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.

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.

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.
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?
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."

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.