Connect with us

Technology

Data brokers accused of hiding opt-out pages from Google

Published

on

Data brokers accused of hiding opt-out pages from Google

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

If you have ever tried to opt out of a data broker site, you know the drill. You search. You scroll. You click through layers of legal jargon. Then you wonder if they even want you to find the exit door. Now we know the answer.

A U.S. Senate investigation found that several major data brokers placed code on their opt-out pages that blocked search engines from indexing them. In practical terms, that meant you could not easily find the page where you ask them to stop selling your data.

After pressure from Sen. Maggie Hassan, four companies have now removed that code.

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report 
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.

Advertisement

Which data brokers hid their opt-out pages?

The companies named in the report include:

  • Comscore
  • IQVIA Digital
  • Telesign
  • 6sense Insights

These firms collect and sell personal information for marketing, analytics or identity verification. That data can include browsing behavior, device details, location history and in some cases highly sensitive identifiers.

A U.S. Senate investigation found major data brokers used no index code to hide opt-out pages from Google, making it harder for people to stop the sale of their personal data.   (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

An earlier investigation by The Markup and CalMatters found that dozens of brokers used “no index” code to hide opt-out instructions from Google search results. Some removed the code after reporters reached out. However, Sen. Hassan’s office later found that the four companies above still had opt-out pages blocked from search engines. They have since removed the code.

MAKE 2026 YOUR MOST PRIVATE YEAR YET BY REMOVING BROKER DATA

One more company, Findem, has not removed the no-index code from its “Do not sell or share my personal information” page, according to the report. The company later said an email from the senator’s office did not reach its CEO due to spam filtering and that its privacy channels are actively monitored. The Committee report noted this lack of action raises serious concerns about responsiveness to privacy requests and about whether opt-out rights are being made truly accessible.

Advertisement

We reached out to all five companies for comment. A spokesperson for 6sense provided the following statement:

“6sense takes privacy transparency seriously and has always fully indexed our Privacy Center, where individuals may exercise their opt-out rights in compliance with applicable laws. For a period of time, we included a “no index” directive on the Privacy Policy page to reduce spam volume to privacy request email aliases and protect the integrity of request handling systems. Once the issue was raised by the Committee, that code was immediately removed. Our Privacy Center opt-out page has remained indexed, and our Privacy Policy has always been accessible and prominently visible on our web properties, as well as directly linked in our publicly available data broker registrations. We regularly review our security and privacy practices to meet evolving regulatory requirements, and our commitment has been independently validated annually through ISO/IEC 27001:2022, ISO/IEC 42001:2023, and SOC 2, Type II certifications.”

2026 VALENTINE’S ROMANCE SCAMS AND HOW TO AVOID THEM

6sense said it takes privacy transparency “seriously.” (iStock)

Why hidden data broker opt-out pages matter for your privacy

Opt-out pages are not a courtesy. In many states, they are required by law. When companies hide those pages from search engines, they make it harder for you to take control of your own information. And that matters. The more complicated the process feels, the more likely people are to give up halfway through. Meanwhile, data broker breaches have been expensive and damaging. Committee calculations estimate that identity theft tied to four major data broker breaches cost U.S. consumers more than $20 billion. That is not a minor privacy slip. That is real money, real consequences and real stress for families trying to clean up the mess.

Advertisement

Why scammers care about your data

When detailed personal information falls into the wrong hands, it fuels scams that feel alarmingly real. Criminal networks can use data like Social Security numbers, home addresses and phone numbers to create highly customized emails, texts and phone calls. The more accurate the details, the more convincing the scam. That is one reason data broker breaches are not just a privacy issue. They are a consumer protection issue.

Sen. Maggie Hassan’s investigation is part of her broader effort to combat scams, which now account for nearly half a trillion dollars in losses annually and have grown into one of the world’s largest illicit industries. She has also opened inquiries into the roles that satellite internet providers, online dating platforms, AI companies and federal agencies play in preventing fraud.

