cross-posted from: https://programming.dev/post/37902936 > - [Forensic report compiled by the research collective behind the takedown of Block Blasters](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vI4uKIYLl5iw6k1gspG4KY1JOoMIBGC1B6drPHmIZic/edit)— Credit: [1989 on X/Twitter](https://x.com/John5725424446/status/1969896301119819791). > - [G DATA Report](https://www.gdatasoftware.com/blog/2025/09/38265-steam-blockblasters-game-downloads-malware). > > > For anybody wondering what is going on with $CANCER live stream... my life was saved for whole 24 hours untill someone tuned in my stream and got me to download verified game on > Steam > > > > After this I was drained for over 32,000$ USD of my creator fees earned on pumpdotfun and everything quickly changed. > > I can't breathe, I can't think, im completely lost on what is going to happen next, can't shake the feeling that it is my fault that I might end up on street again or not have anything to eat in few days... my heart wants to jump out of my mouth and it hurts. > > > > I won't rewatch this myself but I have added a clip from the stream after I noticed what has happened. > > > > also I have succesfully (CTOed) my creator rewards and they have been redirected to safe device. > > Source: [rastaland.TV on X/Twitter](https://x.com/rastalandTV/status/1969629808788181258)— [Private front-end](https://farside.link/nitter/rastalandTV/status/1969629808788181258). > > More context: > > > Yesterday a video game streamer named rastalandTV inadvertently livestreamed themselves being a victim of a cryptodraining campaign. > > > > This particular spearphishing campaign is extraordinarily heinous because RastaLand is suffering from Stage-4 Sarcoma and is actively seeking donations for their cancer treatment. They lost $30,000 of the money which was designated for their cancer treatment. In the steam clip their friend tries to console them while they cry out, "I am broken now." > > > > They were contacted by an unknown person who requested they play their video game demo (downloadable from Steam). In exchange for RastaLand playing their video game demo on stream, they would financially compensate them. > > > > Unfortunately, the Steam game was actually a cryptodrainer masquerading as a legitimate video game. > > > > [Video](https://video.twimg.com/amplify_video/1969785356728840192/vid/avc1/964x720/0bPZrMBzR-b_NDbr.mp4). > > Source: [vx-underground on X/Twitter](https://x.com/vxunderground/status/1969786282831130872)— [Private front-end](https://farside.link/nitter/vxunderground/status/1969786282831130872). > >  > > Source: [ZachXBT on X/Twitter](https://x.com/zachxbt/status/1969793042531107300)— [Private front-end](https://farside.link/nitter/zachxbt/status/1969793042531107300). > > [Rastaland GoFundMe](https://www.gofundme.com/f/57p5a-help-me-beat-stage-4-cancer). > > ::: spoiler Comments > - [Reddit](https://old.reddit.com/r/awfuleverything/comments/1nmyks0/stage_4_cancer_streamer_scammed_out_of_30000/). > :::

cross-posted from: https://programming.dev/post/37902936 > - [Forensic report compiled by the research collective behind the takedown of Block Blasters](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vI4uKIYLl5iw6k1gspG4KY1JOoMIBGC1B6drPHmIZic/edit)— Credit: [1989 on X/Twitter](https://x.com/John5725424446/status/1969896301119819791). > - [G DATA Report](https://www.gdatasoftware.com/blog/2025/09/38265-steam-blockblasters-game-downloads-malware). > > > For anybody wondering what is going on with $CANCER live stream... my life was saved for whole 24 hours untill someone tuned in my stream and got me to download verified game on > Steam > > > > After this I was drained for over 32,000$ USD of my creator fees earned on pumpdotfun and everything quickly changed. > > I can't breathe, I can't think, im completely lost on what is going to happen next, can't shake the feeling that it is my fault that I might end up on street again or not have anything to eat in few days... my heart wants to jump out of my mouth and it hurts. > > > > I won't rewatch this myself but I have added a clip from the stream after I noticed what has happened. > > > > also I have succesfully (CTOed) my creator rewards and they have been redirected to safe device. > > Source: [rastaland.TV on X/Twitter](https://x.com/rastalandTV/status/1969629808788181258)— [Private front-end](https://farside.link/nitter/rastalandTV/status/1969629808788181258). > > More context: > > > Yesterday a video game streamer named rastalandTV inadvertently livestreamed themselves being a victim of a cryptodraining campaign. > > > > This particular spearphishing campaign is extraordinarily heinous because RastaLand is suffering from Stage-4 Sarcoma and is actively seeking donations for their cancer treatment. They lost $30,000 of the money which was designated for their cancer treatment. In the steam clip their friend tries to console them while they cry out, "I am broken now." > > > > They were contacted by an unknown person who requested they play their video game demo (downloadable from Steam). In exchange for RastaLand playing their video game demo on stream, they would financially compensate them. > > > > Unfortunately, the Steam game was actually a cryptodrainer masquerading as a legitimate video game. > > > > [Video](https://video.twimg.com/amplify_video/1969785356728840192/vid/avc1/964x720/0bPZrMBzR-b_NDbr.mp4). > > Source: [vx-underground on X/Twitter](https://x.com/vxunderground/status/1969786282831130872)— [Private front-end](https://farside.link/nitter/vxunderground/status/1969786282831130872). > >  > > Source: [ZachXBT on X/Twitter](https://x.com/zachxbt/status/1969793042531107300)— [Private front-end](https://farside.link/nitter/zachxbt/status/1969793042531107300). > > [Rastaland GoFundMe](https://www.gofundme.com/f/57p5a-help-me-beat-stage-4-cancer). > > ::: spoiler Comments > - [Reddit](https://old.reddit.com/r/awfuleverything/comments/1nmyks0/stage_4_cancer_streamer_scammed_out_of_30000/). > :::

