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.
india India Moves to Regulate Social Media Platforms Amid Disruption Concerns India's government announces plans to revise intermediary rules by January 2020, citing threats to democracy and national security. The filing emerges amid a legal battle with Facebook over WhatsApp message traceability.
mercedes Mercedes App Glitch Exposes Owner Data to Strangers A severe bug in the Mercedes-Benz remote control app temporarily exposes sensitive user information, including names and phone numbers, to other account holders.
mercedes-benz Mercedes-Benz App Glitch Exposes Customer Data to Other Drivers A security lapse in the Mercedes-Benz connected car app allows users to view sensitive account and vehicle information belonging to complete strangers. The company takes the app offline for maintenance shortly after customers report the bizarre data mix-up.
facebook Facebook Faces Trial as Court Rejects Bid to Block $35 Billion Lawsuit A federal appeals court denies Facebook's request to halt a massive class action lawsuit over its facial recognition practices. The case now moves toward trial, threatening the company with up to $35 billion in penalties.
google Google Pixel 4 Uses Soli Radar for Hands-Free Gestures and Face Unlock Google's new Pixel 4 smartphones feature a built-in Soli radar chip that enables fast face unlocking and touchless Motion Sense gestures. All sensor data processes locally on the device to protect user privacy.
instagram Instagram Shuts Down Notorious Following Tab to Curb Digital Stalking Instagram officially removes its Following tab, a feature notorious for exposing user activity rather than aiding account discovery. The company directs users to the Explore tab instead.
facebook Officials Demand Facebook Halt Encryption Expansion, Sparking Security Debate US and international officials urge Facebook to delay end-to-end encryption plans across its messaging platforms, citing law enforcement concerns. Critics warn that creating backdoors ultimately weakens digital security for all users.
facebook US and Allied Officials Urge Facebook to Abandon Encryption Plans Law enforcement leaders from the US, UK, and Australia are pressuring Mark Zuckerberg to halt Facebook's planned shift to end-to-end encryption. Officials argue that locking down messages completely severs their ability to investigate and rescue children from exploitation.
salesforce Salesforce Founder Benioff Warns Startups Stay Private Too Long Marc Benioff argues that delayed IPOs allow bad governance to fester at private companies like WeWork and Uber. He also calls for a national privacy law and declares that traditional capitalism is dead.