Top News: LastPass suffers breach, Google to modify search algorithm, and more

LastPass source code stolen

Password management software LastPass has disclosed a data breach that led to the theft of its source code. The company stated that the breach was a result of one of its developer accounts being hacked but did not involve access to customer data or encrypted password vaults. Read More

Google faces privacy complaint over unsolicited ad emails

Austrian advocacy group NOYB has accused Google of violating an EU court ruling by sending unsolicited advertising emails directly to Gmail users. A 2021 decision by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJUE) requires Google to seek prior consent before sending any direct marketing emails. Read More

Snapchat settles BIPA suit

Snapchat has agreed to a $35 million settlement as part of a privacy lawsuit that alleged the company violated Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA). The suit claimed that Snapchat’s filters and lenses violated BIPA by collecting and storing biometric data without users’ consent. Read More

Google’s search algorithm to fight clickbait content

Google announced that it is modifying its search algorithms to prioritize “content by people, for people”. The company will launch a “helpful content update” next week that will ensure that poor-quality content does not rank high in its search results. Read More

Meta settles location tracking lawsuit

Facebook parent Meta has reached a $37.5 million settlement for violating users' privacy by tracking their location. The users accused Facebook of inferring their location from the IP (internet protocol) addresses and using that information to send targeted advertising even when they did not want to share their locations with the company. Read More