Kevin J. O’Brien reports: A German computer engineer said Monday that he had deciphered and published the secret code used to encrypt most of the world’s digital mobile phone calls, in what he called an attempt to expose weaknesses in the security of the world’s wireless systems. The action by the encryption expert Karsten Nohl…
Two Consumer Groups Ask FTC to Block Google’s $750 Million Purchase of AdMob
Two consumer groups today asked the Federal Trade Commission to block Google’s $750 million deal to buy AdMob, a mobile advertising company, on anti-trust grounds. In addition, the groups said, the proposed acquisition raises privacy concerns that the Commission must address. In a joint letter to the FTC, Consumer Watchdog and the Center for Digital…
20,000 council workers can enter homes without a warrant
Robert Winnett reports: Almost 20,000 council workers now have the right to enter people’s private homes without a warrant or police escort, new research has disclosed. The average local authority has 47 employees authorised to enter private homes, although some councils have hundreds of such inspectors. The Home Office recently admitted that 1,043 different laws…
Oregon drivers file lawsuit against purchasers of state database
Via Courthouse News: Some Oregon drivers have filed a class action lawsuit against Direct Response Media Group and others who they claim purchased their drivers’ records in violation of Driver Privacy Protection Act, 18 U.S.C. §2721. The defendants in the case are Direct Response Media Group dba Direct Aman Enterprises, Archways Systems, Bilyeu-Miller Insurance, Commercial…