Privacy and data protection Archives | Page 250 of 344

New HP printers designed to withstand quantum computing attacks

HP has introduced the 8000 Series printers, designed to protect against future cyber threats posed by quantum computing.

Announced at the Amplify 2025 event, the new models include the HP Color LaserJet Enterprise MFP 8801, Mono MFP 8601, and LaserJet Pro Mono SFP 8501. These printers are built to resist sophisticated attacks that could exploit vulnerabilities at the firmware level.

To enhance security, HP has integrated quantum-resistant cryptography within the printers’ ASIC chips. These chips provide digital signature verification, reducing the risk of unauthorised firmware modifications and potential data breaches.

HP emphasised that, without these safeguards, printers could be fully compromised by malicious firmware updates, allowing attackers to gain persistent control over the devices.

The new printers are also designed to integrate seamlessly with Zero Trust network architectures, reinforcing security within enterprise environments.

By incorporating advanced cryptographic measures, HP aims to future-proof its printing solutions against emerging cybersecurity threats.

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Amazon considers further appeal after losing GDPR case

Amazon has lost its appeal against a €746 million fine imposed by Luxembourg’s data protection regulator for breaching EU privacy laws.

The country’s administrative court upheld the penalty in a ruling on 18 March, siding with the National Commission for Data Protection (CNPD), which found Amazon had unlawfully processed personal data under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

The fine remains the largest issued under the EU privacy rules.

The CNPD also ordered Amazon to implement corrective measures, although enforcement will be suspended during the appeal period.

Amazon criticised the decision, arguing the fine was based on subjective legal interpretations without prior guidance from regulators. The company confirmed it is considering further legal action.

Europe has taken a strict stance on data privacy violations, with GDPR setting a global benchmark for consumer protections.

The ruling against Amazon reinforces the EU’s commitment to holding major tech companies accountable for their handling of personal data.

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New AI model by Stability AI creates 3D videos from images

Stability AI has unveiled its latest AI model, Stable Virtual Camera, designed to convert 2D images into dynamic 3D video scenes. Announced in a company blog post, the model enables users to create immersive videos with realistic depth and perspective using up to 32 input images. It generates ‘novel views’ of a scene, offering various preset camera movements, including Spiral, Dolly Zoom, Move, and Pan.

The tool is currently available as a research preview and allows users to generate videos in square (1:1), portrait (9:16), and landscape (16:9) formats, with a maximum length of 1,000 frames. However, Stability AI warns that certain images, such as those with people, animals, or complex textures like water, may produce lower-quality results. Highly ambiguous or irregularly shaped objects may also lead to visual artifacts.

Stable Virtual Camera is available for research use under a non-commercial license and can be downloaded from AI development platform Hugging Face. The launch follows a turbulent period for Stability AI, which has recently undergone leadership changes, secured new investments, and expanded into new AI applications, including generative audio. With this latest innovation, the company aims to solidify its position in the competitive AI market.

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Nvidia introduces high-performance AI machines for the future

At GTC 2025, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang unveiled a new generation of AI-focused personal supercomputers designed to redefine computing in the era of AI. The two new machines, DGX Spark and DGX Station, are powered by Nvidia’s Grace Blackwell chip platform and promise to deliver unprecedented AI computing power at the edge.

DGX Spark, available immediately, features the GB10 Grace Blackwell Superchip, capable of up to 1,000 trillion operations per second. Meanwhile, the DGX Station, set for release later this year, is built with the GB300 Grace Blackwell Ultra Desktop Superchip and 784GB of memory. According to Nvidia, these supercomputers will allow users to prototype, fine-tune, and deploy AI models with greater efficiency.

Huang described the devices as the future of computing, highlighting their role in supporting AI applications across enterprises. Nvidia has partnered with major manufacturers, including Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo, to bring these machines to market. As AI adoption continues to surge, these systems could become essential tools for developers and businesses looking to stay ahead in an increasingly AI-driven world.

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Elon Musk’s xAI expands with Hotshot acquisition

xAI, Elon Musk’s AI company, has acquired Hotshot, a San Francisco-based startup focused on generative AI video tools.

The company, founded by Aakash Sastry and John Mullan, initially developed AI-driven photo editing tools but shifted its focus to text-to-video AI models.

Hotshot’s video foundation models, such as Hotshot-XL and Hotshot Act One, have already gained significant attention in the AI industry.

The acquisition is expected to boost xAI’s plans to develop its own video generation models, competing with major competitors like OpenAI’s Sora and Google’s Veo 2.

Musk had previously hinted at the creation of a ‘Grok Video’ model, which he anticipates launching in the near future. Hotshot’s team will likely play a key role in scaling these efforts, using xAI’s powerful infrastructure, including the Colossus cluster.

Hotshot’s website has confirmed the sunsetting of its video creation tools as of March 14, with existing customers having until March 30 to download their content.

The specifics of the staff transition to xAI remain unclear, with Sastry declining to comment. This acquisition represents a significant step for xAI in the rapidly evolving generative AI space.

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Meta cracks down on misinformation in Australia

Meta Platforms has announced new measures to combat misinformation and deepfakes in Australia ahead of the country’s upcoming national election.

The company’s independent fact-checking program, supported by Agence France-Presse and the Australian Associated Press, will detect and limit misleading content, while also removing any material that could incite violence or interfere with voting.

Deepfakes, AI-generated media designed to appear real, will also face stricter scrutiny. Meta stated that any content violating its policies would be removed or labelled as ‘altered’ to reduce its visibility.

Users sharing AI-generated content will be encouraged to disclose its origin, aiming to improve transparency.

Meta’s Australian policy follows similar strategies used in elections across India, the UK and the US.

The company is also navigating regulatory challenges in the country, including a proposed levy on big tech firms profiting from local news content and new requirements to enforce a ban on users under 16 by the end of the year.

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OpenAI expands ChatGPT capabilities with Google Drive and Slack integration

OpenAI is preparing to beta test its new feature, ChatGPT Connectors, which will enable businesses to link their Google Drive and Slack accounts to ChatGPT.

Employees can leverage internal company data, including files, presentations, and Slack discussions, to enhance their interactions with the AI chatbot.

The feature will provide answers informed by these internal resources, similar to how ChatGPT currently uses web search to answer general queries.

The initial beta testing will be available to ChatGPT Team subscribers, with plans to extend the functionality to other platforms, such as Microsoft SharePoint and Box.

The move is part of OpenAI’s effort to integrate ChatGPT deeper into business operations, aiming to make it an essential tool for workplace productivity.

While some companies have expressed concerns about sharing sensitive data with AI, ChatGPT Connectors offers reassurances that permissions from Google Drive and Slack will be fully respected and up-to-date.

The ChatGPT Connector model is powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4o, which can refine responses based on a company’s internal knowledge. However, the integration has certain limitations.

For example, it cannot analyse images in Google Drive files or access private Slack messages and group chats. Additionally, companies must provide OpenAI with select documents and conversations for the beta test, though OpenAI assures that no data will be directly used for training the AI.

Enterprise AI-powered search tools may see a significant impact from this development, creating challenges for competitors in the industry.

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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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