Data Privacy
Ongoing coverage on Data Privacy.
Latest coverage
How Businesses Choose the Right Server Infrastructure for Custom Applications
This guide helps businesses choose the right server infrastructure for custom applications by considering workload requirements, flexibility, operational responsibility, data privacy, security, growth planning, and overall cost. It emphasizes balancing control with maintenance needs and planning for scalability without overbuilding.
PSA: Gamigo is purging inactive RIFT characters from the Reclaimer shard – here’s how to save your toons
Gamigo is purging inactive RIFT characters from the Reclaimer shard due to data privacy policies. Characters on accounts inactive for over two years will be deleted on September 11th. Players can save their toons by logging into their accounts within 45 days.
Evening Safety Dance
Microsoft reportedly tracks Windows PCs via a secret key, raising privacy concerns. Separately, Microsoft has responded to reports of LG monitors pre-installing McAfee antivirus software on Windows devices.
LG monitors are now reportedly sneaking adware onto your PC
LG monitors are reportedly installing adware onto users' PCs without consent, with the 'LG Monitor App Installer' displaying advertisements for products like McAfee. This issue has been observed on various LG UltraGear models and even older monitors following a Windows update, raising concerns about data collection and user privacy.
Sunday Safety Dance
This article provides tips on enhancing network security, including a hidden router setting to prevent smart TVs from monitoring network activity. It also highlights how flawed Amazon policies can expose user data from Shark vacuums.
League of Legends patch 26.14 is rolling out optional parental tools to enhance "child safety"
Riot Games is implementing optional parental control tools in League of Legends, starting with patch 26.14, to enhance child safety. These features allow parents to manage social interactions, set purchase and playtime limits, and control data usage across Riot's services.
Los Angeles law enforcement will stop using Flock cameras
The Los Angeles Police Department will not renew its contract with Flock for surveillance cameras due to data privacy concerns. This decision means law enforcement in Los Angeles will cease using Flock's technology.
Final Fantasy XIV reportedly sees a stalker mod rebuilt and released because we can’t have nice things
A mod called EchoVault, described as a 'stalker engine,' has reportedly been released for Final Fantasy XIV, circumventing privacy measures implemented by Square Enix. This mod allows users to identify alternate characters linked to main accounts and store the data, despite previous efforts by the company to enhance character security. The developer of EchoVault is reportedly mocking takedown requests, and concerns are being raised about the mod's data harvesting practices.
Here's how to block Meta from using your Instagram pictures for its AI
Meta has automatically enrolled all public Instagram accounts into its Muse Image AI training program. Users can opt out of having their pictures used for AI development.
An alleged member of a hacking group was caught, thanks to one hated Windows feature
A 19-year-old alleged member of the hacking group Scattered Spider, Peter Stokes, was arrested and reportedly incriminated by data from Microsoft's Windows Global Device Identifier (GDID) telemetry service. Despite using VPNs, the GDID logged information that law enforcement used to link Stokes to a machine involved in network intrusions and ransom payments totaling over $100 million. This incident has raised further concerns about user consent and data privacy related to Windows' tracking features.
Google now uses your uploaded search media to train AI
Google is now using user-uploaded search media to train its artificial intelligence models. Users can opt out of this data collection method by adjusting their settings.
Saturday Safety Dance
AdaptHealth has reported a data breach where patient health data and passwords were stolen by cybercriminals. This incident highlights a critical flaw in confidential computing's trust mechanism, with potential implications for data security across the industry.
Sonic’s New Chaos Hunt Game Includes Some Fine Print You Shouldn’t Skip
Sega's new Alternate Reality Game, Chaos Hunt, celebrating Sonic the Hedgehog's 35th anniversary, includes terms of service that require players to agree to AI model training and data sharing with third-party vendors. The game involves a hunt for Chaos Emeralds, with prizes including a trip to Club Chaos in New York City. Sega is also releasing anniversary merchandise and collaborating with other franchises for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds.
Evening Safety Dance
Meta has reportedly paused an employee tracking program after it inadvertently exposed sensitive company data to the entire organization. The program's failure to secure data led to its temporary suspension.
Italy is probing Apple over iCloud services like iPhone backups
Apple is under investigation in Italy concerning its iCloud services, specifically regarding iPhone backups. This marks another instance of the company facing scrutiny in the European Union over its practices.
No, Pokémon Go Data Isn't Being Used to Train Military Drones, Niantic Spatial Insists
Niantic has denied claims that location data collected from its game Pokémon Go is being used to train military drones. The company insists that player data is not being utilized for such purposes.
Dutch journalists show Pokemon Go player data are being used for military drone software
Dutch journalists have reported that data collected from Pokemon Go players, amounting to approximately 30 billion area scans since 2021, is allegedly being used by Niantic Spatial and Vantor to develop software for military drones. Vantor's software suite, Vantor Raptor, utilizes visual positioning systems to enable drone operation during electronic countermeasures, with a partnership announced in December 2025 to ensure functionality during GPS unavailability. Niantic, which sold Pokemon Go and its Niantic Spatial studio to Scopely in 2025, has a history of privacy controversies.
Your happy Pokémon Go memories were probably used to train military drones
A recent article suggests that player data from Pokémon Go may have been used to train military drones. This raises concerns about data privacy and the potential misuse of information gathered from popular mobile games for purposes beyond entertainment.
Report: Pokemon Go video scans may have been used for AI drone training
A report indicates that scans made by Pokémon Go players may have been sold to a military drone technology company, Vantor, through Niantic Spatial. These video scans are reportedly used to train a 3D navigation system for drones and robots, though Vantor denies using Pokémon Go data directly. Niantic stated that player data has not been sold and that their products are used responsibly.
Morning Legal Briefs
Two individuals who sold data belonging to victims of car accidents have been ordered to repay £118,000. The case highlights issues related to data privacy and legal repercussions for unauthorized data sales.