November 21, 2024 at 09:49PM A Thai court dismissed a lawsuit from activist Jatupat Boonpattararaksa, who claimed his phone was hacked by NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware. The court found insufficient evidence of infection. Activists allege government involvement in the spyware’s use, which has targeted numerous individuals amid protests demanding governmental reforms. ### Meeting Takeaways 1. … Read more
September 26, 2024 at 04:39AM Privacy campaigners are criticizing UK proposals to require banks to share data from government benefit claimants’ accounts, calling it a “financial snoopers’ charter.” The new legislation aims to save money, prevent fraud, and protect claimants, but has faced opposition for potential privacy concerns and intrusion. Campaigners argue that it risks … Read more
September 17, 2024 at 08:45AM The U.S. Department of Treasury has imposed sanctions on Intellexa Consortium executives and entities involved in the development and distribution of Predator spyware. The consortium is described as an international network of companies selling invasive spyware. The action follows a resurgence of Predator spyware activity and Apple’s decision to dismiss … Read more
September 4, 2024 at 06:23AM The California state legislature passed a bill requiring internet browsers and mobile operating systems to offer a mechanism for users to opt out of the sale or sharing of their personal information. The bill now awaits Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature. This will result in a standardized process for opt-out requests, … Read more
September 3, 2024 at 10:18AM The Netherlands’ Data Protection Agency fined Clearview AI 30.5 million euros for creating an “illegal database” of billions of photos without sufficient consent. Clearview’s chief legal officer contested the decision, claiming it falls outside EU data protection regulations. The company faces further penalties if it continues to breach regulations. Clearview … Read more
August 9, 2024 at 03:14PM Russia’s watchdog, Roskomnadzor, has restricted access to Signal encrypted messaging service, citing violations of anti-terrorism and anti-extremism laws. Signal acknowledged some countries block its services and advised users to enable censorship circumvention. Russia has also banned other private messaging apps and VPN products, and recently blocked access to YouTube. Signal … Read more
August 1, 2024 at 03:54PM Meta has agreed to pay a historic $1.4 billion settlement to Texas over the unauthorized use of user biometric data. This marks the largest settlement obtained from a single state and the first under Texas’ “Capture or Use of Biometric Identifier” (CUBI) Act. Texas attorney general emphasizes commitment to holding … Read more
July 29, 2024 at 04:25PM US border agents must now obtain a warrant to search individuals’ electronic devices when traveling in or out of the country in New York. The ruling, made by Judge Nina Morrison, emphasizes the need for a warrant in most cases, targeting concerns related to constitutional rights and privacy intrusion. The … Read more
July 23, 2024 at 06:28AM Meta has been given until September 1, 2024, to address concerns from the European Commission regarding its “pay or consent” advertising model. The Commission warned of enforcement measures if not addressed, stating that this model may violate consumer protection laws. Similar actions have been taken against other tech companies like … Read more
June 24, 2024 at 03:22AM Clearview AI settled a lawsuit in Illinois, potentially worth over $50 million. The unique agreement grants plaintiffs a share of the company’s value, rather than a traditional payout. Clearview can still work with federal agencies and law enforcement outside Illinois. The settlement engages potential plaintiffs nationally. However, critics say the … Read more