping up
Phone-free policies are no longer rare. At least 11 states now have restaurants or bars experimenting with restrictions or incentives. Washington, D.C., leads with several venues, while others appear in Arizona, California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Tennessee, North Carolina, New York and Texas. Some places keep it simple. Put your phone away and enjoy the meal. Others take a stronger approach.
At a Charlotte cocktail bar called Antagonist, guests place their phones in locked pouches for about two hours. The idea is to remove the option entirely so people can focus on each other.
Meanwhile, upscale chain Delilah enforces a strict no phones, no posting policy across locations in cities like Dallas, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Miami. The goal is privacy and atmosphere.
Even fast food is testing the concept. A Chick-fil-A location in Towson Place, Maryland, offers free ice cream to families who keep their phones off the table. Different approaches, same idea. Less screen time, more presence.
SOLO DINING SURGES 52% AS AMERICANS EMBRACE ‘ME-ME-ME ECONOMY’ OVER SHARED MEALS
A growing number of bars and restaurants are limiting phone use as Americans rethink screen time and social connection. (Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images)
What happens in phone-free restaurants
Something subtle shifts when phones are out of reach. People stay in conversations longer. Meals feel more intentional. Even simple activities like playing a game or sharing a story take on more weight. One diner described the experience as rare. No notifications, no pressure to document the moment, no distraction. Just time with another person. Food experts say phones can pull attention away from the dining experience itself. When that distraction disappears, people often leave feeling like something meaningful actually happened. That feeling is what keeps customers coming back.
What this means to you
You do not need to visit a phone-free bar to feel what this shift is about. It is already showing up in our everyday lives. Think about the last time you sat down for dinner. You check your phone for a second. Then a message pops up. Before you know it, the conversation pauses and the moment slips away. That is exactly what many people are starting to notice and question. Try putting your phone away for a meal, even at home. You may find the conversation lasts longer. Things feel a little slower in a good way. You walk away feeling like you were actually there, not half distracted. This is likely just the beginning. More places may start limiting phone use, especially where the experience matters most.
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AI DATING CAFES ARE NOW A REAL THING
Phone-free dining is on the rise, with some venues locking devices to create a more focused, social experience. (Photographer: Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Kurt’s key takeaways
For years, phones have quietly taken over shared spaces. Restaurants, concerts and even small gatherings started to revolve around screens. Now the pendulum is swinging back. People are realizing that putting the phone down can change how a moment feels. It does not require a full digital detox. Sometimes it is just one meal, one conversation, one evening without distractions. That small shift can feel bigger than expected.
So here is the real question. When was the last time you had a meal where no one reached for their phone? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Technology
YouTube’s mobile app finally lets you share timestamped videos
YouTube is making some changes that might affect how you share videos from the mobile app. From the app, you can finally share videos from a specific timestamp, which will make it easier to point someone to a part of a video you might want them to see while you’re on your phone. However, this change will replace the Clips feature that lets you make a shareable clip from a video.
You’ll still be able to watch any Clips that you’ve already made. But moving forward, “the ability to set an end time or include a custom description when sharing will no longer be available,” YouTube says. The company notes that while clipping is “important way for creators to reach new audiences,” it says that “a number of third-party tools with advanced clipping features and authorized creator programs are now available to do this across different video platforms.”
The company originally introduced the Clips feature in 2021.
Technology
Meta employee accused of accessing private images
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When you upload a photo to Facebook, you expect it to stay private unless you decide otherwise. That expectation just took a hit after a former employee of Meta was accused of accessing thousands of private images.
According to details confirmed by the company, the London-based employee allegedly created a program to bypass internal safeguards. Investigators say this may have allowed access to about 30,000 private Facebook images that were not meant to be viewed.
The individual is now under criminal investigation and is out on bail as authorities continue to review the case. Here’s how investigators say the access may have happened.
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META SMART GLASSES PRIVACY CONCERNS GROW
A former Meta employee is accused of accessing thousands of private Facebook images, raising new concerns about how user data is protected. (Fabian Sommer/picture alliance via Getty Images)
How the Meta employee allegedly accessed private images
Authorities believe the employee may have written a script to get around Meta’s internal detection systems. In simple terms, the system that should flag unusual behavior may not have caught the activity right away. This detail matters because large tech platforms rely on monitoring tools to detect suspicious access patterns. When those checks are bypassed, it raises questions about how internal access is controlled.
