Meta could make targeted Ads an Opt-In Choice in Europe

Meta is proposing a significant change to its personalized, targeted ads in the European Union, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. The company aims to make these ads an up-front opt-in choice for EU users, allowing them to decide whether they want to allow Meta to target ads based on their activities within the social media services. If the EU accepts Meta's proposal, users would have a three-month or longer window to make this decision.

This move is an attempt by Meta to resolve its ongoing conflict with the EU regarding the use of personal data for advertisements under European privacy laws. Currently, EU users of Meta's platforms can opt out of targeted ads, rather than having the option to opt in. For those who choose to opt out, the company still targets ads using broader demographic data like general location and age range. The specifics of Meta's new proposal are yet to be disclosed, so it remains uncertain if generalized targeting will still be allowed.

Meta's revenue growth faced challenges last year due to economic conditions and Apple's prompt to "Ask App Not to Track," which limited the amount of data the company's services could gather from third-party apps. The new EU regulations limiting targeting based on user behavior within Meta's apps could have a significant impact on the company's main source of income.

In addition to this, Meta's shortform posting app, Threads, experienced delays in Europe due to "regulatory uncertainty." The company is uncertain if the app, which it claims complies with the GDPR, also meets the requirements of the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA). The DMA mandates that tech gatekeepers avoid "self-preferencing" their products and services, and Threads' requirement to have an Instagram account could potentially breach this rule.

As part of its response to evolving regulatory requirements in the EU, Meta intends to request users' consent before allowing businesses to target advertising based on their activities on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. This decision comes after an order by Ireland's Data Protection Commissioner in January, which prompted Meta to reassess the legal basis of its ad targeting practices.

Previously, Facebook and Instagram users had effectively agreed to allow their data to be used in targeted advertising when accepting the terms and conditions of the services. However, the regulator ruled that personal information could not be processed in that manner.

In a blog post, Meta announced its intention to change the legal basis for processing certain data for behavioral advertising in the EU, EEA (European Economic Area), and Switzerland from "Legitimate Interests" to "Consent." The company assured that this change would not immediately impact its services in the region, and advertisers would still be able to run personalized advertising campaigns. Meta plans to provide further information on the practical implementation of this change following engagement with regulators. The Data Protection Commissioner confirmed that it has received correspondence from Meta on this matter, as it serves as the lead privacy regulator for many of the world's largest technology companies operating within the EU.

Signal Introduces Usernames for Encrypted Messaging: A Secure Way to Connect

Signal, the encrypted messaging service, is launching a new feature in the coming weeks: support for usernames. This beta feature allows users to establish unique usernames, enabling connections without divulging phone numbers. source: Signal Blog To create a username, navigate to your settings and select "Profile." Once you've chosen a unique username, generate a QR code or link to share with others. Recipients can connect by entering your username into the chat bar. Usernames can be changed at any time, though previous usernames may be claimed by others. Signal began testing usernames last fall. Unlike social media platforms, Signal usernames do not serve as logins or public handles. They offer a discreet means of communication without revealing personal phone numbers. While a phone number is required to register for Signal, sharing it is optional. Usernames remain private and do not appear on profiles or in chats unless shared explicitly. As Randall Sarafa, Signal'

AT&T Resets Millions of Customer Passcodes After Data Leak: What You Need to Know

AT&T recently confirmed a significant data breach affecting over 7.6 million current customers and 65 million former customers. The leaked information, which dates back to 2019 or earlier, includes personal details like names, addresses, phone numbers, and social security numbers. Fortunately, financial information and call history were not compromised. In response to the breach, AT&T has reset passcodes for affected customers. Passcodes, usually four-digit numbers, serve as an additional layer of security when accessing accounts. However, security experts warn that the encrypted passcodes leaked alongside customer information could be easily deciphered, posing a risk of unauthorized account access. Affected customers are advised to set up free fraud alerts with major credit bureaus and remain vigilant for any suspicious activity related to their accounts. AT&T is proactively reaching out to impacted customers via email or letter to inform them about the breach and the meas

Safeguarding Internet Privacy: Supreme Court of Canada Upholds Protection of IP Addresses

In a recent ruling, the Supreme Court of Canada affirmed the significance of privacy rights concerning internet addresses. The court declared that police cannot simply obtain a suspect’s IP address without a court order, emphasizing the expectation of privacy that Canadian residents hold for such information. The court's decision stemmed from a case in 2017 involving Calgary police investigating fraudulent online activities at a liquor store. Initially, police demanded IP addresses from a credit card processor, which eventually led to obtaining subscriber information from Telus. This information was pivotal in making arrests and securing convictions in multiple offenses. Despite previous convictions, the accused contested the legality of obtaining IP addresses without proper authorization. The Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision, asserted that IP addresses carry a reasonable expectation of privacy, necessitating judicial approval before access. The ruling emphasizes that obtaining jud

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