Privacy

WhatsApp has launched a fully private incognito mode for AI chatbot conversations, ensuring chats are not used for training or data processing.

Meta smart glasses are criticized as an invasion of privacy, but sales data remains strong.

The US state of Texas has filed accusations against Netflix, alleging the platform illegally collected user data including children’s personal information.

Google Chrome has come under scrutiny after security researchers discovered that the browser is silently downloading AI models to users’ devices without providing a clear consent flow. The finding has sparked renewed debate about tech companies’ approach to user transparency in the age of AI-powered features. According to researchers, Chrome has been quietly downloading machine learning models in the background to power various on-device AI features — including smart text suggestions, image analysis, and autofill enhancements. The downloads occur automatically during browser updates, with no explicit notification or opt-in prompt presented to users. ...

Apple is expected to release iOS 26.5 this month, introducing end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging along with several other new features, further enhancing iPhone users’ communication privacy and security.

Global biometrics regulators warn that facial scanning technology is far less effective than claimed and new laws are urgently needed to regulate its use.

Minnesota passes one of the nation’s strictest AI deepfake laws, banning non-consensual AI-generated nude images and imposing fines up to $500,000 on app developers.

The US Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Chatrie v. United States today, one of the final cases of the term, centering on whether police can use ‘geofence warrants’ to mass-collect cellphone location data within specified areas.

Data analytics firm Palantir is reportedly assisting the IRS in large-scale data mining to investigate financial crimes, with contracts worth approximately $130 million since 2018.