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Airmid

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247
[h=2]Dear Friend of Digital Freedom,[/h] EFF, the Tor Project, and dozens of other organizations concerned about the future of our digital security are taking a stand for users everywhere. We’re organizing a campaign and day of action to speak out against the changes to Rule 41.
Here's the deal: The Department of Justice is using an obscure procedure to push through a rule change that will greatly increase law enforcement’s ability to hack into computers located around the world. It’s an update to Rule 41 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. If Congress does nothing, this massive change will automatically go into effect on December 1. We’ve written a detailed explanation of the changes to Rule 41, which explains why this update will result in a dramatic increase in government hacking.
But we can’t do it alone. If you run a website, we need your help.
We’ve put together an embeddable banner to allow people to email members of the U.S. Congress or sign a petition opposing the changes to Rule 41. Please, check out the instructions for embedding the banner directly or hosting your own copy. The code will automatically display the banner on our day of action—Tuesday, June 21—and then disappear automatically.
If you plan to take part, please let us know.
Don't run a website?
Even if you don’t run a website where you can embed the banner, you can still help. On or before June 21, you can send an email to your member of Congress. Please post about Rule 41 on social media or a blog, and ask your friends to speak out. Feel free to get creative by hosting events in your home community, taking a photo, and sending it our way. And if you do plan something, please let us know!
Thanks for your help,
Rainey Reitman
Activism Director
Electronic Frontier Foundation
Support our work.
 
Effector list


In our 701st issue:

