Facebook loosens privacy policy on teens’ posts
by Jessica Guynn, Los Angeles Times
Social network Facebook lifts restrictions on kids 13 to 17 that kept them from sharing information with people they do not know. Critics say the move puts teens at risk. Read More ›
Kids’ personal data needs protection from tech firms
by John Simpson, Consumer Watchdog
The educational technology software industry is an estimated $8 billion market. The concern is that instead of using kids’ data only for educational purposes, their privacy will be invaded and the data will be used to market products to kids and their families.
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Shoppers getting ripped off by tiny, high-tech cash register skimmers
by Herb Weisbaum, Today.com
Crooks who steal credit and debit card numbers have found a devious new way to snag this information. They’re using a small and relatively cheap piece of off-the-shelf technology to compromise computerized store cash registers. Read More ›
Airlines new ‘slimline’ seats squeeze more passengers into coach
by Joshua Freed, 10News.com
Some passengers seem to mind the tighter squeeze more than others. The new seats generally have thinner padding. And new layouts on some planes have made the aisles slightly narrower, meaning the dreaded beverage cart bump to the shoulder happens more often. Read More ›
California governor vetoes state email privacy bill
by Kate Tummarello, The Hill
Governor Jerry Brown vetoed a state online privacy bill that would have protected residents’ electronic communications accounts from warrantless access by law enforcement agencies. Read More ›
To File a Complaint
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Online: https://esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm Phone: (888) 225-5322 TTY: (888) 835-5322 Fax: (866) 418-0232 E-mail: fccinfo@fcc.gov Mail: Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street SW Washington, DC 20554 Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Online: https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/#&panel1-1 Phone: (877) 382-4357 TTY: (866) 653-4261 Mail: 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, … Read More ›
What Are Our Legal Rights?
Unfortunately, laws have not kept pace with changing technology. The first iPhone was released in 2007, and since then there has been an explosion of smartphone technology. Existing Federal Law: The Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) Enacted in 1986, ECPA (18 U.S.C. §§ 2510-3127) includes the Wiretap … Read More ›
Smartphone Privacy Tips
Never leave your smartphone unattended. Use Wi-Fi networks cautiously and turn Bluetooth off when not in use. Disable photo geotagging on your phone. Research apps before you download them: When browsing an app store, look at how many people have downloaded the app you are interested … Read More ›
How Are Smartphones Attacked?
Criminals Can Physically Gain Access to Your Smartphone A person who gains access to your smartphone can physically install surveillance spyware. An online search for “smartphone spy” pulls up software that promises “it doesn’t matter if the user tries to delete their tracks by deleting their … Read More ›
What Information Does Your Service Provider Collect and Store?
Service providers (like AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, and T-Mobile) collect data, but are not forthcoming in detailing exactly what data they collect, the reasons they collect it, and their data retention policies. At the very least, smartphone service providers collect the following: Incoming and outgoing calls: the … Read More ›
Your Medical Privacy Rights
What are your medical privacy rights? What are key medical privacy laws and what is recent California legislation regarding medical privacy? How would you submit a medical privacy complaint? Read More ›
Mixed results on privacy legislation in 2013
CFC keeps fighting for consumer privacy and data protection – and we appreciate our supporters who continue to assist us in our efforts. Read More ›
Consumer Federation of California’s 2013 Legislative Summary
The 2013 legislative session concluded on September 13 and Governor Brown had about 900 bills to sign or veto. Numerous consumer bills advanced and Consumer Federation of California had important successes. Read More ›