U.S. government appeals court order blocking restrictions on TikTok
The U.S. government appealed a federal judge’s court order blocking the Commerce Department from imposing restrictions on TikTok, which would have seen the short video-sharing app with Chinese owners effectively banned in the United States.
Trump's administration had come up with national secu...
Goontact spyware is capable of stealing data on iOS and Android
A new form of spyware has been discovered, with the capabilities to steal data from both iOS and Android users. Researchers at the cybersecurity firm, Lookout have named it 'Goontact.’ The spyware is used on adult websites that offer other things like escort services.
Those who visit the sites...
Apple brings privacy information for apps on all its app stores
Apple now requires developers to answer a questionnaire as part of submitting an app or update in app stores across iOS, macOS, iPad, tvOS, and watchOS. Cupertino is currently relying on trust between developers and the company to receive direct reports on their apps' permissions and actions.
Cu...
FTC wants to know how Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok use personal data
The Federal Trade Commission is looking for information from Twitter, Facebook, and other social media or video streaming companies about personal user data. The US agency announced on Monday that it sent out orders for information.
The orders requesting data were sent to Facebook, Twitter...
UK government creates Digital Markets Unit to regulate tech companies
The UK government plans to put in place a Digital Markets Unit (DMU) whose sole focus will be the regulation of online platforms. It might also have the power to block business moves by companies that show anti-competitive behavior. The unit will also be able to hand down fines to violators.
The...
GDPR enforcement has to evolve to deal with Big Tech
Beuc, the European consumer protection umbrella group, published a new report on the obstacles standing in the way of effective cross-border enforcement of the EU's flagship data protection plan.
The report makes for awkward reading for lawmakers and regulators as they work towards a comprehensi...
Top Biden adviser may seek to curb Big Tech’s power
Likely future cabinet member is an opponent of statutory immunity for Internet tech companies.
It looks like President-elect Joe Biden is going to tap Bruce Reed to be one of his top advisors. Reed is a long-time Washington insider who has been in Biden's orbit for a decade or more. He is also a...
Mac certificate check prompts privacy fears among App users
How much does Apple know about our use of Apps?
Last week Mac users started to complain about a slowdown in performance. Users began noticing that included apps were sometimes taking minutes to launch, and elsewhere there was non-responsiveness and other problems throughout macOS.
The issues ...
EU introduces tighter regulation for surveillance technology
The European Union has introduced new regulations for companies developing surveillance technologies. From now on, such companies will need a license to do so.
Before such a license is issued, companies will first need to investigate how their technology might be used to violate human rights, Si...
Apple to require standardized privacy certifications on all apps
Starting in December, apps in Apple's App Store will have to display privacy practices prior to download.
Apple announced that all apps available in its App Store will need to comply with a new privacy certification procedure. This requirement centers around adding a standardized privacy summary...
Dell incorporates privacy controls for Linux hardware
Working from home has become the norm, and with it, new problems have arisen concerning privacy. Dell now introduces hotkeys to kill the microphone and webcam, no matter which application is using them.
Suffice to say, the webcam and the microphone can give away a lot about you, unless they ar...
EU Parliament called for tighter regulations on microtargeting
In a bid to manage the use of behavioral ads, also known as microtargeting, the EU parliament has called for tighter regulations and suggested that less intrusive methods be used. Such practices would include contextual forms of advertising.
The parliament is asking the European Commission to co...