A new Snowden leak, "SUSLOC (Special US Liaison Office Canberra) Facilitates Sensitive DSD Reporting on Trade Talks," details how the NSA mentored and oversaw Australian spies, and sanctioned their surveillance a of US law firm representing the nation of Indonesia in a trade dispute with Australia. The NSA and their Australian counterparts have captured the master keys for Telkomsel, the Indonesian carrier, and have total access to its communications. It's more evidence that mass surveillance and Internet wiretaps are about economic espionage more than national security — and more evidence that the NSA is a lawless organization with no respect for foundational principles like attorney-client privilege.
NSA authorized Australian wiretapping of US law firms in trade-dispute
Eyecam is a blinking, flitting webcam that looks back at you
This webcam, housed in an animatronic sculpture of a grossly disembodied human eye, was created by Marc Teyssier, Marion Koelle, Paul Strohmeier, Bruno Fruchard and Jürgen Steimle. [Human Computer Interaction Lab via The Verge] They call it the Eyecam and I lovehate it. Webcams that are in front of us, looking at us, constantly. What… READ THE REST
Evan Greer's "Surveillance Capitalism" is the internet's new official protest song
Evan Greer is trans-femme indie punk songwriter as well as an activist and the Deputy Director for the digital rights group Fight For The Future. Also, her new album — out this Friday 4/9, and delightfully titled Spotify is Surveillance — totally fucking rips. ("Emma Goldman Would Beat Your Ass," which I previously shared here… READ THE REST
Ikea France snooped on staff and customers for a decade, say prosecutors
Ikea set up a sprawling surveillance regime employing private detectives and corrupt cops to spy on its own staff and even customers, say prosecutors in France. The company's French subsidiary is going on trial this week along with former CEO Stefan Vanoverbeke, several former store managers and a number of police officers accused of handing… READ THE REST
The Kodak Step Touch instant camera does more than just print photos
With smartphone technology, everybody has a ridiculously brilliant digital camera to snap pictures at any time. While you can certainly share in the joy by emailing or texting family and friends with your shots, there's a tangible, visceral thrill when you've actually got a physical copy of your picture right in your hand, a real… READ THE REST
Here's how to learn everything in Microsoft Excel while paying a price you choose
You've likely used Microsoft Excel before, but seriously…have you ever REALLY used Microsoft Excel before? We've all tinkered with this heritage spreadsheet maker for simple data organization or basic tables and lists. But the reason this venerable software has been one of the leading productivity apps in history is because of its versatility. All it takes… READ THE REST
Drop temps by 59 degrees in 10 minutes with the EvaChill Personal Air Conditioner
Summer is right around the corner…which again means it's time to hang on to your cash. Amidst projections of a hotter than average summer in the U.S., it's safe to assume it'll be another season of wallet-clenching pain each month when most homeowners crack open their utility bills. The average home air conditioning unit costs… READ THE REST