5 Privacy Stories You Might Have Missed Over the Break
Many privacy professionals will be returning to work today after a week or two off. Here are five interesting privacy-related stories you might have missed.
Will the UK’s ‘Light Touch’ AI Regulation Plans Increase AI Risks?
The government claims its “innovation-friendly and flexible” plans for AI regulation could help businesses avoid the “uncertainty that comes with regulatory compliance”. But could lighter touch regulation increase risks for UK businesses and individuals alike?
Twitch confirms data breach
Live streaming gaming platform Twitch has announced that it has become the victim of a data leak, exposing streamers’ earnings and confidential company information.
Major telecoms service giant reveals five-year breach
Syniverse has revealed to government regulators that it has been the victim of a five-year breach impacting hundreds of customers.
Pandora Papers: biggest offshore data leak
One of the largest financial document leaks has revealed the secret wealth and dealings of international leaders, politicians, and billionaires.
Quebec adopts privacy legislation
The Quebec Commission on Access to Information (CAI) has welcomed the adoption of Bill 64, an Act to modernize legislative provisions as regards the protection of personal information.
Data of 106 million international visitors to Thailand exposed online
An unsecured database containing international travel records dating back 10 years has been discovered online.
Changes to the international data transfer regime in Uruguay
The Uruguay’s data protection authority, URCDP, has removed the US from the list of appropriate territories as part of its amendment.
UK, US and Australia announce security partnership
In an effort to counter China, the UK, US and Australia have announced a historic security and defense agreement.
Data stolen from United Nations
Earlier this year, hackers gained access into the United Nations’ computer network and stole a trove of data, according to researchers from Resecurity.
ICO to call on G7 countries to tackle cookie pop-ups challenge
The UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) will call on fellow G7 data protection and privacy authorities to work together to overhaul cookie consent pop-ups.
PrivSec DPI deep dives into data flows
At PrivSec Data Protection & Infrastructure, a panel of experts explored how companies leverage data flows to conduct everyday operations, as well examining long term solutions for privacy and data flows.
Prenatal test raises privacy concerns amid firm’s links to Chinese military
Privacy regulators in five countries are examining a test which collects the DNA of pregnant women and foetuses for research after it emerged the test’s Chinese manufacturer has links to China’s military.
Advance in enshrining privacy rights into Brazilian constitution
Members of Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies voted 436-4 in favour of a suggested amendment to the country’s constitution which makes the protection of personal data a fundamental right.
Tracking employees’ location breaches their privacy says Israel’s DPA
Employers monitoring their workers’ location significantly impairs their rights, even when it is done during working hours, according to the Privacy Protection Authority (PPA) in Israel.
Apple Has Been Scanning iCloud Mail for CSAM For Years — And We’ve Known This Since 2019
Apple’s proposals to scan iCloud Photos for child sexual abuse material (CSAM) have proved controversial among privacy advocates. But did you know that the company has been scanning iCloud Mail for several years? Not many people do.
T-Mobile hit with class actions after data breach
A pair of lawsuits have been filed against US telecom T-Mobile following a cyber-attack affecting more than 53m customers and prospective customers.
China adopts new privacy law
China’s legislature has approved an updated law on personal information protection, to take effect on 1 November.
International Data Transfers Under China’s Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL)
China’s Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL) imposes strict rules for transferring personal information out of mainland China (“cross-border transfers”) that may be even more stringent than those contained in the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Falk reappointed for another term in Australia
The Australian Information Commissioner and Privacy Commissioner, Angelene Falk, has been re-appointed for another three years, through to August 2024.
The importance of data protection as a service in the post-pandemic world
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, over the past 18 months global working habits have changed considerably. With the outbreak in the UK starting at the beginning of 2020, orders to stay at home were given across the country. As businesses rushed to implement strategies that would allow them to continue operations, cloud adoption and remote working accelerated at unprecedented rates.
US lawmakers pressure Facebook for details on disabling research accounts
In a letter to Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg, US lawmakers asked for details on the disabling of researchers’ accounts.
Zimbabwe’s controversial cyber security and privacy bill sent back
After passing Zimbabwe’s Senate without debate, the government’s Cyber Security and Data Protection Bill has been referred back to the upper chamber.
Brazilian board executives struggle with LGPD regulations
Under half of Brazilian organisations believe they would not be fully compliant with Brazil’s General Data Protection Law (LGPD) by August 1, 2021.
Zimbabwe’s upper house passes data bill despite privacy concerns
Senators have approved Zimbabwe’s Cyber Security and Data Protection Bill without debate, though opponents say it violates fundamental rights such as privacy, freedom of speech and access to information.
