In the wake of high-profile data breaches and leaks, concern about our data is at an all-time high. digi.me is a company that wants to centralise user data to their device, with explicit permissions being accepted or rejected for any service that asks to gain access to it.

Web giants such as Facebook and Google have woven themselves into billions of lives, but countless controversies over the years have a growing number of users questioning if they can trust these companies. How are data breaches and fake news changing people’s relationships with big tech?

The self-made mythos is as powerful as ever despite societal upheaval testing its limits. Contending with a volatile economy and rigid working conditions, many people continue to see entrepreneurship – and the ruthless ambition that underpins it – as a golden ticket to freedom and fulfilment. As Gen Zers look towards their future careers,more than a thirdare aspiring to 'be their own boss'. Even for those employed, the era of the side hustle is in full swing and, in a society that idolises productivity, hobbies and passions have become yet another opportunity for people to market themselves or advance financially. Fromthe rise of the professional fantogift-wrapping for hire, opportunities to profit are in every direction. And as AI technologies become increasingly normalised, they’re enabling Generation Sell to further optimise its approach to generating extra income. Building a personal brand was once a savvy way to get ahead. Now, it feels like an unavoidable part of modern life that doesn’t necessarily reap extra benefits. People are more aware of the hustle behind the business of influencing and the role of the content creator is losing its glamorous sheen. Indeed, social media and digital services have lowered the barriers to entry for entrepreneurship, with TikTok driving$14.7 billion in small business revenuesin a single year and Etsy, eBay, Vinted, and Uber allowing more side hustlers to dip their toe in the ever-expanding gig economy. Passive income is the new aspiration – and no amount is too small to leave on the table.

The GDPR rollout and Cambridge Analytica scandal have raised the public’s awareness of how their online data is used, abused, and profited from by brands. To help web users regain a sense of control over their personal info, Mozilla is helping them avoid trackers by default through Firefox.