Latest news with #Apple
The Star
2 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Balancing privacy, safety and accountability
AS of Jan 1, Malaysia recorded 25.1 million social media users, making it one of the most connected populations in the region. Most of these users voluntarily share personal data far beyond what is needed, for example, posting locations, preferences, routines and sometimes even sensitive information like their children's school details, vaccination records, or holiday plans. Ironically, while there is widespread concern over government or institutional data collection, little attention is paid to how private corporations such as Meta (Facebook), ByteDance (TikTok) and X (formerly Twitter) actively profile users for commercial gain. Facebook once claimed it would never sell user data, yet it infamously shared user data with Cambridge Analytica. This incident became a major scandal in global privacy discussions and involved not just basic data, but detailed personal information used for targeted political manipulation. If there is real concern about data being misused, then platforms that profit from mass data harvesting should be examined with equal, if not greater, intensity. One of the most overlooked realities in the digital age is this: there is no such thing as a free service. Every time a user signs up for a 'free' app or platform, be it social media, navigation tools, or online games, it is an exchange. Users grant access to their personal data, including their usage patterns, preferences, device details and even contacts, in return for these services. Most people accept the terms and conditions without reading them, unknowingly agreeing to large-scale data collection. Unlike the limited data gathered for national digital services for cybersecurity or to improve performance, tech giants build multi-billion-dollar empires on the back of detailed personal data profiles. This raises the question: why is there so much concern when a government programme or national platform transparently collects data for operational or protective purposes, while the daily exploitation by foreign platforms goes largely unchecked? Tech giants like Google and Apple have perfected the art of data collection. Gmail, Google Docs, Google Drive, Apple iCloud, Siri and Google Photos are all part of systems that continuously collect and analyse user data. This includes not just basic data, but actual content like search terms, voice commands, photos, browse history and even location. Apple may advertise itself as being focused on privacy, but even its basic data (such as who you called, when and for how long) is stored. Google, meanwhile, uses user behavior data for advertising, product development and AI training. Is the public truly informed about how much their data powers Google's AI models or Apple's products? More importantly, where is the outrage when these tech companies push updates that make it harder to opt out of data sharing? It is necessary to ensure fairness, ethical governance and consent in all forms of data collection, whether by governments or private companies. Nevertheless, we must avoid one-sided anger. A responsible national policy that uses shared data to detect cybersecurity threats or improve digital services should not be attacked while corporate data collection for profit is ignored. Not only that, data is also crucial in fighting online dangers. Protecting Malaysians in cyberspace is becoming more and more critical as online threats continue to grow. Shared user data plays a key role in the fight against cybercrime, helping to automatically detect scams, fraud and cyberbullying early on. With such incidents on the rise, using data responsibly is essential for public safety. Nevertheless, for such programmes to earn public confidence, the role of government oversight cannot be forgotten. It is vital that the MCMC and all relevant agencies do their part by performing careful checks. They must ensure that any data collected is stored and managed securely according to the highest international standards, making sure strong protections are in place to prevent data breaches. The public's trust depends on this strict oversight and accountability. Instead of debating endlessly, Malaysians should support the government's efforts to build a convenient and safer digital environment for all. Malaysians should answer the question of whether the need to protect the safety of Malaysians is more important than unproven claims of data privacy breaches. Prof Dr Selvakumar Manickam Universiti Sains Malaysia Cybersecurity Research Center director
Phone Arena
2 hours ago
- Phone Arena
Android might be getting this iPhone feature you didn't know you needed when you make calls
Google may be working on a new feature for Android that looks a lot like Apple's Contact Posters in iOS 17. A recent APK teardown of the Google Contacts app reveals code suggesting an upcoming feature called 'calling cards.' While still under development, these calling cards appear to be designed for customizing how you appear when calling someone. The clues were first shared by Android Authority. In version 4.55 of the Google Contacts app, new strings were found that mention using an image as both a contact photo and a calling card. This doesn't give away much, but it hints at a feature that links a profile image to a more personalized call screen. More interestingly, other parts of the code point to support for full-screen images and custom fonts. These features are similar to Apple's Contact Posters, which allow iPhone users to personalize how their name and photo appear on someone else's screen during a call. Apple's feature also ties into NameDrop, a way to share contact info just by holding phones close together. Apple Contact Poster. | Image credit — PhoneArena In Google's case, additional references in Google Play Services mention syncing calling cards to the cloud, and managing them across devices. This could mean that users might be able to set up a card once and use it across different Android devices. If this feature becomes official, it could bring a more modern and visual experience to Android's call interface. Many users already have profile photos linked to their Google accounts, so extending that image into calls could be a simple way to bring some personality to a screen that has mostly remained unchanged. Still, it's important to keep expectations in check. APK teardowns can reveal features in progress, but they don't confirm if or when these features will be released. Google has not announced or confirmed anything about calling cards yet. That said, adding calling cards to Android would make sense. It would offer a small but noticeable improvement to how calls look and feel, especially for those who want to show a little more of their identity. And with iOS already offering something similar, it wouldn't be surprising if Google followed suit. But for now, we'll have to wait and see what this feature actually turns into. Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Check Out The Offer
CNBC
2 hours ago
- Business
- CNBC
Apple has been trading sideways for the past month or so, says Jim Cramer
'Mad Money' host Jim Cramer takes a look at what is happening with Apple's stock at the moment.
