World’s Biggest Tech Companies get Failing Grade on Data-Privacy Rights

News has broken this morning that a ThinkTank study found that the world’s biggest tech companies have failed to make the grade when it comes to data-privacy rights for their users. Please find below a comment from Richard Beck, head of cyber security at QA.

[su_note note_color=”#ffffcc” text_color=”#00000″]Richard Beck, Head of Cyber Security at QA :

“Today’s news that the world’s top tech companies are failing when it comes to privacy and freedom of expression unfortunately illustrates how vital it is that users understand what data they are giving away. All of the firms surveyed reportedly failed to offer their users basic disclosures about privacy and censorship.

“WhatsApp for example is a great messenger app. However, when installed on an Android device, it needs access to other data and services on your phone that you may consider private. It automatically uses your address book to add people you know and can share your contacts automatically. A privacy issue if you consider the fact that WhatsApp defaults, unless (and then until) you change them, will show your details (profile pictures, status) to those unwanted contacts.

“One thing is certain: the majority of social media services aim to collect as much information as possible from their users so that it can be used for marketing and advertising purposes. When misused, this could result in you receiving SPAM, so we encourage people to remember one simple thing….if you are in any doubt, check those privacy T&Cs out.”[/su_note]

[su_box title=”Richard Beck, Head of Cyber Security at QA” style=”noise” box_color=”#336588″]Richard Beck is Head of Cyber Security at QA, responsible for the entire Cyber Security portfolio. He works with customers to build effective and successful security training solutions tailored for business needs. Richard has over 10 years’ experience in senior Information Security roles. Prior to QA, Richard was Head of Information Security for four years at Arqiva, who underpin 20% of the UK’s Critical National Infrastructure. Richard also held Security and Technical Management posts at CPP, GEC, Pearson and the Royal Air Force. Richard sits on the IBM European Board of Security Advisors and previously chaired the Communication Industry Personnel Security Information Exchange (CPNI).[/su_box]