The investigation was led by Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire. (Sen. Maggie Hassan reelection campaign)

What this means for your personal data and privacy

Here is the uncomfortable truth. Your personal data likely sits in dozens, maybe hundreds of databases you have never heard of. You did not sign up. You did not click agree. But your information still travels through a vast marketplace. Even when opt-out forms exist, finding and completing them can feel like a part-time job. And since the U.S. still lacks a comprehensive federal privacy law like Europe’s GDPR, rules vary by state. So yes, the opt-out pages are now easier to find for these companies. But the bigger system remains largely intact.

How to opt out of data brokers and protect your information

You cannot erase yourself from the internet overnight. However, you can reduce your exposure.

Advertisement

1) Search your name regularly

Type your full name and city into Google. Look for data broker listings. Many include an opt-out link buried in the privacy policy.

2) Use state privacy tools if available

California residents can use a free state-run tool called DROP at privacy.ca.gov/drop/ to request deletion from more than 500 registered brokers. Other states are rolling out similar systems.

3) Submit opt-out requests directly

Visit the privacy or “Do not sell my information” page on broker sites. Follow instructions carefully and keep confirmation emails.

4) Consider a data removal service

Data removal services can automate opt-out requests across dozens of brokers. They are not perfect, but they save time. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.

5) Lock down core accounts

Use strong, unique passwords stored in a password manager. Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com. Also, turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for financial email and social accounts. That way, even if your data circulates, criminals have a harder time breaking in.

Advertisement

The larger problem with the data broker industry

The data broker industry is legal. It operates in plain sight. Yet most people have no idea how many companies trade in their information. Until Congress passes a national privacy law, oversight will remain patchwork. That leaves you to chase down your own records one company at a time. Transparency should not require a Senate investigation.

Kurt’s key takeaways 

This story is about more than hidden code. It is about control. When companies quietly block search engines from indexing opt-out pages, they tilt the playing field. After public scrutiny, those pages are easier to find. That is a step forward. Still, your data continues to move through an ecosystem designed to profit from it. So the real question is not whether opt-out pages appear on Google.

How much of your personal life are you comfortable leaving in the hands of companies you have never heard of? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report 
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.

Advertisement

Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Technology

Hulu, Disney Plus, and the Pixel Watch 4 are among this week’s best deals

Published

on

Hulu, Disney Plus, and the Pixel Watch 4 are among this week’s best deals

Happy Saturday, all! This week, we found a number of deals that should help you unwind and relax over the next few days (and beyond). If you’re planning to stream the Oscars on Sunday, there’s still time to take advantage of a great deal on Hulu and Disney Plus, as well as Google’s latest 4K streaming device. Speaking of Google, you can also currently save $60 on the Pixel Watch 4; there are also savings to be had on microSD Express cards, ice cream makers, and a host of other great tech this weekend. So, without further ado, let’s get to it.

Hulu and Disney Plus recently launched a terrific promo that drops the price of the ad-supported bundle for new and returning subscribers to just $4.99 a month ($8 off) through 11:59AM ET on March 24th. That’s the best deal we’ve seen on the bundle since Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and a great way to stream the 98th Academy Awards without paying full price when they air tomorrow, March 15th, at 7PM ET.

In addition to the aforementioned awards show, Disney’s discounted bundle lets you catch up on 2026 nominees like The Secret Agent, It Was Just An Accident, and Elio. You also get access to the rest of Hulu and Disney’s massive catalog of movies and TV shows, which includes everything from Predator: Badlands and Anora to both seasons of Andor and the upcoming second season of Daredevil: Born Again.

If you want a terrific Android smartwatch to keep tabs on your health and fitness goals, the Google Pixel Watch 4 is down to a new low price. You can currently pick up the Wi-Fi-enabled 41mm model for $289.99 ($60 off) at Amazon and Best Buy, or the larger 45mm variant for $339.99 (also $60 off) via the same retailers (Amazon / Best Buy).

