Bluesky has seen its user base soar since the U.S. presidential election, boosted by people seeking refuge from Elon Musk's X, which they view as increasingly leaning too far to the right given its owner's support of President-elect Donald Trump, or wanting an alternative to Meta's Threads and its algorithms. The platform grew out of the company then known as Twitter, championed by its former CEO Jack Dorsey. Its decentralized approach to social networking was eventually intended to replace Twitter's core mechanic. That's unlikely now that the two companies have parted ways. But Bluesky's growth trajectory — with a user base that has more than doubled since October — could make it a serious competitor to other social platforms. But with growth comes growing pains. It's not just human users who've been flocking to Bluesky but also bots, including those designed to create partisan division or direct users to junk websites. The skyrocketing user base — now surpassing 25 million — is the biggest test yet for a relatively young platform that has branded itself as a social media alternative free of the problems plaguing its competitors. According to research firm Similarweb, Bluesky added 7.6 million monthly active app users on iOS and Android in November, an increase of 295.4% since October. It also saw 56.2 million desktop and mobile web visits, in the same period, up 189% from October. Besides the U.S. elections, Bluesky also got a boost when X was briefly banned in Brazil. “They got this spike in attention, they’ve crossed the threshold where it is now worth it for people to flood the platform with spam,” said Laura Edelson, an assistant professor of computer science at Northeastern University and a member of Issue One’s Council for Responsible Social Media. “But they don’t have the cash flow, they don’t have the established team that a larger platform would, so they have to do it all very, very quickly.” To manage growth for its tiny staff, Bluesky started as an invitation-only space until it opened to the public in February. That period gave the site time to build out moderation tools and other distinctive features to attract new users, such as “starter packs” that provide lists of topically curated feeds. Meta recently announced that it is testing a similar feature. Compared to the bigger players like Meta's platforms or X, Bluesky has a “quite different” value system, said Claire Wardle, a professor at Cornell University and an expert in misinformation. This includes giving users more control over their experience. “The first generation of social media platforms connected the world, but ended up consolidating power in the hands of a few corporations and their leaders,” Bluesky said on its blog in March. “Our online experience doesn’t have to depend on billionaires unilaterally making decisions over what we see. On an open social network like Bluesky, you can shape your experience for yourself.” Because of this mindset, Bluesky has achieved a scrappy underdog status that has attracted users who've grown tired of the big players. “People had this idea that it was going to be a different type of social network,” Wardle said. “But the truth is, when you get lots of people in a place and there are eyeballs, it means that it’s in other people’s interests to use bots to create, you know, information that aligns with their perspective.” Little data has emerged to help quantify the rise in impersonator accounts, artificial intelligence-fueled networks and other potentially harmful content on Bluesky. But in recent weeks, users have begun reporting large numbers of apparent AI bots following them, posting plagiarized articles or making seemingly automated divisive comments in replies. Lion Cassens, a Bluesky user and doctoral candidate in the Netherlands, found one such network by accident — a group of German-language accounts with similar bios and AI-generated profile pictures posting in replies to three German newspapers. “I noticed some weird replies under a news post by the German newspaper ‘Die Ziet,’” he said in an email to The Associated Press. “I have a lot of trust in the moderation mechanism on Bluesky, especially compared to Twitter since the layoffs and due to Musk’s more radical stance on freedom of speech. But AI bots are a big challenge, as they will only improve. I hope social media can keep up with that.” Cassens said the bots' messages have been relatively innocuous so far, but he was concerned about how they could be repurposed in the future to mislead. There are also signs that foreign disinformation narratives have made their way to Bluesky. The disinformation research group Alethea pointed to one low-traction post sharing a false claim about ABC News that had circulated on Russian Telegram channels. Copycat accounts are another challenge. In late November, Alexios Mantzarlis, director of the Security, Trust and Safety Initiative at Cornell Tech, found that of the top 100 most followed named individuals on Bluesky, 44% had at least one duplicate account posing as them. Two weeks later, Mantzarlis said Bluesky had removed around two-thirds of the duplicate accounts he’d initially detected — a sign the site was aware of the issue and attempting to address it. Bluesky posted earlier this month that it had quadrupled its moderation team to keep up with its growing user base. The company also announced it had introduced a new system to detect impersonation