Forwarded from 📡Guardians of Hong Kong
#PoliceBrutality in various forms. It has certainly intruded into our daily lives.
#SparkAlliance #Privacy
#SparkAlliance #Privacy
Forwarded from 📡Guardians of Hong Kong
Xiaomi smart cams see other people’s homes ; Google disconnects from Xiaomi products
Update (2020.1.3 16:20) : Xiaomi official statement says the problem was caused by a video system update released at the end of December. Xiaomi said they had already addressed the issue, and stopped the related service temporarily until the root cause of the problem could be resolved.
Home monitors can let users see the situations at home while away, and can keep a record when there are burglars or other problems at home. However, Xiaomi’s Mi Home apps made a big blunder recently. From their home smart monitors connected to Google Home system, users could see video images of other people’s homes. Google terminated the connections with Mi Home apps immediately after they received the reports.
Member “u/Dio-V” on Reddit uploaded the video, and said that, after he connected the camera with Google Home system, saw not only what was happening at home, but also random images of unknown people’s homes, including their living rooms, baby cribs, etc. Google community officer responded to the post immediately, and contacted him at once for follow-up.
Google said they had temporarily terminated the connections with Mi Home apps for now, and were seeking a resolution with Mi Home. Mi Home video users can no longer see any video images on Google Home, but only the “currently unavailable” wording.
A Reddit user joked that the affected person “unintentionally opened the secret mode of the Chinese government.” Quite a few users who also installed the monitors are worried. But some also point out it might be a programming error that grabbed images from the caches. However, it all needs to wait for Google or Xiaomi to come up with an explanation eventually, before users’ worries on smart home monitors can be released.
Xiaomi official response: System update caused problems with the caches
Xiami made an official response to this incident, saying that Xiaomi had always put the privacy and information security of the users first. They found out there was an extremely small chance of streaming image problem when “Mi Home Wireless IP Camera Basic” products were connected on Google Home. As for the inconvenience caused to the users, Xiaomi has expressed deep regrets. Xiaomi said they took actions to address the problem after finding out about it, and had solved it. They found in the investigations that, starting from testing on 26 December, 2019, they caused problems with the caches. Xiaomi said this problem happened only when “Mi Home Wireless IP Camera Basic“ and Google Home are used together and when network connections are not good. After investigations Xiaomi found out 1,044 users had similar problems. After they communicated with Google, they had stopped such service temporarily until the root cause could be resolved, and ensured that the incident would not happen again.
Below are the original script of the official announcement:
[Statement: Xiaomi has always prioritized our users’ privacy and information security. We are aware there was an issue of receiving stills while connecting Mi Home Security Camera Basic 1080p on Google Home hub. We apologize for the inconvenience this has caused to our users.
Our team has since acted immediately to solve the issue and it is now fixed. Upon investigation, we have found out the issue was caused by a cache update on December 26, 2019, which was designed to improve camera streaming quality. This has only happened in extremely rare conditions. In this case, it happened during the integration between Mi Home Security Camera Basic 1080p and the Google Home Hub with a display screen under poor network conditions.
We have also found 1044 users were with such integrations and only a few with extremely poor network conditions might be affected. This issue will not happen if the camera is linked to the Xiaomi’s Mi Home app.]
#Surveillance #Privacy #China #Xiaomi
https://unwire.hk/2020/01/03/xiaomicamera/tech-secure/
Update (2020.1.3 16:20) : Xiaomi official statement says the problem was caused by a video system update released at the end of December. Xiaomi said they had already addressed the issue, and stopped the related service temporarily until the root cause of the problem could be resolved.
Home monitors can let users see the situations at home while away, and can keep a record when there are burglars or other problems at home. However, Xiaomi’s Mi Home apps made a big blunder recently. From their home smart monitors connected to Google Home system, users could see video images of other people’s homes. Google terminated the connections with Mi Home apps immediately after they received the reports.
Member “u/Dio-V” on Reddit uploaded the video, and said that, after he connected the camera with Google Home system, saw not only what was happening at home, but also random images of unknown people’s homes, including their living rooms, baby cribs, etc. Google community officer responded to the post immediately, and contacted him at once for follow-up.
Google said they had temporarily terminated the connections with Mi Home apps for now, and were seeking a resolution with Mi Home. Mi Home video users can no longer see any video images on Google Home, but only the “currently unavailable” wording.
A Reddit user joked that the affected person “unintentionally opened the secret mode of the Chinese government.” Quite a few users who also installed the monitors are worried. But some also point out it might be a programming error that grabbed images from the caches. However, it all needs to wait for Google or Xiaomi to come up with an explanation eventually, before users’ worries on smart home monitors can be released.
