Google argues for right to continue scanning Gmail
by Martha Mendoza Associated Press, Inside Bay Area
Google’s attorneys say their long-running practice of electronically scanning the contents of people’s Gmail accounts to help sell ads is legal, and are asking a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit that seeks to stop the practice. Read More ›
Should everyone have the right to a break during the work day?
by Chris Morran, Consumerist
Surprisingly, it is perfectly legal in most states for employers to not give employees any rest during the time they are on the clock. Read More ›
California abruptly drops plan to implant RFID chips in driver’s licenses
by David Kravets, Wired
Following complaints from privacy groups, California lawmakers suspended legislation to embed radio-frequency identification chips, or RFIDs, in its driver’s licenses and state identification cards. Read More ›
Your phone is blabbing your location to anyone who will listen
by Devin Coldewey, NBC News
Everywhere you go, your phone is sending out signals that can be assembled to form a picture of your movements. You can’t turn them off, and companies have begun to pick them up, often without any indication that they’re doing so. Read More ›
Facebook’s new policy changes allow it to read your face, use it for ads
by Lauren Hockenson, Gigaom
Facebook’s proposed changes to its Data Use and Privacy policies give the platform more control and knowledge of a user’s image and likeness. When the changes go into effect, simply using Facebook will allow the company to use the name, likeness and language of a user for ads or “Sponsored Stories” without any compensation. Read More ›
Victory! AT&T and Verizon’s attack on low-income consumers stopped
CFC Executive Director Richard Holober stated, “An outpouring of opposition from consumers, seniors, organized labor, and the faith community overcame the corporate lobbying clout of AT&T and Verizon. Low-income Californians will continue to have basic phone service, including 911 service, at an affordable price.” Read More ›
Consumer Reports names blender a “don’t buy: safety risk,” recommends another one
by ABC Action News 7, WXYZ.com
During durability tests, a piece of the blade broke off. Can you imagine “drinking” the piece of blade that broke off, or worse yet, swallowing it? Read More ›
California moves to scrap toxic flame retardants
by Deborah Sullivan Brennan, San Diego Union Tribune
California took a step toward updating flammability standards, when a state bureau last week proposed new rules that could reduce the amount of toxic flame retardants in furniture and other consumer goods. Read More ›
Apple: A rotten core under a polished brand image
Until this poster child of anti-privacy and anti-social responsibility implements real change, we are supporting its deplorable behaviors and its burgeoning bottom line every time we purchase and use an Apple product. It’s time to hold Apple accountable and stop supporting it with our hard-earned dollars. Read More ›
‘Perfect privacy’? In Internet communication, that doesn’t exist
by Devin Coldewey, NBC News
Your communications are private — mostly. But when it comes to keeping a lid on the details of your communication — who you communicate with, and when and how you do it — perfect privacy just isn’t attainable. Read More ›
PG&E customers may face higher rates if utility costs rise over San Bruno fine
by George Avalos, Oakland Tribune
The utility’s proposal may contradict a state Public Utilities Commission staff proposal in July, which recommended against allowing PG&E to pass on to its rate payers the costs of any penalties imposed on it relating to the blast, which killed eight people and destroyed 38 homes.
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Facebook friends could change your credit score
by Katie Lobosco, CNN Money
Choose your Facebook friends wisely; they could help you get approved — or rejected — for a loan. Read More ›
“Smart” homes are vulnerable, say hackers
by Heather Kelly, CNN Tech
Security researchers say that connecting anything to a network opens it up for attacks, and they’re eagerly testing smart devices to find flaws and inform manufacturers. Read More ›