What's happening with your data privacy?
No. 53: Bringing you the news that matters in video privacy and security
Happy Data Privacy Week!
International Data Privacy Day on 28th January is great awareness of the catalyst for data privacy across the world. All the protection that lawmakers, DPAs, companies, and governments are putting in place surrounding data - paired with social media broadcasting a beacon on over-surveillance and unethical data collection; all sheds light on the importance and growing public awareness around data privacy.
This week we focus on privacy - the good and the bad: from new data laws, data fines, data security issues, and data processing.
A new Polish bill that expands the surveillance powers of authorities has sparked fears and concerns over government overreach, with powers to access private correspondence over apps like Messenger and WhatsApp and emails.
A Swiss hacker revealed that they easily found the FBI's "no-fly-list" on an unsecured server online, which revealed the personal information of several known and suspected people of interest.
Additionally, pushback from residents in Lisbon has resulted in cameras outside the China embassy in Portugal being either moved or completely removed. Again, this highlights an active resistance of citizens to invasions of their privacy, particularly by official bodies.
Ireland's Data Protection Commission has fined Meta's WhatsApp €5.5 million euros after concluding the app forced users to consent to their processing data methods in the Terms of Service. This fine marks a total of over €1 billion Meta has received in fines over the last 16 months.
The road ahead may be a bumpy one for privacy professionals but we hope to reach a place where citizens globally are protected by proper accountability and enforcement. This means privacy is respected both in the private and public sectors, with proper pushback to overreach and infringement of privacy rights.
As always, please send any feedback or topics of interest you would like to be covered.
Seena, Editor
News
US Senator calls for probe into mass surveillance by law enforcement
US Senator, Ron Wyden, has called for the Justice Department’s inspector general to investigate federal, state, and local law enforcement access to a database of over 150 million money transfers. The lawmaker argues police have been allowed access to these records routinely without court oversight.
Reuters: Senator calls for probe of mass surveillance tool used by U.S. law enforcement
Al Jazeera: US Senator calls for probe into law enforcement mass surveillance
Meta fined €5.5 million for GDPR violation
Ireland's Data Protection Commission has fined Meta's WhatsApp €5.5 million, citing that the company compelled users to consent to the data being processed and its lack of transparency did not satisfy parts of the GDPR.
Security Week: Meta Slapped With 5.5 Million Euro Fine for EU Data Breach
CCTV cameras in Lisbon under fire as citizens concerned for privacy
CCTV cameras installed at the Chinese Embassy in Lisbon were removed or repositioned after residents raised concerns about privacy. Residents cited concerns that the large 360 cameras may be used to film public roads and homes, violating Portuguese law.
Reuters: Chinese embassy in Lisbon removes CCTV camera after residents' concerns
Euronews: Chinese embassy in Lisbon faces scrutiny over surveillance cameras
Swiss hacktivist finds FBI no-fly-list on an unsecured online server
A Swiss "hacktivist" has revealed how they found the US Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) no-fly list on an exposed online server. The server contained redacted versions of the FBI anti-terrorism "no-fly" lists and personal information of known or suspected terrorists.
France launches a public consultation into data processing activities by mobile apps
The French data protection watchdog, the CNIL, has launched a public consultation on the economic issues related to data collection and processing by apps. They want to make data flows more transparent and protect users' privacy.
AI Snippet of the Week
ICO addresses the use of AI algorithms by local councils in the UK
The ICO has released findings of an inquiry into local authorities' use of AI. This was carried out in response to concerns regarding the use of algorithmic decision-making in the welfare system. It included advice for local authorities on addressing concerns, and properly complying with data legislation.
The ICO: Blog: Addressing concerns on the use of AI by local authorities
One Trust: UK: ICO addresses concerns on use of AI by local authorities
Policy Updates
New Polish surveillance bill sparks pushback from privacy advocates
The lower house of the Polish Parliament is currently working on a controversial bill that could see it become easier for authorities to electronically surveil citizens and access their emails and social media messages. The discussion of the bill has ignited fervent privacy discussions in Poland, with fears of government overreach.
Euractiv: Polish government working on controversial surveillance bill
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