Privacy
Ongoing coverage on Privacy.
Latest coverage
Discord now has end-to-end encryption on all calls
Discord has implemented end-to-end encryption for all voice and video calls on its platform. This move significantly enhances user privacy for communications conducted through the social app.
Firefox AI guardrails arrive for mobile
Mozilla's Firefox browser is introducing new AI guardrails for its mobile version, allowing users to disable all AI enhancements with a single tap. This feature aims to provide users with greater control over AI integration and enhance privacy.
Microsoft's new Surface Laptop for Business has a privacy screen and quirky haptics
Microsoft has launched a new Surface Laptop specifically for business users, featuring a built-in privacy screen and unique haptic feedback. The device is targeted at corporate buyers and comes with a corresponding price point.
Disney faces a class action lawsuit over facial recognition tech
Disney is facing a class action lawsuit concerning its use of facial recognition technology. The complaint alleges that park visitors are not adequately notified that their biometric data is being collected through scans.
Apple backs Google after EU orders Android be opened up to AI rivals
Apple has sided with Google in a dispute with the European Union regarding the opening up of Android to AI rivals. Both companies argue that such a move would jeopardize European users' privacy and safety.
Venmo's redesigned app offers more discreet payments by default
Venmo has redesigned its app to offer more discreet payment options by default. New users will now have their post visibility set to 'friends only' instead of 'public' automatically, enhancing user privacy.
Morning Safety Dance
Venmo is addressing privacy concerns that have persisted for eight years, following reports of 'alarming' security failures. Separately, an AI tool poisoning incident has exposed a significant flaw in enterprise agent security, as detailed by VentureBeat.
Mantan ART Jawab Tudingan Erin Soal Bocorkan Data Privasi
A former domestic worker, Hera, has denied accusations from Rien Wartia Trigina (formerly Erin) that she leaked private family data on social media. Hera claims she had permission to take photos with Erin's children and that the clothing she wore was her own, not the children's. Hera's legal team argues that the photos in question do not constitute personal data as defined by Indonesian law.
Chrome is installing a 4 GB local AI model on some of your PCs without asking for permission and will just download it…
Google's Chrome browser has been downloading a 4 GB Gemini Nano AI model onto user PCs without explicit permission, a practice discovered by security researcher Alexander Hanff. While Google states the model is core to its developer and security strategy and can be disabled in settings, the lack of transparency and user consent has drawn criticism regarding privacy and data usage. The model is reportedly downloaded on Windows, MacOS, and Linux, but not mobile devices.
In Trusted Hands is now available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 4/5.
In Trusted Hands, a satirical narrative simulator developed by HGISoft and published by Games Harbor, is now available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 4/5. The game puts players in the role of a phone repair technician who faces moral dilemmas involving customer privacy, with choices impacting their destinies. The title also features elements of workshop expansion and covert operations.
Evening Legal Briefs
A lawsuit has been filed against the Department of Homeland Security, alleging that the agency cannot create a large DNA database intended to track critics. The article from Ars Technica details the legal challenges to this proposed surveillance measure.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Review — Privacy Evolved | Console Creatures
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a high-end smartphone featuring significant improvements in cameras, performance with its new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, and a notable conditional privacy display. While the S-Pen design is a minor drawback, the overall package offers enhanced privacy and functionality, making it a strong contender for power users.
I'm already dreading Apple's camera-equipped AirPods
The author expresses concern over Apple's potential inclusion of cameras in future AirPods models. This development is viewed as an extension of surveillance technology, raising privacy issues for consumers.
Evening Metaverse
Meta will regain the ability to read Instagram direct messages after Friday, following a change in privacy settings. This reversal impacts user privacy on the platform.
Morning Safety Dance
This article discusses the potential for a compromise between privacy, security, and law enforcement needs, particularly in the context of encryption backdoors and lawful access. It questions whether a balance is achievable given these competing interests.
War Thunder Developers Break Silence on Anti-Cheat Privacy Fears | HappyGamer
Gaijin Entertainment has addressed player concerns regarding privacy and the anti-cheat system in War Thunder. The developer emphasized a server-authoritative design where critical game calculations occur server-side, limiting client manipulation and enhancing privacy. This approach, combined with GDPR compliance, aims to maintain fair play without demanding excessive system access from players.
Morning Metaverse
Tor Browser has been updated to version 15.0.11. This release is noted as thanks to the Desktop General community.
Evening Safety Dance
This article discusses a Verizon scam that exploits app alerts to defraud users of up to $1,500. It also touches on security issues with Tor Browser's 'New Identity' feature and advises against paying ransoms to VECT.
PrivadoVPN review - a wonderful free VPN, and decent service all round
PrivadoVPN is a budget-friendly VPN service offering fast speeds and a zero-logs policy, making it a strong option for gaming and streaming. While it lacks post-quantum encryption and independent audits, its free plan and 30-day money-back guarantee provide ample opportunity to test its capabilities.
Evening Metaverse
The CEO of Proton argues that implementing age verification measures online would transform the internet into an identity checkpoint. This approach raises concerns about user privacy and the potential for increased surveillance.