December 13, 2024 at 06:26AM Germany’s Federal Office for Information Security reported that over 30,000 media devices sold with pre-installed BadBox malware became part of a botnet. The agency has disrupted communication between infected devices and their command servers, advising users to disconnect and scan devices, while working with internet providers to address the issue. … Read more
December 10, 2024 at 12:11PM The FTC is distributing over $72 million in refunds to Fortnite players due to Epic Games’ use of misleading practices leading to unwanted purchases. The first refunds average $114 for 629,344 players. Claims can be submitted until January 10, 2025, but caution against scams is advised. ### Meeting Takeaways 1. … Read more
December 3, 2024 at 09:37PM The FTC has settled with data brokers Gravy Analytics and Mobilewalla for selling sensitive location data without consent. Both companies will delete improperly obtained data and enhance privacy measures, as well as refrain from distributing information about visits to sensitive locations. This bipartisan ruling highlights ongoing privacy concerns among regulators. … Read more
December 3, 2024 at 11:08AM The FTC has banned data brokers Mobilewalla and Gravy Analytics from collecting and selling Americans’ sensitive location data, including visits to churches and healthcare facilities. They must erase historical data, establish sensitive location programs, and are prohibited from future sales of such data, following earlier actions against similar companies. ### … Read more
November 19, 2024 at 09:44AM The text discusses the persistent issue of data breaches in cybersecurity, highlighting the author’s experiences. It calls for companies to improve both pre- and post-breach practices, including timely notifications and proactive tools for consumers. Additionally, it suggests implementing industry regulations and financial accountability for companies to better protect consumer data. … Read more
November 15, 2024 at 01:54PM The FTC reported a 50% decline in consumer complaints about unwanted telemarketing calls since 2021, with 1.1 million reports in 2023. The National Do Not Call Registry has 254 million active registrations. Key complaint categories include medical calls and imposters. Ongoing crackdowns aim to combat illegal telemarketing practices. ### Meeting … Read more
November 6, 2024 at 02:43PM Internet-connected devices are integral to daily life but pose significant cybersecurity risks. Consumers must remain vigilant against insecure devices and scams, particularly in light of recent regulatory advancements like the EU’s Cyber Resilience Act. Manufacturers need to adapt to evolving security requirements and enhance communication between product and cybersecurity teams. … Read more
October 26, 2024 at 01:59AM The US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has issued guidance emphasizing that third-party workforce reports must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act’s consent and transparency requirements. Concerns include unchecked surveillance and algorithmic decision-making in employment, necessitating employee consent and accuracy corrections for data used in adverse employment decisions. **Meeting Takeaways:** … Read more
October 22, 2024 at 08:04AM The Council of the European Union has adopted the Cyber Resilience Act, ensuring connected devices meet new cybersecurity standards before market release. This law enhances existing regulations and provides consumers with clearer options for secure products, featuring a “CE” label for compliance. The act will take effect in 2027. **Meeting … Read more
October 9, 2024 at 06:22PM Smart TVs are increasingly monitoring viewers and exploiting their data for targeted advertising, mirroring existing online privacy concerns. A report by the Center for Digital Democracy highlights widespread commercial surveillance practices that undermine consumer privacy and calls for regulatory intervention amid growing corporate lobbying against privacy legislation. **Meeting Takeaways: Smart … Read more