Forwarded from BlackBox (Security) Archiv
Congratulations, YouTube... Now Show Your Work
Earlier this week, #YouTube finally acknowledged their #recommendation #engine suggests harmful content. It’s a small step in the right direction, but YouTube still has a long history of dismissing independent #researchers. We created a #timeline to prove it.
Over the past year and some, it’s been like clockwork.
First: a news story emerges about YouTube’s recommendation engine harming users. Take your pick: The #algorithm has radicalized young adults in the U.S., sowed division in #Brazil, spread state-sponsored #propaganda in #HongKong, and more.
Then: YouTube responds. But not by admitting fault or detailing a solution. Instead, the company issues a statement diffusing blame, criticising the research methodologies used to investigate their recommendations, and vaguely promising that they’re working on it.
In a blog post earlier this week, YouTube acknowledged that their recommendation engine has been suggesting borderline content to users and posted a timeline showing that they’ve dedicated significant resources towards fixing this problem for several years. What they fail to acknowledge is how they have been evading and dismissing journalists and academics who have been highlighting this problem for years. Further, there is still a glaring absence of publicly verifiable data that supports YouTube’s claims that they are fixing the problem.
That’s why today, #Mozilla is publishing an #inventory of YouTube’s responses to external #research into their recommendation engine. Our timeline chronicles 14 responses — all evasive or dismissive — issued over the span of 22 months. You can find them below, in reverse chronological order.
💡 We noticed a few trends across these statements:
‼️ YouTube often claims it’s addressing the issue by tweaking its algorithm, but provides almost no detail into what, exactly, those tweaks are
‼️ YouTube claims to have data that disproves independent research — but, refuses to share that data
‼️ YouTube dismisses independent research into this topic as misguided or anecdotal, but refuses to allow third-party access to its data in order to confirm this
👉🏼 Read more:
https://foundation.mozilla.org/en/blog/congratulations-youtube-now-show-your-work/
📡@cRyPtHoN_INFOSEC_DE
📡@cRyPtHoN_INFOSEC_EN
📡@BlackBox_Archiv
Earlier this week, #YouTube finally acknowledged their #recommendation #engine suggests harmful content. It’s a small step in the right direction, but YouTube still has a long history of dismissing independent #researchers. We created a #timeline to prove it.
Over the past year and some, it’s been like clockwork.
First: a news story emerges about YouTube’s recommendation engine harming users. Take your pick: The #algorithm has radicalized young adults in the U.S., sowed division in #Brazil, spread state-sponsored #propaganda in #HongKong, and more.
Then: YouTube responds. But not by admitting fault or detailing a solution. Instead, the company issues a statement diffusing blame, criticising the research methodologies used to investigate their recommendations, and vaguely promising that they’re working on it.
In a blog post earlier this week, YouTube acknowledged that their recommendation engine has been suggesting borderline content to users and posted a timeline showing that they’ve dedicated significant resources towards fixing this problem for several years. What they fail to acknowledge is how they have been evading and dismissing journalists and academics who have been highlighting this problem for years. Further, there is still a glaring absence of publicly verifiable data that supports YouTube’s claims that they are fixing the problem.
That’s why today, #Mozilla is publishing an #inventory of YouTube’s responses to external #research into their recommendation engine. Our timeline chronicles 14 responses — all evasive or dismissive — issued over the span of 22 months. You can find them below, in reverse chronological order.