[h=3]No Privacy Rollback for the FBI’s Biometric Mega-Database[/h] The FBI has been assembling a massive database of biometric information on tens of millions of people for the last eight years—faces, fingerprints, iris scans, tattoos, and more.
Yet, the FBI has dragged its feet in complying with federal privacy laws, resulting in a scathing indictment by the Government Accountability Office for hiding important information about the scope of its face recognition program from the public. The FBI has further failed to address fundamental flaws with the facial recognition system’s accuracy, which may disproportionately impact communities of color.
Now, the FBI wants to sidestep crucial privacy protections. It’s rushing to exempt its Next Generation Identification database from parts of the Privacy Act. This proposal would deny you the right to know what information the database has on you and eliminate the FBI’s obligation to correct inaccurate data.
Tell the FBI we won’t give an inch when it comes to our rights.
[h=3]New Report: FBI Can Access Hundreds of Millions of Face Recognition Photos[/h] The federal Government Accountability Office just published its exhaustive report on the FBI’s face recognition capabilities. The takeaway: FBI has access to hundreds of millions more photos than we ever thought. And the Bureau has been hiding this fact from the public—in flagrant violation of federal law and agency policy—for years.
[h=2]EFF Updates[/h] Digital Dystopia: Egyptian Civil Society At Risk
Along with numerous other human rights organizations, EFF has been following a growing threat to free expression online in Egypt. We’re calling on the international community to demand an end to violations against digital and human rights defenders.
A Free and Open Internet Under Assault in Congress
If you can’t beat them, defund them. If you can’t defund them, stall them. Congress is trying every trick it can to keep the FCC from enforcing its Open Internet Order. Help us tell lawmakers to cut it out.
Chilean Proposal for Unwaivable Payments to Authors Creeps Onward to Colombia
There’s a dangerous proposal to expand copyright in Chile, and it might be spreading to other countries too.
Leader Nancy Pelosi, Stand Against the TPP
As House Minority Leader, Nancy Pelosi is perfectly positioned to stop the TPP. If she took a public stance against the agreement, that could kill the deal once and for all. Let’s call on her to defend our digital rights and take the lead in opposing this deal.
Federal Court: The Fourth Amendment Does Not Protect Your Home Computer
In a dangerously flawed decision, a federal district court in Virginia ruled that a criminal defendant has no “reasonable expectation of privacy” in his personal computer, located inside his home. According to the court, the federal government does not need a warrant to hack into an individual’s computer.
California Legislature Drops Proposal to Copyright All Government Works
Remember that scary bill in California that would have given the state a copyright over virtually everything it produces? Thanks to many of you in California speaking up to your Assembly members, the dangerous parts of the bill have been completely removed.
We Made the Message Loud and Clear: Stop the Rule 41 Updates
What happens when you try to push a dangerous policy through without the Internet noticing? The Internet fights back. When we warned of an impending rule change that would dramatically increase law enforcement’s authority to hack into computers, thousands of you spoke out to Congress.
Jewel v. NSA Moves Forward—Time for NSA to Answer Basic Questions about Mass Surveillance
It’s time to lift the cloak of secrecy that has shielded the NSA from judicial scrutiny. EFF served the agency with information requests late last week in Jewel v. NSA, our signature case challenging government surveillance. We are seeking answers to basic questions about the nuts and bolts of the government’s Internet and telephone mass surveillance programs.
Big Win for User-Generated Content Hosts in Vimeo Case
Safe harbor protections give small businesses the freedom to develop new services on the Internet. A recent Second Circuit opinion was a win for safe harbors and a win for the open Web.
[h=2]miniLinks[/h] This Song Belongs to You and Me (TechDirt)
EFF has argued before that “This Land Is Your Land” is in the public domain. Now, musicians are taking the claimed copyright holder to court.
I Made a Rap Video in Prison (The Marshall Project)
A former inmate who served 11 months in solitary confinement for an online rap video tells his story.
Open access: All human knowledge is there—so why can’t everybody access it? (Ars Techica)
Excellent report on the state of academic publishing—and why so much of it is still locked down.
[h=2]Supported by Donors[/h] Our members make it possible for EFF to bring legal and technological expertise into crucial battles about online rights. Whether defending free speech online or challenging unconstitutional surveillance, your participation makes a difference. Every donation gives technology users who value freedom online a stronger voice and more formidable advocate.
If you aren't already, please consider becoming an EFF member today.
Donate Today
[h=2]Administrivia[/h] Editor: Elliot Harmon, Activist
[email protected]
EFFector is a publication of the Electronic Frontier Foundation.
eff.org
Membership & donation queries: [email protected]
General EFF, legal, policy, or online resources queries: [email protected]
Reproduction of this publication in electronic media is encouraged. MiniLinks do not necessarily represent the views of EFF.
Back issues of EFFector
This newsletter is printed from 100% recycled electrons.
EFF appreciates your support and respects your privacy. Privacy Policy.
Unsubscribe or change your email preferences, or opt out of all EFF email
815 Eddy Street
San Francisco, CA 94109-7701
United States
https://supporters.eff.org/join/effector
Members make it possible for EFF to fight for your rights. Become a member today.
[h=3]Announcements[/h] EFF on Drones
Join EFF Staff Technologist Jeremy Gillula for a discussion on drones. He’ll give background on how drones work and why they’re suddenly so popular and discuss some of the privacy and security issues that they present.
June 30, 2016
Moraga, CA

EFF at Fusion Festival
Join EFF at the annual festival of music, art, and communication. EFF Director for International Freedom of Expression Jillian York will speak about free speech on corporate platforms.
June 30, 2016
Mecklenburg, Germany

Digital Security Workshop
EFF Software Engineer Bill Buddington will present a workshop on digital security. He’ll discuss how to protect yourself from online tracking and how to ensure that your operating system and messaging applications are safe and secure.
July 7, 2016
Mexico City, Mexico

EFF on Online Tracking
Join EFF Staff Technologist Jeremy Gillula to learn how sketchy companies (and shadowy government agencies) track you everywhere you go online, often without your permission. We’ll cover how tracking works, why companies do it, and what tools do (and don’t) work to protect yourself.
July 9, 2016
El Cerrito, CA

EFF at OpenWest 2016
EFF Activist Elliot Harmon will deliver a keynote address at the annual gathering of open technology practitioners.
July 13–16, 2016
Sandy, UT

EFF at the Eleventh HOPE
We are excited to be a part of the Eleventh HOPE conference! HOPE (Hackers on Planet Earth) returns to New York for its eleventh iteration this year, hosted by our friends at 2600.
July 22–24, 2016
New York City, NY

EFF at Security B-Sides Las Vegas
Join EFF at BSidesLV! Catch some great information security talks and don’t forget to stop by the EFF table to learn about the latest news in the digital freedom movement.
August 2–3, 2016
Las Vegas, NV

