Privacy Digest 18/25

‘Slap on the wrist’: critics decry weak penalties on Google after landmark monopoly trial

A federal judge ruled this week that Google will not be forced to sell its Chrome browser or Android operating system, sparing the company from the harshest penalties sought by the US government. The same judge had previously sided with prosecutors, finding Google maintained an illegal monopoly through its search engine. Critics of Google’s dominance in search and online advertising say the decision misses a rare chance to bring real change to an industry long stifled by Google’s outsized power.

theguardian.com

#Google   #Chrome   #Android   #Search Engines   #Monopoly  

Ghostery Says Goodbye to User Accounts

Starting October 1, 2025, Ghostery is going fully account-free. All features are now available to everyone for free, with no paywalls, tiers, or logins. By removing accounts, Ghostery no longer needs to store email addresses, strengthening privacy by design. Syncing settings remains simple through local export/import, giving you full control. Nothing changes in how you use Ghostery day-to-day.

ghostery.com

#Ghostery   #Privacy  

Google settles YouTube children's privacy lawsuit

Google has agreed to pay $30 million to resolve a class action lawsuit accusing it of violating children’s privacy on YouTube. The suit claimed Google unlawfully collected data from children under 13, which is prohibited under COPPA. While Google denies wrongdoing, it will settle the case. Up to 45 million U.S. residents who watched YouTube before turning 13 between 2013 and 2020 may qualify for compensation, according to Reuters. Payments are expected to be relatively small.

reuters.com

#Google   #Data Collection   #Privacy Lawsuit   #Child Protection  

Your Doorbell Camera Is Snitching to Insurance Companies

Doorbell cameras share your behavioral data with insurance companies for minimal discounts while creating detailed surveillance profiles of your household.

gadgetreview.com

#Consumer Privacy   #Privacy Protection   #Data Sharing   #Video Doorbell  

Kyle

Anton

neptuneia