DDP's May 2021 Data Privacy News Roundup

We're kicking off DDP's monthly news roundup to keep you in-the-know with the latest data privacy news. We'll compile a list of top stories for you every month and send you bytes of news that's easy to find all in one place.

So far in May 2021...

  • TikTok has settled two data privacy consumer class actions in the US, one for $92 million and one for $1.1 million, and is now facing a billion dollar data privacy lawsuit in the UK.
  • Joe Biden's secret Venmo account was discovered.
  • Unsurprisingly, less than 1 in 25 people have opted-in to have their data tracked on Instagram / Facebook.
  • Signal put out some pretty bold Facebook ads, and they were shut down immediately.
  • and much more.

iOS 14.5: Mark Zuckerberg’s nightmare has arrived, thanks to Tim Cook - 05/03/2021

Mark Zuckerberg vs. Apple. Has Facebook met its match?

How Apple's Major Privacy Update Will Affect Your Favorite Apps - 05/04/2021

Minimizing risk while maximizing privacy. How Apple is making it easier for you to protect your data.

Apple to Ban Apps That Reward Users for Enabling App Tracking - 05/05/2021

“Most notably, Apple says that any app that attempts to offer monetary incentives to users to convince them to enable tracking will be banned from the ‌App Store‌.“

The Instagram Ads Facebook Won't Show You - 05/07/2021

Bravo @signalapp - this is the kind of #datatransparency needed. We deserve to know how our data is being used and labeled by #BigTech.

Facebook and Instagram notices in iOS apps tell users tracking helps keep them ‘free of charge’ - 05/10/2021

It's been reported that only 4% of iOS users have opted into data tracking.

Freedom at a Cost: The Burdens and Benefits of Giving Up Your Data Privacy - 05/11/2021

Modern convenience vs privacy...worth the trade off?

“Tinfoil hats aside, there are substantiated concerns over these technologies’ respect (or lack thereof) for consumer privacy.

We Checked 250 iPhone Apps—This Is How They’re Tracking You - 05/12/2021

This article is packed with tips and surprising info about consumer privacy  (such as how our weather apps are selling us out).

Only 4 percent of US iPhone users have agreed to app tracking after iOS 14.5 - 05/13/2021

The people have spoken: don't touch our data.

We Found Joe Biden’s Secret Venmo. Here’s Why That’s A Privacy Nightmare For Everyone. - 05/17/2021

“Joe Biden’s Venmo account after less than 10 minutes of looking for it, revealing a network of his private social connections, a national security issue for the United States, and a major privacy concern for everyone..."

TikTok Lawsuit: Allegedly Processing Data From Children's Accounts—Is Your Child's Privacy and Data in Danger?

“[The] social network platform is now facing a billion-dollar lawsuit which was claimed to be endangering and putting these users at risk.”

Facebook Ordered to Stop Collecting German WhatsApp Data

Another country puts their foot down when it comes to Facebook’s data collection process.

Cybercrime Thrives During Pandemic

While most companies are learning to manage change and new ways of working during this pandemic, cyber criminals are capitalizing on the moment.

Once Tech’s Favorite Economist, Now a Thorn in Its Side

Paul Romer is a Nobel Prize recipient. Lauded as “an economist for the technological age" that was once treated "like a rock star" by the tech industry. That's not the case anymore. Very interesting read by @SteveLohr

How To Opt-Out Of Cross App Tracking By Default On Your iPhone

With 96% of iOS users opting-out of browser tracking, Facebook's main revenue source is in hot water. What do you predict their next business move will be? PS. Check our blog for "How To Opt-Out Of Cross App Tracking By Default On Your iPhone"

Mexico Will Require All New Cell Phone Users To Provide Biometric Data To The Government

Privacy trends from around the world. Do you think this would ever happen in the US?

As Consumer Privacy Restrictions Tighten, Developers Call For Collaboration

Some good data news: Developers and privacy advocates are calling to work together to create a “new standard” in developing when it comes to data privacy.

Stepping Up To The Data Privacy Challenge

With consumer trust at an all time low, data privacy and data security are becoming the new competitive playing field for businesses.

Privacy laws need updating after Google deal with HCA Healthcare, medical ethics professor says

"Maybe they don't have your name, but they sure enough can figure out what sub-group, sub-population might do best by getting advertised to you.”

Alone, we are no match for Big Tech and Data Brokers, but together we're a force to be reckoned with.

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