Week of 2024-07-26
Ford gives Ontario ministers new marching orders: ‘Move the province forward’
Colin D’Mello | Isaac Callan | Global News
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has issued new mandate letters to his cabinet ministers, outlining policy priorities aimed at advancing the province, though the content remains undisclosed due to cabinet secrecy upheld by the Supreme Court. This secrecy has drawn criticism from opposition figures who argue for greater transparency. The letters are believed to direct ministers on how to align their actions with campaign promises and the government's agenda. The controversy continues as political opponents push for the release of these documents to restore public trust.
Academic authors 'shocked' after Taylor & Francis sells access to their research to Microsoft AI
Matilda Battersby | The Bookseller
Academic authors are expressing shock after learning that Taylor & Francis sold access to their research to Microsoft for AI purposes without their prior knowledge or consent. The deal, valued at around $10 million, was made public through a trading update. Authors are concerned about not being informed, the lack of an opt-out option, and the implications for academic research integrity. The Society of Authors has voiced concern over the lack of transparency and the potential impacts on authors' rights and traditional publishing.
AI strategies across the Five Eyes nations
Jack Aldane | Global Government Forum
The article reviews the AI strategies of the Five Eyes nations—UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand—highlighting their approaches to harnessing AI technology while managing associated risks. Each country has developed unique plans, with shared goals like fostering innovation, ensuring ethical AI use, and addressing workforce needs. The strategies also emphasize collaboration across sectors and international partnerships to stay competitive in AI advancements. The article provides insights into how these nations plan to integrate AI into their economies and public sectors.
Detroit Takes Important Step in Curbing the Harms of Face Recognition Technology
Tori Noble | Electronic Frontier Foundation
The article discusses Detroit's recent measures to address the harms associated with facial recognition technology. The city has implemented policies to reduce the potential for wrongful arrests and violations of civil liberties, particularly in communities of color, which have been disproportionately affected by inaccuracies in the technology. The new guidelines aim to enhance transparency, oversight, and accountability in the use of facial recognition by law enforcement, marking a significant step towards protecting residents' rights.
Palm vein biometrics deployed for payments at Paris grocery store
Chris Burt | Biometric Update
A Carrefour Market in Paris has introduced palm vein biometrics for payments, allowing customers to link their palm to a payment card and authenticate transactions by scanning their hand. This system, launched in partnership with Ingenico, is designed to enhance security and streamline the checkout process, coinciding with the influx of tourists for the 2024 Summer Olympics. The move reflects a growing trend in retail to adopt biometric payment solutions for convenience and security.
Senate to consider bills that aim to protect children and teenagers online
Mary Clare Jalonick | CityNews
The U.S. Senate is considering new bills aimed at protecting children and teenagers online. The proposed legislation would require social media platforms to take steps to prevent harm to minors, such as bullying, violence, and exposure to harmful content. The bills also focus on enhancing privacy protections for users under 17 by limiting data collection and banning targeted advertising. If passed, this would mark a significant step in regulating the tech industry to safeguard young users.
UK school reprimanded for unlawful use of facial-recognition technology
Paul Sawers | Tech Crunch
A UK school was reprimanded for unlawfully using facial recognition technology to monitor students, raising concerns about privacy violations. The school implemented the technology without obtaining proper consent from students and parents, leading to regulatory action. This incident highlights ongoing debates about the ethical use of facial recognition in educational settings and the need for stringent safeguards to protect individuals' rights.
Social Media Warnings Alone Can't Solve the Youth Mental Health Crisis
J. Nathan Matias | Janet Haven | Tech Policy
The article argues that simply adding warnings to social media platforms is not enough to address the youth mental health crisis. It suggests that while warnings may help, a broader approach is needed that includes regulating harmful content, improving digital literacy, and providing better mental health support for young people. The piece emphasizes the importance of systemic changes to protect youth from the negative impacts of social media.
FTC says hashed personal data is not anonymized
N/A | FTC
The FTC article discusses why hashing, a method used to obscure data, does not fully anonymize personal information. It explains that hashed data can still be vulnerable to re-identification, particularly when combined with other data sets. The piece argues that relying on hashing alone is insufficient for protecting privacy and that stronger measures are needed to ensure true data anonymity.
