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All articles tagged with #privacy

Most Free Android VPN Apps Fail Basic Privacy Tests, Study Finds
technology10 hours ago

Most Free Android VPN Apps Fail Basic Privacy Tests, Study Finds

A large study of 281 popular free Android VPN apps found widespread privacy flaws: 29 apps leaked DNS traffic, 61 sent data in plaintext, five downloaded unencrypted configuration files that could be hijacked, and 169 hid VPN activity to be easily blocked. Most apps also collected device data and tracking identifiers, undermining privacy while offering little real security, with only one of 108 OpenVPN configurations meeting all security best practices. The researchers urge independent audits and caution users to scrutinize marketing claims beyond “verified” labels.

via The Hacker News|
#android#data-leaks#privacy
Cutting YouTube Ads: 10 Ways to Watch Ad-Free
tech11 hours ago

Cutting YouTube Ads: 10 Ways to Watch Ad-Free

Lifehacker surveys free, ad-free YouTube viewing options, from YouTube Premium to third‑party Android apps (NewPipe, SkyTube, LibreTube) and browser‑based blockers (DuckDuckGo with ad blocking, Firefox with uBlock Origin, Brave), plus iOS AdGuard and a Smart TV sideload (SmartTube). A SponsorBlock feature helps skip sponsor segments. Each method has trade-offs—cost, feature limits, or privacy considerations—so pick the option that fits your device and comfort level.

via Lifehacker|
#ad-blockers#android#open-source-apps
Opt out of Meta’s AI image generator using your Instagram photos
technology16 hours ago

Opt out of Meta’s AI image generator using your Instagram photos

Meta’s new AI image generator can create images from Instagram photos, and public accounts were auto-opted in. To opt out, switch your Instagram account to private or go to Settings and Activity > Sharing and reuse, and disable “Allow people to use your content on Instagram and with AI features on Meta,” specifically turning off Posts and Reels.

via The Washington Post|
#generative-ai#instagram#media
Meta's new AI image tool stirs consent controversy over faces
technology17 hours ago

Meta's new AI image tool stirs consent controversy over faces

Meta unveiled Muse Image, a feature within Meta AI that lets users generate images using the likenesses of people with public Instagram accounts by tagging them; users aren’t notified when their likeness is used and accounts must opt out to prevent usage. Privacy advocates and groups like Public Citizen, CAA, and SAG-AFTRA criticize the approach and call for affirmative consent or stricter controls, while Meta says protections exist and is evaluating next steps. No policy changes have been announced yet as the discussion continues.

via Axios|
#ai#consent#image-generation
MSG Secret Talent Database Labels Celebrities by Risk, Including LGBTQIA Status
technology18 hours ago

MSG Secret Talent Database Labels Celebrities by Risk, Including LGBTQIA Status

MSG is alleged to operate a secret 'talent' database that assigns 'risk' scores and, for some entries, records LGBTQIA identity and race; Wired reports show about 39,539 entries, including 93 labeled LGBTQIA, with high-risk marks on Freddie Gibbs, Lil Jon, DaBaby, and A Boogie Wit da Hoodie. MSG denies the claims and says it is pursuing legal remedies amid lawsuits over a data leak.

via pitchfork.com|
#celebrities#lgbtqia#privacy
Knockoff: Local, Open-Source Extension Filters Fake Amazon Brands
technology20 hours ago

Knockoff: Local, Open-Source Extension Filters Fake Amazon Brands

A new browser extension called Knockoff helps Amazon shoppers avoid fake, mass-produced brands by flagging or hiding suspect listings. It runs locally in Firefox, Chrome, and other Chromium-based browsers, requires no account, and is open-source with code on GitHub. Users can adjust badges and report misclassifications to improve accuracy over time. While effective in filtering out many knockoffs, it may also mislabel legitimate brands and does not assess product quality, so buyers should still scrutinize listings themselves.

via CNET|
#amazon#browser-extension#fake-brands
Muse AI draws privacy backlash by using public Instagram profiles by default
technology1 day ago

Muse AI draws privacy backlash by using public Instagram profiles by default

Meta’s Muse Image AI can generate pictures by pulling faces from public Instagram posts when users tag profiles in prompts, with source material used by default and without notifying the depicted people. Public accounts can opt out via Settings > Sharing and Reuse; private accounts and users under 18 are excluded. Privacy advocates say the opt-out is buried and unfair, warning about minors being depicted; Meta says guardrails exist and will act on policy-violating content. Muse Image is live in the Meta AI app and Instagram Stories in the US, with plans to expand to Facebook and add video features.

via The Guardian|
#instagram#meta#muse-image
Knockoff Extension Filters Out No-Name Brands on Amazon
technology1 day ago

Knockoff Extension Filters Out No-Name Brands on Amazon

A Chrome and Firefox extension called Knockoff cross-references Amazon listings against a 5,000-brand registry to gray out or hide shady, unbranded items. It offers Relaxed, Standard, and Strict modes, plus allowlists and blocklists, and runs locally without logging in or tracking. The article notes not all unknown brands are bad (Xteink is given as an example) and advises readers to check reviews, seller profiles, price history, and specs even when items are filtered.

via Lifehacker|
#amazon#browser-extension#ecommerce
Meta’s 'super sensing' glasses could record 24/7 for an AI assistant
tech2 days ago

Meta’s 'super sensing' glasses could record 24/7 for an AI assistant

Meta is reportedly developing prototype “super sensing” smart glasses that could continuously record audio and take photos for Meta AI to query, with raw footage potentially not stored and only metadata uploaded to servers. The approach, described by the Financial Times, would raise privacy concerns amid ongoing scrutiny of facial-recognition features and recording indicators. Meta says privacy is built in, and an update can disable the camera if the privacy light is tampered with, though the LED may stay off during “AI Feature” or “super sensing” use. Executives have signaled glasses could become a day‑long personal assistant, and FT reports detail, though release timelines remain unclear.

via The Verge|
#ai#meta#privacy
DuckDuckGo Browser Expands YouTube Ad Blocking Across Desktop and iOS
technology2 days ago

DuckDuckGo Browser Expands YouTube Ad Blocking Across Desktop and iOS

DuckDuckGo says its free browser now blocks most YouTube video ads—pre-roll and mid-roll—by default on iPhone, Windows, and Mac with the latest version; Android support is coming soon and can be enabled in the app’s settings. The ad-blocking works only inside the browser (not in the YouTube app) and relies on community filter lists from uBlock Origin plus DuckDuckGo’s rules for compatibility, which may cause a brief buffering before video loads. It blocks most but not all ads, while standard YouTube features like watch history and playlist progress remain available when using YouTube’s site inside the DuckDuckGo browser; this feature is separate from DuckDuckGo’s built-in YouTube viewer, Duck Player.

via CNET|
#ad-blocking#duckduckgo-browser#privacy