My Way News - Indonesia scraps plans to tag HIV patients
AP reports: "An Indonesian province beleaguered by a spiraling HIV infection rate scrapped plans to implant microchips in those with full-blown AIDS on Tuesday, following strong opposition from government officials, health workers and rights activists."
Comment: I was watching this story to see how it developed, to see if a government in the world right now had the power to impose mandatory chip implants. Looks like the answer is no.
2008/12/16
China Is Said to Restore Blocks on Web Sites - NYTimes.com
The New York Times reports: "The Chinese government has quietly begun preventing access again to Web sites that it had stopped blocking during the Olympic Games in Beijing in August, Internet experts said on Tuesday."
The New York Times reports: "The Chinese government has quietly begun preventing access again to Web sites that it had stopped blocking during the Olympic Games in Beijing in August, Internet experts said on Tuesday."
2008/12/05
NYT - Thieves Winning Online War, Maybe Even in Your Computer
The New York Times reports: "With vast resources from stolen credit card and other financial information, cyberattackers are handily winning a technology arms race.
The New York Times reports: "With vast resources from stolen credit card and other financial information, cyberattackers are handily winning a technology arms race.
2008/12/03
Ynetnews - Smart ID project underway
Israel News reports: "The bill suggests Israel make the switch to 'smart' identification methods, using fingerprints and digital photographs on documents such as identification cards and passports; making them harder to forge."
Israel News reports: "The bill suggests Israel make the switch to 'smart' identification methods, using fingerprints and digital photographs on documents such as identification cards and passports; making them harder to forge."
2008/12/02
CNN - Behavioral screening -- the future of airport security?
CNN reports: "Several Israeli-based technology companies are developing detection systems that pick up signs of emotional strain, a psychological red flag that a passenger may intend to commit an act of terror. Speedier and less intrusive than metal detectors, these systems may eventually restore some efficiency to the airplane boarding process."
Comment: Well, this can't be good for nervous travelers. I wonder how the system would take into account that fact that many people experience emotional strain from the modern travel experience? There's nothing relaxing about going to an airport these days and a system that focuses on signs of emotional stress is bound to have many false positives, I can't see this being very helpful from a security standpoint.
CNN reports: "Several Israeli-based technology companies are developing detection systems that pick up signs of emotional strain, a psychological red flag that a passenger may intend to commit an act of terror. Speedier and less intrusive than metal detectors, these systems may eventually restore some efficiency to the airplane boarding process."
Comment: Well, this can't be good for nervous travelers. I wonder how the system would take into account that fact that many people experience emotional strain from the modern travel experience? There's nothing relaxing about going to an airport these days and a system that focuses on signs of emotional stress is bound to have many false positives, I can't see this being very helpful from a security standpoint.
2008/11/25
My Way News - British government's identity card plan begins
AP reports: "The British government began its identity card program for foreign nationals Tuesday - six years after heated debate over whether the costly plan is an effective tool against terrorism, identity theft and welfare fraud. [...] The cards will contain a computer chip with fingerprint information and other data, including date of birth and nationality, but will not contain religious or ethnic data."
AP reports: "The British government began its identity card program for foreign nationals Tuesday - six years after heated debate over whether the costly plan is an effective tool against terrorism, identity theft and welfare fraud. [...] The cards will contain a computer chip with fingerprint information and other data, including date of birth and nationality, but will not contain religious or ethnic data."
2008/11/24
My Way News - Indonesian AIDS patients face microchip monitoring
AP reports: "Lawmakers in Indonesia's remote province of Papua have thrown their support behind a controversial bill requiring some HIV/AIDS patients to be implanted with microchips - part of extreme efforts to monitor the disease."
Comment: I think this is part of a larger trend of tech diffusion in which these things start out in small and powerless populations (children, the sick, the elderly, pets) before expanding to the larger population. It will be interesting to see if the Indonesian government is able to force people to get chipped against their will. You don't have to be a Christian to find that idea troublesome.
AP reports: "Lawmakers in Indonesia's remote province of Papua have thrown their support behind a controversial bill requiring some HIV/AIDS patients to be implanted with microchips - part of extreme efforts to monitor the disease."
Comment: I think this is part of a larger trend of tech diffusion in which these things start out in small and powerless populations (children, the sick, the elderly, pets) before expanding to the larger population. It will be interesting to see if the Indonesian government is able to force people to get chipped against their will. You don't have to be a Christian to find that idea troublesome.
2008/11/21
Threat Level - Bush Administration: Dismiss RFID 'Mark of the Beast' Lawsuit
Threat Level reports: "The Bush administration on Thursday urged a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit brought by a group of Amish farmers in Michigan claiming RFID chips required on cattle 'are a mark of the beast.'"
Comment: Well, I don't think it's the mark of the beast, but I still don't see why the Amish should be forced to participate in a program that is supposed to be voluntary. The Amish reject technology, let's just respect that, ok?
Threat Level reports: "The Bush administration on Thursday urged a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit brought by a group of Amish farmers in Michigan claiming RFID chips required on cattle 'are a mark of the beast.'"
Comment: Well, I don't think it's the mark of the beast, but I still don't see why the Amish should be forced to participate in a program that is supposed to be voluntary. The Amish reject technology, let's just respect that, ok?
2008/11/20
RFIDNews - RFID enabled border crossings open
RFID News reports: "The first U.S. land border crossings using RFID and other information technology to capture, read and analyze traveler and vehicle information have opened in Blaine, Wash., and Nogales, Ariz."
Comment: This only means the documents will be chipped, not the people, don't worry.
RFID News reports: "The first U.S. land border crossings using RFID and other information technology to capture, read and analyze traveler and vehicle information have opened in Blaine, Wash., and Nogales, Ariz."
Comment: This only means the documents will be chipped, not the people, don't worry.
2008/11/19
2008/11/18
NO2ID - Stop ID cards and the database state
The Brits are rebelling against what they call the database state:
The Brits are rebelling against what they call the database state:
NO2ID is a campaigning organisation. We are a single-issue group focused on the threat to liberty and privacy posed by the rapid growth of the database state, of which 'ID cards' are the most visible part. We are entirely independent. We do not endorse any party, nor campaign on any other topic.Nice, this kind of thing should be encouraged on both sides of the Atlantic.
2008/11/17
Techdirt - Homeland Security Gets Closer To Minority Report-Style Crime Predictor
Techdirt reports: "Slashdot points us to a story about Homeland Security apparently making progress on a 'pre-crime detector.' It was originally called 'Project Hostile Intent,' but after some folks figured that the name was a bit... ominous, it seems to have been renamed as 'Future Attribute Screening Technologies' (FAST). Basically the system is designed to spot 'shifty' people who may be getting ready to commit a crime of some sort."
Comment: What a great idea, spot the shifty people, because, you know, terrorists look shifty, you can tell, and they would never think to attempt to not act shifty.
Techdirt reports: "Slashdot points us to a story about Homeland Security apparently making progress on a 'pre-crime detector.' It was originally called 'Project Hostile Intent,' but after some folks figured that the name was a bit... ominous, it seems to have been renamed as 'Future Attribute Screening Technologies' (FAST). Basically the system is designed to spot 'shifty' people who may be getting ready to commit a crime of some sort."
Comment: What a great idea, spot the shifty people, because, you know, terrorists look shifty, you can tell, and they would never think to attempt to not act shifty.
2008/11/11
Government black boxes will 'collect every email' - The Independent
The Independent reports: "Plans to create a database holding information about every phone call, email and internet visit made in the UK have provoked a huge public outcry. Richard Thomas, the Information Commissioner, described it as 'step too far' and the Government's own terrorism watchdog said that as a 'raw idea' it was 'awful'."
Comment: It's a sad thing to see the UK becoming the embodiment of the Orwellian surveillance society. As the slogan goes, 1984 was meant to be a warning, not a guide for governments. Hopefully, the British voters won't stand for it and MPs will force the government to abandon these plans.
The Independent reports: "Plans to create a database holding information about every phone call, email and internet visit made in the UK have provoked a huge public outcry. Richard Thomas, the Information Commissioner, described it as 'step too far' and the Government's own terrorism watchdog said that as a 'raw idea' it was 'awful'."
