In our 676th issue:

• UPDATES
• MINILINKS
• ANNOUNCEMENTS

Will Congress Bypass the Democratic Process with TPP?

The Trans-Pacific Partnership is a controversial, secret agreement that would undermine online freedoms worldwide by exporting dangerous copyright rules. EFF and our members have been fighting it for years.

Now we're at a crossroads. At any moment in the next few days, legislators are planning to introduce a bill that would enable TPP to bypass public scrutiny with a no-debate Fast Track process. If it passes, members of Congress will have no opportunity to publicly discuss and consider the merits of the agreement, nor change any of the provisions decided through back room meetings. We need you to speak out now in defense of transparency, due process, and digital rights.

EFF Busts Podcasting Patent, Invalidating Key Claims at Patent Office

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office invalidated key claims in the so-called "podcasting patent" after a petition for review from EFF--a decision that significantly curtails the ability of a patent troll to threaten podcasters big and small. The "podcasting patent" became big news in 2013, when a company called Personal Audio, LLC, began demanding licensing fees from podcasters including comedian Adam Carolla and three major television networks. This is a big victory for the podcasting community, as well as the overall fight against bad patents.

EFF Lawsuit Challenges Drug Enforcement Administration Surveillance of International Call Records

EFF is representing Human Rights Watch, a nonpartisan organization that fights human rights abuses across the globe, in suing the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration for illegally collecting records of its telephone calls to certain foreign countries. The lawsuit aims to vindicate HRW’s rights, and the rights of all Americans, to make calls overseas without being subject to government surveillance.

EFF Updates

New Coalition Site Fight215.org Launches to Amplify Opposition to the NSA’s Mass Surveillance

EFF and a coalition of more than thirty organizations from across the political spectrum launched Fight215.org to help concerned individuals contact lawmakers and demand an end to the NSA’s unconstitutional mass surveillance under the Patriot Act. The campaign brings attention to the looming expiration of Section 215 of the Patriot Act, which the NSA claims justifies bulk collection of the phone records of millions of innocent people.

Automakers Say You Don’t Really Own Your Car

Automakers are trying to tell the Copyright Office you shouldn't be able to tinker with your car--and their responses to our car repair and security research comments completely miss the point. The manufacturers claim you could violate all sorts of existing regulations in fixing your car on your own, but fail to say why copyright law should keep car owners from popping the hood. Add your voice to our petition arguing for your right to repair and research your car.

Data Retention Law Passes in Australia, but the Fight Isn’t Over

Despite widespread opposition from journalists, activists, and the general public, Australia passed a comprehensive data retention bill this month. But it's not over: Australians can take steps now to protect themselves while organizing to fight back.

EFF Urges Canada to Dismiss Anti-Terror Legislation, Bill C-51

EFF joined more than 100 organizations and individuals in urging Canadian members of parliament to vote against Canada's anti-terror legislation, Bill C-51. The reckless bill contains vague language and proposes broad, unchecked surveillance powers that threaten the right to privacy and free expression in Canada.

Shari Steele: A Legacy of Digital Rights

For more than 20 years, Shari Steele quietly helped build EFF into the organization it is today. Read our fond farewell to our long-time executive director, and read her own retrospective on two decades at EFF.

miniLinks

The creepy spying power buried in the Patriot Act

A new video from filmmaker Kirby Ferguson explains why you should care about Section 215 of the Patriot Act.

Don’t keep the Trans-Pacific Partnership talks secret

The White House keeps TPP texts classified, allowing Hollywood to get anti-user policies passed in secret.

Test your skills with DEF CON at the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival

For the first time ever, the world's biggest underground hacking conference will travel from Las Vegas to NYC for this year's TFF. The three-day program will wrap up with a special live talk from Dark Tangent on April 25.

Supported by Members

Our members make it possible for EFF to bring legal and technological expertise into crucial battles about online rights. Whether defending free speech online or challenging unconstitutional surveillance, your participation makes a difference. Every donation gives technology users who value freedom online a stronger voice and more formidable advocate.

Please consider becoming an EFF member today.

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Administrivia

Editor: Rainey Reitman, Activism Director
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EFFector is a publication of the Electronic Frontier Foundation.
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