The collection of identifiable data is expanding...

No. 60: Bringing you the news that matters in video privacy and security

... Now, it is not only your face but your DNA that can be captured and collected on the street. Biometric and genetic data hold some of the most sensitive personal information that can be harnessed for a range of different benefits: such as security or scientific advancement. For example, eDNA analysis traces amounts of genetic material left behind by living organisms, which can revolutionise conservation efforts and aid in scientific research. While this offers great scientific potential, the genetic information within these samples can inadvertently expose individuals' identities and sensitive health data. 

By analysing fragments of human DNA recovered from various environments, a recent study at the University of Florida found they were able to obtain medical and ancestry information about individuals - a disaster from a privacy perspective. 

Meanwhile, the EU and the US are in discussions about a proposed Enhanced Border Security Partnership. This would require participating countries to share their biometric databases with the US Department of Homeland Security for immigration screening and identity verification. However, there are concerns about the lack of transparency in these negotiations and the potential risks to the privacy and security of non-US citizens' data within the American legal framework.

As we continue to improve systems of genetic and biometric data analysis, the protection of genetic and biometric data becomes paramount. By advocating for transparency, robust safeguards, and comprehensive legislation, we can ensure that technological advancements coexist ethically with privacy protections. 

As always, please send any feedback or topics of interest you would like to be covered.

Seena, Editor


News

EU/US visa waiver would require increased biometric data collection

The EU Commission is currently in talks over the proposed Enhanced Border Security Partnership (EBSP), which would require VWP countries to share their biometric databases with the US Department of Homeland Security for immigration screening and identity verification.

Biometric Update: EU opts for ‘pragmatic approach’ on negotiations with US over biometric data sharing

Council of the European Union: US Enhanced Border Security Partnership

 

Surveillance company harvests ad data for government tracking 

The surveillance company, Rayzone Group Ltd., has been reportedly harvesting advertising data and repurposing it to help governments track individuals via their mobile phones. The company's product, Echo, uses this data to create a surveillance system marketed as "difficult to avoid or disable".

IAPP: Cyber intelligence company purchases physical location data to resell to governments

Bloomberg: Your Ad Data Is Now Powering Government Surveillance

 

Environmental DNA study shines a light on genetic data privacy 

A recent study by wildlife geneticists at the University of Florida has raised concerns about the potential privacy and civil liberties implications of environmental DNA analysis. 

New York Times: Your DNA Can Now Be Pulled From Thin Air. Privacy Experts Are Worried.

Nature Ecology & Evolution: Inadvertent human genomic bycatch and intentional capture raise beneficial applications and ethical concerns with environmental DNA

 

UK government considering facial recognition for police body-worn cameras 

The UK government is considering deploying facial recognition technology in police officers' body-worn cameras as part of plans to expand the technology across police forces. The move has been criticised with calls for more public discussion about safeguards and regulations.

The Telegraph: Facial recognition to be added to police officers' body-worn cameras

The Guardian: Ministers looking at body-worn facial recognition technology for police

 

WhatsApp bug causes Android microphones to record users 

Google and WhatsApp have acknowledged a bug that causes WhatsApp to access Android microphones unnecessarily, without user consent. A Twitter engineer shared a screenshot that showed the microphone running in the background, while the app was not in use.

Engadget: WhatsApp bug is making some Android phones falsely report microphone access

Digital Information World: Twitter Raises Alarm Against New WhatsApp Bug That Accesses Users’ Microphones


AI Snippet of the Week

Medical breakthrough: AI decoder translates brain activity into text

Researchers at the University of Texas, Austin have developed an AI-based decoder that can translate brain activity into continuous text, allowing thoughts to be read non-invasively for the first time. This has significant implications for restoring speech in stroke or motor neurone disease patients.

The Guardian: AI makes non-invasive mind-reading possible by turning thoughts into text

The University of Texas at Austin: Brain Activity Decoder Can Reveal Stories in People’s Minds


Policy Updates

EU adopts final guidelines on facial recognition for law enforcement

The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) has adopted final guidelines on facial recognition technology (FRT) in law enforcement after conducting a public consultation. The guidelines emphasise that FRT tools should be used strictly in compliance with the Law Enforcement Directive (LED).

European Data Protection Board: EDPB adopts final version of Guidelines on facial recognition technology in the area of law enforcement

IAPP: EDPB finalizes guidelines on law enforcement's biometric deployments


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