kids

Updated: A New Lobbying Group is fighting Right to Repair Laws

Consumer advocates and proponents of right to repair laws in 17 states have a new enemy to worry about. The Security Innovation Center, with backing of powerful tech industry groups, is arguing that letting consumers fix their own devices will empower hackers.*

smart watches

Citing Anti Surveillance Laws, German Government Orders Child Smart Watches Destroyed

Citing that country’s strict laws against unauthorized video and audio recording, Germany’s government has banned smart watches marketed to children and ordered parents to destroy the devices, which it labeled illegal surveillance tools. 

Online Trust Alliance to merge with Internet Society

In-brief: The Online Trust Alliance, which has focused on issues related to privacy and security on the Internet of Things, is merging with The Internet Society, home of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), the groups said in an announcement Wednesday.

Finding Balance on the Internet of Things

In-brief: For all its promise, the Internet of Things is poised to disrupt long-held, societal notions of privacy, safety and security, argues Marc Blackmer of Cisco Systems. 

Update: Smart Toys Leak Info on Kids, Families

In-brief: research by the security firm Rapid7 has uncovered security flaws in new, interactive “smart toys” by Fisher Price and other toy makers that could divulge personal information related to children and their families. Editor’s note: this story was updated to include comments from Mark Stanislav of Rapid7. PFR Feb 2, 2016.