Author: sparta

**The Misleading Actions of Data Brokers and AI Firms: A Privacy Study Summary**

An alarming privacy study has unveiled deceptive methods utilized by data brokers and AI firms that deliberately confuse consumers attempting to withdraw consent for the sale of their personal data. An examination of the opt-out procedures of 38 prominent data-gathering organizations, including renowned companies such as Google, Meta, and OpenAI, revealed a variety of misleading strategies designed to hinder consumer attempts to safeguard their privacy.

Data brokers gather personal data from numerous sources, including app creators, websites, and public data extraction. This data is then compiled and sold to corporations, frequently resulting in unsolicited messages and targeted advertisements. The study noted that numerous companies employ misleading opt-out forms that do not truly permit users to stop the sale of their data. Common strategies include:

– **Opt-out forms that do not effectively support genuine opt-out requests.**
– **Links to opt-out procedures obscured in fine print or missing from main pages.**
– **Consumers being guided through multiple forms to fulfill a single request.**
– **Demands for users to set up accounts or subscribe before they can withdraw consent.**

Among the examined companies, major technology players were found to be participating in these tactics. For example, OpenAI’s opt-out form fails to present a clear option for opting out of data sales and instead provides a feature to erase personal information from ChatGPT responses, which does not tackle the core data concerns.

A spokesperson for OpenAI mentioned that while the firm does not market user data, it does share limited information with marketing partners for targeted advertising, resulting in confusion about their data management practices.

The audit also indicated that people-search brokers, such as Spokeo and Whitepages, were particularly problematic, offering no viable means for consumers to opt out of data sales. Instead, these firms present a painstaking process for removing individual listings while providing no guarantee that the data will not be resold in the future.

The results of this study accentuate the critical need for comprehensive federal privacy legislation in the United States, similar to Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). As data brokers continue to function with minimal regulation, consumers remain at risk of having their personal information exploited.

In summary, the misleading actions of data brokers and AI firms reveal a significant deficiency in consumer privacy safeguards, highlighting the urgent need for regulatory reforms to protect individuals’ personal data in an increasingly digital landscape.

### The Emergence of Device Continuity: Apple’s Handoff and Google’s Continue On

The allure of Apple devices has consistently blended hardware excellence with software capabilities, with the broader ecosystem playing a crucial role. Essentially, the value of Apple devices increases when you possess multiple items from their range.

Handoff exemplifies this perfectly. You can start a document on your Mac, effortlessly continue on your iPad, and then make final adjustments on your iPhone. Google is now replicating this feature in Android 17 through a new function named Continue On.

#### Continue On: Connecting the Android Ecosystem

Google’s Continue On enables users to initiate an Android application on one device and switch to another within their Android ecosystem, continuing the user experience they commenced. This feature will allow activities from one Android device to appear on other devices linked to the same account.

The initial deployment of Continue On will be restricted. Google mentions that it is intended to operate bidirectionally but will “initially” only work between Android smartphones and tablets. For instance, an activity from your phone will be visible on your tablet in the dock, allowing users to access the same document in Google Docs from their tablet via a “handoff” suggestion.

#### The Competitive Arena: Apple vs. Android

The history of Android replicating Apple features dates back to the very first Android smartphones, with Steve Jobs notoriously voicing his concerns about the resemblances to the iPhone. Since that time, the exchange of features has occurred bidirectionally. Android has mimicked iOS features, while Apple has incorporated innovations that were first introduced on Android.

While some analysts express indignation on behalf of Apple, the truth is that this rivalry serves the users of both platforms well. It compels both Apple and Google to push for further innovation, avoiding stagnation.

In the sphere of AI features, Apple users will gain directly from Google’s advancements, as numerous Apple Intelligence capabilities will be powered by Gemini models. Looking ahead, there is optimism that Apple will create its own AI models, promoting competition that stimulates progress.

In summary, the launch of functionalities like Continue On showcases the continuous development of device continuity across platforms, ultimately enriching user experience and promoting innovation within the tech sector.

