TECHNOLOGY
Want to be ‘invisible’ on the web?
April 9, 2022 8:10 p.m.
SNAPCHAT recently announced new restrictions for app-building policies. In particular, the company has banned anonymous messaging apps and is limiting friend-finding apps to adult users aged 18 and over.
Various services collect data about a user’s age, location, phone numbers, and other details. The easiest way to check what personal information is available publicly is to Google yourself. Kaspersky experts have created a detailed guide on how to keep personal data private and limit the amount available on the web.How can users reduce the number of personal information on the web?
The best place to start is with social media. Social media platforms hold a lot of personal data that users may want to keep private, including phone numbers, bank accounts, home location, etc.
The first step is to check and edit the account’s privacy settings. Users can switch their profile to private, which will hide it from search engines and strangers.
How to check an account’s privacy settings:
Facebook:
There are several ways to make an account private. If users just want to hide their profile from Facebook search, they need to click the “Settings” button on the profile dashboard and then select “Privacy” settings. They will then see the option “Search for me on Facebook”. If this is set up for “Everyone”, the user’s name and account can be found by everyone across Facebook. To hide their profile from Facebook search, they switch this option to “No one”.
Additionally, users can hide their accounts from search engines like Bing or Google. To do this, they need to go to “Privacy” settings and then click on “Public Search”. They can then tick or untick the “Enable public search” box.
Users can also decide and limit who can see their photos and personal information, such as their current and previous jobs, marital status, school and university information. Users can make this information private through their “Settings” as well.
Private Twitter accounts can’t be found on Twitter or by search engines, like Google and Bing.
To make an account private, users need to click on the “Privacy and Safety” tab on the “Settings” page. Then choose “Protect your Tweets”.
Users can also hide their posting locations for Tweets. This option can also be set through the “Privacy and Safety” tab.
When an Instagram account is made private, users’ posts are only available to their followers and any of their posts’ hashtags are hidden from search.
To do this, users need to click on the ‘Settings’ button on the menu. Then select “Privacy” and click the “Private account” button.
What can users do to hide themselves from Google services?
A good place to start is by deleting any cache information. Google robots regularly crawl web pages and store data on the server. This information is stored for some time, but after a month or two it is automatically deleted.
There are some helpful links that can assist with cache clearance, such as Google Remove Information Assistant, Remove Illegal Content Wizard and Remove Images from Google Search Results.
After erasing any personal information, it’s worth Googling oneself again after a few months to make sure the cache and other data has been cleared.
What if users need to delete any specific information from the web?
To delete specific obsolete information, users need to visit a particular Google link. They should copy the URL of the outdated page in the search bar, which is shown in the top line of the browser. After doing so, they can request deletion by clicking on the appropriate button.
If users find any personal data on a website, they can contact the administration of the website and ask them to clear the sensitive information.
If users don’t want to wait for resource management to clear their data, they can open the service Just Delete Me, enter the name of the site they want to remove their data from and select it from the search results. The service will then redirect users to the profile elimination page.
What else can users do to hide personal data from the web?
It’s also worth it for users to check if any of their personal information is on data broker sites and to hide themselves from these sites to protect their accounts and avoid data breaches.
For this user should, firstly, check if any personal information is on data broker sites or the darknet. Data brokers are services that collect various types of personal data, analyze it and then send it to other companies.
To check for any data leaks and the security status of personal information, there are special services or comprehensive security solutions that can be used. These security services monitor various platforms, including the darknet, for any possible leaks. If they find one, they immediately let the user know.
Data brokers collect data such as:
Web history
Bank account details
Online purchase history
Credit card information
Social media data
Social Security numbers
If users suspect their data was leaked to data brokers or the darknet:
It’s important that they change passwords on all accounts and set up multi-factor authentication
They should write to data broker platforms, like Equifax or Experian, and ask them to delete all personal information. It may take some time but their sensitive data will be cleared.
They need to check the security of bank accounts. Users should read their credit card statements and check for any suspicious transactions.
TECHNOLOGY
iProov study: Deepfakes shatter online confidence
5:18 p.m. March 21, 2026
A NEW consumer study released today by iProov, the world’s leading provider of science-based biometric identity verification solutions, warns that deepfakes have triggered The Great Trust Recession, where digital authenticity has been undermined, and skepticism has reached unprecedented levels.
