WebProNews

Tag: Privacy

  • US Joins International Call For Encryption Backdoors

    US Joins International Call For Encryption Backdoors

    Once again, the US is calling for weakened encryption, along with the Five Eyes, Japan and India.

    The Five Eyes is a group of nations that cooperate on intelligence, comprised of the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. The extent of the Five Eyes’ spying was brought to the public’s attention as a result of Edward Snowden’s leaks.

    In an international statement, the Five Eyes, along with Japan and India, have once again called on companies to achieve the impossible.

    The statement beings with the following statement supporting strong encryption:

    We, the undersigned, support strong encryption, which plays a crucial role in protecting personal data, privacy, intellectual property, trade secrets and cyber security. It also serves a vital purpose in repressive states to protect journalists, human rights defenders and other vulnerable people, as stated in the 2017 resolution of the UN Human Rights Council. Encryption is an existential anchor of trust in the digital world and we do not support counter-productive and dangerous approaches that would materially weaken or limit security systems.

    The next part of the statement, however, directly contradicts the opening remark:

    Particular implementations of encryption technology, however, pose significant challenges to public safety, including to highly vulnerable members of our societies like sexually exploited children. We urge industry to address our serious concerns where encryption is applied in a way that wholly precludes any legal access to content. We call on technology companies to work with governments to take the following steps, focused on reasonable, technically feasible solutions:

    • Embed the safety of the public in system designs, thereby enabling companies to act against illegal content and activity effectively with no reduction to safety, and facilitating the investigation and prosecution of offences and safeguarding the vulnerable;
    • Enable law enforcement access to content in a readable and usable format where an authorisation is lawfully issued, is necessary and proportionate, and is subject to strong safeguards and oversight; and
    • Engage in consultation with governments and other stakeholders to facilitate legal access in a way that is substantive and genuinely influences design decisions.

    As has been pointed out repeatedly at WPN, what the international statement calls for is not theoretically, practically or scientifically possible. Encryption is based on mathematics. For encryption to be “strong,” it must be based on a sound mathematical implementation.

    The minute a backdoor is created, that strength vanishes. There is simply no way to simultaneously have strong encryption combined with a method to defeat that encryption. No matter how well intentioned such a backdoor may be, any such method would ultimately weaken encryption for everyone—including those, as the statement highlights, whose very lives depend on secure, encrypted communication.

    This is one of the reasons that, as previously reported, secure messaging app Signal has already said it would not be able to continue operating in the US should legislation be passed enforcing encryption backdoors. For perspective, Signal is used by congressional staff and the military, specifically because it is so secure.

    What is not clear is whether the officials calling for encryption backdoors understand the underlying principle and are disingenuously claiming otherwise, or whether they truly do not understand how encryption works.

  • DuckDuckGo Adds Apple-Powered Driving and Walking Directions

    DuckDuckGo Adds Apple-Powered Driving and Walking Directions

    DuckDuckGo has announced new mapping features with driving and walking directions, powered by Apple Maps.

    DuckDuckGo is the premier privacy-oriented search engine, setting itself apart form Google and Bing. The company promises it doesn’t track users, store personal information about them or follow them around with ads as they browse the internet.

    While the company has offered map features for years, it is significantly expanding its service to include driving and walking directions. The new map service is powered by Apple’s MapKit JS framework.

    DuckDuckGo promises the mapping service will afford the same privacy its users are accustomed to with its search. The fact that it chose Apple’s map software over Google’s is likely a reflection of that focus, as Apple has worked hard to differentiate itself as a company committed to protecting user privacy.

  • IRS Under Investigation For Illegally Tracking Americans via Their Phones

    IRS Under Investigation For Illegally Tracking Americans via Their Phones

    The IRS is under investigation by the US Treasury’s Inspector General for purchasing smartphone data to illegally track Americans.

    The issue began when Senators Ron Wyden and Elizabeth Warren sent a letter to the Inspector General demanding the IRS be investigated. According to the letter, the IRS had been purchasing bulk data from a company named Venntel. The information contained location data from Americans’ phones, based on the various apps they use.