and was working to improve its Community Guidelines to provide more detail on what’s allowed. Because of the way the site is built, users also have the option to subscribe to third-party “Labelers” that outsource content moderation by tagging accounts with warnings and context. The company didn't respond to multiple requests for comment for this story. Even as its challenges aren’t yet at the scale other platforms face, Bluesky is at a “crossroads,” said Edward Perez, a board member at the nonpartisan nonprofit OSET Institute, who previously led Twitter’s civic integrity team. “Whether BlueSky likes it or not, it is being pulled into the real world,” Perez said, noting that it needs to quickly prioritize threats and work to mitigate them if it hopes to continue to grow. That said, disinformation and bots won't be Bluesky's only challenges in the months and years to come. As a text-based social network, its entire premise is falling out of favor with younger generations. A recent Pew Research Center poll found that only 17% of American teenagers used X, for instance, down from 23% in 2022. For teens and young adults, TikTok, Instagram and other visual-focused platforms are the places to be. Political polarization is also going against Bluesky ever reaching the size of TikTok, Instagram or even X. “Bluesky is not trying to be all things to all people,” Wardle said, adding that, likely, the days of a Facebook or Instagram emerging where they're “trying to keep everybody happy” are over. Social platforms are increasingly splintered along political lines and when they aren't — see Meta's platforms — the companies behind them are actively working to de-emphasize political content and news.‘Ayodhya, Sambhal, Bangladesh Share Common DNA’: Yogi’s Remark Stirs Political Row - News18
The minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Nyesom Wike, has said his administration committed a total sum of $1,045,176,470 billion, approximately N177billion for the development of infrastructure in the education sector. This, he said, was inclusive of the N3,500,000,000.00 billion counterpart funding from Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), bringing the total commitment of infrastructural development to approximately N177,,000,000,000.00 billion. The minister stated this at the sixth International Conference on Learning Cities held in Jubail Industrial City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The minister who was represented by the Minister of State FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, also noted that Abuja’s annual budget for the development of education has surpassed the UNESCO benchmark of 26 per cent. Highlighting further the total investment in different sectors of education, Wike said a total of 21 primary and junior secondary schools were renovated while a total of 30 senior secondary schools were also established. Other area of infrastructural investment according to the minister include the tertiary education sector, adding that the FCT Administration has committed the sum of N14,529,622,993 billion for the completion and launch of FCT University, Abaji. He said: “UNESCO generally recommends that member nations have a budgetary allocation benchmark of at least 26 per cent to education. “This benchmark is intended to ensure that countries can adequately address needs of their education system such as teachers, training, infrastructure development and educational technology. “It might interest my audience to know that Abuja’s annual budget for education surpasses the UNESCO benchmark.” Wike, reiterated that the city under his watch has invested heavily in the training and retraining of teachers and educational infrastructure in the six area councils of the territory. He affirmed that the administration has maintained a total commitment to the Abuja Learning City status as emphasised by UNESCO, adding that Abuja city has adopted a “whole school” approach system that promotes peace, security, and tolerance through knowledge, skills and global awareness.Some Democrats are frustrated over Joe Biden reversing course and pardoning his son Hunter
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Trump calls for end to 'spring forward, fall back' clock changesUnitedHealthcare is increasing security after Brian Thompson’s killing, executive saysEXPERTS have called for a return of social distancing as cases of the flu surge across the UK this Christmas. Even those with symptoms of a mild cold should consider self-isolating in case they carry a virus which could be fatal to those most vulnerable, health specialists warn. Advertisement 2 Health experts call for a return of social distancing (stock image) Credit: Getty 2 Family gatherings should also be avoided as well as wearing masks and social distancing - all to avoid passing on the horror bug, experts told MailOnline. Professor Paul Hunter from the University of East Anglia said: "If you are ill with flu you should stay away from other people for the first three days and preferably for the first week. "This is especially important if they are elderly or suffer from medical conditions that make them more at risk." For many people, having the flu will feel like an exaggerated cold. Advertisement read more in health SYMPTOM CHECK How to tell if you've got a hangover, Covid, flu or meningitis FLU BLOW Thousands of turkeys killed after bird flu outbreak days before Christmas