Week of 2024-10-21
Union of BC Indian Chiefs calls for ‘concrete’ changes to ATIP laws
Jeremy Appel | The Hamilton Spectator
The Union of BC Indian Chiefs is calling for significant reforms to Canada's Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) laws, criticizing current regulations as inadequate in addressing Indigenous rights and sovereignty. They argue that existing laws are outdated and fail to ensure transparency and accountability in governmental dealings with Indigenous communities. The organization is pushing for changes that would strengthen Indigenous access to critical information and better protect privacy rights.
Transparency and trust: How news consumers in Canada want AI to be used in journalism
Nicole Blanchett | Charles H. Davis | Mariia Sozoniuk | Sibo Chen | The Conversation
A recent study shows that Canadian news consumers want greater transparency and accountability in how AI is used within journalism. While they acknowledge AI's benefits in speeding up news production and enhancing reporting, there are concerns about AI-generated content replacing human oversight. Consumers desire clear labeling of AI-produced material and stress the importance of maintaining ethical editorial standards. The findings highlight that trust in news remains closely linked to responsible and transparent use of AI in the journalistic process.
California Passes Law to Protect Minors from “Addictive Feeds”
Lindsey Tonsager | Jenna Zhang | Natalie Maas | Inside Privacy
California has passed a new law aimed at protecting minors from addictive social media feeds. The legislation requires companies to assess and mitigate the risks of using algorithms designed to promote excessive use of platforms, specifically targeting underage users. The law seeks to address growing concerns about the mental health impacts of social media on young people and holds tech companies accountable for creating safer online environments for minors.
Byron Kaye
Australia's planned social media ban raises teen isolation fears
Cordelia Hsu | Reuters
Australia's proposed social media ban for minors under 18 is raising concerns about teen isolation and mental health. The policy, aimed at protecting young people from online harms, could also restrict their ability to connect with peers, potentially exacerbating loneliness and social disconnection. Critics argue that such a ban may have unintended consequences, including increasing feelings of isolation among teens who rely on social platforms for socialization.
Should I Use My State’s Digital Driver’s License?
Thorin Klosowski | Electronic Frontier Foundation
The EFF article explores whether users should adopt state-issued digital driver’s licenses (mDLs). While these offer convenience and enhanced security features, concerns remain about privacy, surveillance, and data misuse. Digital IDs may increase the number of situations where users are asked to present identification, expanding surveillance. The article advises users to weigh these privacy risks carefully and consider whether the convenience outweighs potential vulnerabilities.
Students raise privacy concerns over using QR codes to get into bathrooms
Hal Eisner | Fox Los Angeles
A California school district is introducing QR codes in student bathrooms to allow students to report safety or cleanliness concerns directly to school authorities. The system aims to offer a discreet and efficient way for students to communicate issues such as bullying, vandalism, or maintenance problems. However, this initiative has sparked privacy concerns among some parents and students, who are worried about the implications of tracking bathroom usage.
A Sale of 23andMe’s Data Would Be Bad for Privacy. Here’s What Customers Can Do
Mario Trujillo | Jason Kelley | Electronic Frontier Foundation
The EFF article discusses concerns over the potential sale of 23andMe’s genetic data and the privacy risks it poses to customers. It warns that sharing DNA data with third parties can lead to misuse, including unauthorized profiling or discrimination. The article advises 23andMe users to take steps to protect their data, such as reviewing privacy settings and considering data deletion requests, to mitigate privacy vulnerabilities.
‘Anonymous’ genetic databases vulnerable to privacy leaks
Helena Kudiabor | Nature
The article from Nature discusses the ethical and regulatory challenges of digital phenotyping, a growing field that uses data from digital devices to analyze human behavior and health. While it offers potential in personalized medicine and mental health care, concerns about privacy, consent, and data security are significant. The piece highlights the need for robust frameworks to ensure ethical data use and protect individuals from potential misuse or exploitation of sensitive health data.
Focus on vulnerable communities, improve data sharing before next pandemic
Nicole Ireland | CityNews
A report emphasizes the need to focus on vulnerable communities and improve data-sharing systems before the next pandemic. It suggests better integration of public health data, coordination between agencies, and more equitable access to resources, particularly for disadvantaged groups. The report calls for addressing gaps in data infrastructure and fostering collaborations to ensure more effective responses in future health crises.
