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Verizon Employees Snoop on President-Elect Obama's Cellphone Records
It was recently disclosed that curious Verizon employees snooped into then Senator Obama's cellphone records during the recent election. Senator Patrick Leahy has asked the Department of Justice to provide information about investigations and prosecutions under the federal law that prohibits viewing confidential phone records information, related to the reports about Verizon employees improperly accessed President-elect Obama's cell phone records. The employees were dismissed but no criminal investigation was pursued. Unauthorized or illegal access to telephone records through pretexting, domestic surveillance, and now employee curiosity are posing problems for telecommunication privacy.
Who's Been Reading My Cell-phone Records?, PC World, November 25, 2008
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Posted by EPIC on November 29, 2008.
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FTC Halts Stalker Spyware Distribution
Following an EPIC complaint, a federal court has ordered CyberSpy Software to stop selling malicious computer software. In March, EPIC filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission alleging that the spyware purveyor engages in unfair and deceptive practices by: (1) promoting illegal surveillance; (2) encouraging "Trojan Horse" email attacks; and (3) failing to warn customers of the legal dangers arising from misuse of the software. The federal regulators agreed, and asked the court for a permanent injunction barring sales of CyberSpy's "stalker spyware," over the counter surveillance technology sold for individuals to spy on other individuals. The court entered a temporary restraining order on November 6, 2008. Further litigation is expected before the court rules on the government's request for a permanent ban.
US Court Halts Sale of Spyware Program, PC World, November 18, 2008
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Posted by EPIC on November 17, 2008.
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Google "Flu Trends" Raises Privacy Concerns
Google announced this week a new web tool that may make it possible to detect flu outbreaks before they might otherwise be reported. Google Flu Trends relies on individual search terms, such as "flu symptoms," provided by Internet users. Google has said that it will only reveal aggregate data, but there are no clear legal or technological privacy safeguards to prevent the disclosure of individual search histories concerning the flu, or related medical concerns, such as "AIDS symptoms," "ritalin," or "Paxil." Privacy and medical groups have urged Google to be more transparent and publish the algorithm on which Flu Trends data is based so that the public can determine whether the privacy safeguards are adequate. At some point aggregate data is identifiable data. Advocacy groups are seeking information on the privacy protections intended to safeguard against abuse or misuse of search information.
Is There a Privacy Risk in Google Flu Trends?, New York Times, November 13, 2008
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Posted by EPIC on November 15, 2008.
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DHS Requires Travelers to Turnover More Data
The Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Security Administration issued its final rule on Secure Flight. The rule requires that all air travelers provide their full name, date of birth, and gender to airlines with 72 hours of a flight's departure. However, the agency is asking that if airlines have in their possession additional information on air travelers that they provide it as well. The agency will control the printing of boarding passes for air travelers. Agency rules have the force of law, unless overturned by court decisions or legislative action.
DHS screening to require air travelers to fork out more info, New York Times, October 23, 2008
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Posted by EPIC on November 15, 2008.
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In EPIC Case for Wiretap Memos, Federal Judge to Review Justice Department Documents
In EPIC v. DOJ, EPIC, the ACLU, and the National Security Archive are seeking government documents regarding the President's warrantless wiretapping program. Today, a federal court ordered the Department of Justice to provide for inspection copies of legal memos authored by government lawyers. The opinions, prepared by the Office of Legal Counsel, provided the legal basis for the President to wiretap US citizens in the United States without court approval. EPIC began the Freedom of Information Act lawsuit in December 2005, after the New York Times first reported the details of the wiretap program.
Judge to Examine Warrantless Spying Docs in Chambers, Wired News, November 6, 2008
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Posted by EPIC on November 15, 2008.
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Recent Stories
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November 29, 2008
Verizon Employees Snoop on President-Elect Obama's Cellphone Records
November 18, 2008
Court Upholds New Hampshire Prescription Privacy Law
November 17, 2008
FTC Halts Stalker Spyware Distribution
November 15, 2008
Google "Flu Trends" Raises Privacy Concerns
November 15, 2008
Want a Job with the Obama Administration -- Hand Over Your Data
November 15, 2008
DHS Requires Travelers to Turnover More Data
November 15, 2008
In EPIC Case for Wiretap Memos, Federal Judge to Review Justice Department Documents
October 29, 2008
DC Police Begin Random Searches of Metro Passengers' Bags
October 25, 2008
False Report Takes in Blogs Leading to Online Election Rumor
October 22, 2008
Homeland Security Clears Secure Flight but Watchlists Remain
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