cross-posted from: https://programming.dev/post/37782178

cross-posted from: https://programming.dev/post/37741347 > **Post content**: > > More than 10 years ago we started creating Planet Centauri, a 2D sandbox with terraria as main inspiration. > > We released the EA many years ago and this is our start just before the 1.0 release : > > 103 400 units solds > > 138 675 Wishlist > > the sells seem incredible but it's not with so many years behind, when you work for 10 years and have to paid many people helping you with the ten of thousands of monsters frames animations and thousands of pixel art items, you don't have much left on your wallet at the end. > > So we were eager for the release of 1.0 because with so many wishlists, the game's visibility would be good, we would appear in the new and trending categories due to sales, etc... > > The 1.0 happen in december 2024... we sold... 581 units in 5 days. > > The game didn't even appear on page 2; we were invisible; the release was a total flop. And we never understood why until today. > > We just received this mail from Steam > > ------------------------------------------ > Steam Launch Wishlist Email Issue > > Hi there, We found a bug that impacted a very small number of game releases (less than 100 since 2015) where wishlist email notifications for the launch of a game were not sent. Unfortunately your game Planet Centauri was among those included. We intend for this feature to work for every game and we’re inviting you to a Daily Deal as a way to help make up for lost visibility from your launch day. > > ------------------------------------------ > > It's incredible to win the lottery like this: 100 games impacted in 10 years out of the 86,000 games on Steam. And to reward you, we're giving you 24-hour visibility (which is nothing special; there are 6 slots available for this visibility every day of the year for various Steam invitations). > > I don't even have the strength to be angry. We've been so frustrated, disgusted, and in total confusion . Now we know, we understand better, it's unfair, and we can't change anything. We've started a second project because it's financially impossible to continue patching our game, and we're moving forward, because it's the only thing to do. > > This article was my way of expressing my anger, I guess, but also to see all the problems that a platform holding 99% of the PC gaming market can cause when the cogs don't work as they should. > > Have a nice day everyone, may luck be better to you > > ::: spoiler Comments > - [Reddit](https://old.reddit.com/r/technology/comments/1nljz9j/9_months_after_its_10_launch_flopped_an_indie_dev/). > :::

