IT Security & Privacy

Two prominent Dutch consumer advocacy groups, the Privacy Protection Foundation and Consumentenbond, have filed a privacy lawsuit against Google, alleging "constant surveillance" and the sharing of personal data in its targeted advertising auctions. The lawsuit, initially announced in May, has garnered significant support, with approximately 82,000 individuals signing up to participate. It was officially filed in the Amsterdam District Court and is open to any Netherlands resident who has used Google services since March 2012.

The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) has concluded its inquiry into TikTok Technology Limited (TTL), resulting in a substantial fine of €345 million for the social media giant. The investigation revolved around TikTok's handling of personal data related to child users during a specified period.

Google has agreed to pay a substantial $93 million settlement to the state of California, bringing an end to a lawsuit that accused the tech giant of misleading consumers about its location tracking practices. The settlement, announced on Thursday, signifies a step towards reinforcing privacy protections in the digital age.

The BfDI assesses the GDPR as a successful European model of improved enforcement, establishing a new standard worldwide with challenge in particular with regards to the regulation of new technologies like AI.

Las Vegas, the entertainment capital of the world, has been rocked by a significant cybersecurity incident as one of its prominent casino-hotel chains, MGM Resorts International, grapples with a ransomware attack. While MGM has officially referred to the situation as a "cybersecurity issue," the telltale signs strongly suggest ransomware as the culprit.

In a strategic move to address user data security concerns and align with EU privacy regulations, TikTok has officially inaugurated its data center in Dublin, Ireland. This milestone marks the final stage of TikTok's comprehensive EU privacy plan, known as "Project Clover," which was initiated in mid-2021.

Verizon Business Network Services, a subsidiary of the telecom giant Verizon (VZ.N), has agreed to pay a substantial settlement of $4.1 million. The settlement comes in response to allegations that the company failed to adhere to required cybersecurity standards, as announced by the U.S. Department of Justice.