A new study from the Internet Safety Technical Task Force (ISTTF) suggests that Internet threats faced by minors are overblown. According to the study, Internet and social networking sites aren’t as dangerous as we all think they are. Clearly Chris Hansen from NBC’s To Catch a Predator needs to give them a call.
eBay Founder Now Working On Twitter-Related Service
The phrase "private pre-alpha" hasn’t ever before been used to describe something on Murdok, and it conjures up overkill images of two guys whispering to each other behind six-foot walls. But that’s how a new service backed by Pierre Omidyar and Randy Ching was until recently classified, and the small amount of information that’s since leaked looks rather interesting.
Google Shuts Down Services, Cuts Jobs
Google has decided to shut down some of its services, as well as trim some recruiting jobs, and consolidate engineering offices. Services that Google is shutting down include:
IRS Offers Improved Online Filing
The Internal Revenue Service has announced that starting on January 16 it is expanding its e-file program for 2008 federal tax returns.IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman recommends taxpayers consider e-file this year as the best option to file accurate tax returns and receive fast refunds. The e-file program includes new improvements to the Free File program that will allow nearly all taxpayers to e-file for free.
eBay Sellers Getting More Changes
eBay’s users aren’t the only ones down on the company. A Collins Stewart analyst has lowered it’s stock rating to "Sell," claiming that eBay will continue to lose market share to Amazon this year, and weaken in the advertising department.
Social Networks, Not Just For Kids Anymore
From the outset Facebook was a bit more grownup than MySpace, which has been, at least according to Internet legend, the teen realm. But as of the end of 2008, grownups have pretty much raided all of the social networks. Recently, one teen I know lamented that his friends at school preferred Facebook. “MySpace is better,” he said. “They let you customize your page and there aren’t as many old people there.”
Jobs Says Goodbye to Apple Team
Steve Jobs is taking a leave of Absence from Apple due to health issues.
CBS To Air New Show With An Online Element
CBS is launching a new midseason mystery drama called "Harper’s Island" that will feature original online content separate from but related to the TV program.CBS teamed with EQAL, the creators of lonelygirl 15 for the 13 – episode series and is launching the social aspect of the show with a site dubbed Harper’s Globe that will be complimentary to the television storyline of Harper’s Island.
American Idol Bikini Girl Not Exactly An Overnight Success
If you haven’t heard of Katrina Darrell yet, she’s probably incredibly disappointed, and so are her, ahem, handlers. After all, her name is currently at the top of Google Hot Trends’ top search gainer list. She’s also known as “bikini girl,” in case you didn’t catch her name for all the, well, distraction.
New Gmail Labs Feature Makes Organization Easier
The oldest email in any given person’s inbox probably confirms their account’s password. After that, there may be some important note-to-self stuff. But if the following messages are just moldy jokes or ancient conversations, some tidying up may be in order, and a new experiment in Gmail Labs should help.