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Stay anonymous online for five years with this budget-friendly VPN

Mashable - Tue, 05/13/2025 - 12:38

TL;DR: Don’t use the internet without protection — AdGuard VPN makes it affordable, with a five-year subscription for just $39.97 ($359.40) through June 1.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard AdGuard VPN: 5-Year Subscription $39.97
$359.40 Save $319.43 Get Deal

VPNs are a simple way to secure your digital life, but if you’re not super techy, it’s intimidating to use one for the first time. AdGuard VPN makes it easy, offering your very own encrypted gateway to the web, and right now, a five-year subscription is $39.97 — or just $8 a year — through June 1.

This easy-to-use VPN protects you for $8 a year

Keeping your internet activity safe is vital these days. Even though we can’t see them, hackers and internet thieves are everywhere. AdGuard VPN can tighten up your online security, offering an easy way to keep your data secure and your online activities under lock and key.

Curious how it works? Once you secure your subscription, you’ll enjoy five years of protection. Simply choose from over 70 server locations worldwide, and then browse the web in total anonymity without geographical restrictions.

AdGuard VPN’s advanced security protocol guarantees you a faster and safer connection. And if you’re concerned about your privacy, don’t worry — there’s a zero-logging policy, which means your personal data will not be collected and all of your internet activities stay private.

You can use this VPN on up to 10 devices simultaneously, making it just $4 a device to cover protection for five years. It’s compatible with all platforms, iOS, Android, and Google Chrome.

Secure your own five-year subscription to AdGuard VPN for just $39.97 now through June 1.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

The Anker Soundcore 2 portable speaker is under $30 at Amazon

Mashable - Tue, 05/13/2025 - 12:33

SAVE 33%: The Anker Soundcore 2 portable Bluetooth speaker (black) is on sale at Amazon for just $29.98, down from the normal price of $44.99. That's a savings of $15.01.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Soundcore Anker Soundcore 2 portable Bluetooth speaker (black) $29.98 at Amazon
$44.99 Save $15.01 Get Deal

We're so close to summer fun — and the summer hits we're yet to fall in love with. If you're in charge of playing DJ at seasonal gatherings, there's a portable Bluetooth speaker deal in store for you today.

As of May 13, the Anker Soundcore 2 portable Bluetooth speaker (black) is on sale at Amazon for just $29.98, marked down from the standard price of $44.99. That works out to a 33% discount for a savings of $15.01. Be sure to snag the speaker in the black colorway to score this deal, since the other options are still hanging out at full price.

SEE ALSO: Grab the Jackery Explorer 100 Plus power station on sale for under $100 and stay juiced up on the go

The Anker Soundcore 2 portable speaker wants to come on your next adventure. Its waterproof design means you can pack it along to the pool or your lake adventures without worrying about splashes. That also means it's shower-safe, allowing you to hold that opera concert during a morning rinse.

The long, 24-hour battery life is great for getaways, since you won't need to worry about recharging each night. Plus, the 12-watt speaker output is pretty impressive for a portable speaker.

If your sunny plans involve portable tunes, snag the black Anker Soundcore 2 portable speaker and be set for singalongs. Start building your ultimate summer playlist now to be ready for when the speaker arrives. At this low price, it might even be worth snagging a few for stocking stuffers in December.

The best headphones and speaker deals to shop this week

The curved Samsung Odyssey gaming monitor is $650 off

Mashable - Tue, 05/13/2025 - 12:32

GET $650 OFF: May 13th, the Samsung 49" Odyssey Curved Gaming Monitor (QD-OLED G9, DQHD 240Hz) is on sale for $1,149.99, down from $1,799.99. Save $650, or 36% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 49" Odyssey Curved Gaming Monitor (QD-OLED G9, DQHD 240Hz) $1,149.99 at Best Buy
$1,799.99 Save $650 Get Deal

Immerse yourself in a river or stars, FPS shoot 'em ups, or whimsy — whatever your PC gaming niche, this curved Samsung monitor will make it sparkle.

Right now, May 13th, the Samsung 49" Odyssey Curved Gaming Monitor (QD-OLED G9, DQHD 240Hz) is available for $1,149.99, saving you $650 off.

SEE ALSO: Outfit your home with a Samsung Soundbar for $170 off

When you're spending the big ones on a gaming monitor, it's got to pull some weight. This one will.

The Samsung Odyssey curves around your field of vision so that you can spot threats from the corner of your eye. It has a 49 inch, QHD resolution of 5120 x 1440p, which falls between HD and 4K, but expands laterally to fit the extra wide monitor.

Perhaps most importantly, the Odyssey is fast. It can achieve wildly high 240Hz refresh rates, with 0.03ms response times. It also has AMD FreeSync Premium Pro functionality, eliminating stutters.

