encryption
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Ring will introduce end-to-end encryption to address security concerns
Ring says it wants to make its products
Google's PIN-encrypted Android 'Safe Folder' protects crucial documents
Google has introduced a new way for Android users to protect crucial files like ID documents, particularly in developing countries where devices are often shared. Called “Safe Folder” and located in the Files by Google app, it lets you protect documents, images, videos and audio files with a 4-digit PIN code, on top of your Android lock screen security.
WhatsApp makes it easier to fact-check forwarded messages
WhatsApp's new feature that lets users search the web for more info about frequently forwarded messages.
EARN IT Act amendments transfer the fight over Section 230 to the states
Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed an amended version of the EARN IT Act, which will head to the Senate floor for debate.
Comcast is the first ISP to join Mozilla's push for more secure browsing
Comcast is the first internet provider to join a Mozilla program that uses encrypted DNS for more secure web browsing.
Republican Senate bill seeks an end to 'warrant-proof' encryption
It's the latest attempt to force tech companies to add a backdoor to encrypted services.
Russia lifts its ban on Telegram
The app has become an important way to share official COVID-19 updates.
Zoom now promises end-to-end encryption is coming for all
Zoom will require free users to undergo a short verification process in order to enable end-to-end encryption.
Senators demand answers over Juniper Network's 2015 backdoor incident
Senators want answers by July 10th.
IBM toolkit keeps data encrypted in iPhone and Mac apps while in use
IBM has released a toolkit that lets iOS and macOS apps use data while keeping it encrypted, offering a big boost to security.
Signal adds a face blurring tool its secure messaging app
Signal has added a face-blurring feature to its app.
Zoom plans to offer stronger encryption to paying customers (updated)
A Zoom official says the company will provide stronger encryption to paying customers, raising concerns about security for free users.
Google is working on end-to-end encryption for RCS texts in Messages
Google Messages code hints that plans are underway to secure RCS chats with end-to-end encryption.
AG Barr seeks 'legislative solution' to make companies unlock phones
Attorney General William Barr wants to force companies like Apple to unlock phones recovered in criminal investigations.
How to secure your video calls like a pro
During a cyberpunk dystopia, a highly contagious pandemic, and tons of leadership incompetence, it's surprising that video call privacy and security is pissing me off the most.
Zoom 5.0 update will bring much-needed security upgrades
Zoom has been under fire for its lax security, but the company hopes to address many of these concerns with Zoom 5.0.
EARN IT act targets online child abuse but could threaten encryption
Just as a number of tech companies and online services agreed to voluntary guidelines on protecting kids and reduce exploitation online, several senators introduced legislation that they claim will force companies to take the issue even more seriously. Dubbed the "Eliminating Abuse and Rampant Neglect of Interactive Technologies Act of 2019," (EARN IT), the bill threatens to pull immunity given to providers under Section 230 for the things users post, unless they take certain steps to block online sexual child abuse. The ACLU issued a statement in opposition to the bill on the basis that it will lead to the introduction of backdoors that reduce the security and privacy of everyone, with Senior Legislative Counsel Kate Ruane saying "Because of the safety and security encryption provides, Congress has repeatedly rejected legislation that would create an encryption backdoor. This legislation would empower an unelected commission to effectively mandate what Congress has time and again decided against, while also jeopardizing free expression on the Internet in the process."
Firefox now encrypts domain name requests by default in the US
After a brief delay, Mozilla has started to make DNS over HTTPS the default for Firefox users in the US. Notwithstanding any additional hiccups, the company says it hopes to finish the rollout sometime over the next couple of weeks. The protocol is supposed to protect one of the most fundamental aspects of browsing the internet: translating URLs into IP addresses. Without DNS over HTTPS, bad actors can see what websites you've visited -- even if they don't know what you did on those sites thanks to HTTPS. The protocol protects your privacy by effectively disguising DNS queries as regular HTTPS traffic.
Minuscule ID chips could help spot even the smallest counterfeits
There are times when something is simply too small to tag it with existing technology, and that can be a serious problem when you're trying to fight counterfeits. MIT researchers might have a way to tag even the tiniest devices, though. They've created a very small (0.002 square inches) ID chip that's still secure enough to protect sensitive data. The team managed the feat through a monolithic chip powered solely by light, with antennas that use beam steering and RFID-style (but terahertz-level) backscatter to wirelessly send info to a nearby reader without requiring energy. These keep the design small while reserving enough electricity for encryption.
WhatsApp now has over 2 billion users
WhatsApp just hit a major milestone that seemed unimaginable even for Facebook a few years ago. The messaging service has revealed that it now has over 2 billion users, a figure that its parent company reached back in 2017. It didn't explain just how it reached that user count, but it's not hard to see why. WhatsApp is a staple of mobile communication in many parts of the world, and in some cases plays an important role in shopping, political campaigning and other aspects of daily life. There are few other major rivals, and its sibling Facebook Messenger is one of them.