Privacy and data protection Archives | Page 235 of 328

Apple loses appeal against German regulators

Apple has lost its appeal against a regulatory decision that could impose stricter controls on the company in Germany.

The Federal Court of Justice upheld a 2023 ruling by the country’s competition authority, which classified Apple as a company of ‘paramount cross-market significance for competition,’ placing it under closer scrutiny.

A decision like this means Apple will face potential regulatory measures similar to those imposed on tech giants such as Google’s parent company, Alphabet, and Facebook’s owner, Meta.

The ruling follows a judge’s earlier indication in January that the court would side with the regulator. Apple had attempted to involve the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg, but the request was denied.

In Europe, Apple’s App Store has come under increasing scrutiny, with regulators expressing concerns over how the company collects and utilises vast amounts of user data. This latest setback adds to Apple’s ongoing legal and regulatory challenges in the region.

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Security Checkup arrives on TikTok to boost user account safety

TikTok has launched a new Security Checkup tool, offering users a simplified way to manage their account safety.

The dashboard provides an easy-to-navigate hub where users can review and update security settings such as login methods, two-step verification, and device access.

Designed to be user-friendly, it aims to encourage proactive security habits without overwhelming people with technical details.

The security portal functions similarly to tools offered by major tech companies like Google and Meta, reinforcing the importance of digital safety.

Features include passkey authentication for password-free logins, alerts for suspicious activity, and the ability to check which devices are logged into an account.

TikTok hopes the tool will make it easier for users to secure their profiles and prevent unauthorised access.

While the Security Checkup is a practical addition, it also arrives amid TikTok’s ongoing struggles in the US, where concerns over data privacy persist.

The company’s head of global security, Kim Albarella, describes the feature as a ‘powerful new tool’ that allows users to ‘take control’ of their account safety with confidence.

Accessing the tool is straightforward—users can find it within the app’s ‘Settings and privacy’ menu under ‘Security & permissions.’

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US bans Chinese AI LLM DeepSeek from government devices

Several US Commerce Department bureaus have recently prohibited using the Chinese AI model DeepSeek on government-issued devices, according to internal communications and sources familiar with the matter.

A mass email circulated among staff emphasised the importance of safeguarding departmental information systems, instructing employees to refrain from downloading, viewing, or accessing any applications, desktop apps, or websites associated with DeepSeek.

The case reflects escalating apprehensions among US officials and legislators regarding data privacy and the potential exposure of sensitive government information through DeepSeek’s usage.

In February, Representatives Josh Gottheimer and Darin LaHood, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence members, introduced legislation to ban DeepSeek on government devices. They also contacted state governors, urging similar prohibitions at the state level. In a letter dated 3 March, the lawmakers cautioned that using DeepSeek could inadvertently share highly sensitive and proprietary information with the Chinese Communist Party, including contracts, documents, and financial records.

Several states, including Virginia, Texas, and New York, have already implemented bans on DeepSeek for government devices. A coalition of 21 state attorneys general has called on Congress to enact comprehensive legislation addressing this issue.

The concerns stem from DeepSeek’s rapid emergence as a low-cost AI model, which has disrupted global equity markets and posed a potential threat to the United States’ leadership in AI.

Stay updated on DeepSeek developments!

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London court holds secret hearing on Apple’s cloud encryption dispute

A London court has reportedly heard Apple’s appeal against a British government order requiring it to provide access to encrypted cloud storage.

The hearing, held at the Investigatory Powers Tribunal on Friday, took place behind closed doors, with no media or civil rights groups allowed to attend.

The case stems from a ‘technical capability notice’ issued to Apple, which allegedly compelled the company to create a backdoor into its encrypted services. In response, Apple removed its Advanced Data Protection feature for new users in Britain.

Neither Apple nor the UK government has confirmed the existence of the order, but reports suggest it has raised concerns among privacy advocates and foreign governments.

Civil rights groups, including Privacy International and Liberty, have condemned the secrecy of the proceedings, calling the order ‘unacceptable and disproportionate.’

Critics argue that allowing governments to bypass encryption undermines privacy and security for users worldwide. The issue has drawn international attention, with United States officials investigating whether Britain’s actions violated the CLOUD Act, which restricts demands for US citizens’ data.

Government officials have remained tight-lipped, with the Home Office refusing to comment and security ministers maintaining a policy of neither confirming nor denying such notices.

While authorities argue that encryption access is essential for tackling serious crimes, opponents warn that weakening security protections could have far-reaching consequences. The case highlights ongoing tensions between governments and tech companies over privacy, security, and law enforcement.

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Pavel Durov granted temporary leave from France in legal case

French authorities have granted Pavel Durov, the Russian-born founder and CEO of Telegram, temporary permission to leave France.

Durov was placed under formal inve s tigation last August over alleged criminal activities on the messaging platform and had been barred from leaving the country. He departed for Dubai on Saturday after an investigating judge approved his temporary absence.

