New York Times: Trump Administration Sued Over Social Media Screening for Visa Applicants. “A pair of documentary film organizations sued the Trump administration on Thursday over its requirement that foreigners disclose their social media accounts — including pseudonymous ones — when they apply for visas.”
digital surveillance
CNET: Ring let police view map of video doorbell installations for over a year
CNET: Ring let police view map of video doorbell installations for over a year. “For more than a year, police departments partnered with Amazon’s Ring unit had access to a map showing where its video doorbells were installed, down to the street, public documents revealed. So while Ring said it didn’t provide police with addresses for the devices, a feature in the map tool let them get extremely close. The feature was removed in July.”
TechCrunch: Now even the FBI is warning about your smart TV’s security
TechCrunch: Now even the FBI is warning about your smart TV’s security. “Smart TVs are like regular television sets but with an internet connection. With the advent and growth of Netflix, Hulu and other streaming services, most saw internet-connected televisions as a cord-cutter’s dream. But like anything that connects to the internet, it opens up smart TVs to security vulnerabilities and hackers. Not only that, many smart TVs come with a camera and a microphone. But as is the case with most other internet-connected devices, manufacturers often don’t put security as a priority.”
Amazon: Cops Can Get Recordings From Ring, Keep Them Forever, And Share Them With Whoever They Want (Techdirt)
Techdirt: Amazon: Cops Can Get Recordings From Ring, Keep Them Forever, And Share Them With Whoever They Want. “Since its introduction, Ring has been steadily increasing its market share — both with homeowners and their public servants. At the beginning of August, this partnership included 200 law enforcement agencies. Three months later, that number has increased to 630.”
Engadget: Russia bans the sale of devices without Russian software
Engadget: Russia bans the sale of devices without Russian software. “Earlier this month, Russia signed a law giving it the power to censor the internet. Now, it has passed another law banning the sale of smartphones, computers and smart TVs that don’t have Russian software pre-installed, the BBC reported. Those devices can still be sold with their normal software, but Russian alternatives must be installed, as well.”
Mozilla Blog: Can Your Holiday Gift Spy on You?
Mozilla Blog: Can Your Holiday Gift Spy on You?. “Mozilla today launches the third-annual *Privacy Not Included, a report and shopping guide identifying which connected gadgets and toys are secure and trustworthy — and which aren’t. The goal is two-fold: arm shoppers with the information they need to choose gifts that protect the privacy of their friends and family. And, spur the tech industry to do more to safeguard consumers.”
CNET: Facebook, Google ‘surveillance’ threatens human rights, Amnesty International says
CNET: Facebook, Google ‘surveillance’ threatens human rights, Amnesty International says. “Amnesty International joined the ranks of Facebook and Google critics on Wednesday, saying the two companies have ‘surveillance-based business models’ that threaten human rights and undermine privacy. The human rights organization also called on governments to enact and enforce legislation that restricts the amount of personal data companies collect. “