    According to Motherboard, a Wyden aide has said “the IRS wanted to find phones, track where they were at night, use that as a proxy as to where the individual lived, and then use other data sources to try and identify the person. A person who used to work for Venntel previously told Motherboard that Venntel customers can use the tool to see which devices are in a particular house, for instance.”

    As Wyden and Warren’s letter points out, the Supreme Court ruled in 2018 that collecting significant quantities of historical data from phones was covered under the Fourth Amendment, and therefore requires a search warrant. The fact that the IRS obtained no such warrant puts it in legally dubious territory.

    Putting aside the legal ramifications, it’s a safe bet that few Americans would be OK with the IRS tracking where they sleep at night.

  • Facebook May Pull Out of Europe

    Facebook May Pull Out of Europe

    Facebook is warning it may pull out of Europe over a decision by Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC).

    The DPC issued a preliminary order to stop Facebook from transferring the data of European citizens to servers in the US. The EU has become increasingly wary of its citizens’ data being held in the US, given the US government’s penchant for digital surveillance.

    According to Vice, however, Facebook has warned that the DPC’s decision may cause it to pull out of the EU altogether. This would leave some 410 million users without access to Facebook and Instagram.

    Yvonne Cunnane, Facebook Ireland’s Head of Data Protection and Privacy, said “it is not clear to [Facebook] how, in those circumstances, it could continue to provide the Facebook and Instagram services in the EU.”

    What is even more unclear is if Facebook is serious about its threat, or if this is a game of legal chicken. It seems unlikely Facebook would be willing to abandon an entire continent worth of users, opening the door for a home-grown competitor to take its place.

  • Senator Blumenthal Demands AT&T Back Off Ad-Based Cellphone Plans

    Senator Blumenthal Demands AT&T Back Off Ad-Based Cellphone Plans

    That didn’t take long; Senator Richard Blumenthal has demanded that AT&T rethink its plans to offer ad-subsidized phone plans.

    As we reported this morning, AT&T CEO John Stankey told Reuters in an interview that the company was looking at offering $5 to $10 off of plans in exchange for displaying ads on the user’s phone. In our report, we raised issues with what we labeled “quite possibly one of the worst, most consumer-unfriendly ideas put forth by a company in recent years.”

    It seems that Senator Blumenthal agrees, slamming the wireless carrier for its plans.

    ”I am alarmed that AT&T’s announcement threatens to create a race to the bottom, trampling over long-held consumers expectations and leaving privacy as a right exclusive to the rich,” wrote Blumenthal in a letter to Stankey.

    Senator Blumenthal also takes issue with AT&T’s plans to monitor and track users across devices, and says that customers should not have to choose between privacy and cost.

    “The prospect of AT&T monitoring consumers’ phone and internet records, matching them across devices and data broker records, and then using that private information to manipulatively target people is outright chilling.

    “AT&T should not hold privacy above consumers’ heads for additional cost. Rather than a benefit, it is clear that AT&T is seeking to legitimize more intrusion into consumers’ lives and more aggressively commoditize subscribers. AT&T’s announcement would create a “pay-for-privacy” standard in the increasingly consolidated phone market, driving prices up for those who want to opt out. You also acknowledge that an ad-supported wireless plan would cross-fertilize its AT&T data broker and ad targeting products, adding to the race to the bottom that exists in the internet ecosystem. In holding out nominal discounts in exchange for the intrusive surveillance and aggressive monetization of private information, AT&T is manipulatively pitting consumers’ welfare and privacy against constrained budgets.”

    Senator Blumenthal has requested a written response by October 18. Given the sweeping implications of AT&T’s proposed action, hopefully this quick pushback will cause them—and any other companies considering such ideas—to reconsider.

  • Instagram Accused of Spying on Users Via Phone Cameras

    Instagram Accused of Spying on Users Via Phone Cameras

    Facebook is being sued over allegations Instagram is spying on users via their phone cameras.

