California Governor Vetoes Bill Requiring Opt-Out Signals For Sale of User Data: An anonymous reader quotes a report from Ars Technica: California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that would have required makers of web browsers and mobile operating systems to let consumers send opt-out preference signals that could limit businesses' use of personal information. The bill approved by the State Legislature last month would have required an opt-out signal "that communicates the consumer's choice to opt out of the sale and sharing of the consumer's personal information or to limit the use of the consumer's sensitive personal information." It would have made it illegal for a business to offer a web browser or mobile operating system without a setting that lets consumers "send an opt-out preference signal to businesses with which the consumer interacts." In a veto message (PDF) sent to the Legislature Friday, Newsom said he would not sign the bill. Newsom wrote that he shares the "desire to enhance consumer privacy," noting that he previously signed a bill "requir[ing] the California Privacy Protection Agency to establish an accessible deletion mechanism allowing consumers to request that data brokers delete all of their personal information." But Newsom said he is opposed to the new bill's mandate on operating systems. "I am concerned, however, about placing a mandate on operating system (OS) developers at this time," the governor wrote. "No major mobile OS incorporates an option for an opt-out signal. By contrast, most Internet browsers either include such an option or, if users choose, they can download a plug-in with the same functionality. To ensure the ongoing usability of mobile devices, it's best if design questions are first addressed by developers, rather than by regulators. For this reason, I cannot sign this bill." Vetoes can be overridden with a two-thirds vote in each chamber. The bill was approved 59-12 in the Assembly and 31-7 in the Senate. But the State Legislature hasn't overridden a veto in decades. "It's troubling the power that companies such as Google appear to have over the governor's office," said Justin Kloczko, tech and privacy advocate for Consumer Watchdog, a nonprofit group in California. "What the governor didn't mention is that Google Chrome, Apple Safari and Microsoft Edge don't offer a global opt-out and they make up for nearly 90 percent of the browser market share. That's what matters. And people don't want to install plug-ins. Safari, which is the default browsers on iPhones, doesn't even accept a plug-in." Read more of this story at Slashdot.
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California Governor Vetoes Bill Requiring Opt-Out Signals For Sale of User Data: An anonymous reader quotes a report from Ars Technica: California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that would have required makers of web browsers and mobile operating systems to let consumers send opt-out preference signals that could limit businesses' use of personal information. The bill approved by the State Legislature last month would have required an opt-out signal "that communicates the consumer's choice to opt out of the sale and sharing of the consumer's personal information or to limit the use of the consumer's sensitive personal information." It would have made it illegal for a business to offer a web browser or mobile operating system without a setting that lets consumers "send an opt-out preference signal to businesses with which the consumer interacts." In a veto message (PDF) sent to the Legislature Friday, Newsom said he would not sign the bill. Newsom wrote that he shares the "desire to enhance consumer privacy," noting that he previously signed a bill "requir[ing] the California Privacy Protection Agency to establish an accessible deletion mechanism allowing consumers to request that data brokers delete all of their personal information." But Newsom said he is opposed to the new bill's mandate on operating systems. "I am concerned, however, about placing a mandate on operating system (OS) developers at this time," the governor wrote. "No major mobile OS incorporates an option for an opt-out signal. By contrast, most Internet browsers either include such an option or, if users choose, they can download a plug-in with the same functionality. To ensure the ongoing usability of mobile devices, it's best if design questions are first addressed by developers, rather than by regulators. For this reason, I cannot sign this bill." Vetoes can be overridden with a two-thirds vote in each chamber. The bill was approved 59-12 in the Assembly and 31-7 in the Senate. But the State Legislature hasn't overridden a veto in decades. "It's troubling the power that companies such as Google appear to have over the governor's office," said Justin Kloczko, tech and privacy advocate for Consumer Watchdog, a nonprofit group in California. "What the governor didn't mention is that Google Chrome, Apple Safari and Microsoft Edge don't offer a global opt-out and they make up for nearly 90 percent of the browser market share. That's what matters. And people don't want to install plug-ins. Safari, which is the default browsers on iPhones, doesn't even accept a plug-in." Read more of this story at Slashdot.
