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A coffee-maker

Why the UK’s grand plan to stop gadgets turning against us is flawed

2 May 2019

Internet-connected gizmos from kettles to TVs are an underestimated security risk. But the UK government’s response ignores the biggest risk – ourselves, says Chris Stokel-Walker


Artist's impression of the Swansea tidal power project, showing a walkway around the periphery

Why tidal power won't solve the world's renewable energy needs

13 June 2018

There are widespread calls for the UK government not to abandon a trailblazing tidal power project, but this energy source is no green panacea, says Hans van Haren


Lady using phone in busy street

Those GDPR emails should stop soon, but our data nightmare won't

23 May 2018

Your inbox is full of pleading emails because the EU’s new data rules come into force this week – but they might not actually do anything to improve your life


Doctors examine medical images

How Theresa May’s plan for an AI-powered NHS could go very wrong

21 May 2018

Trials of artificial intelligence show it can spot diseases that doctors miss – but rolling the tech out across the UK might prove more difficult


Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons

Novichok attack tests the world's chemical weapons treaty

27 March 2018

We have the international tools to resolve uncertainties over the poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal – but they will only work if Russia cooperates


A large outdoor screen on the side of a building showing predictions about UK election results in2017

Election polling accuracy has not improved since the 1940s

12 March 2018

Failure to predict Brexit and Trump has created a crisis for the polling industry, but actually errors in election polls have stayed the same over the past 75 years


Woman at slot machines

Children are becoming problem gamblers due to a legal loophole

13 December 2017

A report from the UK Gambling Commission reveals that children are being lured into gambling through “skin bets” in online games


An altered computer chip

UK is right to worry that tech takeovers may let hackers in

7 November 2017

Electronic chips made abroad can be altered to allow foreign powers to disrupt critical infrastructure. Nations are right to fret about it, says Paul Marks


Pepper robot

Robot carers are a reality: I only wish my mum got one

26 October 2017

A care bot's deployment in the UK has come under fire, but I would have welcomed robotic help for my elderly mother, says author Paul Kitcatt


Woman wearing headphones uses laptop trackpad

Online game will spot if you have hidden cybersecurity talents

13 October 2017

A music major or law student might have native cybersecurity skills a trained IT student doesn’t – and this online game will identify you


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