EFF at Black Hat Briefings USA
Join EFF at Black Hat Briefings! Check out the EFF presentations and stop by our information booth in the Business Hall to find out about the latest developments in protecting digital freedom.
August 3–4, 2016
Las Vegas, NV

EFF at DEF CON 24
Join EFF at DEF CON 24! Catch EFF speakers and stop by our information booth in the Vendor and Contest areas to find out about the latest developments in protecting digital freedom. You can even sign up as an EFF member and pick up some great swag!
August 4–7, 2016
Las Vegas, NV

 
Eff activism team

[h=2]Dear Friend of Digital Freedom,[/h] Several proposals pending in the Senate would expand the FBI’s powers in dangerous ways. One of these, Amendment 4787, may come up for a vote soon. Tell your Senators to oppose this dangerous bill.
The proposed amendment would allow the FBI to demand a wide range of Electronic Communication Transactional Records (ECTRs)—including browsing history—from companies using National Security Letters (NSLs). According to internal reviews, the bureau abused NSLs for years.
FBI officials have described this proposal as a “typo fix,” when in fact it would overwrite a key 2008 Justice Department memo finding that the FBI’s routine practice of demanding ECTRs using NSLs was contrary to the law.
NSLs are typically served on third parties—like Internet Service Providers—and gag the recipients, preventing them from informing policymakers, the press, or their users—whose information is at stake.
Take a moment now to tell your Senators to vote against expanding the FBI’s NSL powers by opposing McCain Amendment 4787.
https://act.eff.org/action/senators-don-t-expand-fbi-s-dangerous-national-security-letters Warm regards, and many thanks for raising your voice,
Shahid Buttar
EFF Activism Team
Support our work.
 
Eff activism team

[h=2]Dear Friend of Digital Freedom,[/h] https://www.eff.org/reclaim-invention
When universities invent, those inventions should benefit everyone. Unfortunately, they sometimes end up in the hands of patent trolls, companies that serve no purpose but to amass patents and demand money from innovators.
Why are universities selling patents to trolls in the first place? Shouldn’t they sell their inventions to companies that will actually do something with them?
We’ve fought patent trolls in the courts and advocated for laws that bring fairness to the patent system. Universities are the next battleground. EFF is leading a coalition to change universities’ patent policies, and we need your help.
If you think that universities shouldn’t sell or license patents to trolls, then please join us in telling your university to sign the Public Interest Patent Pledge (PIPP). The PIPP is a promise that before selling or licensing its patents to a third party, a university will assess the business practices of that party and make sure that it will use those patents responsibly.
Colleges and universities care about the voices in their community—students, alumni, faculty, parents, and others. You have the power to convince your university to stand up for innovation.
Thank you,
Elliot Harmon
Activism Team
Electronic Frontier Foundation
Support our work to fight patent trolls
 
Effector list

[h=2]Dear Friend of Digital Freedom,[/h] https://www.eff.org/reclaim-invention
When universities invent, those inventions should benefit everyone. Unfortunately, they sometimes end up in the hands of patent trolls, companies that serve no purpose but to amass patents and demand money from innovators.
Why are universities selling patents to trolls in the first place? Shouldn’t they sell their inventions to companies that will actually do something with them?
We’ve fought patent trolls in the courts and advocated for laws that bring fairness to the patent system. Universities are the next battleground. EFF is leading a coalition to change universities’ patent policies, and we need your help.
If you think that universities shouldn’t sell or license patents to trolls, then please join us in telling your university to sign the Public Interest Patent Pledge (PIPP). The PIPP is a promise that before selling or licensing its patents to a third party, a university will assess the business practices of that party and make sure that it will use those patents responsibly.
Colleges and universities care about the voices in their community—students, alumni, faculty, parents, and others. You have the power to convince your university to stand up for innovation.
Thank you,
Elliot Harmon
Activism Team
Electronic Frontier Foundation
Support our work to fight patent trolls
 
I signed it but there's way too many schools to choose from. I spent two full minutes scrolling down on my phone and was still in the A's.
I hope my signature isn't invalid because it says I went to ABC Beauty School.
 