cross-posted from: https://programming.dev/post/37741347 > **Post content**: > > More than 10 years ago we started creating Planet Centauri, a 2D sandbox with terraria as main inspiration. > > We released the EA many years ago and this is our start just before the 1.0 release : > > 103 400 units solds > > 138 675 Wishlist > > the sells seem incredible but it's not with so many years behind, when you work for 10 years and have to paid many people helping you with the ten of thousands of monsters frames animations and thousands of pixel art items, you don't have much left on your wallet at the end. > > So we were eager for the release of 1.0 because with so many wishlists, the game's visibility would be good, we would appear in the new and trending categories due to sales, etc... > > The 1.0 happen in december 2024... we sold... 581 units in 5 days. > > The game didn't even appear on page 2; we were invisible; the release was a total flop. And we never understood why until today. > > We just received this mail from Steam > > ------------------------------------------ > Steam Launch Wishlist Email Issue > > Hi there, We found a bug that impacted a very small number of game releases (less than 100 since 2015) where wishlist email notifications for the launch of a game were not sent. Unfortunately your game Planet Centauri was among those included. We intend for this feature to work for every game and we’re inviting you to a Daily Deal as a way to help make up for lost visibility from your launch day. > > ------------------------------------------ > > It's incredible to win the lottery like this: 100 games impacted in 10 years out of the 86,000 games on Steam. And to reward you, we're giving you 24-hour visibility (which is nothing special; there are 6 slots available for this visibility every day of the year for various Steam invitations). > > I don't even have the strength to be angry. We've been so frustrated, disgusted, and in total confusion . Now we know, we understand better, it's unfair, and we can't change anything. We've started a second project because it's financially impossible to continue patching our game, and we're moving forward, because it's the only thing to do. > > This article was my way of expressing my anger, I guess, but also to see all the problems that a platform holding 99% of the PC gaming market can cause when the cogs don't work as they should. > > Have a nice day everyone, may luck be better to you > > ::: spoiler Comments > - [Reddit](https://old.reddit.com/r/technology/comments/1nljz9j/9_months_after_its_10_launch_flopped_an_indie_dev/). > :::

cross-posted from: https://programming.dev/post/37658954

cross-posted from: https://programming.dev/post/37657676

cross-posted from: https://programming.dev/post/37646129 > Source: [Reddit post](https://old.reddit.com/r/samsung/comments/1nifr1q/samsung_putting_ads_on_your_fridge/)— [Private front-end](https://farside.link/redlib/r/samsung/comments/1nifr1q/samsung_putting_ads_on_your_fridge/). > > [Samsung Statement to Android Authority](https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-confirms-smart-refrigerator-ads-are-coming-3598848/): > > Samsung is committed to innovation and enhancing every day value for our home appliance customers. As part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen that value, we are conducting a pilot program to offer promotions and curated advertisements on certain Samsung Family Hub refrigerator models in the U.S. market. > > > > As a part of this pilot program, Family Hub refrigerators in the U.S. will receive an over-the-network (OTN) software update with Terms of Service (T&C) and Privacy Notice (PN). Advertising will appear on certain Family Hub refrigerator Cover Screens. The Cover Screen appears when a Family Hub screen is idle. Ad design format may change depending on Family Hub personalization options for the Cover Screen, and advertising will not appear when Cover Screen displays Art Mode or picture albums. > > > > Advertisements can be dismissed on the Cover Screens where ads are shown, meaning that specific ads will not appear again during the campaign period.

cross-posted from: https://programming.dev/post/37462443

cross-posted from: https://programming.dev/post/37214923 > ::: spoiler Table of Contents. > - [Database: The influence of Big Tech](https://big-tech-data.elclip.org/?lang=en). > - [How Big Tech’s “Invisible Hand” Reaches Latin American Regulators](https://www.elclip.org/asi-presiona-la-mano-invisible-de-las-gigantes-tecnologicas-a-las-autoridades-latinoamericanas/?lang=en). > - [How Big Tech Killed Brazil’s “Fake News Bill”](https://www.elclip.org/como-las-big-tech-mataron-el-proyecto-de-ley-de-las-fake-news/?lang=en). > - [The battle Big Tech won to weaken a regulation that sought to protect children's mental health](https://www.elclip.org/la-batalla-que-le-ganaron-las-big-tech-para-debilitar-la-regulacion-que-busca-cuidar-la-salud-mental-de-ninos-y-ninas/?lang=en). > - [The Revolving Door Minister](https://www.elclip.org/la-ministra-de-la-puerta-giratoria/?lang=en). > - [The Argentina’s Federal Administration of Public Revenue (AFIP) attempted to collect taxes from large technology companies, but Alberto Fernandez's administration exonerated Mercado Libre](https://www.elclip.org/la-afip-intento-cobrar-impuestos-a-las-grandes-tecnologicas-pero-el-gobierno-de-alberto-fernandez-exculpo-a-mercado-libre/?lang=en). > - [In the Shadows, a Former President Builds a Career Representing Tech Companies](https://www.elclip.org/en-las-sombras-un-expresidente-hace-carrera-representando-a-las-empresas-tecnologicas/?lang=en). > - [Zero Sanctions in Ecuador Due to a Weak Personal Data Protection Law](https://www.elclip.org/cero-sanciones-en-ecuador-por-una-ley-de-proteccion-de-datos-personales-blandengue/?lang=en). > > Not Released in English Yet: > - [Content removal from platforms accounts for 40% of lawsuits against tech companies in Brazil](https://www.elclip.org/la-eliminacion-de-contenido-de-las-plataformas-representa-el-40-de-los-procesos-contra-las-empresas-tecnologicas-en-brasil). > - [The right is filling gaps in Congress with a flood of bills to regulate the internet](https://www.elclip.org/la-derecha-llena-vacios-en-el-congreso-con-una-avalancha-de-proyectos-para-regular-internet). > - [Father of the chairwoman of the AI ​​commission in Congress signs agreement with Google for use of technology](https://www.elclip.org/padre-de-la-presidenta-de-la-comision-de-ia-en-el-congreso-firma-acuerdo-con-google-para-uso-de-tecnologia). > ::: > > An investigation into how Big Tech has influenced the avoidance of regulations seeking to mitigate its negative effects on societies and politics. Led by the Brazilian media outlet Agência Pública and CLIP in partnership with 15 organizations.

