Browser extensions promise convenience, but some take far more than they give. A new report from Koi Security says that FreeVPN.One, a Chrome extension with more than 100,000 installs and even a “Featured” badge, has been secretly taking screenshots of users’ browsing sessions.

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HOW AI IS NOW HELPING HACKERS FOOL YOUR BROWSER’S SECURITY TOOLS

Google Chrome extension FreeVPN.One has allegedly taken screenshots of users’ sensitive information. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How FreeVPN.One secretly captured your browsing

Once installed, FreeVPN.One didn’t just handle VPN traffic. It silently captured screenshots of every website you visited, bank logins, private photos, sensitive documents, and sent them to servers controlled by the developer.

Even worse, the extension added permissions step by step, disguising its activity as “AI Threat Detection.” What looked like a useful feature became a tool for constant background surveillance.

Why this Chrome extension threat is so dangerous

People install VPNs to protect their privacy. Instead, this extension flipped that expectation on its head. By using Chrome’s and scripting permissions, FreeVPN.One gained access to every page you opened.

Koi Security researchers tested the extension and confirmed it captured screenshots even on trusted sites like Google Photos and Google Sheets. The developer claimed these images were not stored, but offered no proof.

MALICIOUS BROWSER EXTENSIONS CAUGHT SPYING ON 2 MILLION USERS

The screenshots were allegedly sent to the extension’s developer. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Warning signs of unsafe free VPN extensions

There were red flags all along:

• Awkward grammar and poorly written descriptions.
• A generic Wix page as the only developer “contact.”
• A promise of unlimited, free VPN service with no clear business model.

While some free VPNs may work responsibly, most need a way to profit. If it isn’t by charging you, it may be by selling your data.

FreeVPN.One developer’s response and Google’s removal

When Koi Security published its findings, the developer behind FreeVPN.One offered a partial explanation. He claimed the automatic screenshot captures were part of a “Background Scanning” feature, intended only for suspicious domains. He also said the images weren’t stored, only briefly analyzed for threats.

But researchers observed screenshots taken on trusted sites like Google Photos and Google Sheets, which don’t fit that explanation. When asked to provide proof of legitimacy, such as a company profile, GitHub repository, or professional contact, the developer stopped responding. The only public link tied to the extension led to a basic Wix starter page.

FreeVPN.One has been removed from the Chrome Web Store. Attempts to visit its page now return the message: “This item is not available.”

While the removal reduces the risk of new downloads, it also highlights a troubling gap. The extension spent months with spyware behavior while still carrying a verified label, raising questions about how thoroughly Chrome reviews updates to featured extensions.

GOOGLE FIXES ANOTHER CHROME SECURITY FLAW BEING ACTIVELY EXPLOITED

FreeVPN.one is not available in the Microsoft Edge store (Koi Security)

Steps to protect yourself from VPN extension spyware

If you’ve installed FreeVPN.One or any suspicious Chrome VPN extension, take these steps if you are concerned for your cybersecurity:

1) Uninstall immediately

Go to Chrome > Window > Extensions and click remove.

2) Use a trusted VPN

Stick to reliable VPN providers that have proven track records, audited policies, and transparent operations. By choosing a legitimate VPN, you take control of your privacy instead of handing it over to an anonymous developer. A reliable VPN is also essential for protecting your online privacy and ensuring a secure, high-speed connection.

For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com/VPN 

3) Scan your device with strong antivirus software

Run a trusted antivirus tool to check for hidden malware. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com/LockUpYourTech 

4) Change your passwords

Assume anything typed or viewed could have been logged. Consider using a password manager, which securely stores and generates complex passwords, reducing the risk of password reuse. 

Next, see if your passwords have been exposed in past breaches. Our #1 password manager (see Cyberguy.com/Passwords) pick includes a built-in breach scanner that checks whether your passwords have appeared in known leaks. If you discover a match, immediately change any reused passwords and secure those accounts with new, unique credentials. 

Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 at Cyberguy.com/Passwords

5) Use a personal data removal service

Extensions like FreeVPN.One show how easily your private details can be collected and exploited. Even after uninstalling spyware, your personal information may already be circulating on data broker sites that sell your identity to marketers, scammers, and even cybercriminals. A personal data removal service can scan for your information across hundreds of broker sites and automatically request its removal. This limits how much of your data can be weaponized if it’s ever exposed through an extension like this.

Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com/Delete

Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com/FreeScan

6) Check permissions

Before adding any extension, review what it requests. If a VPN wants access to “all websites,” that’s a red flag.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

FreeVPN.One is a reminder that “free” often comes at a hidden cost; your data. Don’t assume an extension is safe just because it looks popular or carries a badge. Be critical, vet carefully, and use privacy tools backed by real companies.

Would you trade your browsing privacy for a free tool, or is it time to rethink the cost of “free”?  Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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What if your old bottle of cooking oil could help save the planet and your smartphone? That’s the big idea behind a groundbreaking discovery by researchers in Finland. Scientists from the University of Helsinki and the University of Jyväskylä have found that you can recover silver from electronic waste using common kitchen ingredients like vegetable oil and hydrogen peroxide. This sustainable, scalable method published in the Chemical Engineering Journal could change how we mine precious metals from our growing piles of electronic junk.

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OLD SMARTPHONES ARE BEING TURNED INTO TINY DATA CENTERS

Scientists have discovered a new method of silver extraction from electronics by using cooking oil. (uni Takahashi/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

How cooking oil recovers silver from electronic waste

Here’s how it works. Fatty acids found in oils like sunflower or olive oil are mixed with hydrogen peroxide. When heated slightly, this combo safely dissolves silver from old circuit boards, wires or keyboard connectors. Then, using ethyl acetate, a far less toxic alternative to industrial solvents, researchers pull out the silver in a solid form. Unlike traditional methods that rely on harsh acids or cyanide-based solutions, this technique avoids toxic runoff and air pollution. Think of it as salad dressing meets science lab, without the environmental mess.

Why recycling silver from e-waste is urgently needed

Silver powers the devices you use every day, such as phones, solar panels, electric vehicles and even medical tech. But less than 20% of it gets recycled. As demand rises and natural resources shrink, finding clean ways to reclaim silver isn’t just smart, it’s necessary. Silver prices have surged sixfold in the last 25 years. At the same time, supply has lagged. That makes e-waste a goldmine, literally, for anyone who can unlock its hidden metals without poisoning the environment.

NEW TECH RECOVERS 92% OF EV BATTERY METALS

Fatty acids found in cooking oil can stabilize silver ions for easier extraction. (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)

How scientists extract silver using fatty acids and light

To figure out exactly how this all works, researchers used advanced computer models to study how fatty acids interact with silver ions. The process not only stabilizes the silver but also allows for easy recovery using light and simple solvents. Better still, the ingredients can be reused and there’s no chemical waste or massive cost. And it’s highly selective. The method targets silver while leaving other metals behind, a major step forward in urban mining. In testing, even silver-coated keyboard connectors were cleanly processed into pure elemental silver powder using this system.

Indian labourers sift through a heap of pre-owned mobile phones in an electronic waste workshop on December 5, 2023 in New Delhi, India.  (Yawar Nazir/Getty Images)

What this means for you

This research brings us closer to safe, at-home or small-scale recycling kits that could recover silver from old gadgets. Recyclers and manufacturers could adopt this method to reduce chemical waste and operating costs, while protecting workers and the environment. This method supports a future where nothing goes to waste. It keeps valuable materials in use, cutting down the need for mining and pollution. Silver is vital for making many of the tech items we use every day. Reusing it responsibly means cleaner energy at a lower cost and less reliance on mined resources.

Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?

Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right — and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: Cyberguy.com/Quiz

Kurt’s key takeaways

We’ve long known that waste is a problem. Now, it might also be the solution. By turning everyday ingredients into powerful recycling tools, scientists are showing us what’s possible when chemistry and sustainability meet. The process is still being refined, but the promise is clear: a greener future where reclaiming valuable metals doesn’t cost the earth, or our health.

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If you could extract silver from your old gadgets with tools in your kitchen, would you do it? Or should this be left to the pros? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved. 

A car drives past a building of the Digital Realty Data Center in Ashburn, Virginia, March 17, 2025.  (REUTERS/Leah Millis)

Welcome to Fox News’ Artificial Intelligence newsletter with the latest AI technology advancements.

IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:

– Mystery company’s $1.6B data center proposed for Wisconsin farmland draws residents’ ire
– OpenAI’s nonprofit parent company secures $100B equity stake while retaining control of AI giant
– Tech titan says Trump administration ‘really proactive’ on keeping American AI leadership ahead

‘VERY SKEPTICAL’: People living in a Midwest city known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation are sounding the alarm on a proposed data center with a price tag of $1.6 billion.

MAJOR MOVE: Artificial intelligence giant OpenAI on Thursday announced its nonprofit parent will retain control of the company while also gaining an equity stake worth more than $100 billion.

TECH BOOM: An important player in the global semiconductor and artificial intelligence industries is praising the Trump administration’s plan to keep America ahead of its adversaries.

BILLIONAIRE BOOM: Oracle’s stock surge has pushed co-founder Larry Ellison’s net worth higher by tens of billions of dollars the last two days and puts him ahead of Tesla CEO Elon Musk as the richest person in the world.

Oracle founder Larry Ellison speaks during a news conference with President Donald Trump in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Jan. 21, 2025, in Washington, D.C.  (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

TECH FOR CHORES: Tired of dragging your bins to the curb and waking up to the roar of garbage trucks? A new robot called HARR-E could change that routine. Built by American manufacturing giant Oshkosh Corp., this autonomous trash collector comes to your door when you call it, just like a rideshare.

HARR-E trash robot (Oshkosh)

‘NOTORIOUS’: Tarboro, North Carolina, residents are urging their town council to reject a proposal for a 50-acre, 300-megawatt Energy Storage Solutions LLC site projected to bring 500 jobs and millions of dollars in tax revenue to the town. 

CAREFUL WHAT YOU SAY: Artificial intelligence has slipped quietly into our meetings. Zoom, Google Meet and other platforms now offer AI notetakers that listen, record and share summaries. At first, it feels like a helpful assistant. No more scrambling to jot down every point. But there’s a catch. It records everything, including comments you never planned to share.

TECH CLASH: President Donald Trump’s push to establish “America’s global AI dominance” could run into friction from an unlikely source: the “effective altruism” movement, a small but influential group that has a darker outlook on artificial intelligence.

FUTURE ON AUTOPILOT: Trucking, like many foundational sectors, is undergoing significant transformation. Artificial intelligence is already enhancing efficiency and productivity across various industries, and it is now making its way into logistics. 

An Aurora Innovation Inc. driverless truck at the company’s terminal in Palmer, Texas, US, on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2023. Driverless trucks with no humans on board will soon cruise Texas, highways if three startup firms have their way, despite objections from critics who say financial pressures, not safety, is behind the timetable. Photographer: Dylan Hollingsworth/Bloomberg via Getty Images

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Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future with Fox News here.

A hacker has pulled off one of the most alarming AI-powered cyberattacks ever documented. According to Anthropic, the company behind Claude, a hacker used its artificial intelligence chatbot to research, hack, and extort at least 17 organizations. This marks the first public case where a leading AI system automated nearly every stage of a cybercrime campaign, an evolution that experts now call ‘vibe hacking’.

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HOW AI CHATBOTS ARE HELPING HACKERS TARGET YOUR BANKING ACCOUNTS

Simulated ransom guidance created by Anthropic’s threat intelligence team for research and demonstration purposes. (Anthropic)

How a hacker used an AI chatbot to strike 17 targets

Anthropic’s investigation revealed how the attacker convinced Claude Code, a coding-focused AI agent, to identify vulnerable companies. Once inside, the hacker:

• Built malware to steal sensitive files.
• Extracted and organized stolen data to find high-value information.
• Calculated ransom demands based on victims’ finances.
• Generated tailored extortion notes and emails.

Targets included a defense contractor, a financial institution, and multiple healthcare providers. The stolen data included Social Security numbers, financial records, and government-regulated defense files. Ransom demands ranged from $75,000 to over $500,000.

Why AI cybercrime is more dangerous than ever

Cyber extortion is not new. But this case shows how AI transforms it. Instead of acting as an assistant, Claude became an active operator scanning networks, crafting malware, and even analyzing stolen data. AI lowers the barrier to entry. In the past, such operations required years of training. Now, a single hacker with limited skills can launch attacks that once took a full criminal team. This is the frightening power of agentic AI systems.