Sudbury police to begin phasing in body-worn cameras with 30 in January
Tyler Clarke | BayToday
Sudbury police will begin implementing body-worn cameras starting in January, with 30 units to be deployed in the initial phase. This move is part of an effort to enhance transparency, accountability, and trust between law enforcement and the community. The cameras will be used during interactions between police officers and the public, with further rollouts expected later. The initiative aligns with broader trends in policing aimed at improving community relations and documenting police activities.
Police board seeks public input on body-worn cameras for Hamilton cops
Kate McCullough | Hamilton Spectator
The Hamilton Police Board is seeking public input on how officers will use body-worn cameras as part of a transparency and accountability initiative. The board aims to understand community concerns and gather suggestions on policies, including data usage, privacy protections, and guidelines for camera use during police interactions. This feedback will help shape the program's implementation, ensuring it aligns with public expectations.
Should you let police know if you have security cameras on your property? Privacy expert warns to be cautious
Martha Dillman | CBC News
Sudbury police are encouraging residents and businesses to register their security cameras with the city's new camera-sharing program. The initiative aims to create a network of surveillance cameras that police can quickly access when investigating crimes, improving response times and solving cases more efficiently. Participation is voluntary, and the program seeks to enhance public safety while respecting privacy concerns.
EU court ruling considers how GDPR applies to social media networks’ personalised ads
Kathryn Wynn | Pinsent Masons
A recent court ruling has clarified that social media platforms using personalized ads must comply with GDPR requirements. The case highlights that platforms cannot rely on "legitimate interests" to justify data processing for targeted advertising without explicit user consent. This decision impacts how social media networks manage personal data and conduct targeted advertising in Europe, reinforcing the need for greater transparency and user control over personal information.
Growing concerns in Canada and United States about data privacy and ethical data practices: TELUS poll
TELUS | News Wire
A recent TELUS poll reveals growing concerns in Canada and the U.S. about data privacy and ethical data practices. Many respondents expressed discomfort with how companies collect, use, and store their personal information, with increased awareness around issues like surveillance and misuse of data. The poll highlights the importance of trust, transparency, and stricter data protection measures to address these concerns and ensure responsible data handling by businesses.
New Data Portability Right in Force in Quebec
Céline Poitras | John Lenz | Linda Muhugusa | Blakes
Quebec has implemented a new data portability right as part of its updated privacy laws, allowing individuals to request and transfer their personal data between organizations in a structured and commonly used format. This new provision aims to enhance consumer control over personal information and increase transparency in how data is handled. It aligns with global trends in privacy regulation, similar to GDPR provisions in the European Union.
Privacy Commissioner meets with G7 counterparts to advance global leadership on privacy protection
Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
Canada’s Privacy Commissioner announced the G7 Data Protection Authorities' commitment to international collaboration on artificial intelligence (AI) governance and data protection. The authorities aim to establish responsible AI practices while ensuring personal data privacy. They also emphasize the need for transparency, accountability, and public trust in AI systems. This cooperation highlights the importance of global alignment in addressing AI's challenges and the protection of citizens' data.
Parliamentary committee calls on federal government to amend Privacy Act
Jodie Applewaithe | CBC News
A Canadian parliamentary committee has released a report warning of the risks associated with law enforcement's extraction of personal data from devices without sufficient oversight. The report calls for stronger privacy protections and clearer guidelines for data extraction practices used by law enforcement agencies. It emphasizes the need to balance public safety with the protection of individual privacy rights, urging reforms to ensure transparency and accountability in how personal data is accessed and used.
Does AI lead to increased phishing attacks?
Jim Wilson | Human Resources Director
The article explores the connection between AI and the rise in phishing attacks, highlighting how cybercriminals increasingly use AI to create more sophisticated, targeted phishing schemes. AI enables attackers to automate and personalize phishing emails, making them harder to detect. The article stresses the importance of educating employees and implementing robust cybersecurity measures to combat these evolving threats.
New law in Australia will require mandatory reporting of ransomware payments
Alexander Martin | The Record
Australia has introduced a bill that would require mandatory reporting of ransomware payments to the government. This legislation aims to improve transparency and help authorities track and combat ransomware attacks more effectively. By making ransomware payments reportable, the government seeks to gather crucial data to assess the scale of the problem and better assist organizations in defending against cyber threats. The bill also promotes cooperation between businesses and government in cybersecurity efforts.