CNBC
2 hours ago
- Business
- CNBC
I think Apple stock is just plain out of favor right now, says Jim Cramer
'Mad Money' host Jim Cramer takes a look at what is happening with Apple's stock at the moment.
USA Today
2 hours ago
- Automotive
- USA Today
Apple CarPlay Ultra faces automaker backlash over data and dashboard control
Apple CarPlay phone integration has become indispensable for millions of drivers, and the tech giant is hoping that CarPlay Ultra, which expands CarPlay's territory from the touchscreen to the car's instrument cluster and allows control over core functions like air conditioning, will become its next big thing. Initially it was looking that way, with Apple touting a list of over a dozen automakers that had signed up to include the Ultra software on their cars. Now that the system is finally rolling out to customers, there are reports that automakers are balking at CarPlay Ultra and opting to stick with the standard version instead. We suspected this would be a problem, and a report by Financial Times confirms it: automakers don't want to give up the creative control to design and implement infotainment features on their own, nor are eager to give a third-party — Apple — valuable data on both its customers driving habits and its vehicle systems integrations. One unnamed executive at Renault (one of the automakers touted by Apple as featuring CarPlay Ultra) is said by FT to have told Apple, 'Don't try to invade our own systems.' In case you missed it: The coolest, most useful Apple CarPlay Ultra features Of the 18 automakers that had previously been linked to Apple CarPlay, FT reports that Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Polestar and Renault are opting out of including the system on their future cars. Volvo confirmed to us FT's reporting, while Polestar said the brand had 'nothing to announce' with regards to its use of CarPlay Ultra. An Audi spokesperson went further, telling us, 'While we continue to offer traditional CarPlay on our vehicles, we have chosen not to integrate Apple CarPlay Ultra into our current portfolio of cars as we have just introduced our all-new MMI interface in our latest models: the Q6 e-tron, A5, Q5 and A6 e-tron model lines.' Both Volvo and Polestar have also heavily invested in their own infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay iOS 26 update: New widgets, live actions and 'Liquid Glass' design The other automakers who had been linked to CarPlay Ultra are Acura, Aston Martin, Ford, Genesis, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Kia, Land Rover, Lincoln, Nissan and Porsche. We reached out to each of them for comment on their CarPlay Ultra and general infotainment plans. Ford, Lincoln, Acura, Jaguar and Land Rover spokespeople told us that their respective brands did not have any comment on the matter. The Hyundai Motor Group, which includes Hyundai, Kia and Genesis told us that all three brands still intend to introduce Apple CarPlay Ultra in the future. Honda, Infiniti, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and Porsche did not have any official comment as of press time. Porsche has told FT it still planned on supporting CarPlay Ultra in the future. Apple seems confident in CarPlay Ultra. A source familiar with the Cupertino company's thinking told us, "Automakers ultimately tend to do things that their customers love, and customers are going to love CarPlay Ultra." The tech giant is working closely with automakers to allay their concerns while also tailoring the system to feel bespoke to each manufacturer. The same source also told us that all "driving data is all handled by the car, and isn't shared with your iPhone." Questions about what data is collected and who can view it were unanswered. Tesla and Rivian currently don't offer CarPlay in any form on their vehicles, while GM is phasing it out in favor of a new operating system it built with Google. Aston Martin is the only automaker to offer CarPlay Ultra right now. In our review of the new system, we found the Apple gauges, climate and radio controls, and iPhone-like widgets to be among the system's best features. You can read our full review here.
