The Price of Privacy

Good morning, my favorite people.

Here's a fun twist: I read in The New York Times that some loyal readers quit cold turkey after the election. Maybe it’s exhaustion, or maybe it’s just relief? Whatever it is, it got me thinking about the fine line between staying informed and feeling overwhelmed.

Because let’s be honest— no one needs to carry the world on their shoulders daily. And that's why I'm here, doing the heavy lifting for you.

Oh, and I'll share a little summary of our first 40 days later today (actually, this is our 50th issue). It gives me hope to see how far this newsletter has grown—and that's only possible with your help. So, thank you for every read, every share, and every kind word.

Now, let’s dive into today’s stories, shall we?

Here's everything you need to know today:

OnlyFans might seem like the perfect platform to turn clicks into cash, but Reuters found a disturbing underside. Over 120 individuals have reported to U.S. law enforcement that sexually explicit content featuring them appeared on the site without their consent. The story of Sammy, whose assault was filmed and sold on the platform, is one such instance.

OnlyFans claims to be "the world's safest social media platform," but it has been accused of not correctly moderating content, leaving victims in the dark. Balancing freedom of expression and individual rights is increasingly challenging in the digital age. The platform makes billions, but victims often struggle for years to remove harmful content.

In a world where privacy and dignity should be non-negotiable, do platforms like OnlyFans adequately protect their users, or does profit overshadow accountability?

Believe in a Better Future

Let's shake off the gloom and focus on the extraordinary. For the third year, Vox will celebrate 50 extraordinary people actively building a better future rather than just dreaming of one.

This year's honorees range from AI safety advocates to climate scientists to activists standing up for animal welfare. Includes familiar names such as Billie Eilish (yes, our Happier Than Ever queen is an animal rights advocate) and Christopher Nolan.

What inspires me most is not just what they’re doing but how. There are no single paths to success. Rethink existing policies, break rules, and innovate.

It's a dose of optimism and a path to take. Curious about who’s shaping tomorrow? Here’s your VIP pass. Let’s keep cheering for the changemakers—and maybe even join them.

Itchy Innovation

Good news: Mosquitoes might not just ruin your BBQs anymore! Scientists have turned bloodsuckers into buzzing vaccine carriers. Yep, mosquitoes—those tiny flying vampires that spread malaria—are now being used to help stop the disease.

In a groundbreaking trial, researchers injected mosquitoes with a malaria vaccine. The results? Nearly 90% of participants avoided the disease after getting bitten by these modified mozzies.

Here’s the wild part: Scientists engineered the parasite to stop multiplying after a few days in the liver, triggering an immune response. In remote, high-risk areas, participants braved up to 50 bites per session (the itchiness must’ve been real).

But don't expect your neighborhood swarm to be medics. Scaling this method is a logistical nightmare, and more testing is required. Still, mosquitoes delivering vaccines in hard-to-reach regions? A literal middle finger to disease from science.

Sin City Showdown

Vegas is rolling the dice but not at the poker table this time. This weekend promises high-octane drama, dazzling lights, and maybe a championship-clinching moment for Max Verstappen.

This isn’t just any race—it’s a $1.5 billion tourism extravaganza. In addition to the laps, the Las Vegas Grand Prix is hailed as the biggest sporting event in city history. There's a clash between billionaires sipping champagne and backpackers cheering.

Speaking of clashes, Red Bull's Verstappen is poised to win his fourth championship title, while McLaren's Lando Norris desperately clings to his title hopes. Verstappen's journey has been dominant, but Norris's grit reminds us why we love this sport.

Last year's GP attracted 316,000 fans, reached 59.3 million TV viewers, and turned a quiet weekend into a $1.5 billion jackpot. Vegas never sleeps, and neither do we. Buckle up, folks, because the race starts now.

💡 Core Wisdom

📸 Lens to Life

Shortlisted underwater images for the 2024 Close-Up Photographer of the Year award.

🧮 Core Count: 30,000

A porcupine's average number of spikes.

🗓️ Flashback:

1248 - Christian troops conquer Seville under King Ferdinand III of Castile.

1923 - Premiere of Cecil B. DeMille's first version of "The Ten Commandments”

1993 - "Doggystyle" is released by Snoop Dogg (Billboard Album of the Year 1994).

I'm glad we could get together here. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Fatih Taskiran