CNET News - Politics and Law

Tor anonymity project looks to help Iranians sidestep Net ban

Edward Moyer — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:08:10 PST

Tor's "obfsproxy" technology would make encrypted data look innocuous and let it dodge government censors. That could help citizens in Iran reach blocked sites as antigovernment protests reportedly loom.

Apple snatches a victory in Motorola patent wars

Lance Whitney — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:39:45 PST

A German judge has ruled in favor of Apple in one of several patent suits with Motorola, finding that iPhone maker did not violate a patent related to 3G/UMTS wireless communications.

Originally posted at News - Apple

LightSquared asks FCC for stricter GPS gear standards

Marguerite Reardon — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:36:26 PST

LightSquared is asking the FCC to impose stricter standards on GPS equipment to ensure that its network can coexist with these GPS devices.

Originally posted at Signal Strength

Anonymous targets Oakland city officials

Daniel Terdiman — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:37:27 PST

The hacktivist group releases a document filled with private information on a group of City Hall and police department personnel. One councilwoman, whom Anonymous thanked for her community support, was spared.

Originally posted at Geek Gestalt

Google's response on new privacy policy ticks off congresswoman

Lance Whitney — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:29:59 PST

At a hearing in the House over the search giant's new privacy policy, subcommittee Chairwoman Mary Bono Mack expresses frustration over what she sees as Google's lack of clarity in answering questions.

German court rejects Apple bid to ban Galaxy phone, tablet

Josh Lowensohn — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:55:27 PST

Apple's attempts at getting Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1N and Galaxy Nexus smartphone banned from sale in the country have been rejected by a German judge.

Originally posted at Apple Talk

SOPA copyright bill draws fire

CNET News staff — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:55:00 PST

roundup The Stop Online Piracy Act is intended to target "rogue" Web sites, but critics say it'll knock the stuffing out of legitimate sites as well.

Originally posted at News - Digital Media

FCC reforms phone subsidy program for the poor

Marguerite Reardon — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:22:51 PST

The feds adopt major reforms to a subsidy program for low-income families and introduce a new pilot program to subsidize broadband.

Originally posted at Signal Strength

Is AT&T jockeying for Dish's wireless spectrum?

Marguerite Reardon — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:00:54 PST

AT&T asked the FCC not to restrict Dish from transferring or leasing its wireless spectrum, but also to make the satellite provider build a network quickly.

Originally posted at Signal Strength

Supremes to Congress: Bring privacy law into 21st century

Berin Szoka, Charlie Kennedy — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:01:30 PST

commentary The justices have ruled that GPS tracking requires a warrant. Now Congress needs to act to balance privacy and public safety regarding location data.