#user-privacy
#user-privacy

Google Starts Tracking All Your Devices As Chrome Changes

Google Chrome's planned cookie removal may be undermined by the revival of digital fingerprinting for tracking users across devices.

3 days ago

AI Browser Will Track Every Single Thing You Do, CEO Reveals

Perplexity's AI browser aims to enhance user tracking for more personalized advertising.

fromHackernoon

Privacy technologies

How Do Researchers Use Our Blacklight Privacy Inspector Tool? | HackerNoon

The Markup prioritizes user privacy by rejecting data trackers and opting for direct communication to understand audience needs.

fromwww.bbc.com

Critics say new Google rules put profits over privacy

Google's new tracking rules allow fingerprinting, which privacy advocates criticize for undermining user privacy and control.

Privacy technologies

Google Starts Tracking All Your Devices As Chrome Changes

Google Chrome's planned cookie removal may be undermined by the revival of digital fingerprinting for tracking users across devices.

3 days ago

AI Browser Will Track Every Single Thing You Do, CEO Reveals

Perplexity's AI browser aims to enhance user tracking for more personalized advertising.

fromHackernoon

Privacy technologies

How Do Researchers Use Our Blacklight Privacy Inspector Tool? | HackerNoon

The Markup prioritizes user privacy by rejecting data trackers and opting for direct communication to understand audience needs.

RIP to the Google Privacy Sandbox

Google abandons Privacy Sandbox initiative after six years, surrendering to pressure over user privacy and advertising practices.

Information security

ICO puts foot down on Google's planned fingerprinting change

Google plans to allow fingerprinting for users, contradicting its past stance on user privacy.

ICO is pushing back against fingerprinting, highlighting user transparency concerns.

Digital life

Forget Chrome-Google Will Start Tracking You And All Your Smart Devices In 8 Weeks

Digital fingerprinting's revival by Google raises significant concerns about user privacy despite claims of enhanced privacy protections.

Privacy technologies

RIP to the Google Privacy Sandbox

Google abandons Privacy Sandbox initiative after six years, surrendering to pressure over user privacy and advertising practices.

Information security

ICO puts foot down on Google's planned fingerprinting change

Google plans to allow fingerprinting for users, contradicting its past stance on user privacy.

ICO is pushing back against fingerprinting, highlighting user transparency concerns.

Digital life

Forget Chrome-Google Will Start Tracking You And All Your Smart Devices In 8 Weeks

Digital fingerprinting's revival by Google raises significant concerns about user privacy despite claims of enhanced privacy protections.

Privacy technologies

Discord is verifying some users' age with ID and facial scans

Discord is implementing facial recognition and ID checks to verify users' ages in compliance with new laws.

The age verification trial is currently limited to the UK and Australia, impacting user access to sensitive content.

Miscellaneous

Pornhub banned in 17 US states leaving tens of millions without access

Pornhub blocked access in 17 states due to new age-verification laws that critics say violate user privacy.

Privacy technologies

Discord is verifying some users' age with ID and facial scans

Discord is implementing facial recognition and ID checks to verify users' ages in compliance with new laws.

The age verification trial is currently limited to the UK and Australia, impacting user access to sensitive content.

Miscellaneous

Pornhub banned in 17 US states leaving tens of millions without access

Pornhub blocked access in 17 states due to new age-verification laws that critics say violate user privacy.

more#age-verification

#apple

fromPrivacy International

Apple and the long secret arm of the UK Government

Apple has disabled advanced data protection for UK customers, likely due to secret government orders undermining user security.

Information security

Apple ends iCloud Advanced Data Protection for UK customers

Apple is disabling Advanced Data Protection for UK users in response to government demands for data access.

How Apple plans to train its AI on your data without sacrificing your privacy

Apple leverages synthetic data and differential privacy to enhance its AI technology while protecting user privacy.

Apple and Meta trade barbs over interoperability requests

Apple opposes the EU's Digital Markets Act interoperability measures, citing privacy risks posed by third-party access to iOS.

fromPrivacy International

Apple and the long secret arm of the UK Government

Apple has disabled advanced data protection for UK customers, likely due to secret government orders undermining user security.