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Chrome, Gmail, Search --- These are the partner products in crime that kills one's privacy. All these are centralized and collect thousands of data points. Even though as a consumer, you think you are getting away with multiple email accounts, or an incognito browser, or a private VPN, nothing can save you from Google. They know you, your profile, your habits, and everyone around you in the home as well as in your digital world. That's why at SyenApp we focus on creating an all-in-one super privacy shopping app and eliminates the need for you to juggle between multiple shopping sites, apps , no need to search online for deals and coupons, de-clutter your personal gmail/yahoo by replacing your signup accounts with your syenapp id. We're living in an era where privacy protection is at paramount. It's time now. https://lnkd.in/eEUVF5KV
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Once upon a time...In today's digital age, browsing the internet has become an integral part of our daily lives. However, with the increasing prevalence of online advertisements, trackers, and potential privacy concerns, users are seeking alternative browsing solutions that prioritize their security, privacy, and overall online experience. One such solution gaining popularity is the Brave Browser with Adblocker, offering a refreshing approach to web browsing.The standout aspect of the Brave Browser lies in its built-in ad-blocking feature, which effectively blocks intrusive ads, pop-ups, and trackers by default. This not only enhances the browsing speed and performance but also provides users with a cleaner and more streamlined online experience. By eliminating unnecessary clutter and distractions, Brave allows users to focus on the content that matters most to them.Moreover, Brave prioritizes user privacy by blocking third-party trackers and providing built-in HTTPS Everywhere, ensuring secure connections to websites. This proactive approach to privacy protection resonates with users who are increasingly concerned about their online data being tracked and exploited.n conclusion, the Brave Browser with Adblocker stands out as a must-have for its target audience by offering a combination of ad-blocking, privacy protection, and innovative features like Brave Rewards. With its commitment to enhancing the online experience while prioritizing user privacy, Brave sets a new standard for modern web browsers.
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Why I Rank These Browsers for Privacy (From Best to Worst) Not all browsers protect your privacy equally. Here’s how I rank the most popular browsers based on privacy features and data protection: 1. Mullvad Browser 🏅 Built on Tor, Mullvad Browser takes the top spot for privacy. It’s designed for true anonymity—no personal data required. It blocks trackers, ads, and prevents fingerprinting, making it the best choice for privacy without sacrificing usability. 2. LibreWolf 🥈 A privacy-focused fork of Firefox, LibreWolf removes proprietary features like telemetry and DRM. It includes strong tracker blocking and is highly customizable. Great for users who want privacy with good speed and a familiar interface. 3. Brave 🥉 Brave blocks ads and trackers by default and has an optional Tor integration for even more privacy. It’s fast and easy to use, though not as anonymous as Mullvad or Tor Browser. A solid choice for everyday privacy-conscious browsing. 4. Tor Browser 🧅 For complete anonymity, Tor Browser is unmatched. It routes your traffic through multiple nodes, making it nearly impossible to trace. However, it’s slower due to this routing, so it’s best for sensitive activities, not daily browsing. 5. Firefox 🔥 Mozilla’s Firefox is a great mainstream choice for privacy. It blocks trackers and offers strong privacy settings, but lacks the anonymity features of Tor. With the right extensions, it can be a solid option for privacy-focused users. 6. Chromium 🏆 The open-source version of Chrome, Chromium is faster than Chrome but still developed by Google, a company known for data collection. It’s a decent choice if you prefer an open-source browser but still carry privacy concerns. 7. Microsoft Edge 🌐 Built on the same engine as Chromium, Edge includes some privacy improvements but still collects data for Microsoft. It’s better than Chrome but falls short compared to browsers that prioritize anonymity and data protection. 8. Safari 🍎 While Safari offers features like intelligent tracking prevention, it’s still deeply integrated with Apple’s ecosystem, which means it collects some data. It’s a good option for privacy but not as strong as the others on this list. Final Thoughts: For maximum privacy, Mullvad Browser and Tor are your best bets. If you're looking for something more mainstream but still secure, LibreWolf and Brave offer excellent privacy protections without sacrificing speed. Always choose a browser that aligns with your privacy needs—every choice matters!
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"Notification re: Class Action Notice Program in Rodriguez et al., v. Google LLC affecting some of your end users" TL;DR—No action is required. Workspace Users have several of Google's tracking settings "Off" by default, making us part of the class action against Google. Drop me a note at LeewardCloud.io if you have any questions :) What's it about? A group of people are suing Google. These people turned off specific settings in their Google accounts that should have stopped Google from tracking their activity, but some data was collected. Admins received the notification because the current Workspace default "Web and App Activity" setting is "Off." Being part of a "class" in the lawsuit means you're one of many people affected by the same issue. Workspace Users are included based on our default settings. Google's "Web and App Activity" settings have been a point of contention with privacy advocates for most of the last decade. You can check your settings here: https://lnkd.in/gxJ_Yw66
Google Workspace to strip privacy control from admins, re-enable tracking
arstechnica.com
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“Vienna-based privacy non-profit noyb (short for None Of Your Business) has filed a complaint with the Austrian data protection authority (DPA) against Firefox maker Mozilla for enabling a new feature called Privacy Preserving Attribution (PPA) without explicitly seeking users' consent. "Contrary to its reassuring name, this technology allows Firefox to track user behavior on websites," noyb said. "In essence, the browser is now controlling the tracking, rather than individual websites." Noyb also called out Mozilla for allegedly taking a leaf out of Google's playbook by "secretly" enabling the feature by default without informing users.” Firefox version 128 has introduced a new experimental feature called PPA, which is similar to Google's now-abandoned Privacy Sandbox project in Chrome. The initiative aimed to replace third-party cookies with browser-based APIs that would track users’ interests and help advertisers serve targeted ads. Essentially, the web browser would act as a middleman, categorizing users based on their browsing habits. While PPA and similar features claim to enhance privacy by eliminating third-party cookies, they still rely on collecting user data within the browser. This raises questions about how much control users truly have over their browsing data and who gets access to it. https://lnkd.in/gyj3rgFT #cybertronium #cybertroniummalaysia #dataprotection #onlinetracking #mozillafirefox
