Mashable: Google sued over tracking locations even when ‘Location History’ is off. “Last week, a bombshell AP investigation found that Google was still tracking iPhone and Android device users, even if they turned off the ‘Location History’ setting. Now, the first lawsuit has been filed against the search engine giant over this issue, according to documents posted by Ars Technica.”
legal
Above the Law: Fair Use For Me, But Not For Thee
Above the Law: Fair Use For Me, But Not For Thee. “A common misconception about fair use in copyright law is that it is relied upon solely by consumers. The reality, however, is that everyone uses fair use, including large rightholders like movie studios and publishers. Even while rightholders are often seen as advocates for strong intellectual property rights, even while they oppose fair use when bringing a lawsuit themselves, they are not shy in asserting their own right to fair use.”
Go Zuck Yourself: Facebook destroys patent suit over timeline (The Register)
The Register: Go Zuck Yourself: Facebook destroys patent suit over timeline . “Facebook has prevailed in a suit over its iconic news feed and claims it ripped off the idea from a patent troll. Judge John Koetl granted Summary Judgement [PDF] to House Zuck, approving its motion to dismiss an allegation that the Facebook timeline violated Mirror Worlds’ purchased patents on the organization of messages and news items.”
Engadget: Court blocks FCC from cutting broadband subsidies in tribal lands
Engadget: Court blocks FCC from cutting broadband subsidies in tribal lands. “The FCC has hit a snag in its plan to curb broadband subsidies for low-income homes. A DC appeals court has issued a stay order temporary blocking the regulator from limiting the $25 monthly Lifeline subsidy in tribal lands, arguing that native groups and small carriers are likely to win their case opposing the cuts.”
New age discrim row: Accenture, Facebook sued by sales boss for favoring ‘new blood’ (The Register)
The Register: New age discrim row: Accenture, Facebook sued by sales boss for favoring ‘new blood’ . “In January 2016, then-54-year-old Mark Stephens was recruited by Accenture to work as a sales development manager on a project with Facebook, subject to Facebook’s approval. He got the job – and then lost it due to age discrimination, or so he claims in a lawsuit filed against the two companies in Austin, Texas, on Monday.”
TorrentFreak: ‘Impostors’ Manipulate Google With Fake Takedown Request
TorrentFreak: ‘Impostors’ Manipulate Google With Fake Takedown Request. “Scammers, masquerading as legitimate copyright holders such as Netflix and Disney, are using Google DMCA takedown tools to manipulate search results. Some webmasters complain that hundreds of links are being pulled offline by the notices. Anti-piracy outfits MUSO and Blue Efficience, which are among the impersonated companies, confirm that not all requests in their name are legitimate.”
Engadget: Facebook’s Cambridge Analytica woes continue with UK lawsuits
Engadget: Facebook’s Cambridge Analytica woes continue with UK lawsuits. “Facebook’s Cambridge Analytica troubles are far from over and a new class action lawsuit over the scandal might be on the way. Wired reports today that a group of UK residents has sent the company a letter before claim, in which they highlight the many instances where the social media giant failed to protect its users’ privacy and demand answers to a list of questions. Represented by UK-based law firm Irvine Thanvi Natas Solicitors, the UK residents all had their data obtained by Cambridge Analytica, and their attorney says that if their questions aren’t answered within 14 days, legal action could be taken.”
