Tag: data collection
28 articles
ATF Scraps Ad-Surveillance Contract Amid Privacy Concerns
The ATF has scrapped a contract with Penlink for a commercial location-surveillance capability that raised eyebrows over privacy concerns, after the agency's director revealed they had been tracking people's locations through ad-tech data. The move comes as a win for those concerned about government overreach and data protection.
Google Expands Ad Personalization Using IP Addresses in UK, EU
Get ready for a change in ad personalization: on August 3, 2026, Google will start using IP addresses to tailor ads to individual devices across the UK, EU, and Switzerland. This update, framed around privacy-enhancing technologies, will allow for more targeted advertising using data that's already being collected.
FCC Proposes Sweeping Phone Data Collection to Curb Burner Phones
The FCC is taking aim at burner phones with a new proposal that would require telecom carriers to collect and store personal info on virtually all customers, effectively ending anonymity for prepaid phone users. If implemented, this rule would revolutionize how phone plans are obtained and used across the country.
China Tightens Grip on Supply-Chain Data
China's new regulations, effective April, are tightening controls on supply-chain data, with a focus on the intent behind data collection, not just what is collected. Authorities can now scrutinize the purpose of investigations and information gathering to ensure they align with Chinese laws and regulations.
Surveillance Firm Enhances License Plate Readers to Track Mobile Devices
Imagine a world where surveillance cameras can not only track your car's license plate, but also scan your phone, watch, and other Bluetooth devices - all without your knowledge. A new technology called SignalTrace, proposed by surveillance firm Leonardo, aims to make this unsettling reality a reality.
US OPM Health Data Collection Plan Sparks Privacy Concerns
The Office of Personnel Management wants to collect detailed, identifiable health records from the 65 health insurers that cover over 10 million federal and postal service employees, retirees, and their families - a move that's raising concerns about privacy. The proposed data collection would include medical claims, pharmacy claims, and provider data to help OPM oversee health benefits programs.
LinkedIn Harvests Browser Data with Secret Chrome Extension Scans
A recent report, dubbed BrowserGate, uncovers LinkedIn's hidden practice of scanning visitors' browsers for installed extensions and harvesting device data, raising serious questions about user privacy. The professional social network reportedly checks for over 6,000 Chrome extensions, leaving users to wonder: what should LinkedIn know about your browser?
LinkedIn Harvests Browser Data with Secret JavaScript Scripts
Did you know that LinkedIn is quietly harvesting browser data, including a list of your installed Chrome extensions, every time you load a page? A recent analysis, dubbed BrowserGate, uncovered the surprising truth behind LinkedIn's use of secret JavaScript scripts to scan visitor browsers.
VPN Adoption Soars Amid Alarming Surveillance Concerns
As online surveillance concerns reach an all-time high, people are racing to protect their digital lives - and VPN adoption is soaring as a result. Americans are leading the charge, turning to Virtual Private Networks to shield their online activities from prying eyes.
FBI Buys Alarming Amounts of Personal Data for Surveillance
The FBI's recent purchase of massive amounts of personal data raises serious concerns about government overreach and the erosion of individual privacy, leaving many to wonder who's tracking their every move and what they're doing with that information. This alarming trend threatens the foundation of our freedom: the right to be left alone.
social media surveillance: Stunning, Risky Threat
Imagine losing a visa over a tweet: a new Brookings report reveals how AI-driven social-media surveillance for visa enforcement risks chilling speech, making costly errors, and turning public expression into grounds for punishment. It’s a wake-up call to ask who watches the watchers and demand clearer rules, transparency, and safeguards.
ClayRat spyware: Exclusive Risky Android Threat
Imagine a trusted Telegram app secretly scanning your messages, recording calls and sending everything off-device — that’s exactly what the new ClayRat spyware campaign is doing by spreading fake Android APKs through Telegram channels. Avoid sideloading, tighten app permissions, and treat APK links with suspicion to stop your phone from becoming a surveillance tool.
free VPN apps: Risky Secrets & Must-Have Warning
Think “free VPN” means safe? A Zimperium study shows many no-cost VPN apps harbor serious flaws that can leak your data or let attackers intercept traffic — so choose reputable, audited services or risk trading privacy for peril.
FreeVPNOne Risky VPN: Exclusive Screenshot Threat
A popular Chrome VPN extension, FreeVPN.One, was found secretly taking screenshots of users’ browsing and sending them off‑device — and it was still listed in the Chrome Web Store. Check your extensions, review permissions, and prefer system‑level VPNs for truly private browsing.
VPN extension Risky: Stunning Privacy Betrayal
Thought your VPN extension kept you private? Researchers found a popular Chrome add-on quietly turned into spyware, exfiltrating browsing data—time to audit your extensions and stick with reputable, audited tools.
ChatGPT queries: Stunningly Risky Privacy Leak
Think your private chat with an AI stays private? Not always — companies log, analyze and sometimes share prompts to improve models or run services, which can let sensitive queries leak into public searches. Check your privacy settings, consider paid privacy options, and avoid sharing identifying details if you don’t want your questions to become public.
Automatic License Plate Readers: Must-Have Safety Tool
Schools are testing Automatic License Plate Readers to bolster campus safety, but parents and educators rightly worry about privacy and how collected data will be used. Clear policies and open community dialogue are essential to harness these tools responsibly so they protect kids without sacrificing civil liberties.
Mastering Tradecraft in the Digital Information Age
In a world where every move leaves a digital trace, traditional spycraft is facing its toughest test yet—discover how intelligence experts are adapting to stay one step ahead in the digital age.
Trump Administration Seeks Access to State Data
The Trump administration pushes for access to state data, raising concerns over privacy and federal oversight in governance and data management.
Amazon’s Ring Introduces AI to Understand Your Home’s Routines
Amazon’s Ring integrates AI technology to learn and adapt to your home’s routines, enhancing security and convenience for a smarter living experience.
Meta Suspends Android Port Tracking in Response to Researcher Criticism
Meta suspends Android port tracking after researcher criticism raises privacy concerns and prompts a review of data collection practices.
Australia Mandates Disclosure of Ransomware Payment Details
Australia mandates ransomware payment disclosure to boost cybersecurity transparency and enhance corporate accountability.
Surveillance Via Smart Toothbrush
Smart toothbrush surveillance tracks oral habits via sensor data, merging tech innovation with emerging privacy risks.
Google Settles $1.375 Billion Texas Case Over Unauthorized Tracking and Biometric Data Collection
Google settles a $1.375B Texas lawsuit over unauthorized tracking and biometric data collection, marking a pivotal privacy milestone.