Privacy

Spy agencies acquire commercial data with little coordination and few controls

The purchase of sensitive commercial data that is potentially traceable to individual Americans could be subject to new restrictions, according to a newly declassified report from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

  • By Adam Mazmanian

Worried that your TV is listening to you? IARPA wants to safeguard your voice

The intelligence community’s research agency wants to develop technology to anonymize voices recorded by electronic devices and help safeguard privacy.

  • By Carten Cordell

FTC charges Ring over 'disregard' for customer data security

The Federal Trade Commission has proposed stronger security protocols for home video surveillance company Ring after years of mounting concern over data privacy.

  • By Alexandra Kelley

DHS Unveils Departmentwide Body Camera Policy

The new guidance restricts law enforcement agencies under DHS’s authority from using body-worn cameras “for the sole purpose of recording individuals who are engaged in activity protected by the First Amendment.”

  • By Edward Graham

Lawmakers Want DHS to Assess National Security Risks of Doxing 

Proposed legislation would require the Department of Homeland Security to “evaluate risks posed to national security and civilian privacy” by the online release of individuals’ personal information.

  • By Edward Graham

FTC Dings Reproductive Health App Over Data Sharing Violations

The app Premom and its parent company will pay $100,000 in a settlement following allegations of sharing sensitive user health data to third parties.

  • By Alexandra Kelley

TSA Says Its Drone Program Won’t Collect Much Info on the Public

The agency is going to use drones to conduct security assessments at airports, transportation incidents and large security events.

  • By Aaron Boyd

Proposed HIPAA Rule Would Restrict Law Enforcement Access to Abortion, Reproductive Health Data Across State Lines

The HHS published a proposed modification to HIPAA’s privacy rule, giving new protections to personal health information related to reproductive care history in the wake of Dobbs and the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

  • By Alexandra Kelley

White House Launches Strategy to Advance Data Privacy Tech and Processes

Absent comprehensive federal law, the strategy represents a new chapter toward regulating data privacy protocols for U.S. online users.

  • By Alexandra Kelley

Guiding Principles on Spyware Emphasize Human Rights, Accountability

The Summit for Democracy’s Guiding Principles aim to bring uniformity to how nations use surveillance technology.

  • By Alexandra Kelley

CFPB Announces New Inquiry into Data Brokers

The financial regulatory agency wants to learn more about data brokers’ business operations, especially surrounding user experiences.

  • By Alexandra Kelley

US Needs Deeper Global Partnerships to Assert Tech Leadership, Report Argues

A report from the German Marshall Fund calls for “a new foreign policy of technology” that allows the U.S. to maintain its tech leadership on the global stage by working more closely with democratic nations.

  • By Edward Graham

16 Agencies Create One Confidential Data Process to Rule Them All

In three years, creators of the Standard Application Process condensed 16 different agencies’ processes into one central portal for confidential data requests.

  • By Aaron Boyd

Almost 60% of GAO's Privacy Recommendations Since 2010 Are Unresolved

A watchdog report found that federal agencies have only implemented approximately 41% of recommendations related to the protection and security of sensitive data as of December 2022.

  • By Edward Graham
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Biden’s State of the Union Highlights Semiconductor Success and Big Tech Privacy Concerns

The president applauded the CHIPS and Science Act and urged lawmakers to crack down on big tech’s data privacy and surveillance practices.

  • By Kirsten Errick

Lack of Emerging Tech Framework is 'Weakening' US Stance Against China, Lawmakers Warn

Both Democrats and Republicans said Congress needs to craft national frameworks around data privacy and autonomous vehicles to counter China’s global tech ambitions.

  • By Edward Graham

FTC Votes to Finalize Data Security Order for Ed Tech Website

The FTC issued another set of requirements for online businesses handling sensitive consumer data following multiple data breaches.

  • By Alexandra Kelley

NTIA Announces Request for Comment on Intersection of Data and Civil Rights

The head of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration said the agency’s inquiry “will help us analyze the outsized consequences that data practices can have on marginalized communities.”

  • By Edward Graham

Asylum-Seekers Can Now Schedule Entry Appointments in Advance via CBP Mobile App

Customs and Border Protection’s mobile application, launched in October 2020 to streamline access to customs services, now includes a function for migrants to schedule appointments at select U.S. ports of entry.

  • By Edward Graham

Watchdog: Most Agencies Behind on Personal Data Disclosure Guidance

The Government Accountability Office found that only one out of 17 agencies implemented guidance from the Office of Management and Budget.

  • By Kirsten Errick

TSA Wants to Automate ID Verification at Checkpoint Security

The agency is testing using facial recognition to verify passengers’ information with the information on record.

  • By Kirsten Errick