Xiaomi official response: System update caused problems with the caches
Xiami made an official response to this incident, saying that Xiaomi had always put the privacy and information security of the users first. They found out there was an extremely small chance of streaming image problem when “Mi Home Wireless IP Camera Basic” products were connected on Google Home. As for the inconvenience caused to the users, Xiaomi has expressed deep regrets. Xiaomi said they took actions to address the problem after finding out about it, and had solved it. They found in the investigations that, starting from testing on 26 December, 2019, they caused problems with the caches. Xiaomi said this problem happened only when “Mi Home Wireless IP Camera Basic“ and Google Home are used together and when network connections are not good. After investigations Xiaomi found out 1,044 users had similar problems. After they communicated with Google, they had stopped such service temporarily until the root cause could be resolved, and ensured that the incident would not happen again.
Below are the original script of the official announcement:
[Statement: Xiaomi has always prioritized our users’ privacy and information security. We are aware there was an issue of receiving stills while connecting Mi Home Security Camera Basic 1080p on Google Home hub. We apologize for the inconvenience this has caused to our users.
Our team has since acted immediately to solve the issue and it is now fixed. Upon investigation, we have found out the issue was caused by a cache update on December 26, 2019, which was designed to improve camera streaming quality. This has only happened in extremely rare conditions. In this case, it happened during the integration between Mi Home Security Camera Basic 1080p and the Google Home Hub with a display screen under poor network conditions.
We have also found 1044 users were with such integrations and only a few with extremely poor network conditions might be affected. This issue will not happen if the camera is linked to the Xiaomi’s Mi Home app.]
#Surveillance #Privacy #China #Xiaomi
https://unwire.hk/2020/01/03/xiaomicamera/tech-secure/
Unwire.hk
小米智能攝影機看到其他人家畫面 Google急停與米家產品連接
更新（2020.1.3 16:20）：小米發表官方聲明，表示問題由 2019 年 12 月尾推出的攝影機系統更 […]
Forwarded from 📡Guardians of Hong Kong
#Mainlandization #CCP
China's Maoyan Entertainment Becomes Hong Kong's New Ticketing System; Concert Tickets will have to be Purchased through Chinese Firm
China's biggest ticketing operator Maoyan Entertainment (1896) won the tender to the ticketing services offered by the Hong Kong government's Leisure and Cultural Services Department at a low price of 91.7 million HKD, which is cheaper than 7 years ago.
The local firm Cityline which had been the ticket system provider for 14 years stated that it is quite difficult to hire IT talents and resources in Hong Kong with the same price, and it will end its service at the end of 2021.
If citizens want to book tickets for 28 venues including Hung Hom Stadium and Queen Elizabeth Stadium, they will have to purchase through the Chinese firm. Experts have expressed their concerns about the user's privacy issues.
Source: Apple Daily #Dec16
https://hk.appledaily.com/finance/20201216/SMZGYBJM65FSHCNR5QOVXVFPPY/
#BigData #Privacy #Maoyan
China's Maoyan Entertainment Becomes Hong Kong's New Ticketing System; Concert Tickets will have to be Purchased through Chinese Firm
China's biggest ticketing operator Maoyan Entertainment (1896) won the tender to the ticketing services offered by the Hong Kong government's Leisure and Cultural Services Department at a low price of 91.7 million HKD, which is cheaper than 7 years ago.
The local firm Cityline which had been the ticket system provider for 14 years stated that it is quite difficult to hire IT talents and resources in Hong Kong with the same price, and it will end its service at the end of 2021.
If citizens want to book tickets for 28 venues including Hung Hom Stadium and Queen Elizabeth Stadium, they will have to purchase through the Chinese firm. Experts have expressed their concerns about the user's privacy issues.
Source: Apple Daily #Dec16
https://hk.appledaily.com/finance/20201216/SMZGYBJM65FSHCNR5QOVXVFPPY/
#BigData #Privacy #Maoyan
Forwarded from 📡Guardians of Hong Kong
#MassSurveillance
Government Makes #LeaveHomeSafe app Compulsory in Hong Kong Starting from Nov 1; Police Makes Arrests
The Hong Kong SAR Government implemented yet another controversial rule on November 1, 2021, mandating the population to check in with the LeaveHomeSafe tracking app when entering government premises. These locales include libraries, wet markets, courts, and sports facilities.
On the first day of its implementation, the Hong Kong Police arrested at least 5 people in the morning at Immigration Tower in Wan Chai, accusing them of using a fake app.
RTHK reported that the arrestees included two immigration officers, one staff member of the Audit Commission and two contractors.
Although exemptions are given to children, the elderly and disabled people, they are still required to submit their personal details.
