"A feature on Zoom secretly displayed data from people’s LinkedIn profiles" by Aaron Krolik and Natasha Singer New York Times, April 2, 2020
NEW YORK — For Americans sheltering at home during the coronavirus pandemic, the Zoom videoconferencing platform has become a lifeline, enabling millions of people to easily keep in touch with family members, friends, students, teachers and work colleagues, but what many people may not know is that, until Thursday, a data-mining feature on Zoom allowed some participants to surreptitiously access LinkedIn profile data about other users — without Zoom asking for their permission during the meeting or even notifying them that someone else was snooping on them.
It's almost as if they had the data-mining feature already installed and ready to go when this pre-planned crisis was foisted upon us.
The undisclosed data mining adds to growing concerns about Zoom’s business practices at a moment when public schools, health providers, employers, and fitness trainers are embracing the platform.
You will not have a choice.
An analysis by The New York Times found that when people signed in to a meeting, Zoom’s software sent their names and e-mail addresses to a system it used to match them with their LinkedIn profiles.
The data-mining feature was available to Zoom users who subscribed to a LinkedIn service for sales prospecting, called LinkedIn Sales Navigator. Once a Zoom user enabled the feature, they could quickly and covertly access LinkedIn profile data — like locations, employer names, and job titles — for people in their Zoom meetings by clicking on a LinkedIn icon next to their names.
The system did not simply automate the manual process of one user looking up the name of another participant on LinkedIn during a Zoom meeting. In tests conducted last week, The Times found that even when a reporter signed in to a Zoom meeting under pseudonyms — “Anonymous” and “I am not here” — the data-mining tool was able to instantly match him to his LinkedIn profile. In doing so, Zoom disclosed the reporter’s real name to another user, overriding his efforts to keep it private.
Zoom doxxed him?
Reporters also found that Zoom automatically sent participants’ personal information to its data-mining tool even when no one in a meeting had activated it. This week, for instance, as high school students in Colorado signed in to a mandatory video meeting for a class, Zoom readied the full names and e-mail addresses of at least six students — and their teacher — for possible use by its LinkedIn profile-matching tool, according to a Times analysis of the data traffic that Zoom sent to a student’s account.
The discoveries about Zoom’s data-mining feature echo what users have learned about the surveillance practices of other popular tech platforms over the last few years. The video-meeting platform that has offered a welcome window on American resiliency during the coronavirus — providing a virtual peek into colleagues’ living rooms, classmates’ kitchens, and friends’ birthday celebrations — can reveal more about its users than they may realize.
Quit stroking us while you f*** us.
“People don’t know this is happening and that’s just completely unfair and deceptive,” Josh Golin, executive director of the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, a nonprofit group in Boston, said of the data-mining feature. He added that storing the personal details of school children for nonschool purposes, without alerting them or obtaining a parent’s permission, was particularly troubling.
Early Thursday morning, after Times reporters contacted Zoom and LinkedIn with their findings on the profile-matching feature, the companies said they would disable the service.
In a statement, Zoom said it took users’ privacy “extremely seriously” and was “removing the LinkedIn Sales Navigator to disable the feature on our platform entirely.” In a related blog post, Eric S. Yuan, the chief executive of Zoom, wrote that the company had removed the data-mining feature “after identifying unnecessary data disclosure.” He also said that Zoom would freeze all new features for the next 90 days to concentrate on data security and privacy issues.
And if no one had found it?
In a separate statement, LinkedIn said it worked “to make it easy for members to understand their choices over what information they share” and would suspend the profile-matching feature on Zoom “while we investigate this further.”
The Times’s findings add to an avalanche of reports about privacy and security issues with Zoom, which has quickly emerged as the go-to business and social platform during the pandemic. Zoom’s cloud-meetings service is currently the top free app in the Apple App Store in 64 countries including the United States, France, and Russia, according to Sensor Tower, a mobile app research firm.
Hmmmmmmmmmm!
