Data Collection
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Instagram Quietly Routes Your Off-App Activity Into Ads and AI — The 7 Settings That Push Back
This article details how Instagram, owned by Meta, collects user data both on and off the app for advertising and AI purposes, and outlines seven settings users can adjust to limit this data collection. While a complete opt-out is not possible, users can control how their off-app activity is used for personalization and manage AI chat data.
Apple is forced to stop favoring its own apps in personal data collection prompts
A German competition authority has ruled that Apple's data collection prompts unfairly favor its own applications over third-party alternatives. This ruling indicates a potential shift in how Apple implements privacy features on its devices.
Open Robotics Lab goes live as BitRobot starts taking Access ID applications
BitRobot has launched its Open Robotics Lab and is now accepting applications for Access IDs, which serve as credentials for participation. Holders can earn Bolts and Badges through robotics work, subnet campaigns, and referrals, with plans for future token emissions and NFT-based robot identifiers. The lab aims to gamify robotics data collection and accelerate embodied AI research.
How to stop Roku from tracking everything you watch
This article explains Roku's privacy policy and details the types of data collected from users. It provides instructions on how to manage settings to limit or stop Roku from tracking viewing habits.
Most smart appliances collect data: Here's how to find out what yours tracks
Many smart home appliances, including refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers, collect user data. This article explores the types of data these devices track and how users can identify what information their appliances are gathering.
Pokémon GO scan controversy resurfaces after Niantic Spatial defense partnership
Concerns have resurfaced regarding Niantic's use of player-scanned data from Pokémon GO, following a partnership between its geospatial division, Niantic Spatial, and defense technology company Vantor. While no direct evidence links Pokémon GO scan data to military systems, Niantic Spatial's Visual Positioning System, trained on billions of player scans, is being integrated into navigation technology for GPS-denied environments, raising ethical questions about the repurposing of consumer-generated data for potential defense applications.
Data from Pokemon GO players is now used to train US military drones
Data collected from Pokemon GO players, including scans of streets, parks, and buildings, is now being utilized by the US military to train its drones. Niantic Spatial owns this real-world spatial data gathered through the game.
Canadian officials claim OpenAI violated federal and provincial privacy laws
Canadian officials allege that OpenAI has violated federal and provincial privacy laws. Regulators are concerned about the company's collection of personal data and its methods for obtaining consent.
Steam Now Tracks Playtime for Non-Steam Games Like STALKER 2 | HappyGamer
Steam has begun tracking playtime for games added as non-Steam shortcuts, a feature previously exclusive to titles purchased on the platform. This change, discovered by users adding games like STALKER 2 from GOG, suggests Valve is aiming to make Steam a more comprehensive hub for all gaming activity, regardless of purchase origin. The move raises questions about data collection and could intensify competition among digital distribution platforms.
Pokémon Go scans used to train AI robots – you did read the terms and conditions, didn’t you?
Niantic has collected over 30 billion real-world images from Pokémon Go players, which are now being used to train robots for delivery navigation. This massive dataset, gathered over eight years, was created by users scanning landmarks and storefronts without realizing the extent of data collection. The article discusses the implications of this data usage for AI development and user privacy.
THE FINALS Developers Show How to Handle Privacy Scares the Right Way
Embark Studios addressed a privacy scare in THE FINALS by releasing a hotfix for an issue where Discord's SDK logged excessive user information. The developer communicated the problem and its resolution directly to players, emphasizing that no private data was collected or shared by Embark. This transparent approach is highlighted as a positive example of building player trust in the gaming industry.
Genshin Impact's Privacy Policy indicated players' voice comms data may be used to train AI models
Genshin Impact's privacy policy initially stated that voice chat data could be used for AI model training, but this clause has since been removed. MiHoYo, the developer, has previously expressed interest in generative AI, with plans for an Unreal Engine 5 MMO featuring AI-driven elements. The company has been contacted for comment regarding the removed clause and the use of voice data.
