Piracy Shield, a national anti-piracy platform developed by Sp Tech and donated by Lega Calcio Serie A to Agcom, is set to launch on February 1. The platform aims to combat illegal streaming of sports events by automatically blocking pirated content within 30 minutes of detection. The system involves rights holders uploading IP addresses or domain names of pirate sites, which are then blocked by telecom operators. Despite initial delays and technical challenges, the platform has undergone successful testing. Key stakeholders include major ISPs, big tech companies like Google and Microsoft, and regulatory bodies. The platform's effectiveness will be tested in the fight against illegal sports streaming, with potential expansion to other live events.

Piracy Shield, a national anti-piracy platform managed by Agcom and donated by Lega Serie A, successfully conducted its first test by blocking an IP address associated with Aruba. The platform aims to combat illegal streaming of sports events, particularly football, by automatically blocking infringing sites within 30 minutes. The test revealed some operational challenges, including delayed access credentials and the need for a comprehensive whitelist to prevent unintended blocks. The platform, developed by Sp Tech and hosted on Microsoft Azure, will be fully operational for the Serie A match between Lecce and Fiorentina.

An appeal published in Le Monde by three French researchers calls for a user strike against Twitter, now rebranded as X, on October 27, marking the first anniversary of Elon Musk's acquisition of the platform. The researchers argue that Musk's changes, including the introduction of Twitter Blue, have exacerbated the spread of disinformation and reduced the effectiveness of content moderation. The article highlights the removal of verification badges from reputable sources like the New York Times and the amplification of false information, particularly concerning the Israel-Gaza conflict. The appeal also criticizes the significant reduction in moderation teams, which has led to the proliferation of harmful content.

The YouTube channel dedicated to Enrico Berlinguer, managed by EB.it, was removed by Google due to a misunderstanding involving unauthorized access and rebranding to promote cryptocurrency. Pierpaolo Farina, the channel's administrator, reported the issue to Google, but the channel was temporarily taken down. The incident highlights the vulnerabilities in automated detection systems and the challenges of maintaining security even with two-factor authentication. Following the publication of the article, YouTube restored the channel and its content, acknowledging the hacking incident.

The Italian Ministry of Justice has published a new national pricing list for wiretaps and surveillance tools, standardizing costs across all Italian Prosecutor's Offices. The list, part of a reform initiated in 2017, aims to reduce overall expenses while maintaining service quality. The article details various costs associated with different types of surveillance, including phone taps, internet monitoring, and the use of trojans. It also addresses privacy concerns and the reactions from industry experts, who have mixed feelings about the new pricing structure. The reform is expected to save approximately 9.9 million euros annually. However, some experts argue that the monolithic pricing list does not account for the complexity of different surveillance tasks, potentially incentivizing providers to offer less sophisticated services.

The article discusses the proliferation and international market presence of Italian spyware companies, highlighting the risks and ethical concerns associated with their use. It details the involvement of various Italian firms in the spyware market, their international clients, and the regulatory challenges faced by authorities. The article also touches on the broader geopolitical implications of spyware technology, including calls for moratoriums and stricter regulations to protect human rights.

The article delves into the Predator spyware scandal in Greece, implicating the center-right government of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in illegal surveillance activities. The spyware, developed by Cytrox and part of the Intellexa Alliance, targeted journalists, politicians, and entrepreneurs. The European Parliament's PEGA Committee is investigating the scandal, highlighting the broader issue of surveillance abuses within the EU. The article criticizes the Greek government and associated companies for their opaque operations and links to illegal activities, while praising investigative journalists and organizations for their efforts to uncover the truth.

An automated notice informed IrpiMedia that Google had removed certain pages from search results due to a GDPR request. The removed content was an investigation into Eliminalia, a reputation management company accused of filing bogus GDPR complaints to improve clients' online images. The investigation, based on leaked files, revealed Eliminalia's use of fraudulent tactics and its connections to individuals involved in criminal activities. Despite the removal, the article reappeared in search results after 24 hours. Key figures include Didac Sanchez, Enea Trevisan, and Andrea Baggio.

The Italian Ministry of Defense has launched a whistleblowing platform using GlobaLeaks software, intended to protect the anonymity of users. However, the requirement for users to authenticate with a Defense multi-service card, which contains personal data, undermines this anonymity. The decision has been criticized by GlobaLeaks developers and raises concerns about the effectiveness of the platform in protecting whistleblowers. The article also discusses the broader context of whistleblower protection laws in Italy and the potential issues with the Ministry's approach.

Internal chats, cryptocurrency account balances, and negotiations with victims are among the leaked data from the pro-Russian Conti Group, a ransomware collective targeting Western organizations. The leak, attributed to a Ukrainian researcher, includes over 60,000 messages and sensitive information, significantly damaging the group. Conti had recently declared support for Putin's invasion of Ukraine, threatening retaliation against Western cyberattacks. The leak coincides with Belarusian Cyber-Partisans disrupting Belarusian railways used by Russian troops. The article highlights the internal discord within Conti and the broader cybersecurity implications amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The European Commission and member states are working on a unified blacklist to combat counterfeit green passes. This measure aims to address the limited but concerning issue of fake green passes, which have become easily accessible online. Recently, 1001 valid certificates were found on eMule, a file-sharing platform. The Guardia di finanza is investigating the origin of these data. The Ministry of Health may include these fake certificates in a national blacklist, rendering them invalid. The Autorità per la protezione dei dati personali has requested information on how the Ministry plans to handle the illicitly shared data.

