Did you know that some so-called 'smart toys' may be spying on your kids' behaviour patterns? A shocking study into 12 such toys found breaches of security and privacy, with the toys recording and transmitting user&nbsp;data to toy manufacturers.

The study examined smart toys like Toniebox, Tiptoi smart pen,&nbsp;Edurino learning app, Tamagotchi virtual pet, Moorebot mobile robot and chlidren's smart phone Kidibuzz. These toys employ interactive play through software apps and internet.&nbsp;

Watch: Smart devices evesdropping for ad targeting and listening to your conversations secretly? 
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"Many of these toys raise privacy concerns, and some even collect extensive behavioral data about children," said the researchers at the University of Basel, Switzerland in a release.

Take the case of Toniebox in which children can use figurines that, when put into a box, would play music and audio content. The researchers found that the toy records exactly when the toy is activated and by which figurine, when the child stops playback, and to which spot they rewind or fast-forward, said the release.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amazon-shuts-down-customers-smart-home-devices-over-false-racism-claims-605214">Also read: Amazon shuts down customer's smart home devices over false racism claims</a>

Such data is sent to the manufacturer, found the study headed by Prof Isabel Wagner of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Basel.&nbsp;

For the study to be presented at the Annual Privacy Forum in September, the researchers looked into data traffic encryption, data protection, transparency and compliance with the European Union General Data Protection Regulation.&nbsp;

They found that Toniebox and the Tiptoi Pen do not securely encrypt data traffic.

Toniebox collects data and sends to the manufacturer.&nbsp;"Even if the Toniebox were operated offline and only temporarily connected to the internet while downloading new audio content, the device could store collected data locally and transmit it to the manufacturer at the next opportunity," said Wagner, a professor of cyber security.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/elon-musk-threatens-apple-device-ban-over-openai-integration-730630">Also read: Elon Musk threatens Apple device ban over OpenAI integration</a> 
 
In another toy that integrates ChatGPT, the researchers found that log data "regularly vanishes,” said Wagner, adding the system is probably set up to delete the local copy of transmitted data to optimise internal storage use.

The ChatGPT toy transmits a data stream that looks like audio. "Perhaps the company wants to optimise speech recognition for children’s voices," said Wagner.&nbsp;

While companies claim the data helps optimise the devices, it's not clear to users what purpose this data could serve.

“The apps bundled with some of these toys demand entirely unnecessary access rights, such as to a smartphone’s location or microphone,” said Wagner.

“Children’s privacy requires special protection,” said Julika Feldbusch, first author of the study.

She said toy manufacturers should place greater weight on privacy and security of their products.

“Well-informed parents engage with the issue and can choose toys that do not create behavioural profiles of their children. But many lack the technical knowledge or don’t have time to think about this stuff in detail,” Feldbusch.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Did you know that some so-called 'smart toys' may be spying on your kids' behaviour patterns? A shocking study into 12 such toys found breaches of security and privacy, with the toys recording and transmitting user data to toy manufacturers.

Did you know that some so-called 'smart toys' may be spying on your kids' behaviour patterns? A shocking study into 12 such toys found breaches of security and privacy, with the toys recording and transmitting user data to toy manufacturers. The study examined smart toys like Toniebox, Tiptoi smart pen, Edurino learning app, Tamagotchi virtual pet, Moorebot mobile robot and chlidren's smart phone Kidibuzz. These toys employ interactive play through software apps and internet. Watch: Smart devices evesdropping for ad targeting and listening to your conversations secretly? × "Many of these toys raise privacy concerns, and some even collect extensive behavioral data about children," said the researchers at the University of Basel, Switzerland in a release. Take the case of Toniebox in which children can use figurines that, when put into a box, would play music and audio content. The researchers found that the toy records exactly when the toy is activated and by which figurine, when the child stops playback, and to which spot they rewind or fast-forward, said the release. Also read: Amazon shuts down customer's smart home devices over false racism claims Such data is sent to the manufacturer, found the study headed by Prof Isabel Wagner of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Basel. For the study to be presented at the Annual Privacy Forum in September, the researchers looked into data traffic encryption, data protection, transparency and compliance with the European Union General Data Protection Regulation. They found that Toniebox and the Tiptoi Pen do not securely encrypt data traffic. Toniebox collects data and sends to the manufacturer. "Even if the Toniebox were operated offline and only temporarily connected to the internet while downloading new audio content, the device could store collected data locally and transmit it to the manufacturer at the next opportunity," said Wagner, a professor of cyber security. Also read: Elon Musk threatens Apple device ban over OpenAI integration In another toy that integrates ChatGPT, the researchers found that log data "regularly vanishes,” said Wagner, adding the system is probably set up to delete the local copy of transmitted data to optimise internal storage use. The ChatGPT toy transmits a data stream that looks like audio. "Perhaps the company wants to optimise speech recognition for children’s voices," said Wagner. While companies claim the data helps optimise the devices, it's not clear to users what purpose this data could serve. “The apps bundled with some of these toys demand entirely unnecessary access rights, such as to a smartphone’s location or microphone,” said Wagner. “Children’s privacy requires special protection,” said Julika Feldbusch, first author of the study. She said toy manufacturers should place greater weight on privacy and security of their products. “Well-informed parents engage with the issue and can choose toys that do not create behavioural profiles of their children. But many lack the technical knowledge or don’t have time to think about this stuff in detail,” Feldbusch. (With inputs from agencies)

Some smart toys may be spying on your kids' behaviour patterns in breach of privacy

Popular video conferencing platform Zoom is back in the news for privacy concerns. Zoom updated its terms of service in March this year, which has now triggered concerns that the company might use user-generated content on the platform, such as conversations and chats, to train its Artificial Intelligence (AI) model, that too without the users’ consent.

However, the company has tried to put the rumours to rest by releasing a statement on Monday (August 7). In a statement, it said the company “will not use audio, video, or chat customer content to train our artificial intelligence models without your consent.”

<h2>Will Zoom tap your devices now?</h2>

According to Zoom’s latest promises, it would be incorrect to say it will eavesdrop on your video calls and virtual meetings. The current terms don’t allow user-generated content to be accessed by the company.

If the company is ever found to be collecting user-generated content, irrespective of consent, it would be violating its own terms, thus paving the way for litigation.

<h2>Are privacy concerns raised by experts illegitimate?</h2>

Not exactly. The company can still access “service-generated data” for machine learning purposes, provided the required consent is given. Service-generated data refers to data regarding customer behaviour such as what features do customers use more.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/zoom-calls-employees-back-to-office-with-hybrid-work-approach-623322">Also read:&nbsp;Zoom, videoconferencing darling of Covid lockdowns, calls employees back to office</a>

According to the new terms of service, service-generated data can be used for “machine learning or artificial intelligence (including the purposes of training and tuning algorithms and models.”

However, to allay the privacy concerns, the company says customers will have to enable the feature themselves and then separately give consent to share the data with the company.

<h2>What if the host of a meeting enables this feature?</h2>

According to experts, the functioning of this feature could still present challenges for certain participants during Zoom calls, particularly when the host chooses to activate the generative AI capabilities.

Zoom has clarified that when a meeting organiser opts for the meeting summary function, participants will receive a notification informing them about the activation of an AI feature. This notification will also indicate the potential sharing of their data for AI training purposes. Participants will then have the option to proceed with the meeting or to exit.

Watch:&nbsp;Zoom orders partial work-from-office policy for workers

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While this approach theoretically empowers all participants to manage their data usage, it might not be feasible for someone to decline a meeting or entirely avoid using Zoom if they disagree.&nbsp;

Katharine Trendacosta, the director of policy and advocacy at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, raised a pertinent question: “If the administrator consents and it’s your boss at your work who requires you to use Zoom, how is that really consent?”

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Popular video conferencing platform Zoom is back in the news for privacy concerns. Zoom updated its terms of service in March this year, which has now triggered concerns that the company might use user-generated content on the platform, such as conversations and chats, to train its Artificial Intelligence (AI) model, that too without the users’ consent.

Popular video conferencing platform Zoom is back in the news for privacy concerns. Zoom updated its terms of service in March this year, which has now triggered concerns that the company might use user-generated content on the platform, such as conversations and chats, to train its Artificial Intelligence (AI) model, that too without the users’ consent. However, the company has tried to put the rumours to rest by releasing a statement on Monday (August 7). In a statement, it said the company “will not use audio, video, or chat customer content to train our artificial intelligence models without your consent.” Will Zoom tap your devices now? According to Zoom’s latest promises, it would be incorrect to say it will eavesdrop on your video calls and virtual meetings. The current terms don’t allow user-generated content to be accessed by the company. If the company is ever found to be collecting user-generated content, irrespective of consent, it would be violating its own terms, thus paving the way for litigation. Are privacy concerns raised by experts illegitimate? Not exactly. The company can still access “service-generated data” for machine learning purposes, provided the required consent is given. Service-generated data refers to data regarding customer behaviour such as what features do customers use more. Also read: Zoom, videoconferencing darling of Covid lockdowns, calls employees back to office According to the new terms of service, service-generated data can be used for “machine learning or artificial intelligence (including the purposes of training and tuning algorithms and models.” However, to allay the privacy concerns, the company says customers will have to enable the feature themselves and then separately give consent to share the data with the company. What if the host of a meeting enables this feature? According to experts, the functioning of this feature could still present challenges for certain participants during Zoom calls, particularly when the host chooses to activate the generative AI capabilities. Zoom has clarified that when a meeting organiser opts for the meeting summary function, participants will receive a notification informing them about the activation of an AI feature. This notification will also indicate the potential sharing of their data for AI training purposes. Participants will then have the option to proceed with the meeting or to exit. Watch: Zoom orders partial work-from-office policy for workers × While this approach theoretically empowers all participants to manage their data usage, it might not be feasible for someone to decline a meeting or entirely avoid using Zoom if they disagree. Katharine Trendacosta, the director of policy and advocacy at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, raised a pertinent question: “If the administrator consents and it’s your boss at your work who requires you to use Zoom, how is that really consent?” WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Will Zoom eavesdrop on your video calls to train its AI model? Here is the answer

The 'Worldcoin project', led by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has captured global attention as people around the world undergo eyeball scans in exchange for a digital ID and the promise of receiving free cryptocurrency.&nbsp;

Launched on Monday, the project initiated eyeball scans in various countries, including Britain, Japan, and India.&nbsp;

<h2>The goal behind 'Worldcoin project'</h2>

Its primary goal, as per Reuters, is to establish a new "identity and financial network," enabling users to prove their human identity online and differentiate themselves from bots.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/uk-data-watchdog-to-make-enquiries-about-worldcoin-crypto-project-report-619335">UK data watchdog to make enquiries about Worldcoin crypto project: Report</a>

The Worldcoin project claims to have issued IDs to over two million people in 120 countries during a trial period over the past two years. This&nbsp;has&nbsp;raised eyebrows among privacy campaigners and data regulators.

