Tag Archives: privacy

Google on Thursday unveiled the next version of Android, the search giant’s mobile operating system. The software, called Android 12, is a preview version or developer beta meant for app developers to test before it’s released more widely.  The new version of Android focuses mostly on under-the-hood fixes, aimed at making people’s phones run more …

The beef between Apple and Facebook is continuing over Apple’s upcoming changes to iOS privacy settings, with Facebook adding the most recent chapter in the ongoing public battle.  In an update to its December “speaking up for small businesses” blog post, the social networking giant said on Monday that it will be showing a notification screen of its own alongside …

If you’re new to internet privacy and security, you’ve still probably already read references to something called Tor — a widely hailed piece of internet-connected software with its own internet browser. Tor is embraced by privacy aficionados for its reliable encryption and its history of covering users’ internet tracks.  At first glance, the terminology around Tor can seem intimidating and …

Apple CEO Tim Cook used an appearance on a virtual International Data Privacy Day panel Thursday to attack Facebook in a series of thinly veiled jabs and to call for global data privacy reforms. Cook’s remarks followed reports appearing earlier in the day that the social media giant has been preparing an antitrust lawsuit against Apple over the iPhone maker’s …

Encrypted-messaging app Signal came back online Saturday after a daylong outage apparently caused by a crushing number of new users. The maker of the app alerted users on Friday morning it was aware of technical difficulties they were experiencing and was working to resolve the issue. More than 24 hours later, the service was finally restored Saturday afternoon. “Signal is …

Following rising concerns from security researchers, Apple reportedly removed a controversial MacOS feature in Big Sur 11.2 beta 2 on Thursday. Discovered during Big Sur 11.2’s first beta release, the feature allowed 53 of Apple’s own apps to bypass security firewalls and virtual private networks, according to CNET’s sister ZDNet.  Researchers argued that the feature, called the Content Filter Exclusion …

WhatsApp on Friday said it was postponing an update to its privacy policy following concerns and calls from users to switch to other encrypted apps like Signal and Telegram. The Facebook-owned app is now giving users until May 15 to review and accept its new policy, which relates to how businesses access user information.  “No one will have their account …

The accounts of TikTokers between the ages of 13 and 15 will default to private, TikTok said in a blog post Wednesday.  The change is part of several updates to the social network’s privacy policies aimed at its younger users.  “As young people start their digital journey, we believe it’s important to provide them with age-appropriate privacy settings and controls,” …

This story is part of CES, where CNET covers the latest news on the most incredible tech coming soon. Otterbox is well known for its phone cases and other mobile accessories. Now — like everybody else — Otterbox wants to get into gaming, too, with the Otterbox Mobile Gaming Clip, Gaming Carry Case, Easy Grip Controller Shell, Easy Grip Gaming …

You’ve seen all the familiar rules for strong passwords almost every time you create an online account. Use capital letters, numbers and special characters, and make it at least 8 characters long (or 10, or 12). These requirements are designed to make it harder for hackers to get into your accounts. However, they don’t really make your password stronger, say …