Archive for the 'Surveillance' Category
Feds Warrantlessly Tracking Americans’ Credit Cards in Real Time
December 3rd, 2010As bad as the information below might seem, it’s actually worse than that. This is from 2008, but it’s a keeper: The Last Roundup: MAIN CORE. Via: Wired: Federal law enforcement agencies have been tracking Americans in real-time using credit cards, loyalty cards and travel reservations without getting a court order, a new document released […]
Network Device Fingerprinting
December 1st, 2010Via: Wall Street Journal: Advertisers no longer want to just buy ads. They want to buy access to specific people. So, Mr. Norris is building a “credit bureau for devices” in which every computer or cellphone will have a “reputation” based on its user’s online behavior, shopping habits and demographics. He plans to sell this […]
Insurance Companies Using Electronic Data About Lifestyle and Purchasing Habits to Generate Risk Profiles
November 26th, 2010Via: Wall Street Journal: Life insurers are testing an intensely personal new use for the vast dossiers of data being amassed about Americans: predicting people’s longevity. Insurers have long used blood and urine tests to assess people’s health—a costly process. Today, however, data-gathering companies have such extensive files on most U.S. consumers—online shopping details, catalog […]
U.S. Launches Giant Eavesdropping Satellite
November 23rd, 2010Via: AFP: The United States has placed in orbit a vast reconnaissance satellite reputed to be the largest eavesdropping device ever launched into space. The largest unmanned American launch vehicle, the Delta-4 Heavy rocket, roared into the the night sky in Cape Canaveral, Florida on Sunday carrying the mysterious satellite on a mission dubbed NROL-32. […]
For 18 Minutes in April, China Hijacked 15% of the World’s Internet Traffic
November 17th, 2010Via: National Defense Magazine: For 18 minutes in April, China’s state-controlled telecommunications company hijacked 15 percent of the world’s Internet traffic, including data from U.S. military, civilian organizations and those of other U.S. allies. This massive redirection of data has received scant attention in the mainstream media because the mechanics of how the hijacking was […]
Proposal in Sweden to Require ISPs to Archive All Emails, Text Messages for Six Months
November 12th, 2010Via: The Local: Emails and mobile phone text messages would be stored for six months by internet service providers (ISPs), according to a bill presented by the Swedish government on Thursday to bring the country in line with EU data retention rules. Critics have come down hard on the proposal, which would compel telephone and […]
And Now… Pills Containing Microchips
November 9th, 2010Via: Reuters: Novartis AG plans to seek regulatory approval within 18 months for a pioneering tablet containing an embedded microchip, bringing the concept of “smart-pill” technology a step closer. The initial program will use one of the Swiss firm’s established drugs taken by transplant patients to avoid organ rejection. But Trevor Mundel, global head of […]
“Internet of Things” Is On The Way
November 3rd, 2010Via: Technofascism Blog: The latest marketing-speak word from the architects of the “Internet of Things” at IBM is “smart.” So, in the near future, when the CIA can log into any device you own–from your toothbrush to your bookshelf–and determine who’s been using them and when and where, that’s not an invasion of privacy–it’s “smart.” […]
British Innovation: New Speed Camera Can Catch Drivers Committing Five Offenses at Once
November 2nd, 2010Via: Guardian: A speed camera designed to catch motorists committing up to five offences at the same time could be heading to Britain’s roads. As well as catching speeding motorists, the Asset camera should be able to pick out drivers who are not wearing seatbelts and accurately measure distances between moving cars to identify tailgating. […]
Canada: Tories Reintroduce ISP Intercept Bill
November 2nd, 2010Via: CBC: The federal Conservatives have reintroduced legislation that would allow police and intelligence officials to intercept online communications and get personal information from internet service providers (ISPs) about their subscribers without first obtaining a warrant.