💡 We noticed a few trends across these statements:
‼️ YouTube often claims it’s addressing the issue by tweaking its algorithm, but provides almost no detail into what, exactly, those tweaks are
‼️ YouTube claims to have data that disproves independent research — but, refuses to share that data
‼️ YouTube dismisses independent research into this topic as misguided or anecdotal, but refuses to allow third-party access to its data in order to confirm this
👉🏼 Read more:
https://foundation.mozilla.org/en/blog/congratulations-youtube-now-show-your-work/
📡@cRyPtHoN_INFOSEC_DE
📡@cRyPtHoN_INFOSEC_EN
📡@BlackBox_Archiv
Brazil's Fake News Bill Would Dismantle Crucial Rights Online and is on a Fast Track to Become Law
Despite widespread complaints about its effects on free expression and privacy, Brazilian Congress is moving forward in its attempts to hastily approve a "Fake News" bill. We've already reported about some of the most concerning issues in previous proposals, but the draft text released this week is even worse. It will hinder users' access to social networks and applications, require the construction of massive databases of users' real identities, and oblige companies to keep track of our private communications online.
https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/06/current-brazils-fake-news-bill-would-dismantle-crucial-rights-online-and-fast
#eff #brazil #privacy #law
Despite widespread complaints about its effects on free expression and privacy, Brazilian Congress is moving forward in its attempts to hastily approve a "Fake News" bill. We've already reported about some of the most concerning issues in previous proposals, but the draft text released this week is even worse. It will hinder users' access to social networks and applications, require the construction of massive databases of users' real identities, and oblige companies to keep track of our private communications online.
https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/06/current-brazils-fake-news-bill-would-dismantle-crucial-rights-online-and-fast
#eff #brazil #privacy #law
TikTok reportedly waited nearly 3 hours to call police in Brazil after a teen's death was livestreamed on the platform, but the company notified its own PR team almost immediately
TikTok reportedly waited nearly three hours after it was aware of an apparent livestreamed suicide to report the incident to police.
A report from The Intercept has revealed that a 19-year-old in Brazil livestreamed his death on the video-sharing platform nearly a year ago. When TikTok officials were alerted to the livestream, they reportedly waited to inform the police until after they took steps to ensure the story of the apparent suicide didn't spread or go viral.
https://www.businessinsider.com/tiktok-suicide-livestream-brazil-teen-waited-3-hours-call-police-2020-2/
#brazil #tiktok
TikTok reportedly waited nearly three hours after it was aware of an apparent livestreamed suicide to report the incident to police.
A report from The Intercept has revealed that a 19-year-old in Brazil livestreamed his death on the video-sharing platform nearly a year ago. When TikTok officials were alerted to the livestream, they reportedly waited to inform the police until after they took steps to ensure the story of the apparent suicide didn't spread or go viral.
https://www.businessinsider.com/tiktok-suicide-livestream-brazil-teen-waited-3-hours-call-police-2020-2/
#brazil #tiktok
Brazillian feds started operation against hacktivists
Federal Police of Brazil fulfill search and seizure warrant at the house of three suspects for invasion of public databases and exposure of data from the military and president Jair Bolsonaro
The Federal Police of Brazil carried out an investigative operation against suspects of breaking into public databanks. The operation its called “Operation Capture The Flag” and started yesterday (26/06) with a search and seizure warrants in the houses of three young (between 17 and 19 years old) suspects.
The feds believe the suspects represent the cybercriminal group “Digital Space”. According to the local press (Valor Econômico), the group is being accused of exposing personal data from many army officers, the president Jair Bolsonaro and his family.
https://medium.com/brazil-cybersecutiry-correspondent/brazillian-feds-started-operation-against-hacktivists-50bb4f64847e
#brazil
Federal Police of Brazil fulfill search and seizure warrant at the house of three suspects for invasion of public databases and exposure of data from the military and president Jair Bolsonaro
The Federal Police of Brazil carried out an investigative operation against suspects of breaking into public databanks. The operation its called “Operation Capture The Flag” and started yesterday (26/06) with a search and seizure warrants in the houses of three young (between 17 and 19 years old) suspects.
The feds believe the suspects represent the cybercriminal group “Digital Space”. According to the local press (Valor Econômico), the group is being accused of exposing personal data from many army officers, the president Jair Bolsonaro and his family.
https://medium.com/brazil-cybersecutiry-correspondent/brazillian-feds-started-operation-against-hacktivists-50bb4f64847e
#brazil
Facebook suspends disinformation network tied to staff of Brazil's Bolsonaro
(Reuters) - Facebook Inc (FB.O) on Wednesday suspended a network of social media accounts it said were used to spread divisive political messages online by employees of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and two of his sons.
