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NSO Group's Spyware Operations Exposed Again by Amnesty International

NSO Group's Spyware Operations Exposed Again by Amnesty International

A recent report from Amnesty International reveals that NSO Group's spyware, Pegasus, was used in attempted hacks against two Serbian journalists from the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network. The journalists received phishing text messages leading to malicious domains linked to NSO's infrastructure. Amnesty's Security Lab has identified patterns in these attacks, suggesting that NSO is losing its ability to operate unnoticed. The ongoing scrutiny has highlighted the risks faced by journalists and activists globally, with Apple also notifying victims of spyware. NSO's continued sales to oppressive regimes raises serious concerns about operational security.

Created at: March 28, 2025 5:30pm

Meta Settles UK Privacy Lawsuit, Stops Ad Tracking for Plaintiff

Meta Settles UK Privacy Lawsuit, Stops Ad Tracking for Plaintiff

Meta has reached a settlement with human rights campaigner Tanya O’Carroll, agreeing to halt its use of her data for targeted advertising. This follows O’Carroll's challenge under UK data protection laws, asserting her right to object to direct marketing practices. Although Meta claimed its personalized ads do not fall under direct marketing, the settlement marks a significant win for privacy advocates. O’Carroll hopes this case sets a precedent for others to assert their rights against similar practices. In the UK, Meta may shift to a model requiring user consent or payment for ad-free access moving forward.

Created at: March 22, 2025 12:30am

OpenAI Faces New Privacy Complaint Over ChatGPT's Defamatory Hallucinations

OpenAI Faces New Privacy Complaint Over ChatGPT's Defamatory Hallucinations

OpenAI is under scrutiny in Europe after a privacy rights group, Noyb, filed a complaint regarding ChatGPT's propensity to generate false and defamatory information. The complaint stems from a Norwegian individual who was shocked to discover the AI falsely accused him of child murder. This incident raises serious concerns under the EU's GDPR, as it mandates data accuracy. Noyb argues that ChatGPT's disclaimers are insufficient and calls for stricter enforcement. The case could lead to significant penalties for OpenAI and necessitate changes to its AI products.

Created at: March 20, 2025 6:00am

Stalkerware Breach Exposes Data of Nearly 2 Million Victims

Stalkerware Breach Exposes Data of Nearly 2 Million Victims

A recent breach at SpyX, a stalkerware app provider, has compromised the sensitive data of almost two million victims. This incident adds to a troubling trend, as at least 25 stalkerware companies have suffered similar breaches since 2017. Security experts highlight that these apps, often marketed for monitoring partners, pose significant ethical and legal risks. Despite increasing awareness, the stalkerware industry remains vulnerable, with hackers targeting companies that fail to secure sensitive data. Experts urge consumers to avoid these applications due to their inherent risks and the potential for real-world harm.

Created at: March 19, 2025 11:00pm

Cape Launches Privacy-First Mobile Plan at $99/Month, Partners with Proton, Raises $30M

Cape Launches Privacy-First Mobile Plan at $99/Month, Partners with Proton, Raises $30M

Cape, a mobile carrier startup focused on privacy, has unveiled a $99/month beta plan, marking a significant step in mobile security. The Washington, D.C.-based company, founded by a former Palantir executive, has partnered with Proton for enhanced privacy services and secured $30 million in funding. This funding, part of a Series B round totaling $55 million, comes amid rising interest in privacy-centric tech amid geopolitical tensions. Cape's offerings include unlimited voice, texts, data, and protections against SIM swapping and SS7 vulnerabilities. General availability of the service is expected later this year.

Created at: March 19, 2025 2:30pm

Amazon Echo Users Outraged as 'Do Not Send Voice Recordings' Feature Gets Axed

Amazon Echo Users Outraged as 'Do Not Send Voice Recordings' Feature Gets Axed

Amazon is set to remove the 'Do Not Send Voice Recordings' feature from Echo devices starting March 28, 2025, prompting privacy concerns among users. This change will route all voice commands through Amazon's cloud, eliminating local processing. Users received an email announcement detailing the removal, citing advancements in generative AI as the reason. Additionally, users who opted out of saving recordings will lose Voice ID and personalized features. Many Echo owners have expressed their dissatisfaction on forums, with some considering abandoning Alexa altogether due to privacy fears.