Information security

Apple ends iCloud Advanced Data Protection for UK customers

Apple is disabling Advanced Data Protection for UK users in response to government demands for data access.

How Apple plans to train its AI on your data without sacrificing your privacy

Apple leverages synthetic data and differential privacy to enhance its AI technology while protecting user privacy.

Apple and Meta trade barbs over interoperability requests

Apple opposes the EU's Digital Markets Act interoperability measures, citing privacy risks posed by third-party access to iOS.

more#apple

#ai-training

Meta Resumes E.U. AI Training Using Public User Data After Regulator Approval

Meta resumes AI training in the EU using public data shared by adults, now with user notifications and opt-out options.

EU data protection

Meta will start using data from EU users to train its AI models

Meta will use EU user data to train AI models, emphasizing respect for privacy and offering users an opt-out option.

Meta Resumes E.U. AI Training Using Public User Data After Regulator Approval

Meta resumes AI training in the EU using public data shared by adults, now with user notifications and opt-out options.

EU data protection

Meta will start using data from EU users to train its AI models

Meta will use EU user data to train AI models, emphasizing respect for privacy and offering users an opt-out option.

more#ai-training

Privacy technologies

Here are Google's new minimum RAM and storage requirements for Android phones

Google enforces a 32GB minimum storage and a 6GB RAM requirement for preinstalled apps and services in Android 15 and future versions.

#whatsapp

fromwww.theguardian.com

I can't delete WhatsApp's new AI tool. But I'll use it over my dead body | Polly Hudson

Meta AI's presence on WhatsApp has elicited feelings of fear and anger among users who feel their consent was ignored.

Mobile UX

WhatsApp testing new features for audio and video calls

WhatsApp is testing new audio and video call features for Android, improving user privacy and call management.

Mobile UX

WhatsApp is working on channel updates translation, introduces new calling features

WhatsApp is developing a translation feature for messages and channel updates, focusing on user privacy and security.

fromwww.theguardian.com

I can't delete WhatsApp's new AI tool. But I'll use it over my dead body | Polly Hudson

Meta AI's presence on WhatsApp has elicited feelings of fear and anger among users who feel their consent was ignored.

Mobile UX

WhatsApp testing new features for audio and video calls

WhatsApp is testing new audio and video call features for Android, improving user privacy and call management.

Mobile UX

WhatsApp is working on channel updates translation, introduces new calling features

WhatsApp is developing a translation feature for messages and channel updates, focusing on user privacy and security.

TikTok ban: How to download your videos and data | TechCrunch

The Supreme Court has upheld a ban on TikTok, prompting users to backup their videos and explore alternatives.

fromtime.com

Social Media Platforms Shouldn't Own Your Identity

Utah's Digital Choice Act empowers individuals to control their online data, marking a significant shift in the relationship between users and social media platforms.

Miscellaneous

Twitter's Traffic Appears to Be Falling Off a Cliff

Traffic to X has significantly declined while competitors like Bluesky and Threads gain users, highlighting concerns over data use and platform reliability.

fromwww.bbc.com

Miscellaneous

X users jump to Bluesky - but what is it and who owns it?

Bluesky is a rapidly growing decentralized social media platform created as an alternative to Twitter.

fromBusiness Insider

Miscellaneous

LGBTQ+ social-media apps are seeing a spike in new users as Meta changes its content-moderation policies

LGBTQ+ apps are gaining popularity due to Meta's recent content moderation changes.

fromwww.mercurynews.com

Digital life

How to delete Facebook, Instagram and Threads if you don't like Meta's changes

Meta's relaxation of harmful content rules prompts users to consider deleting their accounts.

Marketing

TikTok ban: How to download your videos and data | TechCrunch

The Supreme Court has upheld a ban on TikTok, prompting users to backup their videos and explore alternatives.

fromtime.com

Social Media Platforms Shouldn't Own Your Identity

Utah's Digital Choice Act empowers individuals to control their online data, marking a significant shift in the relationship between users and social media platforms.

Miscellaneous

Twitter's Traffic Appears to Be Falling Off a Cliff

Traffic to X has significantly declined while competitors like Bluesky and Threads gain users, highlighting concerns over data use and platform reliability.

fromwww.bbc.com

Miscellaneous

X users jump to Bluesky - but what is it and who owns it?