These are the best tech deals available now

Beyond its role as a monitor, this screen will also function as a TV. It has Smart TV Experience built in, with SmartThings connectivity. You can also set it up to control your smart home with Alexa.

May 13th, the Samsung 49" Odyssey Curved Gaming Monitor (QD-OLED G9, DQHD 240Hz) is on sale for $650 off. Get it now for $1,149.99 and save 43%.

If you're looking for the perfect screen to top off a custom built gaming rig, this is the one. Enjoy immaculate graphics in Avowed, and outpace the competition in Valorant.

Apple explores letting people control iPhones with their brains, report says

Mashable - Tue, 05/13/2025 - 12:19

Apple is working on a way for people with physical disabilities to control devices with their thoughts.

On Tuesday, the tech giant announced a partnership with brain-computer interface (BCI) company Synchron that's developing an implantable device with electrodes that read brain signals. This technology enables Apple to translate these signals into actions like selecting icons on the screens of iPhones, iPads, and Apple Vision Pro "without the need for physical movement or voice commands," according to the press release.

SEE ALSO: Apple is working on a chip for smart glasses, report claims

The Wall Street Journal's report detailed Apple and Synchron's work with early testers for developing this new form of technological communication. Pittsburgh resident Mark Jackson who has ALS has the Synchron brain implant called Stentrode, which is a "a stent-like device that is implanted in a vein atop the brain’s motor cortex." The device "effectively translates brain waves, allowing a user to navigate around a screen and select an icon," the Journal wrote.

When using the Apple Vision Pro while connected to the Stentrode, Jackson was able to virtually "peer over the ledge of a mountain in the Swiss Alps and feel his legs shake," even though his limited motor function prevents him from being able to stand up.

That said, it's early days for this breakthrough technology and Jackson explained how he "can’t use it to mimic moving a cursor with a mouse or a touch screen with fingers, so navigation is much slower than normal interaction with a computer or smartphone."

But it's a major accessibility development for the disabled community. Synchron claims to be "the first BCI company to achieve native integration with a new BCI Human Interface Device (BCI HID) profile." Elon Musk's Neuralink is developing a neurotechnology with similar capabilities. Its N1 chip was implanted in a human for the first time in early 2024 and Musk said the person was successfully able to control a cursor with his thoughts.

Apple has recently made other accessibility advancements, including Personal Voice for people who are losing their ability to speak, which will be upgraded with the upcoming release of iOS 19. And Mashable's Chase DiBenedetto reported that Apple will be "revamping its motion-related accessibility tools this year too, including faster eye and head tracking for typing and motion sickness reduction for Mac."

Pre-order the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge and get $140 off the Galaxy Buds3 Pro

Mashable - Tue, 05/13/2025 - 12:16

SAVE $140: As of May 13, pre-order the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge at Samsung to qualify to get the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro for $109.99, down from their usual price of $249.99. That's a discount of 56%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge $1,099.99 at Samsung
$1,219.99 Save $120 Pre-order to qualify for Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro discount Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro $109.99 at Samsung
$249.99 Save $140 Pre-order the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge to qualify for deal Get Deal

Need a new phone? The upcoming Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is a great option, but it's made even better when you consider you can get a great bonus with it. If you're planning on pre-ordering Samsung's thinnest Galaxy device ever, you can get a great price on a pair of headphones to go with it, as long as you buy from Samsung.

As of May 13, pre-order the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge to qualify to get the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro for $109.99, down from their usual price of $249.99. That's $140 off and a discount of 56%. Make sure that you're pre-ordering from the main Samsung page, then scroll down to the "Start building healthy habits with Galaxy" section to find the Galaxy Buds3 Pro add-on to be eligible for the deal. Add them to your cart and the discount will automatically be applied.

SEE ALSO: Pre-order the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, get a free storage upgrade and $50 Amazon gift card

These lightweight buds are a somewhat obvious competitor to Apple's AirPods. They're similar in looks, but their coloring is a bit different. They're excellent when it comes to noise-cancelling and offer great bass and crisp treble.

Beyond that, they're IP57 water- and dust-resistant, with LE audio supported, as well as Auracast. They have up to six hours of battery life with noise cancellation turned on, which should give you plenty of listening and talk time as well. And their on-board touch and swipe controls make it easy to control what you're listening to on your phone when you're on the go.

If you're buying a new phone anyway, might as well get accessories to go with it. Grab your phone while it's still up for preorder and scoop up this Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro deal while you can.

The best headphones and speaker deals to shop this week

That tiny Slate EV truck already has 100K reservations

Mashable - Tue, 05/13/2025 - 12:12

A few weeks ago a small, electric truck went viral. Apparently that virality has converted into real interest from consumers.

EV start-up Slate told TechCrunch it has crossed 100,000 reservations just a couple weeks after it unveiled its low-cost, small truck. It seems people are interested in low-cost EVs, even as lots of Americans purposefully migrate away from Elon Musk's Tesla.

