Let’s Encrypt is a nonprofit, founded in 2014 by the Internet Security Research Group, that issues SSL/TLS certificates to the masses. It’s a free tool that has gained major support from companies like Mozilla, Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), Google and Facebook. What Are SSL/TLS Certificates? These certificates serve two functions: 1) They give permission to use…
Apple has a positive reputation when it comes to privacy and security. However, multiple sources reported this week that numerous apps in the Mac app store are discretely collecting user browsing data in Safari. Patrick Wardle reported on security blog Objective-See, “a massively popular app, surreptitiously steals your browsing history.” Because of Apple’s good reputation, people…
According to TechCrunch, Saint Louis University is installing more than 2,300 Echo Dot smart devices in student living spaces on campus. The University hopes to help students get answers to any of their university-related questions in a more convenient way. “The students we attract are highly driven to achieve success in and out of the…
Facebook has tried to use facial recognition on multiple occasions. In 2012, Facebook shut down the technology in Europe after lawmakers raised concerns with the legality of Facebook using facial recognition with its consent methods. The social network is making another run at using the technology, which is sparking criticism from privacy advocates. Facebook’s earlier…
In 2017 Amazon introduced Rekognition, its “deep learning-based image and video analysis” platform. Privacy advocates and other advocacy groups argue that Amazon Rekognition is a threat to people’s civil rights and liberties. Facial recognition is not a neutral technology. There are many applications for for facial recognition, but unfortunately many of them infringe on people’s…
Search Encrypt is excited to announce that we’ve added a new maps feature to our search engine. Other maps providers on the internet collect too much information and we believe we can offer useful maps without compromising on privacy. Our new map search is just one of many exciting new features we plan to add…
Apple released new App Store Guidelines earlier this week. The new guidelines focus heavily on the importance of transparency into the functions of the apps and privacy for users and their data. Apps must make their purpose very obvious and clear for users. This may be a trend across the tech industry, as Google recently…
Following Facebook’s data scandal earlier in 2018, Apple’s CEO Tim Cook has been outspoken about how much he and his company value privacy. In a 2015 interview with NPR, Cook said, “We see that privacy is a fundamental human right that people have. We are going to do everything that we can to help maintain…
Facebook is responding to consumers asking the company to be more transparent about the inner workings of its products. The social media giant has had “Community Standards” that govern which content is allowed on Facebook, and what gets taken down. It was not until three weeks ago that Facebook publicly released the internal enforcement guidelines…
After Facebook’s recent data scandal, the public and lawmakers have urged the company to improve its data practices and make privacy more of a priority. As a result, Facebook has undergone a major executive reorganization. Most notably it created a new team focused solely on building privacy products. Facebook’s New Privacy Team Facebook’s privacy product…
People use websites like Google, Amazon and Facebook daily, but how much do they trust these platforms? Consumer trust of social media companies and other tech companies is shifting following the Cambridge Analytica scandal. The recent Facebook data scandals have made people more skeptical of big tech companies. While public opinion of Facebook has taken…