Google’s latest wearable offers a wide range of helpful health and fitness tools, allowing you to track your activity, sleep, blood oxygen levels, and heart rate. It can automatically record certain cardio workouts, while dual-frequency GPS enables more accurate navigation in challenging environments, including cities. Being a Google device, the Watch 4 also integrates well with the company’s various services, with support for apps like Google Maps, Google Wallet, and Google Assistant. You can also make hands-free calls with Google Gemini using the raise-to-talk gesture, which is helpful when you’re out for a run.

Advertisement

While the watch works well with most Android phones, it pairs especially nicely with Pixel devices. Pixel phone owners, for example, can use it as a remote shutter for the Pixel camera and take advantage of features like Recorder, which can generate AI-powered summaries of recordings. As an added plus, the screen and battery are both repairable and replaceable, so you won’t necessarily need to buy a whole new watch if either gets damaged.

While many first-party Nintendo Switch 2 games don’t take up a huge amount of space, storage can fill up quickly if you keep adding to your digital library or buy a lot of third-party games, such as Cyberpunk 2077. That makes this a solid deal, as the Switch 2 is limited to 256GB of built-in storage and requires pricier microSD Express cards for storage expansion. Samsung’s card uses the newer microSD Express standard, which delivers superior read and write speeds to traditional microSD cards, helping reduce load times and speed up larger downloads.

More great deals from this week

Continue Reading

Technology

States’ anti-monopoly case against Live Nation continues Monday

Published

on

States’ anti-monopoly case against Live Nation continues Monday

The Live Nation-Ticketmaster trial is back on. Dozens of states are expected to move forward with their claims against the company’s alleged concert industry monopoly beginning on Monday, following a brief hearing on Friday.

The Justice Department and a handful of states have accepted settlements with the company, but the majority of the 40 state and district attorney general plaintiffs — as of now — are continuing their fight in court. The states that are pressing forward withdrew their motion for a mistrial, filed after the DOJ announced its settlement in court Monday, and showed up with new outside counsel to lead their trial team in the absence of the federal litigators. The judge also said that jurors will be allowed to see internal chats between Live Nation employees who bragged about how they “gouge” fans, overruling opposition from the company.

In a hearing Friday that lasted less than an hour, Judge Arun Subramanian — visibly cheerier than he was earlier this week when he scolded attorneys for failing to inform him of an impending settlement earlier — sorted through trial logistics and issued orders on exhibits. In order to take over the case, the now-departed DOJ trial team continued to work to transfer information the proceeding states would need at trial, the states’ co-lead attorney Jonathan Hatch said. But there are still some things left in the DOJ database that haven’t yet transferred, he said. At the judge’s request, the DOJ agreed to ensure that access wasn’t cut off until the states and their counsel got everything they needed.

Arkansas, Iowa, Mississippi, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and South Dakota have all either signed an agreement similar to the DOJ’s with Live Nation, or are close to doing so. South Carolina is continuing to negotiate with the company, and may continue with the litigation unless the state reaches an agreement on its monetary demands before then. An attorney speaking on behalf of these states said South Carolina had reached an agreement in principle on updated injunctive terms of the settlement, though it’s not clear what those are. That leaves more than 30 state AGs still involved in the litigation, unless things change before Monday.

The trial is expected to pick up with the testimony of AEG COO Jay Marciano, who was the last witness to be questioned by a DOJ trial lawyer in the case. Marciano was only partway through his testimony when court adjourned for the day, so the states will likely need to refresh the jurors’ memories, after their new trial team introduces themselves. AEG is a competitor to Live Nation-Ticketmaster and a similarly integrated ticketing and live events promotion business.

Advertisement

The judge also allowed several exhibits containing Slack messages between Live Nation employees to be shown to the jury, after the company sought to exclude them. The messages came to light this week after the judge unsealed them following requests from a group of media outlets.