Comment: It's a sad thing to see the UK becoming the embodiment of the Orwellian surveillance society. As the slogan goes, 1984 was meant to be a warning, not a guide for governments. Hopefully, the British voters won't stand for it and MPs will force the government to abandon these plans.
2008/09/30
BBC NEWS - Foreign national ID card unveiled
The BBC reports: "The first identity cards from the government's controversial national scheme have been unveiled. The biometric card will be issued from November, initially to non-EU students and marriage visa holders. Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said the cards would allow people to 'easily and securely prove their identity'."
The BBC reports: "The first identity cards from the government's controversial national scheme have been unveiled. The biometric card will be issued from November, initially to non-EU students and marriage visa holders. Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said the cards would allow people to 'easily and securely prove their identity'."
Press Release - Leading Online Credit Card Processing Provider Announces Multi Currency Processing
Press Release reports: "The online credit card processing system as perfected by Allied Wallet now offers credit card processing and settlement in JPY, EURO, GBP, CHF, CAD, AUD, USD and NZD besides other foreign currencies. [...] This step will make it very convenient for clients and consumers alike to transfer credit and settle currency across countries. No more dealing with the reductions and hassles usually associated with unwanted conversion fees."
Press Release reports: "The online credit card processing system as perfected by Allied Wallet now offers credit card processing and settlement in JPY, EURO, GBP, CHF, CAD, AUD, USD and NZD besides other foreign currencies. [...] This step will make it very convenient for clients and consumers alike to transfer credit and settle currency across countries. No more dealing with the reductions and hassles usually associated with unwanted conversion fees."
2008/09/27
Visa Plans To Let Phones Charge Your Purchases - Yahoo! News
NewsFactor reports: "In the not-too-distant future, Visa credit cards may merge with cell phones. The card giant announced Friday that it is developing applications for Google's Android operating system and upcoming Nokia smartphones."
NewsFactor reports: "In the not-too-distant future, Visa credit cards may merge with cell phones. The card giant announced Friday that it is developing applications for Google's Android operating system and upcoming Nokia smartphones."
Techdirt: Homeland Security Continues To Expand Border Searches: Now Can Copy Your Paper-Based Documents
Techdirt reports: "Now, the EFF has discovered, thanks to a Freedom of Information Act request, that it's not just computer data that DHS wants to copy. Last year, it quietly changed its policies to allow customs and border guards to read and copy any personal papers the traveler has, even without 'reasonable suspicion' or 'probable cause.'"
Comment: Is it reasonable to say that just by crossing a border and without any other probably cause, you open up your computer, phone, or PDA to a search by law enforcement? This does not seem reasonable to me. This is an important question because the law has always held the "reasonableness test" as an important test that establishes a benchmark of community standards. Let's hope a court somewhere will decide this practice violates that standard.
Techdirt reports: "Now, the EFF has discovered, thanks to a Freedom of Information Act request, that it's not just computer data that DHS wants to copy. Last year, it quietly changed its policies to allow customs and border guards to read and copy any personal papers the traveler has, even without 'reasonable suspicion' or 'probable cause.'"
Comment: Is it reasonable to say that just by crossing a border and without any other probably cause, you open up your computer, phone, or PDA to a search by law enforcement? This does not seem reasonable to me. This is an important question because the law has always held the "reasonableness test" as an important test that establishes a benchmark of community standards. Let's hope a court somewhere will decide this practice violates that standard.
2008/09/26
EBay phases out paper payments in US - DMNews
DMNews reports: "Ebay has said that, as of November, checks and money orders will no longer be allowed as payment methods on its site. US customers will have to pay for purchases with eBay's subsidiary PayPal; use a credit or debit card; use credit card processing service ProPay; or pay upon pickup."
DMNews reports: "Ebay has said that, as of November, checks and money orders will no longer be allowed as payment methods on its site. US customers will have to pay for purchases with eBay's subsidiary PayPal; use a credit or debit card; use credit card processing service ProPay; or pay upon pickup."
2008/09/24
Better Humans : New York offers RFID-embedded driver's licenses
Better Humans reports: "The State of New York has started offering driver's licenses embedded with RFID chips, or enhanced driver's licenses (EDLs). The news comes on the heels of New York becoming the second state to offer identification that can be shown at the border in lieu of a U.S. passport (which is also RFID-embedded)."
Better Humans reports: "The State of New York has started offering driver's licenses embedded with RFID chips, or enhanced driver's licenses (EDLs). The news comes on the heels of New York becoming the second state to offer identification that can be shown at the border in lieu of a U.S. passport (which is also RFID-embedded)."
2008/09/09
Barclaycard Invests In Contactless Payment Systems - Sky News
Sky News reports: "Contactless payment technology allows people to pay for items with the things they have with them, such as mobile phones, key fobs and even their eyes or fingerprints."
Sky News reports: "Contactless payment technology allows people to pay for items with the things they have with them, such as mobile phones, key fobs and even their eyes or fingerprints."
My Way News - New security database angers many in France
AP reports: "A new French security database that could track anyone deemed a 'possible threat to public order' - even minors as young as 13 - has outraged privacy crusaders and put France's conservative government on the defensive. [...] Judicial officials complain the new language defining how Edvige can be used is menacingly Orwellian."
AP reports: "A new French security database that could track anyone deemed a 'possible threat to public order' - even minors as young as 13 - has outraged privacy crusaders and put France's conservative government on the defensive. [...] Judicial officials complain the new language defining how Edvige can be used is menacingly Orwellian."
2008/09/07
Anti-terrorism laws used to spy on noisy children - Telegraph
The Telegraph reports: "The Act gives councils the right to place residents and businesses under surveillance, trace telephone and email accounts and even send staff on undercover missions."
The Telegraph reports: "The Act gives councils the right to place residents and businesses under surveillance, trace telephone and email accounts and even send staff on undercover missions."
My Way News - Old Web idea of micropayments finally finds a home
AP reports: "Online micropayments are nothing new. They emerged in the 1990s but never really caught on, in part because early attempts often had people spend tiny amounts of money - a dime here, a quarter there - instead of buying a bulk of credits up front and using them in bite-sized bits. Now when people buy virtual credits in larger increments and spend them over time, companies don't have to worry about the cost of using credit cards or other payment methods for the individual transactions."
AP reports: "Online micropayments are nothing new. They emerged in the 1990s but never really caught on, in part because early attempts often had people spend tiny amounts of money - a dime here, a quarter there - instead of buying a bulk of credits up front and using them in bite-sized bits. Now when people buy virtual credits in larger increments and spend them over time, companies don't have to worry about the cost of using credit cards or other payment methods for the individual transactions."
2008/09/05
ABC News: Is Google Turning Into Big Brother?
ABC News reports: "If Google pulls off this strategy, it will be the most valuable company on the planet. It will also be the scariest … and we should start worrying about that right now."
Comment: The thing that intrigues me about Google and it's potential in terms of the MOTB is the idea that Google wants to catalog and make searchable all the world's data, and eventually that will include every single human being. Can Google do that and still be true to their motto and not be evil?
ABC News reports: "If Google pulls off this strategy, it will be the most valuable company on the planet. It will also be the scariest … and we should start worrying about that right now."
Comment: The thing that intrigues me about Google and it's potential in terms of the MOTB is the idea that Google wants to catalog and make searchable all the world's data, and eventually that will include every single human being. Can Google do that and still be true to their motto and not be evil?
2008/08/29
Dallas News - Crime fears drive Mexicans' increase of extreme security measures
The Dallas News reports: "Fearful Mexicans are injecting rice-sized security chips under their skin, strapping on $400 bulletproof vests under work shirts, and installing satellite trackers in their cars as an unchecked crime wave sweeps the nation."
The Dallas News reports: "Fearful Mexicans are injecting rice-sized security chips under their skin, strapping on $400 bulletproof vests under work shirts, and installing satellite trackers in their cars as an unchecked crime wave sweeps the nation."
2008/08/27
My Way News - Microsoft's newest browser may block ads
AP reports: "Users surfing with InPrivateBlocking turned on can review a list of which companies are trying to display or collect data. Users also can click a link to read more and decide case by case whether to permit certain ones to go ahead."
Comment: This promises to be a great feature of the next version of IE, let's hope it survives their beta test and their internal debate with their marketing types.