<h2>'Orbs are here'</h2>

At a crypto conference in Tokyo, attendees eagerly queued to have their irises scanned by a device placed near a gleaming silver globe, with the hope of receiving 25 free Worldcoin tokens, as offered by the company to verified users.

While some participants expressed curiosity and excitement about the cutting-edge crypto project, others told Reuters they weighed privacy concerns and potential data collection risks.

One user, 33-year-old Saeki Sasaki told Reuters that "there's a risk with having the data of your own eyes collected by a company, but I like to follow the most up-to-date crypto projects."

"I was a bit scared, but I've done it now and can’t take it back," she added.&nbsp;

<h2>'Verified human'</h2>

On Monday (July 24th), in east London, Worldcoin representatives showcased the project's app and conducted retinal scans, rewarding participants with free t-shirts and stickers labelled "verified human."&nbsp;

However, not all users read Worldcoin's privacy policy, which raises concerns about data being accessible to subcontractors and authorities.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sam-altman-of-openai-launches-worldcoin-crypto-project-619146">Sam Altman of OpenAI launches Worldcoin crypto project</a>

Despite the risks and critiques from privacy advocates, the allure of free cryptocurrency tokens encouraged many to share personal data.&nbsp;

"It's quite concerning but I think a lot of companies have our data at this point," said one user.

Others claimed that considering the future challenges of distinguishing human from artificial intelligence, they found the project intriguing.

<h2>Experts raise concerns</h2>

Critics, including the US privacy campaigner Electronic Privacy Information Center, have labelled Worldcoin's data-collection practices as a "potential privacy nightmare."&nbsp;

UK privacy campaign group Big Brother Watch expressed concern about potential data hacking and exploitation of biometric data.&nbsp;

"Digital ID systems increase state and corporate control over individuals' lives and rarely live up to the extraordinary benefits technocrats tend to attribute to them," said the group's senior advocacy officer Madeleine Stone.

However, the company, on its website, asserts that the project is "completely private" and allows users to either delete their biometric data or store it in encrypted form.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The 'Worldcoin project', led by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has captured global attention as people around the world undergo eyeball scans in exchange for a digital ID and the promise of receiving free cryptocurrency.

The 'Worldcoin project', led by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has captured global attention as people around the world undergo eyeball scans in exchange for a digital ID and the promise of receiving free cryptocurrency. Launched on Monday, the project initiated eyeball scans in various countries, including Britain, Japan, and India. The goal behind 'Worldcoin project' Its primary goal, as per Reuters, is to establish a new "identity and financial network," enabling users to prove their human identity online and differentiate themselves from bots. Also read | UK data watchdog to make enquiries about Worldcoin crypto project: Report The Worldcoin project claims to have issued IDs to over two million people in 120 countries during a trial period over the past two years. This has raised eyebrows among privacy campaigners and data regulators. 'Orbs are here' At a crypto conference in Tokyo, attendees eagerly queued to have their irises scanned by a device placed near a gleaming silver globe, with the hope of receiving 25 free Worldcoin tokens, as offered by the company to verified users. While some participants expressed curiosity and excitement about the cutting-edge crypto project, others told Reuters they weighed privacy concerns and potential data collection risks. One user, 33-year-old Saeki Sasaki told Reuters that "there's a risk with having the data of your own eyes collected by a company, but I like to follow the most up-to-date crypto projects." "I was a bit scared, but I've done it now and can’t take it back," she added. 'Verified human' On Monday (July 24th), in east London, Worldcoin representatives showcased the project's app and conducted retinal scans, rewarding participants with free t-shirts and stickers labelled "verified human." However, not all users read Worldcoin's privacy policy, which raises concerns about data being accessible to subcontractors and authorities. Also read | Sam Altman of OpenAI launches Worldcoin crypto project Despite the risks and critiques from privacy advocates, the allure of free cryptocurrency tokens encouraged many to share personal data. "It's quite concerning but I think a lot of companies have our data at this point," said one user. Others claimed that considering the future challenges of distinguishing human from artificial intelligence, they found the project intriguing. Experts raise concerns Critics, including the US privacy campaigner Electronic Privacy Information Center, have labelled Worldcoin's data-collection practices as a "potential privacy nightmare." UK privacy campaign group Big Brother Watch expressed concern about potential data hacking and exploitation of biometric data. "Digital ID systems increase state and corporate control over individuals' lives and rarely live up to the extraordinary benefits technocrats tend to attribute to them," said the group's senior advocacy officer Madeleine Stone. However, the company, on its website, asserts that the project is "completely private" and allows users to either delete their biometric data or store it in encrypted form. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Eyeball scans for cryptocurrency: Sam Altman's 'Worldcoin Project' raises privacy concerns

In July, the average cost of in-app purchases (IAPs) soared 40 per cent year over year (YoY) on the iOS App Store, which is assumed to be as a result of privacy improvements, but only 9 per cent on the Google Play store.

Books appeared to be in the top five lists of price rises on both iOS and Google Play, with some other categories experiencing bigger price increases than others.

On the Google App Store, navigation had a near rating of 88 per cent, while social networking had a decrease of two per cent.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/apple-launches-ios-16-with-some-of-the-biggest-updates-to-lock-screen-515635">Also read |&nbsp;Apple launches iOS 16 with some of the biggest updates to Lock Screen</a>

Food and drinks ranked highest on Google Play, at 50 per cent.

Individuals are witnessing price increases practically everywhere, citing data from Apptopia, an app intelligence company, with the consumer price index in the United States rising 8.5 per cent year over year.

Apptopia's report stated, "The rise on iOS comes much before inflation (not the case for Google Play) hits hard in 2022, indicating publishers may actually be reacting to increased effective cost per install (eCPI) due to Apple's App Tracking Transparency (ATT) policies making it more expensive to acquire users," IANS reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-and-apple-face-another-anti-competitive-complaint-this-time-in-mexico-514826">Also read |&nbsp;Google and Apple face another anti-competitive complaint, this time in Mexico</a>

The in-app purchases climbed significantly more than the monthly or yearly purchases. While annual and monthly in-app purchases saw an increase of 19 per cent in price, the average price of an iOS single purchase increased by 36 per cent.

"Publishers are trying to present a value and hook customers for longer to cut down on acquisition costs," Adam Blacker, VP, Insights, said, IANS reported.&nbsp;

The tech giant, Apple, launched iOS 16 to make your devices more personal with some of the biggest updates to the Lock Screen, and messages, and also included some new tools in Mail.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In July, the average cost of in-app purchases (IAPs) soared 40 per cent year over year (YoY) on the iOS App Store, which is assumed to be as a result of privacy improvements, but only 9 per cent on the Google Play store.

In July, the average cost of in-app purchases (IAPs) soared 40 per cent year over year (YoY) on the iOS App Store, which is assumed to be as a result of privacy improvements, but only 9 per cent on the Google Play store. Books appeared to be in the top five lists of price rises on both iOS and Google Play, with some other categories experiencing bigger price increases than others. On the Google App Store, navigation had a near rating of 88 per cent, while social networking had a decrease of two per cent. Also read | Apple launches iOS 16 with some of the biggest updates to Lock Screen Food and drinks ranked highest on Google Play, at 50 per cent. Individuals are witnessing price increases practically everywhere, citing data from Apptopia, an app intelligence company, with the consumer price index in the United States rising 8.5 per cent year over year. Apptopia's report stated, "The rise on iOS comes much before inflation (not the case for Google Play) hits hard in 2022, indicating publishers may actually be reacting to increased effective cost per install (eCPI) due to Apple's App Tracking Transparency (ATT) policies making it more expensive to acquire users," IANS reported. Also read | Google and Apple face another anti-competitive complaint, this time in Mexico The in-app purchases climbed significantly more than the monthly or yearly purchases. While annual and monthly in-app purchases saw an increase of 19 per cent in price, the average price of an iOS single purchase increased by 36 per cent. "Publishers are trying to present a value and hook customers for longer to cut down on acquisition costs," Adam Blacker, VP, Insights, said, IANS reported. The tech giant, Apple, launched iOS 16 to make your devices more personal with some of the biggest updates to the Lock Screen, and messages, and also included some new tools in Mail. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Apple's in-app purchases rise by 40% due to its recent privacy updates

Dating apps like Tinder, OkCupid, and Grindr are all the rage these days. Despite the fact that they make dating and meeting new people so easy, dating apps can also pose a privacy risk.

A recent investigation by the Wall Street Journal has discovered a big privacy flaw in Grindr, an app that caters to gay, homosexual individuals.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-it-could-help-feed-the-planet-would-you-be-open-to-eating-vegetables-fertilised-with-human-pee-475762" hreflang="en">If it could help feed the planet, would you be open to eating vegetables fertilised with human pee?</a>

Users' location information from the app has been on sale for years.

