Privacy and data protection Archives | Page 261 of 344

Pro-Russian hackers target Italian banks and airports in cyber attack

A wave of cyber attacks hit around 20 Italian websites, including those of banks and airports, in an incident linked to rising tensions between Rome and Moscow.

Italy‘s cybersecurity agency attributed the attacks to the pro-Russian hacker group Noname057(16), which targeted websites such as Intesa Sanpaolo, Banca Monte dei Paschi, Iccrea Banca, and Milan’s Linate and Malpensa airports. Authorities reported no major disruptions.

The attack followed recent remarks by Italian President Sergio Mattarella, who compared Russia‘s war on Ukraine to Nazi Germany‘s expansionism.

Moscow condemned the statement, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni defended it. The hackers cited Mattarella’s comments as motivation for their actions, according to Italy’s cybersecurity agency.

Noname057(16) previously claimed responsibility for a cyber attack on Italy in December, which targeted around 10 institutional websites. Some of the affected organisations declined to comment on the latest breach, while others reported no operational impact. Italian authorities continue to monitor the situation.

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Vision pro to get AI and guest mode upgrade in April

Apple is set to introduce AI-driven features to its Vision Pro headset, including a new spatial content app and an enhanced guest user mode. The update, expected in April, may be available in beta for developers as early as this week, according to sources cited by Bloomberg.

The AI integration, dubbed ‘Apple Intelligence,’ will bring tools such as Writing Tools, Genmojis, and the Image Playground app to the Vision Pro. This move aligns with Apple’s broader push to incorporate AI into its ecosystem, as the company also explores AI partnerships for iPhones in China.

The Vision Pro, which launched in February 2024 with a hefty price tag of $3,499, initially saw strong sales but has since faced slowing demand. By enhancing its software with AI and new content features, Apple hopes to reignite consumer interest and better compete with more affordable alternatives, such as Meta’s Quest headsets.

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AI tools approved for New York Times staff

The New York Times has officially approved the use of AI tools for its editorial and product teams, allowing AI to assist with tasks such as generating social media copy, writing SEO headlines, and coding. As part of this shift, the publication has introduced an internal AI tool called Echo and outlined strict guidelines for AI use in news production.

While AI can support research, suggest edits, and help brainstorm interview questions, staff have been warned not to use it to draft or substantially revise articles, nor to input confidential source information. The paper is also exploring AI-generated voice articles and translations into other languages.

This move comes as The New York Times remains engaged in a lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft, accusing them of copyright violations for training generative AI on its content. Despite these legal disputes, the paper has approved AI programs such as GitHub Copilot, Google’s Vertex AI, and OpenAI’s API for select business applications.

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World Network grows in the Philippines amid data fears

World Network has officially launched in the Philippines, bringing its digital identity service, World ID, to one of the world’s most active online communities. Already adopted by over 23 million users globally, World ID allows people to verify their identity securely and anonymously. Initially introduced in Bulacan, the service is now expanding nationwide to help users protect themselves from online fraud, deepfakes, and digital misinformation.

With fraud linked to deepfakes surging by 4,500% in the Philippines over the past year, World ID’s biometric verification aims to set humans apart from AI-driven bots. The platform arrives when nearly all Filipinos use social media, making it a prime market for digital identity solutions. By scanning a person’s iris, World ID offers a safer way for individuals to prove their humanity in an increasingly AI-driven world.

However, the initiative has faced significant backlash due to privacy concerns over biometric data collection. Governments in Kenya, France, Portugal, and several other countries have raised legal challenges, fearing data misuse and lack of transparency. World Network insists it safeguards users’ information through privacy-focused technology, but critics remain sceptical, particularly in regions with weaker data protection laws.

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Former GCHQ chief calls for transparency amid UK’s attempt to access encrypted iCloud accounts

A controversy has emerged over the British government’s reported attempt to compel Apple to grant authorities access to encrypted iCloud accounts, leading to calls for increased transparency from intelligence agencies. Sir Jeremy Fleming, the former head of the UK’s GCHQ from 2017 to 2023, addressed this issue at the Munich Cyber Security Conference, highlighting the need for public understanding and trust in intelligence operations. He emphasised that an agency’s ‘license to operate’ should be grounded in transparency.

The UK government has contested the description of a ‘back door’ in relation to the notice, clarifying that it seeks to ensure Apple maintains the capability to provide iCloud data in response to lawful warrants, a function that existed prior to the introduction of end-to-end encryption for iCloud in December 2022.

Since 2020, Apple has provided iCloud data to UK authorities in response to four of more than 6,000 legal requests for customer information under non-IPA laws. However, this data excludes requests made under the Investigatory Powers Act (IPA), the UK’s primary law for accessing tech company data.

Fleming emphasised the importance of intelligence agencies providing clear explanations of their operations, particularly in relation to new technologies. He pointed out the need for a better understanding of how intelligence agencies operate in practice, particularly as technological advancements change their methods.

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Apptronik expands humanoid robot production with new investment

AI robotics company Apptronik has raised $350 million in a funding round led by B Capital and Capital Factory, with participation from Google. The Texas-based firm is focused on scaling production of Apollo, its humanoid robot designed to perform warehouse and manufacturing tasks such as moving packages and handling logistics.