“We are truly humbled by America’s response to Slate’s brand launch and the launch of our truck,” Slate’s chief commercial officer Jeremy Snyder told TechCrunch. “We are excited for what the future holds.”

Now, a big caveat: A reservation is not a commitment to actually purchase the truck once it becomes available. It's basically a $50 deposit to reserve a spot in line to one day buy a Slate truck. Converting those reservations into purchases is a big ask and far from guaranteed.

SEE ALSO: Slate's $20K made-in-America electric truck is the opposite of a Cybertruck

The truck does seem neat and is certainly different than other American vehicles. As Mashable's Timothy Beck Worth wrote the (as low as) $20K, "made-in-America electric truck is the opposite of a Cybertruck." It's not flashy, with manual, crank windows and a basic, clean design. For instance, it features a universal device holder instead of a built-in, massive screen like a Tesla. Whereas the Cybertruck is a rickety, cyberpunk fever dream, the Slate truck seems to position itself as a practical, customizable vehicle.

Deliveries for Slate trucks are scheduled to begin in late 2026.

Save $20 on the bass-heavy Soundcore Boom 2 for your outdoor music needs

Mashable - Tue, 05/13/2025 - 11:39

SAVE $20: As of May 13, Anker's Soundcore Boom 2 speaker is on sale for $119.99 instead of $139.99 at Amazon. That's 14% in savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Soundcore Boom 2 speaker $119.99 at Amazon
$139.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

There's one thing a successful beach day, backyard barbecue, pool party, and tailgate all have in common: they're incomplete without music. Need an outdoor speaker to accompany your summer shenanigans? Check out the Anker Soundcore Boom 2, which happens to be on sale for $20 off.

As of May 13, you can pick up the Soundcore Boom 2 for an affordable $119.99 instead of $139.99. That's 14% in savings, which isn't a massive discount, but still puts it in a solid price range for its value.

The right outdoor Bluetooth speaker delivers powerful sound, a long-lasting battery life, and a build that can withstand the elements. The Soundcore Boom 2 checks all of those boxes. It'll last up to 24 hours per charge and delivers big bass sound (plus a BassUp 2.0 feature) in a floating waterproof body. Plus, it features some fun LED lighting to add to the party vibe and a built-in power bank to give your phone some juice.

Though we haven't tested it for ourselves, our friends at PCMag and CNET (both owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis) gave the speaker sparkling reviews. PCMag writes that it "offers a good blend of power and personality" and "packs a serious bass punch for its size and price." CNET simply sums up that it "delivers top bang for your buck." Sure, there are even more powerful Bluetooth speakers overloaded with special features, but if you don't want to empty your bank account for good sound, the Soundcore Boom 2 is your guy.

The best deals from Amazon Pet Day — GPS collars, automatic feeders, and more

Mashable - Tue, 05/13/2025 - 11:30
Best deals from Amazon Pet Day Best automatic feeder deal Petlibro Upgraded RFID Automatic Cat Feeder $127.38 (Save $42.61) Get Deal Best GPS collar deal Fi Series 3 Smart Dog Collar $159 (Save $30) Get Deal Best toy deal Catstages by Nina Ottosson Buggin' Out Puzzle & Play $13.55 (Save $5.44) Get Deal Best pet camera deal Furbo 360 pet camera $47 (Save $52) Get Deal

Amazon Pet Day is officially here, which means it's the perfect time to spoil your furry friend and show them how much you appreciate their companionship. Running from May 13 to 14, the sale features up to 30% off a variety of products, including automatic feeders, GPS tracking collars, toys, and more.

SEE ALSO: The best dog puzzles to occupy your pup and keep them mentally stimulated

There's a lot on sale during the event, but we took the liberty of finding you the very best deals from Amazon Pet Day so you don't have to waste your time sifting through it all. Check out our favorite deals below, and give your pet some scratches for us.

Best automatic feeder deal Opens in a new window Credit: Petlibro Petlibro Upgraded RFID Automatic Cat Feeder $127.38 at Amazon
$169.99 Save $42.61 Get Deal Why we like it

An automatic feeder can be a lifesaver for busy pet owners who can't be home 24/7, and Petlibro's upgraded cat feeder is a great option that's on sale for Amazon Pet Day. This feeder is unique in that it comes with an RFID collar tag for your pet, ensuring that only they can trigger the dispenser. If you live in a household with multiple pets, you know how helpful something like that could be. The device can also track your pet's dietary habits and give you a detailed breakdown within its companion app, which can also be used to schedule feeding times and more. Pick one up during the sale and save $42.61.

