Ring's "Search Party" ad, which aired during the Super Bowl, sparked significant backlash and led to the cancellation of a partnership with Flock Safety due to privacy concerns, according to multiple news sources. The ad, designed to help find lost pets, faced criticism for its potential for mass surveillance, prompting negative social media reactions and condemnation from figures like Senator Ed Markey.
The controversy surrounding the Ring ad highlights growing concerns about privacy in the age of smart technology. The "Search Party" feature, which utilized Ring's network of cameras, raised alarms about the potential for tracking and data collection. The backlash intensified when it was revealed that Flock Safety, a company Ring had partnered with, had systems that were accessed by ICE, according to multiple sources.
The cancellation of the partnership with Flock Safety was a direct result of the public outcry. The decision reflects the sensitivity surrounding data privacy and the potential for misuse of surveillance technology.
In related news, a developer created "Bluehood," a Bluetooth scanner, to analyze data leaked by devices with Bluetooth enabled, further emphasizing privacy concerns, according to Hacker News. This project was inspired by a recent vulnerability, WhisperPair, which allows for remote hijacking and tracking of Bluetooth devices. This demonstrates how seemingly harmless Bluetooth signals can reveal sensitive information about users' routines and locations, even without active connections.
Meanwhile, the use of technology continues to evolve. Grindr, the hookup app, is rolling out EDGE, a $500 per month plan powered by gAI technology, according to Vox. This raises questions about the future of dating and the role of artificial intelligence in arranging sex.
In other news, the American Cleaning Institute, an industry trade group, notes that bleach, the chemical compound sodium hypochlorite, is a disinfectant. However, experts say that although there are a handful of instances when bleach is useful, it doesn't need to be used as a regular cleaning product in ones home, according to Time.
AI Experts & Community
Be the first to comment