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.
google Google Acquires Fitbit to Challenge Apple in Consumer Health Market Google spends $2.1 billion to acquire Fitbit, aiming to reshape its healthcare strategy and compete directly with Apple.
google Google Buys Fitbit for $2.1 Billion to Rival Apple Alphabet agrees to acquire Fitbit for $2.1 billion in cash to boost its wearable technology and compete directly with Apple. Lawmakers immediately raise serious privacy and antitrust concerns regarding the massive deal.
whatsapp WhatsApp Sues Israeli Spyware Maker NSO Over Mass Phone Hacking WhatsApp files a federal lawsuit against NSO Group for allegedly developing malware that hacked 1,400 devices by exploiting an audio-calling vulnerability. The attack targets journalists and human rights defenders by infecting phones even when users do not answer the calls.
android Dozens of Android Apps Secretly Serve Adware to Millions of Users Security researchers discover 42 Android apps on the Google Play store that infect millions of devices with adware. The malicious apps hide their icons, mimic legitimate software, and actively avoid detection by Google's security systems.
facebook Zuckerberg Faces Intense Congressional Grilling Over Libra Cryptocurrency Plans Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg tells Congress he does not control the Libra cryptocurrency while facing heavy criticism about privacy and corporate power. The tense six-hour hearing significantly reduces the likelihood of Libra launching in 2020.
mozilla Firefox 70 Introduces Personalized Privacy Reports After Blocking 450 Billion Trackers Mozilla releases Firefox 70 with a new personalized privacy dashboard that shows users exactly how many trackers the browser blocks. This update highlights Firefox's clear advantage over Chrome in default privacy protection.