Hacker leaks over 1TB of Insomniac data and how consumers are becoming savvy to performative inclusivity…this week in social change

Welcome back to our weekly newsletter, giving you the run down on all things Gen Z and social change.

We’re back with our usual feature pieces and a brief look at some of the week’s biggest stories.

First up, startup company Sulapac is developing microplastic-free packaging materials. Anyone who is even slightly into skincare will be well aware that the environmental cost of beauty cosmetics is huge. It’s really no secret that the waste generated is immense, with 120 billion tonnes of throwaway packaging produced annually. Sulapac is making bio-based materials using recycled ingredients to curb the issue. Sound interesting? Read the full story on our website here.

Elsewhere, the Pope has granted priests permission to bless same-sex couples. It marks a significant stride towards fostering a more inclusive environment for LGBTQ Catholics. This latest move is part of a series of changes to church doctrines that align with his vision of a more compassionate and flexible Catholic Church. Read the story on our website Thred here.

Last week COP28 wrapped up. We’ve been pretty vocal about why you should be sceptical of the negotiations. Delegates revisited the COP15 deal on biodiversity loss, but was it enough? Our writer Sofia gets into the meat of it all on our website, and you can read the story right here.

All these stories are fascinating, of course, but what about our main features for this week? Let’s jump into it.

First up, a week after unsuccessfully blackmailing Sony for a $2 million payout, a ransomware outfit called Rhysida has leaked a trove of internal data from Insomniac Games totalling 1.67 terabytes. Employees of the studio behind The Amazing Spiderman games have had personal information leaked, including passport scans, and a pre-alpha build of Marvel’s Wolverine has been revealed potentially years before its slated release.

In correspondence with Cyber Daily, an anonymous spokesperson for Rhysida said that the outfit knew exactly who it was hacking and explained that the sole motivation was money – not clout. They then proceeded to shamelessly boast about just how ‘easy’ it was to gain access.

Quite frankly, it’s about time that legal safeguards for the security of developers matched the endeavour and passion they put into their games. You can read the full story by our writer Jamie on our website right here.

Speaking of shady behaviour toward businesses and consumers, the UK beauty brand Pink Honey has come under fire for a recent influencer trip.

Brand controversies seem to be on the rise. Everywhere you look – particularly on social media – a company is facing ridicule for short-sighted campaigns or shallow marketing tactics. But the increase in backlash isn’t necessarily a sign that brands are growing lazier, rather that consumers are demanding more from their purchases.

Nowadays, brands can’t just rely on good products and prices to capture the hearts (and wallets) of new customers. They need to create a community and identity that people can sincerely align themselves with.

Pink Honey received widespread backlash after images and videos were shared from a high-budget ‘staycation.’ This involved 15-20 beauty influencers from across the country, who were taken to a luxury hotel and showered with branded gifting, food, and drinks.

These kinds of events are common nowadays, as influencer marketing takes centre stage for a lot of brands. But Pink Honey’s event drew criticism after footage showed all of the individuals invited were white women. TikTok users – arguably Pink Honey’s biggest consumer demographic – were quick to call out the brand for the lack of diversity. Read the full story by our writer Flo on Thred right here.

Oh, and don’t forget to keep a tab open on Thred.com for more from our global Gen Z writing team every single day. If you want more updates and planet-positive ways to take action, sign up for our email newsletter, and check out our youth empowerment opportunities through our Change Maker Network page.

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