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Having to justify why I don't want my privacy to be violated is crazy.
- TikTok user on Meta’s AI training practices
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Welcome to Snippets 👋 Last week, we reported that Meta intended to train its Llama LLM on EU user data. This week, that's changed—a shift driven in part by a viral TikTok video of a women showcasing the many hoops a person has to jump through to opt-out of that training process.
Plus, we're sharing the 7 trends shaping the privacy job market today, why Privacy Sandbox is in hot water once again, and an argument on why Apple's partnership with OpenAI spells trouble for the device-maker's privacy-centric brand.
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Meta pulls back on AI training plan after EU backlash
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Image courtesy of TikTok user @flick.social
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Facing a request from the Irish data protection authority and widespread criticism about the complexity of the AI training opt-out process for EU users, Meta put its LLM training plans on a temporary hold.
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- The backlash began after Meta released an update to its privacy policy, stating that publicly available data from EU users would be used to train its AI models.
- Meta did provide a way to opt-out, but a viral TikTok video showed that users must go through an elaborate process and provide a justification for wanting to opt out.
- In parallel with the public backlash and before the Irish DPC’s intervention, Austrian privacy rights nonprofit NOYB had urged 11 European DPAs to halt Meta’s plans.
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💼 7 trends shaping the privacy job market in 2024
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The last few years have seen a significant shift in the privacy job market—reflecting broader macroeconomic trends, shifting organizational needs, and an industry-wide focus on data governance, as AI continues to take center stage.
Explore the seven top trends currently influencing the privacy job market, and what privacy leaders can do to stay ahead in the face of rapid industry change.
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Google’s Privacy Sandbox finds fresh trouble in Austria
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Austrian privacy rights nonprofit NOYB called out Privacy Sandbox, Google’s alternative to third-party cookies, alleging the new initiative would still allow Google to track users on the Chrome browser.
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- In a complaint to the Austrian DPA, NOYB alleged the company is using privacy features as a ruse to gain consent for first-party tracking within the browser.
- NOYB founder Max Schrems summed up his organization’s stance, stating, "If you merely steal less money from people than another thief, you can't call yourself a 'wealth protection agent’.”
- The latest complaint adds a new roadblock to Google’s plans to phase out third-party cookies, which was pushed back yet again to April next year.
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TikTok privacy case referred to the Justice Department
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Sebastien Bozon/AFP via Getty Images
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The FTC has referred an investigation into TikTok to the Justice Department, citing potential violations of children’s privacy regulations.
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- The FTC initiated the investigation based on a compliance review required by a 2019 settlement with Musical.ly, the video social networking app now known as TikTok.
- Allegations include violations of the FTC Act and COPPA, though the FTC did not provide details on specific violations.
- TikTok has disputed the allegations, expressing disappointment over the FTC's decision to pursue litigation rather than continuing collaborative efforts for resolution.
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- Vermont privacy bill veto sustained by the state senate.
- Mozilla acquires privacy tech startup, Anonym.
- Decoding AI hallucinations.
- Federal judge limits Apple’s defense in Siri privacy trial.
- Study raises concerns with smart home devices.
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Apple’s OpenAI partnership put under the lens
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AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE/GETTY IMAGES
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Apple’s foray into AI has cast doubt on a company that has historically maintained a reputation for championing its users’ privacy.
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- Part of Apple’s privacy reputation rests on their commitment to process data on-device, but with the rollout of iOS 18, processing operations will be transmitted to external AI servers.
- Though Apple promises to contain data within the trust perimeter, data centers are alluring targets for cybercriminals, as they hold vast amounts of data on multitudes of users.
- The Siri integration with ChatGPT has also raised eyebrows due to open questions about OpenAI’s data processing practices.
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Privacy-app maker Proton turns nonprofit
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Proton co-founder and CEO Andy Yen
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In a bid to cut its dependence on external funding, Geneva-based Proton, the provider of privacy-centric email service ProtonMail, has transitioned to a nonprofit model—following in the footsteps of Mozilla and Signal.
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- Under the new structure, the newly-created Proton Foundation will serve as the primary shareholder to Proton AG, which will continue to operate as a for-profit corporate entity.
- CEO Andy Yen claims the new structure allows Proton to continue operating as a profitable business without having to rely on financial support from external corporate backers.
- The new model will also give Proton the independence to maintain its commitment to privacy, while enjoying the perks afforded to private companies.
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Transcend's brand campaign crosses the pond
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Following the successful launch of Transcend’s breakthrough brand campaign at IAPP Global Privacy Summit in Washington D.C., plus a fast follow at the RSA Conference in San Francisco, we were excited to see Transcend make its European debut in Brussels!
Our brand campaign was visible throughout Brussels, including ads in the Brussels Airport, Uber rides to and from the conference, and at key locations throughout the city—inviting privacy leaders to discover Transcend as their next-generation privacy partner.
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Snippets is delivered to your inbox every Thursday morning by Transcend. We're the platform that helps companies put privacy on autopilot by making it easy to encode privacy across an entire tech stack. Learn more.
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