The company said that despite efforts to disguise who was behind the activity, it had found links to the staff of two Brazilian lawmakers, as well as the president and his sons, Congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro.
Nathaniel Gleicher, Facebook’s head of cybersecurity policy, said the accounts were removed for using fake personas and other types of “coordinated inauthentic behaviour” which violated the company’s rules.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-facebook-disinformation-brazil/facebook-suspends-disinformation-network-tied-to-staff-of-brazils-bolsonaro-idUSKBN2492Y5
#brazil #facebook
(Reuters) - Facebook Inc (FB.O) on Wednesday suspended a network of social media accounts it said were used to spread divisive political messages online by employees of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and two of his sons.
The company said that despite efforts to disguise who was behind the activity, it had found links to the staff of two Brazilian lawmakers, as well as the president and his sons, Congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro.
Nathaniel Gleicher, Facebook’s head of cybersecurity policy, said the accounts were removed for using fake personas and other types of “coordinated inauthentic behaviour” which violated the company’s rules.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-facebook-disinformation-brazil/facebook-suspends-disinformation-network-tied-to-staff-of-brazils-bolsonaro-idUSKBN2492Y5
#brazil #facebook
Brazil will authorize payments system involving WhatsApp if rules are respected, central bank director says
BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazil’s central bank will authorize a payments system involving Facebook Inc’s (FB.O) WhatsApp messaging service, to send money and make payments via chats, as long as all rules are respected, director Joao Manoel Pinho de Mello said on Monday.
“We view the entry of ‘big tech’ as a huge opportunity. Everyone can participate. We will allow it, no problem. People can take whatever path they want, (do) whatever initiatives they want,” as long as rules and regulations are met, he said during a live online event hosted by Genial Investimentos.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-brazil-whatsapp/brazil-will-authorize-payments-system-involving-whatsapp-if-rules-are-respected-central-bank-director-says-idUSKCN24L2JD
#brazil #whatsapp
BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazil’s central bank will authorize a payments system involving Facebook Inc’s (FB.O) WhatsApp messaging service, to send money and make payments via chats, as long as all rules are respected, director Joao Manoel Pinho de Mello said on Monday.
“We view the entry of ‘big tech’ as a huge opportunity. Everyone can participate. We will allow it, no problem. People can take whatever path they want, (do) whatever initiatives they want,” as long as rules and regulations are met, he said during a live online event hosted by Genial Investimentos.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-brazil-whatsapp/brazil-will-authorize-payments-system-involving-whatsapp-if-rules-are-respected-central-bank-director-says-idUSKCN24L2JD
#brazil #whatsapp
Brazil antitrust watchdog questions Facebook's WhatsApp payment fees
BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazil’s antitrust watchdog is asking Facebook Inc (FB.O) to explain the fee structure for its short-lived payments service launched in June in partnership with card processor Cielo SA (CIEL3.SA), according to a document seen by Reuters.
The service on Facebook’s WhatsApp messaging platform was blocked by Brazil’s central bank eight days after the launch.
Facebook charged merchants a 4% fee per transaction, above market prices, but transfers among individuals were free.
Cade, as the watchdog is known, said it wanted to understand the rationale for the fee and see if the deal prevented other card processors from joining the payment platform as Cielo dominates Brazil’s market with a 40% share.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-facebook-brazil/brazil-antitrust-watchdog-questions-facebooks-whatsapp-payment-fees-idUSKCN24S2QQ
#brazil #whatsapp #antitrust
BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazil’s antitrust watchdog is asking Facebook Inc (FB.O) to explain the fee structure for its short-lived payments service launched in June in partnership with card processor Cielo SA (CIEL3.SA), according to a document seen by Reuters.