The investigation is being handled by the cybercrime unit of the Metropolitan Police in London. At the same time, security experts often point out that insider threats are difficult to eliminate. Even strong systems can be tested when someone inside the company misuses access.
What Meta says about the employee investigation
Meta says it discovered the improper access more than a year ago and took action after identifying the issue.
“Protecting user data is our top priority,” a Meta spokesperson told CyberGuy. “After discovering improper access by an employee over a year ago, we immediately terminated the individual, notified users, referred the matter to law enforcement and enhanced our security measures. We are cooperating with the ongoing investigation.”
Legal risks in the Meta private images case
Data protection experts say cases like this often come down to both intent and safeguards. If an employee accesses personal data without authorization, that can lead to criminal charges under data protection and computer misuse laws. However, the company’s responsibility depends on the protections it had in place. If proper safeguards existed, the focus usually remains on the individual.
If not, regulators may consider penalties or legal claims against the company. The Information Commissioner’s Office, the U.K.’s data privacy watchdog, has acknowledged the incident. The agency stressed that social media users should be able to trust how their personal information is handled.
Why the Meta investigation is drawing attention now
This case is unfolding at a time when scrutiny of major tech platforms is already high. Recent legal challenges have raised broader concerns about how companies protect users and manage risk. That context adds weight to this investigation. It reflects a larger conversation about privacy and accountability in the tech industry. As more people rely on digital platforms, expectations of data protection continue to rise. Incidents like this tend to reinforce those concerns.
META REPORTEDLY BUILDING AN AI VERSION OF MARK ZUCKERBERG TO INTERACT WITH COMPANY EMPLOYEES
Mark Zuckerberg walks through the U.S. Capitol after a meeting on March 26, 2026. Investigators in London say a former Meta employee may have used a script to bypass safeguards and view about 30,000 private Facebook images. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
Simple ways to protect your private photos
Even though this case involves an insider, there are still simple steps you can take to better protect your photos and limit who can see them.
1) Check your Facebook privacy settings
You cannot control what happens inside a company, but you can limit how much of your personal content is exposed. Start by reviewing your Facebook privacy settings.
(Settings may vary depending on device and app version)
Mobile (iPhone/Android):
Facebook: Menu > Settings & privacy > Settings > Audience and visibility > Posts > Who can see your future posts > select Friends (or a custom audience) > Save
Desktop (Mac/PC):
Facebook: Profile picture (top right) > Settings & privacy > Settings > Audience and visibility section > Posts > Who can see your future posts > select Friends (or a custom audience) > Done
2) Review older photos and albums
Next, go through older photos and albums. Many people forget that photos shared years ago may still be visible under outdated settings.
(Settings may vary depending on device and app version)
Mobile (iPhone/Android):
Facebook: Menu > Settings & privacy > Settings > Audience and visibility > Posts > Limit who can see past posts > Limit who can see past posts > Limit past posts > confirm
Desktop (Mac/PC):
Facebook: Profile picture > Settings & privacy > Settings > Audience and visibility section > Posts > Limit who can see past posts > Limit past posts > confirm
And check individual albums:
Mobile (iPhone/Android):
Facebook: Go to your profile > Photos > Albums > select an album > tap Edit (top right) > Who can see this? > choose who can see it > Done
Desktop (Mac/PC):
Facebook: click your name on the left > Photos > Albums > select an album > click the three dots > Edit album > choose who can see it > Done
Not all albums can be changed, and some system albums have limited privacy options.
3) Be careful what you upload
It also helps to limit what you upload in the first place. Sensitive images, documents or anything you would not want widely seen may be better kept off social platforms entirely.
META AI EDITS YOUR CAMERA ROLL FOR BETTER FACEBOOK POSTS
Authorities are investigating whether a former Meta employee improperly accessed private Facebook photos that users never intended to share. (Gabby Jones/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
4) Turn on account activity alerts and two-factor authentication
You can also enable alerts for unusual account activity. While this case involves an insider, account alerts still help you spot unauthorized access to your own profile. You can also turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) to add another layer of protection to your account.