Best GPS collar deal Opens in a new window Credit: Fi Fi Series 3 Smart Dog Collar $159 at Amazon
$189 Save $30 Get Deal Why we like it

A GPS collar is a must for people who take their pets on the go with them, and the Fi Series 3 is one of our favorites. The Fi Series 3 not only lets you track your pet's location in real time, but it also gives you analytics on their activity and sleep habits that you can view within the Fi app. It also has a three-month battery life and a durable stainless steel design. Get one for $30 off during Amazon Pet Day.

Best toy deal Opens in a new window Credit: Catstages Catstages by Nina Ottosson Buggin' Out Puzzle & Play $13.55 at Amazon
$18.99 Save $5.44 Get Deal Why we like it

Enrichment puzzles can be a great addition to your pet's toy basket, and this super cute one from Catstages is slightly discounted during the Amazon Pet Day sale. It's easy to clean, will keep your pet occupied, and also acts as a slow feeder. Pick one up and save $5.44.

Best pet camera deal Opens in a new window Credit: Furbo Furbo 360 pet camera $47 at Amazon
$99 Save $52 Get Deal Why we like it

There's almost a zero-percent chance you haven't heard of or bought the Furbo pet camera by now, but in case you haven't, you can snag one on sale for over $50 off the original price during Amazon Pet Day. Not only does it let you keep tabs on your pet when you're not home, but it also lets you toss out bite-sized treats to show them how much you miss them, and has a two-way audio function.

More deals from Amazon Pet Day The best home and kitchen deals to shop this week

Carvana, a Used Car Retailer, Thinks Tariffs Could be Good for Business

NYT Technology - Tue, 05/13/2025 - 11:22
The chief executive of Carvana, which sells used cars online, said President Trump’s tariffs could help his company by increasing demand for its vehicles.

Is Slate Auto’s Electric Truck the Answer to Expensive Cars?

NYT Technology - Tue, 05/13/2025 - 11:22
Slate Auto, a start-up backed by Jeff Bezos, plans to sell a small, spartan electric truck that comes with no paint, stereo or touch-screens.

Save $90 on my favorite air purifier brand and stay sane during allergy season

Mashable - Tue, 05/13/2025 - 11:20

SAVE $90: As of May 13, shop the Blueair Blue Pure 211i Max air purifier at Amazon for $90 off. Get it for $259.99, down from $349.99, to save 26% — your allergies will thank you.

Opens in a new window Credit: Blueair Blueair Blue Pure 211i Max air purifier $259.99 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $90 Get Deal

We can all agree that this year, spring allergies have been extra brutal. While I welcome the warmer weather and beautiful spring flowers, the pollen is totally taking me out. While my medicine cabinet is fully stocked with allergy meds, an air purifier is essential in combating seasonal and year round allergies.

Right now, you can score some major savings on an air purifier from my favorite brand, Blueair. Grab the Blue Pure 211i Max air purifier at Amazon for just $259.99, down from $349.99, saving you $90 for 26% off.

We're big fans of Blueair's air purifiers in my household. When I moved in with my partner and their cat, investing in an air purifier was a priority due to my allergies. We got a Blueair air purifier, and it totally changed the game. Gone were my stuffy nose and itchy, watery eyes — all thanks to our air purifier.

SEE ALSO: A refurbished Dyson V15 Detect stick vacuum is $350 cheaper than buying new at Amazon

Since getting our first Blueair, we've added a second air purifier from the brand to our home. Not only are the Blueair purifiers powerful, clearing the air of dust, dander, and pollen, but they work quietly too. Our purifier cleans the air of our bedroom while staying totally silent.

The Blue Pure 211i Max air purifier works in large spaces, cleaning over 3,000 square feet in one hour. It does all of it with HEPASilent filtration, so you don't have the constant buzz of your air purifier in the background while you're trying to watch TV. Plus, with the Blueair app, you can monitor your air quality and schedule your air purifier to cycle through certain settings.

Shop the Blue Pure 211i Max air purifier at Amazon now and save $90.

Best home and kitchen deals

Outfit your home with a Samsung Soundbar for $170 off

Mashable - Tue, 05/13/2025 - 11:10

GET $170 OFF: May 13th, the Samsung HW-B650/ZA 3.1 Channel Soundbar is currently on sale for $229.99, down from $399.99, for a savings of $170, or 43%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung HW-B650/ZA 3.1 Channel Soundbar $229.99 at Best Buy
$399.99 Save $170 Get Deal

Good TVs are better with good sound. If you're looking to supe up a home theater, Samsung is currently making it simple.

Shop now, May 13th, to get $170 off the Samsung HW-B650/ZA 3.1 Channel Soundbar — now $229.99.

SEE ALSO: The JBL Clip 5 just got its biggest discount of 2025

With three channels and a subwoofer, this soundbar provides directional audio for less. It has a crisp central speaker that enhances vocal clarity. With virtual surround sound, its secondary speakers bounce sound off the room around you to create the feeling of immersion.

