Knightscope K5 Robot Joins NYPD, Raising Surveillance and Privacy Concerns
Knightscope, Inc. has partnered with the NYPD to introduce the autonomous Knightscope K5 security robot, aiming to enhance public safety in New York City. While the collaboration is met with anticipation, concerns about citizens’ privacy rights, potential over-surveillance, and the balance between security and civil liberties are prevalent. https://youtu.be/BOKUHyXflt0 Knightscope, Inc., renowned for developing autonomous […]
German Federal Police Silent on Pegasus Spyware Use Amidst Journalist Surveillance Concerns
Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) remains silent on its use of Pegasus spyware, citing potential risks to its criminal prosecution capabilities. This stance follows revelations of the spyware infecting Meduza publisher Galina Timchenko’s phone. The BKA had previously admitted to purchasing the controversial tool, which has been criticized for targeting journalists and activists. Germany’s […]
US and UK Finalize Data Transfer Agreement, Addressing Privacy Concerns
The US and UK have finalized a pivotal data transfer agreement, ensuring the seamless flow of online data and addressing the adequacy of US surveillance laws in protecting citizens’ data. Despite the progress, challenges persist, including a court challenge to the EU-US agreement and ongoing concerns regarding US surveillance authority under Section 702, which will […]
New Snowden Document Snippets Revealed in Jacob Appelbaum’s PhD Thesis
Jacob Appelbaum, (b. 1983) an American independent journalist, computer security researcher, artist, and hacker, unveiled new details from the Snowden documents in his PhD thesis at Eindhoven University of Technology, focusing on counter-strategies against surveillance. The thesis criticizes surveillance practices, emphasizes cryptography for resistance, and reveals undisclosed information about NSA projects like BULLRUN and PRISM. […]
UK Online Safety Bill Passed; Critics Fear Impact on Free Speech
The UK’s Online Safety Bill (OSB), targeting social media companies’ user safety, has been passed after six years of deliberation. The legislation mandates platforms to protect from harmful content and remove illegal material. Critics argue it curtails free speech and gives excessive power to tech giants and regulators. Companies face fines up to £18m for […]
China Utilizes Global Shipping for Massive Surveillance and Intelligence Gathering
China has significantly expanded its influence in the global maritime trade, which accounts for 90% of worldwide trade, over the past three decades, now controlling a large portion of foreign ports and manufacturing most shipping containers and ship-to-shore cranes. This dominance enables China to gather strategic data globally, a move that blurs the lines between […]
New EU-US Data Transfer Agreement Faces Legal Challenges in EU Court
French MEP Philippe Latombe, backed by German Bundestag members, has initiated legal actions against the recent EU-US data transfer agreement, aiming to overturn it due to perceived inadequacies in US data protection standards, a stance supported by critics including FDP’s Maximilian Funke-Kaiser. The ongoing dispute underscores a history of unstable data transfer agreements between the […]
EFF: Warrantless Drone Surveillance Violates Fourth Amendment
The EFF has filed an amicus brief with the Michigan Supreme Court in the Long Lake Township v. Maxon case, urging the court to restrict warrantless drone surveillance, which they argue violates the Fourth Amendment and the Michigan Constitution. The EFF countered this argument, emphasizing the unique capabilities of drones to silently gather extensive data […]
Porn Censorship: India/Kerala High Court Rules Watching Porn in Private Not an Offence; Emphasizes Importance of Parental Supervision
India: The Kerala High Court has ruled that watching pornography in private is not a crime according to Section 292 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which addresses the distribution and public display of obscene materials. This landmark ruling emphasizes the right to privacy, stating that personal choices in private spaces should not be legally […]
European Court Rules UK Accountable for Overseas Digital Spying
The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that the UK’s digital spying on individuals outside its territory is unlawful, marking a significant milestone in the protection of privacy and human rights in the digital era. The case highlighted the UK’s breach of privacy and freedom of expression rights through its bulk interception regime. The […]