The Data Drop News for Wednesday, June 30, 2021
Google delays FLoC rollout until 2023. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand champions US Data Protection Agency. Users shouldn't be on the hook for data security. Report finds consumer privacy concerns on the rise. Brave launches public beta of privacy-based search engine. Canon using AI cameras that only let smiling workers inside. H&M collected information on employee's illnesses and other personal data. Dutch group launches $1.8B data-harvesting claim against TikTok. Plus, this week's Drop Shots!
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Google delays FLoC rollout until 2023
Google's plans to remove third-party cookie capabilities from their Chrome browser have been delayed until 2023.
The 18-month delay comes in the wake of an EU-based antitrust investigation and after several major Internet players cried foul about Google's plans to replace cookies with a system called the Federated Learning of Cohorts, or FLoC.
Complaints against the system say it gives Google an inherent advantage, as they'd essentially retain access to individual browser histories while giving other advertisers an anonymized version of the data.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand champions US Data Protection Agency
New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is once again leading the fight for a federal Data Protection Agency.
A renewed version of previous legislation would create the new agency for enforcing data privacy protections, overseeing the use of high-risk data practices, and examining the social, ethical, and economic impacts of data collection
According to the Senator, Big Tech companies are currently free to sell individuals’ data without fear of real consequences, posing a severe threat to modern-day privacy and civil rights.
We'll follow the progress of this bill as it develops.
Users shouldn't be on the hook for data security
A new study by the University of Copenhagen has concluded that end users have almost no power over our data and how it is used.
The paper asserts that many people don’t know what their choices mean or what rights they have with regards to their data and that the entire notion that end users have the power to protect their own data is both unrealistic and unfair.
Report finds consumer privacy concerns on the rise
The State Of The Industry report from the Mobile Marketing Association has found that consumers' concern over personal data privacy increased 10 percentage points compared to a similar survey conducted last year.
Brave launches public beta of privacy-based search engine
There’s a new privacy-focused search engine available.
Brave Search claims not to collect IP addresses or use personal data to improve search results, so users can remain anonymous.
The company also has its own privacy-first web browser, which blocks most trackers, advertisements, and unnecessary cookies.
Try their new search engine for yourself at search.brave.com.
Canon using AI cameras that only let smiling workers inside
Tech company Canon has installed cameras with AI-enabled “smile recognition” technology in the offices of one of its Chinese subsidiaries.
In a bizarre effort to promote high employee morale., the cameras only let workers enter rooms or book meetings if they're smiling.
This is just one example of companies testing the boundaries of AI in the workplace.
H&M collected information on employee's illnesses and other personal data
Swedish clothing retailer H&M has been fined $41-million US dollars by German authorities for internal data security breaches at its customer service center in Nuremberg.
H&M had unlawfully collected and stored data about its workers’ personal lives.
Dutch group launches $1.8B data-harvesting claim against TikTok
A Dutch consumer group is launching a $1.8 billion claim against social media platform TikTok over the alleged unlawful harvesting of user data, particularly from minors.
The organization is demanding TikTok pay damages to Dutch children and delete their personal data.
An estimated 1.2 million to 1.6 million Dutch children use the app.
This week's Drop Shots
Your quickfire news items from the world of data privacy
Over 700 data breaches in UK councils last year
In the UK, data disclosed under the Freedom of Information Act reveals an estimated 700 data breaches were reported to the Information Commissioner’s Office by local councils last year.
63% of organizations want employee privacy, only 34% achieve it
According to a new report from DTEX Systems, 63% of IT professionals say they want employee privacy, but only 34% achieve it.
Oversharing of sensitive documents soars 450%
A new study from the AI-based solutions vendor Concentric indicates the oversharing of sensitive documents increased 450% in the past year, highlighting the impact of the pandemic and remote work on data security.
Cybercrime on the rise
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center received a record number of complaints in 2020 which showed an increase of 69% from 2019. The reported losses associated with these complaints exceeded $4.1 billion USD.
88% of health apps collect sensitive data
A recent study found that 88% of free mobile health apps are programmed to collect personal user data and transmit it to third parties.
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.