The data has been available for roughly five years, since 2017, and the article indicates that past data may still be available. This is despite the fact that the corporation claims to have stopped sending location data to ad networks.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Online dating scams surge during the pandemic

Citing people familiar with the matter, the journal said that “The precise movements of millions of users of the gay-dating app Grindr were collected from a digital advertising network and made available for sale."

The data is believed to not contain personal information like names and phone numbers. The location data, however, allows users to infer things like specific users and romantic encounters based on their proximity to a particular location. A user's location data can also provide clues to their identity, such as their work and home addresses.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gay-dating-app-grindr-disappears-from-chinas-app-stores-449251">Gay dating app Grindr disappears from China's app stores</a>

In 2020, a Norwegian consumer group also reported that apps like Grindr and OkCupid share personal information like user location and sexuality with approximately 100 businesses. These businesses use the data for advertising and marketing purposes.

Even today many are not open about their sexual orientation and in some places being gay still carries risk, so this breach of privacy can be very dangerous. Experts have expressed concern about the sharing of such data, with some calling it risky in extreme circumstances.

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(With inputs from agencies)

Dating apps like Tinder, OkCupid, and Grindr are all the rage these days. Despite the fact that they make dating and meeting new people so easy, dating apps can also pose a privacy risk.

Dating apps like Tinder, OkCupid, and Grindr are all the rage these days. Despite the fact that they make dating and meeting new people so easy, dating apps can also pose a privacy risk. A recent investigation by the Wall Street Journal has discovered a big privacy flaw in Grindr, an app that caters to gay, homosexual individuals. Also read | If it could help feed the planet, would you be open to eating vegetables fertilised with human pee? Users' location information from the app has been on sale for years. The data has been available for roughly five years, since 2017, and the article indicates that past data may still be available. This is despite the fact that the corporation claims to have stopped sending location data to ad networks. Watch | Gravitas: Online dating scams surge during the pandemic Citing people familiar with the matter, the journal said that “The precise movements of millions of users of the gay-dating app Grindr were collected from a digital advertising network and made available for sale." The data is believed to not contain personal information like names and phone numbers. The location data, however, allows users to infer things like specific users and romantic encounters based on their proximity to a particular location. A user's location data can also provide clues to their identity, such as their work and home addresses. Also read | Gay dating app Grindr disappears from China's app stores In 2020, a Norwegian consumer group also reported that apps like Grindr and OkCupid share personal information like user location and sexuality with approximately 100 businesses. These businesses use the data for advertising and marketing purposes. Even today many are not open about their sexual orientation and in some places being gay still carries risk, so this breach of privacy can be very dangerous. Experts have expressed concern about the sharing of such data, with some calling it risky in extreme circumstances. Watch WION LIVE HERE: (With inputs from agencies)

Private data of thousands of users of gay date app Grindr was on sale for years: Report

Dozens of Chinese firms have built software that uses artificial intelligence to sort data collected on residents, amid high demand from authorities seeking to upgrade their surveillance tools, a Reuters review of government documents shows.

According to more than 50 publicly available documents examined by Reuters, dozens of entities in China have over the past four years bought such software, known as "one person, one file". The technology improves on existing software, which simply collects data but leaves it to people to organise.

“The system has the ability to learn independently and can optimize the accuracy of file creation as the amount of data increases. (Faces that are) partially blocked, masked, or wearing glasses, and low-resolution portraits can also be archived relatively accurately,” according to a tender published in July by the public security department of Henan, China’s third-largest province by population.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/chinese-shadow-as-south-asian-countries-face-political-and-social-upheavals-468981">Chinese shadow as South Asian countries face political and social upheavals</a>

Henan's department of public security did not respond to requests for comment about the system and its uses.

The new software improves on Beijing's current approach to surveillance. Although China's existing systems can collect data on individuals, law enforcement and other users have been left to organise it.

Another limitation of current surveillance software is its inability to connect an individual’s personal details to a real-time location except at security checkpoints such as those in airports, according to Jeffrey Ding, a postdoctoral fellow at Stanford's Center for International Security and Cooperation.

One person, one file "is a way of sorting information that makes it easier to track individuals," said Mareike Ohlberg, a Berlin-based senior fellow at the German Marshall Fund.

China's Department of Public Security, which oversees regional police authorities, did not respond to a request for comment about one person, one file and its surveillance uses. Besides the police units, 10 bids were opened by Chinese Communist Party bodies responsible for political and legal affairs. China's Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission declined to comment.

The tenders examined by Reuters represent a fraction of such efforts by Chinese police units and Party bodies to upgrade surveillance networks by tapping into the power of big data and AI, according to three industry experts interviewed for this story.

According to government documents, some of the software's users, such as schools, wanted to monitor unfamiliar faces outside their compounds.

The majority, such as police units in southwestern Sichuan province's Ngawa prefecture, mainly populated by Tibetans, ordered it for more explicit security purposes. The Ngawa tender describes the software as being for "maintaining political security, social stability and peace among the people."

Ngawa's department of public security did not respond to requests for comment.

Beijing says its monitoring is crucial to combating crime and has been key to its efforts to fight the spread of COVID-19. Human rights activists such as Human Rights Watch say that the country is building a surveillance state that infringes on privacy and unfairly targets certain groups, such the Uyghur Muslim minority.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/chinese-vignettes-china-is-steadily-making-gains-overseas-at-home-it-struggles-to-fight-covid-468057">Chinese vignettes | China is steadily making gains overseas. At home, it struggles to fight Covid</a>

The Reuters review shows that local authorities across the country, including in highly populated districts of Beijing and underdeveloped provinces like Gansu, have opened at least 50 tenders in the four years since the first patent application, 32 of which were opened for bidding in 2021. Twenty-two tech companies, including Sensetime, Huawei, Megvii, Cloudwalk, Dahua, and the cloud division of Baidu, now offer such software, according to a Reuters review.

Sensetime declined to comment. Megvii, Cloudwalk, Dahua, and the cloud division of Baidu did not respond to requests for comment.

Huawei said in a statement that a partner had developed the one person, one file application in its smart city platform. The company declined to comment on the patent applications.

"Huawei does not develop or sell applications that target any specific group of people," the company said.

The documents Reuters reviewed span 22 of China's 31 main administrative divisions, and all levels of provincial government, from regional public security departments to Party offices for a single neighbourhood.

The new systems aim to make sense of the giant troves of data such entities collect, using complex algorithms and machine learning to create customised files for individuals, according to the government tenders. The files update themselves automatically as the software sorts data.

A wide range of challenges can complicate implementation, however. Bureaucracy and even cost can create a fragmented and disjointed nationwide network, three AI and surveillance experts told Reuters.

Reuters found announcements for successful bids for more than half of the 50 procurement documents analysed, with values between a few million yuan and close to 200 million yuan.

System upgrade

China blanketed its cities with surveillance cameras in a 2015-2020 campaign it described as "sharp eyes" and is striving to do the same across rural areas. The development and adoption of the "one person, one file" software began around the same time.

Ohlberg, the researcher, said the earliest mention she had seen of one person, one file was from 2016, in a 200-page surveillance feasibility study by Shawan county in Xinjiang, for acquiring a computer system that could “automatically identify and investigate key persons involved in terrorism and (threatening social) stability.” A Shawan county official declined to comment.

Watch |&nbsp;China targets power grid systems in Ladakh, India foils hacking attempt

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-targets-power-grid-systems-in-ladakh-india-foils-hacking-attempt-469202/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In 2016, China's domestic security chief at the time, Meng Jianzhu, wrote in a state-run journal that big data was the key to finding crime patterns and trends. Two years later, the system was referenced in a speech to industry executives given by Li Ziqing, then-director of the Research Center for Biometrics and Security Technology of the state-run Chinese Academy of Sciences. Li also was chief scientist at AuthenMetric, a Beijing-based facial recognition company. Neither the research centre nor AuthenMetric responded to requests for comment.

"The ultimate core technology of big data’s (application to) security is one person, one file," Li said in the 2018 speech at an AI forum in Shenzhen, according to a transcript of the speech published by local media and shared on AuthenMetric’s WeChat public account.

The Party's Political and Legal Affairs Commission, which Meng led in 2016, declined to comment. Meng could not be reached for comment. Li did not respond to a request for comment.

The industry developed quickly. By 2021, Huawei, Sensetime, and 26 other Chinese tech companies had filed patent applications with the World Intellectual Property Organization for file archiving and image clustering algorithms.

A 2021 Huawei patent application for a "person database partitioning method and device" that mentioned one person, one file said that "as smart cameras become more popular in the future, the number of captured facial images in a city will grow to trillions per year”.

Safe Cities

The 50 tenders Reuters analysed give varying amounts of detail on how the software would be used.

Some mentioned, "one person, one file" as a single entry on a list of needed items for surveillance systems. Others gave detailed descriptions.

Nine of the tenders indicated the software would be used with facial recognition technology that could, the documents specified, identify whether a passerby was Uyghur, connecting to early warning systems for the police and creating archives of Uyghur faces.

One tender published in February 2020 by a Party organ responsible for an area in the southeastern island province of Hainan, for instance, sought a database of Uyghur and Tibetan residents to facilitate “finding the information of persons involved in terrorism.”

The Hainan authorities did not respond to a request for comment.

More than a dozen tenders mention the need to combat terrorism and “maintain stability”, a catch-all term that human rights activists say is often used to mean repressing dissent.

At least four of the tenders said the software should be able to pull information from the individual's social media accounts. Half of the tenders said the software would be used to compile and analyse personal details such as relatives, social circles, vehicle records, marriage status, and shopping habits.