Mozilla Faces Privacy Complaint for Enabling Tracking in Firefox Without User Consent
thehackernews.com
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Privacy Alert- Data from Google Maps is being shared with third-party servers https://lnkd.in/ePtJbJ55 Are you an avid fan of Google Maps? And do you use the app for all your day to day transit and shopping needs? Then there is a high probability that all your personal data such as your destination from where you have started and where you’ve visited can be shared with third party servers by Google. Yes, you’ve read it right! You mobile phone navigational app can reveal a lot about yourselves to companies with whom you do not like to share any info. This includes personal info like where you live, work, your family residence, friends and acquaintances, […]
Privacy Alert- Data from Google Maps is being shared with third-party servers
https://www.cybersecurity-insiders.com
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Privacy Alert- Data from Google Maps is being shared with third-party servers https://lnkd.in/ettYysK3 Are you an avid fan of Google Maps? And do you use the app for all your day to day transit and shopping needs? Then there is a high probability that all your personal data such as your destination from where you have started and where you’ve visited can be shared with third party servers by Google. Yes, you’ve read it right! You mobile phone navigational app can reveal a lot about yourselves to companies with whom you do not like to share any info. This includes personal info like where you live, work, your family residence, friends and acquaintances, […]
Privacy Alert- Data from Google Maps is being shared with third-party servers
https://www.cybersecurity-insiders.com
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CA Governor Vetoes Bill Requiring Opt-out Signals for Sale of User #Data Gavin Newsom said he opposes mandate on mobile operating system #developers. “California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that would have required makers of web browsers and mobile operating systems to let consumers send opt-out preference signals that could limit businesses' use of personal information. The bill approved by the State Legislature last month would have required an opt-out signal "that communicates the consumer's choice to opt out of the sale and sharing of the consumer's personal information or to limit the use of the consumer's sensitive personal information." It would have made it illegal for a business to offer a web browser or mobile operating system without a setting that lets consumers "send an opt-out preference signal to businesses with which the consumer interacts." Newsom said he is opposed to the new bill's mandate on operating systems. […] “To ensure the ongoing usability of mobile devices, it's best if design questions are first addressed by developers, rather than by regulators. For this reason, I cannot sign this bill." Vetoes can be overridden with a two-thirds vote in each chamber. The bill was approved 59–12 in the Assembly and 31–7 in the Senate. But the State Legislature hasn't overridden a veto in decades. Industry worked overtime to squash bill. The opt-out bill would have built on the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) of 2018 and California Privacy Rights Act of 2020. Google, which recently nixed a plan to turn off tracking cookies by default in Chrome, urged Newsom to veto the bill, reports by Bloomberg and Politico said.” By Jon Brodkin https://lnkd.in/d35qZuMZ #privacy #security #regulations #innovation #growth #revenue #businessmodel #startups #bigtech #datascience #democracy #humanity
Calif. Governor vetoes bill requiring opt-out signals for sale of user data
arstechnica.com
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The browser is part of a bigger project to keep internet browsing anonymous: Use Tor and you use the Tor Project network, a complex, encrypted relay system managed by the Tor community, making it much harder for anyone else to follow your activities online. As well as this additional layer of anonymity, Tor Browser is super-strict on the background scripts and tracking tech that sites can run. It also blocks fingerprinting, a method where advertisers attempt to recognize the unique characteristics of your device. At the end of each browsing session, everything gets wiped, including cookies left behind by sites and the browsing history inside the Tor Browser app itself. In other words, private browsing that leaves no trace is the default—and indeed the only option. Brave gives you a clean, speedy browsing experience. Brave via David Nield Brave comes with all the tracking protection features you would expect: Ads are completely blocked, there are tight restrictions on the data that sites can gather through cookies and tracking scripts, and you’re always kept informed about what’s happening. The browser comes with an optional built-in VPN, though it costs extra ($10 a month). You can also, if you want, use Brave to access the Tor network we mentioned with the Tor browser and take advantage of its anonymizing relay service that hides your location and browsing data. There’s no doubt about the effectiveness of Brave’s tracker-blocking technologies, and getting around the web in Brave is quick and snappy. It’s a comprehensive package and one that strikes a well-judged balance between simplicity and power for the majority of users. Brave has regularly pioneered features related to innovative web technologies, including cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and (most recently) artificial intelligence; there’s actually a new AI assistant built into it. In other words, it’s not exclusively focused on security and privacy. Firefox is part of a suite of privacy products from Mozilla. Firefox via David Nield Firefox has long been at the forefront of online privacy—blocking tracking cookies across sites by default, for example—and it continues to be one of the best options for making sure you’re giving away as little data as possible as you make your way across the web. Source link By Nakisisa George
Best Privacy Browsers (2024): Brave, Safari, Ghostery, Firefox, DuckDuckGo
https://news.gictafrica.com
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