The legal probe has heightened tensions between France and Russia, particularly against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine.

Prosecutors suspect Durov of complicity in allowing illegal activities such as drug trafficking and money laundering on Telegram. As part of his legal obligations, he was required to post bail of 5 million euros ($5.4 million).

Being under formal investigation in France does not imply guilt but indicates that judges believe there is sufficient evidence to continue the case. The Paris prosecutor’s office has not commented on the latest developments.

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UK watchdog launches enforcement on file-sharing services

The UK’s internet watchdog, Ofcom, has launched a new enforcement programme under the Online Safety Act (OSA), targeting storage and file-sharing services due to concerns over the sharing of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

The regulator has identified these services as particularly vulnerable to misuse for distributing CSAM and will assess the safety measures in place to prevent such activities.

As part of the enforcement programme, Ofcom has contacted a number of file-storage and sharing services, warning them that formal information requests will be issued soon.

These requests will require the services to submit details on the measures they have implemented or plan to introduce to combat CSAM, along with risk assessments related to illegal content.

Failure to comply with the requirements of the OSA could result in substantial penalties for these companies, with fines reaching up to 10% of their global annual turnover.

Ofcom’s crackdown highlights the growing responsibility for online services to prevent illegal content from being shared on their platforms.

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EU delays ETIAS launch until late 2026

The European Union has announced that the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will require visa-free travellers from non-EU countries, including the UK, to obtain authorisation before short stays in the Schengen Area.

Initially planned for 2026, the system has been delayed and is now set to launch in late 2026, with full implementation not expected until 2027. The ETIAS aims to improve border security and will apply to travellers from 60 non-EU countries who don’t need a visa.

To apply for the ETIAS, travellers will need to complete an online application, provide personal details, answer security questions, and pay a €7 fee.

However, this authorisation will be linked to the traveller’s passport and remain valid for three years, or until the passport expires. Also, children under 18 and adults over 70 will be exempt from the fee, though they still need to apply for authorisation.

The ETIAS will not become mandatory until six months after the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully operational. The EES, which is set to launch in phases starting in October 2025, will be a registration system for non-EU travellers, including those from the UK and US.

However, due to delays in the installation of necessary technology at Schengen borders, the launch of the ETIAS has been pushed back to late 2026.

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AI Innovation in the UK Advances with new Google initiatives

Google is intensifying its investment in the UK’s AI sector, with plans to expand its data residency offerings and launch new tools for businesses.

At an event in London, Google’s DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis and Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian unveiled plans to add Agentspace, Google’s platform for AI agents, to the UK’s data residency region.

However, this move will allow enterprises to host their AI agents locally, ensuring full control over their data.

In addition to the data residency expansion, Google announced new incentives for AI startups in the UK, offering up to £280,000 in Google Cloud credits for those participating in its accelerator programme.

These efforts come as part of a broader strategy to encourage businesses to adopt Google’s AI services over those of competitors. The company is also focusing on expanding AI skills training to help businesses better leverage these advanced technologies.

Google’s efforts align with the UK government’s push to strengthen its position in the global AI landscape. The government has been actively working to promote AI development, with a particular focus on building services that reduce reliance on big tech companies.

By bringing its latest AI offerings to the UK, Google is positioning itself as a key player in the country’s AI future.

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Infosys resolves cybersecurity lawsuits in the US

Indian IT services giant Infosys has settled lawsuits filed against its US subsidiary, Infosys McCamish Systems, for $17.5 million. The lawsuits stem from a cyber incident that occurred in November 2023, which resulted in the compromise of personal data. The company has agreed to pay the settlement into a fund that will resolve all claims related to the breach.

The breach, which involved unauthorised access and data exfiltration, affected up to 6.5 million individuals. Following the incident, Infosys McCamish in the US, in coordination with a third-party vendor, took steps to address the issue and limit the damage caused by the cyberattack.

This settlement marks a significant step for Infosys in resolving the ongoing legal issues stemming from the 2023 incident. The Indian company has worked to resolve the situation while continuing to bolster its cybersecurity measures to prevent future breaches.

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Turkey investigates Netflix, Disney, and Amazon for competition law violations

The Turkish Competition Board has opened an investigation into major subscription-based, on-demand video service providers, including Netflix, Disney, and Amazon. This decision follows a preliminary inquiry into whether these global streaming platforms have violated Turkey‘s competition laws.

The board is particularly focused on examining their business practices within the Turkish market and assessing whether any anti-competitive behaviour has occurred. The investigation highlights Turkey’s increasing scrutiny of digital platforms operating within its borders.

The inquiry comes at a time when subscription-based streaming services are growing rapidly in Turkey, with Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video among the most popular platforms in the country. The Turkish Competition Board’s investigation aims to ensure that the market remains competitive and that no service provider is unfairly dominating the sector.

By looking into the practices of these major players, the board seeks to protect consumers and maintain a level playing field for all companies involved in the digital entertainment industry.

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