Yahoo case shows we need better solutions to the global data breach problem
Even in the absence of laws requiring swift disclosure of breaches, government agencies can do more to protect internet users.…
Search Results for: data disclosure
What the Microsoft transparency report does–and does not–tell us about Skype
The Access team has reviewed Microsoft’s transparency report and analyzed what it does–and does not–tell us about law enforcement requests for Skype data, as well as how it measures up to the demands in the January open letter from civil society.…
Microsoft releases report on law enforcement requests
Last week Microsoft released its first-ever transparency report, detailing its approach and response to law enforcement data requests worldwide.…
Brazil president approves data protection bill — but vetoes key accountability measures
President Temer signed Brazil’s first piece of data protection legislation into law — but only after vetoing important provisions aimed at holding data processors accountable and ensuring the law is effectively implemented.…
Your data used against you: reports of manipulation on WhatsApp ahead of Brazil’s election
Ahead of presidential elections on Sunday, Brazil is experiencing a scandal involving misuse of data for political manipulation. How do we protect users’ rights and defend free democratic discourse?…
African Union adopts framework on cyber security and data protection
Without much media attention, the heads of state of the African Union (AU) agreed to a landmark convention this summer affecting many aspects of digital life. …
No more waiting: it’s time for a federal data breach law in the U.S.
Without federal standards, our access to redress for data breaches is hit-or-miss. …
How to make an MLAT “safe harbor” safe for users
Any “safe harbor” mechanism for bypassing the MLAT system must entail increasing protections for human rights.…
Time’s up! …for data retention mandates across the EU
Our take on what the CJEU ruling on data retention means for the future of privacy in Europe.…
Activating the EU-US Privacy Shield: To protect privacy, we need reform, not rebranding
Negotiators in the European Union and the United States have agreed on a stop-gap measure to allow companies to transfer private data overseas. But the “EU-US Privacy Shield” is not likely to withstand legal challenge. To protect privacy, we need reform, not rebranding.…
Meet the European Commissioners: Who will shape the next five years of digital policy in the EU?
Welcome to Access Now’s guide to the nominees for the next College of Commissioners who are poised to decide on the EU’s digital policies over the next five years. Why is there a new College of Commissioners at the…
FAQ: what you should know about Facebook’s latest privacy crisis, and what you can do about it
We’re asking Facebook some questions, and giving you some answers.…
Verizon report bolsters calls to reform metadata protections
This week Verizon became the first multinational telco to release a Transparency Report on law enforcement requests.…
UK courts hacking away at surveillance powers
Last week, the UK High Court issued an opinion explaining how emergency legislation passed last summer — the Data Retention and Investigatory Powers Act of 2014 (DRIPA) — violates EU law. We analyze the ruling and consider the implications for the future of privacy and data retention in Europe.…
Telefonica opens up as transparency standards improve
The latest transparency reports and civil society work show the practice is growing up.…
Access Now calls for global independent audit of Facebook data practices
Facebook must engage in deeper review and reform of its practices, and lawmakers must take action to ensure our rights are protected.…
U.S. may grant rights to EU citizens under Privacy Act
On June 25, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder announced the Obama administration is seeking to extend to EU citizens several privacy protections in U.S. law, which today are only available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. If the U.S. Congress follows through and passes legislation to this effect, Europeans will gain access to U.S. courts for certain privacy offences, for the first time. …
Facebook releases statistics casting light on government requests for user data
Today, Facebook released its first Global Government Requests Report detailing the number of requests for user data the company receives from governments around the world.…
Transparency report a bright spot in busy Wikimedia month
Wikimedia appears to be taking strong actions to protect user data from surveillance and censorship. …
Access joins open letter calling on Skype to clarify user security, release transparency report
Access has joined more than forty organizations and 61 individuals in sending an open letter to Skype, asking the company to clarify its policies for protecting users’ security and to release a comprehensive transparency report detailing government requests for user data.…
BT: no transparency report in the foreseeable future
Access Senior Policy Counsel Peter Micek questioned the company on transparency reports, surveillance, and sweeping data retention legislation making its way rapidly through the UK Parliament.…
Verizon transparency report backs sector’s call for greater disclosures
In the U.S., where Verizon has more than 100 million customers, the company continues to receive tens of thousands of government requests for user data every month, according to its latest transparency report. …
Too little, too late: the FTC Facebook fine highlights the need for strong data protection laws in the U.S.
While it is positive to see authorities around the world taking action to enforce privacy rights, the FTC settlement is insufficient.…
Differential privacy, part 3: Extraordinary claims require extraordinary scrutiny
Companies that use differential privacy have greater responsibility to be transparent about what they can (or cannot) do to protect our data.…