Bluesky is a rapidly growing decentralized social media platform created as an alternative to Twitter.

fromBusiness Insider

Miscellaneous

LGBTQ+ social-media apps are seeing a spike in new users as Meta changes its content-moderation policies

LGBTQ+ apps are gaining popularity due to Meta's recent content moderation changes.

fromwww.mercurynews.com

Digital life

How to delete Facebook, Instagram and Threads if you don't like Meta's changes

Meta's relaxation of harmful content rules prompts users to consider deleting their accounts.

AI ChatBot Therapy: Hype, Hope, Risk?

Chatbots can bridge the gap in mental health care access due to a global professional shortage.

They provide 24/7 support, appealing especially to underserved populations with privacy needs.

Chatbots are effective for mild issues but not designed to replace human therapists for severe cases.

User satisfaction is high, but privacy concerns require careful consideration.

New Research: The State of Web Exposure 2025

45% of third-party apps access user information without authorization.

53% of retail risk exposures are due to excessive tracking tools.

Organizations are likely unaware of their web exposure vulnerabilities.

fromTechzine Global

Two malicious Python packages revealed by FortiGuard Labs

Two new malicious Python packages threaten user security by enabling login theft and data exfiltration through advanced malware techniques.

Information security

Hackers breach Andrew Tate's online 'university,' capturing data on 800,000 users

Hackers breached Andrew Tate's online course, exposing the data of over 800,000 users, showcasing severe security vulnerabilities.

Information security

When Good Extensions Go Bad: Takeaways from the Campaign Targeting Browser Extensions

Over 25 browser extensions have been compromised, jeopardizing user credentials of millions in a significant spike in cyber threats.

Privacy professionals

Cybercriminals Exploit CSS to Evade Spam Filters and Track Email Users' Actions

CSS is being exploited by malicious actors to evade spam filters and track user behaviors.

Miscellaneous

India's Rapido exposed user and driver data through leaky website feedback form | TechCrunch

Rapido fixed a security issue that exposed sensitive user and driver information, which could have led to potential scams and data misuse.

Information security

New Research: The State of Web Exposure 2025

45% of third-party apps access user information without authorization.

53% of retail risk exposures are due to excessive tracking tools.

Organizations are likely unaware of their web exposure vulnerabilities.

fromTechzine Global

Two malicious Python packages revealed by FortiGuard Labs

Two new malicious Python packages threaten user security by enabling login theft and data exfiltration through advanced malware techniques.

Information security

Hackers breach Andrew Tate's online 'university,' capturing data on 800,000 users

Hackers breached Andrew Tate's online course, exposing the data of over 800,000 users, showcasing severe security vulnerabilities.

Information security

When Good Extensions Go Bad: Takeaways from the Campaign Targeting Browser Extensions

Over 25 browser extensions have been compromised, jeopardizing user credentials of millions in a significant spike in cyber threats.

Privacy professionals

Cybercriminals Exploit CSS to Evade Spam Filters and Track Email Users' Actions

CSS is being exploited by malicious actors to evade spam filters and track user behaviors.

Miscellaneous

India's Rapido exposed user and driver data through leaky website feedback form | TechCrunch

Rapido fixed a security issue that exposed sensitive user and driver information, which could have led to potential scams and data misuse.

Privacy technologies

Bluesky users debate plans around user data and AI training | TechCrunch

Bluesky proposes options for users to control the scraping of their data for AI and archiving purposes.

Miscellaneous

How to migrate from X to Bluesky without losing your followers

X's new feature allowing blocked users to see posts has alienated loyal users, prompting migration to alternative platforms.

Privacy technologies

Bluesky users debate plans around user data and AI training | TechCrunch

Bluesky proposes options for users to control the scraping of their data for AI and archiving purposes.

Miscellaneous

How to migrate from X to Bluesky without losing your followers

X's new feature allowing blocked users to see posts has alienated loyal users, prompting migration to alternative platforms.

