In our 630th issue:
Can the FCC Create Public "Super WiFi Networks"?
Contrary to some recent suggestions in the media, the
government is not creating its own "super WiFi network." But its plans
will indeed make awesome new WiFi networks possible. Technically, what
the FCC is actually trying to do is increase the amount of open spectrum
that is available for WiFi networks of all sorts, and for other
"unlicensed" uses. This is a very good idea. Increasing the amount of
unlicensed spectrum will lead to better functioning routers, tablets,
laptops, and smartphones--and to a host of other new products in the
marketplace.
Three Things Students Can Do Now to Promote Open Access
The open access movement is focused on fixing a major problem:
much of the research funded with public money remains hidden behind
paywalls, depriving it of the visibility it deserves. As a result,
students and citizens face barriers accessing information they need, and
professors have a hard time reviewing and teaching the state of the
art. As scholars, researchers, and tuition-payers, students hold a
powerful voice in setting the course for the future of knowledge. Here
are three quick actions you can take to help promote the open access
movement and support the cultural commons.
Rebooting Computer Crime Law: What Needs To Be Fixed
In the wake of social justice activist Aaron Swartz's tragic
death, Internet users around the country are taking a hard look at the
Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA), the federal anti-hacking law. The
CFAA's greatest flaw is that makes it illegal to access a computer
without authorization or in a way that exceeds authorization, but
doesn't clearly explain what that means. This murkiness gives the
government lots of leeway to be creative in bringing charges.
EFF Updates
Copyright troll Righthaven LLC just doesn't know when to stand
down. Faced with six district court judges determining it didn't have
the right to sue people over copyrights it didn't own, it turned to a
higher power: the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. On Tuesday, EFF
appeared before that court to argue against Righthaven on behalf of one
of its victims.
The next time you allow a guest into your home for dinner,
should you be worried they're secretly video recording every detail of
your home for the government? In a new amicus brief filed in the Ninth
Circuit Court of Appeals, we've asked the court to reconsider a decision
finding that allowing someone into your home means you're also placing
yourself at the risk of warrantless home video surveillance.
Another day, another patent troll. The troubling trend of suing
downstream users and content providers really makes us mad. First it
was the app developers, then those who scan documents to email. Now, the
latest outrage: podcasters. EFF wants to help organize those facing the
threat so that we can gauge the size of the problem and hopefully help
people find counsel and a way to work together in response.
Can Congress embrace and enact sensible copyright policy? Four
years ago, for a brief shining moment, it seemed the answer might be
yes, as various interested stakeholders rallied around long-overdue
legislation that would have helped to fix the orphan works problem. In
the past several months, however, momentum started slowly building once
again toward a solution. The Copyright Office asked the public to weigh
in and EFF, along with Public Knowledge, responded.
Last year, we saw more battles in Congress over Internet
freedom than we have in many years as user protests stopped two
dangerous bills: the censorship-oriented SOPA, and the privacy-invasive
Cybersecurity Act of 2012. In 2013, Congress will tackle several
bills--both good and bad--that could shape Internet privacy for the next
decade. Here's what's ahead in the upcoming Congress.
When you use the Internet, you entrust your thoughts,
experiences, photos, and location data to intermediaries--companies like
AT&T, Google, and Facebook. But when the government requests that
data, users are usually left in the dark. The transparency reports from
companies like Google, Twitter, DropBox, and more, have provided an
invaluable source of information about the extent of law enforcement
access to private data. Still, there are important gaps in our
understanding of that issue that won't be filled until even more
companies stand up for their users and demonstrate a commitment to
transparency.
Following the events of the "Arab Spring," numerous countries
throughout the Middle East and North Africa have begun assessing--or
reassessing--their regulation of the Internet. Last April, we criticized
Iraq's attempt at legislation: a heavy-handed bill that, if passed,
would impose life imprisonment for vaguely-worded "crimes" such as
promoting "ideas which are disruptive to public order" and lesser
sentences for a range of other offenses. Fortunately, it looks as if
this bill will not become law.
miniLinks
Micah Schaffer makes the case for broad reforms to computer
crime laws to bring the legal system into better alignment with our
principles of justice.
Four tips from the paper of record on how to check your privacy
settings and secure your profile on new fronts opened by the release of
Graph Search.A newly-updated guide to privacy and free speech policies for companies online makes the case that upholding these user rights is not just the right thing to do, but can be a business advantage.
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.
If you aren't already, please consider becoming an EFF member today.Donate Today
Administrivia
Editor: Parker Higgins, Activist
editor@eff.org
editor@eff.org
EFFector is a publication of the Electronic Frontier Foundation.
eff.org
eff.org
Membership & donation queries: membership@eff.org
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
The vast majority of new cars sold in the U.S. are equipped
with "black box" devices that continuously monitor driver behavior and
vehicle performance. The federal government has proposed a new rule
mandating these recorders in all new cars, and is seeking comments from
the public. We're concerned that this proposed rule fails to address the
privacy issues, and will be submitting comments -- but you, too, can submit comments online, even anonymously.
Join us at the Booksmith for a special evening with
reknowned author and digital rights activist Cory Doctorow. Cory will
present his new novel Homeland, the sequel to the New York Times bestseller Little Brother. If you plan to attend, an RSVP is appreciated but not required.
February 7, 2013 San Francisco, CA
This large-scale conference aims to enhance regional
Internet freedom policies and to promote best practices in online media
regulation for key policymakers and experts. EFF's Director for
International Freedom, Jillian York, will speak.
February 14-15, 2013 Vienna, Austria
Join us for a drink at a secret location in Washington,
D.C.! Raise a glass with us and discover our latest work defending your
freedom online. The event is hosted by staff attorneys David Sobel,
Marcia Hofmann, and Nate Cardozo. And be sure to catch EFF at the annual
ShmooCon hacker convention that weekend.
February 15, 2013 Washington, D.C.
EFF Senior Staff Attorney Marcia Hofmann will speak on
developments in computer crime at ShmooCon 2013, the hacker convention.
February 15-18, 2013 Washington, D.C.
As the first-of-the-year Linux/Open Source software expo in
North America, SCALE 11X expects to host more than 100 exhibitors this
year, along with presenting more than 70 speakers. Come find us at the
EFF table.
February 22-24, 2013 Los Angeles, CA
EFF takes Austin for the annual South by Southwest
festival. Senior Staff Attorney Marcia Hofmann will speak at the event
titled "Legal Bootcamp for Mobile Developers." Director for
International Freedom of Expression Jillian York will speak at the event
titled "Cryptowars Deja Vu: Controlling Exports of Tech." More talks to
be announced soon.
March 8-17, 2013 Austin, TX |
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