More surveillance means more security, but also more demand for respect of data rights
No. 49: Bringing you the news that matters in video privacy and security
A note from our Editor
Hi all,
We are constantly being tracked and monitored in our day-to-day activities, both online and offline. While this monitoring can be used as a means to both improve safety and help personalise our experiences, the public need to be confident this data is not being misused or improperly collected.
Meta is being sued in the UK high court. The activist, Tanya O’Carroll, claims that Meta breached the UK GDPR by not respecting her right to not have her data collected and used for advertisers. She argues consumers should not be subjected to invasive surveillance and profiling for the sake of using social media. Should this case win, it could have major implications for online Facebook users, as well as wider internet data privacy.
Qatar has implemented numerous forms of AI-powered surveillance to monitor crowds and players at the World Cup 2022. While these systems are impressive in their capabilities and can help assist in the tournament running smoothly, this use of AI, especially invasive biometric surveillance systems like facial recognition, has raised several privacy concerns. EU lawmakers have also warned attendees against downloading the official Qatari World Cup apps, citing fears that they require a lot more access to personal information than suggested in their privacy settings.
Additionally, the Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner has released an initial analysis of the use of surveillance cameras by police, highlighting, in particular, the need to scrutinise non-UK surveillance camera providers and ensure they have ethical practices.
As always, please send any feedback or topics of interest you would like to be covered.
Seena
News
Meta faces UK GDPR lawsuit for their surveillance-based business model
Human rights campaigner, Tanya O’Carroll, is suing Meta for breaching her right to privacy and using data to build user profiles and target adverts. The lawsuit alleges the company has breached UK data protection laws by not protecting her right to object to her personal data being collected.
The Guardian: Facebook sued for collecting personal data to target adverts
The Times: Facebook sued for collecting personal data to sell adverts
Government releases report on police use of public surveillance camera systems
Following a June consultation with officers across England and Wales, the Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner has released an initial analysis on the police use of surveillance cameras. The report included a discussion on the use of cameras manufactured outside of the UK and live facial recognition technology, as well as the ethical considerations necessary with these systems. The Commissioner looks to release a full analysis in 2023.
EU DPAs warns World Cup attendees against downloading official Qatari apps, citing privacy concerns
EU data protection authorities have warned football goers against downloading two “mandatory” apps for attending the Qatar World Cup, citing they collect far more sensitive data than what their permissions suggest. The two apps were designed for contact tracing, as well as managing tickets, accommodation, and stadium entry. In a statement, attendees have been urged only to download them if absolutely necessary or use a blank phone with no personal data.
Politico: Don’t download Qatar World Cup apps, EU data authorities warn
IT Pro: Qatar World Cup apps prompt digital privacy warnings from regulators
Medibank hackers release sensitive records of millions of Australians onto the dark web
The Australian health insurer, Medibank, has reported that hackers have accessed the private details of nearly 10 million Australians and posted leaked data on the dark web after the company refused to pay the ransom fare. This leaked data is made up of over 1400 records, including lists of people with chronic health conditions, alcoholism, drug addictions, and other ailments.
Bloomberg Law: Hackers Release More Stolen Australian Health Data to Dark Web
The Guardian: Medical data hacked from 10m Australians begins to appear on dark web
Harrods security and CCTV staff look to strike during the festive period over pay dispute
Over 50 Harrods security guards and CCTV officers plan to strike during November and December over pay dissatisfaction. This lack of effective CCTV will certainly add security complications for London’s leading luxury retailer and affect managing shrinkage and store theft.
Unite the Union: No Harrods’ CCTV or security over festive shopping period during pay strikes
London World: No Harrods’ CCTV or security over festive shopping period as staff to strike over pay
AI Snippet of the Week
AI takes the forefront in the 2022 Qatar-hosted World Cup
This year’s World Cup looks to be greatly facilitated by AI, with numerous tech tools used to monitor the games. Qatar has created a tech hub that uses AI, as well as over 15,000 cameras, to track players’ movements, monitor crowds, control stadium temperature, and even help referees make calls. This also includes the use of facial recognition systems to track spectators.
The Washington Post: This World Cup is wired and fueled by AI
Al Jazeera: AI at World Cup 2022 to check crowds, control climate
Policy Updates
India releases a newer version of data privacy bill, following backlash from tech giants and privacy advocates
India has released a “revamped” version of its data protection bill, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2022, which looks to be passed by the end of May 2023. The newer bill looks to regulate the online space and help govern the internet for 760 million internet users in India. The bill also looks to ease localisation requirements and allow cross-border data transfers to countries deemed to have adequate data protection.
The Financial Times: India releases more tech friendly data protection bill after backlash
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