BetaNews: Tor Browser 9.5 arrives with the option to automatically switch to more secure Onion versions of sites. “Increasing numbers of internet users are becoming aware of the privacy and security implications of being online, and it is for this reason that secure browsers such as Tor are growing in popularity. Now, with the release of Tor Browser 9.5, the browser features an option that can automatically switch to the secure .onion version of a site if one is available.”
privacy
Reuters: Google faces $5 billion lawsuit in U.S. for tracking ‘private’ internet use
Reuters: Google faces $5 billion lawsuit in U.S. for tracking ‘private’ internet use. “Google was sued on Tuesday in a proposed class action accusing the internet search company of illegally invading the privacy of millions of users by pervasively tracking their internet use through browsers set in ‘private’ mode. The lawsuit seeks at least $5 billion (4 billion pounds), accusing the Alphabet Inc unit of surreptitiously collecting information about what people view online and where they browse, despite their using what Google calls Incognito mode.”
Wired: How to Protest Safely in the Age of Surveillance
Wired: How to Protest Safely in the Age of Surveillance. “There are two main aspects of digital surveillance to be concerned about while at a protest. One is the data police could potentially obtain from your phone if you are detained, arrested, or they confiscate your device. The other is law enforcement surveillance, which can include wireless interception of text messages and more, and tracking tools like license plate scanners and facial recognition. You should be mindful of both.”
WRAL Tech Wire: Google rolls out ‘Scam Spotter,’ a new tool to combat online fraud
WRAL Tech Wire: Google rolls out ‘Scam Spotter,’ a new tool to combat online fraud. “Google is teaming with the Cybercrime Support Network in an effort to crack down on internet and phone fraud – which has surged during COVID-19 – with a new initiative called ‘Scam Spotter.’ Unveiled today, the program provides advice to help people identify and protect themselves from scams.”
CNN: The ACLU sues Clearview AI, calling the tool an ‘unprecedented violation’ of privacy rights
CNN: The ACLU sues Clearview AI, calling the tool an ‘unprecedented violation’ of privacy rights. “The American Civil Liberties Union is suing Clearview AI, the maker of a facial-recognition tool used by law enforcement agencies across the country. The ACLU alleges that Clearview’s technology runs afoul of the 2008 Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act, according to the complaint, filed Thursday in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois.”
The Register: Twitter, Reddit and pals super unhappy US visa hopefuls have to declare their online handles to Uncle Sam
The Register: Twitter, Reddit and pals super unhappy US visa hopefuls have to declare their online handles to Uncle Sam. “Twitter, Reddit, and the Internet Association on Thursday filed a legal brief in support of a challenge to the US State Department’s policy of requiring visa applicants to disclose their social media handles and profiles.”
BetaNews: Massive amounts of corporate data now stored on employee USB devices
BetaNews: Massive amounts of corporate data now stored on employee USB devices. “There has been a 123 percent increase in the volume of data downloaded to USB devices by employees since working from home has become widespread due to coronavirus. What’s more, according to a report from SaaS data protection company Digital Guardian, 74 percent of that data is subject to organisation data governance policies.”
