What are the real-world implications of mismanaged data?
No. 66: Bringing you the news that matters in video privacy and security
The unsettling truth about data breaches and unauthorised access is coming closer into focus - these breaches have tangible consequences that extend far beyond the digital realm. Mismanagement and improper access to data can have huge negative implications for civilians, businesses, law enforcement, and victims.
The Northern Ireland police recently apologised after a large-scale data leak exposed the personal details of 10,000 individuals. Data breaches of this nature undoubtedly have real-life consequences - likewise, a data breach by Norfolk and Suffolk police forces has exposed the personal information of 1,230 individuals, including crime victims and witnesses.
Meanwhile, Zoom is facing backlash from users over their updated terms of service which granted the company a broad license for various purposes, including AI training. This has raised concerns that users' data will be mass-collected and used to train Zoom's AI models without user consent.
When data is mishandled or falls into the wrong hands, individuals can experience identity theft, financial loss, and reputational damage. Mismanaged data can erode trust in institutions, stifle innovation, and hinder economic growth. As data becomes even more of a commodity, ensuring robust data protection practices is not just a matter of compliance, but a fundamental requirement to safeguard data rights. Data privacy is not a passive pursuit: it is a commitment to respect the rights and privacy of personal data.
As always, please send any feedback or topics of interest you would like to be covered.
Seena, Editor
News
Zoom faces backlash over AI data usage without consent
Zoom has come under scrutiny for its updated terms of service, which grant the company the right to use customer data for AI training and improvement without explicit consent. Despite reassurances that users can opt out of data sharing, is there a broader issue of inadequate data protection laws and the need for transparency in AI integration?
BBC: Zoom denies training AI on calls without consent
NBC News: Zoom addresses privacy concerns raised by AI data collection language in terms of service
Northern Ireland police data breach exposes personal details of thousands
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has apologised after inadvertently disclosing the personal details of its 10,000 staff in response to a Freedom of Information request. The breach has raised concerns about potential damage and risks to officers.
BBC: PSNI: Major data breach identifies thousands of officers and civilian staff
The Times: Dissident republicans ‘have details of police officers’ after PSNI data breach
Google give users more control of personal images
Google is introducing new privacy tools to allow users to control personal images and prevent explicit photos from easily appearing in public search results. A blurring setting will be enabled by default in Google's search, obscuring explicit and violent content.
CNN: Google update makes it easier for US users to remove some unwanted search results
The Guardian: Google to launch privacy tools which remove unwanted personal images
Homeland Security uses facial recognition to combat child exploitation
The US Department of Homeland Security's Investigations used facial recognition technology, including tools from Clearview AI, to identify both victims and abusers, in an effort to combat child exploitation. Their efforts led to the identification of hundreds of children and abusers from years-old crimes.
IAPP: DHS employed Clearview AI to combat child exploitation
Reproductive clinic uses facial recognition for donor matching
Lucina Egg Bank has launched Lucina ReflEggction, a platform that uses facial biometrics to match clients with egg donors who share similar facial features. The platform generates anonymised biometric templates to help address privacy concerns associated with sensitive reproductive data.
Biometric Update: Reproductive clinic uses face biometrics for donor matching
AI Snippet of the Week
California uses AI-powered cameras to detect wildfires early
California firefighters are using AI technology to detect wildfires by analysing video feeds from over 1,000 strategically placed cameras across the state. The ALERTCalifornia AI program successfully spotted and prevented a fire outbreak in Cleveland National Forest just last month.
Reuters: California turns to AI to help spot wildfires
New Scientist: Smoke-spotting AI watches live video to find early signs of wildfire
Policy Updates
ICO releases draft guidance on biometric data
The ICO has released a draft of its guidance on biometric data and technologies. It emphasises data protection by design, recommends conducting data protection impact assessments before implementing biometric recognition systems, and addresses discrimination risks.
The ICO: ICO consultation on the draft biometric data guidance
DIGIT News: ICO Publishes Draft Guidance on Biometric Data Use in the UK
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