Policy Observatory
Up to a billion people using the internet in developing countries are ignored by web statistics, which focus on US-based servers and ignore mobile-only users and shared devices, says a new study. The result is a form of digital imperialism, says a new study by Global Web Index (GWI), a digital measurement company which provides information to a wide range of some of the webs largest advertisers and brands such as Twitter. Because those users either don't show up, or are believed to be in mature economies, they aren't targeted for advertising - or the brand-building that is important to establish companies.
The protection of personal data remains an important concern for citizens, according to a new Eurobarometer published by the European Commission today (24 June 2015) on data protection. The central finding of the survey shows that trust in digital environments remains low. Two-thirds of the respondents (67%) say that they are worried about having no control over the information they provide online, while only 15% feel they have complete control.
A new study published in Journalism and Mass Communication Quarterly, shows that knowledge of government surveillance causes people to self-censor their dissenting opinions online.
A comprehensive study of Brits’ usage of and attitudes to digital media, conducted annually by telecoms watchdog Ofcom, suggests there is growing concern among web and app users about the privacy of their personal data.
A new report "Trade and Privacy" argues that trade agreements are at odds with EU laws that protect privacy and data protection. The study concludes "current measures used by the EU to safeguard its data protection laws in trade agreements are not sufficient." The report recommends a comprehensive exemption for data protection rules in all trade agreements, based on GATS Article XIV. EU NGOs previously recommended that consumer privacy and data policy be excluded from the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership negotiations.
The U.S. Justice Department has formed a threat analysis team to study potential national security challenges posed by self-driving cars, medical devices and other Internet-connected tools, a senior official said.
The new group's goal is to secure the so-called "internet of things" from exploitation by “terrorist threats” and by others who might try to hack devices to cause loss of life or achieve political or economic gain, according to Assistant Attorney General John Carlin, head of the Justice Department’s national security division.