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EFFector - Volume 28, Issue 12 - Internet champions and malware hunters among 2015 Pioneer Award winners

EFFECTOR

EFFector - Volume 28, Issue 12 - Internet champions and malware hunters among 2015 Pioneer Award winners

 
 
EFFector! Electronic Frontier Foundation
 
 

In our 683rd issue:

EFF Announces 2015 Pioneer Awards for Internet Champions, Privacy Advocates, and Malware Hunters

EFF's Pioneer Awards are like the Oscars, except that we honor activists not actors, hoodies and jeans are red-carpet haute couture, and the presentations are just the right length. So, maybe it's not like the Oscars at all. Nevertheless, our always-inspiring annual event will recognize the security researchers at Citizen Lab, Internet access champions Anriette Esterhuysen and the Association for Progressive Communications, and digital community advocate Kathy Sierra. A fourth, posthumous award will honor visionary privacy advocate Caspar Bowden, who passed away in July. The ceremony will be held at Delancey Street's Town Hall in San Francisco on Sept. 24.

DEA Forced to Answer EFF's Questions in Mass Spying Case

A federal judge has ruled that EFF will be able to pose questions to government officials under oath about a Drug Enforcement Administration program that collected billions of international calling records over two decades. EFF filed the case on behalf of Human Rights Watch in April, and, as far as we know, this is the first time a court has allowed discovery in a case challenging mass surveillance.

EFF Sues Justice Department Over Rapid DNA Records

The FBI has no problem talking publicly at conferences and briefing Congress about their plans to use Rapid DNA technology—laser printer-sized, portable machines that allow anyone to process genetic material in as little as 50 minutes. However, when we filed a Freedom of Information Act request, the FBI responded that it didn't have a single relevant record. If that's the game the FBI wants to play, then we have no problem taking the Department of Justice to court.

EFF Updates

Hollywood "Livid" that USTR May Reopen TPP's Copyright Rules

Under pressure from tech companies and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Trade Representative has reportedly agreed to reconsider a key copyright provision in the Trans-Pacific Partnership. This is a huge opportunity for users, consumers, and remix artists to prevent terrible restrictions—so it's no surprise that the Motion Picture Association of America is throwing a tantrum.

California May Soon Require a Warrant for Your Data

More than a 1,000 EFF supporters have emailed the California Assembly urging them to pass S.B. 178, which would ensure police need a warrant before searching your data. But we still need more voices: if you live in the Golden State, tell your assemblymember to vote yes when the California Electronic Communications Privacy Act comes to the floor.

Megaupload User Still Fighting to Get His Files Back

Three years after the feds seized Megaupload's servers, users still can't access their data. EFF has filed yet another brief asking a court to let sports videographer Kyle Goodwin have his files back.

Surveillance Self-Defense: The Animated Series

EFF's Surveillance Self-Defense online guide is now even handier with the release of four animated shorts explaining the basics of online information security. The four cartoons cover encryption, using dice to create passwords, securing your device, and password management tools.

Law Enforcement Policies for Mobile Biometrics Tech Are Trickling In

MuckRock and hundreds of members of the public have filed public records requests around the country to shine light on how local law enforcement agencies use mobile biometric technologies, such as facial recognition and iris scanning. The records are now coming in, starting with mobile fingerprinting analysis policies from Denver and San Jose.

Why East Texas is America's Patent Troll Capital

So far in 2015, 44% of all patent cases were filed in the Eastern District of Texas. In this Deep Dive, EFF Staff Attorney and Mark Cuban Chair to Eliminate Stupid Patents Daniel Nazer explains why this is outrageous and needs to change.

Copyright Takedowns are the Wrong Response to the Ashley Madison Breach

The hack of the Ashley Madison romantic affair website may prove devastating for its users, but issuing takedown requests to sites, such as Twitter and reddit, to hide information about the breach is an abuse of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.

miniLinks

ProPublica: Why the Close Collaboration Between the NSA and AT&T Matters

Documents revealing how AT&T assisted the NSA in electronic surveillance on a massive scale could significantly impact EFF's lawsuit, Jewel v. NSA.

Note to Self: When Your Conspiracy Theory Is True

WNYC's tech podcast tells the story of how Daniel Rigmaiden uncovered police "Stingrays" from a prison library.

San Jose Mercury-News: Proposal to Put ALPRs on Garbage Trucks

Claiming people don't have a right to privacy on a public street, San Jose officials want to attach automatic license plate readers to garbage trucks to find stolen cars.

Supported by Donors

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.

If you aren't already, 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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General EFF, legal, policy, or online resources queries: info@eff.org

Reproduction of this publication in electronic media is encouraged. MiniLinks do not necessarily represent the views of EFF.

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Announcements

Autodefesa contra Vigilância

EFF's Surveillance Self-Defense interactive guide is now available in Portugese.

Project Secret Identity at Dragon Con

EFF is bringing our cosplay activism campaign back to Dragon Con. Plus, our team will sit on a whopping 11 different panels.
September 4-7, 2015
Atlanta, Georgia

Das Ist Netzpolitik!

EFF International Director for Freedom of Expression Jillian C. York returns to Netzpolitik.org's annual conference.
September 4, 2015
Berlin, Germany

World Maker Faire New York 2015

Stop by our booth at the New York Hall of Science.
September 26-27, 2015
Queens, NY

National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement Conference

EFF Investigative Researcher Dave Maass will speak on law enforcement technology and data-driven police accountability.
October 6-7, 2015
Riverside, CA

Free Culture Forum

EFF will participate in two days of working groups and workshops on issues including copyright, net neutrality, free expression, freedom of information, and privacy.
October 30-31, 2015
Barcelona, Spain

LISA15

EFF supporters received $75 off registration to USENIX's annual conference. Stop by our booth for further membership discounts.
November 8-15, 2015
Washington, DC

Thanks Cards Against Humanity!

A special thanks to the indie game company Cards Against Humanity from EFF Executive Director Cindy Cohn for an excellent comedy fundraiser last month in Chicago.

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