Tag: biometric data
12 articles
California Sues 23andMe Over Data Breach Security Failings
California's top lawyer, Rob Bonta, is taking on 23andMe for allegedly failing to protect millions of people's sensitive genetic data and downplaying the severity of a massive 2023 data breach. The lawsuit claims the company broke California law by not keeping personal info safe and lying to customers about the breach.
NYC Health Breach Exposes 1.8M Patients' Sensitive Data
A massive data breach at NYC Health + Hospitals has exposed the sensitive information of 1.8 million patients, highlighting the alarming vulnerability of personal data in the healthcare system. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of a breach, especially when it comes to biometric data that can never be truly reset.
US Agencies Deploy Biometric Glasses, Sparking Surveillance Fears
Imagine a pair of smart glasses that can scan faces and instantly match them to records in multiple federal databases, raising serious concerns about surveillance and personal privacy. This technology, powered by facial recognition and other biometric signals, has sparked fears about the potential for real-time identification and the reliability of database records.
Tempus AI Sued Over DNA Data Use Without Consent
A health AI company is facing a federal lawsuit in Chicago, accused of using and selling millions of people's DNA data without their consent. The plaintiffs claim that genetic information can't be fully anonymized, putting sensitive personal data at risk.
Clearview AI Faces Stunning, Damaging Complaint in Austria
Austria’s criminal complaint against Clearview AI escalates a cross-border privacy showdown, turning years of regulatory scrutiny into potential criminal liability. If regulators can pursue firms across borders, what protection remains for people whose faces sit in scraped databases?
Clearview AI Stunning ICO Win Sparks Risky Fallout
After a big court win, the ICO can now press ahead with a proposed £7.5m fine against Clearview AI — a landmark ruling that reinforces the UK’s power to hold foreign tech firms to account for using Britons’ facial data without consent.
Entry/Exit System: Risky Exclusive EU Biometric Rollout
Starting next month the EU replaces passport stamps with a biometric Entry/Exit System that will record faces and fingerprints of short‑stay visitors to 29 Schengen countries. Officials say it will speed up checks and curb overstays — but privacy advocates warn it could expand surveillance and put sensitive data at risk.
Home Office databases: Exclusive Must-Have Privacy Fix
The Home Office has told police in England and Wales to exhaust local image databases before tapping passport and visa photo stores — and to reserve “urgent” requests for truly time‑critical cases — a move aimed at curbing privacy worries and preventing the central archive from becoming a default surveillance shortcut.
fitness call recordings: Stunning Privacy Risk
Imagine your gym keeping 1.6 million unprotected call recordings—names, payment details and even voiceprints—on an open database anyone could access. This wake‑up call shows how easily convenience becomes a privacy disaster unless companies encrypt, limit retention and lock down access now.
live facial recognition: Risky Exclusive Retail Trial
Sainsbury’s is trialling live facial recognition in two stores to catch repeat shoplifters, promising reduced losses and safer staff—but privacy advocates warn it’s intrusive, error-prone and could normalize constant surveillance. Will a few prevented thefts justify scanning shoppers’ faces, or will public concern and regulation redraw the line?
live facial recognition Stunning but Risky Expansion
The UK’s decision to add 10 live facial‑recognition police vans has reignited a heated debate. Supporters say they’ll help catch suspects and protect public spaces, while campaigners warn they risk widening surveillance, entrenching bias and eroding public trust without stronger legal safeguards.
police facial recognition: Must-Have or Risky Deployment
Ten mobile facial‑recognition vans promise quicker suspect ID and faster missing‑person responses, but accuracy gaps, bias concerns and fuzzy legal safeguards mean we must insist on independent audits, clear transparency and enforceable limits before these systems become routine.