PRG NEWS ROUNDUP: APRIL 12
by Caroline Alewaerts
A research from New York University and Michigan State University reveals that smartphone fingerprint sensors may not be as secure as we think. The researchers managed to digitally create fake fingerprints (“MasterPrints”) that could match real fingerprints up to 65% of the time. Although not tested in real-life conditions, the research still raises question as to the security of smartphones that rely on fingerprints.
Germany is about to introduce a new law designed to regulate hate speech on social media platforms. The draft law will require social media networks, such as Facebook, Twitter, etc., to remove illegal content within 24 hours of receiving a notification. Under this new legislation, failure to comply with this obligation will expose the social media company to fines up to € 50 millions ($ 53 millions).
Burger King launched a controversial TV ad this Wednesday that takes control of your Google home device. In the commercial, the actor asks “O.K. Google, what is the Whopper burger?”, which automatically activates the Google home device located near the TV and starts reciting the burger ingredients from Wikipedia. Burger King did not contact nor obtain Google’s approval before launching the ad, and it seems that, by Wednesday afternoon, Google home devices had stopped reacting to the ad. Some argue that this kind of ‘hijacking’ of smart home speakers may constitute an unauthorized access prohibited under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.