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×In an era where concerns about online privacy are at an all-time high, many individuals are seeking ways to reclaim control over their personal data. As a response, some have turned to alternative operating systems like Linux and smartphones that have been “degoogled” – stripped of Google’s proprietary services. . While these choices may seem like logical steps toward enhancing privacy, it’s crucial to recognize that they do not provide an absolute shield against data collection and surveillance. In this article, we’ll explore the limitations of relying solely on Linux and degoogled phones to protect your privacy, so you don’t fall into an illusion of privacy. While using Linux as your operating system and a degoogled phone can reduce your dependence on tech giants like Microsoft and Google, it does not entirely sever your ties to them. Many Linux distributions still rely on components from these tech giants, such as drivers and firmware for hardware. Additionally, alternative app stores and services available on degoogled phones may have their own privacy concerns or dependencies on other tech companies. . Opting for Linux and privacy-focused smartphones can bolster security, yet they are not entirely immune to data gathering and monitoring.. Linux Privacy Techniques, Data Collection Risks, Alternative OS Benefits. . LinuxSecurity.com Team
Amazon Ring has announced that it will change the way police can request footage from millions of doorbell cameras in communities across the country. "Ring’s small reforms invite bigger questions: Why does a customer-focused technology company need to develop and maintain a feature for law enforcement in the first place? Why must Ring and other technology companies continue to offer police free features to facilitate surveillance and the transfer of information from users to the government?" . Rather than the current system, in which police can send automatic bulk email requests to individual Ring users in an area of interest up to a square half mile, police will now publicly post their requests to Ring’s accompanying Neighbors app. Users of that app will see a “Request for Assistance” on their feed, unless they opt out of seeing such requests, and then Ring customers in the area of interest (still up to a square half mile) can respond by reviewing and providing their footage. Because only a portion of Ring users also are Neighbors users, and some of them may opt out of receiving police requests, this new system may reduce the number of people who receive police requests, though we wonder whether Ring will now push more of its users to register for the app. . Ring's updated framework for handling police inquiries alters the interaction of users with security agencies amidst growing privacy apprehensions.. Amazon Ring, Doorbell Cameras, Police Requests, Privacy Changes. . LinuxSecurity.com Team
The infamous FinSpy spyware has returned - and is now targeting Linux and macOS users. FinSpy is being used in new campaigns targeting dissident organizations in Egypt. . The FinSpy commercial spyware is back in recently observed campaigns against organizations and activists in Egypt. While the spyware previously targeted Windows, iOS and Android users, researchers have discovered these campaigns using new variants that target macOS and Linux users. FinSpy is a full-fledged surveillance software suite, which has the ability to intercept victims’ communications, access private data, and record audio and video, according to Amnesty International, which uncovered the recent new variants. It’s been in use by law-enforcement and government agencies around the world since 2011. The link for this article located at ThreatPost is no longer available. . The sophisticated malware known as FinSpy is particularly aimed at individuals using Linux and macOS, focusing on campaigns against both activist groups and various organizations.. FinSpy, Linux Security Threats, Malware Attacks, macOS Surveillance. . LinuxSecurity.com Team
In a major blow to citizens’ privacy, the US Senate voted today to give law enforcement agencies such as the FBI and CIA the power to look into your browser history without a warrant. How do you feel about this? . Senators Ron Wyden from Oregan and Senator Steve Daines of Montana led the charge to insert privacy protections into the Patriot Act, which gives law enforcement agencies power for surveillance in order to maintain national security. However, the privacy protection amendment fell short by just one vote, as many senators who may have voted in favor of it didn’t show up. This vote is a setback to the privacy of citizens at multiple levels. There’s already a growing level of concern among privacy advocates as governments around the world are using the coronavirus pandemic as a shield to insert new surveillance measures without any guardrails. The link for this article located at The Next Web is no longer available. . Lawmakers Alex Padilla and Mike Lee advocated for data security measures, but the proposal was rejected, impacting individuals' freedoms.. Privacy Protections, Browser History Access, Surveillance Legislation. . LinuxSecurity.com Team
With the coronavirus outbreak rapidly spreading worldwide, governments are or exploring or implementing privacy-intrusive solutions for tracking the disease's spread. What are your thoughts on these solutions? . As the global coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is leaving its mark across the world, at least four governments are deploying or at looking at implementing privacy-intrusive surveillance systems to track citizens and the disease's spread. Countries like China and South Korea have already deployed extensive citizen tracking systems, while Israel and the US are preparing similar surveillance measures. The link for this article located at ZDNet is no longer available. . Governments are implementing privacy-intrusive tracking solutions to combat COVID-19's spread. Explore the privacy implications.. COVID-19 Tracking, Privacy Concerns, Government Surveillance, Data Collection, Intrusive Solutions. . LinuxSecurity.com Team
Facial recognition cameras are set to be deployed across London for the first time, the Metropolitan Police has announced. The Police say the technology will help fight crime - but critics warn that the 'privacy destroying' scheme amounts to oppressive surveillance. What is your opinion on this decision? . The roll out of the live facial recognition technology is expected to begin within a month and is designed to help the police tackle serious crime by locating and arresting wanted suspects – but privacy groups have already criticised the decision. The technology will be deployed in what's described as 'intelligence-led' specific locations around London and will be used to scan the faces of people passing through the area, with the aim of identifying wanted individuals. The link for this article located at ZDNet is no longer available. . The local authorities in Manchester plan to implement drone surveillance systems for public safety, igniting debates over citizen's rights.. Facial Recognition, Surveillance Technology, London Crime, Privacy Issues, Law Enforcement. . LinuxSecurity.com Team
Thanks to a statewide policy banning law enforcement use of facial recognition for three years, several agencies in San Diego will lose access to a database of facial scans on January 1, 2020. Learn more: . More than 30 agencies in San Diego County, Calif. will drop their use of a facial recognition platform on Jan. 1, 2020 after sustained outcry from civil liberties groups in the area. The Tactical Identification System (TACIDS) was launched in 2012 and aimed to give local, state and federal agencies a common database of facial scans, according to ZDNet. Officers could use their phones or tablets to conduct searches and help them identify “uncooperative persons” and people of interest in their cases. People with outstanding warrants were also included in the system. The link for this article located at Security Today is no longer available. . More than 30 organizations across San Diego County, California, have decided to phase out a facial recognition system in order to safeguard personal data security.. facial recognition, law enforcement, data privacy, civil rights, surveillance. . LinuxSecurity.com Team
The Indian government has played down fears of mass surveillance in response to concerns that its proposed facial recognition system lacks adequate oversight. What are your thoughts on this system and the privacy concerns surrounding it? Learn more in a great The Next Web article: . Replying to a legal notice filed by the Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF), a Delhi-based non-profit that works on digital liberties, the country’s National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) defended the move, stating it doesn’t interfere with privacy of citizens as it “only automates the existing police procedure of comparing suspects’ photos with those listed in LEA’s [Law Enforcement Agency] databases.” It also dismissed concerns of misidentification and discriminatory profiling, and said the project will only be used to identify missing people and unidentified dead bodies. The link for this article located at The Next Web is no longer available. . India's National Crime Records Bureau stands by its facial recognition initiative, addressing the privacy worries voiced by the public.. India Facial Recognition, Digital Liberty, Privacy Rights, Government Surveillance. . LinuxSecurity.com Team
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