Privacy 19 October 2025 - 2 February 2026

iPhone battery dying by afternoon? A 2026 audit points to one Wi‑Fi tweak — plus 4 privacy switches
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iPhone battery dying by afternoon? A 2026 audit points to one Wi‑Fi tweak — plus 4 privacy switches

Restricting Background App Refresh to Wi‑Fi only increased mid-afternoon battery life on an iPhone 15 Pro from about 40% to nearly 60%, according to a week-long user test. Apple says iPhone 15 batteries retain 80% capacity after 1,000 cycles, while iPhone 14 and earlier manage 500. Blocking tracking and disabling analytics also affected battery use, reports show.
February 2, 2026
Apple’s new iPhone privacy switch can blur carrier location tracking — here’s who gets it
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Apple’s new iPhone privacy switch can blur carrier location tracking — here’s who gets it

Apple has added a “Limit Precise Location” setting for select iPhones and iPads, reducing how accurately mobile carriers can track devices. The feature, available with iOS 26.3 or later, works only on certain models and a limited number of carriers, including Boost Mobile in the U.S. The update does not affect emergency calls or app-level permissions.
February 2, 2026
Google dodges $2.36 billion disgorgement bid in privacy class action, but $425 million verdict stands
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Google dodges $2.36 billion disgorgement bid in privacy class action, but $425 million verdict stands

A U.S. judge in San Francisco denied a request to force Google to surrender $2.36 billion in alleged profits and rejected a broad injunction in a privacy class action. The court also refused Google’s bid to decertify the class, leaving a $425 million jury award intact. Google said it will appeal. The case centers on Google’s data collection after users disabled a privacy setting.
January 31, 2026
No more peeking? Samsung hints a built-in privacy screen for Galaxy S26 phones
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No more peeking? Samsung hints a built-in privacy screen for Galaxy S26 phones

Samsung announced a new privacy feature for Galaxy phones that blocks side-angle screen views to prevent “shoulder surfing.” Users can enable or disable the feature for specific apps and notifications. Tech sites expect the tool to debut with the Galaxy S26 series, but Samsung has not confirmed which models will include it. Details on the display technology remain undisclosed.
January 28, 2026
Google Pixel “Take a Message” bug may leak your background audio — Google investigates
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Google Pixel “Take a Message” bug may leak your background audio — Google investigates

Google is investigating reports that its Pixel “Take a Message” feature may transmit users’ background audio to callers after missed calls. Some Reddit users say they heard room noise instead of a voicemail greeting on certain Pixel models. Google confirmed the feature is available on Pixel 4 and newer in the US, UK, Ireland, and Australia. The company says it is actively investigating the issue.
January 23, 2026
Doomscrolling fatigue? Minimalist phones are “finally worth buying” as Mudita, Punkt push privacy-first models
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Doomscrolling fatigue? Minimalist phones are “finally worth buying” as Mudita, Punkt push privacy-first models

Punkt launched the MC03 minimalist phone this month, featuring a privacy-focused design with separate app zones and a $9.99/month subscription for privacy tools after one year. Mudita’s Kompakt, shown at CES, uses an E Ink screen and a physical switch to disable radios and sensors, selling for $369. Both phones promise five years of security updates.
January 19, 2026
Apple’s Siri is getting Google Gemini — why the AI deal is drawing fresh privacy and antitrust scrutinySAN FRANCISCO, Jan 17
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Apple’s Siri is getting Google Gemini — why the AI deal is drawing fresh privacy and antitrust scrutinySAN FRANCISCO, Jan 17

Apple will use Google’s Gemini AI models to power a major Siri upgrade, the companies said Jan. 12. The move intensifies scrutiny from privacy lawyers and regulators as U.S. antitrust officials examine Google’s distribution deals. Apple faces pressure to show “Apple Intelligence” can drive iPhone upgrades ahead of its Jan. 29 earnings. Financial terms of the Gemini partnership were not disclosed.
January 17, 2026
Changing Your Phone’s DNS in 2026: Faster Browsing, Better Privacy, and Today’s DNS News (Jan. 15, 2026)
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Changing Your Phone’s DNS in 2026: Faster Browsing, Better Privacy, and Today’s DNS News (Jan. 15, 2026)

Australian telecom Swoop began hosting Quad9 DNS hubs in five cities, aiming to improve speed and keep security services local after previous offshore routing. In Japan, Cloudflare completed ISMAP registration, allowing it to serve government agencies. Barracuda reported a surge in phishing-as-a-service kits, with 90% of tracked campaigns using such tools.
January 15, 2026
India’s Smartphone Security Overhaul: Source-Code Reviews, App Privacy Limits and the New Telecom Cybersecurity Push (Jan 11, 2026)
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India’s Smartphone Security Overhaul: Source-Code Reviews, App Privacy Limits and the New Telecom Cybersecurity Push (Jan 11, 2026)

