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User Privacy
AI Surveillance France Paris Olympics Surveillance Tool Technology User Privacy

AI Surveillance at Paris Olympics Raise Privacy Concerns

 

French authorities' plans to employ artificial intelligence to scan the thousands of athletes, coaches and spectators descending on Paris for the Olympics is a form of creeping surveillance, rights groups said. 

In recent months, authorities have tested artificial intelligence surveillance equipment at football stadiums, concerts, and train stations. These devices will scan the crowds, look for abandoned packages, locate weapons, and more when the games start in late July. 

According to French officials, police, fire and rescue agencies, as well as certain French transport security agents, will employ these technologies until March 31, 2025, although they won't be fully operational until the games. 

Campaigners worry that AI spying will become the new norm. "The Olympics are a huge opportunity to test this type of surveillance under the guise of security issues, and are paving the way to even more intrusive systems such as facial recognition," Katia Roux, advocacy lead at Amnesty International France, stated. 

The French government has enlisted four companies in the effort: Videtics, Orange Business, ChapsVision, and Wintics. These organisations' security solutions track eight critical metrics: traffic going against the flow, people in restricted zones, crowd movement, abandoned packages, the presence or usage of weapons, overcrowding, a body on the ground, and fire. 

The software has been tested during concerts by Depeche Mode and the Black Eyed Peas, as well as a football match between Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique Lyon. 

Olympics: An AI playground 

French politicians have attempted to appease critics by banning facial recognition. Authorities say it's a red line that should not be crossed. 

Matthias Houllier, Wintics' co-founder, stated that the experiment was "strictly limited" to the eight use-cases mentioned in the law, and that features like crowd movement detection could not be utilised for other methods such as gait detection, which uses a person's unique walk to identify them. Wintics' design made it "absolutely impossible" for both end users and advanced engineers to utilise it for facial recognition. 

Experts are concerned that the government's methods for evaluating test performance, as well as the particular way this technology operates, have not been made public. 

"There is nowhere near the necessary amount of transparency about these technologies. There is a very unfortunate narrative that we cannot permit transparency about such systems, particularly in a law enforcement or public security context, but this is nonsense", Leufer said. 

"The use of surveillance technologies like these, especially in law enforcement and public security contexts, holds perhaps the greatest potential for harm, and therefore requires the highest level of public accountability," he added.
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Surveillance Tool
Cybersecurity Hackers Human rights Israel Malicious actor Ransomware Attacks. security measures Spyware Surveillance Tool

Israeli Cyber Firms Unveil Groundbreaking Spyware Tool


Israeli cybersecurity companies have made an unparalleled spyware tool available, which has shocked the whole world's computer sector. This new breakthrough has sparked discussions about the ethics of such sophisticated surveillance equipment as well as worries about privacy and security.

According to a recent article in Haaretz, the Israeli cyber industry has unveiled a cutting-edge spyware tool that has been dubbed InsaneT.This highly advanced technology reportedly possesses capabilities that make it virtually impervious to existing defense mechanisms. As the article states, "Israeli cyber firms have developed an insane new spyware tool, and no defense exists."

The tool's sophistication has caught the attention of experts and cybersecurity professionals worldwide. It has the potential to reshape the landscape of cyber warfare and espionage, making it both a remarkable achievement and a significant cause for concern.

The InsaneT spyware tool's capabilities remain shrouded in secrecy, but it is said to be capable of infiltrating even the most secure networks and devices, bypassing traditional security measures with ease. Its existence highlights the ever-evolving arms race in the world of cybersecurity, where hackers and defenders constantly vie for the upper hand.

While the Israeli cyber industry boasts about this technological breakthrough, ethical concerns loom large. The Register, in their recent report on InsaneT, emphasizes the need for a robust ethical framework in the development and deployment of such powerful surveillance tools. Privacy advocates and human rights organizations have already expressed their apprehension regarding the potential misuse of this technology.

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, issues related to cyber espionage and surveillance gain prominence. The introduction of InsaneT raises questions about the balance between national security interests and individual privacy rights. Striking the right balance between these two conflicting priorities remains an ongoing challenge for governments and technology companies worldwide.

An important turning point in the history of cybersecurity was the appearance of the spyware tool InsaneT created by Israeli cyber companies. Considering the ethical and security ramifications of such cutting-edge technology, its unmatched capabilities bring both opportunities and risks, highlighting the necessity of ongoing discussion and international cooperation. Governments, corporations, and individuals must manage the complexity of cybersecurity as we advance in the digital era to ensure that innovation does not compromise privacy and security.


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User Privacy
Data tracking Digital Privacy malware Phishing Attacks Surveillance Tool User Privacy

Rise of Bossware: Balancing Workplace Surveillance and Employee Privacy

 

The emergence of 'Bossware' or staff surveillance software in recent years has been a troubling trend in offices all around the world. Bossware refers to a collection of devices and software that give employers the ability to track, keep an eye on, and even automate the administration of their workers. While advocates claim that these tools boost output and expedite processes, others raise severe concerns about privacy invasion and abuse possibilities.
Employee monitoring software, which enables businesses to closely monitor their employees' digital activity throughout the workday, is one such tool that is growing in popularity. These tools can monitor time spent on particular tasks as well as emails and website visits. According to a report by StandOut CV, 75% of UK employees have experienced some type of employee monitoring, which causes understandable discomfort and tension among workers.

