Category: News
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New Study: How Does Connecting Online Activities to Advertising Inferences Impact Privacy Perceptions?
An interesting study was published at the 2024 PET Symposium and it aims to examine how individuals understand and perceive the data being that is being collected and linked to their identity. One such example that offers users this ability is Google’s “My Activity” dashboard which collates all of your activity across Google services. The…
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House Passes 2-Year Surveillance Law Extension Without Warrant Requirement
As the House scrambles to renew a contentious surveillance law, the reality hits hard: privacy in America is an illusion, one the government is eager to shatter under the guise of national security. Last Friday, in a move that reeks of desperation and disregard for civil liberties, lawmakers passed a bill reauthorizing Section 702 of…
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The End of Anonymity on Reddit: A Blow to Free and Open Communication
Reddit, once hailed as “the front page of the internet,” has silently taken a controversial step that may significantly alter its reputation and accessibility. A user on Hacker News has reported that Reddit is now fully blocking access through Tor, proxies, and VPNs for both its new and old designs. This move is a stark…
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Gaming Companies Partner with Federal Agencies to Monitor Extremism
In recent revelations, it has come to light that gaming companies are collaborating with federal agencies like the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security to monitor and root out what is deemed as domestic violent extremist content. This cooperation is detailed in a Government Accountability Office report, which outlines the interactions between federal agencies…
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Your YouTube Viewing Habits Could Attract Law Enforcement
We’ve all been there—exploring the depths of the internet out of morbid curiosity, only to find ourselves hours later, deep in a YouTube rabbit hole. Perhaps you’ve stumbled upon a controversial video or searched for something out of sheer curiosity. In most cases, you’d simply shake your head in disgust or intrigue and move on…
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Turkey’s Escalating Internet Censorship: A Blow to Freedom of Communication
Ankara, Turkey – In a significant escalation of internet censorship, the Turkish government has implemented a ban on 16 VPN providers, a move that underscores the government’s intensifying efforts to control internet access and suppress alternative methods of accessing censored content. This development, rooted in an amendment to Law No. 5651 from 2014, mandates internet…
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Rumble Cloud Beta Launch: A New Chapter in Cloud Computing and Open Internet
Today marks a significant milestone in the quest for a free and open internet as Rumble, the video-sharing platform that went public in late 2022, announces the beta release of Rumble Cloud. The announcement was made ahead of the company’s scheduled timeline, signaling a strong commitment to its mission of challenging industry norms set by…
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Is Google Gaining Too Much Control Over the Open Web?
The open internet was built on principles of decentralization, freedom, and unfettered access. It was envisioned as a space that fostered innovation and creativity. However, there is growing concern that Google’s expanding control and influence over the web may be undermining these foundational ideals. Consider Google’s recent proposal for a new feature called “Web Environment…
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This AI Watches Millions of Vehicles Daily and Snitches to Cops If You Drive Suspiciously
As we advance in the age of artificial intelligence (AI), we find ourselves on the precipice of a significant societal conundrum. A recent Forbes article uncovers the profound impact AI-enabled surveillance is having on personal privacy, exposing the disturbing extent of its intrusion. It’s not a question of balancing security with privacy anymore; we’re on…
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FBI Director Admits to Potential Misuse of Personal Data
In a startling admission that strikes at the very heart of American civil liberties, FBI Director Christopher Wray confessed to the regular acquisition of innocent Americans’ personal data from companies with the prospect of potential criminal charges. This disconcerting confession has reignited concerns about the politicization of the nation’s principal federal law enforcement agency and…