Thomas Germain
@thomasgermain.bsky.social
Tech correspondent for the BBC. I write about how we use technology, and how technology uses us. Contact info on tomgermain.com
The fact that this feature exists means OpenAI paid 100s of people to have e-sex with the robot to make sure it doesn’t get weird
October 15, 2025 at 12:45 PM
The fact that this feature exists means OpenAI paid 100s of people to have e-sex with the robot to make sure it doesn’t get weird
My biggest regret in life is choosing a career where you never get to use walkie talkies
August 25, 2025 at 1:54 AM
My biggest regret in life is choosing a career where you never get to use walkie talkies
YouTube is testing AI on your videos without consent. Today it’s filters. Tomorrow, who decides what’s real www.bbc.com/future/artic...
YouTube secretly used AI to edit people's videos. The results could bend reality
YouTube made AI enhancements to videos without telling users or asking permission. As AI quietly mediates our world, what happens to our shared connections with real life?
www.bbc.com
August 24, 2025 at 10:35 PM
YouTube is testing AI on your videos without consent. Today it’s filters. Tomorrow, who decides what’s real www.bbc.com/future/artic...
Reposted by Thomas Germain
Had a great time at lectures on tap at @caveatnyc.bsky.social watching @thomasgermain.bsky.social open our eyes to the deeper side of YouTube
June 27, 2025 at 4:11 AM
Had a great time at lectures on tap at @caveatnyc.bsky.social watching @thomasgermain.bsky.social open our eyes to the deeper side of YouTube
Google has a new button. It might destroy the web as you know it. Experts say the new “AI Mode” is an asteroid aimed at the heart of the internet, one that could decimate millions of websites. It seems this chapter of online history is over. Here’s what comes next: www.bbc.com/future/artic...
Is Google about to destroy the web?
Google says adding more AI to its search engine will rejuvenate the internet. Others predict an apocalypse for websites. One thing is clear: this era of online history is closing.
www.bbc.com
June 16, 2025 at 3:52 PM
Google has a new button. It might destroy the web as you know it. Experts say the new “AI Mode” is an asteroid aimed at the heart of the internet, one that could decimate millions of websites. It seems this chapter of online history is over. Here’s what comes next: www.bbc.com/future/artic...
Reposted by Thomas Germain
Google wrote the rules, they created the game and they rewarded the players.
Now they're turning around and saying, 'That's my infrastructure, the web just happens to live in it.’
🔗 www.bbc.com/future/artic... by @thomasgermain.bsky.social
Now they're turning around and saying, 'That's my infrastructure, the web just happens to live in it.’
🔗 www.bbc.com/future/artic... by @thomasgermain.bsky.social
Is Google about to destroy the web?
Google says adding more AI to its search engine will rejuvenate the internet. Others predict an apocalypse for websites. One thing is clear: this era of online history is closing.
www.bbc.co.uk
June 16, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Google wrote the rules, they created the game and they rewarded the players.
Now they're turning around and saying, 'That's my infrastructure, the web just happens to live in it.’
🔗 www.bbc.com/future/artic... by @thomasgermain.bsky.social
Now they're turning around and saying, 'That's my infrastructure, the web just happens to live in it.’
🔗 www.bbc.com/future/artic... by @thomasgermain.bsky.social
Right now, there are trains in California that can’t start until someone inserts a floppy disk.
50 years into Microsoft’s reign, Windows XP and MS-DOS still run elevators, hospitals, ATMs and more. I went inside the ghost world of obsolete PCs
www.bbc.com/future/artic...
50 years into Microsoft’s reign, Windows XP and MS-DOS still run elevators, hospitals, ATMs and more. I went inside the ghost world of obsolete PCs
www.bbc.com/future/artic...
Still booting after all these years: The people stuck using ancient Windows computers
As technology marches on, some people get trapped using decades-old software and devices. Here's a look inside the strange, stubborn world of obsolete Windows machines.
www.bbc.com
May 19, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Right now, there are trains in California that can’t start until someone inserts a floppy disk.
50 years into Microsoft’s reign, Windows XP and MS-DOS still run elevators, hospitals, ATMs and more. I went inside the ghost world of obsolete PCs
www.bbc.com/future/artic...