While the speaker system is designed to connect to TVs and game devices, it's also simple to connect to with Bluetooth. Use it to stream concertos and live concert recordings, or put on a podcast.

Make your eardrums tingle with these standout audio deals

Right now, May 13th, Best Buy is offering 43% off the Samsung HW-B650/ZA 3.1 Channel Soundbar, getting you $170 in savings.

Whether you're looking to maximize immersion in your playthrough of The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion Remastered or really feel the opening theme music on that long awaited rewatch of The Wire, this Samsung soundbar will give your home audio wings.

The Belkin 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station is back to its lowest price at Amazon

Mashable - Tue, 05/13/2025 - 10:52

SAVE $20: As of May 13, get the Belkin 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station for $99.99, down from its usual price of $119.99, at Amazon via on-page coupon. That's a discount of 21%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Belkin 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station $99.99 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $20 Get Deal

If your nightstand is always cluttered with multiple chargers, you might want to try something that consolidates them. You need something that can handle most of your tech with just one plug to worry about — and Belkin has your back with today's deal at Amazon.

As of May 13, get the Belkin 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station for $99.99, down from its usual price of $119.99, at Amazon via on-page coupon of $20. That's a discount of 21% and the lowest price we've seen.

SEE ALSO: Grab Amazon's flagship Echo smart speaker for $35 off

This 3-in-1 charging station can charge up to three items at once: your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods. They're juiced up via fast charging powered by Qi2 technology, which can handle up to 15W charging, plus, it supports MagSafe. Since the charger itself is magnetic, all you have to do is drop your phone on the charging station with your AirPods and Apple Watch on their designated areas, and they'll start charging.

The entire unit is made from fire-resistant materials, and there's an LED light that comes on to let you know that everything is charging as it should be. It supports Apple Watches up to the Ultra 2 model, and you can even use your iPhone while it charges on the magnetic mount.

If you're tired of having to play musical chairs with your chargers, this is an excellent deal. Make some space on your nightstand and stop worrying about swapping out electrical outlets.

Best Tech Deals

Get ready for your next barbecue with this JBL party speaker — now $130 off

Mashable - Tue, 05/13/2025 - 10:51

SAVE $130: As of May 13, shop the JBL Extreme 4 speaker for $249.95. That saves you $130 for 34% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Extreme 4 $249.95 at Amazon
$379.95 Save $130 Get Deal

With the warmer weather finally here, it's time to get outside. Grab your allergy meds and clean off the grill because it's barbecue season. As you get ready to host your first shindig, don't forget about the ambiance. If your bluetooth speaker kicked the bucket over the winter, then here's a deal for you.

As of May 13, shop the JBL Extreme 4 speaker for just $249.95. That's down from its usual $379.95, saving $130 for 34% off.

The JBL Extreme 4 speaker is made for partying. It comes with an attachable shoulder strap so you can take it on the go and comes with 24 hours of playback. With an IP67 rating, its dustproof and waterproof so it can withstand the great outdoors. Plus, did we mention the shoulder strap has a built-in bottle opener?

Shop the JBL Extreme 4 speaker on Amazon and save $130.

Best audio deals

New GOP bill would basically ban porn, experts warn

Mashable - Tue, 05/13/2025 - 10:45

A bill that rewrites the legal definition of "obscenity" could potentially change the internet as we know it.

Last week, Republican Utah Sen. Mike Lee and Illinois Rep. Mary Miller reintroduced the Interstate Obscenity Definition Act (IODA), which would redefine what is considered "obscene" material. Obscenity isn't protected by the First Amendment, which enshrines freedom of speech.

SEE ALSO: What the Supreme Court hearing about age verification could mean for you

"It may as well be an outright ban on pornography," adult industry attorney Corey D. Silverstein told Mashable, "because basically, under [Lee's] definition, all adult entertainment, all forms of pornography, will be deemed obscene."

Obscenity, porn, and the law

Obscenity is "outside the bounds of the First Amendment," explained Mike Stabile, director of public policy at adult industry trade organization, the Free Speech Coalition. "You cannot distribute it, you can't sell it, you can't post it online…it is something you can be prosecuted for."

In U.S. law, obscenity is currently determined by the "Miller test," a three-part test introduced after the 1973 Supreme Court case Miller v. California:

(a) whether "the average person, applying contemporary community standards" would find that the work, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient [shameful or morbid sexual] interest… 

(b) whether the work depicts or describes, in a patently offensive way, sexual conduct specifically defined by the applicable state law, and...

(c) whether the work, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value. 


All three parts must be proven in order for material to be deemed "obscene" — not protected under the First Amendment.