Dozens of Chinese firms have built software that uses artificial intelligence to sort data collected on residents, amid high demand from authorities seeking to upgrade their surveillance tools, a Reuters review of government documents shows.

Dozens of Chinese firms have built software that uses artificial intelligence to sort data collected on residents, amid high demand from authorities seeking to upgrade their surveillance tools, a Reuters review of government documents shows. According to more than 50 publicly available documents examined by Reuters, dozens of entities in China have over the past four years bought such software, known as "one person, one file". The technology improves on existing software, which simply collects data but leaves it to people to organise. “The system has the ability to learn independently and can optimize the accuracy of file creation as the amount of data increases. (Faces that are) partially blocked, masked, or wearing glasses, and low-resolution portraits can also be archived relatively accurately,” according to a tender published in July by the public security department of Henan, China’s third-largest province by population. Also read | Chinese shadow as South Asian countries face political and social upheavals Henan's department of public security did not respond to requests for comment about the system and its uses. The new software improves on Beijing's current approach to surveillance. Although China's existing systems can collect data on individuals, law enforcement and other users have been left to organise it. Another limitation of current surveillance software is its inability to connect an individual’s personal details to a real-time location except at security checkpoints such as those in airports, according to Jeffrey Ding, a postdoctoral fellow at Stanford's Center for International Security and Cooperation. One person, one file "is a way of sorting information that makes it easier to track individuals," said Mareike Ohlberg, a Berlin-based senior fellow at the German Marshall Fund. China's Department of Public Security, which oversees regional police authorities, did not respond to a request for comment about one person, one file and its surveillance uses. Besides the police units, 10 bids were opened by Chinese Communist Party bodies responsible for political and legal affairs. China's Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission declined to comment. The tenders examined by Reuters represent a fraction of such efforts by Chinese police units and Party bodies to upgrade surveillance networks by tapping into the power of big data and AI, according to three industry experts interviewed for this story. According to government documents, some of the software's users, such as schools, wanted to monitor unfamiliar faces outside their compounds. The majority, such as police units in southwestern Sichuan province's Ngawa prefecture, mainly populated by Tibetans, ordered it for more explicit security purposes. The Ngawa tender describes the software as being for "maintaining political security, social stability and peace among the people." Ngawa's department of public security did not respond to requests for comment. Beijing says its monitoring is crucial to combating crime and has been key to its efforts to fight the spread of COVID-19. Human rights activists such as Human Rights Watch say that the country is building a surveillance state that infringes on privacy and unfairly targets certain groups, such the Uyghur Muslim minority. Also read | Chinese vignettes | China is steadily making gains overseas. At home, it struggles to fight Covid The Reuters review shows that local authorities across the country, including in highly populated districts of Beijing and underdeveloped provinces like Gansu, have opened at least 50 tenders in the four years since the first patent application, 32 of which were opened for bidding in 2021. Twenty-two tech companies, including Sensetime, Huawei, Megvii, Cloudwalk, Dahua, and the cloud division of Baidu, now offer such software, according to a Reuters review. Sensetime declined to comment. Megvii, Cloudwalk, Dahua, and the cloud division of Baidu did not respond to requests for comment. Huawei said in a statement that a partner had developed the one person, one file application in its smart city platform. The company declined to comment on the patent applications. "Huawei does not develop or sell applications that target any specific group of people," the company said. The documents Reuters reviewed span 22 of China's 31 main administrative divisions, and all levels of provincial government, from regional public security departments to Party offices for a single neighbourhood. The new systems aim to make sense of the giant troves of data such entities collect, using complex algorithms and machine learning to create customised files for individuals, according to the government tenders. The files update themselves automatically as the software sorts data. A wide range of challenges can complicate implementation, however. Bureaucracy and even cost can create a fragmented and disjointed nationwide network, three AI and surveillance experts told Reuters. Reuters found announcements for successful bids for more than half of the 50 procurement documents analysed, with values between a few million yuan and close to 200 million yuan. System upgrade China blanketed its cities with surveillance cameras in a 2015-2020 campaign it described as "sharp eyes" and is striving to do the same across rural areas. The development and adoption of the "one person, one file" software began around the same time. Ohlberg, the researcher, said the earliest mention she had seen of one person, one file was from 2016, in a 200-page surveillance feasibility study by Shawan county in Xinjiang, for acquiring a computer system that could “automatically identify and investigate key persons involved in terrorism and (threatening social) stability.” A Shawan county official declined to comment. Watch | China targets power grid systems in Ladakh, India foils hacking attempt In 2016, China's domestic security chief at the time, Meng Jianzhu, wrote in a state-run journal that big data was the key to finding crime patterns and trends. Two years later, the system was referenced in a speech to industry executives given by Li Ziqing, then-director of the Research Center for Biometrics and Security Technology of the state-run Chinese Academy of Sciences. Li also was chief scientist at AuthenMetric, a Beijing-based facial recognition company. Neither the research centre nor AuthenMetric responded to requests for comment. "The ultimate core technology of big data’s (application to) security is one person, one file," Li said in the 2018 speech at an AI forum in Shenzhen, according to a transcript of the speech published by local media and shared on AuthenMetric’s WeChat public account. The Party's Political and Legal Affairs Commission, which Meng led in 2016, declined to comment. Meng could not be reached for comment. Li did not respond to a request for comment. The industry developed quickly. By 2021, Huawei, Sensetime, and 26 other Chinese tech companies had filed patent applications with the World Intellectual Property Organization for file archiving and image clustering algorithms. A 2021 Huawei patent application for a "person database partitioning method and device" that mentioned one person, one file said that "as smart cameras become more popular in the future, the number of captured facial images in a city will grow to trillions per year”. Safe Cities The 50 tenders Reuters analysed give varying amounts of detail on how the software would be used. Some mentioned, "one person, one file" as a single entry on a list of needed items for surveillance systems. Others gave detailed descriptions. Nine of the tenders indicated the software would be used with facial recognition technology that could, the documents specified, identify whether a passerby was Uyghur, connecting to early warning systems for the police and creating archives of Uyghur faces. One tender published in February 2020 by a Party organ responsible for an area in the southeastern island province of Hainan, for instance, sought a database of Uyghur and Tibetan residents to facilitate “finding the information of persons involved in terrorism.” The Hainan authorities did not respond to a request for comment. More than a dozen tenders mention the need to combat terrorism and “maintain stability”, a catch-all term that human rights activists say is often used to mean repressing dissent. At least four of the tenders said the software should be able to pull information from the individual's social media accounts. Half of the tenders said the software would be used to compile and analyse personal details such as relatives, social circles, vehicle records, marriage status, and shopping habits.

China uses AI software to improve its surveillance capabilities

Activists raised privacy concerns as France unveiled its new digital national identity card. Are the claims of government overreach justified or have identity documents become an easy target? WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: France's new national identity card sparks privacy fears

WhatsApp has over 2 billion users, out of which 400 million are from India. Recently, many users in India changed their WhatsApp display pictures to "boycott WhatsApp" logos.

Now, messages are being circulated over the application urging people to stop using it.

The service is spending lakhs of rupees to retain users. And WhatsApp's parent company, with its abysmal track record in privacy, is now defining privacy for Indians. WhatsApp's biggest market is&nbsp;India, but Indian users are among the most vulnerable.

On Wednesday, India woke up to full-page advertisements that read - "WhatsApp respects and protects your privacy".

The ads went on to claim the following - "Respect for your privacy is coded into our DNA".

"We cannot see your private message or hear your calls... WhatsApp cannot see your shared location, and neither can Facebook", it added.

For the third time, WhatsApp was attempting to sell its new privacy policy. The ads were plastered on at least four leading Indian newspapers, and many were on the front page.

But why would WhatsApp spend so much money on this PR gimmick? As a free service, what could it lose?

WhatsApp is neither free, nor a service. It is a business, and we are paying kind, or in other words, data. WhatsApp says it will not share your personal chats with Facebook.

But what will it share? Whenever you message a business on WhatsApp, Facebook will know your payment method including shipping details, transaction amount. In addition, Facebook will use the data to show you similar ads on its platform and on Instagram.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/technology/it-stays-between-you-whatsapp-issues-clarification-after-update-in-privacy-policy-356211" hreflang="en">'It stays between you': WhatsApp issues clarification after update in privacy policy</a>

If you have a business account, Facebook will track your group name, group picture, group description, payments, or any other business features. It will also know whether you are online, and when you were last online.

Whatsapp says it won't read you personal chats, so there's no way it is breaching your privacy. But this basis is flawed, for it assumes that business chats are not private/ 
WhatsApp is rewriting the definition of privacy to suit its business. This is what the ad said - "We want to be clear that the policy update does not affect the privacy of your messages with friends or family in any way. Instead, this update includes changes related to messaging a business on WhatsApp".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/technology/final-nail-in-coffin-telegram-again-trolls-whatsapp-over-new-privacy-update-356104" hreflang="en">Final nail in coffin: Telegram again trolls Whatsapp over new privacy update</a>

There's no scope for redressal in India, for the country does not have a data protection law. Whatsapp would not have been able to go ahead with this update in India with data protection in place.&nbsp;

Europe has the GDPR, or the General Data Protection Regulation. Owing to this law, European WhatsApp users cannot be forced to share their data with Facebook.

80 countries have data protection laws in place, and India is not one of them. Users now have two options - to either share their data, or to simply lose access to the application. And the update comes into force on February 8.

WhatsApp has over 2 billion users, out of which 400 million are from India. Recently, many users in India changed their WhatsApp display pictures to "boycott WhatsApp" logos.