Civil Service Secretary #PatrickNip claimed the government will "exercise flexibility"; however, according to InMedia, outside the Tai Po Municipal Complex, many domestic helpers and elderly had difficulties in adapting to the policy. Some had to download the app on the site, while some left for the street market instead.
As the people of Hong Kong expressed concern over the privacy issue of the government-monitored app, many citizens bought a new phone just for installing the app and to prevent personal information from being tracked.
Source: InMedia; RTHK #Nov1
https://bit.ly/3EsNyAq
#FailedState #BigData #Privacy #Obstruction #Elderly #Regime
Government Makes #LeaveHomeSafe app Compulsory in Hong Kong Starting from Nov 1; Police Makes Arrests
The Hong Kong SAR Government implemented yet another controversial rule on November 1, 2021, mandating the population to check in with the LeaveHomeSafe tracking app when entering government premises. These locales include libraries, wet markets, courts, and sports facilities.
On the first day of its implementation, the Hong Kong Police arrested at least 5 people in the morning at Immigration Tower in Wan Chai, accusing them of using a fake app.
RTHK reported that the arrestees included two immigration officers, one staff member of the Audit Commission and two contractors.
Although exemptions are given to children, the elderly and disabled people, they are still required to submit their personal details.
Civil Service Secretary #PatrickNip claimed the government will "exercise flexibility"; however, according to InMedia, outside the Tai Po Municipal Complex, many domestic helpers and elderly had difficulties in adapting to the policy. Some had to download the app on the site, while some left for the street market instead.
As the people of Hong Kong expressed concern over the privacy issue of the government-monitored app, many citizens bought a new phone just for installing the app and to prevent personal information from being tracked.
Source: InMedia; RTHK #Nov1
https://bit.ly/3EsNyAq
#FailedState #BigData #Privacy #Obstruction #Elderly #Regime
獨立媒體
街市排長龍填紙仔 長者批「安心出行」麻煩寧改去街邊買餸 | 獨媒報導 | 獨立媒體
【獨媒報導】市民今日起須強制用「安心出行」應月程式進出政府大樓，包括街市、體育館、圖書館等，12歲以下和65歲或以上人士，及使用有困難的殘疾人士可獲豁免，但須登記個人資料。《獨媒》記者今早到大埔綜合大樓視察，不少長者及外傭未適應新政策，需即場下載程式，或在保安協助下填紙仔；亦有市民「怕麻煩」，寧改到其他地方買餸。有街市商戶指今早人流明顯減少
Forwarded from 📡Guardians of Hong Kong
#MassSurveillance
#TikTok Browser Can Track Users’ Keystrokes, According to New Research
// The web browser used within the TikTok app can track every keystroke made by its users, according to new research that is surfacing as the Chinese-owned video app grapples with U.S. lawmakers’ concerns over its data practices.
The research from Felix Krause, a privacy researcher and former Google engineer, did not show how TikTok used the capability, which is embedded within the in-app browser that pops up when someone clicks an outside link. But Mr. Krause said the development was concerning because it showed TikTok had built in functionality to track users’ online habits if it chose to do so.
Collecting information on what people type on their phones while visiting outside websites, which can reveal credit card numbers and passwords, is often a feature of malware and other hacking tools. While major technology companies might use such trackers as they test new software, it is not common for them to release a major commercial app with the feature, whether or not it is enabled, researchers said. //
Read more:
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/19/technology/tiktok-browser-tracking.html
Source: New York Times #Aug19
#BigBrother #CreditCard #Privacy
#TikTok Browser Can Track Users’ Keystrokes, According to New Research
// The web browser used within the TikTok app can track every keystroke made by its users, according to new research that is surfacing as the Chinese-owned video app grapples with U.S. lawmakers’ concerns over its data practices.
The research from Felix Krause, a privacy researcher and former Google engineer, did not show how TikTok used the capability, which is embedded within the in-app browser that pops up when someone clicks an outside link. But Mr. Krause said the development was concerning because it showed TikTok had built in functionality to track users’ online habits if it chose to do so.
Collecting information on what people type on their phones while visiting outside websites, which can reveal credit card numbers and passwords, is often a feature of malware and other hacking tools. While major technology companies might use such trackers as they test new software, it is not common for them to release a major commercial app with the feature, whether or not it is enabled, researchers said. //
Read more:
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/19/technology/tiktok-browser-tracking.html
Source: New York Times #Aug19
#BigBrother #CreditCard #Privacy
NY Times
TikTok Browser Can Track Users’ Keystrokes, According to New Research
In the web browser used within the TikTok app, supplementary code lets the company track every character typed by users. The company said the capability was for troubleshooting.
