Privacy Digest 19/26

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US Military Disables Ad Tracking

The U.S. military has disabled advertising tracking across government-issued phones and computers after foreign adversaries reportedly used commercially obtained location data to target troops in the Middle East. The protections cover multiple military branches and make individuals harder to identify in location datasets sold by data brokers. Personal devices brought onto bases remain a potential exposure. Meanwhile, U.S. intelligence agencies and the FBI have themselves confirmed buying commercially available location data for surveillance without a warrant.

techcrunch.com

Ad Tracking Surveillance Data Brokers Location Data

AI Turns Police Cameras Into People Search

Flock Safety’s latest AI search tools let police continuously scan camera networks for people matching written descriptions, not just license plates. WIRED found the system can flag searches involving sensitive traits, but some safeguards only warn officers and log what they do rather than stop the search. That matters because Flock has already been linked to dozens of alleged misuse cases. Experts warn the technology is difficult to audit, can produce inaccurate matches, and still leaves broad room for surveillance.

wired.com

AI Surveillance Police Technology Visual Tracking Civil Liberties

When Someone Else’s Smart Glasses Record You

A lawsuit against Meta over its AI-powered glasses has expanded to include bystanders who never bought or wore the devices but say they were recorded without their knowledge. The complaint alleges that footage captured through the glasses’ AI features was sent to third-party contractors and used to train Meta’s AI without adequate disclosure or consent. Earlier reporting cited intimate recordings reviewed by overseas workers. Meta disputes the allegations. The case raises a broader question: what privacy rights do bystanders have around always-on wearable cameras?

fortune.com

AI Training Smart Glasses Bystander Privacy Biometric Data

How to Block Ads on ChatGPT

ChatGPT ads have expanded from their initial U.S. rollout to 31 European markets, meaning far more people may now encounter sponsored content in everyday conversations. Our guide explains how to reduce or remove those ads, from ChatGPT’s own ad-free options to using Ghostery in a supported browser. It also covers mobile limitations and ad controls. If you know someone who uses ChatGPT regularly, this is a useful guide to share so they can decide when they want advertising and when they don’t.

ghostery.com

AI Advertising Ad Blocking Ghostery Online Privacy Browser Extension

Driver’s Licenses for Sale

Ars Technica reporter Dan Goodin rented a car and had his driver’s license scanned. Within hours, a copy appeared for sale on a dark-web service claiming access to more than 153 million license scans. New IDs appeared continuously, including nearly 400,000 in one 24-hour period, suggesting near real-time access to a third-party scanning provider. Some files reportedly included ultraviolet and infrared scans used to verify genuine IDs. The FBI is investigating the apparent exposure.

arstechnica.com

Data Breach Identity Verification Personal Information

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