Dear Friend of Digital Freedom,


When universities invent, those inventions should benefit everyone. Unfortunately, they sometimes end up in the hands of patent trolls, companies that serve no purpose but to amass patents and demand money from innovators.
Why are universities selling patents to trolls in the first place? Shouldn’t they sell their inventions to companies that will actually do something with them?
We’ve fought patent trolls in the courts and advocated for laws that bring fairness to the patent system. Universities are the next battleground. EFF is leading a coalition to change universities’ patent policies, and we need your help.
If you think that universities shouldn’t sell or license patents to trolls, then please join us in telling your university to sign the Public Interest Patent Pledge (PIPP). The PIPP is a promise that before selling or licensing its patents to a third party, a university will assess the business practices of that party and make sure that it will use those patents responsibly.
Colleges and universities care about the voices in their community—students, alumni, faculty, parents, and others. You have the power to convince your university to stand up for innovation.
Thank you,
Elliot Harmon
Activism Team
Electronic Frontier Foundation
Support our work to fight patent trolls
In our 704th issue:

[h=3]With Windows 10, Microsoft Blatantly Disregards User Choice and Privacy[/h] Microsoft had an ambitious goal with the launch of Windows 10: a billion devices running the software by the end of 2018. In its quest to reach that goal, the company aggressively pushed Windows 10 on its users and even offered free upgrades for a whole year. There’s nothing wrong with encouraging users to upgrade their software, but the user should always be in control.
In its eagerness to move every Windows user to Windows 10, Microsoft has ignored two of the keystones of modern computing: user choice and privacy. The company has used tactics that have essentially amounted to tricking users into making the upgrade. That’s particularly troubling when Windows 10 sends an unprecedented amount of user data to Microsoft servers.
[h=2]EFF Updates[/h] Civil Rights Coalition files FCC Complaint Against Baltimore Police Department
The Center for Media Justice, ColorOfChange.org, and New America’s Open Technology Institute recently filed a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission alleging the Baltimore police are violating the federal Communications Act with their use of cell site simulators, also known as Stingrays. This technology disrupts cellphone calls and interferes with the cellular network—and does it in a way that has a disproportionate impact on communities of color. If you want to see the FCC take action, tell the commissioners now.
Tell Your University: Don’t Sell Patents to Trolls
When universities invent, those inventions should benefit everyone. Unfortunately, they sometimes end up in the hands of patent trolls—companies that serve no purpose but to amass patents and demand money from innovators. If you think that universities shouldn’t do business with trolls, then join us in calling on your college or university to stand up for real innovation.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Wants to Know Who You Are on Twitter—But It’s a Flawed Plan
U.S. border control agents want to gather Facebook and Twitter identities from visitors from around the world. But this flawed plan would violate travelers’ privacy, and would have a wide-ranging impact on freedom of expression—all while doing little or nothing to protect Americans from terrorism.
The Global Ambitions of Pakistan’s New Cyber-Crime Act
Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Bill (PECB) last week passed into law despite near unanimous condemnation from tech experts and serious concerns from civil liberties groups. The PECB isn’t only a tragedy for free expression and privacy within Pakistan; it also has dangerous ramifications for Pakistan nationals abroad and frightening implications for international criminal law in general.
California Lawmaker Pulls Digital Currency Bill After EFF Opposition
For the second year in a row, EFF and a coalition of virtual currency and consumer protection organizations have beaten back a California bill that would have created untenable burdens for the emerging cryptocurrency community.
White House Source Code Policy Should Go Further
A new federal government policy will result in the government releasing more of the software that it creates under free and open source software licenses. That’s great news, but the policy doesn’t go far enough in its goals or in enabling public oversight.
Word Games: What the NSA Means by “Targeted” Surveillance Under Section 702
We all know that the NSA uses word games to hide and downplay its activities. Words like “collect,” “conversations,” “communications,” and even “surveillance” have suffered tortured definitions that create confusion rather than clarity. There’s another one to watch: “targeted” surveillance.
The FCC Can’t Save Community Broadband—But We Can
While most of us were focused on the FCC’s Open Internet Order to protect net neutrality last year, the FCC quietly did one more thing: it voted to override certain state regulations that inhibit the development and expansion of community broadband projects. A federal appeals court recently rejected the FCC’s effort, but the fight for community broadband is far from over.
We Shouldn’t Wait Another Fifteen Years for a Conversation About Government Hacking
With high-profile hacks in the headlines and government officials trying to reopen a long-settled debate about encryption, information security has become a mainstream issue. But we feel that one element of digital security hasn't received enough critical attention: the role of government in acquiring and exploiting vulnerabilities and hacking for law enforcement and intelligence purposes.
[h=2]miniLinks[/h] How Digital Copyright Law Is Being Used to Run Roughshod Over Repairs (NBC News)
From agriculture to computers, copyright law’s protection for digital locks is making it difficult for people to repair their own products.
Father ‘Utterly Terrified’ After Trooper Points Gun at His 7-Year-Old During Traffic Stop (Washington Post)
How an error in automated license plate reader data put a child’s life at risk.
LinkedIn Sues Anonymous Data Scrapers (TechCrunch)
In EFF Senior Staff Attorney Nate Cardozo’s words, “If you make it illegal for bots to access websites, you’ve given existing search engines a monopoly.”
[h=2]Supported by Donors[/h] Our members make it possible for EFF to bring legal and technological expertise into crucial battles about online rights. Whether defending free speech online or challenging unconstitutional surveillance, your participation makes a difference. Every donation gives technology users who value freedom online a stronger voice and more formidable advocate.
If you aren't already, please consider becoming an EFF member today.
Donate Today
[h=2]Administrivia[/h] Editor: Elliot Harmon, Activist
[email protected]
EFFector is a publication of the Electronic Frontier Foundation.
eff.org
Membership & donation queries: [email protected]
General EFF, legal, policy, or online resources queries: [email protected]
Reproduction of this publication in electronic media is encouraged. MiniLinks do not necessarily represent the views of EFF.
Back issues of EFFector
This newsletter is printed from 100% recycled electrons.
EFF appreciates your support and respects your privacy. Privacy Policy.
Unsubscribe or change your email preferences, or opt out of all EFF email
815 Eddy Street
San Francisco, CA 94109-7701
United States
https://supporters.eff.org/join/effector
Members make it possible for EFF to fight for your rights. Become a member today.
[h=3]Announcements[/h] California Database Hunt
Local government agencies in California are required to publish an inventory of all the “enterprise systems” they use to store primary records or information on the public. These catalogs not only name the databases, but the type of data they collect and store, the name of the software used, and the vendor. Work with us as we sweep through California cities, counties, and local agencies to collect these catalogs.
August 27, 2016
San Francisco, CA
Washington, DC