India is considering rules that would require smartphone makers like Apple and Samsung to submit source code for government review, according to Reuters. The proposals have drawn opposition from industry groups, citing privacy and operational concerns. The Department of Telecommunications says new telecom cybersecurity rules are already in force to fight fraud and device misuse.
January 11, 2026
Punkt MC03 Launches: $699 Made‑in‑Germany Privacy Smartphone Brings Proton “Vault” Security — but AphyOS Requires a Subscription
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Punkt MC03 Launches: $699 Made‑in‑Germany Privacy Smartphone Brings Proton “Vault” Security — but AphyOS Requires a Subscription

Punkt unveiled the MC03 smartphone ahead of CES 2026, featuring a privacy-focused Android-based OS and assembled in Germany. The device splits user data into two zones and requires a paid subscription for ongoing privacy features after the first year. Priced at $699, it ships in Europe by late January and North America in spring. Specs include a 6.67-inch OLED display, removable battery, and IP68 rating.
January 3, 2026
Why You Should Turn Off Your Phone’s Wi‑Fi Every Time You Leave Home – December 2025 Security Warning
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Why You Should Turn Off Your Phone’s Wi‑Fi Every Time You Leave Home – December 2025 Security Warning

Security researchers and major news outlets are urging users to turn off smartphone Wi‑Fi when leaving home, citing new studies showing devices can be tracked and exposed even when not connected. The Times of India ran a front-page warning about public Wi‑Fi risks, as Google released over 100 Android security fixes, many targeting wireless vulnerabilities. Recent research shows privacy features like MAC randomization often fail to prevent tracking.
December 5, 2025
Sanchar Saathi App Row: India’s Phone Mandate Sparks Privacy Battle, Apple Pushback and Congress Fury
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Sanchar Saathi App Row: India’s Phone Mandate Sparks Privacy Battle, Apple Pushback and Congress Fury

India’s government has ordered smartphone makers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi cyber-safety app on all new devices and push it to existing phones, according to a leaked directive. Opposition leaders called the move unconstitutional, while Apple indicated it would not comply. Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said the app is optional and can be deleted. Non-compliance could trigger penalties under telecom laws.
December 2, 2025
CISA Issues Urgent Spyware Warning For iPhone And Android — How To Secure Your Smartphone Today (November 28, 2025)
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CISA Issues Urgent Spyware Warning For iPhone And Android — How To Secure Your Smartphone Today (November 28, 2025)

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has warned that advanced spyware is targeting iPhone and Android users through messaging apps like Signal, WhatsApp, Telegram, and SMS. Attackers use techniques such as malicious QR codes, fake app updates, and zero-click exploits to compromise devices. CISA urges especially high-risk users to tighten smartphone security immediately.
November 28, 2025
Gmail and Gemini AI Controversy Explained: Is Google Training on Your Emails?
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Gmail and Gemini AI Controversy Explained: Is Google Training on Your Emails?

Google denied claims that Gmail content is used to train its Gemini AI, calling recent reports “misleading.” The controversy began after Malwarebytes published, then corrected, a viral post suggesting users were auto-opted in. Google says Gmail scans emails for features like spam filtering, not for AI model training. Malwarebytes now agrees, but warns users can disable these features if concerned.
November 24, 2025
Foreign-Owned Apps Are Harvesting Your Data — What Changed Today (Nov. 10, 2025) and How to Protect Yourself
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Foreign-Owned Apps Are Harvesting Your Data — What Changed Today (Nov. 10, 2025) and How to Protect Yourself

Apple removed Blued and Finka from China’s App Store after an order from Beijing’s internet regulator. The U.S. FCC voted to expand restrictions on Chinese tech, while the EU fined TikTok €530 million over data transfers to China. Germany pressed for the removal of the Chinese AI app DeepSeek. Los Angeles officials reported a surge in “SIM farms” sending mass scam texts.
November 10, 2025
Your Phone’s Default Apps Are Spying on You — Here’s How to Reclaim Your Privacy
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Your Phone’s Default Apps Are Spying on You — Here’s How to Reclaim Your Privacy

The EU fined Apple €500 million in April 2025 for blocking alternative app stores and browsers. Researchers at Trinity College Dublin found Google Play Store and Play Services install tracking cookies on Android phones without consent. Aalto University experts say Apple’s built-in apps collect data even when disabled. Privacy-focused projects like GrapheneOS and Murena SHIFTphone 8 are expanding.
October 19, 2025