As the videoconferencing service’s popularity has surged, however, the company has scrambled to handle software design choices and security flaws that have made users vulnerable to harassment and privacy invasions.
In response to news reports on its problems, Zoom recently announced that it had stopped using software in its iPhone app that sent users’ data to Facebook, updated its privacy policy to clarify how it handles user data, and conceded that it had overstated the kind of encryption it used for video and phone meetings.
--more--"
Nevertheless, the Globe's resident skank is suggesting how to look good on Zoom, and one way is to launch a $12 million coronavirus relief food fund.
"Trump administration moves toward promoting broader use of face masks" by Zeke Miller and Mike Stobbe Associated Press, April 2, 2020
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is formalizing new guidance to recommend that many Americans wear face coverings when leaving home, in an effort to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.
They haven't been, nor are they observing the social distance guidelines they have foisted on the rest of us, so WTF?
A person familiar with the White House coronavirus task force’s discussion said officials would suggest that non-medical masks, T-shirts, or bandannas be used to cover the nose and mouth when outside the home — for instance, at the grocery store or pharmacy.
Maybe we should all just wear black chadors.
Trump, who was tested again for COVID-19 on Thursday using a new rapid test, indicated Tuesday he would support such a recommendation, potentially even for all Americans regardless of where they live. “I would say do it, but use a scarf if you want, you know, rather than going out and getting a mask or whatever.”
“It’s not a bad idea, at least for a period of time,” he added.
The White House said Trump’s latest test returned a negative result in 15 minutes, and said Trump was “healthy and without symptoms.”
I bet he will have them soon! The tests are contaminated!
A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention draft of the guidance suggested the covering recommendation apply to nearly all Americans, all over the country, according to a federal official who has seen the draft but was not authorized to discuss it, but on Wednesday, Eric Garcetti, the mayor of Los Angeles, urged his city’s 4 million residents to wear masks when they’re in public. On Thursday, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio followed suit in his city, the epicenter of the virus’ spread in the US.
Is the government going to provide them to everyone, or do we have to buy our own after being thrown out of work?
In response to recent studies, the CDC on Wednesday changed how it was defining the risk of infection for Americans. It essentially says anyone may be a considered a carrier, whether they have symptoms or not.
They are EVIL!
The virus spreads mostly through droplets from coughs or sneezes, though experts stress that the germ is still not fully understood.
HUH?
US officials have been telling people to stay at home as much as possible, and keep at least 6 feet away from others when they do go out. Other advice includes frequent hand washing and not touching your face, but until now federal officials have stopped short of telling people to cover their faces out in public.
US Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams has repeatedly admonished Americans not to wear face masks, saying they don’t prevent the people who wear them from catching the virus. He and other officials have stressed that surgical face masks and other protective medical equipment have been in short supply and must be prioritized for people such as health care workers.
The World Health Organization on Monday reiterated its advice that the general population doesn’t need to wear masks unless they’re sick. Since the epidemic began in China, the WHO has said masks are for the sick and people caring for them.....
Maybe you put one on anyway, huh?
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The self-appointed morality patrol is hiding in the bottom-righthand corner:
"Police reports, social media shamings: Coronavirus has turned some citizens into social distance vigilantes; Fed-up residents are exposing and reporting others who aren’t following health guidelines" by Matt Rocheleau Globe Staff, April 2, 2020
Pickup games of basketball. Co-workers enjoying lunch together. A child blowing bubbles while strolling down the sidewalk with family.
A few weeks ago these were all harmless, heartwarming activities, but in the age of coronavirus, they are drawing looks of disgust, shame on social media, and a flood of complaints to police and local authorities, who are fielding a surge of reports of supposed social distancing violations.
All good little East Germans, 'eh?
In fact, concern about the highly contagious virus has turned some area residents into social distance vigilantes — cranky and over the top in some cases, justifiably worried in others.
