In the UK, almost nine out of ten (87%) consumers shop online. However, nine out of ten (89%) internet users fail to read the privacy policies of any online services or apps they use.

Just over a third (35%) admit to ‘sometimes’ reading privacy policies and just under a third (32%) say they only read them on rare occasions. More than one in six Britons (17%) admit to never reading the privacy policies of the online services or apps they use.

Do we truly grasp how our data is gathered and utilized?
Many remain unaware of the terms and conditions, leaving them in the dark about companies collecting their data. About 31% are oblivious to websites gathering information on their online behavior, even without registration.

Companies compile diverse personal data, encompassing browsing and purchase history, alongside demographics like age, gender, location, income, education, and marital status. This amalgamation enables them to predict consumer preferences and willingness to pay, even without direct engagement.

Moreover, 20% of Brits are unaware that social media platforms use their data for targeted ads, a crucial consideration for Black Friday shoppers. Despite concerns, 29% find targeted ads helpful, with 48% of those aged 18-34 and 32% of those aged 35-54 viewing them as beneficial, reflecting the perceived advantages among active social media users.

Furthermore, 82% express worry about social media platforms using smartphone data collected through microphones for ad targeting. However, it’s important to note that this can only occur if users have granted permission for microphone access.

Microsoft President Brad Smith is due to meet UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt this week to discuss the CMA’s decision to block the purchase.

Microsoft President Smith is also expected to meet with Microsoft’s legal team to discuss any counter strategies. This meeting is also likely to discuss the ‘final’ option of withdrawing Activision Blizzard titles from the UK market.

“One of the extreme options could be to bypass the UK order and proceed with the deal or to withdraw Activision from the UK market.”

the report said.

Microsoft is expected to consider the EU’s findings in approving the purchase. In its ruling, the EU said the deal could “kick-start” competition in cloud gaming and streaming. However, the CMA said the deal would give Microsoft an unfair advantage over other companies such as Sony or Nintendo

EURid revoked Britons’ right to the domain name citing Brexit as the reason.

The process to remove the domains began following the formal withdrawal of the UK from the European Union in early 2020. To be eligible for a .eu domain, a person must be an EU citizen, a resident in a member state or an organisation established in the Union.

British holders were first notified that they would lose their domain in October 2020. The removal on Monday was the final step in the process.

Any sites that were still not compliant by January 2021 were suspended before finally being revoked this week. The director of the European Centre for International Political Economy Hosuk Lee-Makiyama told  Euronews Next:

“You can really tell the lack of consequential thinking on behalf of the UK. But also on the side of people who are pointing this out almost with schadenfreude against the UK and amongst the people who are advocating for Remain, because actually to require a local presence or citizenship when it comes to domain names is something that we sometimes consider to be a trade barrier.”

On monday EURid released the 48,000 revoked domain names “for general registration on ‘first come, first serve’ basis” by EU citizens or residents.