Chinese surveillance cameras, specifically those from Dahua, have re-entered Italian public contracts despite international pressures to isolate Beijing technologically. Dahua's strategy involved rebranding their products through the Italian company Jbf to bypass restrictions. The new Consip public procurement agreement includes Dahua cameras under Jbf's brand, raising cybersecurity and diplomatic concerns. The article details the political and economic implications, including the involvement of various stakeholders and the technical and security requirements imposed by Italian authorities.

Piracy Shield, Italy's national anti-piracy platform, has faced criticism for blocking non-pirate sites due to shared IP addresses. Despite assurances from Agcom's president, Giacomo Lasorella, that only pirate sites are targeted, multiple instances of collateral damage have been reported. Cloudflare and other companies have raised concerns about the platform's operational flaws and the broader implications for internet security. The recent leak of Piracy Shield's source code on GitHub has further exposed vulnerabilities, prompting ongoing investigations.

Eliminalia, a company specializing in online reputation management, employs various tactics to push or destroy content, including removal requests to publishers and Google, and the creation and dissemination of fake news to bury legitimate articles in search results. The company has been linked to hundreds of DMCA removal requests and over three thousand fake articles across 600 websites. An update on March 27, 2023, revealed that Google had deindexed an IRPI Media article from certain search results under European data protection laws, specifically affecting searches related to Enea Trevisan, a key figure in the expansion of Eliminalia in Switzerland and Italy. After IRPI Media's inquiry, Google reversed the deindexing, and the article reappeared in search results. Enea Trevisan declined to comment, and Google did not respond to IRPI Media's questions.

Piracy Shield, Italy's national anti-piracy platform, has mistakenly blocked several legitimate websites, including those of Zenlayer, Cloud4c, and the Chinese electric car manufacturer Ora Ev. The platform, designed to combat illegal streaming of sports events, operates automatically without human verification, leading to the wrongful blocking of sites sharing IP addresses with targeted domains. The Autorità garante delle comunicazioni (Agcom) and the Autorità per la cybersicurezza nazionale (Acn) are working on a whitelist to prevent such errors. However, the current approach has caused significant disruptions, including the withdrawal of AirVpn services from Italy. The article highlights the need for a more precise system to avoid infringing on internet access rights and the potential conflicts with the European Union's Digital Services Act.

The first illegal football streaming sites have been reported to the Communications Authority (Agcom) under the new blocking procedure using Piracy Shield, the national anti-piracy platform. The sites stream.lc, calcio.re, and re-fast.myworldiptv.xyz were reported by Dazn and Lega Serie A, who hold the rights to the matches broadcast without authorization. Agcom has issued orders to internet service providers to block these sites within 24 hours. The Piracy Shield platform, developed by a startup linked to the Previti law firm and hosted on Microsoft Azure, allows for future reports of violations and automatic site blocking. The system aims to combat illegal streaming by enabling rights holders to submit evidence and activate blocking within 30 minutes.

The public opposition registry in Italy, which allows citizens to opt-out of telemarketing calls, is set to include mobile numbers soon. This update follows favorable opinions from data protection and communication authorities. The registry, managed by the Fondazione Ugo Bordoni, has been limited to landlines since its inception in 2011. The new regulation aims to curb aggressive telemarketing practices, with the final approval expected by the end of January or early February. Recent fines, such as the one imposed on Enel Energia, highlight ongoing issues with unauthorized telemarketing.

The European Parliament is considering strict regulations or a complete ban on dual-use goods, which include surveillance technologies that can be used for both civilian and military purposes. These technologies, developed by defense and intelligence companies, can be employed in the fight against terrorism and crime, but also as tools of internal repression against journalists and activists. Recent attempts to regulate the sector have been challenging, with the latest update to the export regulation in September 2021 aiming to strengthen controls and require member states to be more transparent about export licenses. The article investigates the role of companies and intermediaries in the surveillance industry, highlighting cases of abuse against journalists and activists worldwide. It also discusses the economic consequences of scandals for companies like Hacking Team and FinFisher, which faced insolvency or acquisition. The article explores the complex network of intermediaries that evade regulations and the difficulties in tracking technology exports, emphasizing the need for clearer guidelines and independent oversight.

The Parisi brothers, Francesco, Giuseppe, and Pietro, sons of Antonio Parisi, have been implicated in drug trafficking activities, with ties to the 'Ndrangheta. They have expanded their operations from Calabria to Bologna and Sardegna, importing cocaine through Belgium and making direct deals with Colombian FARC guerrillas. The Parisi family has a history of drug trafficking, with Pietro Parisi being notable for his repeated arrests and continued involvement in the drug trade despite legal interventions. Investigations between 2015 and 2019 revealed the involvement of Riitano and Palamara, linked to different 'Ndrangheta clans, in supplying cocaine throughout Europe and Calabria. Riitano was eventually captured due to a slip-up involving his children, while Palamara remains at large.

The Italian government has officially extended the opposition register to include mobile phone numbers, allowing citizens to opt out of telemarketing calls. The law, published on March 29, mandates that the system be operational by July 27. The Ministry of Economic Development and Fondazione Ugo Bordoni are responsible for finalizing the implementation. This reform aims to curb aggressive telemarketing practices and offers users the ability to revoke previous consents. The new system will require telemarketing operators to consult the updated register monthly before making calls.

