android Pre-Installed Android Apps Hide Serious Security Vulnerabilities A new study by security firm Kryptowire reveals that pre-installed apps on Android devices from 29 vendors contain 146 security vulnerabilities. These hidden flaws allow attackers to silently install apps, record audio, and alter system settings.
instagram Instagram Expands Hidden Like Counts Test to Global Audience Instagram rolls out its hidden Like counts experiment to a small subset of users worldwide, aiming to reduce social pressure on the platform.
border security Federal Court Rules Warrantless Border Device Searches Unconstitutional A Boston federal court rules that border agents need reasonable suspicion to search travelers' electronic devices, striking down government policies as a Fourth Amendment violation.
instagram Instagram Launches U.S. Test to Hide Like Counts from Public View Instagram begins testing a new feature that hides public like counts on posts for a select group of U.S. users. The change aims to reduce competitive pressure and improve the well-being of younger users on the platform.
android Android Baseband Flaws Allow Hackers to Intercept Calls and Block Service Security researchers discover that popular Android phones inadvertently grant Bluetooth and USB accessories access to sensitive baseband software. This flaw exposes unique device identifiers and allows attackers to intercept calls or disrupt cellular service entirely.
instagram Instagram Expands Hidden Like Counts to U.S. Users to Reduce Anxiety Instagram rolls out a test hiding public Like counts in the U.S. to reduce social pressure, despite potential drops in influencer engagement.
veritas genetics DNA Startup Veritas Genetics Suffers Quiet Data Breach Veritas Genetics confirms a breach of its customer portal but refuses to disclose exactly what data is stolen. The incident adds to growing privacy concerns surrounding DNA testing companies.
twitter Two Former Twitter Employees Face Spy Charges for Leaking Data to Saudi Arabia Federal prosecutors charge two former Twitter employees with acting as Saudi agents by secretly accessing private user data of government critics. The case marks the first time U.S. authorities allege Saudi agents operated inside an American tech company.
facebook California Sues to Force Facebook to Hand Over Cambridge Analytica Documents California's attorney general accuses Facebook of ignoring subpoenas related to the Cambridge Analytica scandal and asks a court to compel the company to produce the requested evidence.
microsoft Microsoft Aims for One Billion Users with Rebuilt Edge Browser Microsoft is betting big on its new Chromium-based Edge browser, setting an ambitious goal of one billion users. The company rebuilds the browser to tackle modern problems in privacy, security, and enterprise compatibility.
twitter Saudi Government Paid Twitter Insiders to Spy on Dissidents Newly unsealed court documents reveal that Saudi officials bribed Twitter employees to access personal data of political activists and journalists.
freedom house US Internet Freedom Drops for Third Year Amid Surveillance and Disinformation Freedom House reports that the United States experiences a third consecutive yearly decline in internet freedom due to increased social media surveillance, warrantless device searches at borders, and rampant disinformation.
data breach Unprotected Database Exposes Millions of Camgirl Site Users A major data exposure at VTS Media leaves millions of camgirl site users and sex workers vulnerable after an unprotected database reveals private chats, passwords, and viewing habits.
tiktok U.S. Lawmakers Increase Scrutiny on Chinese App TikTok American regulators are investigating TikTok over data privacy concerns and its past acquisition of Musical.ly. The popular video app faces growing pressure as U.S.-China tech tensions escalate.
google Google Acquires Fitbit for $2.1 Billion to Boost Wearable Tech Presence Google purchases fitness tracker pioneer Fitbit for $2.1 billion to compete in the wearable technology market. The tech giant pledges that user health and wellness data will not be used for targeted advertising.