The service on Facebook’s WhatsApp messaging platform was blocked by Brazil’s central bank eight days after the launch.
Facebook charged merchants a 4% fee per transaction, above market prices, but transfers among individuals were free.
Cade, as the watchdog is known, said it wanted to understand the rationale for the fee and see if the deal prevented other card processors from joining the payment platform as Cielo dominates Brazil’s market with a 40% share.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-facebook-brazil/brazil-antitrust-watchdog-questions-facebooks-whatsapp-payment-fees-idUSKCN24S2QQ
#brazil #whatsapp #antitrust
Facebook puts global block on Brazil's Bolsonaro supporters
BRASILIA (Reuters) - Facebook (FB.O) said on Saturday it has put a global block on certain accounts controlled by supporters of Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro implicated in a fake news inquiry, a day after it was fined for not complying with a Supreme Court judge’s order to do so.
A spokesperson for Facebook said the order was “extreme” and threatens “freedom of expression outside of Brazil’s jurisdiction”, but said the company has agreed to the order.
“Given the threat of criminal liability to a local employee, at this point we see no other alternative than complying with the decision by blocking the accounts globally, while we appeal to the Supreme Court,” the spokesperson said.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-facebook-brazil/facebook-puts-global-block-on-brazils-bolsonaro-supporters-idUSKBN24X3XC
#brazil #facebook
BRASILIA (Reuters) - Facebook (FB.O) said on Saturday it has put a global block on certain accounts controlled by supporters of Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro implicated in a fake news inquiry, a day after it was fined for not complying with a Supreme Court judge’s order to do so.
A spokesperson for Facebook said the order was “extreme” and threatens “freedom of expression outside of Brazil’s jurisdiction”, but said the company has agreed to the order.
“Given the threat of criminal liability to a local employee, at this point we see no other alternative than complying with the decision by blocking the accounts globally, while we appeal to the Supreme Court,” the spokesperson said.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-facebook-brazil/facebook-puts-global-block-on-brazils-bolsonaro-supporters-idUSKBN24X3XC
#brazil #facebook
Fake news on Covid-19 government initatives boost phishing in Brazil
About one in eight Internet users have accessed a website with malicious content during the first months of the pandemic, research suggests.
The spread of fake news relating to government initiatives around Covid-19 placed Brazil on a list of countries most affected by phishing attacks, according to new research on spam and phishing published by security firm Kaspersky.
According to the report, about one in eight Internet users in Brazil (12.9%) accessed, between April and June 2020, at least one link that led to websites with malicious content. This is well above the global average, of 8,26% within the same period of time.
https://www.zdnet.com/article/fake-news-on-covid-19-government-initatives-boost-phishing-in-brazil/
#Brazil #fake #news #phishing
About one in eight Internet users have accessed a website with malicious content during the first months of the pandemic, research suggests.
The spread of fake news relating to government initiatives around Covid-19 placed Brazil on a list of countries most affected by phishing attacks, according to new research on spam and phishing published by security firm Kaspersky.
According to the report, about one in eight Internet users in Brazil (12.9%) accessed, between April and June 2020, at least one link that led to websites with malicious content. This is well above the global average, of 8,26% within the same period of time.
https://www.zdnet.com/article/fake-news-on-covid-19-government-initatives-boost-phishing-in-brazil/
#Brazil #fake #news #phishing
Internet use increases among poor Brazilians
A greater percentage of individuals on lower incomes is shopping online and paying for streaming services during the Covid-19 outbreak, according to new research.
There has been a significant increase in online access to financial offerings and government services in Brazil among low-income citizens, according to a study on the role of the Internet during the Covid-19 outbreak.
The study carried out by Cetic.br, research arm of the Brazilian Network Information Center (NIC.br) suggests that Internet access through all devices has gone up significantly and online traffic in Brazil has reached record levels in the last five months, peaking at 13,5 Tbps.
https://www.zdnet.com/article/internet-use-increases-among-poor-brazilians/
#SouthAmerica #Brazil #internet
A greater percentage of individuals on lower incomes is shopping online and paying for streaming services during the Covid-19 outbreak, according to new research.
