Google allowing 3rd-party developers to scan your Gmail: Report
Washington, July 3 : Despite assuring users to "remain confident that Google will keep privacy and security paramount", the search giant is still reportedly allowing third-party app developers scan through Gmail accounts, the Wall Street Journal has claimed.
Google "continues to let hundreds of outside software developers scan the inboxes of millions of Gmail users who signed up for email-based services offering shopping price comparisons, automated travel-itinerary planners or other tools," the report said late Monday. Google was yet to comment on the report.
Gmail has nearly 1.4 billion users globally -- more users than the next 25 largest email providers combined.
"Google does little to police those developers, who train their computers-- and, in some cases, employees -- to read their users' emails," the report further stated.
According to Google, it provides data only to outside developers it has vetted and to whom users have explicitly granted permission to access email.
According to the report, Google's own employees read emails only "in very specific cases where you ask us to and give consent, or where we need to for security purposes, such as investigating a bug or abuse".
"Email data collectors use software to scan millions of messages a day, looking for clues about consumers that they can sell to marketers, hedge funds and other businesses," the report added, saying data miners generally have access to other email services besides Gmail.
In 2017, Google said its computers will soon stop reading the emails of its Gmail users to personalise their ads.
The Internet giant recently rolled out new features for Android users to make it easier for them to navigate their Gmail accounts and review security and privacy options.
As part of the new updates, Google introduced a new search functionality that enables users to find settings and other info they might be looking for in their account, like how to change the password.
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Three booked for blocking NH 75 during protest against Waqf Amendment Act in Mangaluru
Mangaluru (Karnataka), Apr 19 (PTI): Three persons who were part of a protest against Waqf Amendment Act organised on Saturday were booked for allegedly disrupting traffic and obstructing emergency services along NH 75 near Adyar here, police said.
The protest organised by Ulema Coordination Committee Karnataka was held at Shah Garden.
According to the Mangaluru City Police, while the event began peacefully under tight security arrangements, a section of protesters later moved towards the national highway and blocked traffic around 4.30 pm.
"Despite repeated instructions to maintain order and avoid disruption, some individuals entered the highway, obstructing the free movement of vehicles, including emergency services," police officials stated.
Efforts were made to disperse the crowd, but some protesters ignored the warnings and engaged in unlawful activities, police alleged.
Based on visual evidence and initial analysis of video footage, three individuals have been identified as the key accused—Jaleel, a resident of Krishnapura; Fazal from Valachil; and Mohammed Hanif Noufal, a senior police officer, said.
A case has been registered at the Kankanady Town Police Station under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including provisions related to obstruction of public servants, unlawful assembly, endangering public safety, and interference with government functioning, the officer said.
Police said more individuals are likely to be identified once a detailed examination of video recordings from the scene is completed.
"The investigation is ongoing, and strict legal action will be taken against all those found involved," the Mangaluru City Police said in a statement.
The protest had drawn participants from across coastal Karnataka and was closely monitored by law enforcement agencies to prevent any breach of peace or disruption to daily life.
Volunteers deployed by the organisers were initially seen assisting the police in crowd management before the situation took a turn.