The automotive and oil & gas industries argue for the necessity of 'transition fuels' before fully adopting electric energy. However, Italgas's failed synthetic methane project in Italy, now downgraded to a hydrogen factory, exemplifies the impracticality of these 'transition fuels,' suggesting they are less viable than electric solutions.

Anonymous has claimed responsibility for leaking Russian military data, listing 118 email accounts and passwords linked to Russian institutional systems. This action is part of a broader hacktivist movement opposing the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Ukrainian government has called for support from hacktivists. Various Russian organizations, including Russian Television (RT) and the Kremlin, have been targeted by cyberattacks. The Conti Group, a Russian cybercriminal collective, has declared its support for Putin and threatened to retaliate against any cyberattacks on Russia. The article also mentions disruptions on monitoring sites like MarineTraffic and FlightRadar24 due to high traffic, and a potentially fake news claim about PornHub blocking access from Russia.

The Italian Council of Ministers approved a reform of the Public Register of Oppositions, extending the right to avoid marketing calls to mobile numbers. The reform, initiated by a signature collection campaign from Il Tirreno, received favorable opinions from Agcom and the Data Protection Authority. The final step is a presidential decree from the Quirinale. Managed by the Ugo Bordoni Foundation, the service allows citizens to register their phone numbers to avoid telemarketing, with penalties for non-compliance.

The Italian Ministry of Health has revoked over a thousand counterfeit green passes, which were freely downloadable online. These fake certificates were identified by Matrice Digitale and were being distributed through platforms like eMule. The ministry has created a blacklist to invalidate these passes, a measure that will soon be unified across the European Union. The Naples Prosecutor's Office is investigating the issue, having found that hackers and fraudsters exploited pharmacies to create and sell these fake passes. Authorities are contacting affected users to issue new valid certificates.

In December 2021, the Ulss 6 Euganea healthcare organization in Padua, Italy, suffered a severe ransomware attack that disrupted hospital operations and led to the publication of stolen data. The attack affected various hospital services, forcing manual record-keeping and causing significant delays. Despite efforts by a task force of over sixty technicians, the cybercriminals published over 9,000 files online. Similar attacks have occurred in other Italian regions, including Rome's San Giovanni Hospital and the Lazio region, highlighting the vulnerability of healthcare systems to cyber threats. Experts emphasize the need for better cybersecurity training and investment to prevent such incidents.

The Hacker News, a prestigious cybersecurity site, went offline between 8 and 9 AM Italian time, as indicated by their last tweet before the site became unavailable. The site was hosted on Blogger, which is generally considered a simple platform for beginners, and ironically, they did not have backups to restore the site after Google removed it from its services. The cybersecurity community expressed solidarity but also criticized the lack of backups, a cornerstone of cybersecurity, especially against ransomware attacks. The Malware Hunter Team, which assists ransomware victims, commented on the reliance on Blogger in 2021.

Two major Chinese surveillance companies, Dahua and Hikvision, have exited the Security Industry Association (SIA). Dahua was expelled without an official reason, while Hikvision resigned amid controversies over its ties to the Chinese government and its surveillance technology used against ethnic minorities, particularly the Uighurs in Xinjiang. The Italian government, under Prime Minister Mario Draghi, has shifted its foreign policy to strengthen ties with the Atlantic Pact, raising political concerns about the use of such technologies. Hikvision clarified that its technology is not targeted at any specific ethnic group and that certain controversial features have been removed since 2018.

An anonymous profile on a data trading forum announced the sale of a database containing the vaccination information of 7,395,688 Italians. The database's size could not be verified without purchase, but three sample files were made public, containing data mostly related to members of the National Order of Psychologists from various Italian regions. The data includes names, email addresses, tax codes, vaccination status, and professional registration numbers. Some victims, contacted by Italian Tech, confirmed their registration with the Order of Psychologists and expressed dismay at the data leak. The National Order of Psychologists has not immediately responded to a request for comment. The hacker claims to have extracted the data over the past month, with over 7 million user records, including 6.5 million unique email addresses and 5.3 million passwords, mostly encrypted. The seller stated that the entire archive would only be sold twice to maintain its value.

An anonymous cybercriminal is attempting to sell a list containing the personal data of over 7 million vaccinated individuals in Italy for $5,000 in cryptocurrencies. The data, confirmed by Italian Tech, appears to be aggregated from multiple sources and includes names, surnames, and other personal details. The origin of the stolen data is unclear as the hacker has not disclosed the technical vulnerabilities exploited. Samples of the data were linked to the National Order of Psychologists, which denied any breach of their systems. The hacker mentioned the possibility of already having two potential buyers and intends to conduct the sale through an intermediary using an undisclosed cryptocurrency. The Italian Postal Police are investigating the legitimacy of the data breach. The hacker also commented on the potential benefits of a bug bounty program in Italy, suggesting it could reduce the frequency and severity of such incidents.

