UN Human Rights Council Resolution on Internet and Human Rights a Step in the Right Direction
Earlier this month, the 47 member states of the United Nations Human Rights Council passed a landmark Resolution (A/HRC/20/L.13) to include the “promotion, protection, and enjoyment of human rights on the Internet.” The Resolution, which was presented by Sweden, was backed by more than 70 countries in all, both...
Temporary Copies: A TPP Provision Disconnected from the Reality of the Modern Computer
EFF has been among several groups following the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the threatening ramifications it would have for the future of the open Internet, access to knowledge, and innovation. Based on what we know from the leaked intellectual property chapter (IP chapter) proposed by the US,...
Announcing the Humble Music Bundle!
Humble Bundle is back with another great pay-what-you-want, DRM-free bundle — and this time it’s for music.
As with previous bundles, the Humble Music Bundle offers fans the chance to get great deals while supporting artists directly and demonstrating that innovative distribution models can work. Plus, you can...
As Secrecy System Veers Into Absurdity, Politicians Argue For More
The US classification system is “dysfunctional” and “clearly lacks the ability to differentiate between trivial information and that which can truly damage our nation’s well-being.” Those are not the words of EFF, nor any other government transparency advocate, but instead came from the former classification czar himself.
J....
Franken Amendment Would Remove Worst Part of Cybersecurity Bill
Senator Franken's New Amendment Would Strike Section 701 of the Cybersecurity Act of 2012, Removing Provisions that Permit Monitoring of Private Communications and Countermeasures
As we noted last week, a new cybersecurity bill (S 3414) (PDF) was introduced with privacy protective measures championed by Senators Franken, Durbin,...
Elusive FinFisher Spyware Identified and Analyzed
The FinFisher spyware, produced by the UK-based Gamma Group, has been for years as elusive as it was notorious. Since protesters found FinFisher company records in an abandoned Egyptian state security building last year, security researchers and activists around the world have been eager to get their hands on...
Washington State 'Cyberstalking' Case Based on Unconstitutional Law
San Francisco - The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) is urging a Washington State judge to dismiss "cyberstalking" charges stemming from rude comments left on a blog. In an amicus brief filed today, EFF argues that the case is based on an unconstitutional law that criminalizes free speech.
The defendant...
Mexicans Need Transparency on Secret Surveillance Contracts
This article has been co-authored with Gabriela Manuli, EFF International Privacy InternThe Mexican government shelled out $4.6 billion pesos ($355 million USD) to expand Mexican domestic surveillance equipment over the past year, a set of newly leaked documents has revealed. According to a July 16 press report, the Secretariat...
YouTube's Face-Blurring Technology Enables Anonymity
YouTube recently unveiled a new face blurring tool that lets users choose to conceal every face in a video they have uploaded. This is a commendable step towards fostering anonymous speech on the Internet. Activists around the world rely on being able to speak freely through online media, including...
Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances: We Need to Read the Fine Print
A new international treaty will add another layer of legal restrictions on audiovisual performances by giving the performers—actors, musicians, dancers and others—a new copyright-like right that will exist alongside copyright.
On June 24, 2012, the World Intellectual Property Organization Diplomatic Conference adopted the Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual...
