BC Freedom of Information and Privacy Association
Your Data Your Rights
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Billions of login credentials have been leaked online, Cybernews researchers say
NEW YORK (AP) — Researchers at cybersecurity outlet Cybernews say that billions of login credentials have been leaked and compiled into datasets online, giving criminals “unprecedented access” to accounts consumers use each day. According to a report published this week, Cybernews researchers have recently discovered 30 exposed datasets that each contain a vast amount of…
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CSIS says it took steps against dozens of employees over misconduct last year
Canada’s spy service says it closed 34 misconduct cases last year and concluded the allegations were founded in 33 of the cases. In its latest annual report, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service says disciplinary or administrative measures were taken in the cases that ranged from verbal warnings to dismissal. CSIS says there were 50 new…
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Iran’s internet blackout leaves public in dark and creates an uneven picture of the war with Israel
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — As the war between Israel and Iran hits the one-week mark, Iranians have spent nearly half of the conflict in a near-communication blackout, unable to connect not only with the outside world but also with their neighbors and loved ones across the country. Civilians are left unaware of when…
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Maryland judges’ personal information protected under bill passed by Senate after fatal shooting
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland judges would be able to shield their personal information online to prevent hostile people from tracking them down, under a bill the state Senate passed Thursday in response to the fatal shooting of a judge in his driveway. The Senate voted 43-1 for the Judge Andrew F. Wilkinson Judicial Security…
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Silent Donor platform offers anonymous donations to the mainstream, as privacy debate rages
NEW YORK (AP) — Tim Sanders started his company, Silent Donor, based on his own experience giving money to charities. “I was happy to give a financial gift to a nonprofit, but then afterwards I was kind of put off with the amount of mail that was sent to my house,” he said. “And 10…
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Treasury rolls out residential real estate transparency rules to combat money laundering
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration wants to make residential real estate transactions more transparent by unmasking the owners of certain all-cash purchases. It’s part of an ongoing effort to combat money laundering and the movement of dirty money through the American financial system. The Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network proposed a regulation on…
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The EU launches legal action against Hungary over new law accused of targeting critics
BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union on Wednesday launched legal action against Hungary’s right-wing government over a new law that allows authorities to investigate and prosecute people accused of undermining the country’s sovereignty. The “sovereignty protection act” took effect in December. It created a government authority with the power to gather information on any groups…
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With ‘superhuman’ artificial intelligence looming, Canada needs law now: AI pioneer
A top pioneer of artificial intelligence says the federal government must move urgently to regulate the technology, because its current trajectory poses major societal risks. Yoshua Bengio, dubbed a “godfather” of AI, told members of Parliament today that Ottawa should put a law in place immediately, even if that legislation is not perfect. The scientific…
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Philly sheriff’s campaign takes down bogus ‘news’ stories posted to site that were generated by AI
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The campaign team behind Philadelphia’s embattled sheriff acknowledged Monday that a series of positive “news” stories posted to their site were generated by ChatGPT. Sheriff Rochelle Bilal’s campaign removed more than 30 stories created by a consultant using the generative AI chatbot. The move came after a Philadelphia Inquirer story on Monday…
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With ‘superhuman’ artificial intelligence looming, Canada needs law now: AI pioneer
The federal government must move urgently to regulate artificial intelligence, says a top AI pioneer, warning the technology’s current trajectory poses major societal risks. Yoshua Bengio, dubbed a “godfather” of AI, told members of Parliament Monday that Ottawa should put a law in place immediately, even if that legislation is not perfect. The scientific director…
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AI brings deepfake pornography to the masses, as Canadian laws play catch-up
Underage Canadian high school girls are targeted using AI to create fake explicit photos that spread online. Google searches bring up multiple free websites capable of “undressing” women in a matter of minutes. The world’s biggest pop star falls prey to a deepfake pornographer, with the images viewed tens of millions of times. This is…