WhatsApp has over 2 billion users, out of which 400 million are from India. Recently, many users in India changed their WhatsApp display pictures to "boycott WhatsApp" logos. Now, messages are being circulated over the application urging people to stop using it. The service is spending lakhs of rupees to retain users. And WhatsApp's parent company, with its abysmal track record in privacy, is now defining privacy for Indians. WhatsApp's biggest market is India, but Indian users are among the most vulnerable. On Wednesday, India woke up to full-page advertisements that read - "WhatsApp respects and protects your privacy". The ads went on to claim the following - "Respect for your privacy is coded into our DNA". "We cannot see your private message or hear your calls... WhatsApp cannot see your shared location, and neither can Facebook", it added. For the third time, WhatsApp was attempting to sell its new privacy policy. The ads were plastered on at least four leading Indian newspapers, and many were on the front page. But why would WhatsApp spend so much money on this PR gimmick? As a free service, what could it lose? WhatsApp is neither free, nor a service. It is a business, and we are paying kind, or in other words, data. WhatsApp says it will not share your personal chats with Facebook. But what will it share? Whenever you message a business on WhatsApp, Facebook will know your payment method including shipping details, transaction amount. In addition, Facebook will use the data to show you similar ads on its platform and on Instagram. Also read: 'It stays between you': WhatsApp issues clarification after update in privacy policy If you have a business account, Facebook will track your group name, group picture, group description, payments, or any other business features. It will also know whether you are online, and when you were last online. Whatsapp says it won't read you personal chats, so there's no way it is breaching your privacy. But this basis is flawed, for it assumes that business chats are not private/ WhatsApp is rewriting the definition of privacy to suit its business. This is what the ad said - "We want to be clear that the policy update does not affect the privacy of your messages with friends or family in any way. Instead, this update includes changes related to messaging a business on WhatsApp". Also read: Final nail in coffin: Telegram again trolls Whatsapp over new privacy update There's no scope for redressal in India, for the country does not have a data protection law. Whatsapp would not have been able to go ahead with this update in India with data protection in place. Europe has the GDPR, or the General Data Protection Regulation. Owing to this law, European WhatsApp users cannot be forced to share their data with Facebook. 80 countries have data protection laws in place, and India is not one of them. Users now have two options - to either share their data, or to simply lose access to the application. And the update comes into force on February 8.

WhatsApp is rewriting the definition of privacy to suit its business in India

What would happen if someone randomly walks into your meeting, or if you walk into a wrong room where some highly confidential meeting is going on? A Dutch journalist has the answer to that!

Daniel Verlaan of RTL Nieuws gate crashed a highly confidential meeting of the European Union (EU), but by no fault of his own.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cybercriminals-target-manchester-uniteds-it-systems-in-sophisticated-hacking-operation-344483">&nbsp;Cybercriminals target Manchester United's IT systems in 'sophisticated' hacking operation</a>

Verlaan saw a picture posted by the Dutch defence minister Ank Bijleveld on Twitter and observed that the picture had the login link and a part of the password. He was greeted with a panel of surprised, confused and shocked members. "You know that you have been jumping into a secret conference?" EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said.

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That ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/danielverlaan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@danielverlaan</a>⁩ hack of the EU defence ministers' meeting? This is how it looked from the inside. Comedy gold. <a href="https://t.co/1qvVYKsDpt">pic.twitter.com/1qvVYKsDpt</a>
— Michiel van Hulten (@mvanhulten) <a href="https://twitter.com/mvanhulten/status/1329885925862760450?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The chat room erupted in laughter from various European leaders present in the meeting. "Yes, yes. I'm sorry. I'm a journalist from the Netherlands. I'm sorry for interrupting your conference," the journalist said laughingly. "I'll be leaving here."

"You know it's a criminal offence, huh?" Mr Borrell replied. "You'd better sign off quickly before the police arrives."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/if-you-are-still-using-123456-as-your-password-change-it-research-344266">If you are still using '123456' as your password, change it: Research</a>

The journalist's agency revealed that their team tried a number of attempts, and then succeeded in guessing the PIN code of the secret meeting as the first&nbsp;five of the six digits of the pin code were visible in the photo.

"An employee accidentally tweeted a photo with part of the pin code", a Defense spokesperson told RTL Nieuws. "The photo was then deleted. A stupid mistake. This shows how careful you should be careful when sending a picture of a meeting."

The meeting was immediately concluded after the journalist exited from his special appearance as the leaders realsied the meeting could not be trusted with staying confidential and private anymore. "This shows how careful you have to be with these kinds of meetings", Prime Minister Mark Rutte told the media house. "A meeting of the defense ministers is never innocent. Caution is advised. The only by-product of this is that Bijleveld has pointed out to other ministers how careful you have to be."

What would happen if someone randomly walks into your meeting, or if you walk into a wrong room where some highly confidential meeting is going on? A Dutch journalist has the answer to that!

What would happen if someone randomly walks into your meeting, or if you walk into a wrong room where some highly confidential meeting is going on? A Dutch journalist has the answer to that! Daniel Verlaan of RTL Nieuws gate crashed a highly confidential meeting of the European Union (EU), but by no fault of his own. Also read| Cybercriminals target Manchester United's IT systems in 'sophisticated' hacking operation Verlaan saw a picture posted by the Dutch defence minister Ank Bijleveld on Twitter and observed that the picture had the login link and a part of the password. He was greeted with a panel of surprised, confused and shocked members. "You know that you have been jumping into a secret conference?" EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said. That ⁦@danielverlaan⁩ hack of the EU defence ministers' meeting? This is how it looked from the inside. Comedy gold. pic.twitter.com/1qvVYKsDpt — Michiel van Hulten (@mvanhulten) November 20, 2020 × The chat room erupted in laughter from various European leaders present in the meeting. "Yes, yes. I'm sorry. I'm a journalist from the Netherlands. I'm sorry for interrupting your conference," the journalist said laughingly. "I'll be leaving here." "You know it's a criminal offence, huh?" Mr Borrell replied. "You'd better sign off quickly before the police arrives." Also read| If you are still using '123456' as your password, change it: Research The journalist's agency revealed that their team tried a number of attempts, and then succeeded in guessing the PIN code of the secret meeting as the first five of the six digits of the pin code were visible in the photo. "An employee accidentally tweeted a photo with part of the pin code", a Defense spokesperson told RTL Nieuws. "The photo was then deleted. A stupid mistake. This shows how careful you should be careful when sending a picture of a meeting." The meeting was immediately concluded after the journalist exited from his special appearance as the leaders realsied the meeting could not be trusted with staying confidential and private anymore. "This shows how careful you have to be with these kinds of meetings", Prime Minister Mark Rutte told the media house. "A meeting of the defense ministers is never innocent. Caution is advised. The only by-product of this is that Bijleveld has pointed out to other ministers how careful you have to be."

Dutch journalist gatecrashes confidential EU virtual meeting

Twitter is known to protect the privacy of its users, no matter what. However, in a rare case, the social media giant has been asked by a US court to reveal details about an anonymous account.

The order has been issued by the&nbsp;US District Court Judge Donna Ryu in relation to an ongoing murder conspiracy case.

An anonymous user with the Twitter handle "@whysprtech" has been alleged of fueling a discredited theory about the death of a Democratic party worker in 2016. It has been alleged that the Twitter account was used to spread forged FBI documents and resources about Seth Rich.

As per the local police, Rich was murdered in a robbery attempt. Twitter had been trying to stay away from reaching to the point of having to reveal details as the company prides in protecting the privacy and exercising free speech.

However, the US judge has given a deadline of October 20 to provide all information related to the handle&nbsp;@whysprtech. As per Judeg Ryu, all protection has limits.

The request to reveal the details and identity is bing sought by Rich's brother Aaron.&nbsp;The Twitter account may be the source of the bogus FBI report that fueled the conspiracy theory, and its user could be a valuable witness in the lawsuit, according to court documents.

Aaron is also filing a case of defamation against&nbsp;America First Media and The Washington Times.&nbsp;In the lead-up to the 2016 US presidential election, WikiLeaks published emails stolen from the DNC, where Seth Rich was a staff member. The lawsuit says the defendants wrongly linked Aaron Rich and his brother to the stolen emails and their transmission to WikiLeaks.

As of now, the murder conspiracy of Rich remains unsolved.

(With inputs from AFP)

Twitter is known to protect the privacy of its users, no matter what. However, in a rare case, the social media giant has been asked by a US court to reveal details about an anonymous account.

Twitter is known to protect the privacy of its users, no matter what. However, in a rare case, the social media giant has been asked by a US court to reveal details about an anonymous account. The order has been issued by the US District Court Judge Donna Ryu in relation to an ongoing murder conspiracy case. An anonymous user with the Twitter handle "@whysprtech" has been alleged of fueling a discredited theory about the death of a Democratic party worker in 2016. It has been alleged that the Twitter account was used to spread forged FBI documents and resources about Seth Rich. As per the local police, Rich was murdered in a robbery attempt. Twitter had been trying to stay away from reaching to the point of having to reveal details as the company prides in protecting the privacy and exercising free speech. However, the US judge has given a deadline of October 20 to provide all information related to the handle @whysprtech. As per Judeg Ryu, all protection has limits. The request to reveal the details and identity is bing sought by Rich's brother Aaron. The Twitter account may be the source of the bogus FBI report that fueled the conspiracy theory, and its user could be a valuable witness in the lawsuit, according to court documents. Aaron is also filing a case of defamation against America First Media and The Washington Times. In the lead-up to the 2016 US presidential election, WikiLeaks published emails stolen from the DNC, where Seth Rich was a staff member. The lawsuit says the defendants wrongly linked Aaron Rich and his brother to the stolen emails and their transmission to WikiLeaks. As of now, the murder conspiracy of Rich remains unsolved. (With inputs from AFP)

Twitter asked to reveal details of user related to Seth Rich's murder conspiracy

Facebook Inc said on Thursday it would start promoting content from public Facebook Groups in users' news feeds and in search engine results, defying calls by watchdog groups to limit algorithmic recommendations ahead of US&nbsp;elections next month.

