Technology

Protecting your daughter from deepfakes and online abuse

Published

10 months ago

March 23, 2025

Protecting your daughter from deepfakes and online abuse

Most of us have at least one young woman in our lives that we cherish — a daughter, niece or goddaughter, for example. Well, this International Women’s Day, I learned something that should be concerning to us all. Fully 96% of all deepfakes — artificial intelligence-generated images and videos that use someone’s likeness — are pornographic and target women without their consent.

One well-known case involved an Australian law student who discovered that manipulated pornographic images of her were being shared online when she was just 18. But this isn’t an isolated incident. According to a recent survey of women in the U.S., AI deepfakes are among the types of online abuse that a significant number of women face despite being a relatively new technology.

But this isn’t the only type of online abuse women face.

According to the same survey, one in four women in the U.S. say they’ve experienced online abuse, including cyberbullying, doxxing, sexual harassment, trolling and AI deepfakes. And young women between the ages of 18 and 34 appear to experience much higher rates of online abuse than older generations.

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A woman with her daughter working on a laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Why are younger women at higher risk?

It probably has a lot to do with how much time younger people spend online. Research shows, to no one’s surprise, that younger generations use social media twice as much as older generations (80% versus 42%, respectively). However, it also indicates that women use it more than men.

Data privacy also plays a role. A recent study showed younger generations are generally less concerned about keeping their personal information private compared to older generations. Growing up in a digital-first world, many younger people appear to be desensitized to data collection and are more willing to share personal information online. That, in turn, puts them at higher risk of cybercrimes and abuse.

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So, what can you do to help?

If you are concerned about this, and you should be, there are several steps you can take to protect your female loved ones from online abuse and empower them to navigate the digital world safely.

A woman working on her laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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1. Talk to them about online privacy

We live in a world where people constantly share thoughts, pictures and videos. Telling a 22-year-old to stop posting online altogether probably won’t get you far, but encouraging them to limit who can see their information is a reasonable compromise. Here are some things you can discuss:

Setting social media profiles to “private” so photos, videos and personal details aren’t easily accessible to strangers.
Being selective about who they accept as friends and followers.
How social media platforms are designed to be addictive. The constant validation from likes and comments — especially from strangers — can make young women more vulnerable to online predators and cyberbullies. (“The Social Dilemma” documentary provides an in-depth look at how platforms exploit these behaviors.)

2. Remove personal information from the internet (especially people search sites)

In the survey exploring the experiences of women in the U.S. with online abuse, 65% of respondents said they’ve been negatively affected by having their personal information online. Why? Because online bullies, stalkers and scammers use publicly available information to target victims. But women can reduce the risk of online abuse by removing personal data from the internet:

Searching their name on Google and identifying which sites have their personal data.
Opting out of people search websites, which often list names, addresses, phone numbers and even relatives.
Using a personal data removal service to automate the process and keep their information off these databases in the long term. While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time. Check out my top picks for data removal services here.

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3. Make sure they have support and resources

Even with the best precautions, online abuse can still happen. If you have four young female relatives or friends aged 7-21, statistically, it’s likely that three of them have faced some form of online harm in the past year. One of the most powerful things you can do is let them know they have someone to turn to. Online abuse, particularly deepfake pornography and revenge porn, is often designed to humiliate, isolate and silence victims. Knowing they have support can help them regain control and fight back. If someone you love is dealing with online abuse, here are some critical resources:

Cyber Civil Rights Initiative (for victims of deepfake and revenge porn): The Cyber Civil Rights Initiative provides legal and emotional support to victims of deepfake and revenge porn, helping them navigate the complex process of removing unauthorized images and seeking justice.
Crisis Text Line: By texting HOME to 741741, individuals can connect with trained crisis counselors who offer immediate emotional support and guidance during moments of crisis, helping them manage overwhelming emotions and find calm.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Calling or texting 988 connects individuals with trained crisis counselors who provide immediate support for suicidal thoughts, mental health crises or other forms of emotional distress, offering a lifeline to those in urgent need.

Women working on their laptops (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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4. Teach digital literacy and critical thinking

Encourage young women in your life to question what they see online and develop a healthy skepticism. Teach them how to spot misinformation, recognize potential scams and understand the importance of fact-checking.

5. Discuss the importance of strong, unique passwords

Explain the risks of using weak or repeated passwords across multiple accounts. Encourage the use of password managers and two-factor authentication for added security. Get more details about my best expert-reviewed Password Managers of 2025 here.

6. Promote a healthy balance between online and offline activities

Encourage them to engage in offline hobbies and social activities. This can help reduce screen time and lessen the impact of potential online negativity.

