5,461 research outputs found
The Security Blanket of the Chat World: An Analytic Evaluation and a User Study of Telegram
The computer security community has advocated
widespread adoption of secure communication tools to protect
personal privacy. Several popular communication tools have
adopted end-to-end encryption (e.g., WhatsApp, iMessage), or
promoted security features as selling points (e.g., Telegram,
Signal). However, previous studies have shown that users may
not understand the security features of the tools they are using,
and may not be using them correctly. In this paper, we present a
study of Telegram using two complementary methods: (1) a labbased
user study (11 novices and 11 Telegram users), and (2) a
hybrid analytical approach combining cognitive walk-through
and heuristic evaluation to analyse Telegram’s user interface.
Participants who use Telegram feel secure because they feel
they are using a secure tool, but in reality Telegram offers
limited security benefits to most of its users. Most participants
develop a habit of using the less secure default chat mode at all
times. We also uncover several user interface design issues that
impact security, including technical jargon, inconsistent use of
terminology, and making some security features clear and others
not. For instance, use of the end-to-end-encrypted Secret Chat
mode requires both the sender and recipient be online at the same
time, and Secret Chat does not support group conversations
Withdrawal to the shadows: dark social media as opportunity structures for extremism
Dark social media has been described as a home base for extremists and a breeding ground for dark participation. Beyond the description of single cases, it often remains unclear what exactly is meant by dark social media and which opportunity structures for extremism emerge on these applications. The current paper contributes to filling this gap. We present a theoretical framework conceptualizing dark social media as opportunity structures shaped by (a) regulation on the macro-level; (b) different genres and types of (dark) social media as influence factors on the meso level; and (c) individual attitudes, salient norms, and technological affordances on the micro-level. The results of a platform analysis and a scoping review identified meaningful differences between dark social media of different types. Particularly social counter-media and fringe communities positioned themselves as "safe havens" for dark participation, indicating a high tolerance for accordant content. This makes them a fertile ground for those spreading extremist worldviews, consuming such content, or engaging in dark participation. Context-bound alternative social media were comparable to mainstream social media but oriented towards different legal spaces and were more intertwined with governments in China and Russia. Private-first channels such as Instant messengers were rooted in private communication. Yet, particularly Telegram also included far-reaching public communication formats and optimal opportunities for the convergence of mass, group, and interpersonal communication. Overall, we show that a closer examination of different types and genres of social media provides a more nuanced understanding of shifting opportunity structures for extremism in the digital realm
Online consultation on experts’ views on digital competence
The objective of this investigation was to provide another perspective on what it means to be digitally competent today, in addition to reviews of literature and current frameworks for the development of digital competence, 5 all of which constitute part of the wider IPTS Digital Competence Project (DIGCOMP). Some common ground exists at a general level in defining digital competence in terms of knowledge, skills, and attitudes, which may be hierarchically organised.
However, this does not provide the clarity needed by teachers, employers, citizens – all those who are responsible for digital competence development, be it their own or other people’s ‐ to make informed decisions. Further work is needed to create a common language that helps to enhance understanding across the worlds of research, education, training, and work. This will make it easier for citizens and employers to see what digital competence entails and how it is relevant to their jobs and more generally, their lives
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