In a blog post, Facebook app chief Fidji Simo said the company would surface recommendations in news feeds by showing "related discussions" from public groups next to a link or post. Facebook Groups are communities that form around shared interests, and public groups' posts can be viewed by any user.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/big-tech-companies-may-be-handling-data-of-hong-kong-users-to-china-331385">Also read:&nbsp;Big tech companies may be handling data of Hong Kong users to China</a>

Simo said Facebook would also start showing conversations from public groups outside the app, such as in web searches.

Facebook declined to specify when the changes would be rolled out, with a spokesman saying only that US tests would begin "in a very limited capacity" in the coming weeks.

The company, which made groups a strategic priority last year, also said it was adding new moderation tools for the more than 70 million people running those communities to help them reject posts, lead discussions and arrange paid sponsorships.

According to an internal memo seen by The Verge, the groups push this year has been a success for engagement on the Facebook app, with posts up 31.9% year over year as of August.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/expansive-study-finds-consistent-facebook-usage-linked-to-ill-being-330948">Also read:&nbsp;Expansive study finds consistent Facebook usage linked to ill-being</a>

At the same time, the company has faced a series of scandals over extremist activity within groups, including the spread of thousands of Boogaloo, QAnon and militia groups and communities promoting health misinformation.

Facebook has gradually removed some such groups and limited recommendations to others.

Its new groups push comes days after Accountable Tech and a dozen other advocacy organisations called on Facebook to pause its use of group recommendations altogether until the results of the November&nbsp;3 elections are formally certified.

The coalition accused Facebook of prioritising groups despite red flags from researchers, warning the tools have become "hidden breeding grounds for disinformation campaigns and organizing platforms for extremists."

Adam Conner, a former Facebook executive who now leads technology policy at the left-leaning Center for American Progress, said the company's decision risked accelerating those dynamics.

"Giving content from those groups wider distribution and easier discovery is a dangerous choice right before a contentious election during a pandemic," said Conner.

Facebook Inc said on Thursday it would start promoting content from public Facebook Groups in users' news feeds and in search engine results, defying calls by watchdog groups to limit algorithmic recommendations ahead of US elections next month.

Facebook Inc said on Thursday it would start promoting content from public Facebook Groups in users' news feeds and in search engine results, defying calls by watchdog groups to limit algorithmic recommendations ahead of US elections next month. In a blog post, Facebook app chief Fidji Simo said the company would surface recommendations in news feeds by showing "related discussions" from public groups next to a link or post. Facebook Groups are communities that form around shared interests, and public groups' posts can be viewed by any user. Also read: Big tech companies may be handling data of Hong Kong users to China Simo said Facebook would also start showing conversations from public groups outside the app, such as in web searches. Facebook declined to specify when the changes would be rolled out, with a spokesman saying only that US tests would begin "in a very limited capacity" in the coming weeks. The company, which made groups a strategic priority last year, also said it was adding new moderation tools for the more than 70 million people running those communities to help them reject posts, lead discussions and arrange paid sponsorships. According to an internal memo seen by The Verge, the groups push this year has been a success for engagement on the Facebook app, with posts up 31.9% year over year as of August. Also read: Expansive study finds consistent Facebook usage linked to ill-being At the same time, the company has faced a series of scandals over extremist activity within groups, including the spread of thousands of Boogaloo, QAnon and militia groups and communities promoting health misinformation. Facebook has gradually removed some such groups and limited recommendations to others. Its new groups push comes days after Accountable Tech and a dozen other advocacy organisations called on Facebook to pause its use of group recommendations altogether until the results of the November 3 elections are formally certified. The coalition accused Facebook of prioritising groups despite red flags from researchers, warning the tools have become "hidden breeding grounds for disinformation campaigns and organizing platforms for extremists." Adam Conner, a former Facebook executive who now leads technology policy at the left-leaning Center for American Progress, said the company's decision risked accelerating those dynamics. "Giving content from those groups wider distribution and easier discovery is a dangerous choice right before a contentious election during a pandemic," said Conner.

Facebook steps up promotion of groups content in feeds, around the web

Microsoft Corp`s LinkedIn was sued by a New York-based iPhone user on Friday for allegedly reading and diverting users` sensitive content from Apple Inc`s Universal Clipboard application.

According to Apple`s website, Universal Clipboard allows users to copy text, images, photos, and videos on one Apple device and then paste the content onto another Apple device.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/can-nokias-new-ceo-pekka-lundmark-beat-huawei-ericsson-in-5g-race-312373">Also read:&nbsp;Can Nokia's new CEO Pekka Lundmark beat Huawei, Ericsson in 5G race?</a>

According to the lawsuit filed in San Francisco federal court by Adam Bauer, LinkedIn reads the Clipboard information without notifying the user.

LinkedIn did not immediately respond to Reuters request for comment.

According to media reports from last week, 53 apps including TikTok and LinkedIn were reported to be reading users` Universal Clipboard content, after Apple`s latest privacy feature started alerting users whenever the clipboard was accessed with a banner saying "pasted from Messages."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/apple-expands-independent-repair-shop-programme-to-europe-canada-311718">Also read:&nbsp;Apple expands independent repair shop programme to Europe, Canada</a>

"These "reads" are interpreted by Apple`s Universal Clipboard as a "paste" command," Bauer`s lawsuit alleged.

A LinkedIn executive had said on Twitter last week that the company released a new version of its app to end this practice.

Developers and testers of Apple`s operating system iOS 14 found that LinkedIn`s application on iPhones and iPads "secretly" read users` clipboard "a lot," according to the complaint.

The lawsuit seeks to certify the complaint as class action based on alleged violation of the law or social norms, under California laws.

According to the complaint, LinkedIn has not only been spying on its users, it has been spying on their nearby computers and other devices, and it has been circumventing Apple`s Universal Clipboard timeout.

Microsoft Corp`s LinkedIn was sued by a New York-based iPhone user on Friday for allegedly reading and diverting users` sensitive content from Apple Inc`s Universal Clipboard application.

Microsoft Corp`s LinkedIn was sued by a New York-based iPhone user on Friday for allegedly reading and diverting users` sensitive content from Apple Inc`s Universal Clipboard application. According to Apple`s website, Universal Clipboard allows users to copy text, images, photos, and videos on one Apple device and then paste the content onto another Apple device. Also read: Can Nokia's new CEO Pekka Lundmark beat Huawei, Ericsson in 5G race? According to the lawsuit filed in San Francisco federal court by Adam Bauer, LinkedIn reads the Clipboard information without notifying the user. LinkedIn did not immediately respond to Reuters request for comment. According to media reports from last week, 53 apps including TikTok and LinkedIn were reported to be reading users` Universal Clipboard content, after Apple`s latest privacy feature started alerting users whenever the clipboard was accessed with a banner saying "pasted from Messages." Also read: Apple expands independent repair shop programme to Europe, Canada "These "reads" are interpreted by Apple`s Universal Clipboard as a "paste" command," Bauer`s lawsuit alleged. A LinkedIn executive had said on Twitter last week that the company released a new version of its app to end this practice. Developers and testers of Apple`s operating system iOS 14 found that LinkedIn`s application on iPhones and iPads "secretly" read users` clipboard "a lot," according to the complaint. The lawsuit seeks to certify the complaint as class action based on alleged violation of the law or social norms, under California laws. According to the complaint, LinkedIn has not only been spying on its users, it has been spying on their nearby computers and other devices, and it has been circumventing Apple`s Universal Clipboard timeout.

LinkedIn sued over allegation it secretly reads Apple users' clipboard content

Sprinklr has stated that the US-based company has destroyed all the backup COVID-19 data that the Kerala government had handed over to the company.

This comes after an affidavit was filed in a case challenging the usage of data by the company. The Kerala government had few days ago declared all COVID related data was transferred to the government-owned cloud web space in April itself.

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Kerala&nbsp;government has also assured that no data was shared with Sprinklr after the data was transferred to the cloud. They also reassured the High Court that if any data had to be shared in the future, it will be anonymised.

The High Court has restrained the US-based company to use the data without anonymising it. Sprinklr has now confirmed that all the data that was entrusted by the Kerala government has been erased by the company.

The government has asked to make sure that if any data is shared with any third parties, the data has to be anonymised and a proper protocol has to be followed.

The state government, however, feels that the allegation from the opponent political party&nbsp;of breaching privacy of the public using the COVI patients data, was simply a move that was motivated with the intention of defaming the government.

Sprinklr has stated that the US-based company has destroyed all the backup COVID-19 data that the Kerala government had handed over to the company. This comes after an affidavit was filed in a case challenging the usage of data by the company.

Sprinklr has stated that the US-based company has destroyed all the backup COVID-19 data that the Kerala government had handed over to the company. This comes after an affidavit was filed in a case challenging the usage of data by the company. The Kerala government had few days ago declared all COVID related data was transferred to the government-owned cloud web space in April itself. United States-based company Sprinklr, which was entrusted with handling data related to #COVID19 patients, has informed Kerala High Court that it has deleted all backup data shared with it by the state govt. — ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2020 × Kerala government has also assured that no data was shared with Sprinklr after the data was transferred to the cloud. They also reassured the High Court that if any data had to be shared in the future, it will be anonymised. The High Court has restrained the US-based company to use the data without anonymising it. Sprinklr has now confirmed that all the data that was entrusted by the Kerala government has been erased by the company. The government has asked to make sure that if any data is shared with any third parties, the data has to be anonymised and a proper protocol has to be followed. The state government, however, feels that the allegation from the opponent political party of breaching privacy of the public using the COVI patients data, was simply a move that was motivated with the intention of defaming the government.