50 years into Microsoft’s reign, Windows XP and MS-DOS still run elevators, hospitals, ATMs and more. I went inside the ghost world of obsolete PCs
www.bbc.com/future/artic...
Reposted by Thomas Germain
For years, YouTube didn't disclose how many videos it hosted. That fundamental-but-missing figure about one of the most important parts of our digital communication infrastructure is what launched our big @idpiumass.bsky.social YouTube project. But now there's an official number(ish)! [1/7]
April 24, 2025 at 6:19 PM
For years, YouTube didn't disclose how many videos it hosted. That fundamental-but-missing figure about one of the most important parts of our digital communication infrastructure is what launched our big @idpiumass.bsky.social YouTube project. But now there's an official number(ish)! [1/7]
Reposted by Thomas Germain
"Republicans are advancing what could become the largest expansion of immigration enforcement funding in U.S. history—between $175 and $345 billion... and so far none of the key players will answer the simplest question: What, exactly, are taxpayers being asked to fund?" via @migrantinsider.com
Washington’s Deportation Jackpot
The biggest immigration story no one is talking about is the funding.
migrantinsider.com
April 23, 2025 at 9:35 PM
"Republicans are advancing what could become the largest expansion of immigration enforcement funding in U.S. history—between $175 and $345 billion... and so far none of the key players will answer the simplest question: What, exactly, are taxpayers being asked to fund?" via @migrantinsider.com
Reposted by Thomas Germain
If you call the Oregon Tele-Pome hotline today, I’ll read you a poem. 503-928-7008.
This heart-poem from my core was originally published by @fonografeditions.bsky.social
Thanks to @mojgani.bsky.social and @oregonhumanities.org for putting together the incredible hotline & for featuring me.
This heart-poem from my core was originally published by @fonografeditions.bsky.social
Thanks to @mojgani.bsky.social and @oregonhumanities.org for putting together the incredible hotline & for featuring me.
April 13, 2025 at 2:53 PM
If you call the Oregon Tele-Pome hotline today, I’ll read you a poem. 503-928-7008.
This heart-poem from my core was originally published by @fonografeditions.bsky.social
Thanks to @mojgani.bsky.social and @oregonhumanities.org for putting together the incredible hotline & for featuring me.
This heart-poem from my core was originally published by @fonografeditions.bsky.social
Thanks to @mojgani.bsky.social and @oregonhumanities.org for putting together the incredible hotline & for featuring me.
NEW from the BBC: Why it might be time to ditch your phone case
www.bbc.com/future/artic...
www.bbc.com/future/artic...
Is it finally safe to ditch your phone case? I put it to the test
With smartphones tougher than ever, a new wave of phone minimalists say cases are for cowards. I joined the case-free cult, called the experts and braced for the sound of broken glass.
www.bbc.com
April 13, 2025 at 4:39 PM
NEW from the BBC: Why it might be time to ditch your phone case
www.bbc.com/future/artic...
www.bbc.com/future/artic...
20 years later, Facebook figured out that what people really want is…. to talk to their friends about.fb.com/news/2025/03...
Bringing the Magic of Friends Back to Facebook | Meta
We’re introducing a new Facebook Friends tab that makes it easier to connect with your friends.
about.fb.com
March 28, 2025 at 4:22 PM
20 years later, Facebook figured out that what people really want is…. to talk to their friends about.fb.com/news/2025/03...
If you can explain why King Charles' playlist is only on Apple Music please get in touch with me immediately www.nytimes.com/2025/03/10/a...
Jam Like a King: Charles Releases a Playlist
King Charles III showcased 17 artists, mostly from Commonwealth countries, in a personal playlist. Beyoncé, Bob Marley and Diana Ross made the cut.
www.nytimes.com
March 12, 2025 at 3:42 PM
If you can explain why King Charles' playlist is only on Apple Music please get in touch with me immediately www.nytimes.com/2025/03/10/a...
There’s a secret YouTube no one gets to see - a vast, uncurated documentary of human life. We found a way to explore it.
The average video has just 41 views. That means most of the platform is invisible, until now www.bbc.com/future/artic...
The average video has just 41 views. That means most of the platform is invisible, until now www.bbc.com/future/artic...