IODA would redefine obscene material as visual media that:

(i) taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion;

(ii) depicts, describes, or represents, an actual or simulated sexual act or sexual contact, actual or simulated normal or perverted sexual acts, or lewd exhibition of the genitals, with the objective intent to arouse, titillate, or gratify the sexual desires of a person; and

(iii) taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value

IODA would remove the "community standard" requirement. In the age of the internet, clearing that bar is more difficult, according to Stabile, because "what is the community standard of the internet?" A jury would have to agree on it. But if that portion's removed, then prosecutors wouldn't have to prove that most people believe the content is prurient (not just sexual, but shameful or morbid sexual interest) and doesn't have social value.

IODA would allow prosecutors to say, "'It no longer matters if it's offensive to the larger community…if it's offensive to us, we can bring a case,'" Stabile explained.

Further, the test in IODA also removes "and" — which means that instead of proving all three prongs of the Miller test, which is the current standard, only one part would need to be proven, according to Silverstein.

That doesn't mean there wouldn't be hurdles to proving content is obscene, said Stabile, but he doesn't think IODA itself is nearly as important as what it signals: the GOP wants to illegalize porn.

Project 2025 connections

As Mashable previously reported in an article about how Trump may handle porn in his second term, Lee first introduced IODA in 2022. He also introduced the Shielding Children's Retinas from Egregious Exposure on the Net (SCREEN) Act the same year, but both failed. The SCREEN Act calls for an expansion of age-verification laws, state requirements to upload a government ID or facial recognition scan in order to view explicit websites (that comply with the laws).

Lee reintroduced IODA and the SCREEN Act in the 2023-24 legislative session, and they both failed again. Lee and now Miller reintroduced SCREEN yet again this February, and IODA is back, too.

"If you pull back and you look at the broad picture of censorship that's going on, from any information about trans people to sexual health information, certainly to anything that has adult content, they are following their promises in Project 2025," said Ricci Levy, president and CEO of the sexual freedom nonprofit Woodhull Freedom Foundation. "And this is just another attempt."

Levy refers to Project 2025, the conservative policy blueprint for Trump's second term. Among many other measures, it calls for banning pornography and imprisoning the people who make it. 

Oklahoma Sen. Dusty Deevers introduced a bill to do just that — criminalize adult content — in January. Statutes like age-verification don't outright ban porn, but do so in a "backdoor" way, according to Project 2025 co-author and current director of the Office of Management and Budget, Russell Vought. Last summer, undercover journalists caught Vought saying this on a secret recording.

So while free speech advocates and researchers have been saying age-verification laws don't work for their intended purpose, to stop minors from accessing porn, it seems that isn't the end goal of these laws. Nor would it be the end goal of IODA, experts say — despite what Lee said in the IODA announcement.

"Obscenity isn't protected by the First Amendment, but hazy and unenforceable legal definitions have allowed extreme pornography to saturate American society and reach countless children," Lee said in the press release.  

"That's just stuff and nonsense about children," Levy said, pointing to a Woodhull article on how minors aren't accessing porn at unprecedented levels. "It's just another one of those tried and tested sound bites that make these so challenging to fight."

"The bottom line is, this is all about speech suppression," Silverstein said. 

Censorship beyond porn

Stabile believes that on the surface, anti-porn prosecutors will be able to take more porn creators to court and render adult content illegal. Beyond that, bills like this would produce a chilling effect due to pressure and fear of being prosecuted. 

"If you had the federal government coming after you, it was incredibly expensive and incredibly hard to defend, and so people would just go out of business," he said of obscenity cases in the latter 1900s and early 2000s. An example is the 1990 obscenity charge against the Home Dish Satellite Corporation, a company that transmitted soft and hardcore porn through satellite across the country. It went out of business. 

"Certainly people did go to jail," Stabile continued. Among others throughout the decades, fetish porn maker Ira Isaacs received a four-year prison sentence in 2013 for producing and selling obscene material.

The potential chilling effect goes for porn creators, but also those who create content about sex and sexuality, period. 

"The focus of the right on the [adult] industry has been towards creating greater and greater liability for creating adult content and buying adult content," Stabile continued. He compared the GOP's treatment of the adult industry to that of reproductive rights: creating more and more regulations to make accessing it harder, such as with waiting periods for abortions and mandated ultrasounds. If you're a doctor or hospital, you have to comply — or be sued.

SEE ALSO: The OnlyFans creator mansion that's dividing the internet

"The intent we're seeing over and over again, whether it's Project 2025, or it's bills like this, or public statements, that that they believe that pornography should not be legal, and that they believe what they believe to be 'pornography' is this all-encompassing conversations about sex and sexuality in general," Stabile said.

"It's just such a slippery slope," said Levy, who mentioned the recent firing of Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden, who spoke out against book bans.

The ramifications of IODA are staggering, but it's not the law yet. It failed twice and could fail again.

Silverstein believes that Lee reintroduced IODA to fire up his far-right base, and that it's going to be unsuccessful once again. Regardless, it's still a terrifying time for the industry.

