Week of 2024-08-09
Illinois governor approves business-friendly overhaul of biometric privacy law
Daniel Wiessner | Reuters
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker approved significant changes to the state's Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) to make it more business-friendly. The amendments include a provision allowing companies to cure violations before facing lawsuits, potentially reducing the flood of litigation under the law. The overhaul aims to balance privacy protection with reducing the legal risks for businesses handling biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial recognition, in Illinois.
Bill 194 to Reform Cybersecurity and Privacy Rights in Ontario’s Public Service
Paige Backman | Michelle Slipanchuk | Aird Berlis
Bill 194 aims to reform cybersecurity and privacy rights within Ontario's public service by enhancing protection measures and compliance standards. The bill introduces new rules for managing and safeguarding personal information, reflecting an increasing focus on data privacy and security. It outlines stricter protocols for data handling, incident reporting, and accountability within the public sector. The bill represents a significant step toward modernizing Ontario's approach to digital security and privacy in the public service.
US government sues TikTok for allegedly violating children’s privacy law
Clare Duffy | CNN
The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against TikTok, alleging that the company violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) by collecting personal information from users under the age of 13 without proper parental consent. The lawsuit claims that TikTok failed to comply with privacy laws designed to protect children, raising concerns about data security and privacy practices on the platform. This legal action adds to the growing scrutiny of TikTok's handling of user data.
How age verification can raise children's online safety risks
Drew Harwell | The Washington Post
The Washington Post article discusses the growing use of face-scanning technology to verify children's ages online, as companies try to comply with privacy laws like COPPA. While this technology aims to protect children's privacy, it raises significant concerns about the risks of storing biometric data, potential misuse, and the broader implications for privacy and surveillance. Critics argue that such measures may do more harm than good, urging for more thoughtful approaches to balancing safety and privacy.
How the theft of 40M UK voter register records was entirely preventable
Zack Whittaker | Natasha Lomas | Tech Crunch
The theft of 40 million UK voter register records, which included personal information of voters, was entirely preventable, according to an analysis. The breach occurred due to inadequate security measures and oversight, leading to the exposure of sensitive data. The article emphasizes the importance of robust cybersecurity protocols and highlights the potential risks when such measures are not enforced, particularly in the context of critical national infrastructure like voter registration systems.
Federal political parties collecting sensitive voter data in a regulatory void, warns report
John Schofield | Law360
The article discusses a recent decision by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in which the court found that certain defendants in a class action case were not liable for defamation. The decision clarifies legal standards for defamation claims in Ontario, emphasizing the importance of proving actual harm to reputation and that merely repeating defamatory statements does not necessarily make one liable. This ruling could have significant implications for future defamation cases.
AI ‘scribes’ aim to rescue doctors from paperwork avalanches, despite privacy concerns
David Reevely | The Logic
The article discusses the growing use of AI to assist doctors with paperwork, specifically in generating medical documentation. While AI promises to reduce administrative burdens on healthcare providers, there are significant privacy concerns. The use of AI in this context raises questions about the security of patient data and the potential for breaches, given the sensitive nature of medical records. The article emphasizes the need for robust safeguards to protect patient privacy as AI becomes more integrated into healthcare systems.
Argentina will use AI to ‘predict future crimes’ but experts worry for citizens’ rights
Harriet Barber | The Guardian
Argentina is deploying AI to predict potential crimes by analyzing citizens' behavior, raising significant concerns about privacy and civil rights. The AI system, intended to improve public safety, monitors vast amounts of data, including social media activity, to flag individuals as potential threats before any crime occurs. Critics argue that this approach infringes on personal freedoms and risks disproportionately targeting marginalized communities. The debate highlights the tension between technological advancements in law enforcement and the protection of fundamental human rights.
The smart way to run smart cities: New report explores data governance and trusted data sharing in Toronto
Beth Coleman | Madison Mackley | The Schwatz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society
The "Trusted Data Sharing in Toronto" report explores the frameworks and practices necessary for secure and responsible data sharing in urban environments. It emphasizes the importance of trust, transparency, and robust governance in managing data collected in smart cities. The report highlights challenges related to privacy, consent, and the equitable use of data, advocating for policies that protect individual rights while enabling innovation. It also offers recommendations for improving data-sharing practices to enhance public trust.
Ottawa latest city to turn to AI to predict chronic homelessness
Anja Karadeglija | CTV News
Ottawa is the latest city to use artificial intelligence (AI) to help predict chronic homelessness. The AI system analyzes various data points to identify individuals most at risk of long-term homelessness, allowing city officials to intervene more effectively. The goal is to allocate resources more efficiently and provide targeted support to those in need, potentially preventing chronic homelessness. This initiative follows similar AI-driven approaches in other cities, aiming to address homelessness through data-driven insights.