So when Cambridge resident Cynthia Haynes, a chef in her 50s whose outdoor exposure is limited now to solitary walks with her dog three times a day and occasional grocery store jaunts, worries about the well-being of residents most vulnerable to the virus, including her mother, who’s in her 80s, and sees people clustered in parks or in public, she takes action.
That is what we used to call a busybody.
Cynthia Haynes, of Cambridge, looks for social distancing scofflaws while out on walks with her dog. She has posted comments on social media and filed complaints with police about people who aren't following health guidelines. Haynes worries about the well-being of residents most vulnerable to the virus, including her mother, who’s in her 80s. (Jim Davis/Globe Staff)
What is the female equivalent of an Uncle Tom?
The first surveillance video she sent to police captured some teens playing basketball at Hoyt Field in Cambridge. A police officer, Haynes said, told her the basketball rims would soon be gone.
Another video captured adults at a park along Memorial Drive using an outdoor fitness station — without wiping down the equipment. That prompted her to ask the city to put fencing around the area.
Records show hundreds of annoyed citizens from all over the Boston area have logged similar complaints in recent weeks, with calls to municipal 311 services or in social media posts directed at police.
One complaint from Allston read: “Landscape people with leaf blowers during a crisis? Can we stop this air blown COVID-19 spread? Please send Cops.”
How Soviet of them!
Another featured a photo shot through a window screen in South Boston showing a half-dozen people chatting outside a home “No Social distancing?? What happened to 6 feet apart? I’m concerned for neighbors and passers-by. . . . One or two are coughing quite a bit too.”
Barbara Anthony, former Massachusetts undersecretary for consumer affairs, got into the mix recently, tweeting a photo of a gathering of people in Harvard Square on a sunny day, along with the tag #StayHome.
F*** off!
A former prosecutor, Anthony is no stranger to levying criticism and said extraordinary times call for people to speak out, loudly. “That lack of responsibility [by people who don’t social distance] doesn’t just impact a single individual, it impacts entire communities . . . it affects all of us,” she said. “I think we need stricter enforcement,” but if you thought the accused would go down without a fight, you’d be wrong. Some have fired back at their complainants.
One person in Roslindale wrote in to Boston’s 311 service: “News flash folks — a family playing baseball at Fallon field is not going [to] spread COVID-19. Mind your own business and [find] something else to complain about.”
The slanted Globe coverage picks one!
Still, law enforcement has taken notice of the illicit gatherings. After a resident tweeted at the City of Somerville about people “not practicing social distancing in the park,” the city quickly responded, and dispatched an officer to the scene.
I'm glad there is no crime in Somerville, but if there were and I were a criminal, I would call in a social distance complaint first before robbing someplace!
Spokesmen for area police agencies said people have generally been cooperative when officers have responded to calls and asked groups to disperse.
They don't want to get shot or beaten.
To be clear: It’s not a crime to be near someone else or gather in large groups in Massachusetts. Social distancing here is a health recommendation from state and local leaders, but other states have enacted strict rules and bulked up enforcement. Police have charged pastors for holding church services, broken up weddings and parties, and more, according to media reports. Lithuania’s capital city launched drones to patrol and prevent gatherings in public spaces.
Yeah, it could be much worse here -- which is little comfort.
In Massachusetts, Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh and Governor Charlie Baker have repeatedly urged residents to stay home, except in emergencies or to get groceries, medicine, and other essentials. They’ve encouraged going outside for exercise and mental well-being, but stressed that when residents leave their homes they should maintain proper distance from people they’re not living with.
So if they are living with you, it's okay even if they are sick?
WTF?
This WHOLE THING STINKS!
Both leaders have so far resisted issuing orders that can actually be enforced. There are no fines or other penalties for being socially adjacent. That could change, officials have warned, particularly if there’s a lack of compliance.
“I know the mayor in New York is imposing a $500 fine if people don’t practice social distancing,” Walsh said Monday. “I hope we don’t have to do that.”
Related: "The Baker administration’s new order allows for police to penalize those who gather in groups of more than 10. A first offense would result in a warning, followed by a $300 fine for a second offense and a $500 fine or prison for additional offenses....."
