The ConnectSafely Report with Larry Magid
Episodes
Be careful with email
30 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It's easy to accidentally send an email to the wrong person, which can lead to an embarrassing situation.
How to at least try to prevent revenge porn
24 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Sending out an intimate picture without permission is a betrayal and while you may not be able to prevent it, there are steps you can take to reduce i...
iPhone apps track you despite Apple's pledge
24 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Apple gives users the power to prevent apps from tracking you. But the Washington Post says that some do so anyway
Be an upstander not a bystander
16 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Rethink app creator and ConnectSafely contributor Trishia Prabhu explains why it's important for so-called bystanders to take action against bullying ...
Instagram and teen mental health
16 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Wall Street Journal reports that one in three teenage girls has body image issues that are made worse by Instagram. We speak with experts who expl...
Saving your COVID-19 vaccine record to your smartphone
19 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
There are several ways to save proof of COVID-19 vaccination to your smartphone, with some that are easier than others.
A Finsta is a 'fake Instagram account," but it's not usually a bad thing
19 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Many young people have two Instagram accounts. One is where they post things they want the world to see. Another is for close friends only and not so ...
TikTok helps teens get better sleep
12 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
TikTok will be suppressing notifications for teens at bedtime, helping them get through the night without distractions. It also offers a way for pare...
Apple is right to scan for child sex abuse material
12 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Apple is doing the right thing by scanning uploads to iCloud for child sex abuse material (child porn) even though some privacy advocates are concerne...
Conversations are parents' best tool online safety
05 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
There are plenty of parental control tools but your best bet -- says an expert who is just past her own teen years -- is talking with your kids.
Online dating advice
05 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Despite the Delta variant, many people are again using online dating services. They can be great as long as you follow some basic safety advice.
New TikTok series & blog for online teens
30 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
AskTrish is a new TikTok series and blog that answers questions from teens on all aspects of digital safety
iOS flaw reminds us it's essential to keep operating systems up to date
30 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A recently discovered flaw in Apple’s operating system for iPhones and iPads, is an urgent reminder of why it’s essential to keep your devices’ ...
Scammy apps in Apple's App Store
15 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Apple tightly controls its app store, but that doesn't stop scams from getting through, according to the Washington Post.
Microsoft patches 116 vulnerabilities -- why you need to remain up-to-date
15 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Krebs on Security reports that Microsoft recently fixed 116 vulnerabilities in Windows and related software, including 13 that were critical and some ...
Is tech causing mental health issues among teens?
08 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Researchers have noted an increase in mental health symptoms among teens but it isn't clear whether they're linked to increased use of tech.
Wearables and COVID-19
08 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Some people worry about the privacy implications of wearable devices, but the anonymized data is being used for important medical research including d...
Virtual private networks can hide your identity and protect your privacy
01 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Virtual private networks can re-route your traffic from your machine through a virtual one, making it harder for websites and anyone in-between to kno...
Social Media Companies beef up safety for women
01 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In response to data showing that women are more likely to be abused online, major social media companies have pledged to improve tools to help keep wo...
Apple claims proposed regulations could jeopardize children's safety
24 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Appel is fighting proposed regulations on its control of its app store, claiming that it would make apps less secure, especially for children
Microsoft's Edge browser adds kids mode
24 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Microsoft has added an optional kid-friendly mode to its Edge browser with parental controls, safe search and limits on tracking
Apple devices vulnerable to hacks and malware
17 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
There was a time when there were too few Apple devices for hackers to bother targeting but -- says Consumer Reports -- that's no longer the case
Deep Fakes can be very convicting but Facebook offers hope
17 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As this segment shows, it's possible to impersonate nearly anyone through a "deep fake," but Facebook is working on a solution
LGBTS youth at higher risk of cyberbullying
10 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In honor of Pride Month, ConnectSafely has updated its Parent, Educator & Youth Guide to LGBTQ Cyberbullying whose author says it's a bigger risk for ...
Biden revoke's Trump's ban on TikTok
10 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
President Biden has revoked and replaced former President Trump's executive order that would have banned Chinese-owned TikTok and WeChat with an order...
iPhone 12 might be dangerous for people with cardiac implants
03 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association says that an iPhone 12 with MagSafe charging technology can interfere with implante...
Twitter subscription service lets you preview, edit and delete tweets berfore they go live
03 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Twitter is rolling out Twitter Blue in Canada and Australia -- a paid subscription service -- that lets users review, edit or delete tweets before the...
Google Maps lets you track your kids and other loved-ones
26 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
An option on Google Maps allows users to share their location which is something families should consider so parents (and perhaps partners) can know w...
Facebook and Instagram let you hide likes
26 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As a way to promote well-being, Facebook and Instagram are now allowing users to hide likes on their posts
New Chrome tool makes it easy to change compromised passwords
20 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Google's Chrome browser already warns you about compromised passwords, but Google is launching a tool to make it easier to change them.
Recycled phone numbers raise security risk
20 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Researchers cited in the blog Krebs on Security found that criminals are using surrendered cell phone numbers to thwart two-factor authentication and ...
