The Commerce Department’s IoT Advisory Board has recommended that car dealers display privacy disclosures on vehicle windshields, urging government agencies and Congress to mandate this requirement. The report, developed with the officials from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), suggests including easy-to-understand privacy information on vehicle windshields, such as whether vehicles collect personal data and options for universal opt-outs.
This initiative aims to enhance consumer protection amid growing concerns over data privacy in connected cars. The board noted automakers often need to inform consumers about data practices adequately. Despite opposition from the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, the recommendation was adopted after a briefing highlighted the potential benefits of such labelling for consumer awareness.
“So many consumers tell us they had no idea their car is ‘a smartphone on wheels’ that can transmit data to the manufacturer and other companies,” said Amico, who runs Privacy4Cars, a privacy technology company which helps consumers and businesses better understand data privacy concerns related to connected cars.
The report will be considered by a federal working group tasked with determining whether legislation or executive action is needed to implement the recommendations, including regulating third-party data sharing and simplifying privacy policies. The advisory board emphasised that this initiative could set a global standard for IoT device privacy. A few countries, e.g. Singapore, have created comprehensive standards around consumer Internet of Things devices, such as cybersecurity labelling schemes.
A radio station in Krakow, Poland, has ignited controversy by replacing its human journalists with AI-generated presenters, marking what it claims to be ‘the first experiment in Poland.’ OFF Radio Krakow relaunched this week after laying off its staff, introducing virtual avatars aimed at engaging younger audiences on cultural, social, and LGBTQ+ topics.
The move has faced significant backlash, particularly from former journalist Mateusz Demski, who penned an open letter warning that this shift could set a dangerous precedent for job losses in the media and creative sectors. His petition against the change quickly gathered over 15,000 signatures, highlighting widespread public concern about the implications of using AI in broadcasting.
Station head Marcin Pulit defended the layoffs, stating that they were due to the station’s low listenership rather than the introduction of AI. However, Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski called for regulations on AI usage, emphasising the need to establish boundaries for its application in media.
On its first day back on air, the station featured an AI-generated interview with the late Polish poet Wisława Szymborska. Michał Rusinek, president of the Wisława Szymborska Foundation, expressed support for the project, suggesting that the poet would have found the use of her name in this context humorous. As OFF Radio Krakow ventures into this new territory, discussions around the role of AI in journalism and its effects on employment are intensifying.
Ofcom has linked the violent unrest in England and Northern Ireland during the summer to the rapid spread of harmful content on social media platforms. The media regulator found that disinformation and illegal posts circulated widely online following the Southport stabbings in July, which sparked the disorder.
While some platforms acted swiftly to remove inflammatory content, others were criticised for uneven responses. Experts highlighted the significant influence of social media in driving divisive narratives during the crisis, with some calling for platforms to be held accountable for unchecked dangerous content.
Ofcom, which has faced criticism for its handling of the situation, argued that its enhanced powers under the forthcoming Online Safety Act were not yet in force at the time. The new legislation will introduce stricter responsibilities for tech firms in tackling harmful content and disinformation.
The unrest, the worst seen in the United Kingdom in a decade, resulted in arrests and public scrutiny of tech platforms. A high-profile row erupted between the Prime Minister and Elon Musk, after the billionaire suggested that civil war was inevitable following the disorder, a claim strongly rebuked by Sir Keir Starmer.
Nexus and Utimaco have joined forces to enhance security for mobile identities, IoT devices, and critical infrastructure. The strategic partnership reflects a commitment to addressing escalating cybersecurity threats, especially as organisations increasingly adopt mobile-first environments and connected devices.
At the core of this collaboration are integrated security solutions that combine Nexus’ Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) platform with Utimaco’s Hardware Security Module (HSM) and encryption technologies. Specifically, these capabilities enable organisations to issue PKI-based mobile identities for secure access and authentication without traditional passwords while simultaneously allowing manufacturers to assign trusted identities to IoT devices during production.
Furthermore, the solutions support compliance with regulations such as VS-NfD and the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), ensuring that sensitive information is protected and mitigating risks associated with counterfeit products and unauthorised access. A practical application of these integrated solutions is already evident in a major European telecommunications provider, which has successfully secured the provisioning and communication of its IoT devices, significantly reducing risks and maintaining regulatory compliance.
That partnership represents a proactive approach to cybersecurity, providing organisations with the tools needed to navigate the complexities of digital identity management and the secure deployment of connected devices. By leveraging each other’s expertise, Nexus and Utimaco aim to deliver robust solutions that enhance user convenience and strengthen overall security measures. As security threats evolve, the collaboration prioritises user flexibility and strong protection, paving the way for a more secure digital landscape.
Vietnam is committed to ensuring universal access to fibre-optic internet by 2030, aiming to connect every city, province, industrial facility, and household nationwide. The initiative includes launching at least two new international submarine cable routes and achieving 99% coverage of the 5G broadband network by the end of 2025, with a goal for all internet users to benefit from fibre-optic connections offering speeds of at least 1 Gbps.
Additionally, each citizen will have access to one Internet of Things (IoT) connection and a digital identity, with over 70% of adults expected to possess a digital or electronic signature by 2030. To support this digital transformation, Vietnam plans to establish hyper-scale, AI-supportive, and edge data centres that meet international standards while focusing on attracting domestic and international investments in digital infrastructure.
Enhancing digital infrastructure is vital for Vietnam’s socioeconomic growth and competitiveness in the global market. The government seeks to create a robust economic foundation that supports innovation and drives sustainable development by investing in and improving its digital capabilities. As Vietnam positions itself in the digital age, these strategic initiatives will empower citizens with greater access to technology and bolster the nation’s economic resilience and global standing.
