privacy-and-security16.59 min read
Encrypted Spaces: Bringing Signal-Style Privacy to Collaboration Apps
26 days ago•Source: Gizmodo
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15.995 min•29 days ago
House Fails to Renew Section 702 as Surveillance Powers Expire at Midnight
The U.S. House did not pass a reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, letting the surveillance authority lapse at midnight. The 218-198 vote split saw 19 Republicans oppose the bill alongside most Democrats, while seven Democrats voted in favor. A key clash centers on Bill Pulte’s appointment as acting Director of National Intelligence, with critics saying he lacks necessary national-security experience, and Democrats seeking a different DNI. Sen. Ron Wyden proposed a five-week extension to pursue reforms, but Republicans rejected it. Even with potential extensions, questions remain about Section 702’s use to surveil Americans and what guardrails will be put in place, underscoring a partisan fight over surveillance oversight as Trump pushes for a more permanent DNI appointment.
15.52 min•4 months ago
Nearby Glasses: An App That Alerts You to Secret Recording Wearables Nearby
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7-Step Checklist for Airbnb Safety Checks
The article provides a 7-step checklist for travelers to quickly detect hidden cameras in Airbnb rentals using technology like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth scans, flashlight sweeps, infrared detection, and camera-spotting apps, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding privacy during stays.
Preparing Your Phone for a Protest
The article provides detailed advice on how protesters can prepare their phones for demonstrations by securing their devices with passcodes, disabling location tracking, encrypting data, neutralizing notifications, and being cautious about sharing content, to minimize surveillance and legal risks.
Using Burner Phones and 1Password’s Travel Mode for Enhanced Privacy at Borders
Using a burner phone, a cheap prepaid device that can be disposed of after use, is an effective way to protect personal data during border crossings and reduce digital distractions, as it limits the amount of personal information stored and minimizes tracking. Burner phones are widely available at retail stores and can be purchased with cash for anonymity, making them a popular choice for privacy-conscious individuals.
How to Prevent Border Agents from Accessing Your Phone
The article discusses the increasing use of burner phones as a privacy measure to prevent border agents from snooping through personal devices, highlighting their affordability, ease of use, and benefits for maintaining anonymity and reducing digital footprint, especially during border crossings or for general privacy concerns.
Whistleblower Warns of Social Security Data Breach via DOGE
A whistleblower claims that former officials at the Department of Government Efficiency copied the personal data of over 300 million Americans, including Social Security numbers, to a private, inadequately secured server within the SSA's cloud infrastructure, raising concerns about potential data exposure and misuse, despite SSA's assurances of data security.
Whistleblower Warns of Major Social Security Data Security Threats
A whistleblower has revealed that the Department of Government Efficiency uploaded a massive, unsecured Social Security database to the cloud, risking sensitive personal information of over 300 million Americans, raising concerns about identity theft and data security, despite official assurances of safety.
Russia Tightens Restrictions on Messaging App Calls
Russia is restricting secure communications by blocking end-to-end encrypted calls on WhatsApp and Telegram, citing security concerns, amidst broader efforts to control internet use. The article also covers various security incidents and measures, including accidental disclosures by ICE agents, alleged Russian hacking of a Norwegian dam, and increased facial recognition deployment in the UK.
US Airlines' Controversial Data Sales and Surcharge Practices
Major US airlines including Delta, American, and United sold passenger flight data through their owned broker ARC to government agencies like CBP and ICE, raising concerns over privacy and oversight as sensitive travel information is shared without clear legal safeguards.
US Moves to Curb Data Brokers' Sale of Sensitive Personal Information
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is proposing a rule to limit data brokers from selling sensitive personal and financial information, such as Social Security numbers, by classifying them as consumer reporting agencies under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). This move follows major data breaches and aims to protect consumer privacy by requiring explicit consent for data sharing. The rule targets private companies, not government operations, and is open for public comment until March 2025, though potential political changes could impact its implementation.
NSA Admits Buying Americans' Internet Browsing Records Without Warrant
The U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) is revealed to be purchasing Americans' internet browsing records from data brokers without a warrant, according to the agency's outgoing director. This practice raises concerns about privacy and civil liberties, as the NSA and other government agencies rely on commercially bought data for intelligence gathering and investigations. The legality of this practice is questioned, especially in light of recent enforcement actions by the Federal Trade Commission against data brokers. Senator Ron Wyden has called for stricter policies and transparency regarding the acquisition and use of commercially obtained data about Americans by U.S. spy agencies.