HOW AI IS NOW HELPING HACKERS FOOL YOUR BROWSER’S SECURITY TOOLS

A simulated ransom note template that hackers could use to scam victims. (Anthropic)

What vibe hacking reveals about AI-powered threats

Security researchers refer to this approach as vibe hacking. It describes how hackers embed AI into every phase of an operation.

• Reconnaissance: Claude scanned thousands of systems and identified weak points.
• Credential theft: It extracted login details and escalated privileges.
• Malware development: Claude generated new code and disguised it as trusted software.
• Data analysis: It sorted stolen information to identify the most damaging details.
• Extortion: Claude created alarming ransom notes with victim-specific threats.

This systematic use of AI marks a shift in cybercrime tactics. Attackers no longer just ask AI for tips; they use it as a full-fledged partner.

GOOGLE AI EMAIL SUMMARIES CAN BE HACKED TO HIDE PHISHING ATTACKS

A cybercriminal’s initial sales offering on the dark web seen in January 2025. (Anthropic)

How Anthropic is responding to AI abuse

Anthropic says it has banned the accounts linked to this campaign and developed new detection methods. Its Threat Intelligence team continues to investigate misuse cases and share findings with industry and government partners. The company admits, however, that determined actors can still bypass safeguards. And experts warn that these patterns are not unique to Claude; similar risks exist across all advanced AI models.

How to protect yourself from AI cyberattacks

Here’s how to defend against hackers now using AI tools to their advantage:

1. Use strong, unique passwords everywhere

Hackers who break into one account often attempt to use the same password across your other logins. This tactic becomes even more dangerous when AI is involved because a chatbot can quickly test stolen credentials across hundreds of sites. The best defense is to create long, unique passwords for every account you have. Treat your passwords like digital keys and never reuse the same one in more than one lock.

Next, see if your email has been exposed in past breaches. Our #1 password manager (see Cyberguy.com/Passwords) pick includes a built-in breach scanner that checks whether your email address or passwords have appeared in known leaks. If you discover a match, immediately change any reused passwords and secure those accounts with new, unique credentials. 

Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 at Cyberguy.com/Passwords

2. Protect your identity and use a data removal service

The hacker who abused Claude didn’t just steal files; they organized and analyzed them to find the most damaging details. That illustrates the value of your personal information in the wrong hands. The less data criminals can find about you online, the safer you are. Review your digital footprint, lock down privacy settings, and reduce what’s available on public databases and broker sites.

While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice.  They aren’t cheap, and neither is your privacy.  These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites.  It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet.  By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.

Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com/Delete

Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com/FreeScan

Illustration of a hacker at work. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

3. Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA)

Even if a hacker obtains your password, 2FA can stop them in their tracks. AI tools now help criminals generate highly realistic phishing attempts designed to trick you into handing over logins. By enabling 2FA, you add an extra layer of protection that they cannot easily bypass. Choose app-based codes or a physical key whenever possible, as these are more secure than text messages, which are easier for attackers to intercept.

4. Keep devices and software updated

AI-driven attacks often exploit the most basic weaknesses, such as outdated software. Once a hacker knows which companies or individuals are running old systems, they can use automated scripts to break in within minutes. Regular updates close those gaps before they can be targeted. Setting your devices and apps to update automatically removes one of the easiest entry points that criminals rely on.

5. Be suspicious of urgent messages

One of the most alarming details in the Anthropic report was how the hacker used AI to craft convincing extortion notes. The same tactics are being applied to phishing emails and texts sent to everyday users. If you receive a message demanding immediate action, such as clicking a link, transferring money, or downloading a file, treat it with suspicion. Stop, check the source, and verify before you act.

6. Use a strong antivirus software

The hacker in this case built custom malware with the help of AI. That means malicious software is getting smarter, faster, and harder to detect. Strong antivirus software that constantly scans for suspicious activity provides a critical safety net. It can identify phishing emails and detect ransomware before it spreads, which is vital now that AI tools make these attacks more adaptive and persistent.

Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com/LockUpYourTech

Over 40,000 Americans were previously exposed in a massive OnTrac security breach, leaking sensitive medical and financial records. (Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

7. Stay private online with a VPN

AI isn’t only being used to break into companies; it’s also being used to analyze patterns of behavior and track individuals. A VPN encrypts your online activity, making it much harder for criminals to connect your browsing to your identity. By keeping your internet traffic private, you add another layer of protection for hackers trying to gather information they can later exploit.

