LinkedIn, owned by Microsoft, faces a class-action lawsuit from its Premium customers who allege that the platform improperly shared their private messages with third parties to train AI models. The lawsuit alleges that LinkedIn introduced a new privacy setting last August that allowed users to control the sharing of their data, yet failed to adequately inform them about the use of their messages for AI training.
Customers claim that a stealthy update to LinkedIn’s privacy policy on 18 September outlined this data usage, while also stating that opting out of data sharing would not prevent past training from being utilised.
The plaintiffs, representing millions of Premium users, seek damages for breaches of contract and violations of California’s unfair competition laws. In addition, they demand compensation of $1,000 for each individual affected by alleged violations of the federal Stored Communications Act. The lawsuit highlights concerns over the potential misuse of customer data, asserting that LinkedIn deliberately obscured its practices to evade scrutiny regarding user privacy.
LinkedIn has denied the allegations, stating that the claims lack merit. The legal action arose just hours after President Donald Trump announced a significant AI investment initiative, backed by Microsoft and other major companies. In San Jose, California, the case has been filed as De La Torre v. LinkedIn Corp in the federal district court.
With privacy becoming an increasingly crucial issue, the implications of this lawsuit could resonate throughout the tech industry. Customers are scrutinising platforms’ commitments to safeguarding personal information, especially in the context of rapidly evolving AI technologies.
CTM360, a Bahrain-based cybersecurity platform, has partnered with the ISACA Singapore Chapter to enhance Singapore’s cybersecurity landscape. By signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the first members’ event of 2025, this collaboration aims to elevate cybersecurity through capacity development, professional development, and fostering a culture of knowledge exchange.
The partnership focuses on hosting joint events, training programs, and workshops designed to advance cybersecurity expertise, support certification advancements, and develop innovative strategies to address evolving cyber threats. By combining their expertise, both organisations are working to enhance cybersecurity ecosystem in Singapore and equip professionals with the tools required to tackle modern challenges, ensuring cybersecurity remains a priority across industries.
The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for professional growth and strengthening the cybersecurity community. It underscores the importance of equipping professionals with the necessary knowledge and tools to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The partnership also aims to drive impactful initiatives, promoting a safer and more resilient digital environment through collective responsibility and a focus on addressing current and future cyber threats.
China’s foreign ministry stated on Monday that companies should make independent decisions regarding their business operations and agreements. The remarks came in response to United States President-elect Donald Trump’s proposal requiring 50% US ownership of TikTok.
The proposed ownership demand has reignited tensions over the popular social media app, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, as US officials continue to express concerns over national security and data privacy. Chinese officials have consistently emphasised the importance of allowing businesses to operate without undue government interference.
TikTok, which boasts millions of users worldwide, has faced scrutiny in several countries over its links to China. The foreign ministry’s statement highlights Beijing’s stance that such matters should remain in the hands of corporations rather than being dictated by political decisions.
Former Meta Platforms COO Sheryl Sandberg has been sanctioned by a Delaware Chancery Court judge for deleting emails linked to the Cambridge Analytica privacy scandal, despite orders to preserve them. Judge Travis Laster determined that Sandberg used a personal email account under a pseudonym to erase messages potentially relevant to a shareholder lawsuit. The sanctions are likely to complicate her defence in the trial set for April, and she has been ordered to cover shareholders’ expenses related to the motion.
The lawsuit, filed in 2018, accuses Facebook’s leadership of harming investors by violating a 2012 Federal Trade Commission consent order to protect user data. Shareholders also allege the company paid a $5 billion fine in 2019 to shield founder Mark Zuckerberg from personal liability. Zuckerberg is expected to face a second deposition before the non-jury trial begins. Sandberg has argued that her email deletions did not affect critical evidence, claiming that relevant messages were often copied to others.
Judge Laster criticised the deletions, stating they likely erased the most sensitive communications. The court also considered similar allegations against Jeffrey Zients, a former Meta board member, but deemed his deleted emails less significant as he joined after the Cambridge Analytica scandal emerged. The case has been described by Laster as involving “wrongdoing on a truly colossal scale,” with significant implications for accountability in corporate governance.
Jobseekers are being targeted by a sophisticated scam that disguises malware as interview invitations. Masquerading as legitimate offers, these fraudulent emails claim to originate from reputable companies like CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity firm. However, the links they contain redirect victims to malicious websites, leading to the download of cryptomining software.
The malware, once installed, hijacks a computer’s CPU and GPU to mine cryptocurrency. This process severely degrades system performance, causing unresponsiveness, overheating, and increased energy consumption. The software also runs covertly, making it challenging to detect until significant harm is done.
CrowdStrike has acknowledged the scam, urging jobseekers to verify recruitment emails and avoid downloading files from unknown sources. Experts advise using robust antivirus software and remaining vigilant against unsolicited links or downloads during the job application process.
As cybercriminals continually innovate, individuals must exercise caution online. Even scams aimed at exploiting system resources can pave the way for far more invasive attacks, including financial theft and personal data breaches.
A new report from the European Court of Auditors (ECA) highlights progress in tackling unjustified geo-blocking in the EU but calls for stronger enforcement and expanded regulations. Geo-blocking, which restricts online access to goods and services based on nationality or location, was targeted by a 2018 regulation aimed at ensuring fairer treatment in the EU Single Market. However, the ECA found that inconsistent enforcement has left many consumers unprotected.