Forwarded from 📡Guardians of Hong Kong
#Surveillance
Portable charger in China Turned into Eavesdropping Device and GPS Locator
In China, a portable charger can become an eavesdropping device and a GPS locator. Acoording to Chinese media, with the installation of SIM card, such portable charger can eavesdrop a long distance away and locate the user accurately.
These devices come in various colours and models, but most have the functionality of "remote monitoring recording" and "precise positioning".
They cost from RMB300 to RMB600 and can be bought on some online platforms.
In China, a journalist from #Banyuetan (#半月談) successfully modifies a portable charger from a store with RMB300. He downloads a "#GPS365" app onto his phone. After logging in with the username and password given by the seller, the screen shows the device location, tracking record, contact list, messages etc.
The journalist puts "location" in trial and finds out that the activity tracking of the user can be seen clearly with the portable charger. Even places like underground and car parks can still be accurately shown on the system.
The staff told the journalist that the charger could record sound from the surroundings and automatically send the recording to the phone once the environment noise exceeds 50dB with "Sound Control Convo (#聲控語聊到)" installed in the app. The portable charger can also pick up phone calls automatically.
Source: RFA #Jul27
https://www.facebook.com/454004001340790/posts
#GPS #SoundControl #Tracking #Taobao #Privacy #Security #PrecisePositioning #MadeinChina
Portable charger in China Turned into Eavesdropping Device and GPS Locator
In China, a portable charger can become an eavesdropping device and a GPS locator. Acoording to Chinese media, with the installation of SIM card, such portable charger can eavesdrop a long distance away and locate the user accurately.
These devices come in various colours and models, but most have the functionality of "remote monitoring recording" and "precise positioning".
They cost from RMB300 to RMB600 and can be bought on some online platforms.
In China, a journalist from #Banyuetan (#半月談) successfully modifies a portable charger from a store with RMB300. He downloads a "#GPS365" app onto his phone. After logging in with the username and password given by the seller, the screen shows the device location, tracking record, contact list, messages etc.
The journalist puts "location" in trial and finds out that the activity tracking of the user can be seen clearly with the portable charger. Even places like underground and car parks can still be accurately shown on the system.
The staff told the journalist that the charger could record sound from the surroundings and automatically send the recording to the phone once the environment noise exceeds 50dB with "Sound Control Convo (#聲控語聊到)" installed in the app. The portable charger can also pick up phone calls automatically.
Source: RFA #Jul27
https://www.facebook.com/454004001340790/posts
#GPS #SoundControl #Tracking #Taobao #Privacy #Security #PrecisePositioning #MadeinChina
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Forwarded from 📡Guardians of Hong Kong
Images from over 700 surveillance cameras in Taiwan leaked, all using Huawei chips
The Taiwanese media has reported that over 700 private surveillance cameras have been leaked live on websites such as Insecam. The leaked footage included postnatal care homes, clinics, some homes' entrances, living rooms and even bedrooms, all of which had one thing in common: the cameras used Huawei chips.
A bun shop owner in the Datong district of Taipei City said that she was scared to see the images of her shop on the internet. She never thought that these images would be made public, and the thought of being watched at work made her feel uncomfortable. The surveillance cameras used in these leaked locations all have Huawei chips built into them, most of which are HiSilicon Hi3516 chips.
Source: Unwire.hk #Dec08
#Taiwan #Huawei #Privacy #Camera #Chips
https://unwire.hk/2022/12/08/taiwan-cctv-hacked-and-leaked/tech-secure/
The Taiwanese media has reported that over 700 private surveillance cameras have been leaked live on websites such as Insecam. The leaked footage included postnatal care homes, clinics, some homes' entrances, living rooms and even bedrooms, all of which had one thing in common: the cameras used Huawei chips.
A bun shop owner in the Datong district of Taipei City said that she was scared to see the images of her shop on the internet. She never thought that these images would be made public, and the thought of being watched at work made her feel uncomfortable. The surveillance cameras used in these leaked locations all have Huawei chips built into them, most of which are HiSilicon Hi3516 chips.
Source: Unwire.hk #Dec08
#Taiwan #Huawei #Privacy #Camera #Chips
https://unwire.hk/2022/12/08/taiwan-cctv-hacked-and-leaked/tech-secure/
Unwire.hk
台灣逾 700 監視鏡頭畫面外洩 全部採用華為晶片
台灣傳媒日前報導，當地有超過 700 個私人的監視鏡頭畫面，在包括 Insecam 等網站直播公開。外洩的畫面包括產後護理院、診所、部份更是住家的門口、客廳，甚至睡房，所有畫面外洩地方都有一個共通點，就是監視鏡頭均採用華為的晶片。