For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com/VPN

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Kurt’s key takeaways

AI isn’t just powering helpful tools; it’s also arming hackers. This case proves that cybercriminals can now automate attacks in ways once thought impossible. The good news is, you can take practical steps today to reduce your risk.  By making smart moves, such as enabling two-factor authentication (2FA), updating devices, and using protective tools, you can stay one step ahead.

Do you think AI chatbots should be more tightly regulated to prevent abuse? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.

When conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during a speaking event at Utah Valley University, videos of the attack spread almost instantly across social media. Within minutes, graphic clips appeared on TikTok, X, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

Lawmakers quickly demanded that the platforms take action. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) publicly called on Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and TikTok to remove the footage. Luna wrote on X, “He has a family, young children, and no one should be forced to relive this tragedy online.” Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) echoed the plea, saying, “I agree completely! I NEVER want to see that again!! I hate that I saw it at all.”

That outrage quickly shifted the spotlight to the platforms themselves, with TikTok, Meta and YouTube outlining their responses while X remained largely silent.

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CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION ROCKS CAPITOL HILL, HEIGHTENS LAWMAKERS’ SECURITY FEARS

Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk speaks during a campaign rally for then-Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump at Desert Diamond Arena on August 23, 2024, in Glendale, Arizona  (Rebecca Noble/Getty Images)

TikTok responds with removals and safeguards

TikTok confirmed it is removing videos of Charlie Kirk’s assassination and outlined the steps it is taking to prevent harmful clips from spreading further. The company also issued a statement to CyberGuy expressing condolences to Kirk’s family. A TikTok spokesperson said, “We are saddened by the assassination of Charlie Kirk and send our deepest condolences to his wife Erika, their two young children and their family and friends. These horrific, violent acts have no place in our society. We remain committed to proactively enforcing our Community Guidelines and have implemented additional safeguards to prevent people from unexpectedly viewing footage that violates our rules.”

Beyond the statement, TikTok pointed to its broader Community Guidelines. The platform explained that all content is first reviewed by automated moderation tools before it appears in feeds. This system helps catch large volumes of content that may violate rules or require age restrictions.

TikTok prohibits gory, gruesome or extremely violent clips. The company also restricts content showing human or animal blood, extreme fighting or graphic footage. When footage may be in the public interest, TikTok applies safeguards like age restrictions, warning screens, or “opt-in” labels. These measures are designed to reduce exposure, especially for younger users.

TikTok said that teen accounts cannot access graphic or potentially distressing content, even when the videos are tied to major news events. Clips flagged under this rule are blocked from the “For You” feed and cannot be recommended to underage users.

TikTok also emphasized that it removes posts that harass victims or degrade people involved in tragedies. Statements that belittle or deny an experience, such as claiming a victim “deserved it,” are banned. The platform also prohibits violent threats, incitement to violence or promotion of criminal activity.

WATCH: BIPARTISAN GROUP OF LAWMAKERS EXPRESS SHOCK, GRIEF AFTER CHARLIE KIRK’S KILLING

Charlie Kirk hands out hats before speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. (Tess Crowley/The Deseret News via AP)

Meta removes glorifying content and restricts Charlie Kirk shooting videos to 18+

Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and Threads, confirmed that its Violent and Graphic Content policies apply to the footage of Charlie Kirk’s assassination.   In a statement to CyberGuy, a Meta spokesperson said,

“We are removing content that glorifies or supports this tragic incident or the perpetrator, while applying warning screens over videos of the incident and restricting their view to people 18 and over.”

All clips of the shooting are now flagged with a “Mark as Sensitive” warning label. These videos are age-gated to 18 and older and cannot appear in the feeds of underage accounts.

Meta’s approach includes warning screens, sensitivity filters and age restrictions. When users encounter sensitive videos, they must opt in before they can view the footage. This system is designed to protect people from unexpectedly seeing graphic imagery.

In this case, the videos are permitted under a public interest exception, but only with restrictions.

