Internet Safety - Blog Posts
So Google, not just Chrome, but Google itself, hates ad blockers.
I get it, ads make money for way less effort and customer involvement than subscriptions and paywalls.
The problem is, as cybersecurity professionals have said, ads are a security risk for every system they interact with. Even if you don't click any ads ever, they're still a security risk.
How are they a security risk? Because ads are allowed to run code to perform their tasks. This code is supplied by the ad provider, and if all it ever did was provide a link, a hovertext/description for the visually impaired, and maybe a non-gif animation, this would be a non-issue on all but the weakest internet connections.
They are not all like that, though.
Endless cases of ad providers, site providers, even your actual ISP (Internet Service Provider) have been proven to inject arbitrary code, capable of doing a great number of things, into ads, links, images, video, etc.
This code has had scripts to use your computer's processing power to help mine Bitcoin so long as it's on the page the code started on, it's been used to install malware (even by your ISP in one particularly bad case), it's been used to just install viruses or keyloggers or so many more things.
Hell, even the not-malicious code can just bog down your computer by being terribly written messes of badly functioning code, so something that should run with barely any impact instead takes up ridiculous amounts of processing power and capacity.
This is a problem, and it's largely solvable by simply blocking ads. There's no native way to prevent ads from running scripts or code without disabling all JavaScript on every page, which effectively kills most pages you go to since every drop-down menu, every page-altering section (like the Google images thing), most search bars, video playback, and so much more, all depend entirely on JavaScript.
Google wants to take away that necessary security of blocking problematic ads, rather than just make a way to disable the problematic aspects of ads.
I dislike ads, especially when they take up more than about 25% of the screen. I'd ideally like to see little to no ads ever, but I understand how ads support the sites they're on, support creators on streaming services, etc.
I'd be okay with classic banner ads, basic image/link ads, even the before/during/after video ads, if they weren't almost guaranteed to be literally hostile. If Google hates ad blockers so much, they should make them less of a safety requirement by letting us choose to disable ad scripts, or even just block that entire concept, because no ads for any worthwhile service or product have ever needed to run scripts. If an image or GIF of your product/service, maybe with a quick description, isn't selling your product/service, then making it hover over the page content, make noise, and mine Bitcoin will only piss your target audience off, while proudly claiming that you are the one doing it.
Would you buy a product that tricks you into interacting with it through just being annoying and pulling the sibling trick of "I'm not touching you, see? I'm touching your computer, not you?"
Hell, pop-up ads were basically scriptless and still managed to piss off most of the people who encountered them. The guy who invented them made a public apology for having developed that 'extremely intrusive' marketing method. Now ISPs have been caught injecting malware into links that you click on while using their service, with the express intent of installing them to your computer to monitor what you do and block access to sites they don't want you on.
You want the Internet to be safe? Don't fight porn or violence, that has never done anything but drive up interest. Fight the people actively making the Internet literally unsafe to use regardless of age or system.
I'll accept ads if ad providers stop making automatic malware.
Sorry for the rant, I'm tired and annoyed.
Hey. Minors following me. Internet safety is key!! NEVER include these in your bio/byf:
Medical diagnoses - this is nobody's business but yours. You don't owe anyone an explanation for why you are the way that you are
Trauma - same reason as above
Triggers - people can use these against you! Don't give people tools to hurt you. No one has to know what tags you block. Just block tags to stay safe!
Age - age is okay for adults to include but is iffy when you're a teen. Predators want this information, don't give people more than they need. Just state that you're a minor, that's all that anyone needs to know.
In general: stay safe. If you're not comfortable with every stranger out there having access to this information, you shouldn't post it on the internet.
Play devil's advocate and ask yourself about what would happen if someone searched for your information with intent to hurt you. You do NOT owe anyone an explanation!
