amazon Amazon Secures Patent for Opt-In Drone Surveillance Technology Amazon receives a patent for a drone-based data gathering system that uses geo-fencing to monitor specific areas. The company emphasizes that the technology functions strictly as an opt-in service for authorized homes.
amazon Amazon Wins Patent for Drone-Based Home Surveillance System Amazon receives federal approval for a patent allowing delivery drones to perform home security checks. The technology raises significant privacy concerns among legal experts as drones could alert authorities to detected anomalies.
libra US Congress Chairwoman Demands Halt to Facebook's Libra Cryptocurrency A high-ranking US Congress member calls for a moratorium on Facebook's Libra project until lawmakers can properly review the cryptocurrency's privacy and regulatory implications. Facebook indicates it plans to move forward despite the unresolved privacy concerns.
facebook Facebook CEO Zuckerberg Urges Governments to Regulate the Internet Mark Zuckerberg publishes an op-ed asking for updated government oversight regarding harmful content, election integrity, and privacy. This unexpected plea for regulation follows recent backlash over a livestreamed massacre in New Zealand.
facebook Facebook Unveils Dating, Shopping, and Privacy Features at F8 Conference Facebook announces new dating, e-commerce, and group features across its apps at F8 while emphasizing a shift toward privacy. The updates include hidden like counts on Instagram and end-to-end encryption for Messenger.
whatsapp WhatsApp Voice Calls Exploited to Install Spyware Without User Action A sophisticated cyber actor infects mobile phones with spyware through missed WhatsApp voice calls, requiring no action from the user. WhatsApp quickly patches the vulnerability and urges all users to update their apps immediately.
facebook Fact Check Debunks Altered Zuckerberg Video About Stolen Data Viral Instagram posts share a doctored video that falsely depicts Mark Zuckerberg admitting to controlling billions of people's stolen data. Fact-checkers confirm the clip is manipulated fake news designed to mislead social media users.
faceapp Experts Say FaceApp Privacy Fears Are Overblown and Typical of Social Media Data-privacy experts indicate that the national security and privacy concerns surrounding the popular Russian-owned FaceApp are largely exaggerated. The app's data practices simply mirror the standard, broad user agreements typical of major social media platforms.
ftc FTC Imposes Record $5 Billion Penalty on Facebook for Privacy Violations The Federal Trade Commission fines Facebook $5 billion over the Cambridge Analytica data scandal and mandates the creation of an independent privacy oversight committee. The penalty represents the largest ever issued by the FTC but amounts to less than a tenth of the social network's annual revenue.
worst tech Worst Tech of 2019 Features Failed Gadgets and Privacy Nightmares Gizmodo highlights the most miserable tech products of 2019, including surveillance controversies and spectacular service failures. These gadgets ruin user trust through data leaks, police partnerships, and absurd pricing.
apple Apple Announces iPadOS, Dark Mode, and Privacy Upgrades at WWDC 2019 Apple reveals iOS 13, a dedicated iPadOS, and a new SwiftUI development framework at its annual developer conference, with a strong emphasis on user privacy.
apple Apple Transforms iOS Into a Privacy-Focused Asocial Network Apple introduces iOS 13 features that prioritize private sharing over public broadcasting, directly challenging social media giants. The new Sign In With Apple feature highlights the company's commitment to user privacy by keeping contact information hidden from developers.
apple Apple Mandates Its New Privacy-Focused Login for All Apps Using Third-Party Sign-Ins Apple reveals that apps offering Google or Facebook logins must also include its new Sign In With Apple feature. The service prioritizes user privacy by allowing one-tap logins and random relay email addresses.
visa U.S. Now Requires Social Media Details From Most Visa Applicants The State Department rolls out a new rule demanding social media usernames and five years of contact history from nearly all visa applicants. The broad screening expansion affects approximately 15 million people and coincides with a decline in the U.S. as a top destination for global talent.
targeted ads Study Finds Targeted Ads Yield Minimal Revenue Boost for Publishers New research reveals that online publishers earn only 4% more from behaviorally targeted ads compared to standard non-targeted advertisements. This marginal gain highlights a massive disparity in the digital ad market, where tech giants capture the vast majority of profits.