June 14, 2024 at 10:01AM Meta offering customers in the EU the choice between paying for privacy or consenting to tracking has sparked an investigation. Critics argue that this model violates privacy rights and coerces users. Users can protect themselves by using privacy-focused browsers, VPNs, and adjusting social media settings. Staying informed about consumer rights … Read more
June 11, 2024 at 04:54PM Canada and the UK are conducting a joint investigation into a 23andMe data breach after a threat actor posted 4 million company records on the Dark Web. 23andMe confirmed the breach affected 7 million people due to a credential-stuffing attack. The investigation aims to protect individuals’ privacy rights and scrutinizes … Read more
June 4, 2024 at 10:05AM Privacy campaign group, Noyb, petitions Austrian data protection authority to investigate Microsoft 365 Education for potential breaches of GDPR transparency provisions. Noyb argues that Microsoft shifts data protection obligations onto schools, fails to comply with data access rights, and tracks users without consent. They call for authorities to enforce minor’s … Read more
May 31, 2024 at 10:07AM The American Privacy Rights Act of 2024 (APRA) is a comprehensive national legislation aiming to hold organizations accountable for privacy. It includes requirements like CEO-signed compliance certification, biennial audits, and publishing privacy policies. However, concerns remain about transparency, ethics, and the impact of GenAI models, indicating the need for further … Read more
May 30, 2024 at 01:21PM Microsoft introduces Windows Recall, using AI to create a searchable digital memory of every activity on a Windows computer. The feature has raised privacy concerns with its frequent screen snapshots and local storage of user data. While Microsoft emphasizes local processing and encryption, security experts and privacy advocates remain wary … Read more
April 22, 2024 at 05:17PM US lawmakers reauthorized the controversial warrantless surveillance tool, Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, for two more years. The legislation gives expanded surveillance powers to US intelligence agencies, allowing them to compel a range of individuals and organizations to spy for national security purposes. Privacy and civil liberties … Read more
April 18, 2024 at 01:35PM The US House of Representatives passed the Fourth Amendment Is Not For Sale Act (H.R.4639) to restrict the government’s ability to procure data on citizens through data brokers. The bill seeks to ban the government from purchasing data on Americans from data brokers, drawing divided opinions. Additionally, other surveillance-related bills … Read more
April 18, 2024 at 08:27AM The EU’s Data Protection Board advises against large online platforms offering a choice between paying for a service and consenting to personal data use for targeted advertising. This arises from complaints and requests by various data protection authorities. The EDPB opinion questions the validity of the “pay or okay” model … Read more
April 16, 2024 at 06:51AM The proposed $62 million settlement between Google and users object as insufficient and raise concerns of ties between Google and beneficiaries, the politics of organizations, and a lack of consent for fund allocation. Attorney Theodore Frank argues for individual payments and questions the proposed recipients. A hearing is scheduled for … Read more
April 13, 2024 at 09:54AM The House approved a bill to reauthorize the U.S. government surveillance program by a bipartisan vote of 273-147. Speaker Johnson faced criticism from conservatives, with the bill being amended to extend the program for two years. The legislation faced opposition and will require an additional vote. The program is set … Read more