Thursday, February 23, 2012

President Says We Have Privacy Rights

Privacy is back in the news this day…with the announcement by the President that he is backing a so-called “Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights.” And, he may get the support of all the major Web browser manufacturers.

Now that is something when a company like Google, who knows most everything about you anyway, will support your right to privacy. Seems a bit ironic, that’s all. Anyway I look for the Congressional Hollywood Whores to try and attach riders to the bill to help out their entertainment friends…but of course, when it comes to Congress, I am the eternal pessimist. Sorry.

There are some other interesting things going on in this edition, so I will let you get right to it. -JRC

Obama unveils Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights

The Obama administration plans to work with Congress to enact legislation to protect peoples' online privacy based on a Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights being unveiled tomorrow. At the same time, Google, Yahoo, Microsoft, and AOL are committing to work with Do Not Track technology in most major Web browsers

Tech firms agree to privacy protections for mobile apps

In an effort led by California's attorney general, Apple, Google, Microsoft, and others have agreed to require developers to inform users about data usage policies before they download apps.

Google Planning Data-Display Glasses

You're in a new city, and, through a pair of thick-rimmed glasses, you view data Relevant Products/Services overlaid onto your view of buildings, streets, fellow travelers, and more. This vision of a Terminator-like accessory is looking more likely, following new reports that such a device Relevant Products/Services will be released by the end of this year by -- who else? -- Google.

Airwaves to Be Freed Up for Faster, Better Wireless

A bill to auction off pieces of the public airwaves currently used for broadcast television so that they can be freed up for wireless Relevant Products/Services Internet is making its way to President Obama's desk. Members of Congress are promoting it, in part, as a jobs bill. The President is expected to sign it.

Why the FBI thinks you (and I) may be terrorists

If you are concerned about your privacy and always pay cash, or use peroxide to dye your hair, you fall within the subjective category of being a suspicious person.

11 ways to make Gmail smarter

Gmail is great, but it's easy to make it even better. These tricks and add-ons can help you make the most of your e-mail. Gmail comes packed with plenty of smart, sleek features, and smart users are discovering (or building) new ones every day.

How to Remove Your Google Search History Before Google's New Privacy Policy Takes Effect

If you want to keep Google from combining your Web History with the data they have gathered about you in their other products, such as YouTube or Google Plus, you may want to remove all items from your Web History and stop your Web History from being recorded in the future.

The Windows Start menu super guide

Since the debut of Windows 95, the Start menu has offered an easily navigated and extensible haven for all the programs we don’t use every day. In Part 1 of a series of stories on getting the most out of Windows’ Start menu, we start with the basics: pinning applications, folders, and files.

Angry Birds Chrome

Why waste your phone's batteries when you can play Angry Birds on your browser? It's just as addictive and as fun as the mobile version. And that's why your productivity will end here.

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