There has been a significant increase in online access to financial offerings and government services in Brazil among low-income citizens, according to a study on the role of the Internet during the Covid-19 outbreak.
The study carried out by Cetic.br, research arm of the Brazilian Network Information Center (NIC.br) suggests that Internet access through all devices has gone up significantly and online traffic in Brazil has reached record levels in the last five months, peaking at 13,5 Tbps.
https://www.zdnet.com/article/internet-use-increases-among-poor-brazilians/
#SouthAmerica #Brazil #internet
Podcast: COVID-19 is helping turn Brazil into a surveillance state
Latin America's largest democracy was a leader on data governance for years. Now, it’s reversing course.
Leading discussions about the global rules to regulate digital privacy and surveillance is a somewhat unusual role for a developing country to play. But Brazil had been doing just that for over a decade.
Edward Snowden’s bombshell in 2014 detailing the US National Security Agency’s digital surveillance activities changed all that. It included revelations that the agency had been spying on Brazil’s state-controlled oil company Petrobras, and even on then-president Dilma Rousseff´s communications. The leaks prompted the Brazilian government to adopt a kind of digital “Bill of Rights” for its citizens, and lawmakers would go on to pass a data protection measure closely modeled on Europe’s GDPR.
But the country has now shifted toward a more authoritarian path. Last October, President Jair Bolsonaro signed a decree compelling all federal bodies to share the vast troves of data they hold on Brazilian citizens and consolidate it in a centralized database, the Cadastro Base do Cidadão (Citizen’s Basic Register).
https://www.technologyreview.com/2020/09/16/1008495/podcast-covid-19-brazil-surveillance-state/
#South #America #Brazil #surveillance #state
Latin America's largest democracy was a leader on data governance for years. Now, it’s reversing course.
Leading discussions about the global rules to regulate digital privacy and surveillance is a somewhat unusual role for a developing country to play. But Brazil had been doing just that for over a decade.
Edward Snowden’s bombshell in 2014 detailing the US National Security Agency’s digital surveillance activities changed all that. It included revelations that the agency had been spying on Brazil’s state-controlled oil company Petrobras, and even on then-president Dilma Rousseff´s communications. The leaks prompted the Brazilian government to adopt a kind of digital “Bill of Rights” for its citizens, and lawmakers would go on to pass a data protection measure closely modeled on Europe’s GDPR.
But the country has now shifted toward a more authoritarian path. Last October, President Jair Bolsonaro signed a decree compelling all federal bodies to share the vast troves of data they hold on Brazilian citizens and consolidate it in a centralized database, the Cadastro Base do Cidadão (Citizen’s Basic Register).
https://www.technologyreview.com/2020/09/16/1008495/podcast-covid-19-brazil-surveillance-state/
#South #America #Brazil #surveillance #state
MIT Technology Review
Podcast: COVID-19 is helping turn Brazil into a surveillance state
Latin America's largest democracy was a leader on data governance for years. Now, it’s reversing course.
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#Brazil terrorist government president #Bolsonaro: "If you are accepting this vaccination passport, another requirement will come soon, and another and another… and you know where it will stop then… population control."
This is too totalitarian even to fascists like him
This is too totalitarian even to fascists like him
#Brazil Ministry of Health suffers cyberattack and COVID-19 "vaccination" data vanishes
https://www.zdnet.com/article/brazilian-ministry-of-health-suffers-cyberattack-and-covid-19-vaccination-data-vanishes/
https://www.zdnet.com/article/brazilian-ministry-of-health-suffers-cyberattack-and-covid-19-vaccination-data-vanishes/
ZDNet
Brazilian Ministry of Health suffers cyberattack and COVID-19 vaccination data vanishes
Hackers claimed to have copied and deleted 50TB worth of data from internal systems.
