Weekly Industry News 8th October 25
Hackers say they have deleted children’s pictures and data after nursery attack backlash
Hackers who attempted to extort a nursery chain by posting stolen images and data about children on the darknet have removed the posts and claim to have deleted the information.
The criminals began posting profiles of the children to their website last Thursday, adding another 10 children days later and vowing to continue until Kido Schools paid a ransom in Bitcoin.
The criminals also contacted parents directly with threatening phone calls whilst trying to get their ransom paid.
Hackers say they have deleted children’s pictures and data after nursery attack backlash – BBC News
Emily Blunt among Hollywood stars outraged over ‘AI actor’ Tilly Norwood
An “AI actor” named Tilly Norwood has been causing a stir after its Dutch creators said the synthetic performer is in talks with talent agencies.
Norwood could be mistaken for a young, aspiring actress when one glances at its social media. The brunette poses for photos and showcases a fully AI-generated comedy sketch, where it is described as having “girl next door vibes.”
“I may be AI, but I’m feeling very real emotions right now,” Tilly’s creators wrote on her page. “I am so excited for what’s coming next!”
Hollywood celebrities outraged over new ‘AI actor’ Tilly Norwood – BBC News
Police force bans home working over ‘key jamming’
A police force has banned its staff from working remotely after staff were found to be jamming keys on their computers to make it look like they were working from home.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has suspended 26 police officers, staff and contractors following an investigation that showed “abnormal keystroke behaviour” on work devices.
ICO Statement: Update on Imgur investigation
We are aware of reports that the social media platform Imgur is currently not available in the UK. Imgur’s decision to restrict access in the UK is a commercial decision taken by the company.
Earlier this year, as part of an update on our Children’s code strategy, we announced an investigation into MediaLab AI Inc (MediaLab). The investigation relates to how MediaLab’s Imgur social media platform uses children’s information and its approach to age assurance.
DPC probe launched into Irish company after RTÉ phone data exposé
Officers with the Data Protection Commission (DPC) entered an Irish company’s office in Dublin in the last 24 hours as part of an investigation into the sale of smartphone location data, Prime Time has confirmed.
It follows a Prime Time report last Thursday, which revealed how the precise movements of tens of thousands of Irish smartphones are available to buy from brokers working in the digital marketing and advertising industries.
DPC probe launched into Irish company after RTÉ phone data exposé
ICO statement on changes to Meta advertising model
“Following the ICO’s engagement with Meta about how it uses personal information for its advertising model, we welcome Meta’s decision to ask users for consent to use their personal information to target them with ads.
“This moves Meta away from targeting users with ads as part of the standard terms and conditions for using its Facebook and Instagram services, which we’ve been clear is not in line with UK law.
“People must be given meaningful transparency and choice about how their information is used. At the same time, the ICO recognises that online platforms, like every business, need to operate commercially. There are a number of ways online platforms can do this in compliance with UK law and the ICO’s guidance.
Safeguarding, British Values & Prevent News
New rule for GPs after 27-year-old’s cancer missed
GPs in England are being urged to “think again” if they see a sick patient three times and can’t pin down a diagnosis, or find their symptoms are getting worse.
The new NHS initiative, called Jess’s Rule, is named after Jessica Brady who contacted her GP on more than 20 occasions after starting to feel unwell in the summer of 2020.
She was told her symptoms were related to long Covid and that she was “too young for cancer”. She died from advanced stage 4 cancer later that year, aged 27.
Jess’s Rule: GPs to re-check some patients for deadly ‘misses’ – BBC News
World Mental Health Day 2025
World Mental Health Day takes place every year on 10 October. It’s a reminder of the importance of good mental health and the need to prioritise and invest in good mental health.
This year’s theme is ‘access to services – mental health in catastrophes and emergencies’. The theme highlights the importance of people being able to protect their mental health in times of global instability.
Declaration of a terrorist incident in Manchester
A statement from Head of Counter Terrorism Policing Laurence Taylor (02.10.2025) on the declaration of a terrorist incident in Manchester.
“This morning, an appalling attack took place in Crumpsall, Manchester.
“Two people have died. And the attacker has been shot dead by police. We believe we know their identity but for safety reasons at the scene, we are unable to confirm at this stage. Three other members of the public are in a serious condition.
Convicted terrorist from Maidenhead guilty of making threats to kill | Counter Terrorism Policing
TikTok child data protection inadequate, Canadian privacy officials say
TikTok’s efforts to stop children using the app and protect their personal data have been inadequate, a Canadian investigation has found.
Hundreds of thousands of children in the country use TikTok each year despite the firm saying it is not intended for people under the age of 13, according to the findings.
The investigation also found TikTok had collected sensitive personal information from “a large number” of Canadian children and used it for online marketing and content targeting.
TikTok: App’s child data protection inadequate, Canada probe finds – BBC News