FTC Settles with Major Ad Platform for Deceptive Location Tracking via Wi-Fi
The FTC announced a settlement today with InMobi, a major advertising platform provider, for engaging in deceptive location tracking practices. As explained below, InMobi used alternative methods to collect location data from users, even after the users had chosen not to share their location in apps via Location Services.
Purpose or Interest: that is the question!
We are pleased to present this guest post from Prof. Lokke Moerel, a leading EU privacy lawyer. We think her blog and paper are fascinating and important contributions to the current discussion of key privacy topics, including big data, the Internet of Things, and EU data protection laws.
Enhancing Usability for Online Privacy Controls
Today, Google announced new features that provide users with additional customized options and controls over personal data, as well as easy-to-follow instructions and notifications that explain users’ choices in simple terms. The new features make privacy controls quicker to find and easier to understand and operate.
The CNIL released its inspection program for 2016 revealing sectors of focus
In 2016, the CNIL plans to conduct between 400 and 450 inspections: 25% of inspections will be related to the three themes set out in the CNIL’s 2016 annual program, 20% will be based on complaints received by the CNIL, 35% will be undertaken after formal notices or sanctions, at the CNIL’s initiative or related to news topics, and the remaining 20% will aim to check video surveillance systems.
GAO Report – Information and Issues Regarding Surreptitious Tracking Apps
Responding to a request by the Senate Judiciary Committee, a new GAO report analyzes the role of smartphone tracking apps in facilitating stalking, and the potential responses the federal government may take against their developers.
Should Colleges Report When They Get Government Data Requests?
Last year, the University of California, Berkeley, announced that it was publishing a transparency report detailing government requests for data, similar to what tech companies including Google and Facebook have been doing for years.
Use of Limit Ad Tracking Drops as Ad Blocking Grows
Behind the scenes in the escalating war between ad-blocking consumers and advertisers and ad-supported publishers, the use of one privacy tool has decreased. Mobile marketing platform firm Tune reports that, as the number of ad-blocker downloads rises, the limit-ad-tracking feature available in iOS and Android devices has actually dropped.
Radio Interview – Lauren Smith, FPF Policy Counsel, Discusses the "Textalyzer"
Today, Lauren Smith, FPF Policy Counsel, joined The Takeaway to discuss the legal issues behind the “Textalyzer,” a technology that can tap into a driver’s phone, and whether or not it is the best deterrent to prevent texting and driving.
Google Provides Open Source Platform for Beacon Security
After an initial splash, news about beacon technology has been fairly quiet recently, but last week an advancement was announced that will support easier access to privacy and security capabilities on this unique technology. Beacons are sometimes misunderstood – thought to collect or retain data on nearby people, or able to track smartphone movements without […]
Student Privacy Pledge – Hits 250 with Launch of New Site!
The Student Privacy Pledge, a public commitment by education technology companies for the responsible handling of student data, has reached the milestone of 250 signatories. We are also pleased to announce the launch of the newly re-designed Student Privacy Pledge website. The site, studentprivacypledge.org, now provides more information, including a Frequently Asked Questions section, and is easier for visitors to […]