News

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reversed its previous directive and stated that automakers can comply with Massachusetts’ Right to Repair law. The law requires car manufacturers to equip vehicles with an open data platform to allow independent mechanics and owners access to telematics data for repairs and diagnostics. NHTSA had initially cited hacking concerns to justify not enforcing the law but has now agreed that automakers can share diagnostic data with independent mechanics using short-range wireless technology.

However, long-range wireless signals may still pose a security risk. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey had criticized NHTSA for favoring big auto companies and spending $25 million to oppose the initiative. The White House competition council has also played a role in facilitating the agreement. This development aligns with the growing trend of Right to Repair legislation being introduced in various states to promote competition and prevent monopolization of repairs and servicing. Tesla is currently facing legal action alleging antitrust violations related to its restrictions on maintenance and replacement parts.

Google announced several security-related enhancements for its Google Workspace products, including Gmail and Drive. These updates aim to enhance the zero trust security model and integrate it with data loss prevention (DLP) capabilities. The additions include AI-powered continuous classification and labelling of sensitive data, enhanced DLP controls in Gmail, context-aware controls in Drive, and AI-driven log data analysis for detecting data breaches and suspicious activities.

Google is also introducing client-side encryption for mobile versions of Gmail, Calendar, Meet, and other Workspace tools, allowing customers to control their encryption keys. The company is also offering the option to choose the data processing location, starting with the EU and the United States. Pricing details for these features are yet to be specified.