EFF at Dragon Con
EFF Investigative Researcher Dave Maass returns (in costume) to Dragon Con’s Electronic Frontiers Forums, where he’ll discuss a range of privacy, activism, and transparency issues around digital civil liberties.
September 2–5, 2016
Atlanta, GA

Free Forum: Surveillance is a Local Issue
The Peninsula Peace and Justice Center hosts a conversation with EFF Senior Staff Attorney Adam Schwartz on how local law enforcement agencies are using surveillance technology and how the public can defend its civil liberties.
September 6, 2016
Palo Alto, CA

Rock Against the TPP: San Francisco
Fight For the Future hosts a free concert and rally to protest the Trans-Pacific Partnership featuring Jello Biafra, La Santa Cecilia, and more.
September 9, 2016
San Francisco, CA

EFF at The Circle
EFF Director for International Freedom of Expression Jillian York will speak at The Circle of European Communicators’ annual event in Athens, Greece.
September 14–16, 2016
Athens, Greece

25th Annual Pioneer Awards Ceremony
EFF will be celebrating the work of the 2016 Pioneer Award winners: Malkia Cyril, Max Schrems, the authors of the “Keys Under Doormats,” and California State Senators Mark Leno and Joel Anderson. The celebration will include drinks, bytes, and excellent company.
September 21, 2016
San Francisco, CA

EFF at World Maker Faire New York
Celebrate innovation with EFF at World Maker Faire New York 2016! We are pleased to participate in the world's most diverse showcase of creativity and innovation in technology, craft, science, fashion, art, food, and more.
October 1–2, 2016
Queens, NY

