11 h. ago How can we defend ourselves from the new plague of ‘human fracking’?

Big tech treats our attention like a resource to be mercilessly extracted. The fightback begins hereIn the last 15 years, a linked series of unprecedented technologies have changed the experience of personhood across most of the world. It is estimated that nearly 70% of the human population of the Earth currently possesses a smartphone, and these devices constitute about 95% of internet access-points on the planet. Globally, on average, people seem to spend close to half their waking hours looking at screens, and among young people in the rich world the number is a good deal higher than that.History teaches that new technologies always make possible new forms of exploitation, and this basic fact has been spectacularly exemplified by the rise of society-scale digital platforms. It has been driven by a remarkable new way of extracting money from human beings: call it “human fracking”. Just as petroleum frackers pump high-pressure, high-volume detergents into the ground to force a litt...

Politics

56 h. ago Sacked TikTok workers in UK launch legal action over ‘union busting’

Moderators accuse social media firm of unfair dismissal after it fired hundreds in UK just before vote to form unionTikTok moderators have accused the social media company of “oppressive and intimidating” union busting after it fired hundreds of workers in the UK, beginning the process just before they were due to vote on forming a union.The moderators wanted to establish a collective bargaining unit to protect themselves from the personal costs of checking extreme and violent content, and have claimed TikTok is guilty of unfair dismissal and breaching trade union laws. Continue reading...

Politics

59 h. ago Amazon confirms plans to close first UK site affecting hundreds of workers

The giant fulfilment centre has been open for almost 30 years.

Economics

60 h. ago Major shoe chain launches ‘everything must go’ sale at UK store shutting in just WEEKS

A HIGH street retailer has confirmed plans to close a popular branch after sale signs appeared in the window.  The brand revealed the store - situated in a busy retail park - will shut for good next month.  Deichmann’s Newbury retail park store has displayed closing down signs, offering customers 25% off all items as...

Politics

4 d. ago Amazon to close giant Milton Keynes warehouse that was its first in UK as 590 jobs impacted

AMAZON is set to close its giant warehouse in Milton Keynes that was also the tech giant's first depot opened in the UK. Amazon is planning to close one of its fulfilment centres, offering workers the chance to transfer to another site. The company announced a consultation on a proposal to close the site in...

Society

6 d. ago Love Island bosses share update on All Stars series after the launch date was postponed due to devastating wildfires in South Africa

Filming for the new series had been due to kick off at the weekend, but these plans have been pushed back after wildfires raged in areas close to the villa.

Events

1 week ago River Island reveals exact date 27 stores will close this month

The struggling fashion retailer previously announced it would close 33 stores after its plans for a major restructure were approved by the High Court

Politics

1 week ago Major UK route to be closed both ways as 'heavy snow' predicted amid Storm Goretti

National Highways said winter breakdowns on motorways and major A roads have risen by 21% over the last five years, as the traffic authority plans to close a major road through the Peak District

Events

1 week ago Cast for Tomb Raider show on Amazon Prime confirmed — including Hollywood icons

You'll be surprised at some of the iconic Hollywood names joining this video game adaptation on Amazon Prime Video.

Politics

1 week ago Morrisons to make major site closure putting 115 jobs at risk

Morrisons is planning to close a major manufacturing facility, with up to 115 jobs at risk as the supermarket begins consultation

Events

2 w. ago Grim Amazon Prime change for 2026 feared as shoppers warned by top experts over price hike affecting millions

EXPERTS predict that Amazon Prime subscription costs could rise this year for the first time since 2022. Prime fees currently come in at £8.99 / $14.99 a month and £95 / $139 for a year. But based on historic price hike patterns 2026 looks possible. Nothing has been confirmed by Amazon yet - and we...

Events

3 w. ago Trump and Zelensky speak after peace plan meeting as president says they are 'very close' apart from 'one or two thorny issues'

Zelensky arrived in Florida on Sunday morning to discuss a 20-point plan with Trump which could end almost four years of war between Russia and Ukraine.

Politics

3 w. ago SARAH VINE hands out the gongs in her witty and withering review of 2025: And my Useful Idiot of the Year Award goes to...

As another crazy year on planet earth draws to a close, it's time to reflect on some of the standout moments of 2025.

Events

3 w. ago Popular fast food chain has shuttered dozens of restaurants — and more could come in final days of the year

The fast food chain has nearly followed its plan to close 80 to 120 restaurants by the end of 2025

Society

3 w. ago Major UK motorway hit by string of closures over WHOLE of next year as drivers told to use hard shoulder

THE National Highway is planning to close off sections of this UK motorway at different periods between January 2 and December 24 next year. Drivers will be able to use the hard shoulder while maintenance work takes place on the busy road. The M4 in Swindon and Wiltshire will be partly shut between Junction 5...

Events