The copyright extortionists

The copyright extortionists

Author: BBC World Service September 8, 2026 Duration: 26:29

Lots of people make a living from social media posts. But some have been targeted by an international extortion scheme. It involves a flood of false copyright infringement claims. It only stops if the extorter is paid. Imran Rahman-Jones has the story.

Also this week: could AI help to spot wrong-way driving on Ireland's major roads? And we bring you the latest titles and tech on show at Gamescom in Germany.

Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn

(Image: Silhouettes of mobile phone users are seen next to a screen projection of Instagram's logo. Credit: Reuters)


From the studios of the BBC World Service comes Tech Life, a global conversation about the tools reshaping our everyday existence. This isn't just a show about new gadgets; it's a deep dive into the human stories behind the silicon. Each episode takes you to the front lines of innovation, introducing the thinkers and tinkerers whose bright ideas are redefining how we work, learn, and connect. We go beyond the press release, getting hands-on with emerging products to understand their real-world impact. But Tech Life also tackles the harder questions, scrutinizing the immense power wielded by tech giants and examining who truly benefits-and who gets left behind-in this relentless transformation. The podcast serves as an essential guide to a future that is constantly being written, offering clarity and context on the forces that are actively making and remaking our world. Tune in for thoughtful, international reporting that connects the dots between a line of code and a change in your daily life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Tech Life
Podcast Episodes
Would you wear smart glasses? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:28
Is this the year when smart glasses become mainstream? Whether you need spectacles for your vision, or wear sunglasses, tech firms are hoping you'll buy their latest devices. Tech Life's Alasdair Keane has road tested so…
Driverless cars in the fast lane [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:28
Autonomous taxis are already part of everyday life in some cities. What will it be like when self-driving car tech gets up to full speed ? And we find out how scientists are using quantum sensing technology to peer insid…
China's AI progress [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:29
The launch of China's DeepSeek AI tool a year ago sent shockwaves through US markets and Silicon Valley. But now Chinese AI tech is being used by more and more US companies. Our North America Technology Correspondent, Li…
What's new in health tech? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:28
We all want to stay fit and healthy. But how can technology help ? Shiona McCallum discusses new health tech on display at the world's biggest consumer electronics trade show. And if you own cryptocurrency - beware. Thie…
When will a robot do my laundry? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:32
How close are we to humanoid robots in the home? A flurry of new robots, designed to look like us, have been revealed recently, with many in Silicon Valley excited that this is the next big leap in AI. But many humanoid…
What to expect from tech in 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:28
For our first episode of 2026, Tech Life looks forward to the rest of the year, and beyond. What are the latest consumer gadgets on display at a huge electronics trade show in Las Vegas? How will assistive technology, de…
Tech Life's look back at 2025 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:29
A selection of our favourite stories in 2025. From bringing back extinct species to AI at a royal palace. And you tell us about the tech that's made a difference to your life.Presenter: Chris Vallance Producers: Tom Quin…
Launching a commercial space station [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:29
A company called Vast hopes to put Haven-1 into orbit in 2026. If successful, it'll be the world's first commercial space station. We speak to the company's CEO, Max Haot.Also on Tech Life this week: find out about robot…
Chatbots changing minds [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:32
A study found AI chatbots can persuade us with fake facts. We explore what this means for politics. Then we speak to author of The Web Beneath the Waves, Samanth Subramanian, about the importance of undersea cables. Plus…
The darker side of streaming [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:29
Twitch streamer QTCinderella talks about the unwelcome attention she receives in real life. Shiona McCallum reports on robotics for offshore wind farms. And polar rover tech.Presenter: Shiona McCallum Producer: Tom Quinn…