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  • Heating or Eating: Report Warns Many Children in England Live in Near‑Dickensian Poverty

    Children, Poverty & the Two‑Child Benefit Debate

    What the Numbers Are Telling Us

    Almost one in three kids in the UK are grappling with poverty—roughly 33 % of the nation’s children struggle to get by on their families’ incomes.

    The Heat‑Up Over the Two‑Child Benefit

    The government has been under growing pressure to lift the two‑child benefit limit, a move many say could change the financial landscape for families across the country.

    Why the Debate Matters

    • Family budgets will feel a shift as more households receive extra support.
    • Economists warn of potential budgetary strain but also highlight the long‑term savings on child welfare programs.
    • Policymakers and NGOs echo the call for a more child‑centric social safety net.

    What That Could Look Like

    Imagine a world where:

    • Three‑child families no longer face that hard cut‑off.
    • School lunches and after‑school programs receive better funding.
    • Parents can focus more on nurturing, less on crunch budgeting.
    Bottom Line: Meet the Challenge!

    It’s time for a policy discussion that keeps kids at the front of the line—because no child should feel the pinch of poverty when they’re already too busy learning about the world.

    Children Facing a Dickensian Reality in England

    Overcrowded, Rat‑Infested, and Mold‑Wreathed Homes

    Our children are living in living conditions that feel straight out of a Charles Dickens novel. Imagine a cramped bungalow that’s already on the verge of collapse, invaded by rats, and haunted by a relentless cocoon of mold. Above all, imagine the kids receiving food parcels that taste like damp cardboard rather than nutritious meals.

    The Numbers That Stun

    • 4.5 million children—or 31 % of all kids in the UK—are living below 60 % of the median family income.
    • 1 million of those kids are in a place the research calls “destitution,” meaning their families can’t afford even the basics such as food or heating.
    • Kids, not adults, are the most affected slice of society.

    What Young Voices Are Saying

    In a bold move, the Children’s Commissioner’s office spoke directly to almost 130 kids this year, getting candid answers about their day‑to‑day struggles. The feedback came as a sharp reminder that poverty isn’t just a number—it’s a lived reality.

    Below are some of the things kids told us they lack:

    • A safe, mold‑free, and spacious home that lets them sleep like a king.
    • “Luxury” food—yes, you read that right—like bacon and other perks.
    • A quiet study space where homework doesn’t feel like a marathon.
    • Heating that keeps the house warm during the chilly months.
    • Bathroom privacy and the ability to wash properly.
    • Inviting friends over to feel normal.
    • Relatively short journeys to school so they can focus on learning.

    Why This Matters—and What Needs to Change

    Based on those conversations, the Children’s Commissioner has issued a bold call: the two‑child benefit cap must end. The argument is simple—cutting those benefits means children are forced to live far beyond the fundamentals of decent living.

    Schools, families, and the government all need to step up. It’s time to flip the script so that childhood isn’t measured in the presence of rats or the lack of basic comforts.

    Moving Forward

    The government’s upcoming Child Poverty Strategy will be shaped by this new data. If it’s to walk away from the grim Dickensian imagery, it will have to listen to the kids, prioritize essential support, and ensure that no child spends their formative years in a moldy, rat‑laden house. The promise is to transform policy into outcomes that are as bright and hopeful as the kids themselves.

    A screenshot of the Children's Commissioner website

    A Fun Peek Inside the Children’s Commissioner’s Digital Playground

    Ever wondered where the buzz around children’s rights begins? Not in a dusty file cabinet, but right on a glowing screen. Euronews recently lifted the curtain on the Children’s Commissioner website—and the screenshot that followed? It’s like a neon sign saying, “We’re here to protect kids, and we’re doing it with style!”

    What the Screenshot Reveals

    • Bright, Bold Design: The layout feels as friendly as a playground slide—vivid colors, clear headlines, and plenty of space for ideas.
    • Interactive Features: Think of it as a digital sandbox: kids can explore online tools, share their voices, and even draft petitions.
    • Help & Resources Corner: Very practical for parents and educators. From legal tips to downloadable PDFs, it’s like a toolbox for every concern.
    • Latest News & Updates: The site doubles as a news hub. New campaigns, court rulings, and success stories are highlighted—so you can stay in the loop without hunting through bureaucracy.

