Privacy
Ongoing coverage on Privacy.
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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.
German nonprofit files criminal complaint over Meta smart glasses privacy
A German nonprofit has filed a criminal complaint against Meta concerning the privacy practices of its smart glasses. The complaint highlights concerns that were previously considered minor in comparison to other privacy issues.
Saturday Legal Briefs
This article is a collection of legal briefs, primarily focusing on technology and privacy issues. It mentions a case where DHS is seeking access to protesters' signal group chats and discusses Flock's plans for rideshare dashcams and their implications for police coaching.
Are Ray-Ban Meta glasses a privacy risk? Here's what you should know
The article examines potential privacy risks associated with Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, focusing on how different features handle user data. It highlights the importance of understanding data security measures for these devices.
Apple's Private Relay feature could reveal your IP address to websites and services
Security researchers have identified a vulnerability in Apple's WebKit browser engine that could expose user IP addresses through the Private Relay feature. This issue potentially compromises the privacy protections offered by the service.
Researchers: Apple’s iCloud+ Private Relay Can Still Expose Your Real IP [PSA]
Researchers Talal Haj Bakry and Tommy Mysk have detailed flaws in Apple's iCloud+ Private Relay feature, which can allow websites to expose a user's real IP address. The vulnerabilities lie within WebKit, the browser engine used by Safari and other browsers on iOS. The researchers chose to disclose these issues publicly due to past negative experiences with Apple's handling of similar reports.
Sunbird's iMessage app for Android is back after a major privacy snafu
Sunbird's iMessage app for Android has returned following a significant privacy issue. This app was utilized by users for interoperability before Apple's adoption of RCS messaging.
A $2 sticker let me bypass the Meta Glasses' anti-creep feature
A simple $2 sticker can bypass the privacy features on Meta's smart glasses, which are designed to alert bystanders when recording. This bypass makes it trivially easy to circumvent the intended safety measures.
Morning Safety Dance
An article from Boing Boing discusses the low cost of personal identity data on the black market, highlighting privacy concerns. The piece suggests that individual identities can be bought for less than a dollar.
Apple's smart glasses delay reportedly stems in part from major privacy concerns
Apple's upcoming smart glasses project is reportedly facing delays due to significant user privacy concerns. The development team is exploring various adjustments to address these privacy issues before the product's release.
Evening Mobilization
Meta is reportedly cracking down on the misuse of its Meta Glasses, with concerns raised about potential future implementations of facial recognition technology. The article touches upon privacy implications associated with wearable technology.