G91 News

The latest edition of EFF's EFFector newsletter highlights the importance of protecting online privacy and free expression. A new open-source tool, Rayhunter, detects cellular spying, while The Foilies 2025 awards recognize worst responses to public records requests. EFF also provides recommendations for the NSF AI Action Plan, prioritizing human rights over technological advancements. By subscribing to the newsletter or listening to the audio edition, individuals can stay informed and engaged in the digital rights movement. Joining EFF supports efforts to fight for a brighter digital future. Take advantage of resources like this to stay ahead of emerging tech trends."}","summary":""}

23andMe's bankruptcy has raised concerns about the sale of millions of users' genetic data. To mitigate potential risks, individuals can download their data for personal use and delete it. This step ensures that users have control over their information and prevents it from falling into the wrong hands. California Attorney General Rob Bonta agrees that uncertainty surrounding 23andMe's future is a clear indication to consider deleting one's data. Users should prioritize securing their downloaded data and taking steps to revoke consent for research, as well as reporting any concerns to regulatory bodies to prevent similar situations in the future."}","summary":""}

r r EFF's approach to competition involves using antitrust law to challenge anti-competitive behaviors by large tech companies, promoting innovation and choice for users. The EU has taken steps to crack down on Big Tech with record fines and new regulations. The Digital Markets Act (DMA) aims to break down barriers for smaller businesses by regulating online gatekeepers. EFF believes that good competition rules can complement antitrust enforcement and promote better alternatives that protect user privacy and enhance technological self-determination. The discussion highlights the complexities of regulating large tech companies and promoting a healthy tech ecosystem."}","summary":""}

Repealing Section 230 would have devastating consequences for small online services and everyday internet users. The law provides critical protection for these individuals, allowing them to host and share content without fear of reprisal. Big Tech's involvement in the repeal debate only serves to further entrench their power and control over the internet. Section 230 is essential to upholding American values in the digital world, allowing communities to form and moderate online content freely. Its repeal would not protect free speech, but rather cement Big Tech's monopolies and silence marginalized voices. EFF urges Congress to listen to small services and users."}","summary":""}

r r The termination of two FTC commissioners by the Trump administration has sparked concerns about the weakening of privacy protections in the digital age. Alvaro Bedoya, a commissioner, had previously spoken out against workplace surveillance and emphasized the need to strengthen privacy laws. His work serves as a reminder that technology should serve people, not the other way around. The analogy from Dr. Seuss' "Hawtch-Hawtcher Bee-Watcher" illustrates the dangers of over-surveillance and the importance of finding a balance between security and individual rights. Bedoya's efforts to create a better digital world for all users are crucial in today's society."}","summary":""}

The USPTO's recent memo has further restricted access to inter partes review (IPR), a process intended to challenge invalid patents. This move is expected to embolden patent trolls, shield bad patents from scrutiny, and make it harder for small businesses and developers to defend themselves against weak patents. The IPR system was created in 2012 to address the issue of patent office mistakes, but the USPTO's decision undermines its effectiveness. Alternative solutions, such as increasing transparency or providing more resources for patent examiners, may be necessary to ensure that bad patents are not allowed to stand."}","summary":""}

The US government's bipartisan antitrust suit against Google seeks to challenge the company's search monopoly, which has maintained its dominance through various agreements with mobile phone makers, browser vendors, and wireless carriers. Proposed remedies include banning search engine exclusivity agreements and forcing Google to spin off Chrome and Android into separate companies. While this approach aims to promote competition, there are risks to user privacy and potential unintended consequences. A thorough evaluation of the proposed remedies is necessary to ensure that they balance competition with user protection, setting a precedent for regulating tech giants globally."}","summary":""}

r r The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has expanded its call to attorneys general in several states to investigate crisis pregnancy centers for potential privacy violations and deceptive practices. Many CPCs have been operating under misleading promises, suggesting protection under HIPAA, when in fact, they do not follow consistent privacy policies or obtain appropriate consent for sharing personal data. EFF urges state leaders to take proactive steps to protect constituents from unfair or deceptive practices and to reassess how public funds are allocated to CPCs. A comprehensive federal law is needed to ensure adequate protections for user privacy."}","summary":""}

The EFF attended RightsCon in Taipei, Taiwan, highlighting pressing human rights challenges and potential solutions. The event underscored the need for collective action against authoritarian governments and Big Tech's role in rights-abusing practices. Funding cuts to digital rights organizations, including those from the US government, pose a significant threat to the global community. Efforts must be made by other funders, countries, and individuals to ensure continued work defending human rights online. The call for Alaa Abd El-Fattah's release from detention was a prominent message, emphasizing the importance of solidarity with activists and civil society actors worldwide."}","summary":""}