    Why It Matters Beyond the Pixel Grid

    It’s not just another pretty page. The website is the front line of advocacy, where teenagers can activate their rights, and parents get the support they need. Even a screenshot can tell a story of empowerment: “We’re not shutting kids out; we’re opening doors.”

    Humoringly Speaking

    If the site had an Instagram filter, it would be “KidsPower”: instantly brightening your feed with empowerment. And those bright colors? They’re not just for aesthetics—they signal that children’s voices deserve a spotlight, not a shadow.

    In Short

    The screenshot is a digital splash that reminds everyone—especially the adults—there’s a whole generation ready to shape the future. And thanks to Euronews, we get to see that splash live, pixel by pixel. Let’s keep the creativity rolling and the rights robust!

    Forced to choose between essentials

    Kids Feelin’ the Family Finance Strain

    Balancing the Basics at 16

    • “I still remember when my sister was born… we had to keep the house warm, but we also had to keep everyone fed. Six people in one room, and every bill was a new battle.” — A 16‑year‑old girl
    • Kids are now the unofficial budget analysts, making tough calls on what’s essential.

    Health, Hunger, and the Hype of the Neighborhood

    In some families, healthy food isn’t on the menu. Stress is high, and the line between “safety” and “an opportunity” blurs. Teenagers feel pressured to join local groups that promise protection but often offer trouble.

    Staying Home, but Not Straightforward
    • Living in temporary housing means no kitchen. That’s how many families cook their meals. “We can’t get a stove. We can’t pre‑make meals.” — A teen voice
    • Every dollar saved is a second of sweat for a family that’s always worried about next month’s board.
    What About a Table? Or a Bed?

    When it comes to basic furniture, some homes lack even a simple table.

    • “There’s no table at my home. We use the floor. Sometimes it’s cold because the heating turns off.” — A 10‑year‑old girl
    • Kids feel the sting of late nights, unable to find a place to study or relax.

    In short, the “adult” worries have become the everyday reality for children who are quietly shoulder‑drumming for a brighter future.

    Scrapping the two-child limit

    It’s Time to Toss the Two‑Child Ceiling

    Here’s the latest scoop: a fresh report is calling for the government to pull the plug on the “two‑child limit.” That rule, put in place by the Conservatives back in 2017, only lets families get child tax credit and universal credit for their first two kids. It’s a pretty tight policy that’s hurting a lot of households.

    How Bad Is It?

    • Every day, 109 little ones slip into poverty. The Child Poverty Action Group says the policy is literally making more children disappear from the financial safety net.
    • The Labour government is feeling the heat—people are demanding the policy be scrapped. The group argues ditching it is the “most cost‑effective” way to lift kids out of poverty.

    What the Report Wants

    • Triple‑lock on child benefits. Keep benefits rising in step with the cost of living so families don’t get left behind.
    • Free bus rides for all school‑age kids. No more paying for the everyday trip to school.
    • No temporary housing for over six weeks. Every child and family deserves a proper home, not a stop‑gap solution.

    In short, the report is shouting: end the rule, raise benefits, and give kids the privacy and stability they deserve. The question now is: how fast can the government roll this out?

    Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks during a reception for public sector workers at 10 Downing Street, 1 July, 2025

    Starmer Hosts a Party for Public‑Sector Workers at Downing Street

    On 1 July 2025, Prime Minister Keir Starmer took a break from policy talking and threw a reception for the hardworking lives that keep Britain ticking. It was the kind of event where the cabinet faces the everyday folks who do the job behind every cheque and training schedule.

    The Children’s Commissioner Report – No Surprise Anymore

    Rachel Walters, who runs the End Child Poverty Coalition, said listening to the latest Children’s Commissioner report felt like hearing an old, painful lullaby— “deeply troubling”, she added, “and sadly no longer shocking.”