7. Stay informed about current online trends and threats

Keep yourself updated on the latest social media platforms, apps and online trends popular among young people. This knowledge will help you have more informed conversations with your granddaughters about online safety. One great way to do this is to subscribe to sign up for Kurt’s The CyberGuy Report now.

8. Encourage open communication about online experiences

Create a judgment-free environment where they feel comfortable discussing their online experiences, both positive and negative. This open dialogue can help you identify potential issues early on.

9. Have them consider a strong antivirus software

With all the clicking young women do online, it’s crucial to protect their devices from malware, viruses and other cyber threats. Strong antivirus software acts as a digital shield, safeguarding against potential infections that could compromise personal data or device security.

The best way to safeguard against 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 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Online abuse is a serious issue that disproportionately affects young women. By taking proactive steps to educate, protect and empower the women in our lives, we can create a safer digital environment for them. Let’s work together to foster a culture of online safety, ensuring that young women can thrive online without fear of harassment and abuse. Remember, a safer internet for women means a safer internet for everyone.

What are your biggest fears or concerns about the digital world as it relates to the safety and well-being of the young women in your life? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter

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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

Roland’s Go:Mixer Studio turns your phone into a mobile music studio

Published

9 hours ago

January 20, 2026

Press Room

Roland’s Go:Mixer Studio turns your phone into a mobile music studio

Roland now offers a more capable audio mixer for phones and tablets with the launch of the Go:Mixer Studio. The Go:Mixer audio interface lineup has always been a bit limited, better suited for scrappy live streams and capturing quick demos on their phones than professional recording. The Go:Mixer Studio is an attempt to actually reach that lofty goal, with more inputs and outputs, built-in effects, and up to 24-bit / 192kHz audio. There’s even an iOS app that allows you to capture video and multitrack audio simultaneously.

Streaming and social video are still the major use cases here. The Go:Mixer Studio can even be mounted on a mic stand so you can keep it in easy reach during a live session. The screen and knobs allow you to control all the parameters on the Go:Mixer Studio directly, but there’s also a desktop app for Windows and MacOS that gives you complete control of the mixer remotely.

There’s plenty of connectivity, including two XLR inputs on the back with phantom power, a 1/4-inch instrument input for directly connecting a guitar or bass, stereo 1/4-inch line-in jacks, and an aux input. There’s also 1/8-inch TRS MIDI in and out, two headphone jacks, and stereo line outs for connecting to studio monitors. Each audio input has a dedicated EQ and compressor on the channel. The XLR and instrument ins also have reverb available.

The Go:Mixer Studio is available now for $299.

Technology

Alexa.com brings Alexa+ to your browser

Published

10 hours ago

January 20, 2026

Press Room

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

For years, Alexa mostly stayed in one place. It lived on kitchen counters, nightstands or living room shelves. That setup worked for music and timers, but it also limited when and how people could actually use the assistant. Now that is changing.

Amazon has rolled out Alexa.com, which brings Alexa+ directly to your web browser for Early Access users. Instead of relying on a speaker or phone, you can now open a laptop and start using Alexa like any other web-based AI tool.

This shift is less about new tricks and more about access. Alexa can now follow you throughout your day instead of waiting for you at home.

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Amazon’s Alexa is no longer tied to a smart speaker, with Alexa.com bringing the assistant and Alexa+ directly to the web browser for Early Access users. (Photo Illustration by Thomas Fuller/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

What Alexa.com actually is

Alexa.com is the browser-based version of Alexa+. You can type questions, explore topics, plan trips, organize tasks, or create content without touching a smart speaker. The biggest difference is continuity. Alexa keeps context across devices, so conversations carry over whether you are on your laptop, phone, Echo, or Fire TV. You do not have to repeat yourself every time you switch screens. That makes Alexa feel less like a command tool and more like an assistant that remembers what you are working on.

Who can use Alexa.com right now

Alexa.com is not open to everyone yet. To use it, you need:

Alexa+ Early Access
An Amazon account linked to a compatible Echo, Fire TV, or Fire tablet
A US-based Amazon account
Device language set to English, United States

Child profiles are not supported on the browser version. Older Echo devices will continue using the original Alexa.

What Alexa.com cannot do yet

Because Alexa.com is still in Early Access, it has limits that matter for everyday users. Right now:

You can only type to Alexa in your browser
Voice interaction is not supported on the web
Music playback is not available
Smart home controls are limited compared to Echo devices

Amazon says features will roll out gradually. Alexa.com is meant to complement your devices, not fully replace them yet.