AP reports: "Users surfing with InPrivateBlocking turned on can review a list of which companies are trying to display or collect data. Users also can click a link to read more and decide case by case whether to permit certain ones to go ahead."
Comment: This promises to be a great feature of the next version of IE, let's hope it survives their beta test and their internal debate with their marketing types.
2008/08/22
U.S. Congress looks into Web privacy problems - International Herald Tribune
IHT reports: "There is no broad privacy legislation governing advertising on the Internet. And even some in the government admit that they do not have a clear grasp of what companies are able to do with the wealth of data now available to them."
IHT reports: "There is no broad privacy legislation governing advertising on the Internet. And even some in the government admit that they do not have a clear grasp of what companies are able to do with the wealth of data now available to them."
2008/08/20
Accenture gets US government contract extension - Forbes.com
Forbes reports: "The Department of Homeland Security said Monday it will extend its contract with Bermuda-based Accenture Ltd., which provides biometric identification services to various U.S. border, immigration and law enforcement agencies."
Forbes reports: "The Department of Homeland Security said Monday it will extend its contract with Bermuda-based Accenture Ltd., which provides biometric identification services to various U.S. border, immigration and law enforcement agencies."
2008/08/11
Home Office denies e-passports can be faked - ZDNet.co.uk
ZDNet reports: "A spokesperson for the Home Office told GC News that no-one has yet been able to demonstrate that they are able to change data within the passport chip, which stores the passport holder's photo and personal details."
ZDNet reports: "A spokesperson for the Home Office told GC News that no-one has yet been able to demonstrate that they are able to change data within the passport chip, which stores the passport holder's photo and personal details."
2008/08/09
My Way News - Some Web sites remain blocked at Beijing Olympics
AP reports: "Some Web sites remained inaccessible to reporters as competition got under way Saturday at the Beijing Olympics. [...] Some sites were unblocked 10 days ago after reporters arriving to cover the games found them blocked and complained to the IOC, but others remain inaccessible, including sites related to the Tiananmen Square protests, Tibet, Taiwan and the Dalai Lama."
AP reports: "Some Web sites remained inaccessible to reporters as competition got under way Saturday at the Beijing Olympics. [...] Some sites were unblocked 10 days ago after reporters arriving to cover the games found them blocked and complained to the IOC, but others remain inaccessible, including sites related to the Tiananmen Square protests, Tibet, Taiwan and the Dalai Lama."
2008/08/07
‘Fakeproof’ e-passport is cloned in minutes - Times Online
The Times Online reports: "New microchipped passports designed to be foolproof against identity theft can be cloned and manipulated in minutes and accepted as genuine by the computer software recommended for use at international airports."
The Times Online reports: "New microchipped passports designed to be foolproof against identity theft can be cloned and manipulated in minutes and accepted as genuine by the computer software recommended for use at international airports."
2008/08/06
My Way News - Banking by phone for the poor
AP reports: "Grameen Solutions, an affiliate of Nobel Prize winner Muhammad Yunus' Grameen Bank, this week teamed with Obopay Inc., a for-profit mobile payment company based in California, to bring banking to a billion poor people using cell phones."
AP reports: "Grameen Solutions, an affiliate of Nobel Prize winner Muhammad Yunus' Grameen Bank, this week teamed with Obopay Inc., a for-profit mobile payment company based in California, to bring banking to a billion poor people using cell phones."
2008/08/01
My Way News - Some Web sites unblocked for Olympics, but not all
AP reports: "Olympic organizers unblocked some Internet sites at the main press center and media venues Friday while others remained off limits for journalists covering the Beijing games."
AP reports: "Olympic organizers unblocked some Internet sites at the main press center and media venues Friday while others remained off limits for journalists covering the Beijing games."
My Way News - Lawmakers demand info on Web tracking practices
AP reports: "A congressional committee wants the nation's largest telecommunications and Internet companies to explain whether they target online advertising based on consumers' search queries and Web surfing habits."
Comment: A lot of us first approach this issue with a bit of naive skepticism, after all, we think, if we are only talking about aggregate data and not personally identifiable data, then what's the harm? But in order to serve me local ads, they need to know where I live, and in order to cater to my needs and desires, they need to know my search terms, and in order to analyze, store and maybe even sell this data, they need a tracking number, like my IP address, which leads them back directly to my computer...and to me. If consumers had real lobbyists or maybe even real elected representatives, privacy laws would allow us to control (or opt out) of who gets our data and under what circumstances they get it.
AP reports: "A congressional committee wants the nation's largest telecommunications and Internet companies to explain whether they target online advertising based on consumers' search queries and Web surfing habits."
Comment: A lot of us first approach this issue with a bit of naive skepticism, after all, we think, if we are only talking about aggregate data and not personally identifiable data, then what's the harm? But in order to serve me local ads, they need to know where I live, and in order to cater to my needs and desires, they need to know my search terms, and in order to analyze, store and maybe even sell this data, they need a tracking number, like my IP address, which leads them back directly to my computer...and to me. If consumers had real lobbyists or maybe even real elected representatives, privacy laws would allow us to control (or opt out) of who gets our data and under what circumstances they get it.
Space War - Analysis: Olympic cybersecurity warning
UPI warns: "American business executives visiting Beijing for the Olympics should not take their laptops or BlackBerrys and should 'assume all electronic communications are monitored,' according to a briefing prepared by a U.S. State Department advisory panel."
UPI warns: "American business executives visiting Beijing for the Olympics should not take their laptops or BlackBerrys and should 'assume all electronic communications are monitored,' according to a briefing prepared by a U.S. State Department advisory panel."
2008/07/31
Olympic organisers agree to China blocking 'sensitive' internet sites - Times Online
The Times Online reports: "Kevan Gosper, the head of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) press commission, confirmed that some of its officials had agreed to Chinese demands that some sensitive sites be blocked on the ground that they were not related to the Olympics."
The Times Online reports: "Kevan Gosper, the head of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) press commission, confirmed that some of its officials had agreed to Chinese demands that some sensitive sites be blocked on the ground that they were not related to the Olympics."
2008/07/28
Biometrics - a view of the future - SourceSecurity.com
SourceSecurity.com reports: "In many ways, it has taken the increased threat from global terrorism and organised crime to create an acceptance of biometric security, convincing an anxious and cynical public that systems do not necessarily pose a threat to civil liberties, provided they are properly controlled and effectively managed."
SourceSecurity.com reports: "In many ways, it has taken the increased threat from global terrorism and organised crime to create an acceptance of biometric security, convincing an anxious and cynical public that systems do not necessarily pose a threat to civil liberties, provided they are properly controlled and effectively managed."
My Way News - Ex-Google engineers debut 'Cuil' way to search
AP reports: "Cuil is hoping to attract traffic by promising not to retain information about its users' search histories or surfing patterns - something that Google does, much to the consternation of privacy watchdogs."
AP reports: "Cuil is hoping to attract traffic by promising not to retain information about its users' search histories or surfing patterns - something that Google does, much to the consternation of privacy watchdogs."
2008/07/24
ITN - Police recruit surveillance volunteers
ITN reports: "Police have been recruiting volunteers to help spy on their neighbours by monitoring CCTV cameras. The unpaid surveillance team are needed to help Dorset Police spot any troublemakers by watching the output from 26 CCTV cameras across North Dorset."
Comment: I wonder what Orwell would think of his country in the 21st Century?
ITN reports: "Police have been recruiting volunteers to help spy on their neighbours by monitoring CCTV cameras. The unpaid surveillance team are needed to help Dorset Police spot any troublemakers by watching the output from 26 CCTV cameras across North Dorset."
Comment: I wonder what Orwell would think of his country in the 21st Century?
2008/07/22
Space War - Advertisers' dream as Japanese display identifies customers
AFP reports: "A new high-tech Japanese electronic display can instantly identify people's sex or age range and target them with advertisements to suit them, maker NEC Corp. said Friday."
Comment: I think I saw this movie.
AFP reports: "A new high-tech Japanese electronic display can instantly identify people's sex or age range and target them with advertisements to suit them, maker NEC Corp. said Friday."
Comment: I think I saw this movie.
