TOP NEWS | Italy Fines OpenAI €15 Million Over ChatGPT Privacy Violations; Nebraska Data Privacy Act to Take Effect January 2025 and More!

Crypto Event Attendee Data Sold Online, Raising Privacy Risks

Sensitive personal data from crypto event attendees, including names, contact details, job roles, and social media profiles, is being sold online, mainly through Telegram. This data is sourced from event registration forms, including third-party side events with weaker security protocols. Some lists include additional details such as ticket purchases, operating systems used, and crypto wallet addresses. A seller offered attendee data from multiple global events, including the AIBC conference, raising concerns about potential fraud and phishing attacks. Event organizers deny direct involvement, emphasizing their strict data protection measures while acknowledging risks from third-party events. Read more

Canada’s Border Security Plan Tackles Cross-Border Sex Trafficking

Canada’s $1.3 billion border security plan proposes amendments to the Sex Offender Information Registration Act to enable enhanced data sharing on high-risk travelers with domestic and international partners, including the U.S. This addresses U.S. concerns over privacy rules hindering anti-trafficking efforts. Advocates emphasize the need for improved collaboration and data sharing among Canadian police forces to combat domestic sex trafficking, where most victims are Canadian women and girls. The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking highlights the justice system's gaps and calls for survivor-informed solutions to address vulnerabilities exploited by traffickers. Read more

Key Texas Legislative Changes Effective January 1, 2025

New Texas laws taking effect include the removal of mandatory vehicle safety inspections for noncommercial vehicles, replaced by a registration fee. Texans gain enhanced tools under the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act, allowing browser settings and devices to automate data opt-out requests. New judicial districts in Denton County and others will be established. Updates to property tax relief enable schools to secure additional state funding, compensating for caps on tax increases for certain homeowners. Changes to the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure reformat laws for clarity without altering their meaning. Read more

Nebraska Data Privacy Act to Take Effect January 2025

Nebraska’s Data Privacy Act (LB 1074) will become effective on January 1, 2025, making Nebraska the 17th state to enact comprehensive consumer data privacy legislation. The law applies to businesses processing Nebraska residents' personal data and exempts those governed by sector-specific federal laws like HIPAA or GLBA. Key consumer rights include the ability to access, delete, and opt out of the sale or use of their data for profiling or targeted advertising. Businesses must implement privacy notices, process data securely, and conduct data protection assessments for high-risk activities. Violations are enforceable by the Nebraska Attorney General with penalties up to $7,500 per infraction. Read more

Italy Fines OpenAI €15 Million Over ChatGPT Privacy Violations

Italy's Data Protection Authority (GPDP) fined OpenAI €15 million for privacy violations involving ChatGPT. The authority cited failures to notify a March 2023 data breach, a lack of legal basis for processing user data, insufficient transparency, and inadequate age verification measures to protect children under 13. The GPDP also mandated a public campaign to inform users about ChatGPT. OpenAI, calling the decision disproportionate, plans to appeal, highlighting its cooperation with the GPDP post-suspension and claiming the fine exceeds its Italian revenue during the period. Read more