privacy
Fake AI Chrome extensions with 300K users steal credentials, emails
A set of 30 malicious Chrome extensions that have been installed by more than 300,000 users are masquerading as AI assistants to steal credentials, email content, and browsing information. Some of the extensions are still present in the Chrome Web Store and have been installed by tens of thousands of users, while others show a […]
Microsoft announces new mobile-style Windows security controls
Microsoft wants to introduce smartphone-style app permission prompts in Windows 11 to request user consent before apps can access sensitive resources such as files, cameras, and microphones. The “Windows Baseline Security Mode” and “User Transparency and Consent” initiatives represent a major shift for the operating system that now powers more than 1 billion devices. Windows Platform engineer […]
New Apple privacy feature limits location tracking on iPhones, iPads
Apple is introducing a new privacy feature that lets users limit the precision of location data shared with cellular networks on some iPhone and iPad models. The “Limit Precise Location” setting will be available after upgrading to iOS 26.3 or later, and it works by restricting the information mobile carriers use to determine device locations via cell tower connections. When enabled, cellular networks […]
Researcher reveals evidence of private Instagram profiles leaking photos
A security researcher has published detailed evidence showing that some Instagram private profiles returned links to user photos to unauthenticated visitors. Instagram’s private account feature is designed to restrict photos, videos, stories, and reels to approved followers. However, the researcher’s findings show that, in certain cases, private profile content was embedded in publicly accessible server […]
Critical WhisperPair flaw lets hackers track, eavesdrop via Bluetooth audio devices
Security researchers have discovered a critical vulnerability in Google’s Fast Pair protocol that can allow attackers to hijack Bluetooth audio accessories, track users, and eavesdrop on their conversations. The flaw (tracked as CVE-2025-36911 and dubbed WhisperPair) affects hundreds of millions of wireless headphones, earbuds, and speakers from multiple manufacturers that support Google’s Fast Pair feature. It affects users regardless […]
FTC bans GM from selling drivers’ location data for five years
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has finalized an order with General Motors (GM) and its subsidiary, OnStar, settling charges that they collected and sold the location and driving data of millions of drivers without consent. General Motors owns the GMC, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and Buick brands and produces over 6.1 million vehicles each year. OnStar, GM’s subsidiary, […]
Google’s Personal Intelligence links Gmail, Photos and Search to Gemini
Google is rolling out ‘Personal Intelligence,’ a new Gemini feature that pulls your data from Gmail, Photos, Google Search, and other products. There are a couple of use cases for Personal Intelligence. Instead of offering generic answers, Gemini can use details from places you already store them. This makes the whole experience more ‘personal.’ When […]
California bans data broker reselling health data of millions
The California Privacy Protection Agency (CalPrivacy) has taken action against the Datamasters marketing firm that sold the health and personal data of millions of users without being registered as a data broker. As per the California Delete Act, businesses buying and selling information about consumers are required to register their data brokerage activity by January 31st […]
Texas court blocks Samsung from tracking TV viewing, then vacates order
The State of Texas obtained a short-lived, temporary restraining order (TRO) against Samsung that prohibited the South Korean company from collecting audio and visual data about what Texas consumers are watching on their TVs. Like other major TV manufacturers, Samsung employs Automated Content Recognition (ACR) technology to capture periodic screenshots, analyze viewing activity, and identify users’ […]
OpenAI says ChatGPT won’t use your health information to train its models
OpenAI has promised that it won’t use your private health information and conversations to train its AI models, as it rolls out ChatGPT Health, a dedicated space for health conversations. ChatGPT Health allows you to have a private space for health conversations, and it’s also the company’s attempt to capitalize on the increasing use of ChatGPT […]