Privacy
Ongoing coverage on Privacy.
Latest coverage
Apple iOS 26.5 public beta is now available
Apple has released the first public beta for iOS 26.5, introducing features like "Suggested Places" in Apple Maps and the expansion of ads within the Maps app. The company also confirmed that ads will be clearly marked and will not compromise user privacy. Additionally, end-to-end encryption for RCS messages is being tested in this beta.
Morning Legal Briefs
Anthropic has issued copyright takedown requests in an effort to stop a leak of its Claude AI code. Separately, a lawsuit alleges that Perplexity's "Incognito Mode" is misleading and ineffective for user privacy.
Morning Safety Dance
This article discusses phone security in 2026, focusing on protection against warrantless searches. It also touches upon cyber threats, mentioning Iran's offensive actions against the US and Israel.
Proton adds a secure video conferencing service called Meet to its toolbox
Swiss company Proton has launched Proton Meet, a new end-to-end encrypted video conferencing service designed to compete with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet. The service allows anonymous participation and hosting for up to four users for free, with paid plans offering expanded features and participant limits. This launch is part of Proton's rebranding to Proton Workspace, aiming to offer a comprehensive suite of privacy-focused online tools.
Morning Safety Dance
This article discusses how satellite data can be weaponized and the potential for VPN usage to expose users to NSA spying. It highlights concerns surrounding data security and privacy in the digital age.
Celeb Siblings Who Keep Their Lives Completely Private
This article highlights ten celebrity siblings who have chosen to live private lives away from the spotlight, contrasting with their famous family members. These individuals have pursued careers in academia, healthcare, art, and behind-the-scenes roles, prioritizing personal stability and authenticity over public fame.
Don’t be surprised that the FBI is buying your location data
The FBI has confirmed it is purchasing location data from data brokers, bypassing the need for warrants under the Fourth Amendment. This data, collected through advertising technology and third-party cookies, allows law enforcement agencies like ICE and the Department of Homeland Security to track individuals. Critics argue this practice circumvents constitutional protections and raises significant privacy concerns.
Firefox v149 is getting a free built-in VPN and other new features
Mozilla is releasing Firefox version 149 on March 24th, which will include a free built-in VPN with 50GB of data for users in the U.S., France, Germany, and the U.K. The update also introduces new features like Smart Window for AI-powered browsing assistance, Split View for side-by-side web pages, and Tab Notes for organizing browsing sessions. These additions aim to enhance user privacy and multitasking capabilities.
Linux finally gets the Opera GX Gaming Browser – Windows slowly losing its grip on gaming
Opera GX, a gaming-focused browser, has officially launched for Linux, ending Windows' long-standing dominance in the PC gaming browser space. The Linux version emphasizes privacy, offering features like built-in ad and tracker blocking, and a zero-log VPN, aligning with Linux's privacy-first ethos. This move allows Linux users to customize their browsing experience and manage system resources more effectively for gaming.
Opera GX Gaming Browser Lands on Linux After Community Demand
Opera GX, a gaming-focused web browser, has officially launched on Linux following significant community demand. The browser offers performance optimization tools, gaming integrations, and customization options, aligning with Linux's emphasis on user control and privacy. It supports various Linux distributions and will evolve based on community feedback.
The FBI confirms it's buying Americans' location data
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the agency purchases commercially available location data to track individuals, citing its constitutionality under the Electronic Communications Privacy Act. Senator Ron Wyden criticized this practice as an "outrageous end run" around the Fourth Amendment, especially with the use of AI for mass surveillance. The article also mentions past controversies involving Patel and other government agencies' data practices.
Perplexity's Comet AI browser is now available for iPhones
Perplexity's AI-powered browser, Comet, is now available as a free standalone app for iPhones and Android devices, following its initial PC release. The browser functions as a chatbot that can summarize webpages and conduct research, acting as a personal assistant. While it leverages Apple's Liquid Glass technology on iOS, it lacks third-party extension support and raises privacy concerns due to Perplexity's data collection practices for ad targeting.
The Daily Grind: Would you show or upload ID to play an MMO?
The article discusses the growing trend of age verification requirements for online platforms, including MMOs, and its implications for user privacy. It references Blizzard Entertainment's past 'Real ID' controversy and compares it to current systems in China, questioning players on their willingness to share personal identification for game access.
Behind the Scenes: 10 Famous Siblings Who Keep Quiet
This article highlights ten celebrity siblings who have chosen to live private lives away from the spotlight, despite their family's fame. These individuals have pursued careers in academia, art, or other fields, prioritizing personal privacy over public recognition.
Now you don't even need to pretend to read the terms of service, as US court rules that continued use can imply…
A US court has ruled that continued use of a service or device can imply consent to its terms of service, a decision stemming from a lawsuit against Tile, a Bluetooth tracker company owned by Life360. This ruling occurred despite claims from plaintiffs that they were unaware of or did not receive notifications regarding the terms, highlighting concerns about surveillance and user consent in the digital age.
THE FINALS Developers Show How to Handle Privacy Scares the Right Way
Embark Studios addressed a privacy scare in THE FINALS by releasing a hotfix for an issue where Discord's SDK logged excessive user information. The developer communicated the problem and its resolution directly to players, emphasizing that no private data was collected or shared by Embark. This transparent approach is highlighted as a positive example of building player trust in the gaming industry.
Saturday Safety Dance
The Electronic Frontier Foundation highlights how governments utilize targeted advertising to track user locations and urges for action to protect privacy. The article discusses the implications of such practices and potential solutions.
This VPN ban is edging ever closer, and here's what it means for your privacy
A new consultation in the UK, concluding in May 2026, will decide whether to implement a ban on Virtual Private Network (VPN) usage for individuals under 18. This potential ban raises concerns about user privacy and the future of online access for young people.
'We see everything': Report says Meta's AI smart glasses footage is reviewed by human contractors who see far more than they bargained for, which has led to a new lawsuit against the company
A report indicates that human contractors reviewing footage from Meta's Ray-Ban AI smart glasses are exposed to highly personal content, leading to a new class-action lawsuit against the company. The lawsuit alleges Meta violated privacy laws and engaged in false advertising regarding the privacy features of its smart glasses.
Morning Legal Briefs
Meta is facing a class-action lawsuit regarding privacy concerns associated with its AI glasses. Separately, Proton Mail has reportedly handed over protester data to the police, raising further privacy issues.