My Way News - Italy scales back Gypsy fingerprinting campaign
AP reports: "That plan provoked a storm of criticism from center-left opposition as well as from the European Union and human rights groups. Opponents say the campaign is a discriminatory measure that singles out a minority."
AP reports: "That plan provoked a storm of criticism from center-left opposition as well as from the European Union and human rights groups. Opponents say the campaign is a discriminatory measure that singles out a minority."
2008/07/16
Ahead of Olympics, Congressman Pushes 'Global Online Freedom Act' - Wired.com
Threat Level reports: "Republican congressman Chris Smith of New Jersey used a meeting with international human rights group Reporters Without Borders last week to lobby for passage of a bill aimed at curtailing U.S. tech companies' participation in foreign countries' internet censorship schemes. Smith is hoping that the bill reaches the floor of the house and passes before the Olympics begin in August."
Comment: I've always felt it was indefensible for American companies birthed in freedom and liberty to sell technology to be used for oppression.
Threat Level reports: "Republican congressman Chris Smith of New Jersey used a meeting with international human rights group Reporters Without Borders last week to lobby for passage of a bill aimed at curtailing U.S. tech companies' participation in foreign countries' internet censorship schemes. Smith is hoping that the bill reaches the floor of the house and passes before the Olympics begin in August."
Comment: I've always felt it was indefensible for American companies birthed in freedom and liberty to sell technology to be used for oppression.
My Way News - Italy fingerprint plan gets initial OK
AP reports: "An Italian parliamentary panel gave initial approval Wednesday to a plan to fingerprint everyone in the country, a move that could defuse criticism over a mandatory program to fingerprint Gypsies."
AP reports: "An Italian parliamentary panel gave initial approval Wednesday to a plan to fingerprint everyone in the country, a move that could defuse criticism over a mandatory program to fingerprint Gypsies."
2008/07/15
My Way News - YouTube, Viacom agree to mask viewer data
AP reports: "Viacom and other copyright holders have agreed to let YouTube mask user IDs and Internet addresses when Google Inc.'s online video site hands over viewership records in a $1 billion lawsuit accusing YouTube of enabling copyright infringement. A federal judge ordered the database produced in a July 1 ruling widely criticized by privacy activists."
Comment: So they won't be handing over records of what individual users watched, but they could...if they wanted to.
AP reports: "Viacom and other copyright holders have agreed to let YouTube mask user IDs and Internet addresses when Google Inc.'s online video site hands over viewership records in a $1 billion lawsuit accusing YouTube of enabling copyright infringement. A federal judge ordered the database produced in a July 1 ruling widely criticized by privacy activists."
Comment: So they won't be handing over records of what individual users watched, but they could...if they wanted to.
2008/07/10
My Way News - FCC chief says Comcast violated Internet rules
AP reports: "The head of the Federal Communications Commission said Thursday he will recommend that the nation's largest cable company be punished for violating agency principles that guarantee customers open access to the Internet. [...] Comcast has "arbitrarily" blocked Internet access, regardless of the level of traffic, and failed to disclose to consumers that it was doing so."
AP reports: "The head of the Federal Communications Commission said Thursday he will recommend that the nation's largest cable company be punished for violating agency principles that guarantee customers open access to the Internet. [...] Comcast has "arbitrarily" blocked Internet access, regardless of the level of traffic, and failed to disclose to consumers that it was doing so."
My Way News - Ways consumers can safeguard personal data on Web
AP reports: "Your privacy protections may disappear with a court order or subpoena, but there are steps that privacy activists suggest you take to reduce your exposure."
Comment: This AP report gives four tips on protecting your privacy on-line. I'd like to re-post the whole thing (because it's so short), but that would probably be a violation of copyright, so read it before AP removes it and it becomes a dead link. Their best recommendation: use anonymizing software like Tor to avoid leaving tracks on the net. We gave very little privacy left anymore, we need to jealously guard the little we have left.
AP reports: "Your privacy protections may disappear with a court order or subpoena, but there are steps that privacy activists suggest you take to reduce your exposure."
Comment: This AP report gives four tips on protecting your privacy on-line. I'd like to re-post the whole thing (because it's so short), but that would probably be a violation of copyright, so read it before AP removes it and it becomes a dead link. Their best recommendation: use anonymizing software like Tor to avoid leaving tracks on the net. We gave very little privacy left anymore, we need to jealously guard the little we have left.
My Way News - Privacy protections disappear with a judge's order
AP reports: "Credit card companies know what you've bought. Phone companies know whom you've called. Electronic toll services know where you've gone. Internet search companies know what you've sought [...] a recent federal court ruling ordering the disclosure of YouTube viewership records underscores the reality that even the most benevolent company can only do so much to guard your digital life: All their protections can vanish with one stroke of a judge's pen."
AP reports: "Credit card companies know what you've bought. Phone companies know whom you've called. Electronic toll services know where you've gone. Internet search companies know what you've sought [...] a recent federal court ruling ordering the disclosure of YouTube viewership records underscores the reality that even the most benevolent company can only do so much to guard your digital life: All their protections can vanish with one stroke of a judge's pen."
My Way News - Bush signs new rules on government wiretapping
AP reports: "The president said the bill gives the government anti-terror tools it needs without compromising Americans' civil liberties. [...] 'The new law gives the government the power to conduct dragnet surveillance that has no connection to terrorism or criminal activity of any kind,' said Jameel Jaffer, director of the ACLU's National Security Project, in a conference call to reporters."
AP reports: "The president said the bill gives the government anti-terror tools it needs without compromising Americans' civil liberties. [...] 'The new law gives the government the power to conduct dragnet surveillance that has no connection to terrorism or criminal activity of any kind,' said Jameel Jaffer, director of the ACLU's National Security Project, in a conference call to reporters."
2008/07/09
My Way News - Senate bows to Bush, approves surveillance bill
AP reports: "The long fight on Capitol Hill centered on one main question: whether to protect from civil lawsuits any telecommunications companies that helped the government eavesdrop on American phone and computer lines without the permission or knowledge of a secret court created by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The White House had threatened to veto the bill unless it immunized companies such as AT&T Inc. (ATT) and Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) (VZ) against wiretapping lawsuits."
Comment: So, if Bush threatened to veto the bill if it didn't include immunity for the telcos, can we then assume that this had nothing to do with protecting the American people and everything to do with protecting the telcos?
AP reports: "The long fight on Capitol Hill centered on one main question: whether to protect from civil lawsuits any telecommunications companies that helped the government eavesdrop on American phone and computer lines without the permission or knowledge of a secret court created by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The White House had threatened to veto the bill unless it immunized companies such as AT&T Inc. (ATT) and Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) (VZ) against wiretapping lawsuits."
Comment: So, if Bush threatened to veto the bill if it didn't include immunity for the telcos, can we then assume that this had nothing to do with protecting the American people and everything to do with protecting the telcos?
My Way News - Microsoft, Google back broad privacy legislation
AP reports: "At a Senate Commerce Committee hearing on online advertising, representatives of the two technology rivals said meaningful privacy rules should be based on three core principles: Consumers should be clearly notified what information is being collected about them; people should control how that information is used; and such data should be secured to ensure it does not fall into the wrong hands."
Comment: This will be interesting, it's a clash of interests. On the one hand, we have consumers who view their personal data as "theirs" and on the other hand we have businesses who view consumer data as a commodity to be bought and sold. If only consumers had their own lobbyists we could hope that privacy laws would favor them.
AP reports: "At a Senate Commerce Committee hearing on online advertising, representatives of the two technology rivals said meaningful privacy rules should be based on three core principles: Consumers should be clearly notified what information is being collected about them; people should control how that information is used; and such data should be secured to ensure it does not fall into the wrong hands."
Comment: This will be interesting, it's a clash of interests. On the one hand, we have consumers who view their personal data as "theirs" and on the other hand we have businesses who view consumer data as a commodity to be bought and sold. If only consumers had their own lobbyists we could hope that privacy laws would favor them.
2008/07/08
Video surveillance firm gets $10 million in VC funding | Tech news blog - CNET News.com
CNET reports: "The funding will be used to help VideoIQ expand to new markets and continue product development of its IP video surveillance and video analytics products, the company says."
CNET reports: "The funding will be used to help VideoIQ expand to new markets and continue product development of its IP video surveillance and video analytics products, the company says."