"It's very overwhelming. It's causing a lot of stress and a lot of angst for people in the industry, sex workers, adult entertainment workers across the board," he said. 

Silverstein, however, believes that IODA has "absolutely no chance of working." 

"You can't just pass a law to usurp what the U.S. Supreme Court has already ordered," he said. According to Silverstein, Lee is ignoring the First Amendment and the Constitution, and he'll lose.

"Since the inception of recorded pornography, the industry has continuously been under attack," Silverstein said. "We've seen this before. It's happened before, and we push back, and we fought back, and ultimately we won."

Pre-order the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, get a free storage upgrade and $50 Amazon gift card

Mashable - Tue, 05/13/2025 - 10:38

SAVE $170: Pre-order the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge at Amazon to get 512GB storage for the same price as the 256GB version of $1,099.99. You'll also get a free $50 Amazon gift card.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung / Amazon Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge preorder (512GB) $1,099.99 at Amazon
$1,269.99 Save $170 Get a free storage upgrade and $50 Amazon gift card Get Deal

No one wants a chunky phone. We want a slim design that easily fits into a pocket or slides into a cross-body bag. We also don't want to worry about how much storage space is left because we all have a lot of dog photos that need to be saved. Samsung has listened to these pain points and delivered with a new member of the Galaxy S25 family — and it's not only on sale today, but you'll also get a free storage upgrade and gift card.

Through May 29, pre-order the new Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge and get the 512GB version for $1,099.99. The 256GB version normally sells for $1,099.99, so this deal includes double the storage for free. You'll also get a free $50 Amazon gift card with the preorder, which comes out to a total savings of $170.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is all about a thin design. So thin that Samsung has noted it's the slimmest S Series phone to date, measuring just 5.8mm thick. It weighs 163 grams, which is just one gram above the baseline S25. However, it's much lighter than the current Samsung flagship of the S25 Ultra, which comes in at 218 grams.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge vs. iPhone 16: Which should you buy?

Mashable's Alex Perry went hands-on with the newly announced Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge and said, "...it's remarkably thin when you actually see and feel it. The height and width are just about at the upper end of what I consider acceptable, in the sense that I could feasibly use the phone full-time with just one hand if I needed to," noted the review. "But it's just so thin and light, especially considering the state-of-the-art chipset inside of it and the high-powered camera lens on the back."

Like the other Galaxy S25 phones, the Edge uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset. The Edge measures out to a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and 128GB RAM. This preorder deal gives you the 512GB version for the same price as the 256GB. That means you get twice as much storage for the same price.

You'll also be getting a completely free $50 Amazon gift card, so you can buy yourself something nice or snag a case for your new Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge. Keep in mind the phone is set for a release date of May 30.

Before this deal expires on May 29, upgrade to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge and get a super slim design that doesn't skimp out on functions. Thanks to today's sale, the 512GB version is all yours for the same price as the smaller 256GB phone. Plus, a free $50 Amazon gift card is a welcomed addition to the deal.

The best tech deals to shop this week

Grab Amazons flagship Echo smart speaker for $35 off

Mashable - Tue, 05/13/2025 - 10:35

SAVE $35: As of May 13, shop the Amazon Echo for $64.99 — a limited time deal. That saves you $35 for 35% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo $64.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $35 Get Deal

Amazon's voice assistant — Alexa — is more powerful than ever. In 2025, Alexa got upgraded to Alexa+, which can do a lot more than play music on command. Now Alexa+ can do multi-step tasks including planning date night and reading a bedtime story to kids. With all of Alexa's new features, it's a pretty good time to invest in an Echo device, and luckily Amazon's flagship is now on sale.

There are a lot of Amazon Echo Devices to choose from: the Echo Dot and Pop are two of the most popular. Those Echos are downsized versions of the flagship Echo, which is now on sale. As of May 13, shop the 4th generation Amazon Echo for $64.99. That's $35 off of its list price of $99.99 for 35% savings. And this is a limited time deal. As soon as all of the deals are claimed, this sale is over.

Best home and kitchen deals

The Amazon Echo is a super charged smart speaker. It answers to your commands whether you need it to set a timer, play music from Spotify, or turn on the lights. It's also compatible with Amazon Fire TV, linking together to create a well-rounded home theater experience. Not to mention, the Echo can link with other Echo devices so your music can play throughout the whole house.

Grab the Amazon Echo speaker now for just $64.99.

Best tech deals

Stock up on Claritin with a $12.50 discount at Amazon

Mashable - Tue, 05/13/2025 - 10:20

GET $12.50 OFF: As of now, May 13th, Claritin Allergy Medicine for Adults, 24-Hour Non-Drowsy Loratadine 10mg Pills, Antihistamine, 100 Tablets are on sale at Amazon for $37.49, down from $49.99 for a savings of $12.50, or 25%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Claritin Claritin Allergy Medicine for Adults, 24-Hour Non-Drowsy Loratadine 10mg Pills, Antihistamine, 100 Tablets $37.49 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $12.50 Get Deal

Welcome to the worst allergy season ever. Stock up on Claritin for less at Amazon. If you've spent the last month and a half sneezing your way past cherry blossoms and community gardens, this deal is for you.

