Evan Greer from Fight for the Future writes, "Facial recognition might be the most invasive and dangerous form of surveillance tech ever invented. While it's been in the headlines lately, most of us still don't know whether it's happening in our area. My organization Fight for the Future has compiled an interactive map that shows everywhere in the US (that we know of) facial recognition being used — but also where there are local efforts to ban it, like has already happened in San Francisco, Oakland, and Somerville, MA. We've also got a tool kit for local residents who want to get an ordinance or state legislation passed in their area."
Interactive map of public facial recognition systems in America
Facebook to move UK customers from EU user agreement to California's
Facebook will move its U.K. users into user agreements under U.S. law, swapping Europe's strict privacy rules for the lax ones it enjoys in California. This will allow the company more leeway to track how Britons use the service and to package that information for advertisers and security services. "Facebook has had to make changes… READ THE REST
What to know about COVID tracing apps
I have a group chat with some high school friends, who were recently talking about the COVID Alert CT App, a new voluntary state-sponsored COVID contact tracing option. Here's how it works, according to the Hartford Courant: The app uses Bluetooth to detect when another person with the same app comes within 6 feet. Your… READ THE REST
Hacking into your robot vacuum to eavesdrop on your home
It turns out you can hack into a robot vacuum cleaner and use it sensors to eavesdrop. How? With lasers! Spy agencies since the 1940s have eavesdropped on people using "laser microphones": You shine a laser at the window of a house, which vibrates every so faintly from the sound of whoever's inside, talking. You… READ THE REST
This cookware system can replace a bunch of kitchen tools in one handy unit
We've all had that kitchen moment that feels like a scene straight out of a Three Stooges movie. We go to one of those big cupboards to dig out a cupcake pan or a pasta maker or some other piece of highly specialized culinary technology, only to be greeted by a waterfall of kitchen stuff… READ THE REST
The Quantum X is the world's first upright water filtration vacuum
For most of the past century, vacuums were pretty much just vacuums. They suctioned dirt and other debris up off the floor, then passed it through a cloth or paper-based filter that would trap and collect all the dirt. But, a few decades ago, the water filtration vacuum showed up – and changed the game.… READ THE REST
If you've got a brilliant iPhone app idea, this training can help you build it yourself
When the Apple App Store got started in 2008, they opened with just 500 apps available. Just a short 12 years later, there are now approaching 2 million apps available for an iPhone user to download. And, we can guarantee you this – a vast portion of those apps didn't come from hardcore professional developers.… READ THE REST