2008/07/07
My Way News - EU lawmakers scold Italy for Gypsy fingerprinting
AP reports: "European Union lawmakers on Monday condemned Italian plans to fingerprint tens of thousands of Gypsy adults and children, calling it a discriminatory action that smacked of Nazi Germany."
AP reports: "European Union lawmakers on Monday condemned Italian plans to fingerprint tens of thousands of Gypsy adults and children, calling it a discriminatory action that smacked of Nazi Germany."
My Way News - Rights like free speech don't always extend online
AP reports: "Meanwhile, in response to complaints it would not specify, Network Solutions LLC decided to suspend a Web hosting account that Dutch filmmaker Geert Wilders was using to promote a movie that criticizes the Quran - before the movie was even posted and without the company finding any actual violation of its rules."
Comment: Think about this for a minute, before "offending" content could even be posted on a website, the provider suspended the account. There were no TOS violations, it was an act of preemptive censorship. I wonder if this would have happened if the religion that might have been offended had been any other religion than that "religion of peace," whose followers take it upon themselves to riot whenever there is a perceived slight.
AP reports: "Meanwhile, in response to complaints it would not specify, Network Solutions LLC decided to suspend a Web hosting account that Dutch filmmaker Geert Wilders was using to promote a movie that criticizes the Quran - before the movie was even posted and without the company finding any actual violation of its rules."
Comment: Think about this for a minute, before "offending" content could even be posted on a website, the provider suspended the account. There were no TOS violations, it was an act of preemptive censorship. I wonder if this would have happened if the religion that might have been offended had been any other religion than that "religion of peace," whose followers take it upon themselves to riot whenever there is a perceived slight.
2008/07/02
My Way News - EU, US near deal on pact on protecting privacy
AP reports: "European privacy rules are generally stronger than those in the U.S., and authorities have clashed in recent years over specific deals reached to transfer data taken from passengers flying to the United States and on banking and financial data transfers. [...] the pact would not give a blank check to U.S. or European police authorities to snoop into e-mails, bank accounts, credit card details or telephone records across the Atlantic."
AP reports: "European privacy rules are generally stronger than those in the U.S., and authorities have clashed in recent years over specific deals reached to transfer data taken from passengers flying to the United States and on banking and financial data transfers. [...] the pact would not give a blank check to U.S. or European police authorities to snoop into e-mails, bank accounts, credit card details or telephone records across the Atlantic."
2008/06/30
My Way News - Swedes protest sweeping e-mail eavesdropping law
AP reports: "The law, narrowly passed by legislators two weeks ago, will let officials eavesdrop on all cross-border e-mail and telephone traffic, in what technology companies have called the most far-reaching communications monitoring plan in Europe. Sweden's government plans to implement it in January."
Comment: Even the Swedes don't like to be spied on by their government.
AP reports: "The law, narrowly passed by legislators two weeks ago, will let officials eavesdrop on all cross-border e-mail and telephone traffic, in what technology companies have called the most far-reaching communications monitoring plan in Europe. Sweden's government plans to implement it in January."
Comment: Even the Swedes don't like to be spied on by their government.
2008/06/26
My Way News - ISPs still considering tracking Web use
AP reports: "Although a large Internet service provider has backed away from technology that tracks subscribers' Web use in order to deliver personalized advertising, two other broadband companies said Wednesday they are still considering whether to deploy it."
AP reports: "Although a large Internet service provider has backed away from technology that tracks subscribers' Web use in order to deliver personalized advertising, two other broadband companies said Wednesday they are still considering whether to deploy it."
2008/06/24
Technology Leaders Favor Online ID Card Over Passwords - NYTimes.com
The New York Times reports: "The idea is to bring the concept of an identity card, like a driver’s license, to the online world. Rather than logging on to sites with user IDs and passwords, people will gain access to sites using a secure digital identity that is overseen by a third party. The user controls the information in a secure place and transmits only the data that is necessary to access a Web site."
Comment: I always feel like I have to add a comment to these posts, a reassurance that I'm not saying that this kind of ID card is the MOTB, merely that it's another step on the path toward a technology and a system that gives each person one official ID.
The New York Times reports: "The idea is to bring the concept of an identity card, like a driver’s license, to the online world. Rather than logging on to sites with user IDs and passwords, people will gain access to sites using a secure digital identity that is overseen by a third party. The user controls the information in a secure place and transmits only the data that is necessary to access a Web site."
Comment: I always feel like I have to add a comment to these posts, a reassurance that I'm not saying that this kind of ID card is the MOTB, merely that it's another step on the path toward a technology and a system that gives each person one official ID.
2008/06/21
My Way News - EU endorses new border security rules
AP reports: "European Union leaders want their nations to fingerprint all foreign visitors and take other new steps to keep out illegal immigrants as part of a sweeping security overhaul proposed Friday."
AP reports: "European Union leaders want their nations to fingerprint all foreign visitors and take other new steps to keep out illegal immigrants as part of a sweeping security overhaul proposed Friday."
My Way News - Text-message ruling could change corporate policies
AP reports: "Employers must have either a warrant or the employee's permission to see messages that aren't stored by the employer or by someone the employer pays for storage, the court said. [...] 'Preserving as much privacy for the mobile consumer, and limiting the ability of government and commercial entities to readily access your mobile information is important, and the court did the right thing here,' Chester said."
AP reports: "Employers must have either a warrant or the employee's permission to see messages that aren't stored by the employer or by someone the employer pays for storage, the court said. [...] 'Preserving as much privacy for the mobile consumer, and limiting the ability of government and commercial entities to readily access your mobile information is important, and the court did the right thing here,' Chester said."
2008/06/18
My Way News - Sweden adopts law allowing official eavesdropping
AP reports: "Sweden's Parliament narrowly approved a law Wednesday that gives authorities sweeping powers to eavesdrop on all e-mail and telephone traffic that crosses the Nordic nation's borders."
AP reports: "Sweden's Parliament narrowly approved a law Wednesday that gives authorities sweeping powers to eavesdrop on all e-mail and telephone traffic that crosses the Nordic nation's borders."
2008/06/16
FCW.Com - Airlines say they lack the IT for US-VISIT
FCW.Com reports: "Airlines lack the information technology infrastructure needed to comply with a Homeland Security Department proposal that would put carriers in charge of collecting biometric information from most foreign travelers when they leave the United States, according to lobbying groups representing that industry."
FCW.Com reports: "Airlines lack the information technology infrastructure needed to comply with a Homeland Security Department proposal that would put carriers in charge of collecting biometric information from most foreign travelers when they leave the United States, according to lobbying groups representing that industry."
TheStar.com - Private firm's work with visas raises concerns
The Star.com reports: "Biometric visas, which embed personal information and images in a chip, is their next big breakthrough field, Sanjay Bhaduri, chief operations officer, told The Economic Times of India in February. [...] VFS, with more than 200 offices in 39 countries handling 6 million visa applications a year, has doubled its business each year in recent years."
The Star.com reports: "Biometric visas, which embed personal information and images in a chip, is their next big breakthrough field, Sanjay Bhaduri, chief operations officer, told The Economic Times of India in February. [...] VFS, with more than 200 offices in 39 countries handling 6 million visa applications a year, has doubled its business each year in recent years."
Security Document World - Biometric PAN moves a step closer
Security Document World reports: "The Indian government has confirmed it is set to introduce biometric permanent account numbers (PAN) for income tax payers."
Security Document World reports: "The Indian government has confirmed it is set to introduce biometric permanent account numbers (PAN) for income tax payers."
2008/06/10
My Way News - France blocks online child porn, terrorism, racism
AP reports: "France is joining at least five other countries where Internet service providers block access to child pornography and to content linked to terrorism and racial hatred, the French interior minister said Tuesday."
AP reports: "France is joining at least five other countries where Internet service providers block access to child pornography and to content linked to terrorism and racial hatred, the French interior minister said Tuesday."
