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What - or who - is balancing the wobbly scale of surveillance data?

No. 55: Bringing you the news that matters in video privacy and security

National security often requires a tough balance of interests and rights. To predict potential threats, public security services need access to a sufficient amount of data and surveillance powers. In turn, comes the need to strike a balance between protecting people's safety and preserving their privacy. This balance is defined by measures of accountability to ensure surveillance powers are not exploited, and using emerging technologies for public safety, in a responsible, ethical and secure way. 

A German constitutional court has found against the police use of surveillance software used by the CIA. A 2019 legislation allowed police to use data analytics software to create comprehensive profiles of people indiscriminately. The court has since issued strict guidelines on how the police can use similar technologies - providing some much-needed clarity on strictly enforced data legislation in the country.

The EU has announced plans to pass legislation to help with the enforcement of GDPR. This comes after data authorities - like the Irish Data Protection Commission - have faced significant criticism for not properly holding Big Tech accountable for GDPR violations.  

In the UK, the ICO has recently released new guidelines for game developers encouraging them to verify the age of their users and protect them online. These will help ensure video games comply with the Children’s Code which outlines how UK data protection rules apply to children using digital services. 

While there has been a boom in legislation and frameworks to protect people's data, these would be toothless without the necessary tools and mechanisms to properly enforce them. 

As always, please send any feedback or topics of interest you would like to be covered. 

Seena, Editor


News

Vietnam trials facial recognition in airports

Airports in Vietnam will soon be implementing facial recognition systems to scan passengers. This move is part of an effort to improve social order and reduce check-in time in airports, as well as help spot those on watch lists.

Biometric Update: Vietnam to implement face biometrics system for passenger check-ins at airports

Vietnam Plus: Vietnam to pilot facial recognition technology to authenticate air passengers

California hospital faces class action lawsuit for selling medical data to advertisers

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is facing a class action lawsuit from patients who were targeted with advertising relating to their medical conditions. The suit alleges the hospital shared private health data with Meta, contrary to their own privacy policy.

The Register: Cedars-Sinai hospital's website shares patient info with Meta, lawsuit claims

Gizmodo: Hospitals Sell Your Medical Data to Advertisers. A New Lawsuit Wants to Hold One Accountable

German Constitutional Court blocks police use of surveillance software

A law in Hesse and Hamburg which allows police to automatically process personal data using special software was found unlawful by the German Court. The software, provided by Palantir Technologies, carried out automated data analysis to prevent crime.

Reuters: German court rules police use of crime-fighting software is unlawful

WIRED: Germany Raises Red Flags About Palantir’s Big Data Dragnet

EU to pass a law which improves data authority's enforcement of GDPR 

The EU will propose new legislation this year which looks to improve the powers of regulators in EU countries to enforce the GDPR. The rules will harmonise aspects of the administrative procedure and allow for better dispute-resolution mechanisms. 

Politico: Brussels sets out to fix the GDPR

European Commission: Further specifying procedural rules relating to the enforcement of the General Data Protection Regulation

Body-worn cameras to be trialled by English football referees for the first time

The Football Association (FA) has announced that bodyworn cameras will be trialled by referees across four English football leagues. The cameras, supplied by Reveal Media, are an effort to reduce the abuse received by referees from players, coaches, and fans. 

Biometric Update: Reveal kicks off body cam trials for football referees

The Guardian: Referees to get body cameras in English grassroots leagues to tackle abuse


AI Snippet of the Week

AI trials to tackle wildfires across Oregon 

Oregon’s Willamette Valley will begin pilot testing using AI devices to detect different fire types based on chemical gas concentrations. This technology should help improve the efficiency of responses to wildfires, and monitor the fire behaviour to help contain it. 

Department of Homeland Security: Feature Article: Stoking Wildfire Resilience in Oregon

GCN: AI, sensors enhance wildfire detection


Policy Updates

ICO issues the gaming industry with new rules to protect children’s safety online

The ICO has recently released guidance and recommendations to game developers to ensure they protect children and comply with data protection laws. Developers are being called on to identify if players are underage and ensure games are not detrimental to the well-being of children.

The Independent: Games developers issued new guidance on protecting children | The Independent

The ICO: New guidance to industry issued for game developers on protecting children


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