The European Commission is drafting new regulations surrounding data privacy, security and confidentiality for communicaitons conducted over the Internet and on messaging apps. These regulations will apply to instant message and Internet voice call services, including hugely-popular messaging services like Skype and WhatsApp.
August 21, 2016Earlier this month, there was quite a stir when Comcast stated they should be allowed to charge broadband users a higher price if they wish to protect their privacy. This move was not unprecedented, as AT&T already charges users more if they opt out of the so-called “snoopvertising” on their U-Verse broadband service. Snoopvertising refers to the practice of collecting data on user habits and then selling this data to advertisers to target ads.
August 16, 2016Pokémon Go is everywhere – you can’t go online without hearing about it, nor go out without witnessing people playing Pokémon Go all around town. Along with all the hype has come concern over the app’s privacy, with additional concern around the implications for children’s privacy. Some elected officials have even spoken out on the matter. We’ve previously explored how free apps can exploit your data or violate your privacy, and with a popular app like Pokémon Go it’s essential to be aware that applications can, and frequently do, violate consumer privacy.
August 11, 2016Last week, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) implemented a new federal law instituting large fines for using a VPN in the country. This law is among a “series of new federal laws relating to IT crimes,” and can impose a hefty fine of up to almost half a million USD ($545,000) for using a VPN or proxy service for a “fraudulent” purpose.
July 31, 2016It’s been a month since we kicked off our Fight For Frogs campaign, a collaboration with the Smithsonian’s Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project. This campaign’s goal is to support efforts to save the endangered Panamanian golden frog (and other endangered amphibians)!
July 12, 2016The Privacy Shield, a data transfer agreement between the United States and the European Union, went into effect today as the European Commission formally adopted it. The previous agreement in place, Safe Harbor, was invalidated over 8 months ago due to concerns the EU had about US surveillance.
July 11, 2016We already know about censorship and propaganda pandemonium in China. The Great Firewall of China prohibits users from browsing the Internet freely, the 50c-party fabricates social media posts for strategic distraction[1] and the Internet police (wang-luo-guan-li-yuan) removes harsh criticisms about the Chinese government.
July 10, 2016Imagine a world of constant, ubiquitous surveillance where your every move may be monitored by the government at any time: every email you send, every picture you take, every book you read, every website you visit, and every political rally you participate in.
July 6, 2016When you set out for a trip, whether it be a quick weekend getaway or an international vacation, there are some must-have items you always bring with you. One essential travel item that’s often overlooked is a Virtual Private Network, or VPN.
July 5, 2016The EU will be deciding on net neutrality this summer. Surrounding this decision are fears that EU regulators will enable loopholes first found in the EU’s Net Neutrality rules of 2015. As a result, organizations in favor of net neutrality are asking those in their corner to submit a comment to the BEREC during an open comment period.
July 4, 2016Last week, Poland signed some new anti-terror rules into law in an effort to increase security in the country. As with many similar laws, Poland cited terrorism as a reason for the legislation — but it poses some major risks to privacy and civil liberties. The law allows the government to monitor foreign citizens for a period of up to three months without court approval – opening the door for increased surveillance on these citizens.
June 30, 2016