This is what happens when you don’t have a written constitution.
Internet Hate-Speech Ban Called ‘Chilling’
Council of Europe’s Internet restrictions raise uneasy questions about civil rights online.
By Michelle Madigan
“WASHINGTON–As European leaders move to ban Internet hate speech and seek support from the United States, civil liberties groups charge that the proposal would violate free-speech rights.”
“Vote Republican. It’s easier than thinking”
Support Bush, Win a Mouse Pad
GOP Team Leader site beckons digital lobbyists to churn out mass e-mail for points, prizes.
By Daniel Tynan
“John Pinckney of Muncie, Indiana, thinks President Bush is ‘demonstrating genuine leadership’ in steering the nation’s economy. So do Kyle Klink of Rochester, New York; Stephanie Johnson of Milton, Massachusetts; and Michael Snyder of Merced, California. In the past two weeks, they and three dozen others have published identical letters to media sites, including the Boston Globe and Chicago Tribune–with the help of some online political maneuvering. “
Lame and pathetic. What’s next, a free lobotomy?
U.S. to Collect Data on Travelers
“WASHINGTON – The government wants detailed information about every person who comes to or leaves the country by commercial plane or boat, and for the first time will require U.S. citizens to fill out forms detailing their comings and goings.”
“Rules proposed yesterday by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) seek more information from travelers than under current law and extend the requirements to U.S. citizens and others previously exempted. They also include a system to allow quicker cross-checking databases and matching records of arrivals and departures.”
Actually, she just quit her job.
RIAA Chief Rosen Quits
She led music industry’s antipiracy campaign.
By Agam Shah
“Hilary Rosen, chief executive officer of the Recording Industry Association of America, will step down from her post by the end of this year, the organization says.”
Big enemy of music-swapping resigns
“NEW YORK (AP) — Hilary Rosen, the U.S. recording industry’s head lobbyist who waged a high-profile battle against Napster and music piracy, is resigning at the end of the year.”
Feds Deny Plan to Monitor Internet
Cybersecurity program, still in draft form, may call for greater surveillance online.
By Scarlet Pruitt
“A representative for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has denied a report that the U.S. government plans to release a proposal requiring ISPs to help build a centralized system designed to monitor Internet use.”
Yes, You Are Being Watched
At home and in the office–and everywhere in between–you could be under legal digital surveillance.
By Stephen Lawson
“If you’re feeling fenced in some day, you may decide to take a trip to your favorite gambling mecca, where anything goes.”
“Before you leave, you may want to tell your friends, and while you’re at it, let them know what you’ve been doing lately. Depending on where you are, and whether what you do sounds suspicious, the government may read that e-mail. “
Data-Mining of Citizens Stalled
Senate asks balance in Total Information Awareness program that cross-references personal data.
By Kyle Stock
“WASHINGTON–The government’s capacity to mine public and private databases for information on citizens has hit the brakes, by vote of the U.S. Senate.”
Critics Say Security Laws Sacrifice Civil Liberties
Homeland Security Act’s guidelines are too loose on the disclosure of online communications, some experts say.
By Paul Roberts
“Civil Libertarians are in a dither again, this time over new disclosure provisions for Internet service providers that are contained within the recently signed Homeland Security Act.”
Would Orwell Feel at Home?
ACLU report claims post-9/11 surveillance technology is alarmingly eroding privacy.
By Scarlet Pruitt
“The Orwellian vision of a ‘surveillance society,’ where the government peeks over everyone’s shoulder and chances to hide are scant, is coming dangerously close to reality, according to a report released by the American Civil Liberties Union this week.”
Senate Blocks Funding for Pentagon Database
By Susan Cornwell
“WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Saying they feared government snooping against ordinary Americans, U.S. senators voted on Thursday to block funding for a Pentagon (news – web sites) computer project that would scour databases for terrorist threats.”