News
UK users are losing a key Apple security feature, raising questions about the future of privacy – UK users no longer have access to optional end-to-end encryption through Advanced Data Protection. This change leaves 14 kinds of users’ personal data (i.e. photos, messages) unencrypted. This may have been the result of Apple’s unwillingness to comply with a governmental request for a backdoor.
DOGE Betrays Foundational Commitments of the Privacy Act of 1974 – The Privacy Act of 1974 seems to be the last line of defense between US citizen data and DOGE data collection. Danielle Citron discusses the limitations of the Act and how it might be used to protect data today.
Physicists Question Microsoft’s Quantum Claim – Microsoft claimed to have invented a fourth type of matter by creating a “Majorana particle” which they claim is a major breakthrough in quantum computing. Some scientists say that the paper Microsoft published touting this invention does not provide conclusive evidence.
No room for privacy: How Airbnb fails to protect guests from hidden cameras – Airbnb’s internal policies fail to protect guests from hidden cameras by refusing to report complaints to the police and approaching potential privacy violators internally. While Airbnb has taken measures to ban cameras in Airbnb listings, it’s unclear how the company will enforce this ban. Airbnb also pushes most users to turn to arbitration in an effort to resolve these disputes.
States win preliminary injunction against DOGE access to Treasury payment systems – 19 states brought suit to block DOGE access to Treasury data. A New York federal judge has recently issued an injunction to block DOGE access and will review that injunction based on information on the training, vetting and security clearance of DOGE employees.
Federal Court Orders Department of Education and Office of Personnel Management to Stop Sharing Private Data with DOGE Affiliates – The US District Court for the District of Maryland issued a temporary restraining order prohibiting the Department of Education and Office of Personnel Management from disclosing sensitive information to DOGE. The Court found that the Privacy Act of 1974 would likely protect plaintiff’s privacy rights. The Court also found that injunctive relief was the only practical remedy; money damages post privacy invasion would prove meaningless.
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(Compiled by Student Fellow Alice Militaru)