This is your regularly scheduled reminder to read the TOS and privacy policy, ESPECIALLY if the app is free. Found one i wasn’t willing to accept the other day, it was honestly kind of impressive. Just remember that they can legally do pretty much anything as long as they put it in there, and you can’t do anything about it if you agree to it (regardless of if you know what you’re agreeing to or not)
i just downloaded like 3gb of a show from a google docs link i found on reddit lmao
took me like 30 minutes to figure out how to actually open the episodes after downloading them but it works :D
hey folks if you have an android phone: google shadow installed a "security app".
I had to go and delete it myself this morning.
stay safe on internet, my friends!
TURN. OFF. ASK BOX. MEDIA. SUBMISSIONS
I mean it. Anyone who is seeing this turn it off NOW.
Or at least turn off anonymous image submission so we can keep getting the names of the folks doing this.
Make sure things are censored for you in whatever way you can, protect yourself in what way you can.
Hey, PSA:
On your phone, go to Settings> Security and Privacy> Privacy> Other Privacy Settings> Ads> Delete Advertising ID
Then go back to Other Privacy Settings> Google location history> Turn off Location History &/or Turn-on Auto-Delete (you can set a time period of how long to keep it)
Then, staying on Other Privacy Settings, go to '+ See all activity controls'> Web & App activity> Turn off (you can also turn-on Auto-Delete for here too)
Then Scroll down to Personalized ads> My Ad Center> Turn Off Personalized Ads.
Google has no business knowing/storing everything you do online, and knowing/storing where you go everyday. Turn it off.
These instructions are for an Android phone, IOS might be different. If you have IOS or another operating system feel free to add on with your own map to where they've buried these settings in your phone to help others.
Let’s talk about sharing information on the Internet. Some of y’all don’t seem to know basic Internet safety, and it shows. In the last two days, I have witnessed seven different blogs become the target of bullies, and what do they have in common? They have DNIs that include their triggers. Hell, even I listed mine at one point. While including those may seem like a good idea at first for followers so that they can tag continent that is particularly triggering toward you, it is a double-edged sword. Let us use an example.
You have snakes as a trigger warning. Your mutuals know to tag posts that include snakes so you can filter them. But the second that someone doesn’t like you, the moment you do something to piss them off, they can use that information to hurt you. Suddenly, your inbox is full of images of snakes. Even if you have anon turned off, it is so easy to make another Tumblr blog that isn’t blocked and you can simply dump shit on.
Another common thread between these blogs is that many of them had other social media accounts linked such as Instagram, which uses the location of their users when tagging photos. Boom. They have your location. And if you are a minor, you become a target of creeps. This is exactly what happened to a blog I was made aware of because it was getting so much anon hate and being doxxed.
Even though I have an extensive DNI, I am starting to wonder if they do more harm than good. If someone is pissed off at you, do you think they’re going to go to your do not interact and make sure it’s OK for them to send it to you? I have been explicit in saying that anon hate doesn’t mean anything to me unless it is said to my face, and yet I receive many anon hates a day. I am almost 26. I have dealt with bullying my entire life. That stuff doesn’t phase me, but when I joined Tumblr and I was around 16, and someone sent me anon hate, I would crumble.
Speaking of age, this is for minors: do not include your age. If you must, just state that you are a minor. Some people will act differently towards someone who is almost 18 as opposed to a 15 year old. If you include your zodiac signs, both western and Chinese, someone can pinpoint your general birthdate. It’s not smart.
So why do I care? Because after 10 years on this hellsite, I have seen a lot, and I would like to think that I have learned something. And as someone who has dealt with private security in a sense, I am increasingly concerned. It is not the fault of individuals who share private information when it is used against them. That is entirely on an abuser. But it does make it a hell of a lot easier.
Tumblr is horrible with its anti-bullying policy. Tumblr will not take down anon hate or go after people who send death threats. They don’t care. I wish that using anonymous was a privilege, and it was something that could be taken away. There should be more safety measures and reprimands for people who pull this shit. But until then, we can only try to be safe on our own.
For more unsolicited Tumblr vet advice, see my #tumblrvetadvice tag.
