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Good news about Privacy
Positive stories about Privacy, gathered from the newsrooms Rally reads. Every headline links back to the publisher who reported it.
16 stories.
The cloud storage conversation is shifting toward privacy
Cloud storage is getting more privacy-focused, with new options offering encrypted storage. Internxt Drive now provides lifetime access to 20TB for new users, making secure storage more accessible. This shift helps people protect their data while keeping costs low.
Financial Post
Australian social media users to be offered choice to opt out of algorithms
Australia is giving social media users more control over their feeds, requiring platforms to offer a choice about default settings. This change helps people decide how they see content, making their online experience more intentional. It’s a step toward reducing the influence of algorithms on daily browsing.
NPR
'Good to have choice': Australians on opting out of social media algorithms
Australians may soon have more control over their social media feeds, as the country plans to require platforms to let users opt in or out of personalised algorithmic recommendations. The change could help people reduce unwanted content and make their online experience more intentional. It’s a step toward giving users clearer choices about what they see.
BBC News
US military disabled ad tracking on troops’ devices following reports of targeted attacks
The U.S. military has disabled ad tracking on troops’ devices to protect them from location-based threats. This move shields service members from targeted attacks by foreign adversaries. It’s a step toward safeguarding privacy and security for those in uniform.
TechCrunch
New laws to target smart glasses
The Attorney General will introduce new laws to safeguard Australians from the misuse of wearable devices like smart glasses. These reforms aim to protect people from potential harms, ensuring technology is used responsibly. It’s a step toward building trust in emerging tech while keeping users safe.
The Sydney Morning Herald
How to Run a Chatbot on Your Own Computer
Running a chatbot on your own computer keeps your data private while giving you a helpful assistant for tasks like writing and coding. This puts powerful AI tools in your hands without relying on third-party services. It’s a practical way to use the technology on your own terms.
Wired
Brave’s browser one-ups Chrome with its new support for email aliases
Brave’s browser now lets users create email aliases to sign up for online services without revealing their real addresses. This helps protect privacy while making it easier to manage accounts. It’s a useful upgrade for anyone who wants more control over their personal information.
TechCrunch
Meta makes AI glasses slightly less creepy with limit on nonconsensual recording
Meta’s AI glasses now stop recording when users cover the safety light, addressing concerns about non-consensual recordings. The change helps protect privacy and makes the glasses less intrusive. It’s a small but meaningful step toward more thoughtful tech design.
Ars Technica
US courts will start publishing how often the government uses spyware
The U.S. courts will now publicly report how often judges approve spyware for wiretapping, providing long-overdue transparency on government surveillance. This change helps the public understand the scope of these tools, marking a step toward accountability.
TechCrunch
The AI Slop Backlash Is Actually Having an Impact
More platforms are adding tools to flag, label, and ban AI-generated content, giving users more control over what they see. This shift helps people avoid misleading or unwanted AI slop, making online spaces more trustworthy. It’s a small but meaningful step toward better digital experiences.
Wired
Red flags: A tech company claims it can identify Australia’s most at-risk children
A survivor of childhood abuse has built a machine-learning system to help childcare centers identify at-risk children. The software aims to prevent harm by flagging warning signs that might otherwise go unnoticed. It offers a promising tool to balance safety and privacy in protecting vulnerable young people.
The Sydney Morning Herald
Google brings its age-assurance technology to Android developers worldwide
Google is making its age-verification tool available to Android developers worldwide, helping them create safer, age-appropriate app experiences. The Play Age Signals API, already in use in Brazil, will expand globally by the end of 2026, ensuring younger users are better protected. This move supports developers in offering more tailored and responsible content.
TechCrunch
The Best Subscription-Free Home Security Cameras I’ve Tried
Local, subscription-free security cameras offer a privacy-focused way to monitor your home without relying on cloud storage or monthly fees. This approach helps people avoid sharing their footage with third parties or AI, while also saving money. It’s a practical solution for those concerned about data privacy and surveillance.
Wired
The Best Motion Sensors and Home Security Gadgets Without Cameras
For those who want home security without cameras, Wired has tested and recommended a range of private, camera-free gadgets. These devices offer peace of mind by avoiding the risks of video feeds, eavesdropping, or data sharing. The options help people protect their homes while keeping their privacy intact.
Wired
Government use of automated AI decision-making to be curbed under new Australian rules
Australia is tightening rules on government use of AI in decision-making, ensuring stronger protections for consumers, workers, and privacy. The changes will apply to areas like workplace safety and fairness, making automated systems more accountable. This step helps build trust in how AI is used in public services.
The Guardian
Anti-tracking fashion: Startup designs clothing to foil AI surveillance cameras
A startup in Leipzig is designing clothing with face-like prints, special cuts, and shielded pockets to make people harder to track by AI surveillance cameras. The garments don’t make wearers invisible, but they disrupt police reliance on smart cameras. It’s a creative way to reclaim privacy in a world of growing surveillance.
Euronews
