Privacy
Ongoing coverage on Privacy.
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MapQuest adds feature to track Flock cameras
MapQuest has introduced a new 'Surveillance Layer' feature in its app, allowing users to see the locations of Flock cameras and similar surveillance devices in their vicinity. This update comes amidst ongoing controversy in the United States regarding privacy concerns and potential police overreach associated with such technologies.
The internet is ritualistically murdering Discord's cartoon mascot
Discord's recent rollout of its age estimation system has sparked widespread backlash, with users expressing frustration over mandatory age verification and perceived privacy concerns. In response, many internet users have resorted to creating and sharing artwork depicting Discord's mascot, Wumpus, meeting violent ends, highlighting the public's negative sentiment towards the new policy.
Discord takes a second swing at age verification, but don't worry, this time it'll guess how old you are with…
Discord is implementing a new age estimation model to verify user ages, aiming to comply with legal obligations while minimizing privacy intrusion. This model analyzes account behavior patterns, server connections, and activity levels, rather than message content. The company states that over 90% of users will not be asked to confirm their age directly, offering a less intrusive alternative to ID checks or selfies, though concerns about privacy and the effectiveness of such systems remain.
Discord roll out revised age verification following delay due to pushback, pledging to be "safer for teens, same Discord for Adults"
Discord has rolled out a revised global age verification system, opting for automatic age estimation using account signals rather than mandatory facial scans or ID checks. This approach aims to enhance teen safety while maintaining the platform's functionality for adults, addressing privacy concerns raised by earlier plans.
Microsoft's approach to age verification in Australia is further proof that Valve is taking the everloving piss
Valve's new age verification requirements in Australia, which mandate credit card details, are criticized for being ill-suited to the market and potentially malicious compliance. Microsoft's alternative approach, using account history to verify adult status, is presented as a more user-friendly alternative, despite general reservations about age verification systems.
Discord Begins Rolling Out Age Verification–And A Sponsorship With FanDuel
Discord has begun rolling out its age verification system, which uses an algorithmic combination of factors rather than biometric data. This rollout coincides with sponsored advertisements for the sports betting website FanDuel appearing for American users, leading to user speculation about a connection between the two events.
Discord launches controversial age-verification system "using the most privacy-preserving approach we could build" months after first delay
Discord has launched its controversial age verification system, months after an initial delay due to backlash. The updated system offers more privacy-preserving options, including non-biometric methods like credit card input or app store age ratings, aiming to comply with expanding age assurance laws globally while protecting teen users.
Discord is officially rolling out its retooled and ‘privacy-preserving’ age verification starting today
Discord is officially rolling out its new age verification system, which it describes as a "privacy-preserving approach." The system uses multiple account signals to determine age groups, with additional verification options available that do not require government ID. Despite promises of improved privacy, the move has faced criticism and calls for subscription cancellations due to past data security concerns.
Discord revamps age verification checks - here's what it means for the UK
Discord has relaunched age verification checks globally, introducing new methods beyond selfies or ID scans, such as using Apple App Store, Google Wallet, or credit cards. While many users worldwide may not be asked to verify, the UK's Online Safety Act necessitates stricter measures for UK accounts, requiring age proof to access age-restricted servers and content. Failure to verify will not prevent basic communication or participation in non-restricted servers.
Discord re-launches age verification following backlash over privacy concerns
Discord has re-launched its age verification process, now offering alternative methods like credit cards, app store purchases, and AgeKey, instead of requiring video selfies or ID. This change comes after backlash over privacy concerns and aims to comply with potential future laws while prioritizing user privacy.
GTA 6 Developer Rockstar Says It Was Forced to Put Privacy Films on Its Buildings After Drones Were Used to Snap Photos Through Office Windows
Rockstar Games has revealed the extreme security measures, including privacy films on office windows, implemented after drones were used to photograph Grand Theft Auto 6 developers. This information emerged during an employment tribunal concerning the dismissal of 31 developers last year.
A GTA 5 modder has just transformed Los Santos into the ultimate surveillance state
A Grand Theft Auto 5 modder named WTTDOTM has created a new mod that transforms Los Santos into a surveillance state by adding 235 Automatic Licence Plate Readers (ALPRs). This mod, inspired by real-world privacy concerns surrounding ALPRs, adds gameplay challenges like triggering police chases and offers features for photography and speedrunning destruction challenges.
How to make sure your Android phone is secure
This guide explains how to enhance the security of your Android phone by adjusting settings to protect against malicious apps, scam calls, and privacy invasions. It focuses on actionable steps users can take to keep their devices safe.
Meta is closing a loophole that allowed people to record with their smart glasses' light covered
Meta is implementing an update to its smart glasses to close a loophole that allowed users to record footage with the device's light indicator covered. This change addresses ongoing privacy concerns related to the smart glasses' recording capabilities.
Ring introduces better default encryption standards to address privacy concerns
Ring is implementing improved default encryption standards to enhance user privacy. Data sent to the cloud will now be deleted after its use in powering smart home controls.
Take-Two’s GTA 6 Subpoena Hits a Snag: Discord Says It Hasn’t Even Been Served Yet
Discord has stated it has not yet been served with a subpoena from Take-Two Interactive regarding the Grand Theft Auto 6 leaks. While a judge approved Take-Two's request to subpoena Discord and Microsoft for user information related to the 'CyberLeek' account, Discord plans to evaluate the subpoena's validity upon receipt. This contrasts with Microsoft's willingness to cooperate, highlighting a potential conflict over user privacy and data access in leak investigations.
Discord will "evaluate the validity and scope before responding" to controversial GTA 6 leaks court order, but…
Discord has confirmed it has not yet received a subpoena from Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar Games' parent company, demanding user information related to Grand Theft Auto 6 leaks. Discord stated they will evaluate the validity and scope of any future subpoena before responding. This comes after Take-Two reportedly subpoenaed Microsoft and Discord to track down the leaker of alleged Grand Theft Auto 6 gameplay footage.
'Darth Vader' advocated in person for more Flock surveillance camera tech at a San Diego city council meeting: 'This technology will help us find the rebel scum and their hidden base on Hoth'
A person dressed as Darth Vader appeared at a San Diego city council meeting to advocate for Flock's AI-assisted surveillance technology, specifically license plate readers. The advocate argued the technology is necessary for tracking 'rebel scum' and mentioned its use in parks and gyms, while critics raise concerns about privacy and potential misuse for tracking citizens.
Leaked macOS Video Appears to Reveal Apple’s Camera-Equipped AirPods
A demo video found in a macOS beta release candidate appears to reveal Apple's unannounced camera-equipped AirPods. The footage shows a user asking Siri to save an image, suggesting integration with AI features for visual information processing. The design is described as thicker than AirPods Pro 3, with longer stems to house cameras, though privacy implications and the presence of LED indicators remain unconfirmed.
197 people, no cameras: German researchers ID strangers using nothing but everyday WiFi
Researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology have developed a method to identify individuals using only everyday WiFi signals, without cameras or personal devices. This technology, which analyzes beamforming feedback information (BFI), can recognize people with nearly 100% accuracy by treating WiFi routers as potential surveillance tools. The researchers advocate for incorporating privacy safeguards into the upcoming IEEE 802.11bf WiFi standard to address the risks to fundamental rights.
