"If you have something that you don't want anyone to know, maybe you shouldn't be doing it in the first place. If you really need that kind of privacy, the reality is that search engines — including Google — do retain this information for some time… we are all subject in the United States to the Patriot Act…" —Google CEO Eric Schmidt, in 2009. Here's Bruce Schneier's response, from 2006.
Schneier vs. Schmidt on "privacy is for those who have something to hide."
Remove Trump's YouTube channel, civil rights groups say — or Google faces advertiser boycott
Civil rights groups say they will organize an advertiser boycott unless Google removes Trump's YouTube channel, Reuters reports on Tuesday, one week after Trump-loyal mob attacked the U.S. Capitol in an assault that left at least 5 dead. Excerpt: Jim Steyer, one of the organizers of the "Stop Hate for Profit" campaign which led over… READ THE REST
GitHub fired Jewish employee who said 'stay safe homies, Nazis are about' on Slack amid Capitol riot, 200 staff sign letter asking Microsoft-owned biz to denounce Nazis
GitHub fired a Jewish employee after he posted in the company's internal Slack to, "stay safe homies, Nazis are about," during the attack on the US Capitol, reports Business Insider. Read the full report at Business insider (paywalled). The fired employee says concern for relatives and co-workers living in Washington, DC motivated his comment —… READ THE REST
Apple removes Parler from App Store, after Google — 'we're toast,' says Parler
"We have always supported diverse points of view being represented on the App Store, but there is no place on our platform for threats of violence and illegal activity. Parler has not taken adequate measures to address the proliferation of these threats to people's safety." — Apple, in a statement late Saturday. Apple just pulled… READ THE REST
These 10 apps can help you make 2021 the year you learn a new language
Only 20% of American students learn a foreign language. While that's low, it ends up feeling downright pathetic when you consider that more than 9 out of 10 European students are schooled in at least one other tongue. Sure, there are so many languages in Europe that residents there have to learn a few to… READ THE REST
This grooming vacuum will help reduce dog and cat fur around your home
You love your family and friends. You love your spouse. You love your kids. But, even among those things you treasure most in this world, there's still a special kind of love you hold only for your pet. For as much as we shower our love and affection over these furry family members, there isn't… READ THE REST
The SteakMaster Gas Grill turns out steakhouse-quality meals at home in just 2 minutes
We realize it's still frigidly cold in many places, but advanced planning for summer 2021 needs to start happening now. And, even with so much still up in the air about what life will even feel like six months from now, it's time to get the ball rolling today. Of course, the centerpiece of any… READ THE REST