Privaseer’s Post

🚨Breaking🚨 Major Data Breach Alert: AT&T Reports Hack Affecting Millions AT&T has confirmed a significant data breach affecting nearly all their wireless customers. Key points:  Call and text metadata from 2022 was stolen  Almost 90 million subscribers potentially affected  Data includes phone numbers and numbers being contacted  Names, SSNs, credit card information were not compromised  Call and text content was not stolen  Records include phone interaction details and some location info  User interactions and locations could potentially be revealed  Breach linked to a third-party cloud provider (Snowflake)     More details to come. The Wall Street Journal https://lnkd.in/e255igaW #Breaking #DataSecurity #CyberSecurity #PrivacyNews #ATTBreach #DataBreach #CyberSecurity #ATT #CustomerSafety #DataProtection #PrivacyMatters #TechNews  

Nothing on the Internet is ever truly free… YOU are the product… and it’s crucial to know how your data is used. State legislators seem to agree. This is good news for consumers who are gaining more rights online. As states continue to enact privacy laws, Data Subject Access Rights (DSAR) are becoming more popular giving individuals the power to request and receive copies of their personal data from businesses, enhancing transparency and control over their information.    Key Aspects of DSAR:    1. Right to Access: Individuals can request information on what personal data is collected, processed, and stored by an organization.  2. Right to Know: Individuals have the right to know how their data is being used and shared.  3. Response Time: Organizations typically have a set period, often between 30 to 45 days, to respond to DSAR requests.  4. Verification: Businesses must verify the identity of the requester to protect against unauthorized access.  5. Format: Data must be provided in a commonly used electronic format, ensuring it is accessible and readable.    Why It Matters:  DSARs enhance consumer trust by promoting transparency and accountability. They compel organizations to maintain accurate data records and ensure that data handling practices comply with privacy laws.    Challenges for Businesses:  Implementing DSARs can be complex, requiring robust data management systems to track and retrieve personal data efficiently. Additionally, businesses must balance the administrative burden with the need to protect data security.    Looking Ahead:  As DSAR provisions become standard, businesses that streamline their response processes and prioritize transparency will build stronger relationships with their customers.    #DSAR #DataPrivacy #ConsumerRights #PrivacyLaws #TechPolicy #DataProtection #PrivacyMatters #YouAreTheProduct #KnowYourRights   

As more and more state privacy laws take effect reshaping the landscape of data management, there are a few key principles are taking center stage including: data minimization and robust opt-out rights. Let’s explore how these two principles are transforming how businesses handle personal information.    Data Minimization: Less is More  Data minimization means collecting and retaining only the information necessary for specific purposes. This involves limiting data collection, regularly reviewing and deleting unnecessary data, and challenging the prevalent “collect it all” mindset.    Opt-Out Rights: Empowering Consumers  New privacy laws grant consumers the right to opt out of personal data sales and targeted advertising. This includes refusing targeted advertising and ensuring clear, accessible opt-out mechanisms are in place.    The Intersection:  Data minimization and opt-out rights work hand-in-hand to create a more privacy-centric data ecosystem. As consumers exercise their opt-out rights, businesses are naturally pushed to minimize data collection and retention. This synergy reduces the risk of data breaches, lowers storage costs, and builds consumer trust through transparency and respect for privacy choices.    Looking Ahead:  Organizations that proactively adopt these principles can gain a competitive advantage. These are not just regulatory requirements but key elements in building and maintaining consumer trust in the digital age.    #DataMinimization #OptOutRights #PrivacyByDesign #ConsumerPrivacy #DataProtection #PrivacyMatters   

As new state privacy laws take effect across the U.S., including in Florida, Oregon, and Texas, one crucial concept stands out: the “right to be forgotten,” also known as the right to erasure or deletion.    What is the “Right to Be Forgotten”? This right empowers individuals to request that organizations delete their personal data under certain circumstances. It’s a cornerstone of modern privacy regulations, first popularized by the EU’s GDPR and now finding its way into U.S. state laws.    Key Aspects:    • Scope: Applies to personal data that’s no longer necessary, was unlawfully processed, or where consent has been withdrawn.  • Limitations: Not absolute; data may be retained for legal compliance, public interest, or legitimate business purposes.  • Process: Companies must have clear procedures for handling deletion requests.  • Verification: Organizations must verify the identity of the requester to prevent unauthorized deletions.  • Challenges: Technical complexities in fully erasing data from all systems and backups.    Why It Matters:  The “right to be forgotten” reflects a fundamental shift in how we view data ownership and privacy. It gives individuals more control over their digital footprint and forces organizations to be more accountable for the data they collect and retain. For businesses, implementing this right requires a thorough understanding of data flows, robust data management systems, and clear policies. It’s not just about compliance—it’s about building trust with customers in an increasingly privacy-conscious world.    Looking Ahead:  As more states adopt similar provisions, we may see this right become standard across the U.S. This could lead to more uniform practices for data deletion and potentially influence federal privacy legislation.    #DataPrivacy #RightToBeForgotten #PrivacyLaws #TechPolicy #ConsumerRights #PrivacyMatters   

As of July 1, 2024, Texas has implemented the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act (TDPSA), marking another significant step in the evolving landscape of U.S. data privacy protections. The TDPSA applies to businesses processing personal data in Texas, with exceptions for small businesses unless they deal with sensitive data. It grants consumers familiar rights such as access, correction, deletion, and opt-out options for data sales and targeted advertising. However, the Lone Star State's approach includes some distinctive features. Key Highlights of the TDPSA: Biometric Data Protection: Texas sets itself apart with robust provisions for biometric data, reflecting the growing importance of this sensitive information in our increasingly high-tech world.  Explicit Consent: The law mandates clear disclosure of data practices and requires explicit consent for collecting biometric information, setting a high bar for transparency.  Broad Scope: Unlike some state laws that target only large corporations, the TDPSA affects most businesses operating in Texas, potentially leading to widespread changes in data handling practices.  Enforcement: The Texas Attorney General enforces the law with a 30-day cure period. Civil penalties can reach $7,500 per violation, with the possibility of treble damages for willful or knowing violations. Why It Matters: The TDPSA is more than just another state privacy law. It reflects the rapidly evolving expectations around data privacy and security. As a major business hub, Texas's approach could influence corporate practices nationwide. Moreover, as the patchwork of state regulations grows more complex, it may accelerate the push for comprehensive federal privacy legislation. For businesses, the TDPSA underscores the need for robust, adaptable privacy practices. For consumers, it promises stronger protections and greater control over personal data. #TexasPrivacy #TDPSA #DataProtection #BiometricSecurity #PrivacyCompliance #DataPrivacy #PrivacyLaws #TechPolicy #ConsumerRights #PrivacyMatters