The Italian Privacy Authority has criticized the Io app and its operator, PagoPa, for transferring user data outside the EU to countries like India, Australia, and the United States. As a result, certain functions of the app have been temporarily blocked. However, the Authority has approved the use of the Green Pass, which can be requested through the National Digital Green Certificate Platform, the Electronic Health Record, and the Immuni app. PagoPa has denied the data transfer allegations and stated that the app complies with European data protection regulations. The Authority's decision highlights the need for clear legal bases for data transfers outside the EU, especially to countries without GDPR adequacy decisions.

From July 1st, Bolzano will require a green pass to enter bingo halls and gaming rooms, as per an ordinance by the president of the autonomous province, Arno Kompatscher. This ordinance, issued on May 21st, outlines the conditions for commercial activities and movement within the territory, including the suspension of gaming activities unless participants present a green certification. This certification, introduced by the anti-Covid decree of April 22, 2021, proves vaccination, recovery from Covid-19, or a negative test result. The ordinance contrasts with a previous decision by the data protection authority, which stated that only a state law could mandate such certification for exercising certain rights or freedoms.

The Italian Privacy Guarantor has rejected the real-time facial recognition system 'Sari' used by law enforcement, citing concerns over its lack of legal basis and potential for mass surveillance. The decision follows a lengthy investigation and highlights the system's incompatibility with privacy laws, particularly regarding the indiscriminate collection of biometric data. The Ministry of the Interior's assurances about data deletion were deemed insufficient, and the Guarantor stressed the need for strict legal frameworks to protect individual rights and freedoms.

A billion victims in just a few days highlight the precarious security of social network user data, which has become easily exchangeable. Recent breaches include Facebook, with 533 million users' data exposed, and LinkedIn, with 500 million users' data potentially compromised. These data are valuable not only to cybercriminals but also to marketing companies. The Italian Senate approved a law in 2017 to extend the Public Opposition Register to mobile phones, allowing citizens to opt-out of telemarketing calls. However, the law remains unimplemented due to the lack of regulatory approval from the Ministry of Economic Development. The current process may exclude the revocation of consent for active or recently terminated contracts, limiting the register's effectiveness.

Eni's HPC5, the eighth most powerful supercomputer in the world and second among non-governmental ones, has been instrumental in researching energy, identifying new deposits, and studying renewable sources and magnetic confinement fusion. Located in the Green Data Center in Ferrera Erbognone, it utilizes 1,800 nodes with 7,200 graphics cards for parallel computing. Luca Bortot, a computer scientist at Eni Natural Resources, discusses the center's design, which emphasizes software updates over hardware for maintaining cutting-edge performance. The center's energy efficiency is highlighted by its Power Usage Effectiveness score improvement from 1.4 to 1.17 through software advancements alone. The center also pioneered the use of offline UPS technology, now a standard in the industry.

The article discusses the critical importance of disaster recovery in the context of digital transformation, especially highlighted by a recent data center fire in Strasbourg. It emphasizes the necessity of having reliable backup systems and the increased reliance on cloud services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Veeam's report reveals significant challenges companies face, such as high error rates in cloud integration and backup failures, which can lead to substantial operational disruptions. Experts like Alessio Di Benedetto and Danny Allan stress the need for comprehensive planning and integration of disaster recovery solutions to ensure business continuity and maintain customer trust.

The Ministry of Economic Development in Italy experienced a significant data breach, compromising employee credentials and personal information. Despite the severity, the incident was not disclosed until an internal email was obtained by Wired. The ministry has since implemented security measures, including password resets and two-factor authentication. The Data Protection Authority is involved in the investigation, and the ministry faces criticism for its delayed response and previous privacy violations.

A fire at the OVH data center in Strasbourg has caused significant disruptions, affecting thousands of websites and services. OVH, a major cloud service provider, is working to restore operations, with plans to reopen affected data centers within a week. The incident highlights the importance of redundancy and resilient infrastructure in cloud services. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire remains unknown. The fire has raised concerns about data availability and potential GDPR violations. Various organizations, including Cnil and Enisa, are involved in assessing the impact and guiding recovery efforts.

Several airlines have been targeted by a sophisticated cyber attack, with personal data of travelers being stolen. The American company Sita, which manages infrastructure for numerous airlines and provides boarding and loyalty program services, confirmed the attack affected loyalty programs, including those of Star Alliance and One World members. Sita has not disclosed the exact nature of the data involved but has shared information with the airlines, which are contacting their members. Lufthansa's Miles and More program advised changing passwords, while Singapore Airlines confirmed that data of at least 580,000 KrisFlyer members were involved. Sita had access to some information shared by airlines not directly connected to it, as they were part of the same loyalty programs.

The Italian Agency of Customs and Monopolies (Adm) has given Medium, a social network, 15 days to remove a profile promoting gambling. Despite Adm's claims, the entire medium.com domain was blocked, affecting users in Italy. The decision, which followed social media protests, highlights issues with bureaucratic processes and the ease of internet censorship in Italy.

The Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency (Adm) has ordered the block of Medium, a social network with 100 million active users, from Italy due to alleged promotion of illegal gambling. The block, enforced through DNS hijacking, prevents Italian users from accessing the site. The decision follows a similar case involving Project Gutenberg. Experts highlight the technical and legal challenges of such blocks, noting that users can bypass them using VPNs or alternative DNS configurations. The Adm has not clarified if it will extend the block to other social networks promoting gambling content.