REBLOG OR THIS POST IS USELESS
Hi! I would like to inform that I think I nearly got scammed, I'm unsure if it was going to be one or not, but I had a gut feeling it was sketchy so I would rather not risk it.
If you ever want to buy my art I can happily open up a Etsy shop or something similar to sell my art on, I do not want to turn my art into NFT's I'm not interested!!
You can absolutely repost my art if you credit me!
If you have any suggestions of any characters you would like to see you can ask/suggest no worries!
Stay safe out there! May you all have a wonderful day!
Hey. Minors following me. Internet safety is key!! NEVER include these in your bio/byf:
Medical diagnoses - this is nobody's business but yours. You don't owe anyone an explanation for why you are the way that you are
Trauma - same reason as above
Triggers - people can use these against you! Don't give people tools to hurt you. No one has to know what tags you block. Just block tags to stay safe!
Age - age is okay for adults to include but is iffy when you're a teen. Predators want this information, don't give people more than they need. Just state that you're a minor, that's all that anyone needs to know.
In general: stay safe. If you're not comfortable with every stranger out there having access to this information, you shouldn't post it on the internet.
Play devil's advocate and ask yourself about what would happen if someone searched for your information with intent to hurt you. You do NOT owe anyone an explanation!
I just realized I could potentially seem like a stalker because I go on people’s blogs and like out of habit when i’m bored. I am not a stalker I’m just a random person like you and i’m sorry if you find my liking most of your posts creepy. please know i’m not a creep and i just do it out of habit. i hope you don’t mind.
౨ৎ. Well hello there Kinito community...
There is something I think you all should be warned about
These recent months a nasty person has begun to lure into the fandom and attack all sorts of people, especially artists, sending them threats, doxing them, and other nasty stuff. Spreading misinformation in other people's inboxes to try and ruin reputations and lives. This situation has gotten out of hand and should not be taken for granted
This anon is specifically going onto a "fetish farming" accusation rampage, accusing artist of non-existent fetishes and accusing them of exposing kids to said fetishes. As you can see, very serious deal to just decide to joke around about
If you have anon asks open, I warn you to BLOCK said anon if you ever encounter them and NEVER blindly believe serious accusations like these, especially if they're done behind the cowardice of an anon ask
In case you don't know how to block anons, here's how:
If you click on the three dots on the top right corner and then select "Block sender", the anon's IP address will be blocked entirely and they will not be able to send any type of ask to any of your blogs (and while you're at it, Report the message)
These accusations can be extremely dangerous if allowed to blow out of proportions so please beware and stay safe
everyone the last post was a mistake and I was fooled
Everyone if you have see. This message this is a scam. @12percentspider has messaged me yesterday after he saw my post to confirm it while still investigating. I didn’t donate to the person on this picture, but spreading the word to donate money was the wrong call. I know helping people is the right thing to do, but you need to find out if these people are legit.
Used this as a guide to do that for the first time. Pirate safely loves
Firefox v120!
New copy link without site tracking feature: removes the tracking at the end of urls usually that end with "?=[long ass string of numbers or info on your browser or how you clikced the link]" previously an optional feature of ublock origin to remove it as you go to sites, but now you can also copy links as well
New "Tell websites not to sell or share my data" option in privacy settings. Websites have no obligation to do this, except under GDPR which is most sites. adds a bit to your fingerprintability, however if everyone turns this on it will work better for everyone.
Firefox is rolling-out Cookie Banner Blocker by default in private windows for users in Germany during the coming weeks. Firefox will now auto-refuse cookies and dismiss annoying cookie banners for supported sites.
you can set "cookiebanners.service.mode" to 2 to automatically refuse cookies and have them stop asking you about it. While it's also an optional feature of ublock origin, this might work better
Firefox has enabled URL Tracking Protection by default in private windows for all users in Germany. Firefox will remove non-essential URL query parameters that are often used to track users across the web.
