Google Assistant: Your home conversations may not be as private as you thought!

The Google Assistant has made its way into homes across the nation, supplying voice-activated assistance since its release in 2016. While Google advocates for its high-performance A.I. capabilities, the real issue is what happens behind the scenes. You may believe that your Google Assistant is sitting there awaiting your command but in reality its actually listening and collecting your private conversations. … Read More Google Assistant: Your home conversations may not be as private as you thought!

Tag! You’re it!- Facebook’s affair with facial recognition software and how it resulted in a $650 million dollar settlement

This blog examines Facebook’s violation of the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act. It explains how Facebook’s use of facial recognition technology software led to the social media juggernaut paying a $650 million dollar settlement to its users.… Read More Tag! You’re it!- Facebook’s affair with facial recognition software and how it resulted in a $650 million dollar settlement

TikTok Ban in the United States Still Unknown: Will the Lawsuit Happen?

President Donald Trump issued an executive order on August 6, 2020, banning TikTok in the United States if a U.S. buyer does not come forward by September 15, 2020. With that date being extended and a potential deal between TikTok and the U.S. company Oracle, it is uncertain if the ban of TikTok will occur.… Read More TikTok Ban in the United States Still Unknown: Will the Lawsuit Happen?

For Security’s Sake: Limiting the Regulation of Biometric Data to Commercial Activity

This blog discusses the potential outcome of a suit against Home Depot and Lowes for violation of the Illinois Biometrics Information Privacy Act in utilizing software which tracks the movement of individuals in their stores based on facial recognition. The merits of implementing a commercial purpose limitation on the regulation of biometric data is then discussed.… Read More For Security’s Sake: Limiting the Regulation of Biometric Data to Commercial Activity

Be Careful of Your Swipes, You May Not Be the Only One Watching You Swipe

Tinder’s decision not to use the security feature, HTTPS, may allow hackers and random individuals see your potential matches. Additionally, hackers may be able to inject images or malicious content into a user’s app feed in which other users may be able to see. Why would a dating app, such as Tinder, not act in the first place to securely encrypt a user’s information to protect his or her privacy?… Read More Be Careful of Your Swipes, You May Not Be the Only One Watching You Swipe

How the United Kingdom’s 2018 Drone Regulations Affect American Drone Users

The United Kingdom has introduced a bill which grants police enhanced control over the use of drones. The laws are comprehensive, including giving law enforcement the ability to require users to take classes. This blog will examine the new laws and compare the provisions to those which affect American drone operators, particularly in the criminal context. … Read More How the United Kingdom’s 2018 Drone Regulations Affect American Drone Users

California Bill to Counter Trumps Repeal of FCC Privacy Protections for Internet Users Gets Shut Down in Legislature

California recently attempted to pass a piece of legislature which would give individuals a greater deal of control over what internet providers and other similar companies would be able to do with your private information, and the information they gather on you by monitoring your online activity. However when the time came, the bill was not even voted on.… Read More California Bill to Counter Trumps Repeal of FCC Privacy Protections for Internet Users Gets Shut Down in Legislature

You Can’t Always Buy What You Want

In response to widespread panic over the passage of SJR34, several crowdfunding projects have emerged. They are promising that if they raise enough money, they will be able to purchase the browsing histories of the congressmen who voted for the resolution, thus defaming them publicly. However, several legal and tech experts are stating that trying to buy and disseminate the information is both impossible and illegal.… Read More You Can’t Always Buy What You Want

The FBI’s Powerful Facial Recognition Software Exposed.

There is an overwhelming amount of law on privacy. The Fourth Amendment has been discussed in tens of thousands of law review articles and court decisions from state appeals courts to the U.S. Supreme Court. Interestingly, very little information or law exists on facial recognition. During a Congressional hearing in late March 2017, privacy advocates became aware to the vast ability for the FBI to find someone with facial recognition.
Read More The FBI’s Powerful Facial Recognition Software Exposed.

FTC Urges Internet of Things Companies to Better Protect Data, Says Not Time for New Legislation

Written By: Kaleigh Fitzpatrick   On Tuesday, January 27, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) called on technology companies selling Internet-connected devices to institute comprehensive measures to protect users’ data security and privacy. The report, entitled “Internet of Things: Privacy and Security in a Connected World,” urged companies to make data protection a top priority because… Read More FTC Urges Internet of Things Companies to Better Protect Data, Says Not Time for New Legislation

Please Don’t Tag Me! Instagram for Doctors: #SpecificSymptoms, #RareDisease, #PatientConfidentiality, #PatientPrivacyRightsViolated

POSTED BY Cherie M. Ching   New informational sharing apps allow medical professionals to post photos and share comments regarding their patient’s medical conditions, similar to the components of the Instagram app.  Although these apps may provide a higher degree of efficient and effective services to medical patients, issues of breach of privacy rights and… Read More Please Don’t Tag Me! Instagram for Doctors: #SpecificSymptoms, #RareDisease, #PatientConfidentiality, #PatientPrivacyRightsViolated