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In our 696th issue: Introducing the Electronic Frontier AllianceWe’re excited to unveil our new grassroots network, the Electronic Frontier Alliance (EFA). Uniting community and campus organizations across the U.S., the EFA will serve as a hub for activism and organizing along a spectrum of civil liberties and digital rights issues. The EFA will bring together a wide range of groups—everything from hacker spaces working to build free software tools to student collectives hosting teach-ins and documentary screenings. By coordinating groups with diverse tactics and strategies, we can all be more effective in the fight for digital rights. A dozen student and community groups around the country have already joined the EFA. If your group shares a commitment to the EFA’s principles—or if you’re looking to start a new digital rights organization in your community—then join the Alliance! EFF UpdatesToday’s Netflix isn’t going anywhere, but what about the next Netflix? If certain corporations get their way, then the innovative new business models of tomorrow will be illegal. Amnesty International: Encryption Is a Human Rights Issue A new report from Amnesty International shows how encryption is crucial to people’s ability to exercise their fundamental human rights. According to Amnesty, free expression relies on the right to communicate privately and securely. The report also notes that encryption is essential for people who work to defend human rights around the world. EFF Pressure Results in Increased Disclosure of Abuse of California’s Law Enforcement Databases EFF’s efforts to fix holes in oversight of the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System are paying off. New data and records released by California Department of Justice show a steep increase in the number of agencies disclosing cases of abuse of the state's network of law enforcement databases—a major victory for transparency and law enforcement accountability. Stupid Patent of the Month: Mega-Troll Intellectual Ventures Hits Florist With Scheduling Patent Another day, another troll bullying businesses with a stupid software patent. This time, it’s a patent on a commonplace process for assigning tasks to employees. Vietnamese Bloggers Sentenced to Prison in a Renewed Crackdown on Free Expression Prominent Vietnamese blogger Nguyen Huu Vinh and his assistant Nguyen Thi Minh Thuy were sentenced to prison last week in Hanoi for their work on a popular website that reported on human rights and government corruption. The case raises alarms of a new wave of repression against independent media and free expression online in Vietnam. FBI Breaks into iPhone. We Have Some Questions. By now, you've probably heard that the FBI has retreated from its dangerous and unconstitutional attempt to force Apple to subvert its own product’s security. While we’re glad to see this serious threat to users’ security averted, the FBI’s announcement raises questions about law enforcement’s use of vulnerabilities. (Email) Blast from the Past: EFF’s First Message to Supporters Read EFF's first ever email newsletter, from 1990. A lot of things have changed since then, but our commitment to privacy and freedom of speech hasn’t. miniLinksHow We’re Letting Robots Censor the Web (Washington Post) A new report on DMCA takedown procedures shows that decisions about what content gets removed from the Web are increasingly made by machines, not people. Nobel Prize-Winning Economist Calls TPP the “Worst Trade Deal Ever” (Boing Boing) According to noted economist Joseph Stiglitz, the Trans-Pacific Partnership is the worst trade agreement ever negotiated in history. Your iPhone Just Got Less Secure. Blame the FBI. (Washington Post) According to security expert Bruce Schneier, the FBI’s refusal to disclose the vulnerability that it exploited in the San Bernadino iPhone makes everyone less safe. Supported by DonorsOur members make it possible for EFF to bring legal and technological expertise into crucial battles about online rights. Whether defending free speech online or challenging unconstitutional surveillance, your participation makes a difference. Every donation gives technology users who value freedom online a stronger voice and more formidable advocate. If you aren't already, please consider becoming an EFF member today. AdministriviaEditor: Elliot Harmon, Activist EFFector is a publication of the Electronic Frontier Foundation. Membership & donation queries: membership@eff.org General EFF, legal, policy, or online resources queries: info@eff.org Reproduction of this publication in electronic media is encouraged. MiniLinks do not necessarily represent the views of EFF. This newsletter is printed from 100% recycled electrons. EFF appreciates your support and respects your privacy. Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe or change your email preferences, or opt out of all EFF email 815 Eddy Street
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