You may not be as paranoid as you think, and other privacy and security news
Privacy
Again, there are many new attempts to invade consumers’ privacy:
You’re not paranoid to shield your webcam. But what about the cameras you can’t cover? Better understand what all your and your neighbors’ cameras see!
Alexa can now tell you if your washing machine stops or water is running and what else will Amazon do with the information they collect?
Clearview AI will get a US patent for its facial recognition tech Are they looking to dominate face reco surveillance? It looks like not everyone is too happy about this: Clearview AI, a facial recognition company, is fined for breach of Britain’s privacy laws.
Just to “help” consumers, Verizon Opts Wireless Customers Into Data-Collecting Program
Microsoft Edge will now warn users about the dangers of downloading Google Chrome as the two companies slug it out over who get your data!
Here are some push-backs from against the data omnivores:
How a civil rights group is holding Europe's online ad industry to account
Twitter bans posting pictures of ‘private individuals’ against their wishes
Security
It’s really important to check what you download:
Google Play apps downloaded 300,000 times stole bank credentials
Thousands of AT&T Subscribers Infected With Data-Pilfering Malware, Researchers Say
Password-stealing and keylogging malware is being spread through fake downloads
And from the department of unintended (though not necessarily unexpected) side effects:
Google Pixel mail-in repairs have allegedly twice resulted in leaked pics and a privacy nightmare
Apple AirTags being used by thieves to track high-end cars to steal
Pegasus spyware used to hack U.S. diplomats working abroad If the US govt can’t protect their people, who can?
Facebook is making two-factor mandatory for high-risk accounts but thankfully others can sign up, too!
Shopping online? FBI says beware of these holiday scams and phishing threats
Regulations
US will work with allies to limit the export of surveillance tools to authoritarian governments, but at the same time, US government agencies bought Chinese surveillance tech despite federal ban
EU warns adtech giants over ‘legal tricks’ as it moots changes to centralize privacy oversight
EU lawmakers agree data reuse rules to foster AI and R&D, not everybody is satisfied, though:
Europe’s AI Act falls far short on protecting fundamental rights, civil society groups warn
The Australian Government Has Declared a War on Trolls which raises the question whom the government will designate as a troll!
Notice to regular readers: To improve focus, this blog will now spotlight news likely to impact or be of interest to ordinary users. There's little most people can do about ransomware and other enterprise security issues.