The privacy gamble: are we trading too much for technology?
No. 83: Bringing you the news that matters in video privacy and security
The rapid advancement of technology continuously reshapes how we interact, secure, and verify our identities. While these innovations offer convenience and efficiency, they also raise significant concerns about privacy and the ethical use of personal data.
In India, deepfakes have become a potent tool in the political arena. As billions of voters head to the polls, political parties are leveraging AI-generated content to engage with constituents across the country. While this technology enhances voter outreach by delivering personalized messages, it also poses a significant risk of misinformation. The use of deepfakes to manipulate political narratives underscores the urgent need for stringent regulations and ethical standards to prevent the erosion of trust in the democratic process.
Meanwhile, Missouri is taking a proactive step towards modernizing age verification for alcohol sales through biometric methods such as facial recognition and palm screening. However, it also opens the door to privacy concerns around the storage and potential sale of biometric data.
While different regulatory bodies, countries and states have made moves to regulate AI, biometric systems and forms of biometric collection, there is still a way to go - and existing legislation faces challenges. For example, the Illinois legislature recently passed amendments to its Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) to limit the scope of possible damages: a sign of ongoing tensions in balancing regulatory protection with practical business concerns. By fostering a dialogue between innovators, regulators, and the public, we can develop a balanced approach that harnesses the benefits of these advancements while safeguarding individuals' data rights.
As always, please send any feedback or topics of interest you would like to be covered.
Seena, Editor
News
NYC launches real-time video sharing pilot to combat retail theft
New York City has initiated a pilot program allowing businesses to share real-time video feeds with the NYPD to deter and track down retail thieves. The community-based initiative aims to enhance safety and ease of prosecution, with early implementations already showing positive results.
ABC 7: Pilot program will let NYC businesses share real-time surveillance video with NYPD
Proposed Missouri bill will use biometric age-verification for alcohol sales
A new Missouri bill, HB 2599, would allow retailers to use biometric methods such as facial recognition or palm screening to verify the age of those buying alcohol. The proposed bill has raised privacy concerns as it would also allow vendors to store and sell customers’ biometric data to third parties with customers’ consent (based on the option to opt-out).
Biometric Update: Bill allowing biometric age verification for booze sales moves to Missouri Senate
The UK Conservative Party reports itself to the ICO for data breach
The Conservative Party reported itself to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) for a data breach after exposing over 300 email addresses in a conference registration pitch. This event followed the improper use of the blind carbon copy (BCC) function by the party.
The Guardian: Tory party refers itself to watchdog over alleged data breach
Texas Attorney General investigates connected car companies for privacy violations
The Texas attorney general's office is investigating Kia, General Motors, Subaru, and Mitsubishi for potentially violating state law with their data collection and sharing practices. The investigation will require the companies to disclose detailed information about their data practices.
The Record: Texas attorney general probes connected-car companies’ data privacy practices
Scottish prisons pilot body-worn cameras to enhance safety and trust
Prison staff across several Scottish prisons will be taking part in a pilot programme to trial body-worn cameras for six months. This pilot aims to improve safety, security, and transparency, with the cameras being used to gather evidence, de-escalate incidents, and promote positive interactions.
STV News: Body cameras to be worn in Scottish prisons as part of six-month pilot
The Herald: Body cameras to be trialled in three Scottish prisons
AI Snippet of the Week
Deepfakes are super-charging misinformation in Indian elections
Deepfakes are playing a significant role in the upcoming Indian elections, with political parties using the technology for both voter outreach and misinformation. This AI-generated content helps navigate India's linguistic diversity and deliver personalized messages to voters across the country, while also being used to spread misinformation.
BBC: AI and deepfakes blur reality in India elections
WIRED: Indian Voters Are Being Bombarded With Millions of Deepfakes. Political Candidates Approve
Policy Updates
Colorado enacts landmark AI regulation law
Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed a first-in-the-nation bill requiring developers of high-risk AI systems to avoid algorithmic discrimination, disclose system information, and complete impact assessments. The law aims to enhance consumer protection and is the first in the country to attempt to regulate AI on such a scale.
The Hill: Colorado governor signs sweeping AI regulation bill
To subscribe to our fortnightly newsletter, please click here
Thanks for reading, if you have any suggestions for topics or content that you want to see covered in future please drop a note to: info@secureredact.co.uk