    The lawsuit was filed against Facebook on behalf of Brittany Conditi, a New Jersey Instagram users. The lawsuit alleges that Instagram is accessing the camera even when the app is not being used.

    According to the complaint, Facebook and Instagram are “obtaining extremely private and intimate personal data on their users, including in the privacy of their own homes,” giving them “valuable insights and market research.”

    Facebook has, of course, denied the reports. According to Bloomberg, the company says the issue was caused by a bug that improperly triggered a false notification that the camera was in use.

    Unfortunately for the company, last November its Facebook app was caught opening the camera in the background without permission. Then, as now, Facebook claimed it was an innocent bug that was responsible.

    Facebook either has the worst fortune with bugs that just happen to open the camera without permission, or there may be something to long-standing rumors the company spies on users without permission.

  • DuckDuckGo Experiences Major Growth

    DuckDuckGo Experiences Major Growth

    DuckDuckGo, the privacy-first search engine, is experiencing record growth as customers become more concerned about protecting their privacy.

    According to a company tweet, the search engine touted “a record breaking August,” with some two billion searches, 4 million app/extension installs and an estimated 65 million active users. The company admits it doesn’t have an exact count as a result of the very same privacy that makes the search engine unique.

    Despite DuckDuckGo’s growth, it still has a long way to go before it’s a threat to Google. The search giant currently controls 87.3%, with Bing a distant runner-up at 7.2%. Even Yahoo only has 3.41%. DuckDuckGo brings up fourth place with 1.75%.

    Even so, as customers become more privacy-conscious, DuckDuckGo may soon start moving into third and second place.

  • Google Sued For $3 Billion in the UK Over YouTube Privacy

    Google Sued For $3 Billion in the UK Over YouTube Privacy

    Google is being sued for $3 billion in the UK over allegations that YouTube tracks children, violating the UK’s privacy laws.

    Google has been facing ongoing scrutiny over privacy and antitrust concerns, but this latest lawsuit could be one of its most expensive. The lawsuit was brought by Duncan McCann, a father of three. The lawsuit is supported by Foxglove, a tech advocacy group in the UK.

    The lawsuit alleges that YouTube and Google are ignoring UK privacy laws designed to protect children. Instead, according to the lawsuit, YouTube is harvesting data from children watching videos and using that data to target the children with ads specifically designed to influence young minds.

    “We think its unlawful because YouTube processes the data of every child who uses the service – including kids under 13,” writes Foxglove. “They profit from this data, as they are paid by advertisers to place targeted advertising on their YouTube website. They do all this without getting explicit consent from the children’s parents. Under the GDPR and UK law, corporations can’t process the data of kids under 13 *at all* without explicit parental consent. Parents haven’t agreed to the many ways YouTube takes kids’ data.”

    The lawsuit comes as Google is facing other lawsuits claiming it continues to track users even after they opt out. Should McCann win his case, the repercussions for Google and YouTube would be profound.

  • Portland Cracks Down on Facial Recognition

    Portland Cracks Down on Facial Recognition

    Portland has instituted a sweeping ban on facial recognition, the broadest such ban in the US.

    In the wake of privacy concerns, negative publicity, reports of bias and facial recognition being used in legally and ethically questionable ways by companies like Clearview AI, many cities have started rolling out bans. Portland’s ban is the most aggressive however, banning the technology’s use by both the government and businesses.

    The ban does make a distinction between broad facial recognition used for mass surveillance and facial authentication technology. For example, many phones use facial recognition as a security measure. These type of systems are not covered by the ban, as they are not used for broad surveillance.

    The wording of the ban seems to indicate that it is not intended as a permanent solution, but as a stop-gap measure until the technology matures and is better regulated.

    ”Existing methodologies assessing bias in Face Recognition Technologies show progress on their performance,” reads the ordinance. “However, there is still not a formal certification process available to cities that includes the full lifecycle of sensitive information collected from individuals.”