ANTI-TRUMP VOICES PRAISE CHARLIE KIRK’S LEGACY AFTER ASSASSINATION, SAY HE WAS DOING POLITICS ‘THE RIGHT WAY’

Charlie Kirk speaks at Culture War Turning Point USA event at the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio on October 29, 2019.  (Megan Jelinger/AFP/Getty Images)

YouTube restricts Charlie Kirk shooting videos and elevates news sources

YouTube confirmed it is removing graphic videos of Charlie Kirk’s assassination while also boosting authoritative news coverage of the tragedy. The company said in a statement, “Our hearts are with Charlie Kirk’s family following his tragic death. We are closely monitoring our platform and prominently elevating news content on the homepage, in search and in recommendations to help people stay informed.”

YouTube explained that it is removing highly graphic videos of the attack, especially those that lack sufficient context for viewers. Clips that remain online may be age-restricted, meaning they are not viewable to anyone signed out or under 18. Some of these videos also include an interstitial warning screen, which requires users to click “Continue” before the footage plays.

The company added that it will continue to monitor the platform and may remove additional content that violates its Community Guidelines. YouTube’s policies specifically prohibit content that revels in or mocks the death or serious injury of an identifiable individual.

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Charlie Kirk, Turning Point USA founder, speaks during the first day of the Republican National Convention. (Jasper Colt/USA TODAY)

X faces criticism over Charlie Kirk shooting video policies

On X, formerly Twitter, videos of the shooting remain available as long as they follow the platform’s graphic media policy. X requires that such clips be labeled appropriately, not prominently displayed and not “excessively gory.”

However, users reported seeing the footage in their feeds without consent. Some said the autoplay feature exposed them to the videos before they could turn it off. Researchers also noted that clips were quickly reposted and continued to spread across the platform.

X allows users to share graphic media if it is properly tagged. The platform bans content that glorifies violence, incites harm or celebrates attacks. Still, videos may remain online if they are considered newsworthy or tied to current events.

The platform warns users that content labeled “sensitive” should not be displayed automatically. But in practice, researchers observed the Kirk video surfacing through algorithmic feeds, even when people had not searched for it.

X did not respond to our request for comment before publication.

Social media gatekeeping fails with Charlie Kirk shooting video

For decades, news organizations made editorial decisions about whether to publish violent imagery, often avoiding explicit content to protect audiences. Today, that gatekeeping power has diminished.

Smartphones and instant uploads mean graphic events can spread before any newsroom responds. Social media algorithms often amplify the most shocking clips, making it nearly impossible to shield viewers from disturbing footage.

Lawmakers increase pressure on social media moderation

Luna and Boebert’s statements underscore growing political pressure on tech companies to better enforce content rules. Researchers also warn that unchecked circulation of graphic violence can desensitize viewers and, in some cases, encourage extremist responses.

At the same time, major platforms have scaled back human moderation teams, relying more on AI detection systems. Experts say those systems often miss context, leaving dangerous gaps in enforcement. 

Parent safety tips to protect kids from graphic videos

Parents worried about their children encountering violent clips can take proactive steps:

• Enable parental controls: Both iOS and Android offer built-in screen time and content filters that limit what apps and media kids can access. You can also take advantage of new protections rolled out by major platforms.
• Use app-specific settings: TikTok, YouTube and Instagram all provide parental restriction tools, including content filters, restricted mode and family pairing. Meta’s teen safety features on Instagram and Facebook are designed to give parents and teens more tools to stay safe online. Through TikTok’s Family Pairing, parents can see or adjust more than 20 settings for their teens. X does not currently offer the same parental controls, which makes it harder for parents to limit what their children see on that platform.
• Turn off autoplay: Prevent videos from automatically playing, reducing the chance of graphic clips starting without warning.
• Talk openly: Explain why some content is harmful and encourage kids to come to you if they see something disturbing.
• Stay involved: Regularly review app activity and check which accounts your child follows.

These steps won’t block everything, but they give families more control in a world where disturbing videos can spread fast.

Kurt’s key takeaways

The calls to remove videos of Charlie Kirk’s death highlight the challenges of moderating violence online. Platforms promise safeguards, but in practice, graphic clips often spread faster than moderation systems can react. As social media continues to replace traditional gatekeepers, both companies and users share responsibility for what circulates online. Adjusting your settings and being cautious about sharing content can make a difference.

Should platforms be required to take down all graphic videos of real-world violence or should users decide what they see? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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