Let's play pass the data parcel
No. 32: Bringing you the news that matters in video privacy and security
A note from our Editor
Hi all,
In recent weeks, personal data has been stolen, hacked, shared illicitly, and fines dolled out for it's irresponsible handling. It's even become a political weapon; Ukraine suffered a huge hack on their government sites, sparking more tensions with Russia as diplomatic talks crumble.
Lisbon is under fire again for sharing political protest data of their own citizens with foreign embassies. This news first leaked in June last year, and since then it has become known that details from organisers in over 180 protests have been leaked.
On the positive side, data regulators are making strides across a range of countries to create and implement new data privacy bills. The US is hoping to curb the use of personal data when it comes to advertising with their new Privacy bill, which, despite protests from Big tech companies, is a step in the right direction for much needed Federal level policy to manage the use of personal data across all US states.
Furthermore, the UK is looking to change the way in which the whole world will use data for AI. By creating practical standards for the way in which the technology is used, it means that privacy will be embedded into standards for AI's development and evaluation, helping to educate all players in the ecosystem and provide a shared understanding of what's important.
Even though data is more valuable and versatile than ever - as a political pawn, a personal identifier or a company asset - the way in which personal privacy and, in turn, responsible data management, are increasingly at the forefront of new data legislation across the world, is a promising sign for the future.
Emma
News
Apple and Google claim new US Privacy bill will do more harm than good
The US is planning to introduce a new bill called the Banning Surveillance Advertising Act which would drastically limit the way which tech companies serve ads, by banning the use of personal data. However, Apple and Google have claimed that it will end up harming users, calling Congress' actions "ironic".
Bloomberg: Apple, Google Tell U.S. Senators That Tech Bills Will Harm Privacy
Tech Crunch: New privacy bill would put major limits on targeted advertising
Ukraine suffers huge hack on government sites
Can hackers cause a war? After Ukrainian government websites were hacked on Friday with a message posted on one saying: “Be afraid and expect the worst”, a day after diplomatic talks between Russia and the West broke down. It seems that the talks were meant to forestall a threatened Russian invasion, causing Ukraine to suggest that Russia is behind the hacks.
BBC News: Ukraine cyber-attack: Russia to blame for hack, says Kyiv
The NY Times: Hackers Bring Down Government Sites in Ukraine
Lisbon shared protesters' data with foreign embassies
Lisbon city hall shared protesters' details to foreign embassies they had been picketing, and have been fined €1.25m. The mayor's office came under fire back in June 2021 when a protester realised via email that her data had been shared. Since then, it has been revealed that data from organisers of over 180 protests have been shared.
Reuters: Lisbon fined for sharing protesters' data with targetted embassies
BBC News: Lisbon council fined for sharing protester details with foreign embassies
New UK initiative to shape global standards for AI
The Alan Turing Institute has been chosen to lead a new AI Standards hub which will shape the way in which the world develops AI. It aims to create practical tools for businesses, bring the UK’s AI community together through a new online platform, and develop educational materials to help organisations develop and benefit from global standards.
GOV.UK: New UK initiative to shape global standards for Artificial Intelligence
Business Leader: New UK initiative to shape global standards for Artificial Intelligence
Aldi follows Amazon and launches its first checkout-free store
Aldi has created its first checkout-free store in London Greenwich, after having trialled it out in the Netherlands. It uses facial recognition technology to verify age-restrictive products - but also allows customers to opt-out of the process and be verified by an employee.
IT Pro: Aldi launches its first checkout-free store in London
AI Snippet of the Week
Can predicting children's ages online with AI keep them safe?
AI can now predict whether a child is over or under 13 pretty accurately, which could help protect children on social media platforms. However privacy advocates claim that it would mean normalising further surveillance, and has the potential to create bias.
WIRED: This AI Predicts How Old Children Are. Can It Keep Them Safe?
Policy Updates
EU data regulators issued a total of €1.1bn for breaches of GDPR in 2021
The EU data regulators issued a 585% increase in fines compared to 2020, against breaches of GDPR - totalling €1.1 billion. The survey identified an 8% increase in GDPR breach notifications from 2020’s average of 331 notifications per day to 356 in 2021.
IT Pro: European data regulators issued €1.1 billion in GDPR fines in 2021
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