Category: PII
-
California’s New Privacy Laws: AB 656, AB 566, and SB 361 Explained
California just passed new privacy laws that make account deletion real, expand browser opt out controls, and shine a light on data brokers. Here is what changed, when it starts, and how it affects both users and businesses. On October 8, 2025, California enacted a set of privacy laws that make it easier to delete…
-
Should There be Age Restrictions on Social Media?
Too Young to Scroll? The Debate Over Age Restrictions on Social Media Social media has become the defining communication tool of the modern age. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are central to how people connect, share news, and even learn about the world. Yet many of the most active users are children and teenagers,…
-
Data Brokers 101: What They Are and How to Protect Your Info
—
by
Data brokers, at a glance What they do: collect and package personal data into profiles sold to marketers, risk teams, and others. Where data comes from: public records, apps, websites, location services, and retail purchases. Why it matters: fuels identity theft risk, discriminatory decisions, hyper-targeting, and exposure. Do this now: enable tracker blocking and a…
-
How to Prevent Doxxing: A 24-Hour Privacy Sprint
Anyone can get doxxed – and the consequences can be huge. It can impact your personal relationships, career, and future prospects. Lets understand what it is, how you can prevent it, and the actionable steps you can take today. What is doxxing? Doxxing is the intentional act of de-anonymizing someone’s online identity, personal info, or…
-
What Is a Social Media Footprint and Why It Matters
Definition of Social Media Footprint A social media footprint is the sum of all the activity, content, and data linked to your presence on social platforms. Every comment, like, share, video upload, private message, profile update, and even your connections contribute to this footprint. Some of it is public and easy for others to find.…
-
ID Verification on YouTube (2025): What It Is, Why It’s Here, and How Australian & UK Laws Are Driving It
—
by
TL;DR – YouTube is expanding age checks for viewers and tightening identity checks for creators. The UK’s Online Safety Act and Australia’s new under-16 social-media rules are the big levers forcing platforms toward “highly effective age assurance” (read: ID, credit card, or selfie verification). Read on for details about the changes, and how you can…
-
Major Data Breach Hits Women’s Dating Safety App Tea, Exposing Thousands of User Photos and IDs
In a significant blow to user privacy, the popular women’s dating safety app Tea has suffered a massive data breach, resulting in the leak of approximately 72,000 user images, including sensitive verification selfies and government-issued IDs. The breach, first reported in late July 2025, has raised serious concerns about the security of personal data on…
-
Meta’s Hidden Photo Scan Explained + 3 Steps to Secure Your Camera Roll
Meta has redefined the boundaries of digital consent – again. Facebook has started testing a sneaky feature that scans your private photos from your phone’s camera roll. They disguise this under the name of “creative suggestions powered by Meta AI”. While the tech giant claims this feature is optional, the implications are more sinister for…
-
Meet the Airline-Owned Data Broker Selling Over 50% of Flight Data to ICE
—
by
Delta, United, and American Airlines have probably sold your itinerary, credit card info, and your movements to Homeland Security and ICE. Major U.S. airlines are acting as data brokers, selling your data to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). 404 Media acquired a contract that indicated an airline-owned data…
-
How Public Personal Info Helped the Minnesota Shooter Target His Victims
—
by
On June 14, 2025, Minnesota witnessed a harrowing act of political violence when Vance Luther Boelter, a 57-year-old former gubernatorial appointee, fatally shot State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and wounded State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. Boelter, disguised as a police officer, carried out these attacks at the victims’ homes…