The European Commission plans to create a framework within which it will be easier for governments and transport operators to set up EU-wide tracking and monitoring systems for transport. European Data Protection Supervisor Peter Hustinx, who is responsible for regulating EU bodies’ privacy practices, said that he had concerns about the proposals. Though the systems…
Category: Surveillance
Witnesses: E-Verify system can’t detect ID theft
The Homeland Security Department’s E-Verify employment verification system cannot detect identity theft and fraudulent applications, according to testimony before a Senate Judiciary Committee subcommittee. The Internet-based E-Verify system allows employers to check Social Security numbers for their employees and prospective employees to determine whether the numbers are valid and the employees are therefore eligible to…
Oral arguments in FISA Amendments Act lawsuit
The American Civil Liberties Union was in court today for oral arguments in its landmark challenge to the unconstitutional FISA Amendments Act (FAA), which gives the government virtually unchecked power to intercept Americans’ international e-mails and telephone calls. The ACLU filed a lawsuit to stop the government from spying under the FAA less than an…
Russian postal workers to let police open mail
The Russian government has issued an order telling postal workers that police and security agents have a right to open mail, causing alarm among rights advocates who fear a return to the Soviet-era tactics of the KGB. The Communications Ministry said the order, which went into effect Tuesday, does not expand the powers of investigators,…