EAGLE SCOUT | ISSUE NO. 24-17

NEWS | School monitoring software sacrifices student privacy for unproven safety claims

6 Sep 2024

GLOBAL - Schools are using AI-powered surveillance software to monitor students' online activities, supposedly to prevent things like self harm and alcohol abuse. However, studies show the software may do more harm than good, especially among disadvantaged and minority students. Experts argue that schools need better support and resources to address student mental health effectively. READ MORE

NEWS | Toronto District School Board admits breach amid LockBit claim

3 Sep 2024

CANADA - The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) suffered a ransomware attack in June, with student data like names, grades, and birthdates being stolen. The LockBit ransomware group took responsibility and later threatened to leak the data if TDSB didn’t pay by September 12. TDSB said the security risk to students is low since the data hasn’t been publicly exposed yet. READ MORE

NEWS | Meta moves forward with plan to use UK FB and IG posts to train AI

13 Sep 2024

UNITED KINGDOM - Meta plans to use millions of Facebook and Instagram posts from UK users to train its AI, despite privacy concerns. The UK's Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) hasn’t fully approved the plan but will monitor it, with Meta agreeing to let users opt out. Privacy groups are worried, saying users are being made into unpaid test subjects. READ MORE

NEWS | Australia commits to safeguarding children’s privacy online

11 Sep 2024

AUSTRALIA - The Australian government has committed to creating its first data protection law for children as part of broader privacy reforms. This includes the development of a Children’s Online Privacy Code to safeguard kids' personal data, with AU$3 million allocated for its creation over three years. These reforms aim to address concerns about children’s data being exploited online. READ MORE

NEWS| GSIS investigates system data breach

14 Sep 2024

PHILIPPINES - The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is investigating a data breach involving the administrator account of a test computer. The computer, which has been taken offline, only contained dummy data used for testing. GSIS assures its employees and members that their personal information is a priority and remains safe. READ MORE