UK govt introduces new digital identity verification services bill
Masha Borak | Biometric Update
The UK government has introduced a new Digital Identity Verification Services Bill aimed at establishing a legal framework for digital identity verification. The bill seeks to improve the security and efficiency of digital transactions by providing a trusted system for verifying identities online. It is part of a broader initiative to enhance digital infrastructure and ensure the privacy and security of personal data in the digital economy.
Attorney General Schwalb Introduces Legislation to Protect Personal Health Data of District Consumers and Strengthen Privacy Laws
N/A | Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia
Attorney General Brian Schwalb of Washington, D.C., has introduced new privacy legislation aimed at enhancing consumer protection by establishing stricter regulations on how companies collect, use, and share personal data. The proposed bill focuses on giving consumers more control over their information, including the right to access, correct, and delete their data. It also seeks to impose significant penalties on companies that fail to comply with these standards.
AI presents opportunities and challenges to Indigenous collaborators trying to retain languages
Srivindya Kolluru | The Globe and Mail
The article discusses how AI presents both opportunities and challenges for Indigenous communities in Canada. AI technologies could support Indigenous knowledge preservation and economic development, but there are concerns about data sovereignty, cultural appropriation, and the potential for AI to exacerbate existing inequalities. The article emphasizes the importance of involving Indigenous voices in AI development to ensure that technologies are used ethically and in ways that benefit these communities.
An Algorithm Told Police She Was Safe. Then Her Husband Killed Her.
Adam Satariano | Roser Toll Pifarré | The New York Times
The New York Times article explores Spain's use of the VioGén algorithm to combat domestic violence. The algorithm assesses the risk of violence by analyzing data from various sources, helping authorities protect victims more effectively. However, the system has faced criticism for potential biases and overreliance on technology in sensitive situations. The article highlights both the promise and the ethical challenges of using AI in social issues like domestic violence.
Modern Cars Can Be Tracking Nightmares. Abuse Survivors Need Real Solutions.
Ayley Tsukayama | Eva Galperin | Catalina Sanchez | Electronic Frontier Foundation
The EFF article discusses how modern cars, equipped with extensive tracking technologies, can pose significant risks to survivors of abuse. These vehicles can collect and share detailed location data, creating potential tools for abusers to monitor and control their victims. The article advocates for stronger privacy protections and real solutions to safeguard the autonomy and safety of those at risk.
‘Halley’s comet moment’: How a new 911 system could improve public safety
Rianna Lim | Global News
Ontario is updating its 911 emergency system to integrate new technology, including text messaging and real-time tracking, to improve response times and communication. The upgrade aims to modernize the system, making it more efficient and accessible for people in emergencies, especially those with hearing or speech impairments. The changes are part of a broader effort to enhance public safety infrastructure across the province.
It’s All in Your Head? Not Anymore: EU Data Protection Authorities Report on Applying Data Protection Law to Consumer Neurotechnologies that Process Brain Data
N/A | Morrison Foerster
The article discusses the European Union's evolving stance on data protection, particularly focusing on how advancements in neurotechnology challenge existing privacy frameworks. It highlights concerns around the use of brain data, the implications for personal privacy, and the necessity for new regulations to protect individuals' cognitive liberties. The article calls for the EU to address these emerging issues proactively, ensuring that the protection of brain data is integrated into the broader data privacy landscape.
As more seniors head online, efforts are needed to help their digital media literacy skills
Jessica Wong | CBC
The article discusses the growing importance of digital media literacy for seniors in Canada. As more aspects of daily life move online, it's crucial for older adults to develop the skills to navigate digital spaces safely and effectively. The focus is on empowering seniors to recognize misinformation, understand privacy concerns, and use technology to stay connected and informed. Educational programs and resources are being developed to help seniors build these essential skills.
Bradford, Nunziata used constituent information during recent elections: Integrity Commissioner
Meredith Bond | Melissa Nakhavoly | City News
The Integrity Commissioner found that Bradford Nunziata, a local official, inappropriately used constituent information for political purposes during recent elections. This action was deemed a violation of the ethical guidelines governing the use of personal data by public officials. The Commissioner’s report suggests that Nunziata's actions compromised the trust and privacy of his constituents, raising concerns about the misuse of personal information in political campaigns. Recommendations for rectifying the situation and potential consequences for Nunziata were also discussed.
