Happy International Data Privacy: bringing together the spectrum of data privacy and security
No. 10: Bringing you the news that matters in video privacy and security
A note from our Editor
Hi all,
Last week's International Data Privacy Day (on the 28th January) brought together people from across the spectrum of data privacy and security highlighting a host of important topics relating to the privacy design process, and everyday working practices within business. Two major themes coming out of the day were around the necessity and growth in cyber insurance and increasing focus on responsible data management for Telehealth. It was great to see interest and engagement from a wide variety of sectors and disciplines.
In the world of big tech Apple and Facebook's privacy battles continue; Apple's latest re-buttle; and ad-tech is back under the GDPR spotlight from the Information Commissioner's Office .
The wider impacts of COVID-19 continue to be felt across the tech industry with Mozilla having to cut over 250 jobs in the past year, and the huge increase in cyber attacks like that of Emotet. In response to growing concerns about privacy through the pandemic there is a new proposal by democratic congressional members in the US for a public health emergency bill that aims to prioritise privacy and security in technologies used for the pandemic.
Privacy and security concerns have become board level topics with major implications for getting things wrong. Significant fines are now being administered for non compliance and the knock-on effects of damage to businesses' reputations are becoming severe. More and more businesses are getting called out, like Grindr who allegedly did not offer the opportunity to give consent for the sharing of clients' personal data, meaning brand reputation and personal data are both at stake.
Emma
News
UK adtech sector back under review for GDPR compliance
The UK's data regulator; the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has resumed investigation into adtech companies, after the vast amount of complaints against how they use data to advertise without explicit individual consent, and how they share that data with other companies. ICO's Deputy Commissioner, Simon McDougall said: 'Enabling transparency and protecting vulnerable citizens are priorities for the ICO.'
Telematics needs to incorporate Privacy by Design
Privacy by design - a way to not only comply with regulations but also to show a prioritisation of protecting customer's personal data - is being advised to be incorporated in telematics insurance policies and connected claims systems, in order to maximise trust and demonstrate transparency by insurance companies. 'It is a win-win situation for both businesses and consumers'.
Grindr to be fined nearly $12 million over alleged data sharing
Norwegian regulators are honing in on Grindr's alleged illegal data sharing practices with third parties for marketing purposes, with a fine of approximately $11.7million. The regulators' statement highlighted that: 'We believe that the fact that someone is a Grindr user speaks to their sexual orientation, and therefore this constitutes special category data that merit particular protection', after Grindr users were apparently not given the opportunity to give consent.
Big tech companies rally to keep Mozilla afloat
Big tech companies such as Microsoft, Samsung and Google have come together to financially support the Mozilla Development Network (MDN) Web Docs repository - an all-encompassing repository designed for developers working with, among other language-based systems, who use HTML and JavaScript to build web-based apps and platforms. The MDN Web docs was threatened after they cut 250 jobs as a result of the pandemic.
Europol 1 - Emotet botnet 0: but it's not over yet
Europol, along with other international agencies, launched a takedown of Emotet after 2 years of mapping out its infrastructure. It is a cyber attack that affected over 100,000 users a day, and targeted many via infected email attachments. However, experts warn that it is unlikely that it is completely eradicated.
AI Snippet of the Week
Algorithm created Art: who gets credit?
An AI-generated portrait that sold for $432,000 (after it was estimated to sell for just $10,000) has raised questions surrounding how credit, responsibility and design is allocated to those involved. Was the AI an agent or merely a tool used? In this case, how far is the AI perceived as anthropomorphic and how does this change who gets credit? Does language manipulation of the AI algorithms play a part in the responsibility that the AI has in the art's creation?
Policy Updates
'Protecting Privacy is part of Europe's DNA' - Data Privacy Day 2021
The 28th January was Data Protection Day, that marks the 40th anniversary of Convention 108 - the only international treaty on privacy. In this article, twelve experts who work across the tech industry in software development, AI, public sector IT, data analytics and cybersecurity express their thoughts on the challenges and opportunities that the prioritisation of privacy and data protection present.
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