2008/06/09
Skype: We can't comply with police wiretap requests | The Iconoclast - politics, law, and technology - CNET News.com
CNET reports: "The upshot is that if Yahoo, AOL, Microsoft, or so on received a wiretap order for text or voice flowing through their IM networks, they could (and would) be able to comply because the services are centralized. Even if the users' conversations are encrypted through the Off-the-Record Messaging protocol, an eavesdropper still knows who's talking to whom--this is called a pen register or trap and trace device in wiretapping parlance, and it can still be privacy-invasive. Skype says it doesn't permit even that. Which means that it's the most privacy-protective mainstream method of communicating through voice or instant messaging."
CNET reports: "The upshot is that if Yahoo, AOL, Microsoft, or so on received a wiretap order for text or voice flowing through their IM networks, they could (and would) be able to comply because the services are centralized. Even if the users' conversations are encrypted through the Off-the-Record Messaging protocol, an eavesdropper still knows who's talking to whom--this is called a pen register or trap and trace device in wiretapping parlance, and it can still be privacy-invasive. Skype says it doesn't permit even that. Which means that it's the most privacy-protective mainstream method of communicating through voice or instant messaging."
Your papers please: TSA bans ID-less flight | Surveillance State - CNET News.com
CNET reports: "In a major change of policy, the Transportation Security Administration has announced that passengers refusing to show ID will no longer be able to fly. The policy change, announced on Thursday afternoon, will go into force on June 21, and will only affect passengers who refuse to produce ID. Passengers who claim to have lost or forgotten their proof of identity will still be able to fly."
Comment: Do you agree with the CNET writer, that this is "security theater" or a prudent security measure?
CNET reports: "In a major change of policy, the Transportation Security Administration has announced that passengers refusing to show ID will no longer be able to fly. The policy change, announced on Thursday afternoon, will go into force on June 21, and will only affect passengers who refuse to produce ID. Passengers who claim to have lost or forgotten their proof of identity will still be able to fly."
Comment: Do you agree with the CNET writer, that this is "security theater" or a prudent security measure?
2008/06/04
My Way News - Study secretly tracks cell phone users outside US
AP reports: "Researchers secretly tracked the locations of 100,000 people outside the United States through their cell phone use and concluded that most people rarely stray more than a few miles from home."
AP reports: "Researchers secretly tracked the locations of 100,000 people outside the United States through their cell phone use and concluded that most people rarely stray more than a few miles from home."
2008/05/28
My Way News - EU targets move to longer Internet addresses
AP reports: "The EU's internet commissioner said more addresses were needed if Europeans were to use Internet-enabled devices such as smart tags in shops, factories and airports or intelligent heating and lighting systems in their homes. The addresses include long series of numbers to identify a Web connection."
Comment: A number for every human and machine, and one number to rule them all.
AP reports: "The EU's internet commissioner said more addresses were needed if Europeans were to use Internet-enabled devices such as smart tags in shops, factories and airports or intelligent heating and lighting systems in their homes. The addresses include long series of numbers to identify a Web connection."
Comment: A number for every human and machine, and one number to rule them all.
2008/05/23
Chips good for pets - SaveBorrowSpend.co.uk
SaveBorrowSpend explains: "While greasy snacks may not be good for a pet's health, having an animal fitted with a microchip can help pet-owners in a number of ways, an industry commentator explains."
Comment: The use of implanted chips to track pets is old news, but it's always interesting to note that as old as the technology is, they still have to keep explaining it to people. This report from the UK explains why having your pet chipped is a good idea.
SaveBorrowSpend explains: "While greasy snacks may not be good for a pet's health, having an animal fitted with a microchip can help pet-owners in a number of ways, an industry commentator explains."
Comment: The use of implanted chips to track pets is old news, but it's always interesting to note that as old as the technology is, they still have to keep explaining it to people. This report from the UK explains why having your pet chipped is a good idea.
2008/05/21
UK.gov plans central database for all your communications - The Register
The register reports: "The Brown government is considering a central database of all UK communications data including times and durations of phone calls, emails and internet access for every British citizen. The draft bill is still being considered by ministers and a Home Office spokeswoman told us no decision had yet been reached."
Comment: I really hope that if there is any love of liberty left in the UK that this plan will not be implemented.
The register reports: "The Brown government is considering a central database of all UK communications data including times and durations of phone calls, emails and internet access for every British citizen. The draft bill is still being considered by ministers and a Home Office spokeswoman told us no decision had yet been reached."
Comment: I really hope that if there is any love of liberty left in the UK that this plan will not be implemented.
Mobiles help UK malls track shoppers' every move - The Register
The Register reports: "By installing receivers around a shopping centre the company can pick up communication between handsets and base stations, enabling them to track shoppers to within a metre or two - enough to spot the order in which shops are visited."
Comment: Shoppers in the UK are being tracked by stores who monitor their cell phone position. What could be wrong with that?
The Register reports: "By installing receivers around a shopping centre the company can pick up communication between handsets and base stations, enabling them to track shoppers to within a metre or two - enough to spot the order in which shops are visited."
Comment: Shoppers in the UK are being tracked by stores who monitor their cell phone position. What could be wrong with that?
Daily Mail - Hi-tech face recognition cameras used in Budgens to spot underage drinkers
The Daily Mail reports: "The software takes measurements between key points on the face to make a template of a person's features that is stored as a 'token'. Customers' images are monitored and relayed to a control centre to be compared with under-18s already on record. Future options include other retailers linking the scheme to their shops to create a giant database."
The Daily Mail reports: "The software takes measurements between key points on the face to make a template of a person's features that is stored as a 'token'. Customers' images are monitored and relayed to a control centre to be compared with under-18s already on record. Future options include other retailers linking the scheme to their shops to create a giant database."
2008/05/16
My Way News - Lawmakers concerned over Charter's Web tracking
AP reports: "Cable TV, phone and Internet service provider Charter Communications drew concern Friday from two congressmen and a privacy advocate over its plan to experiment with tracking its customers' Web use in collaboration with an online advertising firm."
Comment: Ok, let's think about this for a second (or more) shall we. If you are a subscriber to this ISP, your net use is being recorded and then sold to advertisers so they can target you with ads based on your surfing habits. Well, ok, as long it's for ads, and not for, you know, anything really sinister.
AP reports: "Cable TV, phone and Internet service provider Charter Communications drew concern Friday from two congressmen and a privacy advocate over its plan to experiment with tracking its customers' Web use in collaboration with an online advertising firm."
Comment: Ok, let's think about this for a second (or more) shall we. If you are a subscriber to this ISP, your net use is being recorded and then sold to advertisers so they can target you with ads based on your surfing habits. Well, ok, as long it's for ads, and not for, you know, anything really sinister.
2008/04/29
Face scans to start in UK airports - Yahoo! Tech
Yahoo Tech reports: "It's like something out of a sci-fi movie: This summer, UK airports (it's not clear precisely which ones) will begin using face scanning technology to verify that travelers are who they say they are. The scanners will be used to automate some passport checks with the goal of easing congestion in security lines caused by slowpoke humans verifying identity through comparing passport photographs with the face standing before them."
Comment: I think I'd like a "slowpoke human" to check my passport rather than a scanner and a database.
Yahoo Tech reports: "It's like something out of a sci-fi movie: This summer, UK airports (it's not clear precisely which ones) will begin using face scanning technology to verify that travelers are who they say they are. The scanners will be used to automate some passport checks with the goal of easing congestion in security lines caused by slowpoke humans verifying identity through comparing passport photographs with the face standing before them."
Comment: I think I'd like a "slowpoke human" to check my passport rather than a scanner and a database.
2008/03/17
MI5 seeks powers to trawl records in new terror hunt - The Observer
The Observer reports: "Millions of commuters could have their private movements around cities secretly monitored under new counter-terrorism powers being sought by the security services."
The Observer reports: "Millions of commuters could have their private movements around cities secretly monitored under new counter-terrorism powers being sought by the security services."
2008/03/08
Whistleblower: Cellular carrier giving FBI unfettered access - ars technica
ARS reports: "Computer security analyst Babak Pasdar says that a major mobile telecommunications carrier has a built-in backdoor that provides an undisclosed third-party with unfettered access to its internal technical infrastructure, including the ability to eavesdrop on all calls through its network. In an affidavit that describes the circumstances and basis for the allegations, Pasdar provides evidence which could indicate that the FBI is on the other side of the secret line, engaging in warrantless surveillance of mobile communications."
