Privacy


Apple releases Android app for detecting nearby AirTags

Recently, Apple announced that it has released an Android app to allow Android users to check if an AirTag has been around them for an extended time. What are Apple AirTags, why are they a cause for concern, and what should engineers consider when creating dev...

By Robin Mitchell | 04-01-2022

Clearview AI facing £17m fine in the UK for breach of data protection laws

American company Clearview AI is currently fighting a battle with the UK’s ICO after being issued a £17m fine for multiple data rights violations. Who is Clearview AI, why are they facing penalties in the UK, and what does this tell engineers about the dangers...

By Robin Mitchell | 08-12-2021

Qualcomm introduces Always-On technology – and completely misunderstands privacy concerns

Qualcomm recently announced that it has developed its latest technologies to allow cameras to always be on. What exactly does the new technology claim to do, why is it a complete blunder on Qualcomm’s part, and how will such technology affect future designs?...

By Robin Mitchell | 06-12-2021

Taking data protection to the next level – Russian flash drive with self-destruct

A recent development in Russia has seen a NAND flash drive fitted with a self-destruct button no dissimilar to those seen in Hollywood films. Why is non-volatile memory challenging, what did Rostec develop, and what other methods exist to protect data? W...

By Robin Mitchell | 06-12-2021

NHS and Police may share data – A major mistake

Recent evidence has come to light that the NHS may be required to share patient data with the police to fight against criminal activity. Why is privacy in data becoming an increasingly important issue, what evidence do we have that the NHS and police will shar...

By Sam Brown | 14-10-2021

Facebook Smart Glasses – A cause for privacy concern

Recently, Facebook unveiled its Smart Glasses that enabled wearers to listen to music and take photos, but concerns are surrounding users’ privacy and those around them. What hardware do the smart glasses use, why is there a privacy concern, and will such devi...

By Sam Brown | 04-10-2021

Apple steps back from image scanning algorithms on user devices

Recently Apple announced that it would integrate algorithms to detect illicit images on user devices but has since turned away from this. What was Apple’s original plan, why has Apple made a U-turn, and what does this tell us about user privacy? What was...

By Robin Mitchell | 07-09-2021

Apple image detection system – The first step to privacy invasion?

Recently, Apple announced that it would soon introduce algorithms to find child abuse content uploaded to their iCloud system automatically. How will the new system operate, why could this introduction violate privacy, and what implications will arise from suc...

By Robin Mitchell | 31-08-2021

Apple Airtags – Apple moves to improve privacy, but is it enough?

Recently, Apple announced that it will be taking measures to improve the privacy of its AirTag products. What are Apple AirTags, why do they pose a serious privacy concern, and are we becoming too dependent on tracking technologies? What are Apple AirTags? App...

By Robin Mitchell | 14-06-2021

Employee Privacy – Sensors in the Office and an Automatic Mouse Mover

As employees make their way back into offices, some are concerned about introducing sensors and monitoring systems to track employee movements. Others have turned to ingenious ways to fight for employee privacy. Why are sensors being introduced into the workpl...

By Robin Mitchell | 02-06-2021

AI Traffic Monitoring Being Deployed in Scotland

Recently, The Highland Council has secured a £180,000 budget for deploying an AI traffic detection system that will provide data on traffic volume and type of traffic. But, is there a cause for privacy concerns, or will the system be a benefit for future gener...

By Sam Brown | 16-04-2021

Homomorphic Encryption – How it Could Solve Data Privacy

Privacy concerns in IoT, AI, and general transmission of data continue to increase, but a new encryption method could solve this. Why is AI facing challenges in the field of data privacy, what is homomorphic encryption, and how could it transform the world of...

By Sam Brown | 13-04-2021

Russia Introduces Law for Pre-Installed Software – How Such Moves Will Erode Privacy

Recently, Russia introduced a law that requires developers of smartphones and smart devices to come pre-installed with Russian software. Why is Russia taking this action, how does it relate to electronics, and how could such moves erode privacy? Why is Russia...

By Robin Mitchell | 10-04-2021

Could RADAR solve image privacy?

A recent announcement by Google shows that Google will use RADAR for gestures and determining to track sleep. What challenges do image-based systems face, what is Google developing, and could RADAR be the answer to privacy? The Trouble with Cameras The develop...

By Robin Mitchell | 28-03-2021