France Hits Apple with $162 Million Fine for Violating Privacy Laws with App Tracking Tool

PARIS, France — Apple Inc. has been fined $162 million by France’s competition authority, Autorité de la concurrence, over the company’s App Tracking Transparency (ATT) tool introduced in 2021. The regulatory body ruled that Apple’s implementation of this privacy tool breached both French and European Union data protection laws, citing its complex consent process and biased treatment toward app publishers. The decision comes after the European Commission recently accused Apple of violating the Digital Markets Act. The timing underscores mounting scrutiny from European regulators regarding Apple’s adherence to stringent privacy and competition standards within the … Read more

General Motors Hit With Lawsuit Over Alleged Privacy Breaches in Data Tracking Practices

Detroit, MI — General Motors is now embroiled in a legal battle over accusations that the automotive giant has been unlawfully tracking and selling personal data gathered from customers without their explicit consent. The lawsuit, filed in a federal court by a group of consumers, claims that General Motors breached privacy by collecting extensive personal data through its connected vehicle services. According to court documents, the plaintiffs allege that General Motors collected data including real-time locations, destinations keyed into navigation systems, and even the weight of passengers sitting in the vehicles. Such details were supposedly … Read more

Oracle Agrees to $115 Million Settlement Over Alleged Privacy Violations in Consumer Tracking Lawsuit

SAN FRANCISCO — Oracle has agreed to a $115 million settlement in a proposed class action lawsuit that accused the tech giant of illicitly tracking and documenting consumers’ online activities for targeted advertising, in what plaintiffs alleged was a clear breach of state and federal privacy regulations. The request for the settlement approval was submitted to the US District Court for the Northernm District of California, by the plaintiffs, marking a significant development nearly two years after the lawsuit was originally filed. The legal battles included multiple dismissals and extensive negotiations, which lasted eight months. … Read more

Unintended Consequences: Tracking Down Mothers in Safe Haven Baby Box Controversy Raises Concerns

(ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico) – Safe Haven baby boxes, designed for mothers to anonymously leave their newborns at fire stations or emergency facilities, may not be as effective as intended. In New Mexico, officials have interpreted the law to mean that they must track down these mothers, confirm their safety, and inquire about their willingness to care for the baby or if any relatives are interested. This process raises concerns about privacy and the best interests of the child. Monica Kelsey, founder of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, expressed her disbelief at the situation. She questioned why … Read more