ARS reports: "Computer security analyst Babak Pasdar says that a major mobile telecommunications carrier has a built-in backdoor that provides an undisclosed third-party with unfettered access to its internal technical infrastructure, including the ability to eavesdrop on all calls through its network. In an affidavit that describes the circumstances and basis for the allegations, Pasdar provides evidence which could indicate that the FBI is on the other side of the secret line, engaging in warrantless surveillance of mobile communications."
2008/03/06
My Way News - UK Tests ID Card on Foreigners, Students
AP reports: "Britain will begin issuing national identity cards within months, targeting foreigners, airport staff and students in the first wave of the program, the government said Thursday."
AP reports: "Britain will begin issuing national identity cards within months, targeting foreigners, airport staff and students in the first wave of the program, the government said Thursday."
My Way News - Bush Presses House for Surveillance Bill
AP reports: "President Bush said Monday that telecommunications companies should be thanked, not sued, for helping the government conduct warrantless wiretapping in the U.S. after the Sept. 11 attacks."
AP reports: "President Bush said Monday that telecommunications companies should be thanked, not sued, for helping the government conduct warrantless wiretapping in the U.S. after the Sept. 11 attacks."
2008/02/24
EU Drafts RFID Guidelines - Yahoo! News
PC World reports: "The European Commission has sketched out guidelines designed to help get RFID (radio frequency identification) technologies up and running in the European Union, but stopped short of proposing formal legislation in the area."
PC World reports: "The European Commission has sketched out guidelines designed to help get RFID (radio frequency identification) technologies up and running in the European Union, but stopped short of proposing formal legislation in the area."
2008/02/13
My Way News - Plan to Fingerprint All EU Visitors
AP reports: "The European Union's top justice official on Wednesday called for a massive shake-up of the bloc's border security, recommending that all visitors be screened and fingerprinted and a satellite surveillance system be set up to keep illegal migrants out."
AP reports: "The European Union's top justice official on Wednesday called for a massive shake-up of the bloc's border security, recommending that all visitors be screened and fingerprinted and a satellite surveillance system be set up to keep illegal migrants out."
2008/02/12
My Way News - Senate OKs New Rules on Eavesdropping
AP reports: "The Senate on Tuesday approved new rules for government eavesdropping on phone calls and e-mails, giving the White House much of the latitude it wanted and granting legal immunity to telecommunications companies that helped in the snooping after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks."
AP reports: "The Senate on Tuesday approved new rules for government eavesdropping on phone calls and e-mails, giving the White House much of the latitude it wanted and granting legal immunity to telecommunications companies that helped in the snooping after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks."
2008/02/11
Vodafone to launch mobile phone money transfer service in Afghanistan - Yahoo! News
AFP reports: "The GSM Association, the global mobile phone industry body, estimates that about a dozen such schemes involving money transfer services are in operation throughout the world, with 10 million users."
AFP reports: "The GSM Association, the global mobile phone industry body, estimates that about a dozen such schemes involving money transfer services are in operation throughout the world, with 10 million users."
2008/02/07
My Way News - Encrypted Laptop Poses Legal Dilemma
AP reports: "Tien, the attorney with the Electronic Frontier Foundation, said a person's right to keep a password secret is a linchpin of the digital age. Encryption is 'really the only way you can secure information against prying eyes,' he said. 'If it's too easy to compel people to produce their crypto keys, it's not much of a protection.'"
AP reports: "Tien, the attorney with the Electronic Frontier Foundation, said a person's right to keep a password secret is a linchpin of the digital age. Encryption is 'really the only way you can secure information against prying eyes,' he said. 'If it's too easy to compel people to produce their crypto keys, it's not much of a protection.'"
SOMARK's Chipless RFID Ink Tattoo Field Demo Brings the Company Closer to Launch
PR Web reports: "SOMARK Innovations, Inc. recently completed a field demo of its patented Chipless RFID Ink Tattoo animal ID system. The demo proved the SOMARK system's ability to apply a tattoo in less than three seconds and read the tattoo (translate the tattoo into a unique ID, with a handheld reader in real time). [...] The technology company is developing a patented ID system based on a biocompatible ink tattoo with chipless RFID functionality."
PR Web reports: "SOMARK Innovations, Inc. recently completed a field demo of its patented Chipless RFID Ink Tattoo animal ID system. The demo proved the SOMARK system's ability to apply a tattoo in less than three seconds and read the tattoo (translate the tattoo into a unique ID, with a handheld reader in real time). [...] The technology company is developing a patented ID system based on a biocompatible ink tattoo with chipless RFID functionality."
2008/02/06
My Way News - UK to Allow Wiretap Evidence in Court
AP reports: "Evidence gathered through wiretapping will be allowed in British courts for the first time under proposals aimed at bringing more terrorism suspects to justice, Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced Wednesday."
AP reports: "Evidence gathered through wiretapping will be allowed in British courts for the first time under proposals aimed at bringing more terrorism suspects to justice, Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced Wednesday."
2008/02/05
The Associated Press: FBI Preps Award for Biometric Database
AP reports: "Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and IBM are vying for a multibillion-dollar contract to build a database for fingerprints and other biometric information that the FBI is set to award this week."
AP reports: "Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and IBM are vying for a multibillion-dollar contract to build a database for fingerprints and other biometric information that the FBI is set to award this week."
My Way News - Questions on British Surveillance Widen
AP reports: "Britain has some of the most extensive surveillance powers in the world and has become a leader in what critics call 'Big Brother' techniques, ranging from secret listening devices to the more than 4.3 million closed-circuit cameras in operation."
AP reports: "Britain has some of the most extensive surveillance powers in the world and has become a leader in what critics call 'Big Brother' techniques, ranging from secret listening devices to the more than 4.3 million closed-circuit cameras in operation."
2008/02/01
My Way News - Biometric Data Collected at Heathrow
AP reports: "Heathrow Airport introduced a new security system for some of its passengers Friday, requiring them to undergo iris scans and be fingerprinted before boarding their flights. The biometric data will be taken at Heathrow's Terminal 1, which has separate domestic and international lounges."
AP reports: "Heathrow Airport introduced a new security system for some of its passengers Friday, requiring them to undergo iris scans and be fingerprinted before boarding their flights. The biometric data will be taken at Heathrow's Terminal 1, which has separate domestic and international lounges."
2008/01/31
My Way News - Few Delays As New Border ID Rules Begin
AP reports: "U.S. and Canadian citizens entering the country are no longer allowed to simply declare to immigration officers at border crossings that they are citizens. Instead, those 19 and older must show proof of citizenship, such as a passport or a 'trusted traveler' card issued to frequent border crossers. Driver's licenses must be accompanied by proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate."
AP reports: "U.S. and Canadian citizens entering the country are no longer allowed to simply declare to immigration officers at border crossings that they are citizens. Instead, those 19 and older must show proof of citizenship, such as a passport or a 'trusted traveler' card issued to frequent border crossers. Driver's licenses must be accompanied by proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate."
2008/01/26
My Way News - Microchips Everywhere: a Future Vision
AP reports: "With tags in so many objects, relaying information to databases that can be linked to credit and bank cards, almost no aspect of life may soon be safe from the prying eyes of corporations and governments, says Mark Rasch, former head of the computer-crime unit of the U.S. Justice Department."
AP reports: "With tags in so many objects, relaying information to databases that can be linked to credit and bank cards, almost no aspect of life may soon be safe from the prying eyes of corporations and governments, says Mark Rasch, former head of the computer-crime unit of the U.S. Justice Department."
2008/01/25
My Way News - EU Justice Chief Proposes Security Plan
AP reports: "The European Union's top justice official on Friday proposed replicating U.S. border security measures in Europe, with plans to fingerprint and electronically record the entry and of all visitors."
AP reports: "The European Union's top justice official on Friday proposed replicating U.S. border security measures in Europe, with plans to fingerprint and electronically record the entry and of all visitors."
2008/01/24
Jamaica Gleaner News - National ID coming - Golding wants Jamaicans registered, moves to make country more manageable
Jamaica Gleaner reports: "Speaking yesterday at a post-Cabinet retreat press conference at Jamaica House, Mr. Golding said the national identification system would be introduced in the 2008/2009 fiscal year. He said this would require every Jamaican who is resident in the country to be registered and be assigned a unique number from the date of birth."
