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Nearly half of states that passed consumer privacy laws get a failing grade for protecting consumers’ data, according to “The State of Privacy,” an updated scorecard released today from the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) and U.S. PIRG Education Fund. Of the 19 states with laws, eight received Fs, and none received an A. Since 2018, 44 states have considered consumer privacy bills that allegedly aim to protect consumers’ privacy and security. Many of these bills, however, have been heavily influenced or bought and controlled by companies such as Amazon, leading to significantly weakened consumer protections across the country. The U.S. currently has no comprehensive federal privacy law.*
The more data companies collect about us, the more our data is at risk. When companies hold your data, the greater the odds it will be exposed in a breach or a hack and end up in the hands of identity thieves, scammers, or shadowy companies known as data brokers that buy and sell a huge amount of data about Americans “Many of these ‘privacy laws’ protect privacy in name only,” said Caitriona Fitzgerald, deputy director of EPIC. “In effect, they allow companies to continue hoarding our personal data and using it for whatever purposes they want. Big Tech should not be allowed to write the rules.” Continue reading
More Stellantis Executive Changes as Stock Drops
Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) said today it is taking more steps to simplify its organization aligned with its shakeup in December 2024. These measures allow for the right balance between regional and global responsibilities to enable speed of decision and execution. They further reinforce Stellantis’ commitment to listening to the voice of the customer and lay the ground for renewed growth. (Read AutoInformed.com on: Carlos Tavares Out as Stellantis CEO and Stellantis Q3 2024 – Shipments and Revenues Plunge)
“Through targeted organizational adjustments, the regions now have enhanced local decision-making and execution capabilities in respect of product planning, product development, industrial and commercial activities, while maintaining coordination with the Company’s global functions to best serve their customers,” Stellantis said. However, there still is no new permanent Chief Executive Officer from the Special Committee of the Board of Directors at a time when Trump’s executive orders – viz tariff’s – are wreaking havoc in the auto industry. Stellantis shares are down ~8% this morning. Continue reading →