The research, which surveyed 2,000 individuals across the UK and the US in Q1 2026, shows that AI-generated impersonation is increasingly seen as a real-world threat undermining confidence in what people see online. Nearly half of respondents (48%) say they now question the authenticity of “almost everything” they encounter online, signaling a profound shift in consumer confidence. Consequently, establishing genuine human presence in digital ecosystems is now essential to thwart fraud, misinformation, reputational harm, and institutional distrust, and to regain certainty about what — or who — can be believed.
The breakdown in confidence is already evolving into commercial pressure: three-quarters (74%) of consumers say they would switch banks if a competitor offered guaranteed protection against deepfake-enabled fraud. This highlights how consumer allegiance is being impacted, with many willing to endure the inconvenience of switching banks to gain stronger safeguards against AI-driven impersonation. Younger adults are leading this shift: 41% of those aged 25 to 34 say they would switch immediately, compared with just 14% of those aged 65 and older, showing that even the most digital native generations are raising expectations for stronger safeguards.
At the same time, expectations of accountability are rising sharply. More than half of respondents (52%) believe banks should be legally liable for losses caused by deepfake-enabled fraud, reflecting growing demand for institutional responsibility in the AI era.
A Government Trust Gap Is Emerging
The study also highlights evolving expectations around digital public services. While the availability of online government platforms has grown, many consumers say stronger identity protections would increase their confidence. More than half (55%) report they would be more likely to use government services online if a secure biometric login were available. When given a choice, respondents also show openness to digital-first options: 43% say they would prefer a secure face scan via a mobile app, compared with 30% who would choose an in-person appointment.
“AI has blurred the line between real and fake in digital ecosystems, and too many organizations are caught off guard. This study highlights a major shift in consumer sentiment, showing that generative AI is actively undermining the credibility of the institutions people have traditionally relied upon,” said Andrew Bud, founder and CEO of iProov. “Deepfakes are quickly undermining the trust at the heart of the digital economy, ultimately compelling consumers to change their behaviors and, importantly, who they are willing to do business with.”
Find the Fake Game
The stakes behind this research are easier to understand when experienced firsthand. iProov’s new interactive game, “Find the Fake,” challenges participants to identify a single AI-generated deepfake hidden among a grid of six seemingly real social media profiles. It’s a deceptively simple exercise and a revealing one. Try it for yourself at https://quiz.iproov.com/quiz2/en.
TECHNOLOGY
Logitech G brings premium wireless performance to PH with the G325 LIGHTSPEED
4:18 p.m. March 10, 2026
Logitech G has released its latest addition to the G3 Series, a powerful gaming headset designed to support seamless gameplay at home or on the go.
The G325 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Headset brings together premium features such as immersive 24-bit audio, flexible connectivity, superior comfort, and long-lasting battery life, all packed into one affordable and versatile device for modern gamers.
Richer and More Dynamic Audio Performance
Made with the modern gamer’s needs in mind, the G325 is equipped with 32 mm audio drivers and 24-bit audio over LIGHTSPEED wireless to deliver rich, detailed, and dynamic sound. This enhanced depth and clarity allow players to detect subtle in-game cues more accurately while enjoying fuller bass and more immersive soundscapes during every match.
For players who prefer tailored audio settings, a 10-band EQ and game-optimized presets allow users to personalize their sound profile based on genre, title, or personal preference. These features can be easily accessed through the Logitech G HUB software and the mobile app, giving gamers more control over how they experience their gameplay.
Comfort That Keeps Up With Long Gaming Sessions
The G325 features a flattering, modern close-fit headband design with breathable fabric materials that help keep users cool and comfortable during extended wear. The dual-layer memory foam ear cups provide a cushioned and secure fit, helping reduce pressure during long matches or casual listening sessions.
Gamers can also choose from three distinct color options (Black and White) to complement their battle stations and personal playstyles. Meanwhile, its lightweight construction at just 212 grams supports hours of continuous use without unnecessary strain, making it suitable for both competitive gaming at home and everyday wear on the go.
Clear Communication With AI-Enhanced Voice Capture
In-game coordination is key in most competitive games. The G325 comes with a dual beamforming microphone system made to focus on the user’s voice while reducing surrounding distractions. Through an integrated AI-powered noise reduction system, the microphone filters out common background sounds such as keyboard clicks, fan hums, and room noise to make every conversation sound crisp, natural, and clear during intense gaming moments.
Pro-Grade Wireless Freedom and Versatile Connectivity
Powered by Logitech G’s signature LIGHTSPEED wireless technology, the G325 delivers ultra-responsive and stable performance with an impressive wireless range of up to 30 meters. This extended range allows gamers to move freely around their space without worrying about signal drops or audio interruptions, keeping every session smooth and uninterrupted.
