The US government is warning that hackers are now actively exploiting two critical security vulnerabilities in the PHP web software, which is used by 70% of web-facing servers, and has ordered civilian federal agencies to patch their systems within three days.

The French government has asked internet service providers (ISPs) to prepare temporary DNS blocks for major social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, in preparation for a nationwide internet shutdown on October 24. The request was made by the Prime Minister, who has been planning the shutdown as part of a broader effort to manage the COVID-19 pandemic. The DNS blocks would allow ISPs to redirect users to a landing page with information about the shutdown and the reasons behind it, rather than simply blocking access to the websites. This move is seen as a way to maintain public order and safety during the pandemic, but it has also raised concerns about freedom of expression and access to information.