Google Maps Taps UK Dashcam Network to Update Real-Time Road Data
Google has quietly partnered with UK organizations to gather targeted dashcam footage for verifying and updating road conditions in Maps. The privacy-conscious program combines AI analysis with human review while automatically blurring sensitive details.
55 Organizations Unite to Defend Encryption Rights Against EU Surveillance Proposals
A powerful coalition of organizations warns EU Ministers about proposed policies that could compromise digital privacy and enable mass surveillance. Privacy advocates and tech companies emphasize that strong encryption is non-negotiable, with some threatening to leave the EU if forced to weaken security standards.
Photobucket Faces Privacy Backlash Over AI Data Sales Controversy
Photobucket hit with major class action lawsuit for planning to sell users' photos and biometric data to AI companies without proper consent. The case could affect up to 100 million users and billions of photos, with potential damages of $5,000 per violation.
Privacy Advocacy Group Under Scrutiny: Questions Surround PUFP Leadership and Mission
Growing controversy emerges around People United for Privacy (PUFP) CEO Heather Lauer as critics highlight discrepancies between the organization's stated privacy protection mission and its alleged practices. The situation raises concerns about transparency and accountability in constitutional rights advocacy.
Apple Faces Legal Battle Over Child Abuse Content Storage on iCloud
A lawsuit against Apple alleges the company knowingly allowed child abuse material on iCloud, highlighting tensions between privacy and child protection. The case, which could include over 2,600 victims, stems from Apple's abandoned CSAM detection initiative and may reshape tech industry safety protocols.
Massive Socks5Systemz Botnet Fuels Illegal Global Proxy Service Network
BitSight uncovers a sprawling botnet operation that has compromised over 85,000 devices to power an illicit proxy service called PROXY.AM. The network, active since 2013, allows cybercriminals to rent infected machines as proxy servers for monthly fees up to $700.
Apple Faces $1.2 Billion Lawsuit Over Abandoned Child Safety Scanning System
Apple is being sued for $1.2 billion by child abuse victims after abandoning plans to scan iCloud for CSAM content. The lawsuit, representing over 2,600 victims, argues that Apple's decision enables continued circulation of abuse materials while the company defends its commitment to fighting exploitation.
KDE Akademy 2024 Showcases Privacy-Focused User Feedback Initiative
The privact project made its debut at KDE Akademy 2024, introducing innovative methods for collecting user feedback while maintaining privacy. The initiative aims to revolutionize data collection in open-source software development through integration with KUserFeedback.
Federal Regulators Launch Major Crackdown on Data Broker Industry
Federal agencies unveil sweeping proposals to restrict how data brokers handle Americans' sensitive personal information, requiring explicit consent and limiting data sharing. The CFPB and FTC actions target companies selling consumer financial and location data, marking a significant step toward enhanced privacy protection.
FTC Cracks Down on Location Data Companies for Unlawful Consumer Surveillance
The Federal Trade Commission has taken enforcement action against Gravy Analytics and Venntel for illegally tracking and selling sensitive location data from billions of mobile devices. The companies face strict prohibitions and must delete previously collected data, with potential fines of over $50,000 per violation.