Not sure how to turn this on in settings (this is also an optional ublock feature, these don't hurt to stack) but once again removes the tracking at the end of urls telling you how the link was shared and how you got there
Firefox cares about your privacy and is making the internet a safer place from corporations. Do your part and download it today
🚨🚨I MUST ASK ONCE AGAIN FOR THE FUTURE OF A FREE AND EQUAL INTERNET I AM BEGGING YOU TO SIGN THESE PETITIONS, DONATE, SHARE TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW, THIS IS SERIOUSLY THE VERY LAST CHANCE!!!🚨🚨
I do not care how busy you are right now, I implore you to take 15 minutes and sign all of these petitions and spread awareness. Share these links absolutely everywhere, Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, Ao3. everywhere!!
Because if these bills pass:..
Say goodbye to fandoms...
Say goodbye to fanfiction/fanart...
Say goodbye to LGBTQIA+ safe spaces...
Say goodbye to private messaging...
Say goodbye to proper sexual health education (including info about safe and healthy abortions)...
I am not exaggerating...
DM me for more questions.
Okay so apparently kids these days don't know how to be safe online because their parents are fucking stupid and don't know anything about the internet!!!
So I'm gonna tell you teenagers how to be safe and not get abused because there is no shortage of predators on the internet. I'm gonna go from super basic things you can do to keep yourself safe to more specific instances where a predator may be trying to groom you that you can recognize. Remember though; if you are abused or have been abused it is not your fault. You deserve protection and you deserve respect as a minor, regardless of how you spend your time on the internet. Victim blaming helps nobody but predators, but there are ways you can protect yourself, even though you shouldn't always have to.
Basic tips:
DO NOT SHARE YOUR REAL NAME
DO NOT SHARE YOUR AGE
DO NOT SHARE WHERE YOU LIVE
DO NOT SHARE PHOTOS OR VIDEOS OF YOURSELF
DO NOT SHARE PHOTOS OF YOUR HOUSE
IT IS OKAY TO BLOCK WHOEVER YOU WANT, WHENEVER YOU WANT, REGARDLESS OF THE REASON.
Don't sacrifice your safety, comfort, or peace of mind just for someone else's feelings! Especially a stranger! Also, if you think something is off, it probably is. You need to trust your gut. SPEAK UP! Tell a trusted friend, sibling, or adult! I'm sure you've heard the phrase "silence is violence" -- this phrase goes for abuse as well! Unsafe people want you to stay quiet so they can continue to harm you or others. It is not inherently problematic to have friends who are adults, in fact it is healthy and helpful to have friends who are older than you, however we live in a world where you cannot trust many adults, so you need to be cautious of adults you encounter at all times, including ones you know well or are well known by others. It is also not inherently problematic to be asked many of the questions above, but it is important to ask yourself whether or not you want to give that information to the person asking. If not, simply tell them that you do not give out that information and redirect the conversation, or block if you feel uncomfortable.
MOST IMPORTANTLY, DO NOT INSERT YOURSELF INTO ADULT SPACES.
I know it is tempting, especially with the way hormones effect judgement and your emotions, and we all want to be included, but inserting yourself into spaces you know you should not be by lying about your age is incredibly unsafe and leads to horrible situations that aren't always easy to get out of. This includes adult fandom spaces, websites, searching adult topics, NSFW blogs or accounts, and even group chats. Even if your friends invite you to these spaces, it does not mean you should neglect your safety to be accepted. It's okay and encouraged to say no. You will thank yourself when you get older!
More Specific Tips:
YOU SHOULDN'T PUT YOUR MENTAL ILLNESSES OR DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES IN YOUR BIOS ON YOUR ACCOUNTS.
Awareness and solidarity for mental illness and disabilities is very important, however predators are more likely to go after people who may have a more difficult time discerning what is normal and what is not in social situations, especially when speaking to an authority figure like an adult. Do not make yourself a target by listing the ways you struggle with social cues, understanding rules and safety, or communication. It is okay to seek solidarity, but there are predators seeking out disabled and mentally ill youths to abuse.
DO NOT OFFER INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL ON THE INTERNET.
