Daily Tech Briefing: Sept. 8, 2014

Verizon has been fined $7.4 million for violating the privacy rights of about 2 million new customers by using their personal information to market services to them without first informing them of their right to opt out.

The Federal Communications Commission explained that this is the largest fine ever levied regarding privacy issues involving the personal information of telephone users. Along with the fine, Verizon also agreed to let customers know about their opt-out options in every bill they send out over the next three years.

Healthcare.gov was breached in a cyber-attack, but government officials claim no personal information was stolen. The attack reportedly occurred in July but wasn't noticed by government officials until Aug. 25.

The attack was targeted at a test server, where development code is first loaded for Healthcare.gov. The government stated that there is no indication at this point that any user information was stolen, but the attacker was able to load malware onto the site.

The Federal Trade Commission has ordered Google to refund about $19 million to its users, after the government agency has ruled that Google made it too easy for children to make in-app purchases in the Google Play store using their parents' devices.

Following its year-long investigation, the FTC came to the conclusion that the Google Play app store billing process lacked protections against such unauthorized. Google has agreed to toughen its application- and game-shopping apparatus with more password screening and notifications to confirm buyer consent.

At the IFA 2014 show Sept. 5, Intel executives officially launched the Core M processor, announcing that more than 20 new two-in-one systems powered by the highly energy-efficient chip will hit the market starting in the fall. Intel engineers designed the Core M chip to be small, powerful and efficient enough to enable OEMs to build extremely thin two-in-ones that don't require fans, are ultra-mobile and offer long battery life.