Encrypted Client Hello didn't solve censorship, but still may have a role to play
In November 2024, Russia began blocking Cloudflare’s implementation of Encrypted Client Hello (ECH), a privacy-focused extension of the TLS protocol.“This technology is a means of circumventing restrictions on access to information banned in Russia. Its use violates Russian law and is restricted by the Technical Measure to Combat Threats (TSPU),” the statement by the Russian Internet regulator read.
Russia, known for its tight control over internet access, views ECH as a tool for bypassing geo-restrictions, though that was never its intended purpose. This move follows a broader pattern of censorship and surveillance. Over the past few years, Russia has been cracking down on VPNs, making it harder for users to circumvent government-imposed restrictions.
Cloudflare introduces AI Audit to help websites manage AI access and content usage
Cloudflare has introduced AI Audit, a new set of tools aimed at helping websites manage how artificial intelligence (AI) models access and use their content. AI Audit allows content creators to see how their content is being used by AI models and take steps to control access. Additionally, Cloudflare is working on a pricing feature that will enable creators to set a price for AI companies using their content for model training and retrieval augmented generation (RAG).
Many website owners may not be aware that AI bots are scanning their content frequently, often without the creator’s knowledge or compensation. AI Audit is designed to give control back to content owners, allowing them to block AI bots, access analytics on content usage, and negotiate agreements for the use of their content by AI models.
Google Search now supports AVIF images
Google has announced that AVIF, a rapidly growing image format, is now officially supported in Google Search, including Google Images and other areas where images are utilized. This means that AVIF files can now be indexed by Google without requiring any special configuration from webmasters.
AVIF, an open image file format derived from the AV1 video compression standard, has gained traction due to its efficient compression and high-quality output. Its compatibility spans across all major web browsers and is supported by various platforms, including WordPress, Joomla, and CloudFlare.
New security tools aim to protect enterprises from phishing attacks
A new set of zero trust email security solutions from Cloudflare are aimed at protecting employees from multichannel phishing attacks, preventing sensitive data from being exfiltrated via email, and helping businesses speed up and simplify deployments,
Compatible with any email provider, the protection is integrated into Cloudflare's platform, helping to secure all of an organization's applications and data.
Microsoft is preparing to add Microsoft Edge Secure Network, a free VPN, to its web browser
Concerns about online privacy and security mean that more and more people are turning to VPNs. It can be hard to know which VPN to choose, and to determine whether it is best to go for a free or paid-for tool. For users of its Edge browser, Microsoft is readying another solution.
The Microsoft Edge Secure Network is a Cloudflare-powered VPN service which Microsoft is looking to integrate directly into Edge. Microsoft's VPN would not only eliminate the need to install a third-party tool -- something that serves as an obstacle to many people -- it also includes a free data quota to help entice users.
Cloudflare Web Analytics is a new privacy-focused alternative to Google Analytics
Cloudflare is best known for its security and DNS services, but now the company is branching out with a new tool to rival Google Analytics.
The site traffic analytics offered by Google are used by millions of people around the world, but Cloudflare wants to unseat the search giant with its own Cloudflare Web Analytics. What makes the services stand out is a focus on privacy, with Cloudflare neither storing not profiting from data gathered about site visitors.
Cloudflare and the Internet Archive are working together to help make the web more reliable
Cloudflare’s Always Online service caches a static version of any sites that use it. Should a site’s server get taken offline for any reason, such as a DDoS attack, visitors will still be able to view a recent version of it.
Today Cloudflare announces it is joining forces with the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine to make the web more reliable.
Cloudflare ditches Google's reCAPTCHA because of privacy concerns and costs
Cloudflare has moved away from using Google's reCAPTCHA, opting instead for the independent hCaptcha bot detector.
The company explains the reasons behind the change, citing not only the fact that Google would now like to charge Cloudflare for what used to be a free service, but also the privacy concerns that stem from anything to do with Google.
Cloudflare launches DNS-based parental control service 1.1.1.1 for Families
Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1 DNS resolver has been around for a couple of years now, helping to cater for those looking for a more private and secure internet connection. Now the company has announced a new version of the product, this time with extra protective layers.
1.1.1.1 for Families is essentially a parental control filter, automatically blocking access to "bad sites". This means not only sites that deliver malware, but also adult sites that might not be suitable for younger internet users. But while parents may welcome this automated filtering, 1.1.1.1 for Families has already come in for criticism for incorrectly blocking sites.
Cloudflare announces free VPN tool WARP for Windows and macOS, with Linux to follow
If you're in the market for a free VPN for your desktop PC or laptop, Cloudflare will soon have a new offering.
Following on from the success of its free VPN for mobile devices, the company that's also behind the 1.1.1.1 DNS resolver is now bringing WARP to Windows and macOS -- and there is a Linux version in the works. Cloudflare's WARP is currently available in beta, but not everyone will be able to get access to it straight away.
Cloudflare's Warp VPN now available to all
Cloudflare introduced a privacy-focused DNS service last year, and rolled out a mobile app for it as well. The 1.1.1.1 app for Android and iOS aims to speed up and protect your mobile browsing by routing your DNS queries through its own resolver.
Earlier in the year the company announced a VPN service to go along with this called Warp, and invited users to sign up to a waiting list. It was a very long list though -- I was number 1,932,244! The good news today though is the wait is now over and anyone can start using Warp.
Cloudflare terminates 8chan over links to mass shootings
Cloudflare has announced that it is terminating its services with controversial site 8chan. The move comes after the mass shootings in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio.
There have been numerous calls for 8chan to be taken offline in the past, and Cloudflare has previously considered removing its protective services from the site. What has now tipped the company's decision is the fact that the shooter at El Paso "appears to have been inspired" by 8chan, and even posted a racist manifesto on the site.
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