Apptronik is competing with major players like Tesla and Figure AI in the rapidly advancing field of humanoid robotics, where artificial intelligence is driving new breakthroughs. CEO Jeff Cardenas compared this moment in robotics to the rise of large language models in 2023, predicting that 2025 will see significant developments in automation.

The company plans to expand Apollo’s capabilities into other industries, including elder care and healthcare. It has also partnered with Google DeepMind’s robotics team and secured commercial agreements with Mercedes-Benz and GXO Logistics, positioning itself as a key player in the evolving robotics landscape.

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Google’s India policy head resigns amid market challenges

Google’s head of public policy in India, Sreenivasa Reddy, has stepped down, marking the second high-profile exit from the role in two years. Reddy, who joined the company in September 2023 after stints at Microsoft and Apple, played a crucial role in navigating regulatory challenges while Google expanded its services in India. The company confirmed his departure but declined to provide further details.

India remains a critical market for Google, with the majority of the country’s smartphones running on its Android system. The tech giant has faced increasing scrutiny from regulators over antitrust issues, even as it continues to grow its presence with local manufacturing and AI investments.

In the interim, Iarla Flynn, Google’s policy head for northern Europe, will take over the role. The company reaffirmed its commitment to the Indian market, emphasising its long-term vision despite the ongoing leadership changes.

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Ray-Ban Meta sales drive smart glasses growth

EssilorLuxottica is set to ramp up production of its smart glasses, driven by the success of its Ray-Ban Meta range developed in partnership with Meta. Since their launch in September 2023, over two million units have been sold, with growing user engagement indicating a shift towards mainstream adoption.

The eyewear giant, which has collaborated with Meta since 2019, aims to expand its smart glasses portfolio with new brands and features. The company is also considering subscription-based services and additional functionalities to enhance user experience.

To meet rising demand, EssilorLuxottica plans to increase production capacity to 10 million units annually by the end of next year. Manufacturing will be expanded across China and Southeast Asia, enabling the company to support future product releases, including the development of Nuance Audio glasses with integrated hearing solutions.

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South Korea halts new downloads of DeepSeek over privacy concerns

South Korea’s data protection authority has suspended new downloads of the Chinese AI app DeepSeek, citing concerns over non-compliance with the country’s privacy laws. The decision came after DeepSeek acknowledged failing to adhere to South Korea’s data protection rules fully. According to the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC), the service will be reinstated once necessary improvements are implemented.

The restriction, which took effect on Saturday, prevents new users from downloading the app in South Korea. However, DeepSeek’s web service remains operational in the country. The Chinese startup recently appointed legal representatives in South Korea and admitted to having overlooked some aspects of the nation’s data privacy regulations, the PIPC revealed during a media briefing.

DeepSeek has faced similar regulatory hurdles elsewhere. Italy’s data protection authority, Garante, ordered the company to block its chatbot in the country last month due to unresolved concerns over its privacy policy. These developments highlight growing scrutiny over data protection practices among AI-powered services, particularly those originating from China.

DeepSeek has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the suspension in South Korea. Meanwhile, when asked about earlier restrictions imposed on the app, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson emphasised Beijing’s commitment to data privacy and security. The spokesperson stated that the Chinese government does not require companies or individuals to collect or store data violating applicable laws, distancing itself from the controversy surrounding DeepSeek’s compliance issues.

Why does it matter?

The regulatory action against DeepSeek signals the increasing global focus on AI-related privacy concerns. With authorities in multiple countries tightening their data security oversight, AI firms, particularly those operating across borders, face mounting pressure to ensure compliance with regional privacy laws.

Stay updated on DeepSeek developments!

Indian music industry joins lawsuit against OpenAI

Several of India’s leading Bollywood music labels, including T-Series, Saregama, and Sony, seek to join a lawsuit against OpenAI in New Delhi. They are concerned that the company’s AI models may have used their sound recordings without permission, potentially violating copyright laws. The legal action follows a previous lawsuit filed by Indian news agency ANI, which accused OpenAI’s ChatGPT of using content without authorisation to train its models. The music labels argue that this issue has significant implications for the global music industry.

The music companies, which represent major Indian and international music acts, claim that OpenAI’s AI systems could extract lyrics, compositions, and sound recordings from the internet without consent. T-Series, known for releasing thousands of songs annually, and Saregama, which holds a vast catalogue of iconic Indian music, are leading the charge. The Indian Music Industry (IMI), which also represents global labels like Sony Music and Warner Music, is pushing for the case to be heard in court, as the outcome could impact the future use of copyrighted content in AI training.

OpenAI, backed by Microsoft, argues that it adheres to fair-use principles by using publicly available data to build its AI models. However, the company is facing increasing legal pressure from multiple sectors worldwide, including recent lawsuits in Germany, where GEMA accused OpenAI of unlicensed use of song lyrics. OpenAI has opposed the Indian lawsuit, claiming that Indian courts do not have jurisdiction over the matter, given the company’s US base.

The next court hearing, which could shape the future of AI and copyright law in India, is scheduled for 21 February. This legal battle is gaining attention, particularly as OpenAI’s chief, Sam Altman, recently visited India to discuss the country’s plans for developing low-cost AI technology.

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