EFF at AoIR
EFF’s Jillian York will attend and speak at the Association of Internet Researchers annual conference.
October 5–8, 2016
Berlin, Germany

 
Effector list



In our 704th issue:

[h=3]With Windows 10, Microsoft Blatantly Disregards User Choice and Privacy[/h] Microsoft had an ambitious goal with the launch of Windows 10: a billion devices running the software by the end of 2018. In its quest to reach that goal, the company aggressively pushed Windows 10 on its users and even offered free upgrades for a whole year. There’s nothing wrong with encouraging users to upgrade their software, but the user should always be in control.
In its eagerness to move every Windows user to Windows 10, Microsoft has ignored two of the keystones of modern computing: user choice and privacy. The company has used tactics that have essentially amounted to tricking users into making the upgrade. That’s particularly troubling when Windows 10 sends an unprecedented amount of user data to Microsoft servers.
[h=2]EFF Updates[/h] Civil Rights Coalition files FCC Complaint Against Baltimore Police Department
The Center for Media Justice, ColorOfChange.org, and New America’s Open Technology Institute recently filed a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission alleging the Baltimore police are violating the federal Communications Act with their use of cell site simulators, also known as Stingrays. This technology disrupts cellphone calls and interferes with the cellular network—and does it in a way that has a disproportionate impact on communities of color. If you want to see the FCC take action, tell the commissioners now.
Tell Your University: Don’t Sell Patents to Trolls
When universities invent, those inventions should benefit everyone. Unfortunately, they sometimes end up in the hands of patent trolls—companies that serve no purpose but to amass patents and demand money from innovators. If you think that universities shouldn’t do business with trolls, then join us in calling on your college or university to stand up for real innovation.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Wants to Know Who You Are on Twitter—But It’s a Flawed Plan
U.S. border control agents want to gather Facebook and Twitter identities from visitors from around the world. But this flawed plan would violate travelers’ privacy, and would have a wide-ranging impact on freedom of expression—all while doing little or nothing to protect Americans from terrorism.
The Global Ambitions of Pakistan’s New Cyber-Crime Act
Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Bill (PECB) last week passed into law despite near unanimous condemnation from tech experts and serious concerns from civil liberties groups. The PECB isn’t only a tragedy for free expression and privacy within Pakistan; it also has dangerous ramifications for Pakistan nationals abroad and frightening implications for international criminal law in general.
California Lawmaker Pulls Digital Currency Bill After EFF Opposition
For the second year in a row, EFF and a coalition of virtual currency and consumer protection organizations have beaten back a California bill that would have created untenable burdens for the emerging cryptocurrency community.
White House Source Code Policy Should Go Further
A new federal government policy will result in the government releasing more of the software that it creates under free and open source software licenses. That’s great news, but the policy doesn’t go far enough in its goals or in enabling public oversight.
Word Games: What the NSA Means by “Targeted” Surveillance Under Section 702
We all know that the NSA uses word games to hide and downplay its activities. Words like “collect,” “conversations,” “communications,” and even “surveillance” have suffered tortured definitions that create confusion rather than clarity. There’s another one to watch: “targeted” surveillance.
The FCC Can’t Save Community Broadband—But We Can
While most of us were focused on the FCC’s Open Internet Order to protect net neutrality last year, the FCC quietly did one more thing: it voted to override certain state regulations that inhibit the development and expansion of community broadband projects. A federal appeals court recently rejected the FCC’s effort, but the fight for community broadband is far from over.
We Shouldn’t Wait Another Fifteen Years for a Conversation About Government Hacking
With high-profile hacks in the headlines and government officials trying to reopen a long-settled debate about encryption, information security has become a mainstream issue. But we feel that one element of digital security hasn't received enough critical attention: the role of government in acquiring and exploiting vulnerabilities and hacking for law enforcement and intelligence purposes.
[h=2]miniLinks[/h] How Digital Copyright Law Is Being Used to Run Roughshod Over Repairs (NBC News)
From agriculture to computers, copyright law’s protection for digital locks is making it difficult for people to repair their own products.
Father ‘Utterly Terrified’ After Trooper Points Gun at His 7-Year-Old During Traffic Stop (Washington Post)
How an error in automated license plate reader data put a child’s life at risk.
LinkedIn Sues Anonymous Data Scrapers (TechCrunch)
In EFF Senior Staff Attorney Nate Cardozo’s words, “If you make it illegal for bots to access websites, you’ve given existing search engines a monopoly.”
[h=2]Supported by Donors[/h] Our members make it possible for EFF to bring legal and technological expertise into crucial battles about online rights. Whether defending free speech online or challenging unconstitutional surveillance, your participation makes a difference. Every donation gives technology users who value freedom online a stronger voice and more formidable advocate.
If you aren't already, please consider becoming an EFF member today.
Donate Today
[h=2]Administrivia[/h] Editor: Elliot Harmon, Activist
[email protected]
EFFector is a publication of the Electronic Frontier Foundation.
eff.org
Membership & donation queries: [email protected]
General EFF, legal, policy, or online resources queries: [email protected]
Reproduction of this publication in electronic media is encouraged. MiniLinks do not necessarily represent the views of EFF.
Back issues of EFFector
This newsletter is printed from 100% recycled electrons.
EFF appreciates your support and respects your privacy. Privacy Policy.
Unsubscribe or change your email preferences, or opt out of all EFF email
815 Eddy Street
San Francisco, CA 94109-7701
United States
https://supporters.eff.org/join/effector
Members make it possible for EFF to fight for your rights. Become a member today.
[h=3]Announcements[/h] California Database Hunt
Local government agencies in California are required to publish an inventory of all the “enterprise systems” they use to store primary records or information on the public. These catalogs not only name the databases, but the type of data they collect and store, the name of the software used, and the vendor. Work with us as we sweep through California cities, counties, and local agencies to collect these catalogs.
August 27, 2016
San Francisco, CA
Washington, DC