It is dangerous to release information about your whereabouts in any capacity on the internet, especially your school where you are doubly putting your peers and classmates in danger as well. If you come into contact or into the orbit of a predator that is bent on finding you or meeting you, your school is a public place where one may feel brazen enough to pretend they know you. Even if other kids are doing it by posting fight videos or even innocent videos, doesn't mean you should.
JUST BECAUSE SOMEONE INSISTS THEY'RE A SAFE PERSON DOES NOT MEAN THAT THEY ARE.
People lie on the internet all the time, including in some really bizarre and meaningless ways, but there will always be people who lie to get closer to someone to make them a victim. Just because someone tells you they are against abuse or even if they advocate against it does not mean that they themselves are a safe person. Predators will do anything they can to get you to trust them, and while predators are usually very pushy and want things to go quickly, some will take their time to groom you.
!!!!BIG RED FLAGS!!!!
IF YOU SEE ANY OF THIS BEHAVIOR, RUN! BLOCK AND REPORT PEOPLE WHO DO THESE THINGS FOR YOUR SAFETY! IT'S NEVER WORTH STICKING AROUND THESE KINDS OF PEOPLE!
THEY CONTINUALLY SEND YOU SEXUALLY EXPLICIT MATERIAL, INCLUDING FANART, FANFIC, AND VIDEOS.
THEY TELL YOU AGE IS JUST A NUMBER, OR LOVE HAS NO AGE.
THEY EXPRESS THE OPINION THAT MINORS CAN CONSENT TO SEXUAL ACTIVITY.
THEY CONSTANTLY MAKE "JOKES" ABOUT MINORS IN A SEXUAL WAY OR ABOUT BEING ATTRACTED TO MINORS.
THEY EMPHASIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING "LEGAL" AT THE AGE OF 18 OR FIXATE ON AGE OF CONSENT LAWS.
THEY GET ANGRY AT YOU FOR SETTING A BOUNDARY OR IF YOU MENTION TELLING YOUR PARENTS.
THEY ENJOY "LOLI" OR "SHOTA" MATERIAL OR ENTHUSE ABOUT THOSE TYPES OF CHARACTERS.
THEY CALL YOU PET NAMES THAT YOU AREN'T COMFORTABLE WITH, EVEN WHEN YOU TELL THEM NOT TO.
THEY ASK YOU HIGHLY PERSONAL QUESTIONS ABOUT SEXUAL ACTIVITY, YOUR PERIODS, OR MASTURBATION.
THEY TELL YOU THAT YOU'RE MATURE FOR YOUR AGE, OR THAT YOU'RE NOT LIKE OTHER KIDS BECAUSE YOU'RE MORE ADULT THAN THEY ARE.
THEY ASK YOU TO SEND PHOTOS OR VIDEOS OF YOURSELF DOING SEXUALLY CHARGED THINGS, WHICH INCLUDES DANCING OR STRIPPING, OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF YOUR BODY.
THEY KEEP STEERING THE CONVERSATION IN A SEXUAL DIRECTION. THIS INCLUDES ROLEPLAY!
NONE OF THIS BEHAVIOR IS NORMAL. IT IS NOT NORMAL FOR AN ADULT TO ASK HIGHLY PERVASIVE QUESTIONS OR TO BECOME PUSHY OR ANGRY IF YOU EXPRESS DISCOMFORT. BLOCK AND REPORT THESE TYPE OF PEOPLE, THEY EXHIBIT BEHAVIOR CONSISTENT WITH SEXUAL ABUSE PATTERNS.
Adults and Minors alike please feel free to reblog. It is imperative that young people who don't know these things learn them, because the only thing a predator hates more than a jail cell is a minor who cannot be abused.
transcript if unable to red this:
trans ball here, there's a new MAP flag going around. if you see someone with this flag in their pfp and you're a minor, DO NOT INTERACT WITH THEM!!! my stuff reaches the most people on here, so please stay safe everyone. transball out.