How much does your city know about you? This Southern California city opens up
Hannah Fry | Los Angeles Times
Researchers are raising awareness about the extensive data collection practices in Long Beach, California. They emphasize that residents may not fully understand the amount and types of data being gathered by the city, including surveillance footage, social media activity, and public records. The goal of these researchers is to inform the community about how their personal information is used and to advocate for greater transparency and accountability in municipal data practices.
GLA launches London Privacy Register for smart city technology
Mark Say | UK Authority
The Greater London Authority (GLA) has launched a London Privacy Register to track smart city technologies used across the city. This initiative is designed to enhance transparency, allowing residents to see what technologies are being used and how their data is being managed. The register includes information about surveillance systems, sensors, and other digital tools implemented in public spaces. The goal is to promote accountability and ensure that privacy concerns are addressed as the city continues to embrace smart technologies.
‘Extremely bad news’: Canadians are encountering fewer legitimate news sources on social media, study finds
Raisa Patel | Toronto Star
A recent study found that Canadians are encountering fewer legitimate news sources on social media, which could have significant implications for public awareness and the spread of misinformation. The decline in trustworthy news content is linked to changes in social media algorithms and the increasing prevalence of fake news. This trend is concerning as it may reduce the public’s access to reliable information, particularly during critical times such as elections or public health crises.
Everyone on the Internet Will Die. We Need a Plan for Their Data
Carl Öhman | Time
The article discusses the growing issue of digital legacy, highlighting the challenges of managing and preserving online data after death. As more personal information and digital assets accumulate on the internet, questions arise about who controls this data and how it should be handled posthumously. The article also explores potential solutions, including legal frameworks and technology innovations aimed at managing digital legacies more effectively.
Bumble, Hinge, and other apps had to fix privacy risk, study says
Anna Iovine | Mashable
A recent paper highlighted significant privacy risks in popular dating apps like Bumble and Hinge, revealing that they had to make changes to address these concerns. The study found that user data could be exposed due to insufficient security measures, potentially allowing third parties to track users and access personal information. The apps have since taken steps to mitigate these vulnerabilities, but the incident underscores the ongoing challenges of ensuring privacy in online dating platforms.
NIST continues to study immersive technology cyber, privacy issues
Anthony Kimery | Biometric Update
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is continuing its research into the cyber and privacy challenges posed by immersive technologies such as virtual and augmented reality. These technologies, which are increasingly integrated into various applications, raise significant concerns regarding data security and user privacy. NIST's ongoing studies aim to develop standards and guidelines to mitigate risks associated with these technologies, ensuring safer and more secure user experiences.
Suburban New York county bans wearing of masks to hide identity
N/A | AP News
New York Governor Kathy Hochul banned the use of masks in certain areas across Long Island, including schools and healthcare facilities. The decision was met with mixed reactions, with supporters citing concerns about personal freedom and detractors worrying about the potential increase in COVID-19 cases. The mask ban marks a significant shift in the state's pandemic response and reflects ongoing debates about public health measures and individual rights.
What lies beneath: the growing threat to the hidden network of cables that power the internet
Jonathan Yerushalmy | The Guardian
The article discusses the growing threat to the undersea cables that form the backbone of the global internet infrastructure. These cables, which carry 95% of international data, are increasingly vulnerable to damage from human activities, such as fishing, and from geopolitical tensions. The potential disruption of these cables poses significant risks to global communications, financial transactions, and even national security, underscoring the need for better protection and redundancy in this critical infrastructure.
Inside the Dark World of Doxing for Profit
Matt Burgess | Wired
The Wired article discusses the rise of "violence-as-a-service," where cybercriminals are offering doxing, extortion, and even physical violence for hire. These services are being used to target individuals and businesses, with threats ranging from releasing private information to carrying out physical attacks. The anonymity of the internet and the availability of these services on the dark web make it difficult for law enforcement to track and prevent such crimes.
'This is concerning': Sask. privacy watchdog cautions health authority over use of 'do not hire lists'
Rory MacLean | CTV News
The Saskatchewan privacy watchdog has raised concerns about the Saskatoon Health Authority's use of "do-not-hire" lists. These lists, which can prevent individuals from being rehired, are being scrutinized for potentially breaching privacy regulations. The watchdog is urging the health authority to ensure that these lists are used fairly and transparently, emphasizing the need for clear policies and justifications when placing someone on such a list.
The AI job interviewer will see you now
Russell Brandom | Viola Zhou | Sanghamitra Kar P | Rest of World
AI-powered interview software is increasingly being used by companies to streamline hiring practices, but these tools are raising concerns about fairness and transparency. The software can analyze candidates' facial expressions, tone, and word choice, leading to decisions that are not always transparent or unbiased. Critics argue that this technology might reinforce existing biases and lacks accountability, particularly when candidates are unaware of how their data is being used or evaluated.