EFF at Dragon Con
EFF Investigative Researcher Dave Maass returns (in costume) to Dragon Con’s Electronic Frontiers Forums, where he’ll discuss a range of privacy, activism, and transparency issues around digital civil liberties.
September 2–5, 2016
Atlanta, GA

Free Forum: Surveillance is a Local Issue
The Peninsula Peace and Justice Center hosts a conversation with EFF Senior Staff Attorney Adam Schwartz on how local law enforcement agencies are using surveillance technology and how the public can defend its civil liberties.
September 6, 2016
Palo Alto, CA

Rock Against the TPP: San Francisco
Fight For the Future hosts a free concert and rally to protest the Trans-Pacific Partnership featuring Jello Biafra, La Santa Cecilia, and more.
September 9, 2016
San Francisco, CA

EFF at The Circle
EFF Director for International Freedom of Expression Jillian York will speak at The Circle of European Communicators’ annual event in Athens, Greece.
September 14–16, 2016
Athens, Greece

25th Annual Pioneer Awards Ceremony
EFF will be celebrating the work of the 2016 Pioneer Award winners: Malkia Cyril, Max Schrems, the authors of the “Keys Under Doormats,” and California State Senators Mark Leno and Joel Anderson. The celebration will include drinks, bytes, and excellent company.
September 21, 2016
San Francisco, CA

EFF at World Maker Faire New York
Celebrate innovation with EFF at World Maker Faire New York 2016! We are pleased to participate in the world's most diverse showcase of creativity and innovation in technology, craft, science, fashion, art, food, and more.
October 1–2, 2016
Queens, NY

EFF at AoIR
EFF’s Jillian York will attend and speak at the Association of Internet Researchers annual conference.
October 5–8, 2016
Berlin, Germany

 
Eff activism team

In our 705th issue:

[h=3]How to Change Your WhatsApp Settings Before Facebook Data Sharing Begins[/h] WhatsApp is establishing data-sharing practices that signal a significant shift in its attitude toward privacy—though you wouldn’t know it from the privacy policy update that popped up on users’ screens recently. The new policy lays the groundwork for alarming data sharing between WhatsApp and its parent company Facebook.