The hidden world beneath the shadows of YouTube's algorithm
There's a secret side of YouTube, just beyond the guiding hand of the algorithm – and it’s nothing like what you know.
www.bbc.com
March 8, 2025 at 6:03 PM
There’s a secret YouTube no one gets to see - a vast, uncurated documentary of human life. We found a way to explore it.
The average video has just 41 views. That means most of the platform is invisible, until now www.bbc.com/future/artic...
The average video has just 41 views. That means most of the platform is invisible, until now www.bbc.com/future/artic...
There’s a secret YouTube you never get to see - a vast, uncurated documentary of human life. We found a way to explore it.
The average video has just 41 views. That means most of the platform is invisible, until now www.bbc.com/future/artic...
The average video has just 41 views. That means most of the platform is invisible, until now www.bbc.com/future/artic...
The hidden world beneath the shadows of YouTube's algorithm
There's a secret side of YouTube, just beyond the guiding hand of the algorithm – and it’s nothing like what you know.
www.bbc.com
March 8, 2025 at 6:00 PM
There’s a secret YouTube you never get to see - a vast, uncurated documentary of human life. We found a way to explore it.
The average video has just 41 views. That means most of the platform is invisible, until now www.bbc.com/future/artic...
The average video has just 41 views. That means most of the platform is invisible, until now www.bbc.com/future/artic...
Reposted by Thomas Germain
Thoroughly enjoyed this article. It is a struggle to explore in spite of YT's algorithms. With that in mind, I do love stumbling upon heartfelt, playful, creative, and unexpected content. Thank you for writing a insightful article on a very addictive resource. 😊
March 8, 2025 at 5:36 PM
Thoroughly enjoyed this article. It is a struggle to explore in spite of YT's algorithms. With that in mind, I do love stumbling upon heartfelt, playful, creative, and unexpected content. Thank you for writing a insightful article on a very addictive resource. 😊
Reposted by Thomas Germain
It is not just fake news, Ad revenue funds the worst content on the Internet, including child sexual abuse.
@thomasgermain.bsky.social (BBC)
Platforms keep telling us, for over a decade, that this is just a mistake and that -trust me, bro- it will be fixed soon.
www.bbc.com/future/artic...
@thomasgermain.bsky.social (BBC)
Platforms keep telling us, for over a decade, that this is just a mistake and that -trust me, bro- it will be fixed soon.
www.bbc.com/future/artic...
How big tech's ad systems helped fund child abuse online
Some of the biggest tech companies in the world served ads on a website featuring images of child abuse, helping to fund its operations.
www.bbc.com
February 25, 2025 at 7:33 AM
It is not just fake news, Ad revenue funds the worst content on the Internet, including child sexual abuse.
@thomasgermain.bsky.social (BBC)
Platforms keep telling us, for over a decade, that this is just a mistake and that -trust me, bro- it will be fixed soon.
www.bbc.com/future/artic...
@thomasgermain.bsky.social (BBC)
Platforms keep telling us, for over a decade, that this is just a mistake and that -trust me, bro- it will be fixed soon.
www.bbc.com/future/artic...
Reposted by Thomas Germain
YouTube is almost 20 years old and more popular than ever, but there's still a ton we don't know about it. The BBC's @thomasgermain.bsky.social has a story about our work at @idpiumass.bsky.social to uncover some of those YouTube fundamentals. www.bbc.com/future/artic...
How a computer that 'drunk dials' videos is exposing YouTube's secrets
YouTube is about to turn 20. An unusual research method is unveiling statistics about the platform that Google doesn't want you to know.
www.bbc.com
February 13, 2025 at 8:40 PM
YouTube is almost 20 years old and more popular than ever, but there's still a ton we don't know about it. The BBC's @thomasgermain.bsky.social has a story about our work at @idpiumass.bsky.social to uncover some of those YouTube fundamentals. www.bbc.com/future/artic...
New for the BBC: Friday is YouTube's 20th birthday, but the most basic facts about the platform are still closely guarded secrets.
For example: How much YouTube do we all watch?
Answer: 8 MILLION YEARS per month
Check out the mind blowing details Google wont tell you ⬇️ www.bbc.com/future/artic...
