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Google Drive Users Face Data Loss: What You Can Do to Protect Your Files

Google Drive Users Face Data Loss: What You Can Do to Protect Your Files

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In recent times, a significant concern has emerged among Google Drive users: the sudden loss of data from their cloud storage accounts. This issue has led to both user frustration and critical examination of cloud storage reliability. This article examines the incident in depth, exploring the extent of the problem, Google’s response, and the broader implications for cloud storage users.

Understanding the Scope of Data Loss

Google Drive, a widely used cloud storage service, is facing an unusual issue where users are reporting recent files disappearing. The scale of this data loss varies, with some users losing months of stored data.

User Experiences and Reports

Various users have taken to forums and Google’s support pages to report their experiences. These accounts range from minor data loss to significant deletions, affecting both personal and business data.

Timeline of the Data Loss Event

The issue first surfaced about a week ago and since then, the number of reported cases has steadily increased, indicating a growing problem.

Technical Analysis of the Problem

Although the exact cause is still under investigation, there are several theories about technical glitches that could have caused this data loss.

Role of Cloud Storage in Data Security

Cloud storage services like Google Drive are generally considered secure and reliable. However, this incident raises questions about the infallibility of these services.

Potential Vulnerabilities in Cloud Storage

This situation highlights potential vulnerabilities in cloud storage systems, including software bugs, server issues, or cybersecurity threats.

Google's Response to the Situation

Google Drive Users Face Data Loss: What You Can Do to Protect Your Files

Image Source: breakinglatest.news

Google has acknowledged the issue and is working on a solution to resolve the issue as soon as possible. However, the company has advised users to avoid troubleshooting or making changes to their accounts during this period.

Official Statements from Google

Google’s official communication focuses on reassuring users that they are working to resolve the issue and recover lost data.

Google's Recommended Actions for Users

The company has recommended specific steps for users to follow, emphasizing caution and patience while working toward a solution.

The Broader Implications for Cloud Storage Users

This incident has wide-ranging implications for the reliability and security of cloud storage services.

Lessons for Cloud Storage Providers

Other cloud service providers can learn from this situation to enhance their data security measures and emergency response protocols.

Future Safeguards for Data Protection

Looking ahead, this incident may lead to the development of more robust security measures and backup solutions in cloud storage services.

Also Read: Google Alum’s AI Startup Raises $24 Million for Biotech Work

User Strategies for Data Protection

Users are advised to maintain local backups of important data and stay informed about best practices for data security.

Conclusion

The data loss issue with Google Drive serves as an important reminder of the complexities and challenges in managing cloud storage services. As Google works toward a solution, users and providers should consider the lessons learned to ensure the security and reliability of cloud storage in the future.

TikTok CEO to Discuss Data Protection, Disinformation With EU

TikTok CEO to Discuss Data Protection, Disinformation With EU

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Shou Zi Chew, the CEO of TikTok’s parent company Bytedance Ltd., is set to engage in crucial discussions with European Union regulators in Brussels next week. The meetings will focus on pressing matters, including data protection, disinformation, and competition rules, marking the first official interaction between TikTok and EU authorities following a ban on government officials using the platform.

Chew’s visit to Brussels will involve high-level meetings with representatives from the European Commission, including Vice President Vera Jourova, Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders, and Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton. These discussions come at a time when social media platforms like TikTok are under increasing scrutiny, and the EU is keen to address concerns related to data protection, disinformation, and competition issues.

TikTok CEO to Discuss Data Protection, Disinformation With EU

Image Source: finance.yahoo.com

One of the key topics on the agenda will be “Project Clover,” an initiative by TikTok to place oversight of Europeans’ personal data in the hands of a third-party entity. This endeavor aims to address data protection concerns and build trust among EU users. With data privacy being a top priority in Europe, Chew is expected to provide insights into TikTok’s efforts to safeguard user information.

As the European Parliament elections are approaching in 2024, discussions are also likely to center around content moderation and countering disinformation on the platform. TikTok has been actively working to enhance its content moderation rules to ensure the platform remains a safe space for users. Ensuring the integrity of elections and preventing the spread of false information will be pivotal in these discussions.

The recent designation of Bytedance as a “gatekeeper” by the EU competition authorities will also be a topic of interest. This classification brings additional regulatory obligations, including stricter rules on data sharing and antitrust measures. Chew and EU representatives will delve into the implications of this designation and how it impacts TikTok’s operations in the EU.

TikTok's Perspective:

A spokesperson for TikTok confirmed the discussions, underscoring the company’s commitment to addressing the EU’s concerns and working collaboratively to ensure the safety and security of its users in the region. TikTok remains dedicated to being a responsible platform that complies with EU regulations and upholds the highest standards of data protection and content moderation.