RCS texting updates will bring end-to-end encryption to green bubble chats

Apple has integrated Rich Communications Services (RCS) into iOS 18, improving messaging with non-iPhone users and supporting crucial privacy features like end-to-end encryption.

fromTechzine Global

US considers banning DeepSeek on government devices

DeepSeek's AI models raise user privacy concerns as they gain popularity, particularly with the R1 model outpacing OpenAI's algorithm.

#data-security

Signal President Meredith Whittaker calls out agentic AI as having 'profound' security and privacy issues | TechCrunch

Agentic AI may jeopardize user privacy and security by requiring extensive access to personal data.

AI agents are likened to 'putting your brain in a jar', raising concerns about autonomy.

Business intelligence

Strava closes the gates to sharing fitness data with other apps

Strava's API update enhances user privacy, restricts data use by third parties, and protects the platform's unique experience.

Signal President Meredith Whittaker calls out agentic AI as having 'profound' security and privacy issues | TechCrunch

Agentic AI may jeopardize user privacy and security by requiring extensive access to personal data.

AI agents are likened to 'putting your brain in a jar', raising concerns about autonomy.

Business intelligence

Strava closes the gates to sharing fitness data with other apps

Strava's API update enhances user privacy, restricts data use by third parties, and protects the platform's unique experience.

Why Local-First Software Is the Future and its Limitations | RxDB - JavaScript Database

Local-first apps offer improved performance and privacy by storing most data locally and syncing only as needed.

Goodbye Gemini, hello Pixel Sense? What we know about Google's AI assistant for Pixel 10

Google is set to launch a new AI assistant called Pixel Sense with the Pixel 10, focusing on personal assistance and offline functionality.

Mobile UX

Opera is now the first major web browser with AI-based agentic browsing

Opera has introduced Browser Operator, an AI agent to enhance browsing efficiency by performing tasks based on user commands.

Opera announces a new agentic feature for its browser | TechCrunch

Opera's new Browser Operator feature automates online tasks, enhancing browsing efficiency and preserving user privacy by not relying on cloud services.

fromAdExchanger

Marketing

The Opera Browser Is Carving Out An Advertising Business Without Cookies | AdExchanger

Opera browser adapts to user needs while navigating the market changes set by Google regarding cookies.

Opera Ads grows rapidly by relying on alternatives to third-party cookies for monetization.

Opera announces a new agentic feature for its browser | TechCrunch

Opera's new Browser Operator feature automates online tasks, enhancing browsing efficiency and preserving user privacy by not relying on cloud services.

fromAdExchanger

Marketing

The Opera Browser Is Carving Out An Advertising Business Without Cookies | AdExchanger

Opera browser adapts to user needs while navigating the market changes set by Google regarding cookies.

Opera Ads grows rapidly by relying on alternatives to third-party cookies for monetization.

Mozilla Updates Firefox Terms Again After Backlash Over Broad Data License Language

Mozilla revised its Terms of Use to clarify user data rights and address community concerns over data licensing language.

Google Gemini now brings receipts to your AI chats | TechCrunch

Gemini AI chatbot can recall past conversations, enhancing user interaction while maintaining privacy controls.

fromLifewire

Social media marketing

Master Instagram Like a Pro: 9 Must-Know Features for Every User

Instagram continuously evolves to enhance user experience with new features.

Users can hide inappropriate comments using customizable filters.

Privacy on Instagram can be increased by hiding stories from select users.

Direct messaging can improve how users share posts with friends.

from512 Pixels

Privacy technologies

Magic Lasso Adblock: Incredibly Private and Secure Safari Web Browsing - 512 Pixels

Magic Lasso Adblock ensures your online privacy by blocking ad trackers and intrusive ads across devices.

Digital life

Kagi search engine won't bill you next month if you forget to use it

Kagi offers a 'Fair Pricing' model that credits users for months without usage, promoting user kindness.

#google-play

Information security

Google Play will now verify VPNs that prioritize privacy and safety

Google Play introduces verification badges for approved VPNs to enhance user privacy and safety.

Miscellaneous

Google Play adds a 'Verified' badge for trusted VPN apps | TechCrunch

Google Play introduces Verified badges for VPN apps to enhance user trust and safety.

Apps must meet specific criteria such as installations, reviews, and security assessments for badge eligibility.

Information security

Google Play will now verify VPNs that prioritize privacy and safety

Google Play introduces verification badges for approved VPNs to enhance user privacy and safety.