Then the mayor of Bo$ton is either ignorant or a liar!
He also worried that the temptation to relax distancing discipline could be heightened with warmer weather.
No more cookouts despite the heat.
In response to Walsh’s guidance, city workers have taken steps to curb recreational gatherings, including posting signs encouraging social distancing at parks and closing playground and tot lots. They’ve removed street hockey, soccer, and tennis court nets.
City workers zip-tied basketball nets, but some players persisted. The city then bolted pieces of plywood together to cover the rims, according to a parks spokesman.
It's a massive mind-f***, folks, as they rearrange society.
South Boston resident Taralynn Asack, 29, was propelled to document and point out violators on her social media accounts in part out of a sense of public service, in part out of boredom.
“I’ve taken it upon myself to be neighborhood watch,” said Asack, an on-air sports reporter for DraftKings. “I’ve been going a bit stir crazy without any news. So I’ve just been going around Boston exposing people,” but Asack said her posts trend toward the positive and supportive and are designed to raise awareness.
“Who wants to be screamed at right now?" she said. "There’s too much uncertainty to be mean to each other. . . . We need all the kindness we can get.”
Hypocritical bitch.
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Maybe Yvonne can join Cynthia for some patrols:
"Doctors and nurses on the front lines of the battle against the spread of the novel coronavirus have had issues finding enough protective gear to keep them safe as they tend to patients seeking treatment for COVID-19, but crews from Boston’s Public Works Department have apparently had no problems locating such items — because they’re being discarded on the city’s streets, according to officials. On Wednesday, the department tweeted a pair of images that showed workers out sweeping up rubber gloves and face masks that had been left on the soggy ground. The pictures were accompanied by a plea to stop littering the items....."
I wonder if they will yell at these girls:
Left to right, Fiona Howard and Alyssa Berkovitz rested during a walk with their service dogs, Elvis and Kernel. (John Tlumacki/Globe Staff)
Despite the coronavirus quarantine, hiking together with their service dogs is something best friends Fiona Howard (left) and Alyssa Berkovitz won't sacrifice. (John Tlumacki/Globe Staff)
They are "partners in quarantine" who are not practicing social distancing!
Jamaica Plain residents (from left) Gert Thorn, Kevin Moloney, Michael Epp, and and Ed Forte worked together to persuade Chase to alter the design of a new bank branch. (Jonathan Wiggs/Globe Staff)
C'mon, guys!
You are lucky you are not in an old folks home:
"At least 15 people at a Norwood nursing home have died of what staff members believe were coronavirus infections or related complications, the latest outbreak in an epidemic that state officials say has hit one-tenth of the state’s long-term-care facilities. The deaths at the Charlwell House Health & Rehabilitation Center occurred in the last 12 days, according to three employees with direct knowledge. Officials also reported deaths Thursday at nursing homes in Littleton, Worcester, and Greenfield, where one facility alone saw six fatalities, and, in newly disclosed statewide data, officials identified at least one case of coronavirus at 85 long-term care facilities across Massachusetts, including nursing homes, rest homes, and assisted living centers — or one of every 10 of the 700 facilities across the state....."
Staff members "believe" it was COVID-19 or RELATED COMPLICATIONS -- meaning, once again, anyone who dies, it was COVID.
That's how they are pimping the worst-case scenario, even as "Marylou Sudders, the state’s health and human services secretary, says, “Frankly, if we hadn’t put the restrictions [on visitors] in place that we had, the situation probably would be worse.”
If you guys want credit for averting catastrophe after all this is over, fine. Just call it off:
"Indian-ruled Kashmir, Hindu India’s only Muslim- dominated region, is divided between Pakistan and India but coveted by each in its entirety. Since 1989, an insurgency in Indian-held Kashmir has been demanding either outright independence for a united Kashmir or union with Muslim-majority Pakistan....."
It's like a Pearl in the Corona.
