The Data Drop News for Thursday, March 25, 2021

Instagram for kids under 13 years, Facebook backing down from Apple, US Department of Justice investigating Google, Oklahoma privacy bill heads to Senate, Plus: this week's Drop Shots!

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Instagram for kids under 13 years

In our top story, Facebook has plans for a new version of Instagram exclusively for children under the age of 13. Buzzfeed News first reported this after obtaining an internal memo from the social media giant and a spokesperson for Facebook has confirmed the plans calling it "a parent-controlled version of Instagram similar to the messenger kids app"

All of this comes amidst ongoing public criticism of the abuse, bullying, and or predation faced by teens on social media.

Facebook backing down from Apple?

Following up in Facebook news, CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently told CNBC that his company may benefit from Apple's upcoming privacy policy changes.

Zuckerberg believes that businesses looking to avoid Apple's ad restrictions will consider selling their products directly through Facebook and Instagram. It's possible these comments signal that Facebook is backing down from its plans to take legal action to slow down or stop Apple's policy changes.

US DoJ investigating Google

Meanwhile, the US Department of Justice is reportedly investigating Google's plans to ban tracking cookies.

Google announced the plans last year saying it is no longer interested in tracking users and wants to help protect their privacy. However, privacy groups remain skeptical and the DOJ is reportedly looking into the possibility that Google intends to continue tracking users while restricting similar efforts by third-parties.

Oklahoma data privacy bill heads to Senate

Speaking of privacy protection, Oklahoma's state House has passed a data privacy bill which now advances to the Senate for deliberation. They're the latest state to make progress on such a law following hot on the heels of Virginia.

For a comprehensive look at the current status of state data privacy bills, click here to visit the IAPP's data privacy map.

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This week's Drop Shots

Your quickfire news items from the world of data privacy

California advances privacy protections

A California state assemblyman looks to make the state's nation-leading privacy protections even stronger, introducing a bill that would require parents to provide their express consent for minors to sign up for social media sites, enter into contracts, or agree to terms of service.

Google buys Fitbit and its data

When you got a Fitbit, you gave permission to use your health data to Fitbit and not Google. But when Google bought Fitbit they also acquired your personal data. This is a perfect example of why data ownership is in serious need of regulation.

COIVD causes data access

A new study has revealed that 76% of US employees have inappropriate access to sensitive data. There's some indication that this comes from 2020's mass shift to remote work environments and the strain it placed on IT teams tasked with making remote work possible.

Amazon recording its drivers

In Colorado, an Amazon delivery driver has resigned after the company required him to install a four-lens AI-powered camera that would record and analyze his face and body throughout his shift.

No Teslas allowed

China is now prohibiting its military and government officials from using Tesla vehicles citing a potential security risk posed by onboard data collection. The country has issued no new statements on its own data collection policies.

Clubhouse on fire

And finally, the audio chat app Clubhouse is under fire again!

France is launching an investigation into whether or not the company has made efforts to comply with the GDPR. France has been one of the most active European nations on levying fines for GDPR violations.

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The Data Drop News is a production of the Data Collaboration Alliance, a nonprofit working to advance data ownership through pilot projects in sustainability, healthcare, education, and social inclusion. We also offer free training in the Data Collaboration methodology. Listen to the Data Drop on our website or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.