Ontario Information and Privacy Commissioner launches expedited process to resolve appeals
Angelica Dino | Canadian Lawyer
The Ontario Information and Privacy Commissioner has introduced an expedited process to resolve appeals more quickly. This new process aims to address delays in handling privacy and access-to-information cases by streamlining procedures and focusing on early resolution. The initiative is expected to enhance efficiency and improve the overall experience for individuals and organizations involved in appeals. The expedited process will apply to certain types of cases, enabling faster decisions and reducing the backlog of unresolved appeals.
Privacy commissioner reports 34% increase in 'snooping' cases by workers
Jonalyn Cueto | HRReporter
The Privacy Commissioner of Canada reported a 34% increase in cases where employees were caught snooping on sensitive data. This rise in privacy breaches underscores the importance of robust privacy controls and employee training to prevent unauthorized access to personal information. The report highlights the need for organizations to strengthen their data protection measures and ensure that employees understand the serious consequences of privacy violations.
CPPA Releases Data Broker Regulations for Public Comment
Alexander Sisto | Davis, Wright, Tremaine
California's new Delete Act and related CPPA rules aim to strengthen consumer data privacy by regulating data brokers. The legislation mandates that data brokers must register with the California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) and allows consumers to request the deletion of their personal data from these brokers through a centralized system. This Act seeks to give consumers greater control over their data and ensure compliance with privacy laws.
What is CrowdStrike? How a cybersecurity update caused a global tech outage
Kathryn Mannie | Global News
CrowdStrike has issued a cybersecurity update following a global tech outage that affected multiple organizations. The company noted that the outage was linked to issues in a third-party cloud service provider, highlighting the importance of having robust incident response strategies. CrowdStrike's report emphasizes the need for businesses to be prepared for such disruptions, suggesting proactive measures such as regular security audits and the implementation of resilient infrastructure to mitigate the impact of similar outages in the future.
CrowdStrike chaos highlights risks of relying on ‘too-big-to-fail’ cybersecurity
Catherine McIntyre | TheLogic
CrowdStrike has highlighted cybersecurity risks related to IT outages, emphasizing the importance of preparing for and mitigating the impact of such incidents. The recent outage at a major third-party provider underscores the need for robust incident response plans and resilient infrastructure. CrowdStrike advises organizations to conduct regular security audits and ensure they have measures in place to handle unexpected disruptions, which are increasingly common in today's interconnected digital environment.
Here's why cyber experts say Canada failed in its response to the CrowdStrike outage
Kamil Karamali | CTV News
Cyber experts criticized Canada's response to the CrowdStrike outage, citing a lack of coordinated action and preparedness. The outage exposed vulnerabilities in Canada's cybersecurity infrastructure, particularly in its reliance on third-party providers. Experts argue that the response was slow, uncoordinated, and lacked clear communication, highlighting the need for better strategies to manage cybersecurity incidents. This incident underscores the importance of improving Canada's national cybersecurity policies to prevent and mitigate future risks.
Hackers are already taking advantage of the CrowdStrike outage chaos
Brian Fung | Sean Lyngaas | CTV News
Hackers have quickly exploited the chaos caused by the CrowdStrike outage, taking advantage of the disruption to launch cyberattacks. The outage affected a significant portion of cybersecurity services, leaving many organizations vulnerable. Cybercriminals have reportedly used this opportunity to target businesses, amplifying the risks associated with the outage. The incident highlights the importance of having robust contingency plans and reinforces the need for improved resilience against such disruptions in cybersecurity services.
The CrowdStrike Failure Was a Warning
Brian Klaas | The Atlantic
The article from The Atlantic argues that the recent CrowdStrike failure serves as a critical warning for cybersecurity vulnerabilities, highlighting the consequences of over-reliance on a single provider. The incident underscores the importance of diversification and the need for better resilience planning in cybersecurity strategies. It also calls for increased transparency and accountability from tech companies to prevent similar outages in the future, emphasizing that stronger regulatory frameworks might be necessary to ensure robust defenses against cyber threats.
Employees would take pay cut for more privacy at work: survey
Dexter Tilo | Human Resources Director
A recent survey reveals that many employees are willing to accept a pay cut in exchange for greater privacy at work. The survey highlights concerns over workplace monitoring and surveillance, with employees valuing privacy as a significant aspect of their job satisfaction. This trend suggests that companies may need to reconsider their privacy policies to retain and attract talent, balancing the need for security and oversight with respecting employees' privacy preferences.
