More technology is the catalyst for a vast expansion in the world’s data
No. 7: Bringing you the news that matters in video privacy and security
A note from our Editor
Hi all,
As many begin to get ready for Christmas, those of us in the UK at least try to scramble together a plan that allows for both safety and familial interaction, in the wake of new restrictions, social distancing and uncertainty. Despite the limit on how many households can meet being questioned, one thing that has remained a constant is our forced integration with technology, as a result of the pandemic. Having to turn to video calls is now common place, online shopping has become both a "creative outlet" and the safer option to purchase gifts; office Christmas parties now exist only in the virtual, and the song "Driving Home for Christmas" now seems slightly out-of-place. In the wake of so much change, it seems as if this holiday season is a chance for most to try to get back to a sense of normality, following the chaos that has been this year.
Along with the disorder of 2020, the accelerated use of new and existing technologies has led to an increase in necessity, awareness and concern for Privacy and Security. More use of technology has catalysed a vast expansion in the world's data, triggering wider concern surrounding the handling, usage and storage of personal, company and public data.
This is important and seems to be beginning to be taken a lot more seriously, as more and more companies are being cross-examined on their use of data; with Huawei, Google and Amazon being some of the latest to have their ethics questioned. Even so, cybercrime has seen an inconceivable increase in global cost as a result of the extremely heightened use of technology thanks to the pandemic; and with Brexit on the horizon, many seem to have pointed to the fact that it is doubtful that the UK will have access to key security databases, making Britain's battle against crime even more challenging in the long run.
However, in the face of inevitable complications, the increase in awareness and need for Data Privacy and Security is leading to new demands for new and existing technologies. Even though it is as a result of new legislation that companies and governments are having to take both a public and practical approach with regards to the management of personal data; the debate of how private and secure a technology should be has certainly started, with the handling of data being at the heart of it. Despite both national and transnational laws, such as Schrems II, needing more time to get the balance between the two right, it is certainly a pertinent example of how the world is enhancing the importance of Privacy and Security, as opposed to pushing them aside. 2020 has been a year of upheaval, but it has also forced us to take a step back to reassess, in order to move forward.
Emma
News
Huawei receives global criticism for developing AI technology that identifies people by ethnicity
Although Huawei working with security contractors isn't unusual, their latest project which is creating a facial recognition technology that would ring a “Uighur alarm” if a member of a minority ethnicity was detected, has fuelled huge globally backlash. Although Huawei says that the tool is "simply a test and it has not seen real-world application", further investigation has shown that they have worked with at least 4 other surveillance companies to develop the technology.
US Federal agencies suffer the biggest cyber-raid for more than five years
US federal government networks have suffered an incredibly sophisticated attack, where hackers were able to monitor internal emails at the US Treasury and Department of Commerce, perhaps compromising other agencies as well. FireEye, the company that assists in the US government's cyber-security identified the breach after their own hacking tools were stolen last week. Well-known Russian hacking group 'Cozy-Bear' is supposedly suspected as being the culprit but this has yet to be confirmed.
Co-op trial Facial Recognition Technology to help hinder theft
Southern Co-op branches have been trialling facial recognition cameras in an attempt to reduce shoplifting and abuse against staff. Using technology from London startup 'Facewatch', 18 shops have the cameras that compare faces with known watch-lists. If a match is made, staff are notified via smartphones. Despite being an attempted safety measure, there is growing privacy concerns, particularly about the privacy sector's sharing of these images with law enforcement.
Cybercrime costs more than $1 trillion globally
Cybercrime's global costs have shot up to over 50% more than the $600 billion reported in 2018. This equates to just over 1% of global GDP, McAfee reveals. Steve Grobman, SVP and CTO at McAfee said: “The severity and frequency of cyberattacks on businesses continues to rise as techniques evolve, new technologies broaden the threat surface, and the nature of work expands into home and remote environments”.
CNIL fine Google and Amazon a total of €135 million for alleged cookie violations
France's data protection authority, CNIL, have issued substantial fines to Google (€100 million) and Amazon (€35 million) for putting tracking cookies on users' computers in France “without obtaining prior consent and without providing adequate information.” Google was also fined for monitoring users who had specifically deactivated personalised advertising.
UK is likely to lose access to security databases amidst Brexit negotiations
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has admitted that if a no-deal Brexit happens, the UK will be unable to share vital security data, and access certain security databases, including SIS II. UK police are hoping to retain access, even if it means that it will take longer to achieve this. This seems logical after the UK has placed more than 4 million alerts on SIS II, and forces have used it 603 million times just last year.
AI Snippet of the Week
AI Algorithms can now run on a low-power, battery run chip
Researchers have recently discovered that it is possible to fit an AI vision algorithm onto a low-power computer chip that can run for months merely on a battery. This is a huge step forward as it could bring about more advanced AI capabilities (like image and voice recognition) to home appliances, wearable devices, medical gadgets and industrial sensors. It would also be able to keep data private and secure by taking out the need to use the cloud.
Policy Updates
Schrems II and the need for a US-EU agreement
The European Court of Justice (CJEU) has ruled that it is now unlawful to use the Privacy Shield as an adequate reason for the transfer of personal data from Europe to the United States. These restrictions will reduce digital trade and have negative economical impacts on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as cause other countries to rethink strategies and laws with regards to the transfer of data with Europe.
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