Created at: March 18, 2025 11:30am

DOGE Staffer Violates Treasury Protocol by Sending Unencrypted Data

DOGE Staffer Violates Treasury Protocol by Sending Unencrypted Data

A staff member from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been accused of violating Treasury policies by emailing unencrypted personal information, as revealed in a federal lawsuit. The staffer, Marko Elez, shared sensitive data with Trump administration officials before resigning after controversial social media posts surfaced. Treasury's chief security officer testified that a forensic analysis uncovered the breach. The lawsuit aims to prevent DOGE from accessing sensitive financial data. Elez has since been rehired at the Social Security Administration.

Created at: March 17, 2025 3:30pm

Amazon Echo to Shift All Voice Recordings to Cloud Starting March 28

Amazon Echo to Shift All Voice Recordings to Cloud Starting March 28

Amazon has announced that starting March 28, all voice recordings from Echo devices will be sent to its cloud, eliminating the local processing option. This decision follows an email sent to users with the 'Do Not Send Voice Recordings' setting, informing them of the change. The move supports the enhanced capabilities of the new Alexa+ AI assistant, which requires cloud processing power. Concerns over privacy have surfaced previously, leading Amazon to settle a $25 million claim regarding children's privacy with the Federal Trade Commission in 2023.

Created at: March 15, 2025 8:00pm

UK's Secret iCloud Backdoor Order Sparks Civil Rights Challenge

UK's Secret iCloud Backdoor Order Sparks Civil Rights Challenge

A secret order from the U.K. government compelling Apple to create a backdoor for its encrypted iCloud service has been met with legal challenges from civil rights groups Liberty and Privacy International. They argue the order is 'unacceptable and disproportionate', potentially affecting global users. The groups, represented by law firm Leigh Day, aim to join their complaints with Apple's ongoing legal challenge to the order. They emphasize the necessity of end-to-end encryption for privacy protection and request a public hearing for the case. The Investigatory Powers Tribunal is set to hear Apple's appeal today.

Created at: March 14, 2025 11:00am

Data Breach at Gravy Analytics Exposes Millions' Location Data

Data Breach at Gravy Analytics Exposes Millions' Location Data

A significant data breach at Gravy Analytics has compromised the privacy of millions by exposing over 30 million location data points collected from popular apps. The hacker claims to have stolen several terabytes of data, revealing sensitive information about users, including those near military facilities. Unacast, Gravy's parent company, reported the breach to data protection authorities after discovering a misappropriated key was used to access its Amazon cloud environment. The situation raises serious concerns about data brokers and their impact on personal privacy, especially following recent regulatory actions against Gravy Analytics.

Created at: January 13, 2025 1:00pm

LA Residents Receive Erroneous Wildfire Evacuation Alerts

LA Residents Receive Erroneous Wildfire Evacuation Alerts

A technical error caused every smartphone in Los Angeles County to receive a wildfire evacuation alert intended only for residents near the Kenneth Fire in West Hills. The evacuation notice was mistakenly sent to the entire county, affecting over 9 million residents. Many received the alert despite being far from the danger zones, leading to confusion and panic, especially as it interrupted a live broadcast. LA County officials acknowledged the mistake and promised a correction. Such errors in emergency notifications can heighten anxiety during critical situations like wildfires.

Created at: January 10, 2025 2:30am

UK Revives Data Protection Reforms to Boost Economy and Address Online Safety

UK Revives Data Protection Reforms to Boost Economy and Address Online Safety

The UK government is reintroducing the Data (Use and Access) Bill to enhance data protection rules, aiming to inject £10 billion into the economy by improving public sector efficiency. The bill includes provisions for digital identity, data sharing in healthcare, and online safety measures. Notably, it mandates online platforms retain information on deceased minors and allows researchers access to essential data. However, digital rights advocates express concerns that the bill may weaken protections against AI harms and limit rights regarding automated decisions. The legislation aims to align with EU standards ahead of a crucial adequacy review in 2025.