The electronic identity card (CIE), issued by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato, is deemed a success with over 19 million cards distributed as of February 20, 2021. By the February 28 deadline, all Italian public administrations are required to accept the CIE, which also serves as an authentication method for accessing Italian public administration portals. The Simplifications Decree of July 16 mandates the acceptance of both CIE and SPID (Public Digital Identity System). The CIE integrates multiple services, including digital signature and NFC technology, and is part of a broader European vision to combat document counterfeiting and enhance services within the EU.

A vulnerability in the Campania Region's vaccination portal exposed residents' personal data, including addresses and phone numbers. The issue was identified by IT expert Matteo Flora, who reported it to regional authorities and the privacy watchdog before making it public. The flaw allowed access with just a fiscal code, bypassing the need for a health card number. The problem has since been resolved. A similar incident occurred in Milan in November, also identified by Flora. The privacy authority intervened in both cases to ensure the issues were addressed.

The Data Protection Authority of Hamburg has ordered Clearview AI to delete the data of a German citizen, marking a significant step in asserting digital identity rights over the growing biometrics market. The decision, driven by a complaint from privacy advocacy group Noyb, highlights the ongoing tension between privacy rights and technological advancements in facial recognition. While the ruling is seen as a partial victory, it only mandates the removal of numerical hashes and not the photos themselves, and applies solely to the individual case. Privacy advocates, including members of the Chaos Computer Club and Centro Hermes, emphasize the need for broader regulatory measures to prevent unauthorized data collection.

Italy has lost a position in Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index, maintaining the same score as the previous year. Despite legislative efforts to combat corruption, such as the Freedom of Information Act and measures to protect whistleblowers, Italy remains below the European average. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted weaknesses in transparency, particularly in the management of public data and government responses. The article emphasizes the need for continued vigilance and transparency to safeguard against corruption, especially in the context of economic recovery funds from Europe.

The Immuni app's call center service has received final approval from the Garante per la protezione dei dati personali, enabling nationwide assistance for users who test positive for COVID-19. The service aims to address integration issues between the app and local health authorities, which have hindered effective contact tracing. The call center, which started in select regions in December, will now expand nationally, ensuring data privacy and security. Despite low public engagement and reporting, the app remains functional and could play a crucial role in managing the pandemic, especially as Italy faces a new phase of the epidemic.

The year 2020 saw a surge in cybersecurity issues, exacerbated by the global reliance on technology during the pandemic. Key incidents included a significant cyber attack on U.S. federal agencies, espionage targeting pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer and Biontech, and ransomware attacks on healthcare systems. Notably, a cyber attack in Germany led to the first officially recognized death due to such an incident. Internal espionage within the Italian company Leonardo and state surveillance by Saudi Arabia and the UAE using Israeli spyware Pegasus were also highlighted. The article underscores the need for digital awareness and privacy rights in an increasingly connected world.

Over 300 Italian private and public organizations were targeted by anonymous cyber attackers due to an uninstalled update. The cybersecurity company Yarix, based in Treviso, Italy, first publicly denounced the presence of a list on the internet containing over 50,000 IP addresses, including 18,000 Italian ones, pointing to infrastructures running on an outdated version of Fortinet's VPN. The vulnerability, known since 2018, allows unauthorized acquisition of user credentials. Despite Fortinet providing a timely solution, many failed to install updates, leading to exploitation by attackers. Notably, Italian strategic infrastructures such as the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and the University of Bologna were among the potential targets. National authorities moved to update VPNs and secure assets before the second list was published, mitigating some attacks. Organizations are urged to install the May 2019 update from Fortinet to prevent further exposure.

The Italian government's bike bonus initiative, aimed at financing the purchase of bicycles and electric scooters, faced severe technical issues on its 'click day' due to server overload and digital identity system (Spid) failures. The public administration's servers, managed by Sogei, struggled with the high volume of simultaneous requests, leading to long digital queues and access issues. Misinformation about the correct website further complicated the process, and even the correct digital identity providers, including Poste Italiane, InfoCert, and Sielte, experienced service disruptions. InfoCert later clarified that existing clients faced no issues, but there was a temporary overload for new client activations.

The issue with notifications on Immuni, the Italian contact tracing app for COVID-19, has been resolved. The latest update for iOS has fixed the problem that prevented many users from receiving notifications about close contact with individuals who tested positive for the virus. The bug was due to a conflict with a recent iOS update, and the responsibility for testing and identifying issues lies with the app developers. Immuni allows users who test positive to share a random code with regional health services to anonymously alert others of potential exposure. The app's effectiveness depends on the efficiency of regional health systems, which have faced challenges integrating the app into their tracking and treatment protocols.

The article criticizes the Italian Ministry of Health for not responding to requests for data on the actual usage of the Immuni contact tracing app, highlighting the importance of transparency in managing the COVID-19 pandemic. It underscores the need for public access to detailed information to ensure accountability and informed decision-making. The article also mentions the Ministry of Justice's refusal to provide information on contracts related to new interception laws, raising concerns about the handling of public documents and government transparency.

The Movimento 5 Stelle expelled Fabio Pietrosanti for exposing flaws in the Rousseau platform, which allowed for duplicate voting. Despite the proven issues, the party did not reconsider the consultation results but instead targeted the whistleblower and the investigative report by Wired. Pietrosanti's involvement in the Open Rousseau project, advocating for a transparent and open-source alternative, further strained his relationship with the party. The decision to expel him, criticized for lacking fairness and equity, contrasts with the leniency shown to other party members with more severe issues.

