Table of Contents

Discrimination in online ad delivery
A new report from renowned computer scientist LaTayna Sweeney has revealed a possible racial bias in Google's ad delivery system. Comments: 0

Consumers are kept in the dark about location data collection and use, says government report
A study released by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) this week makes clear that consumers are mostly unaware of how companies operating on mobile phones collect and use or share location data, mostly because these companies conceal the truth about their practices. It also says the government needs to do more to protect consumer privacy on mobile devices. Comments: 0

The Three Cs: Cars, credit and construction top annual consumer complaint survey
An annual consumer complaint survey done by the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) and the North American Consumer Protection Investigators (NACPI) found that cars, credit and home repair and construction were at the top of the list of complaints made to state and local consumer protection agencies. Comments: 0

Survey reveals the dramatic increase in privacy policies for mobile apps
Washington, D.C.-based think tank Future of Privacy Forum (FPF) has released a survey that shows a huge increase in the number of mobile applications with privacy policies. FPF, along with the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT), has also released a report offering mobile application developers a list of privacy best practices. Comments: 0

65% of online adults use social networking sites
A new study from the Pew Internet & American Life Project reveals that over half of adults online use social networking sites. Comments: 0

Map of medical identity theft reveals geographic patterns
The World Privacy Forum has published an interactive map of medical identity theft occurrences in the United States, based on complaints to the Federal Trade Commission. Comments: 0

Study digs into how we use social networks
A study from the Pew Internet and American Life Project reveals how our trust, personal relationships, and civic and political involvement are connected to the use of social network sites and other technologies. Comments: 0

Supreme Court health data case could sway online privacy debate
The Supreme Court has announced it will hear Sorrell v. IMS Health, a case relating to the sale of personal health data, such as prescriptions. It's a case that will affect both consumer health privacy laws and may influence the ongoing debate over online privacy. Comments: 0

The one-way mirror of digital signage
World Privacy Forum has issued a report on digital signage networks, which are electronic monitoring systems that record and store video information. They include facial recognition cameras in grocery stores, interactive billboards that record data about consumers, and people-counting sensors mounted on doorways. Comments: 0

Recordkeeping 101: Determining what to keep and what to shred
How should you discard your unnecessary personal and financial records? Privacy Rights Clearinghouse is providing consumers with tips and information sources to help you decide which records you need to save, and how long you need to keep them. Comments: 1