    She told Euronews:

    • “These stories play out every day in our meetings. We see kids living in communities that barely make ends meet, and we hear their struggles first‑hand.”
    • “Picking up the chop on the two‑child limit is the fastest and cheapest way to get kids out of poverty. The government must push that policy forward as soon as possible. For families on the shoreline of survival, this rule change could not come sooner.”

    Why the Two‑Child Limit” matters

    Removing the cap means every new child adds a chance for a family to climb out of hardship. It’s a simple change that could save parents from hunting for every extra bite of a home‑production budget.

    Rachel’s message is crystal clear: the state needs to act fast, because every child in Britain deserves a future that’s not a paycheck nightmare.

    Child poverty across the EU

    Shocking Numbers: EU Kids Facing Poverty in 2024

    By the time the Eurostat release drops on the table, you’ll see an unsettling headline: 19.5 million children across the EU are hanging on the brink of poverty or social exclusion. That’s a staggering 24.2 % of every kid in the bloc.

    What Does “Risk” Really Mean?

    Eurostat’s definition isn’t just a quick cut‑and‑paste from the UK. It covers three scenarios:

    • Income under 60 % of the national median – Kids in families where the cash flow is a long way below average.
    • Severe material and social deprivation – Think inadequate food, lack of school supplies, and missing out on community activities.
    • Under‑65 adults earn less than 20 % of their potential hours – When the adults at home can’t engage fully in the labor market, the kids feel the strain.

    Where the Pain Is Sitting Hardest

    At the national level, some countries are hitting north‑sleeper territory for youngsters. The numbers because they’re heartbreaking numbers:

    • Bulgaria – 35.1 % in 2024.
    • Spain – 34.6 %.
    • Romania – 33.8 %.

    On the other end of the spectrum, a few European gems show much better results:

    • Slovenia – 11.8 %.
    • Cyprus – 14.8 %.
    • Czech Republic – 15.4 %.

    Bottom Line

    These figures aren’t just numbers; they’re stories about kids who may not have enough to eat, to learn, or to enjoy their youth. It’s a reminder that the fight against poverty is still a heavyweight battle in the EU, and there’s no room for a light border on these next generations.

  • Data breach at French telecom giant Bouygues affects millions of customers

    Bouygues Telecom, the third-largest phone carrier in France, has confirmed a cyberattack and data breach affecting millions of its customers.

    In a statement posted to its website, the telecommunications giant said the hack allowed the intruders to access the personal information on 6.4 million customer accounts. Bouygues said it detected the cyberattack on August 4, but did not give a time frame for when the breach was remediated.

    In a separate page dedicated to victims of the cyberattack, Bouygues said the stolen data includes customers’ contact information and contractual data, their civil status (or company data if the subscriber is a professional), as well as IBANs, or international bank account numbers.

    Bouygues said it has about 26.9 million mobile customers.

    The cyberattack has been reported to France’s data protection agency, CNIL.

    At the time of publication, Bouygues’ web page about the cyberattack contained a hidden “noindex” tag in its source code, which instructs search engines to ignore the page, making it difficult for anyone searching the web to find the page. 

    A spokesperson for Bouygues did not immediately respond to a request for comment asking for details about the cyberattack, or explain why the page was hidden from search engines.

    News of the breach comes soon after a cyberattack at French telecom giant Orange, the country’s largest phone carrier and one of the largest telecommunication companies in the world. On July 29, Orange told customers to expect disruption as it moved to “isolate potentially affected services.” Orange serves more than 290 million customers worldwide.

  • AI scams can now impersonate your voice. Here’s how to avoid them

    The voice of a senior member of US President Trump’s administration was impersonated by an artificial intelligence scam. Here’s how you can avoid the same happening to you.

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    When a group of high-level politicians picked up the phone, they thought they were talking to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Only they weren’t – they were speaking with a scammer who used artificial intelligence (AI) to impersonate one of the most senior officials in US President Donald Trump’s administration. 
    The imposter contacted three foreign ministers, a US governor, and a member of US Congress, sending them voice and text messages impersonating Rubio over the encrypted app Signal, according to the story first reported by the Washington Post. 

