IT Security & Privacy

California Finalizes Sweeping Privacy Regulations, Raising the Bar for Businesses

California has finalized a new set of privacy regulations that expand requirements for cybersecurity audits, risk assessments, and the use of automated decisionmaking technology (ADMT). The California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) confirmed on September 23 that the Office of Administrative Law has approved the rules, concluding years of debate and public input.

Privacy Amendment Act Passes, Strengthening Transparency in New Zealand’s Privacy Law

New Zealand has passed the Privacy Amendment Act, introducing new obligations designed to give citizens greater clarity over how their personal information is collected and used. Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster said the reform will align the country’s framework more closely with international standards while helping New Zealanders better exercise their privacy rights.

Ransomware Attack Disrupts Airport Check-In Systems Across Europe

The BBC first reported that a ransomware attack against Collins Aerospace’s airport software has forced check-in and boarding systems offline across several of Europe’s busiest airports, leaving airlines to rely on manual workarounds.

Kmart’s Facial Recognition Gamble on Refund Fraud Ruled Unlawful by Australian Privacy Commissioner

Kmart’s experiment with high-tech fraud prevention has backfired. Australia’s Privacy Commissioner has ruled that the retailer unlawfully harvested shoppers’ biometric data in its attempt to stop refund fraud, a decision that places facial recognition technology under fresh scrutiny in the retail sector.

Gucci, Balenciaga & Alexander McQueen Data Ransomed by Hackers in Growing Wave of Fashion Breaches

Millions of customers of luxury fashion houses Gucci, Balenciaga, and Alexander McQueen may have had their personal details compromised after a cyberattack targeting their parent company, Kering, according to a report from the BBC.

EDPB Issues First Guidelines on Interplay Between the DSA & GDPR

The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) has adopted its first set of guidelines clarifying how the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) aligns with obligations under the Digital Services Act (DSA). The move marks a significant step in creating a coherent digital rulebook across the European Union.

States Band Together to Call Out Businesses Dodging Privacy Opt-Outs

Privacy regulators in California, Colorado, and Connecticut are tightening the screws on companies that still aren’t getting the message. The California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) joined with the Attorney Generals of California, Conneticut, and Colorado states in announcing a joint sweep of businesses suspected of ignoring Global Privacy Control (GPC) signals, the simple browser setting that tells companies to stop selling or sharing a consumer’s personal information.