Oracle Moves to Take Over TikTok, Firefox for Android Adds DoH, and the UK Plans Mandatory Digital ID
Our top stories this week:
- A new report reveals that a TikTok deal has been signed. Oracle will hold a controlling stake and manage security of U.S. customer data despite concerns over their CEO's supportive statements on mass surveillance.
- Firefox 143 for Android will introduce DNS-Over-HTTPS, finally matching their desktop counterparts.
- Microsoft cuts off Azure access to an elite Israeli military intelligence unit after an investigation reveals that it was being used for civilian mass surveillance.
- The UK government announced plans for mandatory digital ID for all UK residents. In response, over 500,000 petition signatures were raised opposing its implementation.
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Updates from the team
As always, we have some exciting news from the Privacy Guides team!
A new version of the privacyguides.org website was released, with updates for macOS 26 recommendations, new self-hosting file management advice, and other updates:
privacyguides
Jonah published a new explainer on the newest memory integrity features on the A19 and A19 Pro chips from Apple's latest iPhone launch:
Jonah Aragon
This week we are dropping a members first video, and it's about quantum computers and their effect on encryption algorithms. In the video we talk about and explain what quantum computers are, why they are much more efficient and breaking encryption algorithms, and whether they are actually a threat to the privacy of our communications. The video will be going live next Thursday for the general public but if you want to catch it first, it will be available to members today.
We've also started working on our next video project about data brokers, where we hope to bring you important information about how data brokers collect your information, and how you can take steps to remove your information. Recently we interviewed an expert in the field who shared some great insights on the topic, which we are very excited to share soon!
We're working on incorporating more interviews and collaborations in future videos as the feedback on our initial attempt has been incredibly positive.
Sources
Oracle, Andreessen Horowitz, More Will Hold Controlling Stake In TikTok Deal, Report Says
The United States and China have finalized an agreement that allows TikTok to avoid a ban. A consortium of American tech companies and venture capital firms, including Oracle Corporation and Andreesen Horowitz, are planning to take a controlling stake over TikTok's U.S. presence. Besides being responsible for data security, Oracle will also host U.S. customer data on domestic cloud servers. Finally, the TikTok search and recommendation algorithm will be managed by a U.S.-dominated oversight board.