Telegram set to be banned in Brazil following a ruling by the Brazilian Supreme Court
“Telegram has long been under investigation in Brazil, as the app has been used by Brazilian politicians to share fake news. There are also reports of multiple criminal groups and channels on Telegram that provide access to drugs, weapons, and other illicit content.
The situation worsened when the Brazilian Federal Police asked Telegram to take down these groups and provide data on their members. However, Telegram never responded to any of these requests. Brazilian law states that companies that provide online services in the country must comply with court orders when requested.”
https://9to5mac.com/2022/03/18/telegram-banned-in-brazil-following-supreme-court-order-app-may-be-removed-from-app-store/
Moraes determines blocking of the Telegram messaging app throughout #Brazil
The determination meets the request of the Federal Police and was sent to providers and digital platforms, which will have to interrupt users' access to the application.
https://g1.globo.com/politica/noticia/2022/03/18/moraes-determina-bloqueio-do-aplicativo-de-mensagens-telegram-em-todo-o-brasil.ghtml
“Telegram has long been under investigation in Brazil, as the app has been used by Brazilian politicians to share fake news. There are also reports of multiple criminal groups and channels on Telegram that provide access to drugs, weapons, and other illicit content.
The situation worsened when the Brazilian Federal Police asked Telegram to take down these groups and provide data on their members. However, Telegram never responded to any of these requests. Brazilian law states that companies that provide online services in the country must comply with court orders when requested.”
https://9to5mac.com/2022/03/18/telegram-banned-in-brazil-following-supreme-court-order-app-may-be-removed-from-app-store/
Moraes determines blocking of the Telegram messaging app throughout #Brazil
The determination meets the request of the Federal Police and was sent to providers and digital platforms, which will have to interrupt users' access to the application.
https://g1.globo.com/politica/noticia/2022/03/18/moraes-determina-bloqueio-do-aplicativo-de-mensagens-telegram-em-todo-o-brasil.ghtml
9to5Mac
Telegram banned in Brazil following Supreme Court order - 9to5Mac
Telegram is set to be banned in Brazil following a ruling by the Brazilian Supreme Court. The app is likely to be removed from App Store.
NoGoolag
Telegram set to be banned in Brazil following a ruling by the Brazilian Supreme Court “Telegram has long been under investigation in Brazil, as the app has been used by Brazilian politicians to share fake news. There are also reports of multiple criminal…
Brazil lifts its Telegram ban only two days after it was enforced
Telegram forgot to check its emails, but it's all well
We all struggle to keep track of our emails, resulting in hundreds and even thousands going unread. But it's not just individuals who suffer from email mishaps — companies do too. A recent email communication issue between Telegram and Brazil's Supreme Court cut off the service there for two days, but the social media app has since been restored after the company finally found its lost emails and made concessions.
According to the New York Times, Telegram finally complied with the court orders over the weekend. The company is said to have deleted some messages containing classified information shared by the Brazilian president Bolsonaro's account.
https://www.androidpolice.com/telegrams-about-to-be-banned-in-brazil-for-failing-to-check-its-emails/
#telegram #brazil #ban
📡@cRyPtHoN_INFOSEC_EN
Telegram forgot to check its emails, but it's all well
We all struggle to keep track of our emails, resulting in hundreds and even thousands going unread. But it's not just individuals who suffer from email mishaps — companies do too. A recent email communication issue between Telegram and Brazil's Supreme Court cut off the service there for two days, but the social media app has since been restored after the company finally found its lost emails and made concessions.
According to the New York Times, Telegram finally complied with the court orders over the weekend. The company is said to have deleted some messages containing classified information shared by the Brazilian president Bolsonaro's account.
https://www.androidpolice.com/telegrams-about-to-be-banned-in-brazil-for-failing-to-check-its-emails/
#telegram #brazil #ban
📡@cRyPtHoN_INFOSEC_EN
Android Police
Brazil lifts its Telegram ban only two days after it was enforced
Telegram forgot to check its emails, but it's all well