Facebook, Samsung and Ring have unveiled new or improved privacy and security tools at the 2020 CES consumer electronics show taking place this week in Las Vegas.
Facebook announced a revamped version of Privacy Checkup, a tool launched in 2014 in an effort to make it easier for users to manage the information they share on the social media network.
The improved version of the tool, which Facebook is rolling out globally this week, focuses on four areas designed to help users strengthen account security and control what data is shared and how their information is used, Facebook said.
The Who Can See What You Share option is designed to show users who can see their profile information, including their phone number, email address and posts. The How People Can Find You on Facebook option enables users to specify how others can look for them on Facebook and who is able to send them friend requests.
In terms of security, the How to Keep Your Account Secure section helps Facebook users set a stronger password and enable login alerts so that they can protect their accounts better. Privacy Checkup also includes a page where users can review the information shared with apps, and remove any unused applications.
Samsung has unveiled several new TVs at CES, and it has also announced a new privacy-focused app for them. The Privacy Choices app is designed to show users what type of data is collected by their TV and allows them to opt out.
According to Samsung’s privacy policy, the company can automatically collect information about the device and the use of some services.
Amazon-owned home security and smart home company Ring announced at CES that its iOS and Android applications will soon include a new Control Center from where users can manage privacy and security features and settings.
The Control Center makes it easier for users to enable two-factor authentication, see who is logged into an account and log them out, review third-party service connections, and prevent local police departments from accessing footage from Ring cameras.
Vice recently published an article on how easy it is to hack Ring devices and shared several examples of incidents where hackers harassed people through their devices. Ring is apparently trying to address some of the issues raised in this and other reports.
Representatives of Apple, Facebook and other organizations will take part in a privacy-focused roundtable on Tuesday at CES, where they will discuss challenges for big companies and consumers’ expectations.
