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.
flipboard Flipboard Resets Passwords After Long Undetected Hacker Breach Flipboard forces password resets for millions of users following a series of system breaches over nine months. Hackers accessed user credentials and third-party tokens, though abuse of connected accounts remains unconfirmed.
facial recognition San Francisco Becomes First US City to Ban Facial Recognition San Francisco officials vote to outlaw facial recognition technology by city departments to protect civil liberties. The groundbreaking ordinance also establishes strict oversight rules for other surveillance tools.
first american Real Estate Giant First American Exposes 885 Million Financial Records Online A massive website design flaw allows unauthorized access to hundreds of millions of sensitive mortgage and banking documents without any password requirement.
facial recognition San Francisco Becomes First US City to Ban Government Facial Recognition San Francisco outlaws the use of facial recognition technology by city agencies, citing serious privacy and bias concerns. The landmark legislation also mandates strict oversight and public disclosure of any existing surveillance tools.
facial recognition San Francisco Facial Recognition Ban Leaves Private Sector Unregulated San Francisco becomes the first US city to ban government use of facial recognition, but the ordinance does not restrict private companies from deploying the controversial technology.
facial recognition San Francisco Becomes First City to Ban Government Facial Recognition San Francisco officials vote to prohibit city agencies from using facial recognition technology, citing serious privacy and civil liberties concerns. The groundbreaking legislation positions the city as a leader in the fight against invasive surveillance.
facial recognition San Francisco Becomes First US City to Ban Government Facial Recognition San Francisco outlaws facial recognition technology for police and city agencies, becoming the first U.S. city to implement such a ban. The new ordinance also mandates strict disclosure and approval rules for other surveillance tools.
facial recognition San Francisco Becomes First US City to Ban Facial Recognition San Francisco officially outlaws the use of facial recognition technology by police and other city agencies, citing serious privacy and civil liberties concerns. The groundbreaking measure makes the city the first in the United States to implement such a sweeping ban.
facial recognition San Francisco Becomes First Major US City to Ban Government Facial Recognition San Francisco's Board of Supervisors passes the Stop Secret Surveillance Ordinance, prohibiting city agencies from using facial recognition technology. The new law focuses on accountability and requires government departments to seek approval before acquiring new surveillance equipment.