    Similarly, Portland City Council Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty said:

    “I want to ban this technology until it works as intended. That is my goal.”

  • Walmart Joining Microsoft in Effort to Purchase TikTok

    Walmart Joining Microsoft in Effort to Purchase TikTok

    Walmart is getting in on the TikTok action, joining Microsoft’s bid to purchase the beleaguered social media platform.

    TikTok has gone from one privacy and security scandal to the next, culminating in the Trump administration instituting a ban that will go into effect on September 15, unless a buyer can be found. Microsoft has emerged as a frontrunner, although Oracle has also expressed interest.

    Now it appears that Walmart is joining Microsoft in its bid, seeing a unique e-commerce opportunity.

    “The way TikTok has integrated e-commerce and advertising capabilities in other markets is a clear benefit to creators and users in those markets,” reads the company’s statement. “We believe a potential relationship with TikTok U.S. in partnership with Microsoft could add this key functionality and provide Walmart with an important way for us to reach and serve omnichannel customers as well as grow our third-party marketplace and advertising businesses. We are confident that a Walmart and Microsoft partnership would meet both the expectations of U.S. TikTok users while satisfying the concerns of U.S. government regulators.”

    It will be interesting to see what Microsoft and Walmart can make of TikTok, should a sale be successful.

  • Instagram May Start Asking For Your Government ID

    Instagram May Start Asking For Your Government ID

    Instagram has announced it will start asking some users to provide their government ID to prove who they are.

    According to Instagram, the new policy is meant to help cut down on accounts that try to mislead people or engage in “coordinated inauthentic behavior.” Instagram goes on say a review could be triggered when they see “the majority of someone’s followers are in a different country to their location, or if we find signs of automation, such as bot accounts for example.”

    Once an account has been reviewed and verified, the user will be able to continue using it. Instagram claims that IDs will be stored securely, and then deleted within 30 days after the review is completed. They also claim that the information will not be shared on the person’s profile, preserving pseudonymity.

    While Instagram is to be commended for wanting to protect users, it’s hard not to imagine what could go wrong. After all, Instagram is owned by Facebook, a company that has proven time again it lacks either the ability or the necessary motivation to protect its users privacy. What could possibly go wrong with giving it copies of government IDs?

  • Instagram Wasn’t Deleting User Data From Servers

    Instagram Wasn’t Deleting User Data From Servers

    A security researcher has been awarded a bug bounty after discovering Instagram was retaining data long after he had deleted it.

    According to TechCrunch, security researcher Saugat Pokharel discovered that Instagram’s Download Your Information tool included data he had deleted over a year ago. With any online platform, deleting data on the user’s end doesn’t immediately delete it on the company’s. The information must be deleted from the entire network, including any backups, a process that usually takes a couple of months.

    In Pokharel’s case, however, when he downloaded his data, it included private direct messages and photos he had deleted over a year ago, well past any reasonable time it should have taken. He submitted the bug via Instagram’s bug bounty program and the company fixed the issue.

    An Instagram spokesperson told TechCrunch: “The researcher reported an issue where someone’s deleted Instagram images and messages would be included in a copy of their information if they used our Download Your Information tool on Instagram. We’ve fixed the issue and have seen no evidence of abuse. We thank the researcher for reporting this issue to us.”

  • Senator Hawley Calls For Google to Ban TikTok Over Privacy

    Senator Hawley Calls For Google to Ban TikTok Over Privacy

    Senator Josh Hawley is calling on Google to ban TikTok following revelations the app sidestepped Android safety measures to track users.

    TikTok has stumbled from one privacy issue to another. It’s been sued for allegedly uploading videos to Chinese servers without consent, it has abused the privacy of children and been accused of rampant censorship. The social media app’s woes have contributed to the Trump administration threatening to ban it if a deal cannot be reached to sell it to a US company.

    In the latest revelation, TikTok sidestepped a safeguard in Android to collect unique identifiers for at least 15 months. This gave the company the ability to track users, giving them no recourse or way to opt out.