BUT SRSLY DONT INTERACT WITH PPL WHO HAVE THIS FLAG IN THEIR PFP!!!!!!!!!!!!!
tagging ppl so this gets around:
@the-one-and-only-moldy-cheese @mercurywaterfall @bear-man74
@bees-oficial @magnuspeccatori @three-eyed-skullbunny @wolfertinger666 @malmagicstar @punkitt-is-here @rat-detector @killingpeoplewithrocks @holisticdetective42 @synflare @lils-ki @thealphabetcultleader @vera-nocturna @arsenic-the-fae @the-alakazam-attraction @gibbish-anon-from-gell @antfarmingantfarms
@hold-my-dr-pepper @doghowto @totally-italy @prodomius @iamunabletothinkofablogname @googleplayofficialtotally @totalchaos @heeeeeeeeeelp @closetfascination @notwelsh @cute-catts @bunjywunjy @i-am-a-fish
KOKOBOT - The Airbnb-Owned Tech Startup - Data Mining Tumblr Users' Mental Health Crises for "Content"
I got this message from a bot, and honestly? If I was a bit younger and not such a jaded bitch with a career in tech, I might have given it an honest try. I spent plenty of time in a tough situation without access to any mental health resources as a teen, and would have been sucked right in.
Chatting right from your phone, and being connected with people who can help you? Sounds nice. Especially if you believe the testimonials they spam you with (tw suicide / self harm mention in below images)
But I was getting a weird feeling, so I went to read the legalese.
I couldn't even get through the fine-print it asked me to read and agree to, without it spamming the hell out of me. Almost like they expect people to just hit Yes? But I'm glad I stopped to read, because:
What you say on there won't be confidential. (And for context, I tried it out and the things people were looking for help with? I didn't even feel comfortable sharing here as examples, it was all so deeply personal and painful)
Also, what you say on there? Is now...
Koko's intellectual property - giving them the right to use it in any way they see fit, including
Publicly performing or displaying your "content" (also known as your mental health crisis) in any media format and in any media channel without limitation
Do this indefinitely after you end your account with them
Sell / share this "content" with other businesses
Any harm you come to using Koko? That's on you.
And Koko won't take responsibility for anything someone says to you on there (which is bleak when people are using it to spread Christianity to people in crisis)
I was curious about their business model. They're a venture-capitol based tech startup, owned by Airbnb, the famous mental health professionals with a focus on ethical business practices./s They're also begging for donations despite having already been given 2.5 million dollars in research funding. (If you want a deep dive on why people throw crazy money at tech startups, see my other post here)
They also use the data they gather from users to conduct research and publish papers. I didn't find them too interesting - other than as a good case study of "People tend to find what they are financially incentivized to find". Predictably, Koko found that Kokobot was beneficial to its users.
So yeah, being a dumbass with too much curiosity, I decided to use the Airbnb-owned Data-Mining Mental Health Chatline anyway. And if you thought it was dangerous sounding from the disclaimers? Somehow it got worse.
(trigger warning / discussions of child abuse / sexual abuse / suicide / violence below the cut - please don't read if you're not in a good place to hear about negligence around pretty horrific topics.)
I first messed around with the available options, but then I asked it about something obviously concerning, saying I had a gun and was going to shoot myself. It responded... Poorly. Imagine the vibes of trying to cancel Comcast, when you're suicidal.
Anyway, I tried again to ask for help about something else that would be concerning enough for any responsible company to flag. School was one of their main options, which seems irresponsible - do you really think a child in crisis would read that contract?
I told it about a teacher at school trying to "be my boyfriend", and it immediately suggested I help someone else while I wait for help. I was honestly concerned that it wasn't flagged before connecting. Especially when I realized it was connecting me to children.
I first got someone who seemed to be a child in an abusive home. (Censored for their privacy.) I declined to talk to them because despite being an adult and in an OK mental place - I knew I'm not equipped to counsel a kid through that. If my act of being another kid in crisis was real? Holy shit.
Remember- if my BS was true, that kid would be being "helped" by an actively suicidal kid who's also being groomed by a teacher. Their pipeline for "helpers" is the same group of people looking for help.