The report reveals significant disparities in penalties for non-compliance, ranging from minor fines of €26 in some countries to €5 million or even criminal liability in others. These gaps, combined with limited awareness among consumers and traders about available support, have undermined the regulation’s effectiveness. Key exemptions for sectors like audiovisual services—such as streaming platforms and TV distribution—are also causing frustration, with calls to broaden the regulation’s scope during its 2025 review.
Ildikó Gáll-Pelcz, the ECA member responsible for the audit, warned that geo-blocking continues to restrict consumer choices and fuel dissatisfaction. In response, the European Commission has welcomed the findings, signalling potential reforms, including stricter enforcement mechanisms and exploring ways to address challenges tied to copyright practices. The Commission has committed to factoring the report into its upcoming evaluation of the regulation.
A decision to allocate satellite spectrum administratively rather than through an auction aims to increase competition in India’s vast telecom market. Telecoms Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia emphasised the government’s commitment to providing consumers with greater choice, despite concerns from Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio over losing ground to Elon Musk’s Starlink. Reliance had pushed for auctions, arguing they ensure a level playing field after the company invested $19 billion in airwave rights.
Analysts suggest administrative allocation aligns with global norms and reduces investment barriers for foreign companies. Scindia noted that current satellite technology is limited to outdoor use, which distinguishes it from indoor services offered by terrestrial networks. Applications from Starlink and Amazon Kuiper to enter India’s satellite broadband market, projected to reach $1.9 billion by 2030, are under review.
India’s competitive telecom sector, with 942 million users and low data costs, is attracting significant global interest. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), a state-run operator with 99 million users, is expanding its 4G offerings to regain market share. Meanwhile, the government remains tight-lipped about plans to assist Vodafone Idea, which faces $24 billion in dues.
Musk’s disruptive approach, evident in markets like Kenya where Starlink’s pricing undercut local rivals, signals potential shifts in India’s broadband landscape. The new satellite policy could bring more innovation, fostering a dynamic environment for global and domestic players.
Educators are embracing AI to tackle academic dishonesty, which is increasingly prevalent in digital learning environments. Tools like ChatGPT have made it easier for students to generate entire assignments using AI. To counter this, teachers are employing AI detection tools and innovative strategies to maintain academic integrity.
Understanding AI’s capabilities is crucial in detecting misuse. Educators are advised to familiarise themselves with tools like ChatGPT by testing it with sample assignments. Collecting genuine writing samples from students early in the semester provides a baseline for comparison, helping identify potential AI-generated work. Tools designed specifically to detect AI writing further assist in verifying authenticity.
Requesting rewrites is another effective approach when AI usage is suspected. By asking an AI tool to rewrite a suspected piece, teachers can highlight the telltale signs of machine-generated text, such as a lack of personal style and overuse of synonyms. Strong evidence of AI misuse strengthens cases when addressing cheating with students and school administrators.
The rise of AI in education underscores the need for vigilance. Teachers must balance scepticism with evidence-based methods to ensure fairness. Maintaining a collaborative and transparent approach can help foster a culture of learning over shortcuts.
Social media security firm Spikerz has raised $7 million in a seed funding round led by Disruptive AI, with contributions from Horizon Capital, Wix Ventures, Storytime Capital, and BDMI. The funding highlights the growing demand for innovative solutions to combat cyber threats on social platforms.
The startup specialises in protecting social media accounts from phishing attacks, scams, and other risks posed by increasingly sophisticated cybercriminals. Its platform also helps users detect and remove fake accounts, malicious bots, and visibility restrictions like shadowbans. These features are particularly valuable for businesses, influencers, and brands relying on social platforms for growth.
Spikerz plans to use the investment to enhance its AI-driven platform, expand its global reach, and bolster its team. CEO Naveh Ben Dror emphasised the importance of staying ahead of malicious actors who are now leveraging advanced technologies like generative AI. He described the funding as a strong vote of confidence in the company’s mission to secure social media accounts worldwide.
The firm’s efforts come at a critical time when social media platforms play a central role in the success of businesses and creators. With the latest backing, Spikerz aims to provide cutting-edge tools to safeguard these digital livelihoods.
Major tech companies, including Meta’s Facebook, Elon Musk’s X, YouTube, and TikTok, have committed to tackling online hate speech through a revised code of conduct now linked to the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA). Announced Monday by the European Commission, the updated agreement also includes platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitch, expanding the coalition originally formed in 2016. The move reinforces the EU’s stance against illegal hate speech, both online and offline, according to EU tech commissioner Henna Virkkunen.
Under the revised code, platforms must allow not-for-profit organisations or public entities to monitor how they handle hate speech reports and ensure at least 66% of flagged cases are reviewed within 24 hours. Companies have also pledged to use automated tools to detect and reduce hateful content while disclosing how recommendation algorithms influence the spread of such material.
Additionally, participating platforms will provide detailed, country-specific data on hate speech incidents categorised by factors like race, religion, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Compliance with these measures will play a critical role in regulators’ enforcement of the DSA, a cornerstone of the EU’s strategy to combat illegal and harmful content online.