Sprinklr deletes all backup data on COVID-19 patients of Kerala

The founder and CEO of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../exclusive-us-opens-national-security- investigation-into-tiktok-sources-259364">TikTok</a> owner <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../founder-of-chinas-smartphone-maker-smartisan -barred-from-planes-trains-259693">ByteDance</a> will focus on adding users of the popular video app in countries outside of its strongest markets, according to an internal staff note seen by Reuters, as it faces political pressure in the United States.

The note from Zhang Yiming setting out company goals for November and December comes after lawmakers in the US&nbsp;recently voiced concerns about collection of user data and whether China censors content seen by US&nbsp;users.

"Continue to diversify TikTok's growth," said the note, which was written in both English and Mandarin Chinese. "Increase investment in weaker markets," Zhang added.

The video app is especially popular with US&nbsp;teenagers and young adults, drawing scrutiny at a time of rising tensions between Washington and Beijing.

Zhang did not mention the pressure in the US&nbsp;but urged the firm to enhance its capabilities in "handling global public affairs" and strengthening user data protection.

The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States has started to review ByteDance’s $1 billion acquisition of the US&nbsp;app Musical.ly, which was subsequently merged into TikTok, Reuters reported this month.

ByteDance didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. The company has said the Chinese government does not have any jurisdiction over TikTok content.

Launched just two years ago, TikTok has been downloaded 1.5 billion times, making it the third most downloaded non-gaming app of the year, after of Facebook's WhatsApp and Messenger apps, according to research firm SensorTower.

TikTok has faced regulatory challenges in India and Indonesia, where it is also a big hit. India temporary banned downloads of the app in April this year and Indonesia did the same last year, largely due to concerns about salacious content.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../if-madras-high-court-doesnt-decide-by-april-24 -ban-on-tiktok-will-be-lifted-supreme-court-212501">SensorTower</a> said that India is the main driver for TikTok's new downloads this year, and the app is also popular in Britain, France, Japan, Australia and Canada, according to App Annie.

In his brief note, Zhang also made mention of the company's other apps, such as the Chinese version of TikTok, Douyin, and Chinese news aggregator Jinri Toutiao. Both Douyin and Toutiao make money from advertising, competing with China's tech giants Tencent Holdings and Baidu Inc

He said the goal for Toutiao, one of ByteDance's major sources of revenue, was to enhance its "monetization efficiency" and urged staffers to "continue to put our foot to the floor" for Douyin to widen the app's advantage over its competitors.

The founder and CEO of TikTok owner ByteDance will focus on adding users of the popular video app in countries outside of its strongest markets, according to an internal staff note seen by Reuters, as it faces political pressure in the United States.

The founder and CEO of TikTok owner ByteDance will focus on adding users of the popular video app in countries outside of its strongest markets, according to an internal staff note seen by Reuters, as it faces political pressure in the United States. The note from Zhang Yiming setting out company goals for November and December comes after lawmakers in the US recently voiced concerns about collection of user data and whether China censors content seen by US users. "Continue to diversify TikTok's growth," said the note, which was written in both English and Mandarin Chinese. "Increase investment in weaker markets," Zhang added. The video app is especially popular with US teenagers and young adults, drawing scrutiny at a time of rising tensions between Washington and Beijing. Zhang did not mention the pressure in the US but urged the firm to enhance its capabilities in "handling global public affairs" and strengthening user data protection. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States has started to review ByteDance’s $1 billion acquisition of the US app Musical.ly, which was subsequently merged into TikTok, Reuters reported this month. ByteDance didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. The company has said the Chinese government does not have any jurisdiction over TikTok content. Launched just two years ago, TikTok has been downloaded 1.5 billion times, making it the third most downloaded non-gaming app of the year, after of Facebook's WhatsApp and Messenger apps, according to research firm SensorTower. TikTok has faced regulatory challenges in India and Indonesia, where it is also a big hit. India temporary banned downloads of the app in April this year and Indonesia did the same last year, largely due to concerns about salacious content. SensorTower said that India is the main driver for TikTok's new downloads this year, and the app is also popular in Britain, France, Japan, Australia and Canada, according to App Annie. In his brief note, Zhang also made mention of the company's other apps, such as the Chinese version of TikTok, Douyin, and Chinese news aggregator Jinri Toutiao. Both Douyin and Toutiao make money from advertising, competing with China's tech giants Tencent Holdings and Baidu Inc He said the goal for Toutiao, one of ByteDance's major sources of revenue, was to enhance its "monetization efficiency" and urged staffers to "continue to put our foot to the floor" for Douyin to widen the app's advantage over its competitors.

ByteDance CEO urges TikTok diversification as US pressure mounts: internal note

Twitter on Tuesday apologised after "inadvertently" using phone numbers and email addresses for advertising even though the personal data was provided for account security.

Twitter users' phone numbers and email addresses,&nbsp;submitted to allow for account authentication,&nbsp;were matched with advertisers' own data to enable targeted ads.

"When you provided an email address or phone number for safety or security purposes this data may have inadvertently been used for advertising purposes," Twitter said in an online post.

"This was an error and we apologise."

None of the user data was shared with partners outside the company, and it was unclear how many people were affected, the San Francisco-based company said.

The issue was fixed in mid-September, Twitter said.

"We're very sorry this happened and are taking steps to make sure we don’t make a mistake like this again," Twitter said.

Privacy and internet data are hot political topics worldwide, with tech giants such as Twitter and Facebook in the crosshairs of regulators.

Twitter on Tuesday apologised after "inadvertently" using phone numbers and email addresses for advertising even though the personal data was provided for account security.

Twitter on Tuesday apologised after "inadvertently" using phone numbers and email addresses for advertising even though the personal data was provided for account security. Twitter users' phone numbers and email addresses, submitted to allow for account authentication, were matched with advertisers' own data to enable targeted ads. "When you provided an email address or phone number for safety or security purposes this data may have inadvertently been used for advertising purposes," Twitter said in an online post. "This was an error and we apologise." None of the user data was shared with partners outside the company, and it was unclear how many people were affected, the San Francisco-based company said. The issue was fixed in mid-September, Twitter said. "We're very sorry this happened and are taking steps to make sure we don’t make a mistake like this again," Twitter said. Privacy and internet data are hot political topics worldwide, with tech giants such as Twitter and Facebook in the crosshairs of regulators.

Twitter admits phone numbers meant for security used for ads

&nbsp;Alphabet Inc's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-wins-right-to-be-forgotten-case-against-frances-privacy-watchdog-251737">Google</a> is rolling out new privacy features to its Maps, YouTube and Voice Assistant services, with options including incognito mode and automatic data deletion, the company said on Wednesday.

Google has raced to launch a slew of privacy-related features like the search giant and social media companies face heat from users and regulators globally on how their platforms handle user data.

The incognito mode on Google Maps will stop saving maps activity to users' accounts, including the places they search for, though it would take away their personalized recommendations.

Google also launched Password Checkup, a new feature that tells users whether their accounts have been compromised or if any of their passwords are weak.

The company said it will also expand its auto-delete option to YouTube, letting users to set a time period after which their viewing history data will be automatically erased.

In the coming weeks, Google will also roll out an option to delete voice assistant activity by verbal command: "Hey Google, delete the last thing I said to you."

Alphabet Inc's Google is rolling out new privacy features to its Maps, YouTube and Voice Assistant services, with options including incognito mode and automatic data deletion, the company said on Wednesday.

Alphabet Inc's Google is rolling out new privacy features to its Maps, YouTube and Voice Assistant services, with options including incognito mode and automatic data deletion, the company said on Wednesday. Google has raced to launch a slew of privacy-related features like the search giant and social media companies face heat from users and regulators globally on how their platforms handle user data. The incognito mode on Google Maps will stop saving maps activity to users' accounts, including the places they search for, though it would take away their personalized recommendations. Google also launched Password Checkup, a new feature that tells users whether their accounts have been compromised or if any of their passwords are weak. The company said it will also expand its auto-delete option to YouTube, letting users to set a time period after which their viewing history data will be automatically erased. In the coming weeks, Google will also roll out an option to delete voice assistant activity by verbal command: "Hey Google, delete the last thing I said to you."

Google offers incognito mode for Maps in privacy push

The White House is bringing together drone makers, wireless companies and venture capitalists on Thursday to look at ways government can help speed new technologies to the marketplace.

President Donald Trump will meet with the chief executives of General Electric, Honeywell International&nbsp;and AT&amp;T, major drone industry firms and venture capitalists.

Michael Kratsios, the White House&#39;s deputy chief technology officer, told reporters the goal of the sessions is to find ways the United States &quot;can maintain its leadership creating and fostering entirely new technologies that will drive our economic growth&quot;.

The chief executives of several unmanned aerial system, or drone, companies including Kespry Inc, AirMap, Airspace Inc, Measure UAS Inc, Trumbull Unmanned, and PrecisionHawk Inc are attending the White House sessions.

Senior executives at Xcel Energy, Verizon Communications&nbsp;and CenturyLink&nbsp;are also taking part as are venture capital firms including AOL co-founder Steve Case who heads Revolution LLC, 500 Startups, Cayuga Ventures, Epic Ventures and Lightspeed Ventures.

The administration wants to promote the development and commercialisation of emerging technologies and speed the development of unmanned aerial vehicles or drones and 5G wireless technology, Kratsios said.

The Obama administration implemented rules that opened the skies to low-level small drones for education, research and routine commercial use. The Trump administration is considering whether to expand drone use for purposes such as deliveries where aircraft would fly beyond the sight of an operator. Security issues would need to be resolved.

The FAA in March estimated that by 2021 the fleet of small hobbyist drones will more than triple and the commercial drone fleet will increase tenfold to about 442,000.

Last year, the FCC cleared the way for 5G, a lightning-fast next generation of wireless services. Testing is under way and deployment is expected around 2020.