Also Read: How to Get More Storage on PC and Laptop (5 Solutions)

As TikTok’s CEO embarks on these critical discussions, the outcome of the meetings may shape the future of the platform’s operations within the European Union, impacting millions of users and the broader digital landscape. Data protection, disinformation mitigation, and competition rules will continue to be key focal points in the evolving relationship between TikTok and EU authorities.

Reliance

Reliance set to launch JioMarket, Govt looks to table new data bill soon.

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The Government is looking to table a brand-new bill in the upcoming parliament winter session or practically in the approaching budget session confirmed by senior government officials, after retreating from the former version of the bill on data protection. However, policy experts reprimanded the unending delays in passing a much-needed data law.  Reliance Industries has initiated direct-to-consumer brands and onboarding independent sellers for its distinct marketplace platform. It would be known as JioMarket.

This
letter includes:

  • Reliance Jio initiates roping in sellers for business in the marketplace.
  • Cloudtail opposes the validity of CCI raids.
  • IT firms are FY23 fresher hiring estimates. 

Govt Looks To Table New Data Bill Soon

The
timeframe for public discussions on the new data bill could be
declared by the end of August. The ministry of electronics and IT is
at an advanced stage with the draft of the comprehensive framework
stated by a senior officer. 

The government is considering three aspects that will establish the new legislation – the national data governance framework, the new bill on data protection, and the new IT Act. 

The
previous version of the bill was withdrawn due to its outdated ways.
That’s why officials are looking to conclude the new data bill. 

One of the officials stated that since one of the three aspects, the framework for national data governance, which accords with supervising data that is non-personal- is nearly ready, with the public discussions completed on its draft, the other aspects are currently, left to be concluded. 

Reliance
Image source: etimg.com

The
other government officials said the future budget session could be a
more “ realistic target” considering the data bill will need
extensive industry discussion and meticulous drafting. 

Privacy and policy specialists who had labeled the previous bill as debatable have stated the new bill should be flexible with the judgement of puttaswamy, which made privacy an elemental right while engraving drafting.  

“It has been close to 10 years since the AP Shah committee report on privacy, five years since the Puttaswamy judgement, and four years since the Srikrishna committee report (on privacy legislation),” said Apar Gupta, executive director at Internet Freedom Foundation.

“They all signal urgency for a data protection law and surveillance reforms. Each day lost causes more injury and harm… It’s not about getting a perfect law, but any law at this point.”

Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com

Reliance Set To Launch JioMarket

Reliance
Industries has initiated direct-to-consumer brands and onboarding
independent sellers for its distinct marketplace platform. It would
be known as JioMarket.

It
is decided to uncover Jiomarket in the upcoming weeks so that it can
initiate operating it during the launching and a presence of about
30,000 pin codes, said one of the sources.

The
corporation has disclosed messages with merchants it is searching to
onboard, which ET has rechecked.

“With this, Reliance is aiming to disrupt the ecommerce marketplace ecosystem in the same way that Jio disrupted telecom or JioMart disrupted egrocery,” it said in the communication, asking vendors to fill a form to submit details for onboarding.

Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com

Amidst
the others, it has also sought information on the prime-selling
Amazon (SKUs) stokes keeping units from the traders who want to enter
the marketplace. 

The
egrocery platform, JioMart is largely operated by Reliance Retail as
a trader. It will operate as it is continuously. 

Amazon Alumni Lead Effort

The prior Amazon executive Sandeep Varaganti is leading this marketplace business. He was chief of Prione Business Service provider in the past – the erstwhile joint venture between NR Narayana Murthy’s Catamaran Venture and Amazon. Prione was the parent company of Cloudtail which was one of the biggest sellers on Amazon, India Once. 

Another
former Amazon executive, Samir Ratanajnkar, is also involved in
creating JioMarket. 

Personal information

6 Smart Ways To Help Protect Your Personal Information Online

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Personal Information

In today’s technology, the internet is a golden key for you to access millions of contents online. Nowadays the internet became convenient as many of us are busying using to transfer and store personal data onto the cloud storage. Well, is storing personal information online 100% safe? The answer is no. Many of us wouldn’t aware of the importance of internet privacy unless our personal information getting stolen by online hackers. This would be a serious matter because a piece of personal data leaks online can destroy your future. Therefore, here we are going to share with you the 7 smart ways to help protect your personal information online.

Also Read: Facebook to Acquire GIF-giant Giphy in A Major Tech Buy-Out

Create a Strong and Secure Password

Do you know that criminals are getting smarter to guess your online account password? Especially when your password length is too short. The key aspects of a strong and unique password come with a mixture of upper and lower cases, numbers, and symbols. It should not tie to your personal information such as birthday, identification number, passport, or mobile number. We would suggest you to use a password generator app to generate a strong, secure and unique password for your needs. Do note that you need to change your password often too.

