PowerSchool Breach, DeepSeek Privacy Concerns, Judge Denies Class Action Status in Facebook Privacy Lawsuit and more

PowerSchool Notifies Users of December 2024 Data Breach

PowerSchool has begun notifying individuals of a cyberattack on December 28, 2024. The breach may have exposed names, addresses, Social Security numbers, medical records, and grades. Notifications are being sent to affected users in the U.S., Canada, and internationally, including students, educators, and parents. PowerSchool is offering identity theft protection and two years of credit monitoring for adults. A Maine state filing confirms 33,488 impacted individuals, but the total number remains unknown. Attackers claimed to have stolen data from over 62 million students and 9.5 million teachers. Read more

Judge Denies Class Action Status in Facebook Privacy Lawsuit

A federal judge in California denied class-action status to a lawsuit accusing Meta of misleading users about privacy protections. Plaintiffs claimed Facebook users were deceived about data control and sought $52 billion in damages. The judge ruled that plaintiffs could not rely on an expert’s estimate of Meta paying $5 per user for data. Meta denied wrongdoing and argued users benefited from its services. The case, filed in 2020, continues as an individual lawsuit. Class certification denial reduces settlement pressure on Meta. Read more

DeepSeek AI App Sparks Privacy and Security Concerns

DeepSeek, a Chinese AI chatbot, has gained over 2 million downloads since its January 15 launch, raising concerns due to its data storage practices. User data, including personal information and keystroke patterns, is stored on servers in China, which are subject to Chinese cybersecurity laws. The U.S. Navy has advised against using the app, citing national security risks. The app has also shown signs of censorship, refusing to answer questions about sensitive topics. The U.S. Congress is considering stronger export controls to address these risks. Read more

Trump Administration’s Early Executive Actions Spark Privacy and Policy Shifts

President Trump’s second term began with swift executive actions, including rescinding Biden's AI executive order and issuing a new one aimed at U.S. AI dominance. The administration's broader strategy targets diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, leading to resignations from key figures in the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB). These moves sparked concerns about the future of privacy frameworks and the independence of federal agencies. The Federal Trade Commission is also experiencing political shifts as Chair Ferguson implements new directives, facing criticism over priorities. Read more