Offline and online security is more prevalent than ever
No. 6: Bringing you the news that matters in video privacy and security
A note from our Editor
Hi all,
The need for security both offline and online has become more prevalent than ever; particularly with regard to personal, company and national data. Some are working from home on company or even personal laptops, Microsoft Teams' dramatic marketing shift to advertise free 24-hour calls highlights the vastly growing usage of online video mediums to connect, and online identity theft is now not only common but an everyday risk to individuals and company officials.
The UK in particular seems to have recognised this necessity in a way, as the new Telecommunications Bill will allow UK's 5G data networks to be one of the most secure networks in the entire world, with regulatory control and a chance to decrease infiltration from high-risk vendors. Many have also started to realise the consequences of accidental or deliberate data breaches, with WhatsApp Ireland preparing in advance for any fines that seem to be coming their way from the Data Protection Commission.
Furthermore, good news for technological advancements in Telehealth, as insurer Alan becomes the first to provide end-to-end encryption on their chat platform, allowing for complete user control of their personal, medical data.
However, some have viewed certain security measures as a restriction or even a hindrance in certain aspects of their lives. Google is facing regulatory scrutiny over their attempt to rid third-party cookies with tools of their own to enhance privacy, but also calling into question the Competition Act; whilst France's recent protests regarding their new Security Bill claim the impeachment of freedom of expression.
Despite a sense of uproar at various measures, it is clear that security and privacy are having more of a voice across the world; both as regulators of each other and as protectors of data in varying ways. There is a sense of responsibility to be had - as not only self-broadcasters via the internet, but also as megaphones: ensuring the regulation of both security and privacy, and speaking out for the need to take responsibility for unlawful actions. Along with the clear steps being taken to move forward, Privacy and Security seem to have become not solely a concern, but something to fight for, regulate and rectify as much as possible.
Emma
News
New Security Bill is protested in France
The new Security Bill in France, which would protect Police officers by making it illegal to share photos and footage of them, has been protested heavily by celebrities, politicians and citizens. The article in question, Article 24, which states that offenders would face up to a year in jail and a fine of €45,000; protesters claim it contradicts “the fundamental public freedoms of our Republic”. This has led to a rewrite of the security bill after allegations of racism emerged, and President Emmanuel Macron has called for immediate proposals to help build trust between police and citizens.
Manchester United enlists help of Cyber Security agency after data attack
Manchester United have suffered an online attack that left them "unable to fully restore their systems". They say that no fan data has been compromised and they have reported the incident straight away to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). No information on who is responsible and why has been released.
Canada's Social Media data is not stored in the country
A new report has identified that in Canada, social media data containing personal, identifiable information of individuals has no specific regulations as to how it is stored and transferred within the country, raising privacy and security concerns. Unlike the GDPR, there is only the recommendation that "more protection is needed" with regards to sensitive data, and there has been increasing concern surrounding the implications both on a personal and national level, with calls for a reassessment of regulations.
Alan has brought tighter security measures to Telehealth
Alan, a leading, French independent health insurer is working with data security enterprise Tanker to provide end-to-end encryption to its Telehealth chat platform. This is a first for Telehealth chat, providing the general public with more security, and giving its users total control over their personal, medical data.
Google Chrome's Cookie Changes
Google have announced their plans to rid 3rd party cookies from their popular search engine Chrome, in a bid to enhance privacy. Although this may be worrying for some, as many publishers find the bulk of their customers through cookie advertising, it has motivated the ad industry to find a privacy-safe alternative. The new proposed date of 2022 could be postponed, after various backlash.
WhatsApp Ireland's Proposed Data fine
WhatsApp Ireland have reserved €77.5 million to cover possible fees from the Data Protection Commission, after allegations of the compliance with Article 12 and 14 of the GDPR, with regards to transparency of the information shared with Facebook, were called into question. The Facebook owned company have made the decision after seeking advice from external lawyers, and after receiving a preliminary decision from the commission. A final decision is yet to be made.
AI Snippet of the Week
AI determines 3D protein shape, transforming the world of Biology
DeepMind, an offshoot of Google AI has made a huge discovery in solving one of biology's toughest challenges: determining a protein's 3D shape from its amino-acid sequence. Its ability to accurately predict protein structures would vastly accelerate the understanding of building blocks of cells, and allow for quicker and more advanced drug exploration.
Policy Updates
The UK's new, proposed Telecommunications Security Bill
The UK government have proposed a new Telecommunications bill that would enforce stricter rules to "boost the security standards of the UK’s telecoms networks and remove the threat of high risk vendors." The Bill would strengthen security legislation surrounding technology used in 5G, and comes after the prime minister made the decision to ban Chinese company HUAWEI from building UK cellphone networks. “This groundbreaking bill will give the UK one of the toughest telecoms security regimes in the world and allow us to take the action necessary to protect our networks.”
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