Don't lose sleep over smartphone notifications
14 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
There are ways to prevent smartphone notifications from waking you up at night
Pipeline ransomware and national infrastructure
14 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Comments on the implications of the recent Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack on national infrastructure secutiy
YouTube for Preteens
02 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Parents can now set up supervised YouTube accounts for their preteens. These accounts are far less restrictive than YouTube Kids (mostly for younger c...
Podcasts and apps to help with stress
02 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Even though COVID is down in the U.S., people are still more stressed than usual. But help is as close as your phone with meditation apps and de-stres...
New iPhone anti-tracking feature is a boon to privacy
30 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The newest version of iOS requires users to opt-in before apps can track their behavior
Google Search tools for relevant and not spammy results
30 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Google has internal and user tools to help find results that are relevant and safe
Involving children in vacation planning helps teach online research skills
22 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As summer approaches and more people are vaccinated, families are starting to plan vacations. It's a good time to involve your children. They'll learn...
My air new air fryer is a security risk
22 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
ConnectSafely Reprt host Larry Magid discovered that his new air fryer is a security risk.
Ransomware can lock up your PC
15 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Anyone can be a victim of ransomware when a hacker locks you out of your own device and demands money to get back in.
Helping families emerge from isolation
15 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Emerging from isolation as COVID-19 conditions improve in your area can be stressful, but the skills and tools you learned during lock-down can help.
Facebook accused of lying about anti-Muslim hate speech
08 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A group is suing Facebook for allegedly lying to Congress and the public about its efforts to hate anti-Muslim hate speech.
Beware of fake vaccine cards
08 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
There's a new online scam -- selling counterfeit or stolen COVID-19 vaccine cards
Google and International Fact Checking Day
01 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Why Google supports International Fact-Checking Day and how to check out the credibility of sites
Amazon Kids provides content and parental controls
01 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Amazon offers a lot of content for kids along with a parent dashboard to manage their activity and screen time
Comcast expands Internet Essentials low-cost internet for low-income families
25 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ten years ago, Comcast launched Internet Essentials to provide low-cost internet access to low-income families and is now investing $1 billion to expa...
Google launches portal for families
25 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A Google survey found that parents are thinking less about screen time and more about quality content for kids. The company just launched a website wi...
Study on mental health and social media during pandemic
18 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
There is good and bad news when it comes to mental health and social media during the pandemic. Depression is up but young people are getting informat...
Boston Children's Hospital's new Digital Wellness Lab
18 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Pediatrician Dr. Michael Rich has launched a Digital Wellness Lab at Boston Children's Hospital
App helps you "ReThink" before posting
11 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
To help people pause and reconsider potentially offensive posts, Trisha Prabhu created the ReThink App when she was 13. She's now 20 and still at it.
Roblox Safety and Parental Control Tools
11 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Like all online services, Roblox has had some issues, but the company uses human moderators and technology and offers parental controls. Still, said t...
Misinformation & the News Literacy Project
04 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
There is an epidemic of misinformation but the non-partisan non-profit News Literacy Project has resources to help with both youth and adults.
Protect Against Identity Theft
04 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Identity theft is a serious problem but there are ways to help prevent it and recover from it.
Unintended safety consequences of so-called anti-censorship legislation
25 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Several states are considering bills to punish social media companies that allegedly censor political speech, but there could be unintended saferty co...
Snapchat is helping its users deal with stress and mental health issues
25 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Popular video and image sharing apps Snapchat is helping its users deal with stress and mental health issues
Dealing with online pressure to be perfect
18 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
There's a tendency to want to look "perfect" online but, says Instagram's head of safety, authenticity is a better choice.
95% of people underestimate their online risks
18 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Comcast survey found that 95% of people underestimate their online risks
Dealing with pandemic related online dating risks
11 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Every year around Valentine's Day we warn people to avoid online dating scams and have that first meeting in a public place. But this year the pandemi...
Microsoft digital civility research has good and not-so-good news
11 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Microsoft is out with its 5th annual Digital Civility Research report based on data from 32 countries. The news is generally good --especially for tee...
How Facebook detects illegal child abuse imagines
04 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Child abuse images, commonly called "child porn" is s scourge on the internet. Facebook and other tech companies are using technology to detect, block...
Safer Internet Day resources for families and schools
04 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Safer Internet Day is online this year with videos, conversation starters and lesson plans for parents and educators.
Is Reddit inspired stock manipulation 'power to the people'
29 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Many Reddit users have been buying up what were inexpensive stocks and vastly inflating their prices. From a financial perspective, it's a dangerous g...
Batten down Facebook's privacy & security hatches
29 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Cloning someone's Facebook account and getting their friends to "friend" the fake account is a common but avoidable scam.
Tots with Tech
21 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Very young children -- some barely out of diapers -- are using tables and other tech devices. ConnectSafely has some recommendations
COVID-19 Vaccine Scams
21 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Vaccine scams: Scammers are taking advantage of the public's interest in COVID-19 vaccines. Don't be a victim
Why Facebook is suspending Trump's account
07 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said that Facebook is suspending Trump's account until at least the end of his term because "the risks of allowing the Pr...