cross-posted from: https://programming.dev/post/37155283 > ::: spoiler Comments > - [Hacker News](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45183560). > :::

cross-posted from: https://programming.dev/post/37022178 > ::: spoiler Comments > - [Hacker News](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45156753). > ::: > > Logan Kilpatrick, lead product manager for Google DeepMind, Gemini, and all AI products at Google, said Google AI Mode will be the default for Google Search "soon." He said this after Google made google.com/ai go directly to AI Mode's interface on Friday afternoon.

cross-posted from: https://programming.dev/post/37007955

cross-posted from: https://programming.dev/post/36943124 > ::: spoiler Comments > - [Reddit](https://farside.link/redlib/r/technology/comments/1n9hxva/warren_investigation_reveals_trumps_social/); > - [Hacker News](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45143831). > ::: > > [**Report**](https://www.warren.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/warren_report_letter_to_commissioner_bisignano_re_report_on_data_removal.pdf). > > The new Social Security War Room investigation found that, in addition to gutting the Social Security workforce and degrading key functions of the agency, Trump’s Social Security Administration(SSA) has removed 48 benchmarks of critical information and data from its website, including: (1) disability benefits processing data; (2) retirement, survivor, and Medicare claims processing data; (3) key phone metrics; (4) information on staff reductions; and (5) information that helps Americans understand or modify their Social Security. The dashboard changes have occurred — without notice — while Social Security Administration(SSA)’s leadership has continued to peddle false claims about wait time data. > > > In June, reports revealed that Social Security Administration(SSA)’s online performance dashboard had been removed from the agency’s website shortly after Commissioner Bisignano took office. The dashboard had displayed key information including metrics on processing times for benefits and live wait time data for the agency’s 800 number. When Social Security Administration(SSA) relaunched the dashboard in mid-June, the site was significantly pared down.

cross-posted from: https://programming.dev/post/36635080 > ::: spoiler Comments > - [Lemmy](https://lemdro.id/post/lemdro.id/26851598#comments), [1](https://lemmy.world/post/34096082?scrollToComments=true). > ::: > [Roadmap](https://blog.accrescent.app/posts/progress-update-and-roadmap/).

cross-posted from: https://programming.dev/post/36522273

cross-posted from: https://programming.dev/post/36522273

cross-posted from: https://programming.dev/post/36422589

cross-posted from: https://programming.dev/post/36422589

cross-posted from: https://programming.dev/post/36433609 > > - Itch.io now blocks UK users from viewing NSFW game creator profiles, though some individual adult games remain accessible after age verification. > > - The restrictions started in August and align with the UK's Online Safety Act requiring stricter age checks for adult content. > > - Developers lose UK discoverability while players can't browse creator catalogs, forcing them to rely on direct links shared elsewhere.

cross-posted from: https://programming.dev/post/36433609 > > - Itch.io now blocks UK users from viewing NSFW game creator profiles, though some individual adult games remain accessible after age verification. > > - The restrictions started in August and align with the UK's Online Safety Act requiring stricter age checks for adult content. > > - Developers lose UK discoverability while players can't browse creator catalogs, forcing them to rely on direct links shared elsewhere.