“The messages included two-then regional directors … boasting about how they ‘gouge’ fans with ancillary costs”

The messages from 2022 included two then-regional directors for ticketing at the company’s amphitheatres boasting about how they “gouge” fans with ancillary costs, like for parking or VIP access, and ridiculing fans as “stupid” and saying Live Nation was “robbing them blind.” Live Nation spokesperson Emily Wofford described the exchange as one from a “junior staffer to a friend” and said it “absolutely does not reflect our values or how we operate.” In a brief opposing the motion to exclude the chats, however, the plaintiffs say these “junior” employees now hold important positions at the company: one is the head of ticketing for the arm of Live Nation that operates its amphitheatres, and the other is a senior director of ticketing for Live Nation’s Capital Region.

“Because this was a private Slack message, leadership learned of this when the public did, and will be looking into the matter promptly,” Wofford said in a statement. “Our business only works when fans have great experiences, which is why we’ve capped amphitheater venue fees at 15% and have invested $1 billion in the last 18 months into U.S. venues and fan amenities.”

Live Nation had sought to exclude the exhibits from being shown to the jury, with its attorneys arguing they were simply “informal Slack messages” without relevance to the case. Attorneys for the government argued the messages represent “candid, internal messages” that rebut the company’s claim that it invests in amphitheaters to give fans and artists a great choice of where to see a concert. The judge agreed that Live Nation had “opened the door” to this kind of evidence by bringing up the quality of fan experiences at its venues in its opening statement.

Advertisement

In any event, the show will go on beginning Monday morning.

Continue Reading

Technology

Remote robot surgery removes cancer 1,500 miles away

Published

on

Remote robot surgery removes cancer 1,500 miles away

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Cancer surgery often requires patients to travel to the specialist. This time, the specialist traveled to the patient. Doctors at The London Clinic remotely guided a robotic system to remove a man’s prostate cancer from 1,500 miles away.

The patient remained in a hospital operating room while the surgeon controlled the procedure from another country. The milestone operation marks the first time a U.K. hospital has successfully performed remote robot-assisted telesurgery on a patient.

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.

How the remote robotic surgery worked

The procedure connected two hospitals nearly 1,500 miles apart. The surgeon, Professor Prokar Dasgupta, operated from a robotic control console at The London Clinic’s robotic center at Harley Street.

Advertisement

AI ROBOT PERFORMS GALLBLADDER SURGERY AUTONOMOUSLY
 

Professor Prokar Dasgupta used the Toumai Robotic System at The London Clinic March 4, 2026, to remove a patient’s prostate cancer from 1,500 miles away. (Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty Images)

The patient lay in an operating room at St Bernard’s Hospital. Between them sat an advanced surgical robot. The system used was the Toumai robotic surgical system developed by MicroPort MedBot, a platform designed for high-precision minimally invasive procedures.

From the console in London, Dasgupta controlled:

  • Four robotic surgical arms
  • A high-definition 3D camera
  • Specialized surgical tools

Fiber optic networks carried every movement from the surgeon’s hands to the robot in Gibraltar. A secure network infrastructure designed by Presidio connected the two hospitals. The delay between command and movement was about 48 milliseconds, which is fast enough to feel almost real time.

For delicate procedures like prostate cancer surgery, that speed really matters. Urological surgeons James Allen and Paul Hughes were part of the local surgical team in Gibraltar, ready to step in if the connection dropped or complications occurred. The operation went smoothly.

Advertisement

The patient behind the milestone surgery

The patient, Paul Buxton, is a 62-year-old resident of Gibraltar who has lived there for about four decades. Patients who need specialized prostate cancer surgery often travel to larger medical centers such as London or Madrid. That journey can mean long waiting lists, travel costs and weeks away from home.

