"Google exposed data for hundreds of thousands of users The company also didn’t tell users about the breach. Google reportedly exposed private data from hundreds of thousands of Google+ users and then chose not to inform those affected by the breach. The Wall Street Journal reports that sources close to the matter claim the decision to keep the exposure under wraps was made among fears of regulatory scrutiny. Google is said to have discovered and fixed the issue in March of this year... According to the Wall Street Journal's sources as well as documents reviewed by the publication, a software vulnerability gave outside developers access to private Google+ user data between 2015 and 2018. And in internal memo noted that while there wasn't any evidence of misuse, there wasn't a way to know that for sure. Exposed data included names, email addresses, birth dates, gender, profile photos, places lived, occupation and relationship status..." https://www.engadget.com/2018/10/08...posed-data-for-hundreds-of-thousands-of-user/
"Google is shutting down Google+ following massive data exposure Following a massive data breach first reported on by The Wall Street Journal, Google announced today that it is shutting down its social network Google+ for consumers. The company finally admitted that Google+ never received the broad adoption or engagement with users that it had hoped for. In light of these newly revealed security concerns with Google+'s API, the company has opted to put it out of its misery rather than try and fix the bug that caused the data leak..." https://www.engadget.com/2018/10/08/google-shutting-down-google-plus/
That's new news indeed. Sometimes used to browse Google+ and added to the circle some scientific places to read articles and leech those awesome photos that make for good background wallpaper.
I wonder how many users actually had those data "private". Privacy is really delicate matter...nevertheless, ppl often confuse this w/ security matter.
Google+ users, upset over data leak, sue Google https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2018/10/google-users-upset-over-data-leak-sue-google/
Google+ Flaw Sparks German Privacy Probe October 9, 2018 https://www.bloomberg.com/news/arti...sparking-eu-probes-as-hamburg-agency-steps-in
Of course they didn't warn anybody. Just like health warnings (not Google) are unreported. Flint Michigan water poisoning is the tip of the iceberg. Keep them weak, dying or distracted. That's the reality of trickle down inhumanity.
Slow disclosure of Google+ flaw draws attention of senators October 11, 2018 https://www.cyberscoop.com/google-plus-flaw-john-thune/ Letter (PDF): https://www.commerce.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/4852b311-0953-4ac8-ac43-a91dde229cc1/E300DA0C7659678AE0AE37AEB9746200.thune-wicker-moran-letter-to-google-10.11.18.pdf
Unfortunately all of that (and more) is right on the nose. Not sure in this case if a successful class action is going to even tickle their pocketbook either.
Angry Google+ users form support network on Change.org October 30, 2018 https://www.theinquirer.net/inquire...oogle-users-form-support-network-on-changeorg Petition: "Don't Shut Down Google Plus" https://www.change.org/p/google-inc-don-t-shut-down-google-plus-2
Google moves up Google+ consumer shutdown to April 2019 December 10, 2018 https://venturebeat.com/2018/12/10/google-moves-up-google-consumer-shutdown-to-april-2019/
Rhode Island sues Google after latest Google+ API leak December 12, 2018 https://www.zdnet.com/article/rhode-island-sues-google-after-latest-google-api-leak/
Google Emails Users About Private Data Exposed by Google+ API Bug January 7, 2019 https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/ne...about-private-data-exposed-by-google-api-bug/
Google will begin wiping Google+ from the face of the Earth on April 2 January 30, 2019 https://venturebeat.com/2019/01/30/...google-from-the-face-of-the-earth-on-april-2/
The Internet Archive is working to preserve public Google+ posts before it shuts down March 17, 2019 https://www.theverge.com/2019/3/17/...chiveteam-preserving-public-google-plus-posts
Google Agrees To Settle Lawsuit Over Google+ Data Breaches January 8, 2020 https://www.mediapost.com/publicati...grees-to-settle-lawsuit-over-google-data.html
Many receiving settlement notices for Google+ class action lawsuit August 4, 2020 https://9to5google.com/2020/08/04/many-receiving-settlement-notices-for-google-class-action-lawsuit/
Google+ class action starts paying out $2.15 for G+ privacy violations Google exposed the private data of 52 million users in 2018 and got sued. August 4, 2021 https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/202...rts-paying-out-2-15-for-g-privacy-violations/