Miscellaneous

Google Play adds a 'Verified' badge for trusted VPN apps | TechCrunch

Google Play introduces Verified badges for VPN apps to enhance user trust and safety.

Apps must meet specific criteria such as installations, reviews, and security assessments for badge eligibility.

more#google-play

#ai-integration

Why is AI opt-out?

The tech industry's shift to mandatory AI features shows a disregard for consumer choice.

Users are often dissatisfied with unsolicited AI integrations in applications.

Regulatory push for opt-in services contrasts with the current trend of forced AI adoption.

Tech industry

Microsoft feature lets AI scrape Word and Excel documents

Microsoft's new AI feature, Connected Experiences, automates data analysis in Word and Excel to enhance user productivity, but raises privacy concerns.

Why is AI opt-out?

The tech industry's shift to mandatory AI features shows a disregard for consumer choice.

Users are often dissatisfied with unsolicited AI integrations in applications.

Regulatory push for opt-in services contrasts with the current trend of forced AI adoption.

#decentralized-social-media

Tech industry

Microsoft feature lets AI scrape Word and Excel documents

Microsoft's new AI feature, Connected Experiences, automates data analysis in Word and Excel to enhance user productivity, but raises privacy concerns.

more#ai-integration

Non-billionaires seek social media free of Musk and Zuck

The Free Our Feeds collective aims to raise $30 million to develop decentralized social media platforms, countering billionaire control.

A decentralized approach could prevent content manipulation by singular entities like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg.

fromCoindesk

Frank McCourt's Decentralized Internet Project Enters Ethereum Ecosystem With Consensys Partnership

Project Liberty is focusing on decentralization to mitigate reliance on traditional social media platforms.

Non-billionaires seek social media free of Musk and Zuck

The Free Our Feeds collective aims to raise $30 million to develop decentralized social media platforms, countering billionaire control.

A decentralized approach could prevent content manipulation by singular entities like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg.

fromCoindesk

more#decentralized-social-media

Frank McCourt's Decentralized Internet Project Enters Ethereum Ecosystem With Consensys Partnership

Project Liberty is focusing on decentralization to mitigate reliance on traditional social media platforms.

Miscellaneous

Proton Pass review: A highly secure password manager with easy to overlook flaws

Proton Pass focuses on security and privacy with features to identify leaked information and protect sensitive data.

fromHackernoon

Miscellaneous

Ethical Challenges in VPN Traffic Analysis: Privacy and Responsible Disclosure | HackerNoon

The research emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations and user privacy in analyzing VPN traffic.

fromBusiness Matters

Marketing

Kevin O'leary joins billionaire's bid to buy TikTok as US ban deadline nears

Kevin O'Leary plans to join a consortium to acquire TikTok amid looming ban threats from the US government, emphasizing user privacy and empowerment.

iPhone fans discover little-known feature that ensures data security

Lockdown Mode provides an extreme protection setting for iPhone users against sophisticated cyber attacks.

The feature significantly reduces functionality in many apps for enhanced security.

fromIrish Independent

Social media marketing

The Big Tech Show: What to do about social media - kids, encryption and anonymity

Social media must know users' identities to combat misinformation and manipulation effectively.

Android will let you find unknown Bluetooth trackers instead of just warning you about them

Bluetooth trackers simplify locating lost items, but they also pose privacy risks requiring solutions from tech companies.

Google's new features equip Android users to manage Bluetooth tracker alerts effectively.

fromBloomberg

JavaScript

Bloomberg

Ensure your browser supports JavaScript and cookies to avoid unusual network activity alerts.

Investigate potential unauthorized access or malware if unusual activity notifications appear.

fromFox News

Free email services are costing you more than you think

Choosing the right email service is crucial for protecting your privacy amid rising data breaches.

Free email providers compromise privacy through data monetization and targeted ads.

fromwww.exchangewire.com

Marketing tech

Permutive & Index Exchange Expand Partnership to Unlock Premium Publisher Audiences

Permutive has launched a marketplace on Index Marketplaces to enhance audience targeting for marketers and support publishers' first-party data utilization.

EU data protection

fromTechRepublic