Tech columnist for the @BBC and co-host of The Interface podcast. I cover how we use technology, and how technology uses us
Joined February 2009
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204 Photos and videos
On iOS and macOS, WhatsApp stores chat databases unencrypted in an app group container accessible to apps from the same developer. So all Meta apps on the same iPhone (e.g., Facebook) can read WA chats in plaintext without permission, and users wouldn't be notified. Demo👇
May 24
Here’s the post. This actually refers to a class action lawsuit filed by the law firm Quinn Emanuel. As best I can see, the allegations are pretty much the same. blog.cryptographyengineering…
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Thomas Germain retweeted
May 22
Another incredible must read article by @thomasgermain and tenacious advocacy from @lilyraynyc👏 "Ray says the best defence is to remember what AI actually is: a tool that confidently gives you one answer, whether it's right or wrong." bbc.com/future/article/20260…
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Thomas Germain retweeted
May 23
Thank you for the quotes, @thomasgermain!!
"Google's AI is being manipulated. The search giant is quietly fighting back"
via @thomasgermain @BBC
bbc.com/future/article/20260…
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Thomas Germain retweeted
"Google's AI is being manipulated. The search giant is quietly fighting back"
via @thomasgermain @BBC
bbc.com/future/article/20260…
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Thomas Germain retweeted
May 8
I've spent years interviewing data workers who are the lifeblood of the AI industry in countries like Kenya, Colombia, and the Philippines.
Now it's the #4 fastest growing job in the U.S.
AI is coming for your job, and it's not in the way that you think.
NEW: These workers are training AI to take their own jobs.
There’s a hidden workforce powering the rise of AI — it's one of the fastest growing jobs in the U.S.
We investigated America’s AI sweatshops, and found a new gig economy that threatens to absorb all of us.
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Apr 29
I've been asking for this for years
Apr 29
Finally, the AI feature we all wanted and needed: Amazon now creates an AI “podcast” about products where two AI “hosts” discuss the product and take your questions as if it’s a call-in show.
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Thomas Germain retweeted
They've been lying to you about blue light
For a decade we've heard blue light from our screens is ruining our sleep. It's a great story, but it's not what the science shows
The real culprit isn't the glow from your phone, and I've got practical advice that could fix your sleep
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Thomas Germain retweeted
Apr 8
“The Government Lies to Us” podcast from the government
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Thomas Germain retweeted
Apr 8
This runs counter to all the newsroom bosses pushing reporters to use AI to churn out moar content:
The Times says a strategy of publishing “fewer, better stories” has led to three consecutive months of record-breaking global audience growth - including Google traffic increases
The Times has gone from publishing more than 200 stories a day to about 150 – a 25% cut
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Love to ponder the market
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Thomas Germain retweeted
Apr 8
It's live: @trippmickle & a few other authors from @nytimes published new research about how frequently Google's AI Overviews are wrong.
It includes a quote from both @thomasgermain and me about listicles influencing AI responses.
Check it out -
nytimes.com/2026/04/07/techn…
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They've been lying to you about blue light
For a decade we've heard blue light from our screens is ruining our sleep. It's a great story, but it's not what the science shows
The real culprit isn't the glow from your phone, and I've got practical advice that could fix your sleep
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The answer is simple. GO OUTSIDE IN THE MORNING. Take a 15 min walk first thing. Then do the same around 3:00 or 4:00pm. It still works if it's cloudy. The science is very clear. This exposes you to a ton of light and limits the impact of the light you get before bed
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I dug into the science and called a ton of researchers to get the truth on this. Check out my latest column for the BBC if you want to know more bbc.com/future/article/20260…
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