Cracking down on surveillance
No. 39: Bringing you the news that matters in video privacy and security
A note from our Editor
Hi all,
Surveillance is often viewed with negativity: a way of monitoring us all under the guise of safety. But across the board, the narrative is changing; security and safety are now being weighed against privacy for a range of applications. A greater focus on understanding the risks and benefits of these technologies is leading to more informed debate about their usage, allowing their advantages without individuals having to give up their personal freedoms.
In education, facial recognition is being trialed as a way to generate better efficiency, with children's faces becoming the new credit card. However, there are major privacy concerns for these children, particularly when it comes to how this sensitive biometric data is stored, used and could be extorted or hacked. Are more efficient payments worth the risk?
In the US, the protests around the Roe v Wade case in Mississippi is sparking concerns around how Law enforcement could weave around current legislation to access patient data, as the criminalisation of abortion is put under the microscope. Where does privacy fit into reproductive rights and the law? Once again, differing state legislation are proving to be a privacy nightmare.
Closer to home, the UK has announced big plans to step up and re-structure its data protection laws. The UK has officially decided to create a Data Reform Bill - along with making new changes to the National Security Bill, including adding the fact that hacking CCTV and using drones in prohibited sites will be considered trespassing.
As always, please let me know if you have any feedback on this newsletter or want to see any other topics covered.
Emma
News
Facial recognition in schools: worth the privacy concerns?
Facial recognition in schools is being tested across the UK as forms of payment for school lunches, or to monitor behaviour in classrooms. But is this one step too far? Is efficiency within schools worth the potential privacy concerns for school children?
The Guardian: Face up to it – this surveillance of kids in school is creepy
Clearview AI will no longer sell facial recognition to private companies
In a court settlement, Clearview AI has agreed to ban selling facial recognition to private companies and individuals nationwide (in the US). However, they can still work with federal agencies and local police departments - as long as they're outside of Illinois.
Verge: Clearview AI agrees to permanent ban on selling facial recognition to private companies
Roe v Wade: what could banning abortion mean for privacy and surveillance?
The current protests of the Roe v Wade case in Mississippi has brought up some privacy and surveillance concerns, about the way in which Law enforcement could access patient data when prosecuting those involved with or providing abortion services.
WIRED: How to Protect Your Digital Privacy if Roe v. Wade Falls
The Queen details plans for new UK data protection regime
The Queen's Speech in Parliament this week has detailed plans to help curb the competitive side of Big tech, as well as introduce a new "Data reform bill" - this comes after Brexit as the UK attempts to piece together their own data legislations.
Tech Crunch: UK opts for slow reboot of Big Tech rules, pushes ahead on privacy ‘reforms’
UK Authority: Queen’s Speech points to new data protection regime
Google gunning for user trust with new privacy measures
Google is the latest to enter the game to win consumers' trust, by creating a My Ad Center interface where users can see how their data is being used and how it affects their web experience.
The Verge: Google pitches for user trust with expanded privacy controls
AI Snippet of the Week
How AI can help maintain privacy
From generating first party data to protecting data from hackers, here are 5 ways in which AI can help bridge the gap between privacy and economical growth.
Policy Updates
The UK tightens the National Security Bill
The government's new National Security Bill will include hacking CCTV and using drones in photograph restricted sites as unauthorised trespassing.
The Telegraph: Hacking CCTV and using drones as spies are outlawed in crackdown on espionage
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