    Senator Hawley is calling on Google to ban the app as a result.

    TikTok skirted a privacy safeguard in Google’s Android OS to collect unique identifiers from millions of mobile devices, data that allows them to track users online without allowing them to opt out.

    Sen. Hawley is calling for Google to ban @tiktok_us from its platform.

    — Senator Hawley Press Office (@SenHawleyPress) – August 11, 2020

    One thing is clear: Even if a US company is able to purchase TikTok, it will have its work cut out regaining the trust the beleaguered platform has lost.

  • Uber CEO: We Are Working On Dashcam Technology

    Uber CEO: We Are Working On Dashcam Technology

    “There’s a lot of crazies out here in Arizona,” said Uber driver Randy Clarke in a very interesting online chat with Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi. “I just wish you guys had some sort of way for us to put our rules of our vehicle on the app so the passengers know what to expect beforehand.”

    “For example, in January this guy came into my car trying to get into the front seat. I don’t like to allow people in the front seat when I’m driving alone at 11 o’clock at night. He gets mad after I cancel the ride he jumps in the back and argues with me, calls me the N-word, slams the door and leaves. What that guy did was bad and disgusting, definitely not good.” 

    https://youtu.be/kRpbHp8UbaQ

    “But if there was a way for him to know that I don’t allow people in the front seat when I’m driving with them alone I’m sure he would have just canceled there and then.”

    Then Uber driver Randy Clarke gave Uber’s CEO a suggestion.  “I just wish there was a way for us to upload dashcam footage directly to you guys. Sometimes I get to run around and they transfer me to safety and support. There needs to also be some sort of way for Uber to somehow encourage the footage in case something was to happen.” 

    Randy added, “I think a lot of drivers are afraid of the dashcam policy you guys have in where we can’t put the footage out or we get deactivated. In my situation, I was like whatever happens happens. I showed people the footage and lo and behold he was a guy who owned a business in my community and he got a lot of crap for that.” 

    “Dashcams Is Technology That We’re Working On,” Says Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi

    “Well he sounds like he deserves a lot of crap for that,” said Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi. “Dashcams and in general taping rides, etc.  is actually technology that we’re working on. There’s this fine balance with privacy concerns. You guys know with TikTok and all that stuff, privacy is rightfully a huge thing.” 

    “Most drivers are like you, good people that are totally open to dashcams,” says Khosrowshahi. “Hey take the footage, I have nothing to hide, this is part of my profession, I act well and I treat my riders well so they don’t have a problem. I think a lot of riders when they’re in the car they do expect privacy and they’re nervous about the balance of safety and privacy. Safety’s super important as well. They’re both important. So we’re trying to work on technologies that balance the two.”

    Khosrowshahi added, “Every single state statute, by the way, is different. So you can’t have one solution. You’ve got to have a state-by-state solution that works for everybody. I really would like to get something that bridges that and balances safety and privacy, but it’s a lot of work to do so. The tech teams are totally working on it. So one day Randy we’re gonna get you that magic!”

    “There are solutions you can imagine where we don’t take the dashcam footage but we only take it if you tell us that there’s an issue It’s in the cloud someplace and no one has access to it. We want to do it the right way because we should not be inappropriately watching someone if we don’t have to. It’s only for those exceptional circumstances.”

    “Exactly,” says driver Randy. Some people do it for clout while others just want to do it just to make sure it doesn’t happen again. So I totally understand that.”

  • Microsoft Moving to Purchase TikTok

    Microsoft Moving to Purchase TikTok

    Following a weekend of back-and-forth talks, Microsoft appears to be pursuing a deal to purchase TikTok.

    TikTok has found itself in hot water, with the Trump administration threatening to ban the social media app. This comes on the heels of numerous controversies surrounding the app’s privacy and security. It has been sued over claims it uploaded user videos to servers in China without permission. Numerous government, military and business organizations have banned the app, and the company has been accused of violating child privacy. In a rare rebuke within the tech industry, at least one CEO labeled it “fundamentally parasitic.”