    The report said that US authorities do not know who is behind the impersonation, but they believe the scammer was trying to manipulate powerful government officials to get access to information or accounts.
    Scams involving AI are becoming more common as the technology becomes more sophisticated, with 28 per cent of adults from the United Kingdom saying they believe they have been targeted, according to a poll from Starling Bank.
    But how exactly do fraudsters use AI – and how can these scams be avoided?

    How are scammers using AI?

    A new technique for scammers that has emerged with AI is called voice cloning fraud, where scammers can clone a voice with a three-second piece of audio and trick friends or family into thinking that a loved one urgently needs money, according to experts from Australia’s Charles Sturt University.
    The voice samples can come from short videos that have been posted to social media platforms such as TikTok, the experts continued.

    Related

    Scammers stole €55.8 million from UK tax office in phishing attack

    The AI works to create a realistic replica by capturing a person’s speech patterns, accent, and breathing, and can be used to read text with accuracy. 
    An alert from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) also described these messages as “smishing and vishing” because they often contain links that are sent under the guise of moving the conversation to another platform, similar to email phishing. 

    What to do to avoid fraud

    Cybersecurity experts Matthew Wright and Christopher Schwartz from the US-based University of Rochester recommend that people be “mindful” of unexpected calls – even from people you know well. Texting or emailing someone ahead of a planned call can help you validate the other person’s identity.

    Counting on caller ID is not enough, Wright and Schwartz wrote for the Conversation, because voice cloners are able to fake that as well.
    Calls from unknown numbers could also be a risk, according to a fact sheet on caller ID spoofing from the US Federal Communications Commission.

    Related

    Misuse of funds to VAT fraud: The state of combatting fraud across the EU

    It is important to verify the person who is calling or sending a voice message to you, so before responding, research the number and if it’s someone you know, call them back at the phone number you have to verify their authenticity, according to advice from the FBI.
    The FBI suggests checking contact information, email address, or URLs to spot “slight differences” that scammers could be using to gain your trust. 
    For example, the agency says bad actors can use publicly available photographs in messages, or use “minor alterations in names” or information to deceive victims.
    Another tell in a voice message could be that the tone and word choice being used could be different from what you’re used to from a known contact, the FBI said. If there is doubt, you could set a secret word or phrase between family members to verify their identities. 
    To prevent being the target of a scam, be mindful of disclosing personal information online, like your birth date, phone number, middle name, or pet names. These facts can be used along with voice cloning to impersonate you with banks or others, Wright and Schwartz said.
    If you do hear from one of these scammers either by text or phone and engage with them, Wright and Schwartz recommend being aware both of what your intellectual and emotional biases are, because they will likely be exploited by the scammers. 
    If the scammer is impersonating someone you know, think twice about what is being said, they continue. If it is uncharacteristic or confirms your worst fears about someone, proceed with caution.

  • A new security flaw in TheTruthSpy phone spyware is putting victims at risk

    A new security flaw in TheTruthSpy phone spyware is putting victims at risk

    A stalkerware maker with a history of multiple data leaks and breaches now has a critical security vulnerability that allows anyone to take over any user account and steal their victim’s sensitive personal data, TechCrunch has confirmed.

    Independent security researcher Swarang Wade found the vulnerability, which allows anyone to reset the password of any user of the stalkerware app TheTruthSpy and its many companion Android spyware apps, leading to the hijacking of any account on the platform. Given the nature of TheTruthSpy, it’s likely that many of its customers are operating it without the consent of their targets, who are unaware that their phone data is being siphoned off to somebody else. 

    This basic flaw shows, once again, that makers of consumer spyware such as TheTruthSpy — and its many competitors — cannot be trusted with anyone’s data. These surveillance apps not only facilitate illegal spying, often by abusive romantic partners, but they also have shoddy security practices that expose the personal data of both victims and perpetrators. 

    To date, TechCrunch has counted at least 26 spyware operations that’ve leaked, exposed, or otherwise spilled data in recent years. By our count, this is at least the fourth security lapse involving TheTruthSpy.

