[ DuckDuckGo Privacy Weekly ] For Jan 7, 2021

• Giving Facebook Less Data Is a Good Idea. Even Better: Just Use It Less [fastcompany.com]
  "You should take steps to limit Facebook’s data collection. While you can shave the money Facebook makes selling ads targeted to your interests, this tactic isn’t as effective as spending less time—or no time at all—on the service." We're team #DeleteFacebook.
• Hey Alexa, Who Am I Messaging? [threatpost.com]
  Previously, we shared an article about how smart speakers collect voice data, but... "researchers have discovered that devices also may be able to 'hear' and record what people are typing on nearby smartphones, even amid background noise." Users beware.
• The Real Cost of Smart Speakers [vox.com]
  Voice-activated headphones, rings, eyeglasses and doorbells are very popular, but smart speakers "are so cheap because the real cost is our data." Sam Ellis investigates how much of your voice data is collected and what companies do with it (hint: ad targeting).
• Privacy Matters [privacyinternational.org]
  Let's all resolve to take care of our privacy in 2021. Privacy International shares why privacy matters, including protecting our development, ensuring our rights are respected, maintaining our standard of living, and so much more.
• 2,000 Parents Demand Major Academic Publisher Drop Proctorio Surveillance Tech [vice.com]
  An open letter from Fight for the Future, signed by 2,000 parents, demands McGraw Hill Publishing end its relationship with Proctorio, test proctoring software under fire for invasive surveillance.
• COVID-19 and Surveillance Tech: Year in Review 2020 [eff.org]
  Looking back at 2020, the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) urges, "we need COVID-specific data privacy legislation" to protect our privacy from misuse of automatic contact tracing apps, surveillance, and immunity passports. "Looking to 2021, we must remain vigilant."

And finally…

It's easier than you may think to set your devices up for privacy. Follow our handy guides to start off the New Year protected.

Wishing you a happy and safe 2021.

Proudly Private,



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