    The end result has been the Trump administration first threatening, and then promising to ban the app in the US. At the last minute, however, Microsoft floated the possibility of buying the beleaguered social media company. After initial opposition from the administration, it appears a meeting between Trump and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has opened the way for talks to continue.

    ”Following a conversation between Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and President Donald J. Trump, Microsoft is prepared to continue discussions to explore a purchase of TikTok in the United States,” says the company blog.

    ”Microsoft fully appreciates the importance of addressing the President’s concerns. It is committed to acquiring TikTok subject to a complete security review and providing proper economic benefits to the United States, including the United States Treasury.

    ”Microsoft will move quickly to pursue discussions with TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, in a matter of weeks, and in any event completing these discussions no later than September 15, 2020. During this process, Microsoft looks forward to continuing dialogue with the United States Government, including with the President.”

  • EU Wants More Concessions From Google Over Fitbit Deal

    EU Wants More Concessions From Google Over Fitbit Deal

    The EU is asking for more concessions from Google, over concerns its Fitbit deal will give it an unfair advantage over competitors.

    Google agreed to purchase Fitbit for $2.1 billion and almost immediately drew scrutiny from regulatory authorities on both sides of the Atlantic. As a result, the company promised not to use any Fitbit data for its advertising in an effort to assuage concerns.

    It appears those efforts were not enough, as the EU is demanding additional concessions. According to Ars Technica, EU officials are demanding that Google not use any Fitbit data to “further enhance its search advantage.” In addition, they want Google to give third parties equal access to the data.

    It’s unclear if Google will agree to the terms, but it may ultimately have no choice if it wants the deal to proceed. Given the company’s history, it seems the authorities don’t want to open the door to Google gaining even more of an advantage than it already has.

  • Court Kills EU-US Privacy Shield

    Court Kills EU-US Privacy Shield

    An EU court has struck down a privacy agreement that made it possible to share the data of EU citizens with the US.

    Under the EU-US Privacy Shield, companies could implement higher privacy standards to allow for the transfer of EU citizen data. This was necessary because of the EU’s stricter privacy legislation. In spite of the goals behind the Privacy Shield, privacy groups raised a number of concerns about its effectiveness.

    In particular, advocates were concerned about the privacy threat the US government poses. Thanks to the Edward Snowden leaks, the world is aware of the US government’s long history of digital spying, even on law-abiding citizens. Advocates were concerned that, even if a company met the necessary data sharing privacy requirements, there was no guarantee the US government wouldn’t snoop on any shared data.

    Max Schrems, an Austrian privacy advocate, initially filed the complaint that eventually made its way to the European Court of Justice (ECJ). After considering the case, the ECJ struck down the law.

    This will have major ramifications for many companies with customers in the EU. At the very least, companies will need to use Standard Contractual Clauses. This is a type of non-negotiable legal contract drawn up in the EU that governs data transfers. Specifically, they are used to make sure any data transfer abides by the GDPR privacy laws, especially when transferring the data to a country that does not have the same level of privacy protection.

    The ECJ’s decision is a big win for privacy advocates, and will no doubt put additional pressure on the US to adopt privacy regulation of its own.

  • Google Sued For Tracking Users, Even When They Opt Out

    Google Sued For Tracking Users, Even When They Opt Out

    Google is facing yet another privacy-related lawsuit, this one alleging the company tracks users even after they opt out.

    The lawsuit, filed in the US district court in San Jose, claims that Google uses Firebase to continue monitoring users and tailoring ads to them. Google’s Firebase is used for notifications, alerts, data storage, ads and tracking software glitches, as well as user interactions, such as clicks. Many developers use the tool in their apps.

    According to Reuters, the lawsuit alleges that “even when consumers follow Google’s own instructions and turn off ‘Web & App Activity’ tracking on their ‘Privacy Controls,’ Google nevertheless continues to intercept consumers’ app usage and app browsing communications and personal information.”

