EFF Newsletter

In our 561st issue:

• UPDATES
• MINILINKS
• ANNOUNCEMENTS

EFF Uncovers Widespread FBI Intelligence Violations

In a report released this week, EFF documents alarming trends in the FBI's intelligence investigation practices, suggesting that FBI intelligence investigations have compromised the civil liberties of American citizens far more frequently, and to a greater extent, than was previously assumed. EFF's report underscores the need for greater transparency and oversight in the intelligence community.

Copyright Troll Gives Up in Porn-Downloading Case

An adult video company has dropped its flawed lawsuit accusing hundreds of Internet users of illegally downloading pornography. EFF and Public Citizen argued that the company should not be allowed to send subpoenas for the Does' identifying information, because it had sued hundreds of people in one case, in the wrong jurisdiction, and without meeting the constitutional standard for obtaining identifying information. This is the latest victory in EFF's battle against copyright trolls. Lawyers around the country are discovering that mass copyright litigation is not such a lucrative business model if you have to pursue your cases fairly.

EFF Updates

Internet Security Savvy is Critical as Egyptian Government Blocks Websites, Arrests Activists in Response to Continued Protest
The use of the Internet and social networking tools to organize dissent can also give governments ways to identify and retaliate against activists -- which is why protecting anonymity and freedom of expression is more critical than ever.
Egyptian Actions Highlight Dangers in U.S. Cybersecurity Proposals
The Egyptian regime's shutdown of the Internet in an attempt to preserve its political power highlights the dangers of any government having unchecked power over our Internet infrastructure.
EFF Urges Commerce Department to Embrace 'Do Not Track'
EFF submitted comments to the Department of Commerce Internet Policy Task Force in favor of Do Not Track, which will help consumers fight against the largely invisible, poorly understood, and continually escalating surveillance of their online activities.
Mozilla Leads the Way on Do Not Track
Mozilla is now taking a clear lead and building a practical way forward for people who want privacy when they browse the web.
EFF Files Comments on Pre-1972 Sound Recordings
EFF recommended to the Copyright Office that pre-1972 sound recordings be brought under federal jurisdiction, as a prior Copyright Act carveout chills preservation, distribution and creative re-use of these sound recordings.
MasterCard's Support for COICA Threatens A Free And Open Internet
Not only does MasterCard support the passage of the Internet Censorship and Copyright Bill ("COICA"), but it also appears to be willing to voluntarily stop processing payments made to sites that allegedly offer “pirated” or other copyrighted content.
House Subcommittee Revives Mandatory Data Retention Debate...With a Surprise Attack on EFF
Congress should avoid dangerous, invasive legislation that would force ISPs and telecom providers to log information about how users communicate and use the Internet.
Court Should Grant Public Access to Electronic Mapping Data
EFF joined a coalition of public interest and media groups urging a California Court of Appeal to uphold the public's right to access electronic files -- geographic information system (GIS) basemaps, in this case -- created and stored by local governments.

miniLinks

UK Copyright Troll Calls It Quits, Drops Lawsuits
Like some stateside copyright trolls, UK law firm ACS: Law has dramatically withdrawn from pursuing alleged file-sharers.
Detailed Comparative Study of European Privacy Laws
Privacy International, the Electronic Privacy Information Center, and the Center for Media and Communications Studies published the European Privacy and Human Rights study, investigating the European landscape of national privacy/data protection laws.
EFF Activist Richard Esguerra on Mandatory Data Retention
EFF visits G4 TV's "Attack of the Show" to discuss the drastic flaws of mandatory data retention proposals.

Administrivia

ISSN 1062-9424
EFFector is a publication of the Electronic Frontier Foundation.
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Editor: Rainey Reitman, Activist
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Press releases and EFF announcements & articles may be reproduced individually at will.
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