cross-posted from: https://programming.dev/post/36316138 > ::: spoiler Comments > - [Hackernews](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45017028); > - [Lobsters](https://lobste.rs/s/xetwz2/google_wants_make_sideloading_android). > :::

cross-posted from: https://programming.dev/post/36316138 > ::: spoiler Comments > - [Hackernews](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45017028); > - [Lobsters](https://lobste.rs/s/xetwz2/google_wants_make_sideloading_android). > :::

cross-posted from: https://programming.dev/post/36082211

cross-posted from: https://programming.dev/post/36063172 > [Source](https://old.reddit.com/r/50501/comments/1mvo4e3/ok_i_want_everyone_to_be_aware_of_something_i/).

cross-posted from: https://programming.dev/post/36027977 >  > > Source: [freelance product and UX designer Robiny-Yann Storm on Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/rystorm.com/post/3lwoqjqu6t22u). > >  > > Source: [Chris Schilling, the editorial director of Lost In Cult on Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/schillingc.bsky.social/post/3lwoxhzniuk2q). > >  > >  > >  > >  > > Source: [Developer JC Lau on Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/drjclau.bsky.social/post/3lworqwz2rk2y). > >  > >  > > Source: [Henry Stockdale, a senior editor at UploadVR, on Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/henrystockdale.com/post/3lwoaydgx6k23). > >  > > Source: [Graham Day, a Twitch partner on X/Twitter](https://x.com/Graham_Day/status/1957386204762051052).

cross-posted from: https://programming.dev/post/36027977 >  > > Source: [freelance product and UX designer Robiny-Yann Storm on Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/rystorm.com/post/3lwoqjqu6t22u). > >  > > Source: [Chris Schilling, the editorial director of Lost In Cult on Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/schillingc.bsky.social/post/3lwoxhzniuk2q). > >  > >  > >  > >  > > Source: [Developer JC Lau on Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/drjclau.bsky.social/post/3lworqwz2rk2y). > >  > >  > > Source: [Henry Stockdale, a senior editor at UploadVR, on Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/henrystockdale.com/post/3lwoaydgx6k23). > >  > > Source: [Graham Day, a Twitch partner on X/Twitter](https://x.com/Graham_Day/status/1957386204762051052).

cross-posted from: https://programming.dev/post/35911830 > [Full PDF Report](https://services.google.com/fh/files/misc/global_ai_meets_the_games_industry.pdf).

cross-posted from: https://programming.dev/post/35911830 > [Full PDF Report](https://services.google.com/fh/files/misc/global_ai_meets_the_games_industry.pdf).

[Cheat Sheet Source](https://itch.io/t/5135927/anti-censorship-cheat-sheet) - [Main Thread](https://old.reddit.com/r/Steam/comments/1magfqg/people_are_calling_to_complaint_directly_to_visa/). - [Second Thread](https://old.reddit.com/r/Steam/comments/1mb7pe3/just_called_visa_i_would_encourage_others_to_do/). - [Another Thread](https://old.reddit.com/r/Steam/comments/1mb9ks3/collective_shout_has_responded_to_their_actions/). [Strategy in Practice](https://bsky.app/profile/ghoulpus.bsky.social/post/3luvh25cytk2y):           

[Cheat Sheet Source](https://itch.io/t/5135927/anti-censorship-cheat-sheet) - [Main Thread](https://old.reddit.com/r/Steam/comments/1magfqg/people_are_calling_to_complaint_directly_to_visa/). - [Second Thread](https://old.reddit.com/r/Steam/comments/1mb7pe3/just_called_visa_i_would_encourage_others_to_do/). - [Another Thread](https://old.reddit.com/r/Steam/comments/1mb9ks3/collective_shout_has_responded_to_their_actions/). [Strategy in Practice](https://bsky.app/profile/ghoulpus.bsky.social/post/3luvh25cytk2y):           

[Cheat Sheet Source](https://itch.io/t/5135927/anti-censorship-cheat-sheet) - [Main Thread](https://old.reddit.com/r/Steam/comments/1magfqg/people_are_calling_to_complaint_directly_to_visa/). - [Second Thread](https://old.reddit.com/r/Steam/comments/1mb7pe3/just_called_visa_i_would_encourage_others_to_do/). - [Another Thread](https://old.reddit.com/r/Steam/comments/1mb9ks3/collective_shout_has_responded_to_their_actions/). [Strategy in Practice](https://bsky.app/profile/ghoulpus.bsky.social/post/3luvh25cytk2y):           

   [Source](https://x.com/rafcolantonio/status/1941503596870369388).

   [Source](https://x.com/rafcolantonio/status/1941503596870369388).