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DuckDuckGo is offering enhanced, in-browser scam protectionsOnline scams are on the rise, so it wants to keep users safeIt says Scam Blocker doesn't send tracking information to third-partiesOnline scams are on the rise, AI is enabling cybercriminals to send out more frequent scams that are more sophisticated than ever, and financial losses are growing ever more common, with online fraud costing Americans $12.5bn in 2024.DuckDuckGo is looking to change this, revealing a new edition of its browser with a built-in Scam Blocker tool which helps to guard users against phishing websites, malware, and other online scams.This now includes fake crypto-currency exchanges sites, fraudulent shopping sites, and ‘scareware’ - a type of malicious software that tries to convince victims that their device has a virus to urge them to buy unnecessary antivirus software.Save up to 68% on identity theft protection for TechRadar readers! TechRadar editors praise Aura's upfront pricing and simplicity. Aura also includes a password manager, VPN, and antivirus to make its security solution an even more compelling deal.Preferred partner (What does this mean?)View DealDevastating lossesThe Scam Blocker is available for free on DuckDuckGo for mobile and for desktop, and Privacy Pro users can enjoy full-device coverage even when using other browsers, as long as they’re logged into the DuckDuckGo VPN.The tool works by stopping scammy pages from loading if a user accidentally follows a malicious link. A warning message will then allow the user to safely navigate away from the page.The Scam Blocker also blocks tracker-powered ads before they load, so users are safe from ‘malvertising’ ads that may compromise their systems.Scam Blocker never tracks searches, and it stops other companies from harvesting data too, with browser protections designed to keep your information private. It protects your anonymity by keeping a ‘dangerous site list’ locally on your device, meaning your browsing data is not sent elsewhere.“Most browsers use Google tools for phishing and malware blocking, sending browsing data to Google in real time" says Brit Edwards, Senior Communications Manager, DuckDuckGo.”We don’t. We designed Scam Blocker ourselves, with data from independent cybersecurity company Netcraft. Our scam protections don’t require an account, and we don’t share your browsing data with third parties.”You might also likeTake a look at our picks for the best malware removal software aroundCheck out our choice for the best ransomware protection toolsIdentity fraud attacks using AI are fooling biometric security systems

Stop me if you've heard this one before: Microsoft is making it harder to use Chrome on Windows. The culprit? This time, it's Windows' Family Safety feature. Since early this month, the parental control measure has prevented users from opening Chrome. Strangely, no other apps or browsers appear to be affected.

Redditors first reported the issue on June 3 (via The Verge). u/Witty-Discount-2906 posted that Chrome crashed on Windows 11. "Just flashes quickly, unable to open with no error message," they wrote. Another user chimed in with a correct guess. "This may be related to Parental Controls," u/duk242 surmised. "I've had nine students come see the IT Desk in the last hour saying Chrome won't open."

A Google spokesperson pointed Engadget to a statement in its community forum. "Our team has investigated these reports and determined the cause of this behavior," Community Manager Ellen T. wrote. "For some users, Chrome is unable to run when Microsoft Family Safety is enabled."

Curiously, Microsoft hasn't fixed the bug after 17 days. (Go figure!)

Microsoft

Windows Family Safety is an optional parental control feature for families and schools. It lets them manage children's screen time, filter their web browsing and monitor their activity.

There are a couple of workarounds while we wait for the company to take action. One is to turn off the "Filter Inappropriate Websites" setting in Family Safety. However, that removes the security feature, letting the kids run wild on the World Wide Web. (Weeee!!) A simpler fix is to navigate to your Chrome folder and rename chrome.exe to something like chrome1.exe.

Engadget emailed Microsoft for a comment. We haven't heard back, but we'll update this story if we do.

If you've ever installed Chrome on Windows, this bug may trigger deja vu. Microsoft has a long history of desperate tricks to keep you on its default products. That has included obnoxious prompts, pop-up ads for Bing and begging users to stick with Edge. At least European users will get some relief. Microsoft is scaling back its cheap tactics there to comply with EU regulations.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/windows-parental-controls-are-blocking-chrome-170247515.html?src=rss

Etsy's new rules redefine what "handmade" meansSellers surprised as Etsy quietly updates its 3D printing policy Popular 3D prints may no longer meet Etsy’s originality testEtsy has updated its Creativity Standards policy, tightening the rules around what qualifies as handmade or original on its popular marketplace.The most talked-about change affects 3D printed goods, as only items based on a seller’s own designs will now meet the criteria. This seems to exclude many popular products, including flexi dragons (articulated dragon figures like the one above, with or without eggs), which are often made from designs licensed from third-party creators.The change slipped under the radar at first since Etsy made no public announcement, instead quietly tucking the news into a community newsletter about keeping the marketplace safe.Must be based on the seller’s original designSellers discovered the shift while reading through the legal fine print under “Our House Rules.” Word spread quickly, and 3D print forums lit up with concern and confusion.As Tom’s Hardware reports, when Etsy launched in 2005, it was all about handmade items and vintage finds. Over time, dropshippers and mass-produced products have flooded the platform.Etsy began responding to this problem in 2024 with new Creativity Standards that emphasize originality and a human touch.Everything on the site is now supposed to fall into four loose categories: made, designed, handpicked, or sourced by the seller.Most 3D print sellers believed they were covered under “made by seller,” since they print items themselves. Etsy has now clarified that these products must also be based on the seller’s original designs.That detail now places thousands of current listings in violation of policy, but it has been suggested that makers could get around the change by adding customization to their creations and offering unique photos and descriptions to their listings.Etsy hasn’t banned 3D printing outright, and there is no suggestion that it ever plans to do so. Sellers can still create and sell their own designs on the site, as well as make use of alternative platforms, like eBay and TikTok.You might also likeThese are the best 3D printers available to buy right nowWe also rounded up the best hobby 3D printers on the marketMassive data leak exposes 1.6 million Etsy customer details