How to turn on account activity alerts
(Settings may vary depending on device and app version)
Mobile (iPhone/Android):
Facebook: Menu > Settings & privacy > Settings > Accounts Center > Password and security > Security Checkup > review and complete recommended security steps
Desktop (Mac/PC):
Facebook: Profile picture (top right) > Settings & privacy > Settings > Accounts Center > Password and security > Security Checkup > review and complete recommended security steps
How to turn on two-factor authentication
(Settings may vary depending on device and app version)
Mobile (iPhone/Android):
Facebook: Menu > Settings & privacy > Settings > Password and security > Two-factor authentication > choose text message or authentication app > follow prompts
Desktop (Mac/PC):
Facebook: Profile picture > Settings & privacy > Settings > Password and security > Two-factor authentication > choose text message or authentication app > follow prompts
5) Check third-party app access
Take a few minutes to review which apps have access to your Facebook account. Third-party apps can sometimes hold more access than you expect.
(Settings may vary depending on device and app version)
Mobile (iPhone/Android):
Facebook: Menu > Settings & privacy > Settings > Apps and websites > Active > tap an app > Remove
Desktop (Mac/PC):
Facebook: Profile picture (top right) > Settings & privacy > Settings > Apps and websites > Active > click an app > Remove
If you don’t see any apps listed or options like “Active,” it likely means you don’t have any connected apps to review.
What this means to you
If you use Facebook or similar platforms, this situation highlights something many people overlook. Even with strong safeguards, insider access still exists. Employees often need certain permissions to keep systems running. That creates a level of trust between users and the company.
When that trust is broken, it can feel personal. At the same time, there are still steps you can take on your end. Reviewing your privacy settings, limiting what you share and enabling security features can reduce how much of your content is exposed. It also shows why detection and response matter.
In this case, Meta says it identified the issue, removed the employee and notified users. Those steps can limit damage, but they do not erase the concern. The bigger takeaway is that privacy depends on both technology and human behavior. Systems can reduce risk, but they cannot remove it completely.
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Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: Cyberguy.com
Kurt’s key takeaways
This case is still under investigation, and no final legal outcome has been announced. Even so, it highlights a risk many people rarely think about. Most privacy conversations focus on hackers. This situation is different. It shows how access from inside a company can create its own set of risks. Meta says it acted quickly by removing the employee, notifying users and strengthening its systems. Those steps matter, but they also show how much trust users place in the platforms they use every day. The reality is simple. Once you upload something online, you are trusting more than just the technology behind it.
If someone inside a company can access private data, how much control do you really have over what you share online? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Technology
Govee’s new LED Lightwall comes with its own self-standing frame
Govee has announced an upgraded version of its hanging Curtain Lights Pro that can instead be used nearly anywhere you have access to an outlet or large battery. At $449.99, Govee’s new Lightwall is more than twice as expensive as the $199.99 Curtain Lights Pro, but comes with more LEDs in a denser array and a self-standing aluminum frame that can be assembled in 10 to 15 minutes without the need for any tools.
When hung from its stand the Lightwall measures 7.9 feet wide and 5.3 feet tall and features 1,536 color-changing LEDs spaced about 1.96 inches apart in a 48 x 32 grid. It’s water-resistant, and with the ability to refresh at up to 35fps the Lightwall almost sounds like it could be used as a personal backyard Jumbotron, but it’s not designed for watching TV or movies.
The Lightwall instead connects to Govee’s Home app where you can select from over 200 preset scenes and simple animations, choose from 10 different music modes that generate lighting patterns matched to beats, or synchronize its colors to other Govee lighting products to create a cohesive mood.
The app can also use AI to create custom animated GIFs from simple text prompts, or you can take matters into your own hands and create custom designs by sketching in the app with your finger and stacking up to 30 layers of doodles. The Lightwall is smart home compatible and supports Matter, too, so in addition to managing it through Govee’s app you can control it using voice commands through smart devices with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.
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