The Italian Privacy Guarantor, led by Pasquale Stanzione, reaffirms that the Immuni app must remain voluntary, balancing public health and personal data protection rights. The authority also addresses concerns about deepfake images on Telegram, initiating an investigation to ensure compliance with data protection laws.

Researchers from Mnemonic discovered that the Xplora X4 children's smartwatch, produced by Qihoo 360 and sold by a Norwegian company, contains an intentional backdoor allowing remote access to information and photos. This raises significant privacy concerns, especially as the product is marketed for children. The Norwegian Consumer Council and Mnemonic's research have led to stricter regulations in the EU and a ban in Germany. Qihoo 360, already under US restrictions, faces further scrutiny. Xplora has issued a security update to address the vulnerability.

Despite the Italian government's efforts to implement the Immuni contact tracing app, the system has faced significant challenges and criticism. In Veneto, the app was not integrated into the pandemic monitoring procedures until a public outcry occurred. Experts and health officials, including Vittorio Demicheli and Andrea Crisanti, have expressed that the rapid increase in COVID-19 cases has made it nearly impossible to keep track of the transmission chain. The lack of trained contact tracers and clear instructions has led to the app's notifications being largely ignored, and the contact tracing system is struggling to keep up with the virus. The situation is similar in other European countries, with governments struggling to manage the pandemic and the technological solutions they have adopted.

A new cyber threat, potentially originating from a Russian-speaking country, targets financial assets of global companies, including those in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. The cybersecurity firm FireEye attributes these attacks to a group named Fin11, known for using ransomware to extort victims. Fin11's recent operations have expanded to include public disclosure of stolen information to increase pressure on victims. The group has demanded ransoms up to $10 million. The article also highlights a significant cyber attack on the University Hospital of Düsseldorf, which resulted in a patient's death.

A cyberattack targeted the Lazio Region's Department of Epidemiology on September 24, with the digital bandit collective LulzSecIta leaking two tables on Twitter, allegedly stolen from the organization's IT infrastructure. One table, titled 'Covid_hospitalizations', compared weekly hospitalizations since the start of the epidemic with data from the previous two years, and was not related to COVID-19 hospitalizations but rather to the impact of the epidemic on hospitalizations. The leaked data, part of the Prevale project, had already been partially published on July 27. The cyberattack did not cause significant disruptions but led to misinformation, with some users incorrectly believing the hackers were revealing hidden truths. The Department of Epidemiology has since restored most of its website's pages.

The article reveals significant security flaws in the Rousseau platform, used by the Movimento 5 Stelle for internal voting. Due to a configuration error, Wired was able to vote twice using different profiles created from the same identity document. The article criticizes the platform's inadequate security measures and the potential for vote manipulation, highlighting the need for better oversight and transparency. Expert opinions emphasize the fragility of electronic voting systems compared to traditional methods.

Cybersecurity threats in Italian companies are increasingly targeting employees rather than infrastructure, with phishing and business email compromise (BEC) being the most significant risks. A study by Proofpoint and Facciamo Sistema - Cybersecurity reveals that 85% of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) see these attacks as the primary threat, necessitating greater investment in employee training and awareness. The report highlights that 52% of Italian companies experienced at least one cyberattack in 2019, with phishing and BEC being the most common. The study underscores the importance of a risk-aware culture and the need for better-prepared organizational frameworks to mitigate these threats.

The article compares the adoption rates of contact tracing apps in Italy and Germany, highlighting the disparity despite both apps using the same technology from Apple and Google. Factors such as smartphone market composition, public trust, political support, and testing efficiency are analyzed. In Germany, the Corona-Warn-App has seen higher adoption due to better communication, trust in government, and efficient testing infrastructure. In contrast, Italy's Immuni app faces challenges from older smartphone models, fragmented support, and political opposition. The article also discusses the development processes and the importance of targeted adoption strategies.

The article discusses the privacy risks associated with copying and pasting sensitive information on iPhones, highlighting how various apps can access clipboard data without user consent. It references research by Tommy Mysk, who identified numerous apps exploiting this vulnerability. Apple plans to address this issue in the upcoming iOS 14 update, which will notify users when an app accesses the clipboard. The article also mentions TikTok's controversial clipboard access behavior and its subsequent update to disable this feature. The piece underscores the importance of using password managers with automatic clipboard clearing to mitigate risks.

Project Gutenberg, a digital library offering free access to thousands of literary masterpieces since 1971, remains technically inaccessible in Italy due to a seizure decree signed by the Court of Rome on May 11, 2020. The decree targets online resources suspected of illicitly distributing copyrighted materials. Despite Project Gutenberg's unrelated nature to these activities, it was included in the decree without clear evidence of collaboration with the listed sites. The library, founded by Michael Hart and now maintained by Greg Newby and volunteers, follows U.S. copyright laws, which differ from Italian laws. Some of the Italian-language works on Project Gutenberg may still be under copyright in Italy, leading to the current situation. The foundation has not appealed the decision, and the site remains accessible outside Italy or via VPNs and Tor browser.

Athletes across all levels of soccer frequently abuse over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen, paracetamol, and Voltaren to push their physical limits and play through pain. This widespread practice, which is not considered doping, poses severe long-term health risks, including heart attacks, chronic joint pain, and kidney diseases. Despite awareness of the issue, international soccer federations have done little to address it. The article highlights the need for stricter regulations and more research, citing testimonies from players and medical professionals. The investigation also reveals the economic pressures and cultural factors that perpetuate this dangerous trend.