Bossware is being used more frequently throughout numerous industries, not just in a few exceptional instances. The use of intrusive worker monitoring technologies is growing, and without sufficient regulation, it might spiral out of control, according to research by the TUC (Trades Union Congress). More than ever, employees feel the pressure of constant scrutiny and worry about the repercussions of every digital action.

Critics argue that such extensive monitoring undermines trust within the workplace and fosters an environment of constant pressure. A joint effort by the Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) and the Global Financial Integrity (GFI) has raised the alarm, warning the White House of the risks of workplace electronic surveillance. They emphasize that this surveillance can lead to an abuse of power, and individuals may be subjected to disciplinary actions for seemingly innocent online behaviors.

The effects of this phenomenon extend beyond the digital sphere. The productivity of warehouse workers has occasionally been tracked using physical monitoring devices, such as Amazon's Time Off Task system. Workers have expressed concerns about being treated like robots and not receiving even the most basic privacy, as reported by Reuters, and this surveillance has drawn a lot of criticism.

Employers' efforts to boost productivity and safeguard corporate assets are sensible, but it's important to strike a balance between surveillance and employee privacy. Jenny Stevens, a privacy advocate, cautions that "it's important for employers to recognize that employees are not just data points but human beings deserving of respect."

Organizations and policymakers must collaborate to set precise rules and laws regulating the use of Bossware in order to allay these worries. With the correct supervision, these tools can be utilized responsibly without jeopardizing the rights and welfare of the employees.

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User Privacy
Data collection Malicious actor Privacy Sensitive Data Leak surveillance Surveillance Tool User Privacy

Controversial Cybersecurity Practices of ICE

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have come under scrutiny for its questionable tactics in data collection that may have violated the privacy of individuals and organizations. Recently, ICE's use of custom summons to gather data from schools, clinics, and social media platforms has raised serious cybersecurity concerns.

According to a Wired report, ICE issued 1,509 custom summons to a significant search engine in 2020, seeking information on individuals and organizations involved in protests against ICE. While the summons is legal, experts have criticized the lack of transparency and oversight in the process and the potential for data breaches and leaks.

ICE's data collection practices have also targeted schools and clinics, with reports suggesting that the agency has sought information on students' and patients' immigration status. These actions raise serious questions about the privacy rights of individuals and the ethics of using sensitive data for enforcement purposes.

The Intercept has also reported on ICE's use of social media surveillance, which raises concerns about the agency's ability to monitor individuals' online activities and potentially use that information against them. The lack of clear policies and oversight regarding ICE's data collection practices puts individuals and organizations at risk of having their data mishandled or misused.

As the use of data becomes more prevalent in law enforcement, it is essential to ensure that agencies like ICE are held accountable for their actions and that appropriate safeguards are put in place to protect the privacy and cybersecurity of individuals and organizations. One expert warned, "The more data you collect, the more potential for breaches, leaks, and mistakes."

Privacy and cybersecurity are seriously at risk due to ICE's use of bespoke summonses and other dubious data collection techniques. It is essential that these problems are addressed and that the proper steps are made to safeguard both organizations' and people's rights.

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User Privacy
Amazon Camera Data Breach Phishing Attack Surveillance Tool User Privacy

Hacker Gang Holds Amazon's Ring to Ransom

 

Amazon's Ring, a popular brand of home security cameras, is facing a major cybersecurity threat. The company has been targeted by a ransomware gang, which has threatened to release sensitive data about Ring's customers if the company does not pay up.

According to reports, the ransomware gang, known as 'Grief,' gained access to Ring's systems through a vulnerability in the company's app. The gang then demanded a ransom of $50 million, threatening to release data on Ring's customers if the company did not comply.

The ring has stated that it will not pay the ransom, and has instead launched an investigation into the attack. The company has also said that it is working with law enforcement to identify and prosecute the perpetrators.

The attack on Ring is just the latest in a series of high-profile cyber attacks that have targeted companies and organizations around the world. These attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and are often carried out by organized criminal groups.

One of the reasons that cyber attacks are becoming more common is that companies are not doing enough to protect themselves. Many companies still use outdated software and security systems, which are vulnerable to attack. In addition, many companies are not investing enough in cybersecurity, either because they do not see it as a priority or because they do not have the resources to do so.

In the case of Ring, the company has come under fire for its lack of transparency and its use of third-party trackers in its app. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has raised concerns about the app's use of third-party trackers, which can collect data on users without their knowledge or consent.

Overall, the cyber attack on Ring is a reminder of the importance of cybersecurity in the increasingly digital world. Companies must take steps to protect themselves from attacks, and consumers must be aware of the risks that come with using connected devices. With cyber-attacks becoming more frequent and sophisticated, it is essential that we all take cybersecurity seriously.



