Privacy Digest 21/23

Google paid a whopping $26.3 billion in 2021 to be the default search engine everywhere

Default search status doesn’t come cheap, but it’s worth it to Google.

theverge.com

Google Search Engines Antitrust Trial US v. Google Antitrust Trial Default Search Engine

iPhones have been exposing your unique MAC despite Apple’s promises otherwise

“From the get-go, this feature was useless,” researcher says of feature put into iOS 14.

arstechnica.com

Apple Privacy Connection Anonymisation Wifi Randomized MAC Address

How to Stop Google Bard From Storing Your Data and Location

Checking out this AI chatbot's new features? Make sure to keep these privacy tips in mind during your interactions.

wired.com

Bard Google Data Collection Location Data

Phishing and Malware Threats Increase 173% and 110%

According to a Vade report from Q3 2023, phishing and malware attacks surged, with phishing volumes rising by 173% and malware by 110% from the previous quarter. August was the peak month for phishing, with over 207.3 million emails sent. Facebook and Microsoft remained the top impersonated brands, and a notable rise in phishing URLs was seen, especially with Bank of America, experiencing an 873% increase in phishing URLs. Industries saw significant rises in phishing attacks, notably the government sector with a 292% increase​.

vadesecure.com

Malware Email Phishing Phishing Attacks

California enacts in-vehicle camera privacy law

Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed legislation that mandates the notification of motorists when photos are gathered by their in-vehicle cameras.

cbsnews.com

In-vehicle Camera Privacy Law Surveillance Data Personal Information Cars California Privacy