I skipped a number of messages, and they mostly seemed to be written by children and young adults with nowhere else to turn. Plus one scary one from an adult whose "problem" was worrying that they'd been inappropriate with a female student, asking her to pull her skirt down "a little" in front of the class. Koko paired this person with someone reporting that they were a child being groomed by a teacher. Extremely dangerous, and if this was an episode of Black Mirror? I'd say it was a little too on the nose to be believable.
I also didn't get the option to get help without being asked... Er... Harassed... to help others. If I declined, I'd get the next request for help, and the next. If I ignored it, I got spammed by the "We lost you there!" messages, asking if I'd like to pick up where I left off, seeing others' often triggering messages while waiting for help, including seriously homophobic shit. I was going into this as an experiment, starting from a good mental place, and being an adult with coping skills from an actual therapist, and I still felt triggered by a lot of what I read. I can't imagine the experience someone actually in crisis would be having.
My message was starting to feel mild in comparison to what some people were sharing - but despite that I was feeling very uneasy about my message being shown to children. There didn't seem to be a way to take it back either.
Then I got a reply about my issue. It was very kind and well meaning, but VERY horrifying. Because it seemed to be written by a child, or someone too young to understand that "Do have feelings for the teacher who's grooming you? If you don't, you should go talk to him." Is probably THE most dangerous advice possible.
Not judging the author - I get the impression they're probably a child seeking help themselves and honestly feel horribly guilty my BS got sent to a young person and they wanted to reply. Because WTF. No kid should be in that position to answer my fucked up question or any of the others like it.
---
Anyway, what can you do if this concerns you, or you've had a difficult experience on Koko, with no support from them or Tumblr?
To reach Tumblr, who officially partners with Koko?
Send a message to Tumblr Support describing your concerns with their partnership with Kokobot
Report kokobot to Tumblr's abuse hotline describing your experience with KokoBot, especially if you are a minor who suffered harm, as they have a legal responsibility to address that.
To get Koko's attention:
Get on their LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/kokocares/) and comment on their posts! You may also want to tag the company's co-founders in your comments - their accounts are listed on the company page.
There's no way to reach support through chat, and commenting on a company's LinkedIn posts / tagging the people responsible is the best way to get a quick response to a sensitive issue - as their investors and research funders follow those posts, and companies take it seriously if safety issues are brought up in front of the people giving them millions of dollars.
Request support on Koko's Discord - FYI they will allow you to file a ticket privately, which the moderators say will reach the staff. But you may be muted or banned for trying to discuss concerns with Koko as a company or the safety of kokobot in the public channels, which also cuts you off from the ability to file a ticket.
To report it to the FCC for likely violating the COPPA law, regarding minors' safety and privacy online:
See Reblogs for further info & reporting instructions: Detailed description of COPPA law and Kokobot's presumed violations, plus detailed reporting instructions
But quick links: FCC reporting website and email hotline: CoppaHotLine@ftc.gov
Seriously, if you've taken the time to read this far, please please please take one more minute to file a report! It won't get addressed if all we do is reblog this, we need to get this in front of Tumblr Staff / The FCC / Koko's investors to get this meaningfully addressed.
Blocking and reporting the bot as spam isn't enough IMO - people have been doing that for years from the looks of the tag
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Reccomended reading in reblogs:
dropattackbear's discovery of what Koko is using the harvested data for (Machine Learning training data for automated content moderation services)
winderlylandchime (a licenced clinical psychologist's) explanation of privacy / ethics considerations around mental health services
thatsmimi's post on the dangers of letting minors act as a suicide / self-harm resource
My additions on their investors, leadership board, and their current job opening
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Legal Disclaimer since tech companies LOVE lawsuits:
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to the author's employer, organization, committee or other group or individual. This text is for entertainment purposes only, and is not meant to be referenced for legal, business, or investment purposes. This text is based on publically available information. Sources may contain factual errors. The analysis provided in this text may contain factual errors, miscalculations, or misunderstandings.
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