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User Privacy
Cyber Security cyber threat Illegal spying Surveillance Tool US Congress User Privacy

The Most Controversial Surveillance Device Used By The FBI Is In Danger

 

Congress is currently embroiled in a heated debate about the US government's ability to spy on its own citizens. And as this battle develops, the Federal Bureau of Investigation's fiercest adversaries on Capitol Hill are not simply reformers merely looking to curtail its power. The recent election has given a number of legislators greater power, and they are now attempting to significantly limit how the FBI investigates crimes. 
 
At a critical juncture for the US intelligence community, new information on the FBI's violations of limitations on the use of foreign intelligence for domestic offences has come to light. The government is allowed to intercept the electronic communications of foreign targets who are not covered by the Fourth Amendment under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), the so-called crown jewel of US intelligence. 

At the end of the year, that authorization will expire. However, mistakes in the FBI's secondary use of the data—the investigation of crimes committed on US soil—are expected to fuel an already ferocious discussion about whether law enforcement officials can be trusted with such an invasive instrument.

A routine audit by the Department of Justice's (DOJ) national security division and the office of the director of national intelligence (ODNI), America's "top spy," has been key to this conflict because it has uncovered new instances of the FBI breaking regulations limiting access to intelligence purportedly gathered to safeguard US national security. They claimed that there have been "many" instances of such "errors."

According to an audit assessment that was just recently made public, FBI agents often searched raw FISA data without authorization in the first half of 2020. Agents apparently looked for evidence of foreign influence connected to a US politician in one instance. In another, a local political party was the subject of an improper search. According to the report, these "mistakes" were caused by "misunderstandings" of the legislation in both instances. 

The report claims that between December 2019 and May 2020, FBI agents searched FISA databases using "only the name of a US congressman," a search that was later determined to be "noncompliant" with legal requirements. However, some searches were "overly broad as constructed," according to investigators, even though they were "reasonably likely to return foreign intelligence information." 

In a another incident, the FBI conducted searches using "local political party names" despite the fact that a relationship to foreign intelligence was "not reasonably likely." The DOJ offered an explanation for the mistakes, claiming that FBI agents "misunderstood" the search protocols and that they were "thereafter reminded of how to correctly apply the query guidelines." These are the errors that, in the end, will be used as ammo in the upcoming conflict to curtail the FBI's authority. 

Although disturbing, the misuse, according to Elizabeth Goitein, senior director of the Brennan Center for Justice's national security programme at the New York University School of Law, was totally anticipated. "The door is opened to monitoring based on race, religion, politics, or other inadmissible characteristics," she claims when the government is permitted to access Americans' private communications without a warrant. 

Raw Section 702 data contains unredacted information about Americans, as it is considered to be "unminimized" even though a significant portion of it is derived "downstream" from internet businesses like Google. High-level approval is needed to "unmask" it for spy agencies like the CIA and NSA. But the FBI routinely goes through unminimized data during investigations, as well as frequently before launching them, in a practice that privacy and civil liberties attorneys have dubbed a "backdoor search." In order to allay concerns, the US Congress changed FISA to need a court order in cases that are only criminal in nature. But it was revealed years later that the FBI had never requested authorization from the judge. 

Following disclosures that a secret court had approved a wiretap on a former campaign assistant of then-presidential nominee Donald Trump in October 2016, as part of the FBI's investigation into Russian election interference, FISA eavesdropping came under increased Republican scrutiny. Despite the fact that there were multiple FBI mistakes, the wiretap application was hastily accepted even though an inspector general's report later established sufficient grounds for the investigation. 

The FISA Amendments Act initially passed Section 702 in 2008, and it was more recently extended until December 31, 2023—notably, it is not used to authorise the wiretap itself. To further extend the authority, Congress must take a vote by the end of the year. With Republicans like Jim Jordan, a leading FBI critic, opposing a prompt reauthorization, and the Biden administration pressing for one, this deadline will undoubtedly spark a debate about government monitoring that will last the rest of the year. 

As per research by Demand Progress, the recently revealed blunders are not the first in FBI history. According to declassified court papers, the bureau is suspected of carrying out thousands of illegal searches beginning in 2017 and continuing at least until 2019. For instance, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court stated in a 2018 memorandum that the FBI's minimization methods, "as they have been executed," were inconsistent with neither the FISA standards nor the Fourth Amendment itself. 

Additionally, it has disregarded rules that were approved in 2018 and called for a court order before using Section 702 data for domestic criminal investigations. Prior to November 2020, an oversight review revealed, for example, that the FBI had carried out 40 searches without the required authorization. These searches covered a variety of topics, including organised crime, health care fraud, public corruption, and bribery.

An earlier DOJ audit, which was declassified in August 2021, revealed that, in one case, an intelligence analyst had carried out "batch queries" of FISA-acquired data at the FBI's request, using the personal information of "multiple current and former United States government officials, journalists, and political commentators." Although the analyst made an effort to delete the US material, it claimed that occasionally they "accidentally failed" to do so.
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