Author: Sam Allcock

In a move that affects millions of households, the UK TV licence fee is set to increase from £159 to £169.50, beginning April 1, 2024. This marks the end of a two-year freeze on the fee, which was implemented by the government to alleviate financial strain on families amidst rising living costs. While the increase has been met with some resistance, it’s essential to explore the reasons behind it, its implications, and the broader context of television licensing in the UK. Understanding the TV Licence Fee: Basics and Evolution The TV licence fee is a mandatory payment required from anyone…

Users of iPhones running iOS 17 and later must take additional steps to secure their devices against potential abuse of a feature designed to help regain access if a passcode is forgotten. With the iOS 17 update, Apple introduced a change allowing users to continue using their old passcode for 72 hours after changing it, providing a window for recovery if they forget the new code. However, this feature could be exploited if someone learns the new passcode and tries to access the device within the 72-hour period. To address this potential vulnerability, users can take a simple precaution by…

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a concerning warning about a staggering 4,300% rise in measles cases across Europe. In 2023, 42,200 cases were reported in 41 out of 53 member states, compared to 941 cases in 2022. The majority of infections, two in five, occurred in children aged one to four, while one in five affected individuals were 20 years and older. Tragically, nine children have died, with almost 21,000 hospitalized. WHO attributes this alarming surge to declining measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination rates and increased travel after the COVID-19 pandemic, facilitating the spread of the disease across borders. Measles…