Monthly Archives: April 2013

Secrets of FBI Smartphone Surveillance Tool Revealed in Court Fight

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“A legal fight over the government’s use of a secret surveillance tool has provided new insight into how the controversial tool works and the extent to which Verizon Wireless aided federal agents in using it to track a suspect.  Verizon reprogrammed his aircard so that when an incoming voice call arrived, the card would disconnect from any legitimate cell tower to which it was already connected, and send real-time cell-site location data to Verizon, which forwarded the data to the FBI. This allowed the FBI to position its stingray in the neighborhood where Rigmaiden resided. The stingray then ‘broadcast a very strong signal’ to force the air card into connecting to it.”

http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2013/04/verizon-rigmaiden-aircard/

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The Internet-Homeland Security Power Center Revolving Door

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“The second-ranking official at the Department of Homeland Security said she will resign shortly, ending four years as a champion of a civilian-controlled Internet.  In an exclusive interview with Reuters, Jane Holl Lute, the sole deputy secretary at Homeland Security, said on Monday she would give notice this week and leave to pursue a role in international Internet affairs.  Lute said that she was leaving with the department on a strong footing in Internet matters, with its central role cemented by an executive order on cybersecurity issued by President Barack Obama in February.”

http://www.economicpolicyjournal.com/2013/04/the-internet-homeland-security-power.html

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CISPA cybersecurity bill coming back with ‘significant improvements’

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“The lawmakers said they would insert a more narrow definition of national security in the bill.  The amendments would also seek to clarify that Internet firms could only use data about threats for cybersecurity purposes, not for marketing or other commercial uses, and would give more oversight to privacy officers at federal agencies.  Greg Nojeim of the Center for Democracy and Technology said the changes failed to address one key concern — that information could be accessed by the top-secret National Security Agency, a branch of the military.”

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/04/08/rep-mike-rogers-significant-improvements-to-cispa-over-privacy-concerns/

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HBO executive: Rampant piracy of ‘Game of Thrones’ is a ‘compliment’

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“Contrary to popular thinking, the rampant piracy of ‘Game of Thrones’ has not harmed the network that airs it, HBO programming president Michael Lombardo told Entertainment Weekly on Sunday, just hours before the show’s season three premiere.  ‘I probably shouldn’t be saying this, but [piracy] is a compliment of sorts,’ Lombardo reportedly said. ‘The demand is there. And it certainly didn’t negatively impact the DVD sales. [Piracy is] something that comes along with having a wildly successful show on a subscription network.’  The show’s creator, George R. R. Martin, said as much earlier in March.”

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/04/01/hbo-executive-rampant-piracy-of-game-of-thrones-is-a-compliment/

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Don’t Expand the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act: Destroy It!

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“Aaron Swartz faced 13 counts under CFAA, up to 35 years in prison, for copying too many files from the online academic resource JSTOR. This threat of overwhelming state sponsored persecution has been regarded as the reason for Swartz tragic suicide January 11th, 2013.  The collective outrage generated from Swartz’s story has brought activists together in an effort to gain support for legislation that would reform and clarify CFAA, referred to as Aaron’s Law.  It appears that the House Judiciary Committee is not interested in Aaron’s Law’s spirit of reform and clarity, instead they prefer to see CFAA expanded and strengthened.”

http://c4ss.org/content/18174

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Government spying hurts the economy

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Government spying hurts the economy

“With laws like the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) and the Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986 (ECPA), the United States could be losing out on much needed business opportunities. Legislation like these allow the government to spy on customers’ data, and RT’s Liz Wahl takes a look at why companies are thinking twice before investing in the US.”

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Ben Swann: “Rand Paul’s 13 Hours That Changed Public Opinion”

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Ben Swann: “Rand Paul’s 13 Hours That Changed Public Opinion”

“Ben Swann Full Disclosure explains how the Rand Paul filibuster has been responsible for a 50 point swing in public opinion on the use of drones to kill U.S. citizens who are also terror suspects overseas.”

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Boston Dynamics’ Terminator-like ‘PETMAN’ robot tests chemical suits

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“Defense contractor Boston Dynamics has new video of its Terminator-like ‘PETMAN’ robot standing, walking, posing and… wearing a chemical protection suit, for some reason.  The project is funded in part by the Defense Department’s Chemical and Biological Defense program, CNet reported Monday.  Despite the apparent usefulness in testing chemical suits in potentially hazardous conditions, it’s likely not the PETMAN’s only objective. All seeming motility aside, this thing is downright creepy to watch in action.”

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/04/08/boston-dynamics-terminator-like-petman-robot-tests-chemical-suits/

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The Tunnel People That Live Under The Streets Of America

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“Did you know that there are thousands upon thousands of homeless people that are living underground beneath the streets of major U.S. cities?  It is happening in Las Vegas, it is happening in New York City and it is even happening in Kansas City.  As the economy crumbles, poverty in the United States is absolutely exploding and so is homelessness.  In addition to the thousands of ‘tunnel people’ living under the streets of America, there are also thousands that are living in tent cities, there are tens of thousands that are living in their vehicles and there are more than a million public school children that do not have a home to go back to at night.”

http://theeconomiccollapseblog.com/archives/the-tunnel-people-that-live-under-the-streets-of-america

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The ‘Rain Tax’

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“In 2010 the EPA ordered Maryland to reduce stormwater runoff into the Chesapeake Bay so that nitrogen levels fall 22 percent and phosphorus falls 15 percent from current amounts. The price tag: $14.8 billion.  And where do we get the $14.8 billion? By taxing so-called ‘impervious surfaces,’ anything that prevents rain water from seeping into the earth (roofs, driveways, patios, sidewalks, etc.) thereby causing stormwater run off. In other words, a rain tax.  And who levies this new rain tax? Witness how taxation, like rain, trickles down through the various pervious levels of government until it reaches the impervious level — me and you.”

http://www.gazette.net/article/20130405/NEWS/130409397/-1/the-x2018-rain-tax-x2019&template=gazette&template=gazette

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