In addition to LIGHTSPEED wireless, the headset supports Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity for seamless switching between compatible PCs, consoles, and Bluetooth-enabled devices. With just a quick toggle, users can easily transition from gaming to music or calls, making the G325 a flexible audio companion for both play and everyday use.
Designed with Sustainability in Mind
Beyond its amazing lineup of premium features at an affordable price point, the G325 also reflects a more conscious approach to product design in line with Logitech’s global environmental efforts.
The G325 is made with up to 43 percent post-consumer recycled plastics and comes in zero plastic packaging to reduce environmental impact across its life cycle. An optional 80 percent battery charge limit is also available for users to help extend battery longevity over time and promote more sustainable everyday use.
These thoughtful design choices for the G325 reinforce Logitech’s long-term sustainability direction while simultaneously giving users access to top-tier gear to enhance their gaming experience.
The G325 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Headset is built for players who demand performance-driven gear that looks great, feels comfortable, and is easy to use right out of the box. Combining immersive audio, reliable wireless performance, and thoughtful design, the G325 makes high-quality gaming experiences more accessible for those ready to level up their setup.
Logitech’s latest gaming headset is priced at PHP 5495 and is available on Shopee and Lazada, and Logitech Authorized Retail Partners and Gaming Specialists. To learn more about the product and upcoming product releases, follow Logitech G on Facebook. You may also visit http://www.logitechg.com for more product offerings.
TECHNOLOGY
inDrive is 4th most downloaded travel app in PH
2:11 p.m. February 12, 2026
WITH over four million installations in 2025 alone, inDrive ranked fourth among the most downloaded travel apps in the Philippines, according to market intelligence firm Sensor Tower.
This ranking underscores Filipino users’ growing demand for inDrive to expand beyond ride-hailing as it evolves into a mobility super app.
inDrive also remained the world’s second most downloaded ride-hailing app for the fourth straight year. It also climbed from fifth to fourth place among the top travel apps globally and topped this category in Pakistan, Peru, Egypt, Morocco, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Panama, and Zimbabwe.
Reflecting on this milestone, inDrive Founder and CEO Arsen Tomsky said, “This recognition reflects the trust people place in our platform and the continued dedication of our global team. As inDrive evolves into a super app, we remain focused on our core principles of fairness, transparency, and user choice while expanding access to services that make a meaningful difference in people’s daily lives.”
Full Speed Ahead as inDrive Evolves into a SuperApp
With inDrive growing its user base year-on-year, the app has begun expanding its services beyond ride-hailing in other key markets. Among these new offerings is inDrive.Ads, an in-app advertising platform. By generating new income streams, inDrive can keep its take rate among the lowest in the industry while supporting long-term sustainability for riders, drivers, and local communities.
Now live in 20 countries, including the Philippines, inDrive.Ads plans to expand to all global markets within this year. On inDrive.Ads, ads appear across various screens in the funnel and include multiple-dimension banners featuring graphics and animation, with transparent measurement tools built in.
Tomsky said in a statement, “Diversifying our business with a high-margin stream like Ads is an important step for inDrive. This new line gives us more flexibility to fund affordability at scale.”
Sofia Guinto, inDrive Philippines Country Representative, echoed similar sentiments, saying, “inDrive.Ads is our way of championing fairness and accessibility on all facets of our SuperApp. Through this, we can maintain fares that are both affordable for passengers and lucrative for our drivers and create equal opportunities for more people and brands.”
Beyond its global launch of inDrive.Ads, inDrive has also expanded into intercity transportation, courier and grocery delivery, and financial services in other global markets. These new services utilize artificial intelligence and predictive analytics to fix mapping gaps, improve ETA accuracy, anticipate user needs, and personalize solutions. Through these AI-powered offerings, inDrive continues to drive innovation while still giving users the freedom of choice in every ride.
Throughout the rest of 2026, inDrive will continue to update its features and grow its user base, becoming a true mobility superapp. Amid this shift, it ensures that all rollouts will be built around fairness, opportunity, and people’s real needs. For more updates on inDrive’s new offerings available in the Philippines, visit www.inDrive.com or follow @inDrive.ph on social media.
iProov study: Deepfakes shatter online confidence
Transport communities welcome LTFRB fare adjustment, cite relief for drivers amid fuel price surges
Transport communities welcome LTFRB fare adjustment, cite relief for drivers amid fuel price surges