Jamaica Gleaner reports: "Speaking yesterday at a post-Cabinet retreat press conference at Jamaica House, Mr. Golding said the national identification system would be introduced in the 2008/2009 fiscal year. He said this would require every Jamaican who is resident in the country to be registered and be assigned a unique number from the date of birth."
My Way News - Cheney Wants Surveillance Law Expanded
AP reports: "At the heart of the controversy is whether the government's wireless surveillance program violated provisions of the original FISA law that requires warrants for wiretaps whenever one of the parties involved in the communication resides in the United States."
AP reports: "At the heart of the controversy is whether the government's wireless surveillance program violated provisions of the original FISA law that requires warrants for wiretaps whenever one of the parties involved in the communication resides in the United States."
2008/01/22
My Way News - EU Official Says IP Address Is Personal
AP reports: "IP addresses, a string of numbers that identifies a computer, should generally be regarded as personal information, the head of the European Union's group of data privacy regulators said Monday."
AP reports: "IP addresses, a string of numbers that identifies a computer, should generally be regarded as personal information, the head of the European Union's group of data privacy regulators said Monday."
Date for mandatory ID cards in Britain put back to 2012: opposition - Yahoo! News
AFP reports: "Britons will not be required to have ID cards until 2012, two years later than originally planned, the opposition Conservatives claimed on Tuesday, citing leaked government documents they obtained."
AFP reports: "Britons will not be required to have ID cards until 2012, two years later than originally planned, the opposition Conservatives claimed on Tuesday, citing leaked government documents they obtained."
2008/01/17
My Way News - UK Says It Wants to Tackle Net Terror
AP reports: "But Internet service providers and experts say they could be accused of corporate censorship and face a mess of lawsuits if they must carry out any government order to aggressively police the Internet."
AP reports: "But Internet service providers and experts say they could be accused of corporate censorship and face a mess of lawsuits if they must carry out any government order to aggressively police the Internet."
2008/01/15
Washington Wire - WSJ.com : Dancing Spychief Wants to Tap Into Cyberspace
The Wall Street Journal reports: "At issue, McConnell acknowledges, is that in order to accomplish his plan, the government must have the ability to read all the information crossing the Internet in the United States in order to protect it from abuse. Congressional aides tell The Journal that they, too, are also anticipating a fight over civil liberties that will rival the battles over the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act."
The Wall Street Journal reports: "At issue, McConnell acknowledges, is that in order to accomplish his plan, the government must have the ability to read all the information crossing the Internet in the United States in order to protect it from abuse. Congressional aides tell The Journal that they, too, are also anticipating a fight over civil liberties that will rival the battles over the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act."
2008/01/14
Security agencies in talks on global criminal database: UK police - Yahoo! News
AP reports: "British security agencies have been in talks with the US Federal Bureau of Investigation over plans for a global database of major criminals and suspected terrorists, a police spokesman told AFP Tuesday."
Comment: If it's just the U.S. and the British who can place names into the database, that would be one thing, but if other countries, more repressive countries, can place names into the database, I see the potential for great abuse. Missionaries, democracy activists and human rights workers are seen as subversives in many parts of the world. How tempting would it be for a country to put the names of such people into the database?
AP reports: "British security agencies have been in talks with the US Federal Bureau of Investigation over plans for a global database of major criminals and suspected terrorists, a police spokesman told AFP Tuesday."
Comment: If it's just the U.S. and the British who can place names into the database, that would be one thing, but if other countries, more repressive countries, can place names into the database, I see the potential for great abuse. Missionaries, democracy activists and human rights workers are seen as subversives in many parts of the world. How tempting would it be for a country to put the names of such people into the database?
My Way News - Britain to Fingerprint Visa Applicants
AP reports: "Logging and checking visitors' biometric information is one of the central planks of the government's new immigration strategy, which includes the introduction of an Australian-style points system intended to encourage skilled immigrants, the creation of police-like border force and fines for bosses who do not ensure their employees are legally entitled to work in Britain."
AP reports: "Logging and checking visitors' biometric information is one of the central planks of the government's new immigration strategy, which includes the introduction of an Australian-style points system intended to encourage skilled immigrants, the creation of police-like border force and fines for bosses who do not ensure their employees are legally entitled to work in Britain."
My Way News - Video Ads Are Planned for Grocery Carts
AP reports: "Microsoft Corp. is bringing digital advertising to the grocery cart. The software maker spent four years working with Plano, Texas-based MediaCart Holdings Inc. on a grocery cart-mounted console that helps shoppers find products in the store, then scan and pay for their items without waiting in the checkout line."
AP reports: "Microsoft Corp. is bringing digital advertising to the grocery cart. The software maker spent four years working with Plano, Texas-based MediaCart Holdings Inc. on a grocery cart-mounted console that helps shoppers find products in the store, then scan and pay for their items without waiting in the checkout line."
2008/01/10
My Way News - 666 Draws Comment in House of Commons
AP reports: "The beast of the Book of Revelation intruded into the banter of the House of Commons on Thursday when a motion calling for the disestablishment of the Church of England was numbered 666."
Comment: I'm not sure what to make of this, but it's seems noteworthy, Bible prophecy being mentioned, even quoted, in an AP newswire report. Strange days indeed.
AP reports: "The beast of the Book of Revelation intruded into the banter of the House of Commons on Thursday when a motion calling for the disestablishment of the Church of England was numbered 666."
Comment: I'm not sure what to make of this, but it's seems noteworthy, Bible prophecy being mentioned, even quoted, in an AP newswire report. Strange days indeed.
My Way News - New Security Rules for Driver's Licenses
AP reports: "Americans born after Dec. 1, 1964, will have to get more secure driver's licenses in the next six years under ambitious post-9/11 security rules to be unveiled Friday by federal officials."
Comment: Just to clarify, I'm not suggesting that this is the Mark of the Beast or in any way sinister, it's just an example of the post-9/11 trend in more mandatory ID requirements, and the Mark is (or rather, will be) the most extreme form of mandatory ID.
AP reports: "Americans born after Dec. 1, 1964, will have to get more secure driver's licenses in the next six years under ambitious post-9/11 security rules to be unveiled Friday by federal officials."
Comment: Just to clarify, I'm not suggesting that this is the Mark of the Beast or in any way sinister, it's just an example of the post-9/11 trend in more mandatory ID requirements, and the Mark is (or rather, will be) the most extreme form of mandatory ID.
2008/01/08
My Way News - ACLU Rips Plan to Track R.I. Students
AP reports: "A tech company with ties to a school district plans to test a tracking system by putting computer chips on grade-schoolers' backpacks, an experiment the ACLU ripped Monday as invasive and unnecessary."
AP reports: "A tech company with ties to a school district plans to test a tracking system by putting computer chips on grade-schoolers' backpacks, an experiment the ACLU ripped Monday as invasive and unnecessary."
2008/01/07
Daily Kos: State of the Nation
Daily Kos reports: "Oh this is just priceless. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screeners are learning to recognize a special set of forbidden facial expressions. If your face slips into one of these during a TSA inspection, you will be taken aside and given a more detailed screening."
This is an eerie post because they contrast actual TSA policy with a quote from George Orwell's, Nineteen Eighty-Four, Orwell called it facecrime.
Daily Kos reports: "Oh this is just priceless. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screeners are learning to recognize a special set of forbidden facial expressions. If your face slips into one of these during a TSA inspection, you will be taken aside and given a more detailed screening."
This is an eerie post because they contrast actual TSA policy with a quote from George Orwell's, Nineteen Eighty-Four, Orwell called it facecrime.
2008/01/02
My Way News - US Near Bottom of Global Privacy Index
AP reports: "Individual privacy is under threat around the world as governments continue introducing surveillance and information-gathering measures, according to an international rights group. [...] The survey considered such factors as legal protections, enforcement, data sharing, the use of biometrics and prevalence of closed-circuit cameras."
AP reports: "Individual privacy is under threat around the world as governments continue introducing surveillance and information-gathering measures, according to an international rights group. [...] The survey considered such factors as legal protections, enforcement, data sharing, the use of biometrics and prevalence of closed-circuit cameras."
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