Existing WhatsApp users have until September 25 to click through this update and agree or not agree to Facebook using their WhatsApp data to suggest friends and serve ads. Unfortunately, WhatsApp’s user interface does not offer clear information about what the new privacy policy will change and buries mechanisms for opting out. We urge WhatsApp to make available settings and options more obvious to users. Until then, see this post for a step-by-step guide to change your account settings, and read more about what these changes mean for user privacy.
[h=2]EFF Updates[/h] EFF Presents the 25th Annual Pioneer Awards
On September 21 in San Francisco, we will be celebrating the work of the 2016 Pioneer Award winners: Malkia Cyril, Max Schrems, the authors of “Keys Under Doormats,” and California State Senators Mark Leno and Joel Anderson. The celebration will include drinks, bytes, and excellent company. Join us!
The Shadow Brokers Publish NSA Spy Tools, Demonstrating Possible Flaws in the NSA’s Approach to Security Vulnerabilities
A group calling itself the Shadow Brokers recently released powerful surveillance tools publicly on the Web and promises to publish more dangerous tools for the price of one million bitcoin. Lots of people want to speculate on how this leak could have happened and on whether there are more powerful hacking tools that will go public soon. But that’s missing the bigger question: is it time to create a real process that could, in some circumstances, force the NSA to disclose security flaws to American companies, so vulnerable systems can get patched?
Latest Leak Confirms European Copyright Plans Offer Little for Users
The draft text of a European Commission Directive on copyright has leaked, and we’ve reviewed some of the proposed changes. The most concerning elements are new responsibilities on Internet platforms and new copyright-like rights for publishers. Even aspects that sound good on the surface come with some annoying limitations.
Stupid Patent of the Month: Elsevier Patents Online Peer Review
On August 30, 2016, the Patent Office issued U.S. Patent No. 9,430,468, titled: “Online peer review and method.” The owner of this patent is none other than Elsevier, the giant academic publisher. When it first applied for the patent, Elsevier sought very broad claims that could have covered a wide range of online peer review. Fortunately, by the time the patent actually issued, its claims had been narrowed significantly. We think the patent is stupid, invalid, and an indictment of the system.
Do Over, Please: EFF and ACLU Ask Ninth Circuit to Revisit Two Dangerous CFAA Rulings
Imagine being convicted of a crime for logging into a friend’s social media account with their permission. Or for logging into your spouse’s bank account to pay a bill, even though a pop-up banner appeared stating that only account holders were permitted to access the system. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals last month issued two decisions—by two different three-judge panels in two separate cases—which seem to turn such actions into federal crimes.
Transparency Hunters Capture More than 400 California Database Catalogs
A team of over 40 transparency activists aimed their browsers at California this past weekend, collecting more than 400 database catalogs from local government agencies, as required under a new state law. Together, participants in the California Database Hunt shined light on thousands upon thousands of government record systems.
European Copyright Leak Exposes Plans to Force the Internet to Subsidize Publishers
A just-leaked draft impact assessment on the modernization of European copyright rules could spell the end for many online services in Europe as we know them. The document’s recommendations foreshadow a new European Union Directive on copyright to be introduced later this year, that will ultimately bind each of the 28 member states. If these recommendations by the European Commission are put in place, Europe’s Internet will never be the same, and these impacts are likely to reverberate around the world.
Justice Department Pressed to Intervene When Police Arrest Grassroots Journalists
Across the country, civilian journalists have documented government violence using cell phones to record police activities, forcing a much-needed national discourse. But in case after case, the people who face penalties in the wake of police violence are the courageous and quick-witted residents who use technology to enable transparency.
[h=2]miniLinks[/h] Inside the Secret Court That Rules the World (BuzzFeed News)
BuzzFeed News has kicked off an investigative series on the “secret justice system” in agreements like the TPP.
Secret Cameras Record Baltimore's Every Move from Above (Bloomberg BusinessWeek)
Baltimore police are using real-time aerial surveillance without public disclosure.
Warrant for Former DA Paul Zellerbach in Wiretap Case (The Desert Sun)
California judge issues contempt warrant for the Riverside District Attorney behind a fifth of all U.S. wiretaps.
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[h=2]Administrivia[/h] Editor: Gennie Gebhart, Researcher
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