Rebecca from EFF writes, "How would you feel about having your computer taken over by online test-taking software – complete with proctors peering through your laptop camera? Reporters at the Spartan Daily (the student paper for San Jose State University) have an interesting story about new software in use there, and the legitimate concerns that some students have. The data-broker connection is especially chilling to those worried about their personal information." The company's response? "We're a customer service business, so it's really not advantageous for us to violate that trust." Oh, well, so long as that's sorted out then.
Online test-proctoring: educational spyware that lets third parties secretly watch and listen to you through your computer
Florida cops use AI to target people for a new "enhanced scrutiny" program
In the autumn of 2020, the Tampa Bay Times published an investigation into the Pasco County Sheriff's Department, which was openly boasting about its new Minority Report-inspired intelligence gathering program. I wrote about it then, but here's a quick summary of how it works: First the Sheriff's Office generates lists of people it considers likely… READ THE REST
Check out "Forever Wars," a new newsletter that reimagines national security reporting
I'm a big fan of journalist Spencer Ackerman's work as a national security reporter, hardcore punk drummer, and scholarly Magneto apologist. He was part of the Pulitzer Prize-winning team at The Guardian that broke the news of the Snowden leaks, and has more recently worked as the senior national security correspondent for the Daily Beast.… READ THE REST
It's been 10 years since an artist recorded candid shots from Apple Store webcams—and got a visit from the Secret Service
It's the 10th anniversary of when visual artist Kyle McDonald set up a webcam app on Macs at an Apple store that sent mugshots of shoppers to an online gallery [archive.org]. Apple's response was overbearing and censorial, firing out legal nastygrams citing the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act to get Tumblr to take it all… READ THE REST
Join the webinar age with the video ease of LiveWebinar Pro for under $100
How do you reach dozens, hundreds, or even thousands without leaving your home or office? Well, there are always avenues like advertising. Of course, 30 seconds of television time isn't cheap, let alone if you want to talk for 10 or 30 or even 60 minutes. And heck, nobody wants to go outside and brave… READ THE REST
Upgrade your kitchen with 15 percent off these gadgets and appliances
If you've been wanting to upgrade your kitchen with new gadgets, storage solutions, and cooking utensils, now's the time. That's because all of these items are marked down for a limited time for a semi-annual sale. Whether you've been meaning to cut back on your trips to the coffee shop by brewing your coffee at… READ THE REST
Take an extra 15 percent off on these wireless charging stations for your mobile devices
A wireless charger can make just about anyone's life so much easier. Whether you're looking for a wireless charger for your watch or a dock that can tackle a few of your gadgets at once, there are lots of markdowns right now for a limited time. There are even some chargers that are portable, so you… READ THE REST