    TechCrunch verified the vulnerability by providing the researcher with the username of several test accounts. The researcher quickly changed the passwords on the accounts. Wade attempted to contact the owner of TheTruthSpy to alert him of the flaw, but he did not receive any response.

    When contacted by TechCrunch, the spyware operation’s director Van (Vardy) Thieu said the source code was “lost” and he cannot fix the bug.

    As of publication, the vulnerability still exists and presents a significant risk to the thousands of people whose phones are believed to be unknowingly compromised by TheTruthSpy’s spyware. 

    Given the risk to the general public, we’re not describing the vulnerability in more detail so as to not aid malicious actors. 

    A brief history of TheTruthSpy’s many security flaws

    TheTruthSpy is a prolific spyware operation with roots that go back almost a decade. For a time, the spyware network was one of the largest known phone surveillance operations on the web. 

    TheTruthSpy is developed by 1Byte Software, a Vietnam-based spyware maker run by Thieu, its director. TheTruthSpy is one of a fleet of near-identical Android spyware apps with different branding, including Copy9, and since-defunct brands iSpyoo, MxSpy, and others. The spyware apps share the same back-end dashboards that TheTruthSpy’s customers use to access their victim’s stolen phone data.

    As such, the security bugs in TheTruthSpy also affect customers and victims of any branded or whitelabeled spyware app that relies on TheTruthSpy’s underlying code.

    As part of an investigation into the stalkerware industry in 2021, TechCrunch found that TheTruthSpy had a security bug that was exposing the private data of its 400,000 victims to anyone on the internet. The exposed data included the victims’ most personal information, including their private messages, photos, call logs, and their historical location data.

    TechCrunch later received a cache of files from TheTruthSpy’s servers, exposing the inner workings of the spyware operation. The files also contained a list of every Android device compromised by TheTruthSpy or one of its companion apps. While the list of devices did not contain enough information to personally identify each victim, it allowed TechCrunch to build a spyware lookup tool for any potential victim to check whether their phone was found in the list.

    Our subsequent reporting, based on hundreds of leaked documents from 1Byte’s servers sent to TechCrunch, revealed that TheTruthSpy relied on a massive money-laundering operation that used forged documents and false identities to skirt restrictions put in place by credit card processors on spyware operations. The scheme allowed TheTruthSpy to funnel millions of dollars of illicit customer payments into bank accounts around the world controlled by its operators.

    In late 2023, TheTruthSpy had another data breach, exposing the private data on another 50,000 new victims. TechCrunch was sent a copy of this data, and we added the updated records to our lookup tool. 

    TheTruthSpy, still exposing data, rebrands to PhoneParental

    As it stands, some of TheTruthSpy’s operations wound down, and other parts rebranded to escape reputational scrutiny. TheTruthSpy still exists today, and it has kept much of its buggy source code and vulnerable back-end dashboards while rebranding as a new spyware app called PhoneParental.

    Thieu continues to be involved in the development of phone-monitoring software, as well as the ongoing facilitation of surveillance.

    According to a recent analysis of TheTruthSpy’s current web-facing infrastructure using public internet records, the operation continues to rely on a software stack developed by Thieu called the JFramework (previously known as the Jexpa Framework), which TheTruthSpy and its other spyware apps rely on to share data back to its servers.

    In an email, Thieu said he was rebuilding the apps from scratch, including a new phone-monitoring app called MyPhones.app. A network analysis test performed by TechCrunch shows MyPhones.app relies on the JFramework for its back-end operations, the same system used by TheTruthSpy.

    TechCrunch has an explainer on how to identify and remove stalkerware from your phone. 

    TheTruthSpy, much like other stalkerware operators, remains a threat to the victims whose phones are compromised by its apps, not just because of the highly sensitive data that they steal, but because these operations continually prove that they cannot keep their victim’s data safe.

    —

    If you or someone you know needs help, the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) provides 24/7 free, confidential support to victims of domestic abuse and violence. If you are in an emergency situation, call 911. The Coalition Against Stalkerware has resources if you think your phone has been compromised by spyware.