EFF has obtained a copy of the new FISA "compromise", and -- surprise! -- it contains blanket immunity for telecoms that helped the NSA break the law and spy on millions of ordinary Americans, just as we predicted yesterday. House Leadership intends to bring this bill to the...

Today’s Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals opinion in Quon v. Arch Wireless is a victory for the privacy of email and text messages. The holding means that law enforcement needs a probable cause warrant to access stored copies of your electronic messages less than 180 days old, regardless of...

Selectable Output Control (SOC) for Video Content: It's All About Control
Jon Healy explains that the MPAA's petition to the FCC is really about gaining control over the next generation of video technology.
Counter Spy Act -- Pro-Privacy or Anti-Piracy?
A new bill in the...

Members of Congress are currently negotiating language for Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) legislation, with reports saying that a deal is imminent. As early as this week, Congress may be voting on this legislation, which will determine whether or not telecommunications companies will be given immunity against lawsuits...

British ISP Starts Sending Letters to Customers Accused of File-SharingVirgin Media co-authors the letter with the BPI, which includes threats to terminate service.

French Council of State Wants ISP Filtering Out of Three StrikesDoes not like the expansion of non-judicial powers, rumors say.

Mutualised SchemesMeanwhile: a French...

Today The Hill and Congressional Quarterly are reporting that a deal has been reached on legislation to amend FISA, which will include retroactive immunity for telecommunications companies. Under the guise of a compromise, the legislation is designed to ensure that the only issue the courts will review...

In an important victory for the first sale doctrine, a federal district court today ruled that selling "promo CDs" on eBay does not infringe copyright. The court threw out a lawsuit by Universal Music Group (UMG), which had argued that the "promotional use only" labels affixed to these...