Tag Archives: Privacy
LA County to Collect More Personal Data Without Public Notice
by Ali Winston, The Center for Investigative Reporting
[Center for Investigative Reporting] County law enforcement officials are preparing to widen a massive database of iris scans, fingerprints, mug shots, palm prints and, potentially, voice recordings, creating the largest such repository outside of the FBI of so-called next-generation biometric identification. With the FBI’s own system now fully operational, the next phase is for local jurisdictions across the country to update their own information-gathering systems to the FBI’s standards. Read More ›
CFC-Sponsored Ban Against Computer Spyware Signed Into Law
SEPT. 18 – Gov. Jerry Brown has signed a bill sponsored by the Consumer Federation of California to protect consumer privacy by restricting the use of spyware on rented computers. Thanks to Assembly Bill 2667 (Richard Bloom, D-Santa Monica), consumers who rent a computer or similar electronic device in … Read More ›
JPMorgan and Other Banks Struck by Hackers
by Nicole Perlroth, The New York Times
Hackers struck a number of U.S. banks in coordinated attacks this month that siphoned off gigabytes of data, including checking and savings account information, in what security experts described as a sophisticated cyberattack. Aside from JPMorgan, it was not clear which other banks were infiltrated. A security firm had warned companies that they should be prepared for cyberattacks from Russia in retaliation for Western economic sanctions. The American banking sector has been a frequent target for hackers in recent years, with the vast majority of attacks motivated by financial theft. Read More ›
SB 383: Battle For Privacy In Online Purchases Falters After 2-Year Fight
CFC sponsored the bill to restore privacy protections, permitting online businesses to collect only a customer’s zip code and other limited information necessary to combat fraud or identity theft. Apple is leading the opposition; several industry lobbying organizations lined up against the bill. Senator Jackson plans to take up SB 383 for a Senate Floor vote in January 2014. Read More ›
Google Glass is the perfect tool for stealing your phone’s passcode
by Polly Mosendz, The Atlantic Wire
Most people using smart devices have a simple password set up — four digits that protect your phone or tablet from prying eyes and theft. Usually, these passwords are quite easy to protect when in public; just type it in quickly and no one will notice, especially outdoors sun glare makes it hard to read your screen. However, if you find yourself typing in your password in the presence of a Google Glass wearer, beware. Read More ›
What you really agree to when you click ‘accept’
by By Jose Pagliery, CNN Money
You can spot the words “privacy policy” at the bottom of nearly every website. Don’t be fooled. Those policies are more about data collection than privacy. Companies use these policies to alert you to how they track your location, read your emails, spy on your Web browsing – and sell some of that to advertisers. With the help of several legal experts, CNN has reviewed policies at many top websites and apps. The conclusion: Most privacy policies are basically useless. Read More ›
Calif. Senate OKs Bill Targeting Online Data Brokers
by Erin Coe, Law 360
A measure that would rein in how consumers’ personal data posted on commercial websites is bought, sold and traded to unregulated third parties cleared the California Senate on May 8. The bill now moves on to the California Assembly for review. Read More ›
Privacy price gouging, courtesy of phone companies
by David Lazarus, Los Angeles Times
By now, you’re probably thinking you have no privacy left. To cite just a couple of prominent recent examples, we had Target and other retailers admitting in January that hackers may have accessed the credit and debit card numbers of more than 110 million people. Last week, … Read More ›
Control of car data at stake in Bill Monning bill
by Jeremy B. White, Sacramento Bee
Framed by a computer-equipped car parked on the steps of the State Capitol, Monning said his Senate Bill 994 would allow consumers to see what data their car generates and decide with whom they want to share the information. The measure is sponsored by AAA Northern California and its south state counterpart, the Auto Club of Southern California. Read More ›
Is your car spying on you? GPS tracks consumers, identity theft at risk
by Phillip Swarts, Washington Times
Despite telling consumers they are collecting the information and seeking consent, companies do not always disclose what information is collected and how it is used. Companies are also inconsistent when it comes to giving drivers the ability to delete their information. Read More ›
California Law Allows Kids to Erase Digital Indiscretions
by Ronnie Cohen, Reuters
California teenagers, who post photographs of themselves wearing too little clothing or having had too much to drink, will have the legal right to erase their online indiscretions under newly enacted first-in-the-nation legislation. Read More ›