**Jamf Names Beth Tschida as New CEO: A Milestone Leadership Shift**

Jamf, a leading entity in Apple device management, has declared the selection of Beth Tschida as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately. Tschida, who has been a part of the company since 2018, previously held the position of Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and is the first woman to steer Jamf in its more than 20-year journey. She takes over from John Strosahl, who played an integral part in the company’s transition from public to private ownership after its acquisition by Francisco Partners in January 2026.

Tschida’s path at Jamf commenced in 2018 when she joined as Senior Vice President of Engineering. Her guidance and foresight led to her ascendancy to CTO in 2022, during which she greatly broadened Jamf’s security product offerings. At present, security products represent over 30% of Jamf’s overall business, underscoring her influence on the company’s strategic trajectory.

Brian Decker, Partner and Co-Chief Investment Officer at Francisco Partners, voiced confidence in Tschida’s leadership skills, stating, “Beth has showcased precisely the type of leadership Jamf requires for its forthcoming growth phase. Her technical expertise, operational rigor, and strategic insight position her as the ideal leader to propel Jamf forward.” Decker highlighted Tschida’s significance in harnessing opportunities in Apple enterprise management and security.

Looking to the future, Tschida has expressed a strong emphasis on the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in device management. She disclosed that Jamf is actively working on AI-powered management features that will enable devices to manage themselves within set parameters. Additionally, Jamf intends to open its platform to external developers, fostering the development of AI tools that can elevate its services.

John Strosahl, the previous CEO, voiced his endorsement for Tschida, stating, “Beth and I have collaborated for over seven years, and I am confident she is the right individual to guide Jamf into its next phase.” He underscored the company’s robust position and reaccelerating growth, attributing these successes to Tschida’s pivotal role.

The shift to private ownership has afforded Jamf the latitude to pursue its new AI agenda without the pressures of quarterly earnings discussions. This strategic transition presents an array of opportunities for device management vendors to enhance their services beyond fundamental Mobile Device Management (MDM) protocols.

As Jamf embarks on this new chapter under Tschida’s leadership, the industry will be watching intently to see how its products evolve and respond to the shifting dynamics of technology and security.

**Discord Introduces End-to-End Encryption for Voice and Video Calls**

Discord, the widely-used communication platform, has officially launched end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for all voice and video calls across its various platforms, such as desktop, mobile, web, and console. This important improvement in privacy and security follows a protracted development phase that originated with the company’s privacy initiatives revealed in 2023.

### The Path to Encryption

The path to the implementation of end-to-end encryption has been intricate for Discord. In the summer of 2023, the company commenced trials with E2EE but encountered difficulties related to sustaining low latency and high-quality audio and video. Given Discord’s dependence on a large network of servers, ensuring uninterrupted communication across various devices was a primary focus.

After a year of development, Discord unveiled the protocol designated for E2EE, named DAVE, and initiated a gradual transition process. This transition is now complete, establishing E2EE as the standard for all voice and video calls on the platform, with the exception of stage channels.

### Key Attributes of Discord’s E2EE Rollout

1. **Default Encryption**: End-to-end encryption is now the default configuration for all voice and video calls, indicating that users do not need to take any additional steps for enhanced security.

2. **Broad Platform Support**: Discord’s framework is distinguished by its capacity to support an extensive array of devices in a single call. Users can connect through laptops, smartphones, gaming consoles, or web browsers, while enjoying high-quality, low-latency communication. The DAVE protocol has been crafted to cater to this variety, making it one of the most versatile E2EE implementations on the market.

3. **Finalization of Migration**: While E2EE is now standard, Discord has acknowledged that some legacy code still permits unencrypted messaging. The company is currently working on eliminating this fallback option to guarantee that all communications remain secure.

4. **Stage Channels Exclusion**: It is essential to highlight that stage channels, which are tailored for broadcasting to larger audiences rather than private conversations, are exempt from the E2EE rollout.

### Conclusion

Discord’s rollout of end-to-end encryption signifies a pivotal advancement in bolstering user privacy and security on the platform. With this enhancement, users can engage in conversations with assurance, knowing that their voice and video communications are safeguarded from unauthorized access. As Discord persists in refining its offerings, the elimination of unencrypted fallback options will further reinforce its dedication to user security.