The Italian government has launched the Immuni app for contact tracing to alert citizens about potential COVID-19 exposure, starting with a test phase in four regions: Abruzzo, Liguria, Marche, and Puglia. The app, available for download on Android and iOS, has received approval from the Data Protection Authority, Antonello Soro, who emphasized the need for transparency in the app's algorithm and user notifications. The app's use is voluntary, and users can deactivate it easily. Concerns remain about the app's anonymity and data handling, particularly regarding IP address storage. The article includes updates from the Ministry of Innovation's press release.

The Italian Parliamentary Committee for the Security of the Republic (Copasir) has submitted a report to the Prime Minister's office on May 14, expressing concerns about the Immuni contact tracing app, which is part of the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The report highlights geopolitical risks, lack of infrastructure, and doubts about update provision. While not rejecting the initiative, Copasir points out critical procedural, technical, and legal aspects that need to be addressed to ensure the success of the tracking activity and the protection of citizens' personal freedoms. The report also discusses the role of Bending Spoons, the private company developing Immuni, and the potential risks associated with foreign minority shareholders, such as data manipulation for various purposes. Additionally, the report questions the interoperability of national tracking systems within the EU and the reliance on foreign companies for necessary technology.

The Italian government has chosen the Immuni app for contact tracing COVID-19 infections. The app, developed by Bending Spoons, will be launched by the end of May. It uses Bluetooth technology to exchange temporary exposure keys between devices, ensuring user anonymity. The app requires user consent for various functions and works differently on Android and iOS. Data is stored on the device for 14 days and is used to assess contact risk levels. If a user tests positive, they can notify others through the app with the help of healthcare personnel. The app's data is encrypted and stored on public servers managed by Sogei. Efforts are underway to make the app interoperable with other European contact tracing apps.

The Italian Data Protection Authority, led by Antonello Soro, is seeking clarity on the Facta project, a collaboration between Pagella Politica and WhatsApp (owned by Facebook) to combat the spread of fake news. Facta allows users to forward messages to a dedicated number for fact-checking by a team of journalists and experts. The initiative has been praised by Agcom, the communications authority, but raises personal data processing concerns. Agcom has agreed to provide all necessary information to ensure full understanding of the ongoing data processing. Facta's editorial team, led by Giovanni Zagni, operates independently, with WhatsApp serving solely as a collection channel. The project has been scrutinized by Senator Isabella Rauti of Fratelli d'Italia, prompting the Data Protection Authority to express support for both privacy and the right to accurate information.

The Copasir is set to release its opinion on the Immuni contact tracing app by May 13, highlighting concerns and criticisms towards the Italian government's decision-making process. The committee seeks clarity on the selection process of Immuni over other apps and emphasizes the need for a comprehensive plan for managing phase 2 of the COVID-19 response. The role of Bending Spoons, the app's developer, and the involvement of Apple and Google in overcoming technical challenges are discussed. The European Commission is also working on interoperability standards for contact tracing apps across EU member states.

Sogei and PagoPa, two public companies, are involved in developing Italy's contact tracing app for COVID-19. PagoPa will supervise the technological coordination, while Sogei is likely to manage the data infrastructure. The app, named Immuni, will not integrate with Io, another public administration app managed by PagoPa. The data collection infrastructure will either be decentralized or centralized, with the final decision pending. Sogei, a company with a history of managing public administration software, has faced security issues in the past but remains a key player in this project.

The draft decree for Italy's contact tracing app, discussed by the Council of Ministers, outlines no mandatory installation and excludes geolocation, focusing on data necessary to notify users of close contact with COVID-19 positive individuals. The decree allows data use only for virus-related purposes, with all personal data to be deleted or anonymized by the end of the national emergency or by December 31, 2020. However, the draft is ambiguous about whether the system will be centralized or decentralized, leaving crucial technical decisions to future decrees. The involvement of the Data Protection Authority is highlighted, ensuring oversight and impact assessment.

Apple and Google have radically changed the landscape for governments, health authorities, and technicians working on apps to collect information for coronavirus contact tracing with their project to build a system for smartphones to communicate via Bluetooth. The first APIs will be available by mid-May, with a first version to be presented on April 28. The technology involves exchanging pseudonyms via Bluetooth that change every 10-20 minutes, with a notification system to alert users if they have been in contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19. The companies have improved privacy with strong encryption and random keys, and the system will later be integrated directly into operating systems. Political tensions arise as some countries want more access to the technology, while in Italy, there is scrutiny over the app's development and data protection.

Italy's national contact tracing app, Immuni, will be decentralized to protect citizens' privacy. This decision, confirmed by multiple sources including cybersecurity expert Stefano Zanero, ensures that data remains on individual devices rather than being centralized on a single server. This approach minimizes the risk of data breaches and misuse for purposes other than contact tracing. The Ministry of Innovation has outlined the steps leading to this decision, though procedural details on how citizens should respond to notifications are still being clarified.