Buxton avoided that disruption. He received the procedure in his local hospital. He had originally planned to travel to London for surgery but was offered the chance to participate in a telesurgery trial between the two hospitals earlier in February. Reports say he felt fantastic within days. The technology removed a major burden for him and allowed him to recover close to home.

Why this surgery matters for the future of medicine

This operation did not appear overnight. Remote robotic surgery has been developing for decades. One of the earliest examples took place during the Lindbergh Operation. In that procedure, surgeons in New York remotely removed a patient’s gallbladder in Strasbourg, France.

HUMANOID ROBOT PERFORMS MEDICAL PROCEDURES VIA REMOTE CONTROL
 

The surgeon in London controlled four robotic arms and a 3D camera to operate on a patient in Gibraltar in near real time. (Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty Images)

Advertisement

Technology has improved dramatically since then. Recent developments include cross-continent robotic surgeries between Rome and Beijing. Surgeons have also completed long-distance prostate operations using the same Toumai platform in parts of Africa. The London Clinic procedure signals an important shift. Remote robotic surgery is moving from experimental demonstrations toward practical medical use.

The hospitals plan to demonstrate the technology further by live-streaming a telesurgery procedure to thousands of surgeons at the upcoming European Association of Urology Congress.

The technology that makes telesurgery possible

Several technologies work together to make remote surgery viable.

Ultra-low latency networks

Surgeons must see and react instantly during an operation. Even small delays can make precise movements difficult. Modern fiber optic networks and backup 5G connections help keep latency extremely low.

High precision surgical robots

Robotic surgical systems translate a surgeon’s hand movements into smaller and more stable movements inside the patient’s body. That precision often improves outcomes in delicate procedures such as prostate cancer removal.

Advertisement

Advanced imaging systems

High-definition 3D cameras allow surgeons to see the surgical area with remarkable clarity. In many cases, the view from a robotic console is clearer than what surgeons see in traditional open surgery.

Challenges hospitals still need to solve

Remote robotic surgery still faces important hurdles. Infrastructure remains a major challenge. Hospitals must maintain extremely reliable networks with almost no downtime. Cost also plays a role. Robotic surgical systems and specialized networks can cost millions of dollars. Regulation raises additional questions. Surgeons who operate across borders introduce legal and licensing complexities.

Every remote procedure also requires backup plans. Local surgical teams must remain ready to step in if technology fails. For now, hospitals treat telesurgery as an emerging capability rather than a routine practice.

SPACE SURGERY EXPERIMENT COULD PROVIDE PATHWAY FOR MEDICAL CARE IN EARTH’S MOST REMOTE REGIONS
 

The first successful remote robot-assisted telesurgery by a U.K. hospital connected two operating rooms nearly 1,500 miles apart. (Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty Images)

Advertisement

What this means to you

For patients, the long-term implications could be significant. In the future, you may not need to travel to a major medical center for complex procedures. Instead, specialists could operate remotely while you stay in a hospital closer to home. This shift could benefit people in rural communities and regions with limited access to specialists.

Remote robotic surgery may also shorten wait times for certain procedures. Safety will remain the top priority. Hospitals must prove that remote procedures are as reliable as traditional surgery before the technology becomes widespread.

Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?

Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: Cyberguy.com.

Kurt’s key takeaways

For years, remote surgery sounded like something far off in the future. Now it is starting to move into real operating rooms. The procedure connecting London and Gibraltar shows how quickly surgical technology is advancing. Reliable networks and advanced robots now allow surgeons to guide delicate procedures from thousands of miles away. That does not mean remote surgery will become common overnight. Hospitals still need strong network infrastructure, trained specialists and clear safety standards before it spreads widely. Even so, the direction is becoming clear. Distance may no longer prevent patients from accessing world-class surgical care.

Would you feel comfortable having surgery performed by a specialist operating from another city, state] or country if the technology proved safe? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

Advertisement

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.

Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Continue Reading

Trending