Sex (and Sexuality) in the News: Weekly Roundup — Sep 25, 2023
Unsplash: Semen Zhuravlev
Stay informed and entertained with our curated weekly roundup of 'Sex (and sexuality) in the News.' Explore articles, updates, and trends related to human intimacy, relationships, and identity, including insights into legislation, law, and censorship, as well as engaging topics such as enhancing your sex life and experiencing deeper levels of pleasure. Article summaries were co-written with the help of ChatGPT.
How hidden device users can protect themselves ahead of national emergency alert test
URGENT: On October 4th, a national emergency alert test could compromise the safety of hidden device users. While this test aims to check mass communication services, it may inadvertently expose hidden devices, endangering those in vulnerable domestic situations. To safeguard these users, they should turn off emergency alert notifications and power down their devices during the test. Explore safety resources from organizations like NNEDV and the National Domestic Violence Hotline for further protection. Awareness and guidance are crucial to ensure the safety and privacy of hidden device users during this test and beyond.
*If you're not able to read the article: The key action that folks who are reliant upon hidden devices should take away is that on the day of this national test, the only way to confidently be certain that your device is not activated and potentially detected is to completely power them down on the day of the test. Should the test be delayed for any reason, it will be reattempted on October 11th.
Mashable • Chase DiBenedetto
It’s official: Cars are the worst product category we have ever reviewed for privacy
The article unveils a deeply troubling reality, asserting that cars now represent the most alarming product category ever scrutinized in terms of privacy, with specific data highlighting concerns related to sexual activity. Despite car manufacturers touting their vehicles as "computers on wheels" with cutting-edge features, the article starkly underscores the inadequacy of discussions surrounding the privacy implications for car occupants. Alarmingly, the research reveals that all 25 car brands examined exhibit substantial privacy issues, including excessive data collection, widespread data sharing and selling, and insufficient security measures. Moreover, the unsettling fact is that most car brands fail to meet even the most basic security standards, putting not only personal data but also sensitive information related to occupants' sexual activity at risk. This information should profoundly concern readers, serving as a stark reminder of the urgent need for greater accountability and heightened consumer awareness within the automotive industry.
Mozilla • Jen Caltrider, Misha Rykov and Zoë MacDonald
For the first time, the U.S. Census May start asking about gender identity
The U.S. Census Bureau is considering adding questions about sexuality and gender identity to one of its major national surveys, the American Community Survey (ACS). The proposed questions would gather data on sex assigned at birth, current gender, and sexual orientation for residents aged 15 and older. This potential addition aims to help government agencies gain a better understanding of the LGBTQ+ community's needs and demographics, which can be utilized for civil rights and equal employment enforcement. The survey may include options for "Male, Female, Transgender, [and] Nonbinary" for gender and gay/lesbian, straight, or bisexual for orientation, with the option to "mark all that apply."
While this initiative signifies a step forward, there are lingering concerns regarding data quality, particularly concerning younger individuals who may not have disclosed their sexual orientation to their families. Additionally, allowing the government access to such deeply personal information raises valid concerns, especially given the potential risks associated with sharing this data in an era marked by increasing right-wing targeting of these vulnerable populations.
them • Samantha riedel
Why are there so many more sex dolls for men than for women?
The sex doll industry exhibits a pronounced gender imbalance, primarily targeting white heterosexual men with limited offerings for cisgender heterosexual women. The scarcity of male sex dolls for cisgender heterosexual women can be attributed not to a lack of demand, but rather to technological and design shortcomings. (And although the article doesn't discuss it, the influence of white supremacy.) Women's sexual pleasure has often been disregarded in cisgender male sex doll creation, with a lack of features like clitoral stimulation and oral pleasure. Additionally, securing investment for male sex doll projects aimed at cisgender heterosexual women is hindered by societal factors, reflecting a broader white dominated, capitalist patriarchal culture. This gender gap underscores the deeper societal issues surrounding gender roles and sexual agency.
Giddy • Rachel Crowe
How worried should we be about nudifying apps
Nudifying apps driven by artificial intelligence (AI) are raising significant concerns related to privacy, consent, and potential misuse. These apps can generate nude images from clothed photos, and despite global legislation attempts to combat "deepfake" content, the problem persists. The market for such apps is already substantial, with around 50 of them available online. Legislation efforts in the UK and the US are ongoing, but ethical and privacy issues persist, including body image concerns, consent violations, cyberbullying, and legal implications. Promoting ethical behavior, respecting privacy, and consent are considered essential in addressing these challenges, while responsible AI use is encouraged to safeguard personal dignity and privacy.
Giddy • Jennifer Sizeland
Planned parenthood Will resume abortions in Wisconsin next week after judge rules 1849 state law doesn’t apply
Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin is set to resume abortion care services after a judge ruled that a state law dating back to 1849 does not apply to abortion procedures. Starting on September 18, abortion care services will be available at Planned Parenthood's Water Street Health Center in Milwaukee and Madison East Health Center in Madison. This decision comes following a Dane County Circuit Court ruling in July that clarified the unenforceability of the 1849 law for voluntary abortions. Planned Parenthood had temporarily suspended abortion care last year due to uncertainty surrounding the law after the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers praised the decision, emphasizing the restoration of reproductive freedom in the state.
CNN • Mitchell McCluskey
Need sex help? Try this AI sex coach.
Amid a concerning climate of restrictive sex education policies in the U.S., Beducated has introduced an AI Sex Coach as a supplementary resource. While Beducated's AI Sex Coach acknowledges the irreplaceable value of comprehensive, evidence-based sex education and provides valuable insights based on its library of over 100 online sex courses, it also directs users to Beducated courses, underscoring the essential role of quality education in addressing sexual health. Beducated's initiative aims to empower individuals with knowledge about sexual health and pleasure amidst growing global restrictions on sex education.
Mashable • Anna Iovine
The problems with Ashton kutcher’s anti-child sex trafficking organization are bigger than him
Amid controversy surrounding Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis's support for convicted rapist Danny Masterson, the couple resigned from Thorn, an anti-child sex trafficking organization co-founded by Kutcher in 2009. Critics argue that Thorn's problems go deeper than celebrity involvement. Thorn's claims of protecting children have been scrutinized for exaggeration and potential harm to sex workers. The organization's software, Spotlight, scrapes data from online ads, including those posted by sex workers, subjecting them to heightened surveillance and targeting by police and government. Critics also question Thorn's connections to police and tech companies, highlighting the potential dangers and consequences of their initiatives.
Jezebel • Kylie Cheung
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