Articles from Around the Web

Discover the latest industry insights and developments with our News from Around the Web page. We curate feeds from a variety of reputable organizations, bringing you a comprehensive overview of relevant news and trends. Stay informed and connected with the most current updates from across the web.

Report: Half of Middle East-North African companies don't yet realize business imperative of data privacy

Less than half of businesses in the Middle East and North Africa recognize the value of data security and customer privacy, The FinTech Times reports, citing a joint survey conducted by the Harvard Business Review Analytic Services and Mastercard. With approximately half the populations in both regions under the age of 24, UNICEF estimates consumer trust will rely heavily on companies' ability to implement data security principals catering to younger customers.

A way forward for AI regulation

Opinions differ regarding the regulation of artificial intelligence technologies depending on who you speak with and what they are trying to accomplish. Hogan Lovells Partner Eduardo Ustaran, CIPP/E, has seen the recent wave of policy and regulatory responses, ranging from risk management to all-out bans of AI.

Written testimony sought on UK data reform bill

U.K. Parliament is taking written comments from those with "expertise and experience or a special interest" concerning the proposed Data Protection and Digital Information Bill. Submissions will be reviewed and considered as part of the legislative process by the Public Bill Committee, which will "scrutinise the bill line by line." The proposal is set for initial consideration by the committee 10 May and a final report is expected 13 June or potentially earlier.

Can organizations realize efficiencies by combining DPO and whistleblower roles?

Following the implementation of the EU Whistleblower Directive in 2021, companies' data protection officers were tasked with setting up secure reporting channels. As these data protection and whistleblowing systems are exercised by the same unit, is it reasonable for companies to combine the DPO and whistleblower roles? PBK Technology Compliance and Operational Risk consultant František Nonnemann, CIPP/E, lays out the commonalities between DPOs and whistleblowing officers, such as their independence and access to top management.

CFPB employee sent consumer data to personal account; fitness apps reveal location data

  • A U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau employee forwarded confidential records of approximately 256,000 consumers and confidential supervisory information of 45 institutions to a personal email account, The Wall Street Journal reports. The employee no longer works at the CFPB and the records are not believed to have been shared beyond their personal email account, a CFPB spokesperson said.

European Commission agrees to draft proposal for Cyber Solidarity Act

The European Commission announced the adoption of a proposal for the EU Cyber Solidarity Act. The draft legislation intends "to strengthen cybersecurity capacities in the EU" by offering "support detection and awareness of cybersecurity threats and incidents, bolster preparedness of critical entities." The commission said the legislation would lead to greater member state cooperation and "response capabilities" across the EU.Full Story

US court sides with Amazon drivers who allege company surveilled Facebook groups

A panel of judges on the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Amazon must face a national class-action lawsuit, which alleges the company illegally monitored private Facebook groups where drivers discussed working conditions, Reuters reports. The lawsuit was brought by Amazon driver Drickey Jackson in 2020, and the appeals court decision nullified an agreement between Jackson and Amazon that would have required him to bring work complaints to arbitration instead of court. The class is comprised of more than 800 drivers.