    The lawsuit also claims that Google uses Firebase to tailor its ads, effectively using it as an end-run around tracking. The firm filing the lawsuit is seeking class-action status.

    This is not the only lawsuit Google is facing for ignoring opt-out settings. Earlier this year, Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich filed a lawsuit against the company for continuing to track users after they opt out.

    Needless to say, this is not a good look for Google when the company is facing increased scrutiny in both the US and the EU for privacy issues and anti-competitive practices.

  • Congressman Lynch Asks Apple and Google to Crack Down on Foreign Apps

    Congressman Lynch Asks Apple and Google to Crack Down on Foreign Apps

    Congressman Stephen Lynch, Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, is calling on Apple and Google to provide more transparency regarding foreign apps.

    Amid the ongoing controversy surrounding TikTok, India’s purge of Chinese apps and the bans on Chinese telecommunications firms, there is increased scrutiny on the potential security risks that foreign apps and companies may pose. In particular, where user data is stored is a big concern. For example, TikTok was recently sued for allegedly uploading an individual’s data to China without consent.

    Both Apple and Google confirmed they do not require app developers to disclose where any stored data will be housed, nor are they required to inform users of such arrangements.

    “As industry leaders, Apple and Google can and must do more to ensure that smartphone applications made available to U.S. citizens on their platforms protect stored data from unlawful foreign exploitation, and do not compromise U.S. national security,” Chairman Lynch wrote. “At a minimum, Apple and Google should take steps to ensure that users are aware of the potential privacy and national security risks of sharing sensitive information with applications that store data in countries adversarial to the United States, or whose developers are subsidiaries of foreign companies.”

    We will continue to monitor this story and provide updates as it develops.

  • Google Vows Not to Use Fitbit Data For Advertising

    Google Vows Not to Use Fitbit Data For Advertising

    In an effort to prevent the EU from challenging its Fitbit deal, Google has committed to not using Fitbit data in its advertising.

    Google announced in November that it had entered a definitive agreement to purchase Fitbit to the tune of $2.1 billion. Almost immediately, the deal was scrutinized by lawmakers on both sides of the Atlantic. The DOJ announced in December it was opening an investigation into the deal, citing privacy concerns over the sensitive health information Fitbit has access to. Similarly, the EU launched its own investigation into the deal over similar concerns.

    In an effort to stave off any attempt to block the deal, Google has now committed to not using any Fitbit data to target its ads. In an emailed statement to Reuters, Google said the following:

    “This deal is about devices, not data. We appreciate the opportunity to work with the European Commission on an approach that safeguards consumers’ expectations that Fitbit device data won’t be used for advertising,” Google said in an emailed statement.

    Google’s statement emphasizes why it pursued the Fitbit deal to begin with, even outbidding Facebook for the wearable maker. Apple is currently the dominant wearables company, with Samsung making a respectable showing as well. Buying Fitbit gives Google a better chance of competing against the market leaders.

  • Wells Fargo Bans TikTok From Company Phones

    Wells Fargo Bans TikTok From Company Phones

    The hits keep on coming for TikTok as Well Fargo has instructed employees to delete the social media app from their phones.

    TikTok has been under siege over the last few months in regard to numerous privacy and security issues. The company has been sued for allegedly capturing and uploading video to Chinese servers without consent, violating child privacy and censoring users deemed ‘poor’ or ‘ugly.’ The app has been labeled ‘fundamentally parasitic,’ and has been banned from the phones of government agencies and military personnel. The Trump administration is even mulling a widespread ban of the app.

    Amidst these issues, Wells Fargo has told some employees to delete the app from their phones, citing privacy concerns surrounding it. The ban appears to primarily impact a small number of employees with corporate devices.

    “Due to concerns about TikTok’s privacy and security controls and practices, and because corporate-owned devices should be used for company business only, we have directed those employees to remove the app from their devices,” the company said in a statement to CNN Business.

    Given how popular the app has become, any widespread ban will likely run into resistance. Nonetheless, the tide seems to be turning against TikTok.