Also Read: INDIA’S OWN VIDEO CONFERENCING TOOL SAY NAMASTE GIVES A STRONG COMPETITION TO ZOOM

Set up Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-Factor authentication act as a double layer of security that designed to ensure you are the right person who can access your account. Even when you enter a correct password, you will still need to enter an authentication code or a one-time password (OTP) in order to fully access your personal information. Although the multi-Factor authentication may seem a little troublesome but it is one of the best ways to protect your personal information online. This popular security tool is also commonly used in many offline places such as shopping malls or attraction areas whereby it involves e-wallet payment. Regardless you are doing personal or business transactions online, this feature will give you a safe and secure sensation at all-time.

Also Read: The 45-years old Japanese cartoon will start rerunning its episodes due to the COVID-19 crisis

Close Unused Accounts

Some of us are using the same email address, password, banking details throughout all online accounts. Imagine hackers are smart enough to hack your unused account email address and password and duplicated it onto your existing accounts. That’s it, your online account is hacked. It is a good practice to close all your unused accounts to prevent such unnecessary moment to happen. By closing unused online accounts, it also helps to reduce your chances of personal data being leak online.

Also Read: Musk Threatens to Move His Production Center Out of Fremont

Keep your device software up-to-date regularly

If your device prompts you for software updates, you better do it immediately! This process allows you to get the latest security updates as well as to improve the functionality of the device. It may sound time-consuming but it assures you to kick-off hackers on your devices. Be mindful that the update includes your operating system and antivirus software.

Do not use Public WIFI Connection

Public WIFI is also well-known as shared WIFI among the communities. Anyone can connect to public WIFI and access to the internet freely. We do not recommend any online transactions if your device is connected to a Public WIFI connection Reason because most of the Public WIFI connection is not encrypted. This means that there is a risk of people spying on your online activity based on your IP address. Please make sure your device’s antivirus and firewall are turned on at all-time.

Also Read: Harald Hass- German Professor who coined the new Li-Fi technology

The alternative best way is to connect your device with a VPN (Virtual Private Network). This helps to double-up your online privacy protection. How does it work? VPN creates a secure connection through using a proxy to hide your real IP address and keep your online activity private.

Do not click on Suspicious Email and Links

Do not fall on hacker tricks! There are many ways hackers can attack you online and the most common way is through a phishing email. This type of email usually comes with a promotional link that will bring you to a fake web page. Do note that hackers can create a web page 100% lookalike the original web page. Likewise, please do not key in any personal details if you think the website is fake. You can always check with the company customer support before proceeding with any actions.

Failed to Protect User Data Facebook got Fined by the UK Govt.

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Facebook has been facing a lot due to its data privacy issues for the past few months. This time it has been attacked by the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office. According to the UK’s security watchdog, Facebook has supported some major security breaches of the data protection law, in the past. For this, the ICO has fined Facebook for $644,000 (£500,000). Facebook has been imposed with the maximum amount of fine, to be paid for the breach of the data protection law in the UK after it was found guilty in an investigation.

According to the investigation, Facebook is responsible for the stealing of 1 million Facebook users’ personal information, in the UK. Also, between 2007-2014, Facebook carelessly allowed the third-parties to use the data of the Facebook users, without their consent.

facebook-privacy
Image Source: joshbenson.com

The ICO carried out the investigation after the security breach, by GSR developer, in the Cambridge Analytica scandal, earlier this year. The scandal included the harvesting of private data, from up to 87 million Facebook users, around the world without their knowledge. The report included the stealing and misuse of the personal data of the Facebook users, during the referendum on the U.K.’s membership of the European Union, for the political campaign in 2016.

The UK’s Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham, confirming the news, said, “Facebook failed to sufficiently protect the privacy of its users before, during, and after the unlawful processing of this data. A company of its size and expertise should have known better, and it should have done better.”

Before the Cambridge Analytica’s scandal was officially out, the Guardian investigation, in 2016, had already provided a report, on the bases of the statement of a whistleblower from the company who described how the data of the Facebook users was stolen to target the voters.

About the fine imposed on Facebook, the CEO of Mark Zuckerburg has said that they are reviewing the whole situation. “we have a lot more work to do to safeguard personal data,” he added. A spokesperson from Facebook also said, “While we respectfully disagree with some of their findings, we have said before that we should have done more to investigate claims about Cambridge Analytica and taken action in 2015. We are grateful that the ICO has acknowledged our full cooperation throughout their investigation.”

ICO will present further evidence regarding the case in the coming November, in front of the UK government. Also, it has summoned Mark Zuckerberg, to testify about the Cambridge Analytica scandal, that is scheduled for the month of May in 2019.