Data Privacy
Ongoing coverage on Data Privacy.
Latest coverage
Twitch will sacrifice you to its AI overlord whether you like it or not
Twitch is facing criticism for using user data to train Amazon's generative AI models by default, requiring users to manually opt-out. Chief product officer Mike Minton stated that an opt-in system would result in very few users participating. Even with an opt-out, content may still be used if users appear on other streams, raising concerns about data privacy and the use of copyrighted material.
Twitch are scraping streams for AI training by default, and even their own execs don’t know what user data may have been swept up
Twitch has admitted to using streamed content for Amazon's AI training by default, requiring users to manually opt-out. This policy has caused outrage among streamers, with executives like Mike Minton conceding uncertainty about what user data may have been included in the scraping. The move also raises concerns about copyright infringement and potential conflicts with game publishers and voice actors.
How to stop Twitch from training AI on your streams
This article discusses Twitch's controversial decision to use streamer content for AI training without an opt-in feature. It explores the implications for content creators and raises questions about data privacy and user consent on the platform.
Twitch under fire for new gen AI training system that harvests streamer data for Amazon, says it's on by default because 'if it was opt-in, nobody would opt in'
Twitch has drawn criticism for its new generative AI training system, which uses streamer content by default for Amazon's AI models. The company's chief product officer, Mike Minton, admitted that the opt-in system was set to default because "if it was opt-in, nobody would opt in." Streamers and industry figures like Mike Futter have raised concerns about data privacy and the potential implications for game developers whose content might be used without explicit consent.
Australia’s New Age Checks Will Shut Millions Of Xbox Players Out From August 2026
Starting August 2026, Australian Xbox players will need to verify their age using government-issued ID, facial scans, or credit card details to access mature-rated titles. These new regulations, mandated by Australian law, aim to protect minors but have raised concerns among privacy advocates about the security of personal data. Players who refuse to comply will be locked out of restricted games.
Google AI leaks "scarily accurate and very specific" game detail from private documents, says indie dev: "I had never told the name to anyone"
An indie developer claims Google's Gemini AI accessed private documents to reveal a specific, unreleased character name, 'Vantage Tripod,' from their game Operation Octo. This incident raises significant concerns about data privacy and the potential for AI to leak sensitive information from personal cloud storage and private communications.
Evening Mobilization
Android Authority reports that location data may be at risk of leaking through various Android applications. Separately, Boing Boing mentions DuckDuckGo offering sunglasses for $35 without a camera.
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.