The NHS states that flu symptoms can come on very quickly. They include: A sudden high temperature An aching body Feeling tired or exhausted A dry cough A sore throat A headache Difficulty sleeping Loss of appetite Diarrhoea or tummy pain Feeling sick and being sick The dry cough could be similar to the cough experienced by people who have contracted coronavirus . Most read in Health Breaking SHUT UP SHOP Major supermarkets recall jewellery stocking fillers over ‘chemical’ fears HAIR THIS Physical trait makes you '6 times more likely to go bald' - find clue in fingers BIRTH TRAGEDY Mum who begged 'don't let me die' after giving birth was 'left to bleed out' 'TOTAL SHOCK' After years of trying, a scan showed '1% miracle triplets' - then tragedy hit The NHS states that the symptoms are similar for children, but they can also get pain in their ear and appear less active. Advertisement The health service offers a free flu jab to those most at risk of getting the virus, so if you qualify then you can get it free anywhere that offers it. Who is eligible for free Covid, flu and RSV vaccines? In line with JCVI advice, those eligible for a flu vaccine this year include: From October 3: Those aged 65 years and over Those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (as defined by the Green Book) Those at serious risk, including those with a BMI over 40, diabetes, heart and breathing conditions Those in long-stay residential care homes Carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals Frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer-led occupational health scheme - including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers Those who receive direct payments (personal budgets) or Personal Health budgets, such as Personal Assistants. From September 1: Pregnant women All children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2024 Primary school-aged children (from Reception to Year 6) Secondary school-aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11) All children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to less than 18 years Those eligible for an autumn Covid booster are: Residents in a care home for older adults All adults aged 65 years and over Persons aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group, as defined in the Green Book, including pregnant women Frontline health and social care workers and staff in care homes for older adults Those eligible for an RSV vaccine are: Pregnant people from 28 weeks onwards People aged 75 to 79 his can be at your doctor's surgery as well as supermarket pharmacies like Asda and high street favourites like Boots. If you're not in the eligible groups entitled to a free vaccination listed below, you can pay for a flu jab at certain stores. All children aged two and three All children in primary and all children in school Years seven to 11 in secondary school Children aged six months to 17 years with certain long-term health conditions Those aged six months to under 65 years in clinical risk group Pregnant women Those aged 65 years and over Unpaid carers Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals Frontline health and adult social care staff The latest data shows a high flu burden within the NHS with almost 3,000 Brits in England hospitalised as of the end of last week with the virus. Advertisement Over 150 of those are considered to be in a critical condition. In comparison, there were just 700 total hospitalisations at the same time last year. And experts also warn that the worst could be coming with there being a surge in illness brought on from socialising over the holiday season and New Year. Earlier this month, an average of 1,861 flu patients were in hospital every day, up from 1,099 the previous week - 3.5 times higher than the same time last year. Advertisement Health chiefs pleaded with Brits to get vaccinated immediately if eligible to avoid “festive flu" before it was "too late". Professor Sir Stephen Powis, boss of NHS England, said: "The tidal wave of flu cases and other seasonal viruses hitting hospitals is really concerning for patients and for the NHS - the figures are adding to our 'quad-demic' worries." Read more on the Scottish Sun SHOCK SWOOP Former Celtic boss 'lines up shock January transfer swoop for Kyogo Furuhashi' MAKE THE YULETIDE GREY White Christmas update for Scots as snow & 80mph winds wreak chaos He added: "With one week left to book your vaccine, I cannot stress enough the importance of getting booked in to protect yourself against serious illness and to avoid 'festive flu.'" Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting , said: "With A&Es facing record demand, we are continuing to encourage people to protect themselves, their family, and the NHS by getting vaccinated before it’s too late.” Advertisement Which cold and flu remedies actually work? Isabel Shaw, health reporter, put nine well-known cold and flu remedies to the test when she was struck down with the lurgy. Over a week, she tested products that targeted all symptoms associated with cold and flu, as well as treatments that only aimed to get rid of specific issues. These included: Hot honey and lemon Steam inhalation and Vicks Vaporub Echinacea Chicken soup A spicy curry Beechams All-in-One Oral Solution Strepsils Lemsip Max Sudafed Blocked Nose Spray She took into account pain reduction, and how quickly and for how long they worked. Read her full verdicts here .