Capitol attack demonstrates need for news literacy
07 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The non-profit News Literacy Project is among many who condemned Wednesday's attack on the capitol -- but they take it a step further by advocating ne...
New Years resolutions for the internet
31 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
ConnectSafely has some New Years resolutions for the internet and those of us who use it
Section 230 protects free speech
31 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
There is a lot of confusion and misinformation about 'section 230' -- a provision in the Communications Decency Act of 1998 that President Trump wants...
Children's privacy and safety on game consoles
24 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
If your family is getting a game console for the holidays or spending more time on the one you have, make sure your children know how to protect their...
Be aware of smart watch privacy policy
24 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Smart watches and fitness bands are popular holiday gift but be aware that your health and fitness data may be stored by the company that made the dev...
Smart speaker privacy and kid safety
22 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Smart speakers can affect your privacy and may include content that's inappropriate for young kids. Fortunately, there are tools you can use to protec...
Malicious extensions affect Chrome and Edge browsers
22 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
There is a report that millions of people have downloaded extensions for the popular Chrome and Edge browsers that can display unwanted ads and jepord...
Millions downloaded malicious Chrome and Edge browser extensions
17 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A report says that three million people downloaded 28 extensions for Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge browsers that contain malicious code that could d...
Know how to control privacy and kids' content on smart speakers & displays
17 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Many families have or will soon get smart speakers or displays. They're great but there are things you want to do to protect your privacy and young ch...
Beware of online posts on vaccines and election results
10 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In addition to the COVID-19 pandemic, there's an epidemic of misinformation.Whether it's about vaccines, election results, or anything else, do some r...
Can you trust 'influencers' recommendations?
10 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Some influencers are paid to promote products and services and a report says that scammers are charging influencers to boost their follower numbers us...
Safe Holiday Shopping
24 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Partially because of the pandemic, this should be a banner year for online shopping. It's geneally safe but there are some precautions you should know...
Be careful before approving site notificaitons
24 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Some web operators are allowing companies to display spammy and potentially dangerous notifications on your PC or mobile device. Be careful before giv...
Agency whose chief Trump fired does a lot more than protect elections
19 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
President Trump fired that head of the Cybersecurity Security & Infrastscure Security Agency because of his anger of its statement that our election w...
Monica Lewinsky on being an upstander
19 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After being shamed and harassed in the wake of her 1998 affair with President Bill Clinton, Monica Lewinsky, now an anti-bullying activist, says suppo...
Vanishing Messages on Instagram and Messenger
12 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Facebook's Messenger App and Instragam are channeling Mission Impossible with Vanishing Messages
Zoom Norms for Kids
12 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With COVID cases surging around the country, many kids are once again learning from home so this is a good time to talk with your kids about appropria...
Keeping Kids Safe on Roblox
05 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Roblox is a popular gaming platform for young children. They do have chat, but there are automatic filters and parental controls, including the abilit...
The Internet is Written in Ink
05 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Being careful what you post or send to others is important, even if you delete it later or use a service where messages automatically disappear
Online Conspiracy Theories Could Hurt Children
30 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
That QAnon conspiracy theory about elites kidnapping children is interfering with the work of legitimate child protection organizations
Facebook accused of allowing spread of fake vaccine information
30 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Newsguard, which checks the accuracy of news sites is accusing Facebook of not blocking false information about COVID-19 vaccines.
Russia & Iran voter interference
22 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The FBI is accusing both Russia and Iran with meddling in U..S. elections
Cyberbulling and Bullying Explained
22 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We explain the difference between bullying and cyberbullying and why it matters.
Self-generated child sexual abuse images
09 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Child sex abuse images (Americans call it "child porn," can be incredibly harmful and sometimes children are groomed to create their own images and vi...
Effective use of parental controls
09 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
There are lots of tools to allow parents to filter or monitor their children's online activity but how you use them and how you explain them to your c...
A tech industry consortium wants to abolish passwords but there are steps you can take right now.
04 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
FIDO Alliane, a tech industry consortium, wants to abolish passwords but there are steps you can take right now.,
The FBI director has warned that Russia will attempt to influence American voters via social media but there are things you can do to make s
04 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The FBI director has warned that Russia will attempt to influence American voters via social media but there are things you can do to make sure you're...
Trump's Effort to Repeal Section 230 Won't Protect Free Speech
24 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
President Trump and his allies want to take away legal protection from social media companies from Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act becau...
Empathy is Declining -- What Parents Can Do
24 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Larry Magid speaks with parenting expert and author Michelle Borba on how empathy is moving in the wrong direction and what parents can do to model it...
Microsoft's new Digital Civility research
17 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Microsoft is out with a new digital civility report from 32 countries. We talk with their Global Digital Safety Advocate Jacqueline Beauchere
Be Aware of What's in the Background During Video Calls
17 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Be aware of who and what can be seen or heard in the background when making video calls. And students should speak with their teachers about when it's...
Create a Space for Student's Remote Learning
10 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Not every family has a spare room for student remote learners but a veteran educator offers tricks to create virtual space.
Remote Learning Financial Help for Families
10 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Many students are going back to school remotely but not all families can afford internet access and equipment. But internet service providers and loca...