Privacy Digest 04/26
The new ChatGPT caricature trend comes with a privacy warning
A viral trend sees users asking ChatGPT to create caricatures based on detailed personal information about their jobs and lives. While entertaining, the trend raises privacy concerns because generating accurate images requires users to share photos and sensitive context. Experts warn that uploaded data may be stored, analyzed, and potentially used to improve AI models, with limited clarity on long term downstream use. Once shared online, images can also be copied or scraped beyond users’ control. To reduce risk, users should limit personal details, avoid real photos, review privacy settings, and consider using temporary or memory free chat options.
forbes.com
Newsletter platform Substack notifies users of data breach
Unauthorized access to user data was uncovered after attackers obtained limited account information in October 2025. The issue was only identified early February 2026 and has since been fixed. Exposed data includes email addresses, phone numbers, and internal metadata, while passwords and financial details were not compromised. A dataset containing roughly 697,000 records later surfaced on a hacking forum. Substack says there is no evidence of misuse so far, but users are encouraged to remain cautious about potential phishing emails or text messages.
bleepingcomputer.com
What is a digital footprint?
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ghostery.com
Google will pay $135 million to settle illegal data collection lawsuit
Android users accused Google of collecting cellular data without permission, even when apps were closed or location settings disabled. The claims date back to 2017 and argue the data was used for marketing and product development. A proposed class action settlement filed in California would provide payouts of up to $100 per user, pending court approval. The company denies wrongdoing but agreed to clearer consent during device setup, new opt out controls, and updated terms.
engadget.com
Discord’s age verification mandate is a leap toward a gated internet
Discord will soon require some users to verify their age through facial scans or government ID to access age restricted servers, speak in Stage channels, or view sensitive content. Those who do not verify will face feature limitations unless an AI system infers they are adults. The move reflects a wider trend, as platforms like Meta, Reddit, Bluesky, Instagram, and Google increasingly deploy age checks and machine learning tools in response to growing child safety laws and regulatory pressure worldwide.
theverge.com