Right now, May 13th, Amazon is running a sale on Claritin Allergy Meds. Get 100 tablets of 24-Hour Non-Drowsy Claritin for $37.49 and save $12.50.

SEE ALSO: The Peloton treadmill just hit its lowest price this year at Amazon

This has been one of the worst allergy seasons I remember. Seemingly every week, I or one of my friends succumbed to seasonal allergy oblivion. I spent half of April trying to decide if I had a cold, or if I had (correctly) diagnosed myself with yet another bout of tree pollen asphyxiation.

Thankfully, allergy medicine like Claritin can take the edge off.

Shop home and kitchen deals that will reinvent your habits this summer

Right now, May 13th, Amazon is running a timely sale on Claritin Allergy Medicine For Adults. Grab 100 tablets for $12.50 off, and get ready for the next wave of seasonal allergies.

The early days of tree pollen might be behind us, but summer allergies will kick in soon. Be ready for grass and weed pollen to strike in June and July.

A refurbished Dyson V15 Detect stick vacuum is $350 cheaper than buying new at Amazon

Mashable - Tue, 05/13/2025 - 10:13

SAVE $200: As of May 13, you can grab a refurbished Dyson V15 Detect stick vacuum at Amazon for only $399.99, down from $599.99. That's 33% off its typical refurbished asking price and about 47% off the cost of buying new.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Refurbished Dyson Detect V15 stick vacuum $399.99 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $200 Get Deal

If you're not the type of person who finds cleaning enjoyable, perhaps you're just using boring tools. Upgrading to a laser vacuum could be the trick to turning you into a certified cleaning enthusiast. Dyson's laser vacuums are all but guaranteed to make the cleaning process more exciting, but every Dyson has one major con: the price. That's why we recommend grabbing a refurbished model instead.

The Dyson V15 Detect is "a powerful vacuum with a novelty (the laser) that will actually make you want to vacuum more," according to Mashable's reviewer, and, as of May 13, you can get a refurbished model for only $399.99. That's $200 cheaper than its usual refurbished asking price and a whopping $350 off the typical price of buying a new model. We've seen new models drop to as low as $549.99, but never as low as this refurbished unit.

SEE ALSO: Grab the Dreame L40 Ultra Robot Vacuum for a dreamy $1,000 off

Worried about buying refurbished? This Dyson V15 Detect has been certified by the Amazon Renewed program in excellent condition with no scratches or cosmetic damages. You'll still get all five attachments and a wall dock; it may just come in a generic box. You'll also get a 90-day warranty for peace of mind.

While it's a few years old and no longer the only Dyson vacuum to sport a laser, the V15 Detect is still one of the most powerful stick vacuums you can buy. It features a beastly motor that unleashes 230 Air Watts of cyclonic suction and the iconic green laser that illuminates specks of dust on your path. You'll see dirt and debris you never even realized was there, which is equal parts disgusting and satisfying.

The best home and kitchen deals to shop this week

Fight or Flights Josh Hartnett and Charithra Chandran on the action movies wildest stunts

Mashable - Tue, 05/13/2025 - 09:08

If you loved watching '90s heartthrob Josh Hartnett go wild as a girl dad/serial killer in Trap, you won't want to miss the murderous mayhem he brings to Fight or Flight.

Directed by James Madigan, Fight or Flight stars Hartnett as disgraced former American operative Lucas Reyes, who's given one last chance to redeem his name. On an international flight peopled by demanding tourists, annoyed flight attendants — including the whip-smart Isha (Bridgerton's Charithra Chandran) — and an array of contract killers, Lucas must not only identify the mysterious black hat terrorist known as the Ghost, but also turn them into the American secret intelligence agency alive. With a big fat bounty on the Ghost's head, that's not easy work. And neither was making Fight or Flight.

SEE ALSO: Josh Hartnett compares his new role in 'Trap' to his character Zeke from 'The Faculty'

Shot on location on a real plane, the film demanded the actors get very comfortable with fight choreography in cramped quarters, like aisles, bathrooms, and the galleys of a plane.

In an virtual interview with Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko, Hartnett and Chandran spoke to the challenges demanded by this very action-packed movie. Hartnett was quick to commend the stunt team, including his stunt double, Clayton Grover. For her part, Chandran shared how her experience on Fight or Flight — where she has some stunt scenes — helped prepare her for her role as Miss Wednesday in an upcoming episode of the live-action anime adaptation One Piece.

Fight or Flight is now in theaters.

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