Created at: October 24, 2024 2:01pm

LinkedIn Faces €310 Million Fine in EU Over Privacy Violations

LinkedIn Faces €310 Million Fine in EU Over Privacy Violations

LinkedIn has been fined €310 million (approximately $356 million) by Ireland’s Data Protection Commission for serious privacy breaches concerning its tracking ads operations. The ruling highlights LinkedIn's failure to provide a valid legal basis for processing user data and inadequate transparency regarding its data usage. This penalty ranks among the largest GDPR fines for tech companies. The investigation began in 2018 after a complaint from La Quadrature Du Net, and LinkedIn now has three months to comply with GDPR requirements. LinkedIn maintains it was compliant and is working to align its practices with the DPC's decision.

Created at: October 24, 2024 10:30am

Pinterest Faces EU Privacy Complaint Over Tracking Ads

Pinterest Faces EU Privacy Complaint Over Tracking Ads

Pinterest is under scrutiny as the European privacy rights group noyb has filed a complaint alleging violations of GDPR due to unauthorized tracking for advertising. The complaint claims Pinterest has not obtained user consent for profiling, risking penalties of up to 4% of its global turnover. The platform allegedly defaults to tracking users unless they opt out, a practice criticized for being non-compliant with EU regulations. The case highlights growing concerns over privacy and data protection in the digital advertising landscape, especially following prior incidents linked to user safety.

Created at: October 24, 2024 5:00am

DuckDuckGo Expands Investment Strategy in Privacy-Focused Startups

DuckDuckGo Expands Investment Strategy in Privacy-Focused Startups

DuckDuckGo has announced its intention to invest in early-stage startups emphasizing user privacy. The company is actively seeking potential investment opportunities, partnerships, or acquisitions. With a history of profitability and a commitment to privacy, DuckDuckGo aims to co-invest and is flexible regarding deal structures. Notably, it has invested in six startups in the past three years, including the recent funding round for You.com. The initiative signals DuckDuckGo's readiness to collaborate with startups to enhance privacy on the internet.

Created at: October 23, 2024 4:00pm

Data Broker National Public Data Files for Bankruptcy After Major Data Breach

Data Broker National Public Data Files for Bankruptcy After Major Data Breach

National Public Data, a Florida-based data broker, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy following a massive data breach that compromised millions of Social Security numbers. The company faces multiple lawsuits and regulatory challenges, with its owner stating that repayment of debts is unlikely. The breach, attributed to a hacker, affected around 300 million individuals. The company's assets are valued at less than $75,000, and it has reported significant losses. With its insurance provider declining coverage, it remains uncertain if affected individuals will receive any compensation.

Created at: October 14, 2024 3:30pm

EU's Controversial 'Chat Control' Proposal Sparks Privacy Concerns

EU's Controversial 'Chat Control' Proposal Sparks Privacy Concerns

The European Union's latest legislative proposal, aimed at combating child sexual abuse material (CSAM), has ignited significant controversy over user privacy. The plan mandates messaging platforms to scan communications for both known and unknown CSAM, raising fears of mass surveillance and potential violations of encryption standards. Critics argue that the initiative could lead to improper scanning technologies being employed, compromising user security and privacy. The European Parliament has suggested amendments to protect end-to-end encryption, but disagreements among EU institutions persist, leaving the proposal's future uncertain.

Created at: October 12, 2024 2:00pm

Germany Concludes Antitrust Case Against Meta, Enforces Data Limitations

Germany Concludes Antitrust Case Against Meta, Enforces Data Limitations

Germany's antitrust authority has finalized its challenge against Meta's 'superprofiling' practices, marking a significant victory for privacy rights. The Bundeskartellamt announced that Meta has dropped its appeal and agreed to implement measures limiting data collection across its platforms. Key changes include a new Accounts Center for users to manage data sharing and clearer options for data consent. While some changes are already in effect, others will roll out soon. This outcome highlights ongoing regulatory scrutiny of Meta's data practices and sets a precedent for future privacy protections across Europe.

Created at: October 10, 2024 3:30pm