No. 25: Bringing you the news that matters in video privacy and security

A note from our Editor

Hi all,

This week, let's touch on transparency. Data transparency - getting a deeper understanding of what private companies, public bodies and governments actually do with our personal and sensitive data, and how they regulate its use - is becoming a hot topic across all areas of the globe. Just recently, Apple's latest plans to help curb child online sexual abuse through their Messages and iCloud platforms has been criticised due to a lack of transparency, and understanding, of their wider data governence processes. Even though the intention is noble, with child safety at it's heart - many question the privacy sacrifice and potential for mis-use over time, leading Apple to withdraw their plans so they can take on wider review.

The question of child safety vs. data privacy has also come under the spotlight recently with schools who are considering putting CCTV in school toilets to prevent bullying. Although the intention may be safety, there is always a balance against individual privacy and in this case more transparency is needed around the proposed solution to be able to evaluate the risks on both sides. With the added uncertainty of potential data breaches, and the sensitivity of such data, alternative measures always need to be considered first.

Data privacy needs to be considered earlier in the design and implementation stages for new products and services, transparency around the user data that is collected and how it's used are critical for people to make informed decisions about using them. The LAPD, for example, have handed over 6000 records showing the collection of social media data from anyone they detain (which they have been requiring all detainees to provide).

Many people remain untrusting of Big tech companies and, to an extent, governments and related bodies when it comes to their handling of personal data - with the worst scenario resulting in their data being sold, hacked or lost. This is why data transparency is important - it highlights how companies think about and approach the management of personal and sensitive data and can hopefully provide some clarity when it comes to our own thinking and usage of certain platforms.

Emma

News

What's going to happen to the UK GDPR?

If the EU GDPR is the prime example for data legislation, why do the UK feel they need to go in a different direction? Even though the UK have said that the new laws will centre around responsible data management and 'common sense', their latest announcement to change core elements of the GDPR is being strongly criticised as prioritising innovation over privacy. It seems that the more deals they broker with other third countries, the less likely it is that the EU will uphold the current adequacy agreement.

Computer Weekly: UK GDPR faces changes under planned reforms

Politico: In reforming data regulator, UK eyes innovation over privacy

Facebook's smart glasses: a step towards a future of wearable tech or a huge concern for privacy?

Facebook's smart glasses can perform three main functions: take photos and videos, take phone calls, and listen to music. You can then upload any photos and videos direct to Facebook and their sister companies (Instagram, WhatsApp etc.). Whilst the Head of Facebook's hardware, Andrew Bosworth, claims that glasses with cameras will be the norm in 10 years, many are concerned with how much access Facebook will have to the captured data - since many could be unknowingly recorded.

The Conversation: Ray-Ban Stories let you wear Facebook on your face. But why would you want to?

TechCrunch: Review: Facebook's Ray Ban stories make the case for smart glasses

LAPD collecting social media data on every civilian they stop

After the Brennan Center for Justice at the NYU School of Law filed several Freedom of Information requests with the LAPD, they found out that it is obligatory for officers to record social media and email account information of those that have been detained. Whilst this comes as a slight shock as many other police departments in the US do not bother to complete this section of the Field Interview card, people seem to be glad that they at least provided information of their street practices.

The Guardian: Revealed: LAPD officers told to collect social media data on every civilian they stop

Wired: LA Police Are Collecting Detainees' Social Media Information

Should CCTV be used in school toilets?

Over recent years, CCTV has begun to be put into school toilets as a way to try and monitor bullying - with a school in Durham being the latest to attempt this. However, many parents have expressed consistent anger at these measures, saying that they violate their children's privacy. As more and more schools are beginning to suffer data breaches, and there is the complication of who would actually be monitoring this CCTV to check for bullying, it seems that there is reason to worry for the children's safety and their privacy.

Independent: Parents angry as secondary school installs CCTV in student toilets

Mirror: 'If CCTV cameras put an end to school bullying then I’ll fight for that'

Belfast Telegraph: School criticised for putting CCTV inside boys’ toilets

AI Snippet of the Week

AI used for the first virtual brain practice operation

It seems that AI is being used more than ever in healthcare, as Professor Tufail Patankar at Leeds Teaching Hospitals has been the first to conduct a virtual brain operation using the technology. The AI system is a kind of rehearsal stage to practice tricky procedures in 3D - it was designed to provide a safer alternative, relieving the pressure off of surgeons, reassuring patients and being extremely cost effective.

Eastern Eye: British Indian doctor conducts first virtual brain practice operation using AI

Policy Updates

Irish Data Commissioner under fire for failing to resolve 98% of big tech GDPR cases

Since Ireland sits in quite a vital position geographically for Big tech companies who process data through its borders, their implementation of GDPR is extremely important. Even though they recently gave WhatsApp a huge GDPR fine of €225m, many have criticised its lack of being able to resolve 98% of other cases.

IT Pro: Irish data regulator fails to resolve 98% of big tech GDPR cases

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