privacy
Mozilla: New Firefox extensions must disclose data collection practices
Starting next month, Mozilla will require Firefox extension developers to disclose whether their add-ons collect or share user data with third parties. The devs will be required to disclose any new extension’s data practices in the manifest.json file using a dedicated browser_specific_settings.gecko.data_collection_permissions key beginning November 3, 2025. Mozilla will also require all extension developers to […]
Signal adds new cryptographic defense against quantum attacks
Signal announced the introduction of Sparse Post-Quantum Ratchet (SPQR), a new cryptographic component designed to withstand quantum computing threats. SPQR will serve as an advanced mechanism that continuously updates the encryption keys used in conversations and discarding the old ones. Signal is a cross-platform, end-to-end encrypted messaging and calling app managed by the non-profit Signal […]
Brave launches ‘Ask Brave’ feature to fuse AI with traditional search
Brave Software, the creator of the privacy-focused web browser and search engine, has introduced a new subsystem called Ask Brave that unifies search and AI chat into a single interface. Ask Brave is free to use, accessible from any browser at search.brave.com/ask, and designed with privacy at its core. In essence, this new system combines […]
Unpatched flaw in OnePlus phones lets rogue apps text messages
A vulnerability in multiple versions of OxygenOS, the Android-based operating system from OnePlus, allows any installed app to access SMS data and metadata without requiring permission or user interaction. OnePlus, a subsidiary of Oppo, is a Shenzhen-based consumer electronics maker known for developing high-end smartphones at competitive pricing. While other major Chinese brands like Huawei […]
France slaps Google with €325M fine for violating cookie regulations
The French data protection authority has fined Google €325 million ($378 million) for violating cookie regulations and displaying ads between Gmail users’ emails without their consent. During several investigations between 2022 and 2023, the National Commission on Informatics and Liberty (CNIL) found that Google’s Gmail email service displayed advertisements in the “Promotions” and “Social” tabs without the […]
US sues robot toy maker for exposing children’s data to Chinese devs
The U.S. Department of Justice has sued toy maker Apitor Technology for allegedly allowing a Chinese third party to collect children’s geolocation data without their knowledge and parental consent. A complaint filed by the Justice Department, following a notification from the Federal Trade Commission, alleges that Apitor violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA) by failing to notify […]
Disney to pay $10M to settle claims it collected kids’ data on YouTube
Disney will pay $10 million to settle claims by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission that it mislabeled videos for children on YouTube, which allowed the collection of kids’ personal information without their consent or notification to their parents. This occurred after the entertainment giant failed to tag kid-directed videos on YouTube as “Made for Kids” […]
Mozilla warns Germany could soon declare ad blockers illegal
A recent ruling from Germany’s Federal Supreme Court (BGH) has revived a legal battle over whether browser-based ad blockers infringe copyright, raising fears about a potential ban of the tools in the country. The case stems from online media company Axel Springer’s lawsuit against Eyeo – the maker of the popular Adblock Plus browser extension. Axel Springer […]
Brave blocks Windows Recall from screenshotting your browsing activity
Brave Software says its privacy-focused browser will block Microsoft’s Windows Recall from capturing screenshots of Brave windows by default to protect users’ privacy. Windows Recall is an opt-in Windows feature that takes screenshots of active windows every few seconds, analyzes them, and enables Windows 11 users to search for text within the snapshots using natural language. […]
Proton launches privacy-respecting encrypted AI assistant Lumo
Proton has launched a new tool called Lumo, offering a privacy-first AI assistant that does not log user conversations and doesn’t use their prompts for training. Proton is a Swiss company behind proven privacy and security tools and services, including Proton Mail, Proton VPN, and Proton Drive. In June 2024, it transitioned to a non-profit structure, […]