Donald Trump, the Republican candidate for the 2024 United States presidential election, has vowed to prosecute Google if he wins the November election. Trump claimed, without evidence, that the tech giant only displays negative stories about him while favouring positive coverage for Democratic rival Kamala Harris.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump accused Google of ‘illegally’ interfering with the election by promoting biased search results. He said he would ask the Justice Department to investigate the company if they fail to act before he potentially returns to the presidency.
This isn’t the first time Trump has accused Google of such behaviour. In 2019, he made similar claims, alleging the company promoted negative coverage of him during the 2016 presidential election. Google dismissed the accusations at the time.
Recently, some Trump supporters have revived the allegations. Elon Musk accused Google of having a search ban on Trump in July, just days after an assassination attempt on the former president.
Google has restricted the creation of new accounts for Russian users, according to Russia‘s digital ministry. The move follows mounting pressure on the tech giant over its failure to remove content deemed illegal by Moscow and for blocking Russian media channels on YouTube following the invasion of Ukraine. Telecom operators have also reported a sharp decline in the number of SMS messages sent by Google to Russian users.
The digital ministry warned there is no guarantee that two-factor authentication SMS confirmations will continue functioning for Google services. It advised users to back up their data and consider alternative authentication methods or domestic platforms. Google had already deactivated AdSense accounts in Russia in August and halted serving ads in the country in March 2022.
Google has blocked over 1,000 YouTube channels linked to state-sponsored Russian media, as well as more than 5.5 million videos. Slower speeds on YouTube in Russia have been recorded recently, with Russian lawmakers blaming the issue on Google’s equipment, a claim the company disputes.
China and Africa cooperate to enhance digital infrastructure, which has emerged as a cornerstone of their evolving economic partnership. Over the past decade, substantial investments from Chinese enterprises have facilitated the construction of essential digital frameworks across Africa.
That includes initiatives such as laying extensive fibre optic cables, establishing robust 5G networks and creating data centres that ensure high-speed connectivity. As a direct consequence of this collaboration, millions of people are now connected, and local economies are being transformed through expanded e-commerce opportunities. Notably, the surge in digital trade has opened new avenues for economic growth in African nations, attracting vital investments and fostering entrepreneurship.
Moreover, Chinese companies have played a crucial role in this transformative process by offering technical support, financial backing, and infrastructure development. Consequently, these efforts have contributed to a vibrant marketplace where an increasing number of online shoppers can access a diverse range of goods and services. Additionally, efforts to promote sustainable development are evident in the improvements to service trade and the establishment of resilient financial infrastructures. By leveraging advancements in digital technology, the partnership optimises sectors such as transport and tourism, enhancing operational efficiency and user experiences.
Why does this matter?
Furthermore, as financial technology (fintech) rapidly evolves, there is a focus on bolstering the stability of financial systems in African countries. By harnessing technologies like blockchain, IoT, and AI, Chinese financial institutions collaborate with local partners to create innovative service models, addressing financial risks and fostering an investment-friendly environment. Through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, both regions are committed to advancing digital transformation while ensuring economic growth aligns with sustainable practices that benefit future generations.
OpenAI’s official press account on X was hacked by cryptocurrency scammers, promoting a fraudulent blockchain token, ‘$OPENAI.’ The scammers posted a message claiming the fake token would grant users access to future OpenAI beta programs. The post linked to a phishing website designed to steal cryptocurrency wallet credentials from unsuspecting users. Despite the scam being evident, the post and the associated site remained active, with comments disabled to make the hack less noticeable.
This incident is part of a larger pattern, with OpenAI leadership accounts also targeted in similar phishing campaigns earlier this year. In June 2023, OpenAI CTO Mira Murati’s account was hacked, posting a nearly identical message about the non-existent “$OPENAI” token. Other key OpenAI staff, such as chief scientist Jakub Pachocki and researcher Jason Wei, were also hacked recently, further exposing vulnerabilities.
Cryptocurrency scams targeting high-profile X accounts have become increasingly common. In previous years, accounts belonging to Apple, Elon Musk, and Joe Biden were compromised to promote scams. These fraudulent campaigns often use fake offers or phishing schemes to steal funds from victims by tricking them into sending cryptocurrency to scam wallets.
Cryptocurrency scams have cost United States citizens $5.6 billion in 2023 alone, a significant increase from the previous year. With over 50,000 cases reported in the first half of 2024, losses have already reached $2.5 billion, according to the Federal Trade Commission, marking an alarming rise in the threat posed by such scams.
The National Security Agency (NSA), in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), United States Cyber Command’s Cyber National Mission Force (CNMF), and international allies, has issued a critical cybersecurity advisory. Titled ‘People’s Republic of China-Linked Actors Compromise Routers and IoT Devices for Botnet Operations,’ the advisory reveals the extensive activities of cyber actors affiliated with the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
These actors have breached internet-connected devices worldwide, establishing a massive botnet. To address this threat, the NSA has outlined several key mitigations aimed at helping device vendors, owners, and operators secure their devices and networks. These recommendations include regularly applying patches and updates, turning off unused services and ports, replacing default passwords with strong alternatives, and implementing network segmentation to reduce IoT device risks.
Furthermore, the advisory suggests monitoring network traffic for signs of DDoS attacks, planning device reboots to eliminate non-persistent malware, and upgrading outdated equipment with supported models. Moreover, NSA Cybersecurity Director Dave Luber has emphasised the importance of the advisory, noting that it provides crucial and timely insights into the botnet’s infrastructure, the geographical distribution of the compromised devices, and effective mitigation strategies.
According to the advisory, the botnet encompasses thousands of devices across various sectors, with over 260,000 devices compromised in North America, Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia as of June 2024. Consequently, this extensive network of affected devices highlights the urgent need for enhanced security measures to protect against such pervasive cyber threats.
