The 5 year privacy tide - where are we now?

No. 61: Bringing you the news that matters in video privacy and security

It's been five years since the GDPR came into play, catalysing a global trend of data protection. In fact, Texas has just passed a new data privacy bill which will expand Texans' data rights and bolster the accountability of data handlers in Texas. As data continues to expand in commercial value, data laws grow equally in importance - as does providing citizens across the world with responsible access and care of their personal data. So where do we stand with data privacy today? 

Thanks to concrete data laws based on the GDPR, enforcement action is being taken against those who do not manage data responsibly. Meta has just received a large $1.3 billion fine from the Irish Data Protection Commission for violating previous 2020 rules on data transfers.   

However, it is clear that the battle for data privacy is ongoing. The recent breach of patient data by the Northern Territory government serves as a stark reminder that no entity is immune to the risks of mishandling personal information. No data governance framework was established prior to the transfers, raising questions about the extent to which sensitive files have been exposed and adequately safeguarded.

Can data laws keep up with advancing technology and increasingly sophisticated data breaches? Incidents and mishandlings of data damage public trust, and data laws need to be able to strike a balance that prioritises data privacy, whilst still allowing for technology to evolve. Only through collective efforts and a commitment to privacy can we navigate the evolving landscape of data protection and build a more secure digital future.

As always, please send any feedback or topics of interest you would like to be covered.

Seena, Editor


News

NYC traffic enforcement call for body-worn cameras 

The union representing New York City's traffic enforcement agents is advocating for the use of body worn cameras during contract negotiations. They argue that the cameras will help document the daily abuse and assaults they face from motorists and improve their safety.

Government Technology: New York City Traffic Agents Ask for Body-Worn Cameras

Police 1: Traffic agents want BWCs so NYPD, public can see abuse they endure

 

Australian Northern Territory government breach patient health records 

The Northern Territory government has violated the privacy of numerous public health patients by sharing identifiable medical records with a software vendor located in Europe, South America, and China. 

IAPP: Northern Territory patients swept up in government data breach

ABC: Thousands of identifiable NT patient health files sent to overseas-based software vendor in government data breach

 

CCTV could be installed in Hong Kong classrooms, raising privacy concerns

Hong Kong police have recommended installing security cameras in classrooms as part of their new crime prevention initiative. However, lawmakers and school principals express concerns about potential discomfort for students and teachers. 

Security Today: Hong Kong police recommends installing security cameras in classrooms

South China Morning Post: Security cameras in Hong Kong classrooms? Lawmakers, school principals express concerns over police suggestion to help prevent crime

 

Ministry of Justice suffers prison security lapse 

The Ministry of Justice has received a formal reprimand from the ICO for a security breach involving confidential documents at a prison. Medical and security vetting details were left unsecured in a prison holding area for 18 days, allowing prisoners and staff access.

ICO: ICO issues Ministry of Justice with reprimand after confidential personal information left in prison holding area

Security Matters: Ministry of Justice receives reprimand from Information Commissioner

 

Meta fined $1.3 billion for international data transfers

Meta has been fined a record $1.3 billion and instructed to stop transferring data collected from European Facebook users to the United States. Ireland's Data Protection Commission imposed the penalty for not complying with a 2020 decision that stated Facebook's data transfers across the Atlantic were inadequately protected. 

The New York Times: Meta Fined $1.3 Billion for Violating E.U. Data Privacy Rules

Tech Crunch: Meta ordered to suspend Facebook EU data flows as it’s hit with record €1.2BN privacy fine under GDPR


AI Snippet of the Week

Deepfake fraud in China raises concerns over AI-powered financial crime

A sophisticated fraud in northern China used "deepfake" technology to trick a man into transferring a substantial amount of money. The incident has prompted concerns about the role of AI in facilitating financial crimes and sparked discussions about online privacy and security.

The Economic Times: 'Deepfake' scam in China fans worries over AI-driven fraud

Reuters: 'Deepfake' scam in China fans worries over AI-driven fraud


Policy Updates

Texas Senate passes Data Privacy and Security Act

The Texas Senate recently passed the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act, which, if signed, would make Texas the 10th state to have comprehensive privacy legislation. 

The National Law Review: Texas Legislature Passes Texas Data Privacy and Security Act

The Dallas Morning News: Texas might finally get serious about data privacy


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