Hackers hit Kido nursery, demanding ransom for children's data. Meanwhile, Meta offers ad-free Facebook for £2.99 in the UK. Online privacy now costs real money.
2025-09-26
Ever wonder about your online privacy?
It feels like your personal data is a shiny coin.
One side holds great value for big tech.
The other side makes it a target for bad people.
This is the tricky balance we live with every day.
News this week shows how wild things are getting.
So, get this story.
Hackers calling themselves Radiant attacked the Kido nursery chain.
They posted pictures and details of ten children online.
They even called parents to scare them.
This is truly chilling.
The hackers say they will release 30 more child profiles.
They also threaten to post 100 employees personal data.
This will happen if Kido does not pay them money.
Joe Tidy, a BBC cyber journalist, shared this awful news.
Famly boss Anders Laustsen called it a "barbaric new low."
Stephen Gilbert, a parent, felt it was "very concerning and alarming."
This isn't just about one nursery.
It shows how much our personal information means to criminals.
They do it for money, pure and simple.
A hacker told the BBC, "We do it for money, not for anything other than money. I'm aware we are criminals. This isn't my first time and will not be my last time."
It's like your data is a diamond, and everyone wants it.
What can we do to protect our online privacy?
It makes you think, doesn't it?
Now, for something a bit different, but still about your data.
Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, has a new offer.
You can pay a monthly fee to stop seeing personalized ads in the UK.
Liv McMahon, a tech writer, reported on this.
It costs £2.99 a month if you use the web version.
If you use the apps, it costs £3.99.
This gives users a clear choice.
It also helps companies get money when people do not want ads.
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) in the UK likes this idea.
An ICO speaker said it "moves Meta away from targeting users with ads as part of the standard terms and conditions."
Remember Tanya O'Carroll? She spoke out against Facebooks targeted ads.
This new plan seems like a direct answer to those worries.
It’s like saying, "You want online privacy? We have a way for that, but it will cost you a little cash."
This is a big change, don't you think?
Will you choose to pay for your online privacy?
These two stories are not random.
They fit into a bigger picture.
Online privacy has been a big topic for some time.
Think about all those discussions on tracking.
Remember the TikTok ByteDance agreement?
Or when Instagrams safety tools had problems?
These are all connected.
People are learning more about their personal data.
They want to control it better.
Companies are looking for ways to keep users happy and still make money.
It's a tricky dance, like walking a tightrope.
Want to read more about keeping your data safe? Check out our guide on data security tips.
So, what do these changes mean for big tech companies?
Offering ad-free payments could really change things.
New Ways to Make Money: Companies might get more cash from subscriptions, not just ads. This could be a steady flow, like a reliable river.
Product Design: Apps might start looking different. Perhaps less about getting your attention with ads. More about a clean, simple experience.
Competition: Other companies might follow Meta's lead. Who knows, maybe Twitter or Google will do the same? It's a game of follow the leader.
They are trying to balance profit and online privacy.
They need to find a way to stay upright.
Governments are also getting serious about data.
They are writing new rules on how companies use your information.
Things like data security and user approval are becoming very important.
The ICO welcoming Meta's action shows this change.
This industry shift helps companies meet those rules.
It could be a win win for everyone.
Companies show they care about online privacy.
They also stay on the right side of the law.
The tech market is at a turning point.
We see cyber criminals trying to steal your data for a quick buck.
Then, we have companies like Meta offering paid options for online privacy.
The best way forward is to build trust with users.
This means being open about how data is used.
It also means giving people real choices.
The tech world is moving towards a choice based culture.
Online privacy and profit can live together.
They just need to find a new balance.
It is all about respect for your personal information.
Discover more about digital rights here.
Hackers target personal data because it has value. They use it to demand ransom money from companies and people. They often sell this data on illegal websites, making money from sensitive information.
Ad free subscriptions mean companies do not need to collect as much data. They do not need it to show you personalized ads. This gives users more control over their information. It also lessens the chances of their data being misused or stolen.
It is hard to say for sure, but it is a growing trend. As users want more online privacy and rules get stronger, more platforms might offer these options. It lets them keep making money while respecting user choices.
What do you think about this shift?
Are you ready to pay for an ad free experience?
Or do you believe online privacy should always be free?
Share your thoughts below!
This article is part of ourSecurity & Privacysection. check it out for more similar content!
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