LOWELL — Add a cyber center tied to national security to the ever-expanding portfolio of companies doing business with the Lowell Innovation Network Corridor, a transformative public-private partnership unveiled earlier this year through UMass Lowell. Science Applications International Corporation, a global leader in technology integration, signed an agreement with the university to establish a cyber center that will strengthen the resilience of the defense industrial base and expand the pipeline of skilled cyber professionals across the region. The signing ceremony was held at the UMass Club in Boston Wednesday morning and attended by Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, UMass Lowell and SAIC leadership, as well as state and local dignitaries. “Our administration has been laser-focused on competing for our nation’s leading companies to grow here in Massachusetts, and on providing opportunities to advance and grow our state’s workforce,” Driscoll said. “This partnership prioritizes our state’s innovation economy while also ensuring we’re setting our state, and our country, up for a safer cyber future.” The new cyber center will extend SAIC’s footprint beyond UMass Lowell’s Applied Research Corporation at Hanscom Air Force Base. The center will provide direct support to the U.S. Air Force’s strategic initiatives in the areas of command, control, communications and battle management; cyber; electronic warfare; information systems; and enterprise digital infrastructure. UMass Lowell’s Cybersecurity Studies Program is designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Research by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security. SAIC is investing an initial $1.3 million to create an anticipated 30 jobs. The funds will increase access to state-of-the-art cyber research and services for local and regional businesses and nonprofits, and train the future STEM workforce through paid internships, job fairs, and training programs in collaboration with Middlesex Community College and local high schools. Chancellor Julie Chen previously said the No. 1 factor for companies when deciding where to base their operations is talent, and Lowell offered a “deep bench.” “So UMass Lowell [is] bringing 17,000-plus students, MCC bringing over 10,000 students working on their associate’s degree,” Chen said in an interview with The Sun in March. “And of course, the Greater Lowell Tech and Lowell Public Schools are all viewed by these companies as pipeline for talent.” LINC was built out from the success of UMass Lowell as a Research 1 university, which puts it in the top 4-5% in the country. It earned a No. 1 ranking for a public university in the Wall Street Journal. The university is focused on companies that align not only with its research goals and expertise, but also with state and federal priorities such as microelectronics, climate technology, robotics, cybersecurity and human performance. Under the notice of intent, the university and SAIC have also agreed to advance post-graduate employment opportunities for students and to reskill or upskill current personnel at Hanscom Air Force Base and at local defense companies. In addition, the agreement calls for collaboration with other state and federal enforcement agencies, including the Massachusetts State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation. “Establishing this center builds on the success we’ve shared with the University of Massachusetts Lowell in implementing a student internship program at Hanscom Air Force Base focused on the DOD’s critical Cloud One platform,” SAIC CEO Toni Townes-Whitley said. “This expanded partnership will help build the future cyber workforce and ensure a stream of high demand talent for the nation, as well as Hanscom’s many critical programs that directly impact U.S. and global security.” SAIC joins a hit parade of LINC partners spanning the corporate and nonprofit spectrum. Draper Laboratory, the company that operated the computer guidance system that helped land Apollo 11 on the moon, announced in March that it would be an anchor tenant at UMass Lowell’s Wannalancit location off Father Morissette Boulevard. In July, Mass General Brigham announced a collaboration to advance human performance research, followed by Bioversity, a leading Massachusetts nonprofit provider of biotech workforce training, that announced in September that it was opening a dedicated training lab and classroom facility in Lowell. Chen signed a memorandum of agreement welcoming Home Base as a partner in November. The nonprofit will offer critical resources to veterans and military families across northern and western Massachusetts, southern New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine to heal from their invisible wounds. Piece by piece, the LINC vision is clicking into place to create an $800 million development plan that leverages the prestige and innovation of the university and the resources and history of the city of Lowell with the job creation capabilities of industry to envision a vibrant urban village/main street model and economic engine for the city. “It’s a great day in Lowell as we welcome SAIC and celebrate the collaboration with UMass Lowell to create a world-class cyber-research facility,” said City Manager Tom Golden, who was on hand for the ceremony. “The jobs and economic activity that come with SAIC will benefit all residents of Lowell, as we continue to build on the vision and potential of LINC and the Lowell Transformative Development Initiative.”Armalytix Partners with Birchall Blackburn Law to Revolutionize Financial Verification in Conveyancing