New 5G networks are expected to provide speeds at least 10 times and maybe 100 times faster than today&#39;s 4G networks. The next generation of wireless signals needs to be much faster and far more responsive to allow advanced technologies such as virtual surgery or controlling machines remotely, regulators say.

The networks could help wirelessly connect devices such as thermostats or washing machines to facilitate the &quot;internet of things&quot;.

(Reuters)

Trump administration is considering expanding drone use for deliveries where aircraft would fly beyond the sight of an operator

The White House is bringing together drone makers, wireless companies and venture capitalists on Thursday to look at ways government can help speed new technologies to the marketplace. President Donald Trump will meet with the chief executives of General Electric, Honeywell International and AT&T, major drone industry firms and venture capitalists. Michael Kratsios, the White House's deputy chief technology officer, told reporters the goal of the sessions is to find ways the United States "can maintain its leadership creating and fostering entirely new technologies that will drive our economic growth". The chief executives of several unmanned aerial system, or drone, companies including Kespry Inc, AirMap, Airspace Inc, Measure UAS Inc, Trumbull Unmanned, and PrecisionHawk Inc are attending the White House sessions. Senior executives at Xcel Energy, Verizon Communications and CenturyLink are also taking part as are venture capital firms including AOL co-founder Steve Case who heads Revolution LLC, 500 Startups, Cayuga Ventures, Epic Ventures and Lightspeed Ventures. The administration wants to promote the development and commercialisation of emerging technologies and speed the development of unmanned aerial vehicles or drones and 5G wireless technology, Kratsios said. The Obama administration implemented rules that opened the skies to low-level small drones for education, research and routine commercial use. The Trump administration is considering whether to expand drone use for purposes such as deliveries where aircraft would fly beyond the sight of an operator. Security issues would need to be resolved. The FAA in March estimated that by 2021 the fleet of small hobbyist drones will more than triple and the commercial drone fleet will increase tenfold to about 442,000. Last year, the FCC cleared the way for 5G, a lightning-fast next generation of wireless services. Testing is under way and deployment is expected around 2020. New 5G networks are expected to provide speeds at least 10 times and maybe 100 times faster than today's 4G networks. The next generation of wireless signals needs to be much faster and far more responsive to allow advanced technologies such as virtual surgery or controlling machines remotely, regulators say. The networks could help wirelessly connect devices such as thermostats or washing machines to facilitate the "internet of things". (Reuters)

White House aims to speed US drone, wireless technologies

Google is testing a way to tie online ads to brick-and-mortar store purchases, a move whetting marketing appetites while fueling privacy worries.

A product called &quot;Google Attribution&quot; was unveiled at a marketing conference this month in San Francisco by the internet giant. Google has long been able to determine when users click on an ads and make a purchase, but linking online and offline habits takes its analytics a step further.

Google senior vice president Sridhar Ramaswamy, who announced that Attribution is in test mode with a limited number of partners and will be rolled out to more advertisers in coming weeks, touted the tool as being able to answer the long-challenging question of whether marketing campaigns are working.

&quot;Google Attribution makes it possible for every marketer to measure the impact of their marketing across devices and across channels,&quot; Ramaswamy said.

&quot;Data-driven attribution uses machine learning to determine how much credit to assign to each step in the consumer journey -- from the first time they engage with your brand for early research down to the final click before purchase.&quot;

Real-world customer email addresses or loyalty plan information can be woven with Google data from services such as AdWords, Google Analytics and DoubleClick Search to provide &quot;a complete view&quot; of marketing performance, according to the company.

Using artificial intelligence, or machine learning, to better analyse and understand consumer behavior to target ads and promote sales was a major theme of the conference.

&nbsp;

Ad &#39;holy grail&#39;&nbsp;

For several years now, AdWords has enabled advertisers to measure visits to real-world stores stemming from online campaigns, Ramaswamy noted. &quot;Still, measuring store visits is just one part of the equation,&quot; Ramaswamy said. &quot;You also need insights into how your online ads drive sales for your business.&quot;

Real-world transactions matched back to Google ads are handed in &quot;a secure and privacy-safe way,&quot; with store sales information reported in aggregated and anonymised forms to protect individual privacy, according to the company.

Tying online activity to offline shopping decisions has been a &quot;holy grail&quot; for advertisers for quite some time, and comes with worrisome privacy implications, according to ACLU senior policy analyst Jay Stanley.

Attribution threatens to intrude on a core tenant of privacy, that people can have dealings with one party not spill over into affairs with other parties they interact with, Stanley contended.

&quot;This is an evolution, not a revolution; another step toward increased monitoring of individuals,&quot; Stanley said.

&quot;Each step raises the question &#39;Where does this all stop?&#39;&quot;

Stanley expected Google to be on its best behavior when it came to handling the growing trove of information about users, but that even the best of intentions could crack under the &quot;enormous hydraulic pressure of the profit motive&quot;.

&quot;We have the full fury and genius of the capitalist system being driven toward monitoring people in ever increasing detail and companies are competing to do so,&quot; Stanley said

&quot;It will not stop without some sort of rules in which we as a society express our values through legal protections.&quot;

&nbsp;

More tempting ads?

Google and Facebook dominate the online ad world, and what one does to prove its worth to advertisers is likely to be copied by the other, according to Silicon Valley analyst Rob Enderle of Enderle Group.

Attribution promised to give Google a way to assure advertisers they are getting their money&#39;s worth at the firm&#39;s online venues.

&quot;The big problem is that showing conversion from ad consumption to purchase has been horrible,&quot; Enderle said of online marketing. &quot;This has been a problem for a long time. Google is trying to make a metric so they get credit for it when you do purchase after viewing an ad.&quot;

Data showing which ads are translating into real sales should mean that the relevance of ads people see online will improve as marketers abandon mis-aimed or ineffectively tailored messages, the analyst reasoned.

&quot;You are going to be hit with ads for things that you might actually want to buy, so you are going to spend a lot more money,&quot; Enderle predicted.

Worries about privacy sparked by linking offline and online activities are a decade or so late, because the time to protest was when collection began of the troves of data about people, the analyst argued.

&quot;There really is no downside to this application,&quot; Enderle said while discussing Google&#39;s marketing metrics move.

&quot;This is the good side of collecting data; it is what else is being done with the data that should be unnerving and that we really don&#39;t know.&quot;

(AFP)

Google's Sr VP touted the tool as being able to answer the long-challenging question of whether marketing campaigns are working

Google is testing a way to tie online ads to brick-and-mortar store purchases, a move whetting marketing appetites while fueling privacy worries. A product called "Google Attribution" was unveiled at a marketing conference this month in San Francisco by the internet giant. Google has long been able to determine when users click on an ads and make a purchase, but linking online and offline habits takes its analytics a step further. Google senior vice president Sridhar Ramaswamy, who announced that Attribution is in test mode with a limited number of partners and will be rolled out to more advertisers in coming weeks, touted the tool as being able to answer the long-challenging question of whether marketing campaigns are working. "Google Attribution makes it possible for every marketer to measure the impact of their marketing across devices and across channels," Ramaswamy said. "Data-driven attribution uses machine learning to determine how much credit to assign to each step in the consumer journey -- from the first time they engage with your brand for early research down to the final click before purchase." Real-world customer email addresses or loyalty plan information can be woven with Google data from services such as AdWords, Google Analytics and DoubleClick Search to provide "a complete view" of marketing performance, according to the company. Using artificial intelligence, or machine learning, to better analyse and understand consumer behavior to target ads and promote sales was a major theme of the conference. Ad 'holy grail' For several years now, AdWords has enabled advertisers to measure visits to real-world stores stemming from online campaigns, Ramaswamy noted. "Still, measuring store visits is just one part of the equation," Ramaswamy said. "You also need insights into how your online ads drive sales for your business." Real-world transactions matched back to Google ads are handed in "a secure and privacy-safe way," with store sales information reported in aggregated and anonymised forms to protect individual privacy, according to the company. Tying online activity to offline shopping decisions has been a "holy grail" for advertisers for quite some time, and comes with worrisome privacy implications, according to ACLU senior policy analyst Jay Stanley. Attribution threatens to intrude on a core tenant of privacy, that people can have dealings with one party not spill over into affairs with other parties they interact with, Stanley contended. "This is an evolution, not a revolution; another step toward increased monitoring of individuals," Stanley said. "Each step raises the question 'Where does this all stop?'" Stanley expected Google to be on its best behavior when it came to handling the growing trove of information about users, but that even the best of intentions could crack under the "enormous hydraulic pressure of the profit motive". "We have the full fury and genius of the capitalist system being driven toward monitoring people in ever increasing detail and companies are competing to do so," Stanley said "It will not stop without some sort of rules in which we as a society express our values through legal protections." More tempting ads? Google and Facebook dominate the online ad world, and what one does to prove its worth to advertisers is likely to be copied by the other, according to Silicon Valley analyst Rob Enderle of Enderle Group. Attribution promised to give Google a way to assure advertisers they are getting their money's worth at the firm's online venues. "The big problem is that showing conversion from ad consumption to purchase has been horrible," Enderle said of online marketing. "This has been a problem for a long time. Google is trying to make a metric so they get credit for it when you do purchase after viewing an ad." Data showing which ads are translating into real sales should mean that the relevance of ads people see online will improve as marketers abandon mis-aimed or ineffectively tailored messages, the analyst reasoned. "You are going to be hit with ads for things that you might actually want to buy, so you are going to spend a lot more money," Enderle predicted. Worries about privacy sparked by linking offline and online activities are a decade or so late, because the time to protest was when collection began of the troves of data about people, the analyst argued. "There really is no downside to this application," Enderle said while discussing Google's marketing metrics move. "This is the good side of collecting data; it is what else is being done with the data that should be unnerving and that we really don't know." (AFP)

Google linking online and offline worlds in new ad challenge, fuelling privacy concerns

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