Twelve European states have adopted or are recruiting technologies and apps to monitor the spread of coronavirus, with Austria and Italy leading the way. The European Commission has set eight rules for the development of apps and big data analysis tools to maintain vigilance over the virus. The Commission emphasizes the need for uniform standards and data sharing to potentially reopen borders. Various countries are exploring decentralized solutions for contact tracing, with debates over centralized versus decentralized data storage. Italy has officially commissioned Bending Spoons for its contact tracing app, while other countries like Germany, Poland, Austria, Cyprus, and the Czech Republic are developing their own systems using Bluetooth technology and other methods. The Commission is also monitoring telemedicine apps and information campaigns across Europe.

Regione Lombardia has initiated a campaign to encourage residents to download the AllertaLom app, which now includes a feature called CercaCovid for self-assessment of health status related to COVID-19. The app, developed by Aria spa, has been downloaded 870,000 times, and 1.6 million questionnaires have been submitted. The campaign involves sending SMS messages to residents, leveraging geolocation via cell towers. The data collected is intended to help identify new outbreaks and is used by researchers at Università di Pavia and Ospedale San Matteo. However, there are concerns about the anonymity of the data, with some experts pointing out contradictions in the privacy policy. Regione Lombardia maintains that the data is anonymized and used solely for public health purposes.

The Italian government has approved the use of a contact tracing app developed by Bending Spoons to help manage the COVID-19 pandemic. The app, which uses Bluetooth technology to track interactions, will be voluntary but needs to be downloaded by at least 60% of the population to be effective. The project, selected from 318 proposals, was developed in collaboration with Centro medico Santagostino and adheres to European privacy guidelines. Key figures involved include Domenico Arcuri, Paola Pisano, and Antonello Soro.

A team from MIT developed a coronavirus tracking app called Safe Paths, which was not selected by the Italian government among 319 proposals. The chosen app is likely from Bending Spoons, with Centro medico Santagostino as a partner. The MIT project, led by Ramesh Raskar and European coordinator Francesco Benedetti, emphasizes privacy and efficiency in tracing virus spread. Despite not being selected in Italy, the team is working to implement Safe Paths in thirty other countries.

INPS faced criticism for its handling of a data breach that exposed personal information of users applying for a financial bonus. The lack of a data protection officer and inadequate communication about the breach's consequences and mitigation measures were highlighted. The Italian Data Protection Authority, led by Antonello Soro, is responsible for addressing the breach, which could result in significant fines. The article underscores the importance of adhering to GDPR regulations and the need for effective crisis management.

Italian regions have adopted diverse digital tools and data analysis methods to combat the spread of COVID-19. While some regions like Lazio, Sardinia, and Umbria have launched their own contact tracing apps, others like Lombardy and Tuscany focus on aggregated data from mobile networks. Privacy concerns are addressed with measures to ensure data anonymity and voluntary participation. The national government is reviewing numerous telemedicine and active monitoring projects, aiming for a unified digital strategy. Regional initiatives highlight the balance between privacy and public health, with varying degrees of technological adoption and public engagement.

The annual report to the Italian Parliament by the Department of Information for Security (Dis) highlights a rise in hacktivist threats, particularly from groups associated with Anonymous, while noting a decrease in state-sponsored cyber espionage activities. The report underscores the evolving nature of cyber threats and the establishment of the new Computer Security Incident Response Team (Csirt) to bolster national cybersecurity. It also emphasizes the importance of the National Cybersecurity Perimeter and the golden power policy to safeguard critical digital infrastructure.

North Korea has increased its activities to evade international sanctions through cyber operations, including cyberattacks and fake cryptocurrency trading software. The UN report by the UNSC 1718 Committee details these activities and potential violations of international provisions. North Korean hacker groups Lazarus and Kimsuky have targeted financial institutions, cryptocurrency services, and UN officials. The report also mentions a fake company, Celas Limited, used to distribute malware. Despite North Korea's reliance on Russian technicians for telecommunications and its isolated context, its cyber operatives have been able to travel and gain skills, contributing to the country's economy. The report also references a cryptocurrency conference in Pyongyang, which raised concerns about the transfer of blockchain knowledge for sanction evasion.

Over a century has passed since the first scout group was established in Palestine. The Palestinian scouts, including the Scout Commission in the Yarmouk refugee camp in Syria, have been actively involved in addressing the devastating effects of the Syrian civil war. In 2012, the World Organization of the Scout Movement honored the Palestinian scouts for their century of service. Despite their observer status, similar to Palestine's status in the United Nations, the scouts have continued their work, providing assistance, medical care, and support to displaced families. The Yarmouk camp, initially a refuge for Palestinians, was drawn into the conflict, leading to its inhabitants fleeing, with some seeking asylum in Europe. The Palestinian scouts have been reorganizing in Syria to meet basic needs and create support structures for civilians, with some funding from the scout headquarters in Ramallah. However, there is a notable absence of support from the Palestinian Authority and the international community. Sharif Rifai, a leading Palestinian scout in Syria, appeals to Italian scouts and institutions to support the recognition of the Palestinian society as a nation and to continue rescuing immigrants risking their lives crossing the Mediterranean.

On the eve of the 67th anniversary of the Nakba, a procession of refugees, citizens, and activists marched through Bethlehem. The demonstration, which included many women and children wearing Nakba 2015 t-shirts and holding Palestinian flags, was organized by Badil, an association that defends the rights of Palestinian refugees. Clashes occurred between the youth from refugee camps and the Israeli military.