Meal planning without juggling tabs

One area where Alexa.com feels genuinely useful is meal planning. You can ask Alexa for a full week of meals and set preferences like high protein, low sugar, or kid-friendly lunches. Alexa generates a plan and turns it into a shopping list. From there, items can be added directly to Amazon Fresh or Whole Foods. Instead of bouncing between recipes, notes and carts, everything happens in one place.

Organizing everyday life in one place

Alexa.com also works as a lightweight life organizer. You can upload documents, emails and images so Alexa can pull out key details. That includes appointments, reminders and schedules you would otherwise forget. Instead of searching your inbox, you can ask Alexa when the dog last went to the vet or what time practice starts tonight. The information stays available across devices.

Smart home access, with limits

Alexa.com keeps your smart home controls visible next to your chat window. While full smart home control is still limited in the browser, Alexa.com lets you check status, review activity and continue actions on your Echo or Fire TV devices. It is most useful as a bridge. You can start something in the browser and finish it at home without starting over.

Recipes that follow you into the kitchen

Alexa.com also simplifies cooking. If you find a recipe online, you can paste the link into Alexa and ask it to adjust for dietary needs. Alexa can save it, convert it into ingredients and add everything to your shopping list. When it is time to cook, Alexa can pull the recipe up on your Echo Show, guide you step by step and manage timers so your hands stay free.

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Alexa.com lets users type questions, plan trips, organize tasks and create content without relying on an Echo or smartphone. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Finding something to watch faster

Decision fatigue hits hard at night. On Alexa.com, you can explore movie themes, get recommendations and save picks for later. When you sit down, Alexa remembers your choices and sends them to your Fire TV. That cuts down on scrolling and family debates.

What about privacy

Using Alexa on the web raises natural privacy questions. Amazon says Alexa+ includes built-in protections and user controls. Still, it is worth taking a minute to review your settings, especially if you plan to upload documents or personal information. A few smart habits can help:

Check your Alexa privacy settings and review stored activity
Avoid uploading sensitive documents like IDs or medical records
Use strong antivirus software to protect your device. 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.

As with any AI assistant, convenience comes with trade-offs. Staying aware helps you stay in control.

How much Alexa+ will cost

Alexa+ is free during Early Access. When Early Access ends, you will not be automatically charged. After that:

Alexa+ stays free with a Prime membership
Non-Prime users can subscribe for $19.99 per month

This makes Alexa.com more appealing for Prime members and a tougher sell for everyone else.

What this means to you

For most people, Alexa.com is about convenience. If you already use Alexa at home, the web version makes it easier to use during the day. You can plan, organize or look things up from your computer and then pick up later on your phone or Echo. It also puts Alexa in the same category as other browser-based AI tools, but with deeper ties to shopping, smart home features and entertainment. Whether you stick with it will likely come down to how often you want Alexa to help you during your day.

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Amazon says Alexa.com allows conversations to carry over across devices, giving users continuity between laptops, phones and smart home screens. (Photographer: Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Kurt’s key takeaways

Alexa.com does not reinvent Alexa. It simply makes it easier to use where people already spend time. By bringing Alexa+ to the browser, Amazon is betting that continuity matters more than novelty. For some users, that will be enough to make Alexa feel relevant again.

If Alexa followed you from your laptop to your living room, would you actually rely on it more, or would it still feel optional? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Technology

A second US Sphere could come to Maryland

Published

21 hours ago

January 19, 2026

Press Room

A second US Sphere could come to Maryland

The second US sphere would be built in an area known as National Harbor in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Located along the Potomac River, National Harbor currently features a convention center, multiple hotels, restaurants, and shops. While Abu Dhabi plans to build a sphere as large as the one in Las Vegas, the National Harbor venue would be one of the first mini-Sphere venues announced last March.

Its capacity would be limited to 6,000 seats instead of over 17,000. But the smaller Sphere would still be hard to miss with an exterior LED exosphere for showcasing the “artistic and branded content” that helped make the original sphere a unique part of the Las Vegas skyline.

The inside of the mini-Sphere will feature a high-resolution 16,000 by 16,000 pixel wrap-around screen, the company’s immersive sound technology, haptic seating, and “4D environmental effects.” For the AI-enhanced version of The Wizard of Oz currently playing in Las Vegas, audiences experience effects like wind, fog, smells, and apples falling from the ceiling.

The mini-Sphere will potentially also be cheaper to build than the $2.3 billion original, but its construction is contingent on the “receipt of certain governmental incentives and approvals from Prince George’s County and the State of Maryland.” Sphere Entertainment says the project “would utilize a combination of public and private funding, including approximately $200 million in state, local, and private incentives,” but would potentially generate millions of dollars in revenue for the country and state while supporting over 4,700 jobs once it opens.