The Markup

The BreakdownPrivacy

Will New Privacy Changes Protect Census Data or Make Things Worse?

The U.S. Census Bureau is undertaking a privacy overhaul. It’s not going well

May 11, 2021 08:00 ET

An illustration of a "red string" investigation" board but with the string making up the shape of an unlocked padlock

Privacy

Google Promised Its Contact Tracing App Was Completely Private—But It Wasn’t

Researchers say hundreds of preinstalled apps can access a log found on Android devices where sensitive contact tracing information is stored

April 27, 2021 08:00 ET

An illustration of a cartoon bill covered in big tech company badges, fist bumping the Facebook hand

Privacy

Big Tech Is Pushing States to Pass Privacy Laws, and Yes, You Should Be Suspicious

The Markup found industry fingerprints on at least five bills around the country—weak laws, experts say, that are designed to preempt stronger protections

April 15, 2021 08:00 ET

An illustration of a data broker putting money into a capitol hill styled hat

Privacy

The Little-Known Data Broker Industry Is Spending Big Bucks Lobbying Congress

Data brokers’ millions of dollars in lobbying spending in 2020 rivaled that of some Big Tech firms

April 1, 2021 08:00 ET

An illustration of a maze around an Opt-Out Checkbox

Privacy

I Tried to Use the Ad Tech Industry’s Tool to Opt Out of Personalized Ads. Did It Work?

Let’s just say it leaves a lot to be desired

March 25, 2021 08:00 ET