I am really very pissed off - why I am getting results in other languages than English or Urdu? I have changed the Search Engine but still getting results in other languages.

#DigitalColonization
#DigitalDivide #AntiMatrix
#DigitalTyrany
#DigitalExclusion
#eGovernment

"Driverless taxis set to launch in UK as soon as September"

I have no doubt that, once the technology is sufficiently mature, driverless cars will be safer than ones driven by humans. Humans cause a lot of crashes.

I am yet to be convinced that the technology will be sufficiently mature by September, but let's see.

I am also bothered by the built-in #DigitalExclusion. How are you supposed to hail a cab if you don't or can't have the app?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czej9n578k9o

#RoboTaxis

Driverless taxis set to launch in UK as soon as September

Waymo has laid out plans for a robotaxi service in London with a pilot scheme due to begin in April.

BBC News

Virgin Media O2 donates hundreds of smartphones and free data to Swansea’s Cwtch Mawr Multibank

Hundreds of people in Swansea facing financial hardship will be able to stay connected this winter thanks to a donation of smartphones and free O2 mobile data from Virgin Media O2.

The devices have been handed to Cwtch Mawr Multibank, the city’s one‑stop shop for essential non‑food items, which is run by Faith in Families. The scheme, set up by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, already provides clothing, furniture and toys — and now connectivity has been added to the list.

Targeted support for those most in need

Community leaders across Swansea are working with health professionals and schools to identify who needs the phones and data most. Recipients include people who have been made redundant, young people leaving care, refugees, and survivors of domestic abuse.

With a working phone and data, people can book medical appointments, apply for jobs, access training, manage housing applications, and stay in touch with loved ones.

Jakob, who received a smartphone through the scheme, said:

“When I was in temporary housing, I didn’t have a phone or internet, which made things really tough. Now I can use GPS to find my way around, learn more about the area, and I feel a lot safer knowing I can reach out for help if I need it.”

Backed by leaders

Nicola Green, Chief Communications and Corporate Affairs Officer at Virgin Media O2, said the company was proud to support Swansea’s Multibank:

“We know how important it is to have access to the internet. This partnership is helping to put phones and mobile data into the hands of people who really need it.”

Jonathan Waite, Facility and Development Manager at Faith in Families, added:

“Without a phone or data, people are effectively cut off from the support around them. For survivors of domestic abuse and those in temporary accommodation, having a safe, reliable phone can mean control, safety and independence at the moment they need it most.”

Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Jane Hutt MS, welcomed the initiative, calling it “much needed digital solidarity.”

And former Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, who is President of The Multibank, said:

“Having access to the internet is now as essential as electricity, water and gas. Virgin Media O2’s partnership will boost digital wellbeing and social inclusion, bringing hope to where it’s needed most.”

Tackling digital exclusion

The donation is part of Virgin Media O2’s pledge to hand over up to 12,000 devices in 2025 through its Community Calling programme with charity Hubbub. Phones are sourced from the company’s supply chain, tackling electronic waste while helping those who can’t afford devices or data.

It builds on wider efforts to tackle digital exclusion, including the National Databank, which provides free O2 data, and social tariffs for broadband and mobile customers on benefits.

Related stories: Cwtch Mawr Multibank

New and expanded Cwtch Mawr Multibank opens in Swansea
Faith in Families officially opens its larger warehouse in Swansea Vale, boosting support for families in crisis.

Swansea Multibank campaigns to combat child hygiene poverty
Drive launched to ensure children return to school with dignity and confidence.

Local Multibank helping 120,000 people a year gets £30K boost
Funding injection supports expansion of essential non-food donations across South West Wales.

New charity initiative already supporting thousands
Families, care leavers and those hit by the cost of living crisis benefit from Swansea’s Multibank.

Swansea project provides over 62,000 essential items
Cwtch Mawr delivers clothing, furniture and essentials to struggling households across the city.

#CwtchMawr #digitalExclusion #FaithInFamilies #GordonBrown #JaneHuttMS #MobilePhone #Multibank #Swansea #VirginMediaO2

@saxifraga That's dreadful. There must be a great many elderly people who struggle with online bookings.

#DigitalExclusion

During past 6 months my 3 accounts restricted on #Reddit.
I am strongly feeling Algorithmic Suppression against #GenX .

Anyone above 35 experiencing similar treatment online.🤔
#DigitalCensorship
#AlgorithmicSuppression
#DigitalDivide
#DigitalExclusion
#DigitalDiscrimination

200 recycled laptops donated to young people in Swansea

Partnership tackles digital exclusion

The devices, refurbished and donated by DVLA, are being distributed by Swansea Council to children and young people supported by social services, youth and education teams, as well as students in schools and colleges. Some have also been provided to people accessing the council’s Domestic Abuse Hub.

The scheme, launched in 2021, is part of the UK Government’s IT Reuse for Good charter, which encourages organisations to repurpose equipment to promote digital inclusion. DVLA was one of the first signatories.

Council welcomes latest donation

Council Leader Rob Stewart said the partnership was already making a difference:

“We were the first council to partner with DVLA on their innovative Digital Inclusion Scheme, with hundreds of pupils at our schools benefiting over the last few years.

“This latest donation of 200 laptops has been put to very good use, supporting young people and families who access our services, including looked after children and young people working hard to secure training and employment. This will make a real and positive difference to them, and I’m proud that the council and DVLA have worked together to achieve this.”

DVLA: ‘Helping people chase their goals’

Tim Moss CBE, DVLA Chief Executive, said:

“It’s fantastic to see how our Digital Inclusion Scheme is helping young people across Swansea. Not everyone has access to a laptop at home, so being able to pass on our refurbished kit means more people can get online, learn new skills, and chase their goals. We’re proud to work with Swansea Council on this – it’s a great way to support the community and make a real difference.”

Environmental benefits

As well as supporting digital access, the scheme extends the life of laptops and reduces the number of devices sent for disposal, contributing to DVLA’s carbon reduction targets.

All donated devices are securely cleansed to government standards and provided with operating system licences through the Microsoft Authorised Refurbisher programme.

#CllrRobStewart #computers #digitalExclusion #donatedComputers #DVLA #ITReuseForGoodCharter #MicrosoftAuthorisedRefurbisherProgramme #recycledComputers #refurbishedComputers #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #TimMossCBE

I think moving NHS services more online is a positive development, as long as there is still an offline version available for people who can't or won't use smartphones or similar technology.

So all the government now needs to do is to build a massive IT system to support it.

#WhatCouldPossiblyGoWrong

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9317k58xkjo

#NHS #DigitalExclusion #UKPolitics

New online NHS hospital service by 2027, PM to promise

Patients will get the option of digital support when GPs refer them but only for certain conditions.

"The plans would require anyone starting a new job or renting a home to show the card on a smartphone app"

Does Starmer realise that not everyone has a smartphone?

#Idiot

If Starmer insists on going ahead with this crazy scheme I suspect it could be his Poll Tax Moment.

https://news.sky.com/story/starmer-to-unveil-plan-for-digital-id-cards-to-crack-down-on-illegal-immigration-13438007

#IDCards #DigitalExclusion #Starmer

Starmer to unveil plan for digital ID cards to crack down on illegal immigration

The so-called "Brit card" would verify a citizen's right to live and work in the UK.

Sky