For example: How much YouTube do we all watch?
Answer: 8 MILLION YEARS per month
Check out the mind blowing details Google wont tell you ⬇️ www.bbc.com/future/artic...
How a computer that 'drunk dials' videos is exposing YouTube's secrets
YouTube is about to turn 20. An unusual research method is unveiling statistics about the platform that Google doesn't want you to know.
www.bbc.com
February 13, 2025 at 8:17 PM
New for the BBC: Friday is YouTube's 20th birthday, but the most basic facts about the platform are still closely guarded secrets.
For example: How much YouTube do we all watch?
Answer: 8 MILLION YEARS per month
Check out the mind blowing details Google wont tell you ⬇️ www.bbc.com/future/artic...
For example: How much YouTube do we all watch?
Answer: 8 MILLION YEARS per month
Check out the mind blowing details Google wont tell you ⬇️ www.bbc.com/future/artic...
Reposted by Thomas Germain
ICYMI: Google, Amazon, and Microsoft allowed their ad networks to place advertisements on a shady image-sharing website that hosted child sexual abuse material. Ad safety experts say the website's mechanics should have raised big red flags. Read more from @thomasgermain.bsky.social, here:
How big tech's ad systems helped fund child abuse online
Some of the biggest tech companies in the world served ads on a website featuring images of child abuse, helping to fund its operations.
www.bbc.com
February 10, 2025 at 7:11 PM
ICYMI: Google, Amazon, and Microsoft allowed their ad networks to place advertisements on a shady image-sharing website that hosted child sexual abuse material. Ad safety experts say the website's mechanics should have raised big red flags. Read more from @thomasgermain.bsky.social, here:
NEW: Google, Amazon and Microsoft's ad systems funneled money to a site that hosts images of child sex abuse www.bbc.com/future/artic...
How big tech's ad systems helped fund child abuse online
Some of the biggest tech companies in the world served ads on a website featuring images of child abuse, helping to fund its operations.
www.bbc.com
February 8, 2025 at 12:30 AM
NEW: Google, Amazon and Microsoft's ad systems funneled money to a site that hosts images of child sex abuse www.bbc.com/future/artic...
Today is Elmo's birthday, which is one of the greatest mysteries known to science
Every year, Elmo turns three and a half years old – again. I forced some of the world’s most respected astrophysicists to write equations that explain how this is possible gizmodo.com/elmo-age-bir...
Every year, Elmo turns three and a half years old – again. I forced some of the world’s most respected astrophysicists to write equations that explain how this is possible gizmodo.com/elmo-age-bir...
Is Elmo a Time Traveler? We Talked to Physicists to Find Out
Scientists offer new theories to unravel how it’s possible that, after 44 years, Elmo is still 3.5 years old.
gizmodo.com
February 3, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Today is Elmo's birthday, which is one of the greatest mysteries known to science
Every year, Elmo turns three and a half years old – again. I forced some of the world’s most respected astrophysicists to write equations that explain how this is possible gizmodo.com/elmo-age-bir...
Every year, Elmo turns three and a half years old – again. I forced some of the world’s most respected astrophysicists to write equations that explain how this is possible gizmodo.com/elmo-age-bir...
Please help Chris with this investigation
Does anyone have an up to date image of Musk’s gaming setup? I totally understand if you don’t because that’s not healthy information to possess.
January 30, 2025 at 2:46 AM
Please help Chris with this investigation
New from the BBC: As thousands flee the fires in LA, roads that barely do the job during normal times become a matter of life and death. This week evacuees in my hometown faced choke points, gridlock and the tough decision of whether to abandon their cars to the fire www.bbc.com/future/artic...
'It was a hellscape': The challenge of evacuating Los Angeles during wildfires
LA residents rushing to flee wildfires this week faced choke points, gridlock and the tough decision of whether to abandon their cars to the fire.
www.bbc.com
January 9, 2025 at 6:52 PM
New from the BBC: As thousands flee the fires in LA, roads that barely do the job during normal times become a matter of life and death. This week evacuees in my hometown faced choke points, gridlock and the tough decision of whether to abandon their cars to the fire www.bbc.com/future/artic...