Europe Told to Rethink E-Privacy Directive
Privacy advocates in Europe rally the public and ask Europols to reconsider legislation to be debated before the European Parliament on Friday. Before 9-11, Europeans were much more privacy conscious than Americans and had much stricter inforcement of privacy laws regarding access and sale of private/personal information. Many privacy advocates in the U.S. considered the EU privacy laws as a model to be followed in the U.S., where corporate greed often trumps individual privacy rights.

Securing the Internet Without Encryption
This could be a great way to secure the net, if it works.

Self-Executing Virus Hits Net
This should go without saying, but I'll say it anyway, don't use Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express e-mail programs. They are virus delivery systems with e-mail programs conveniently included. If you must use them, make sure your virus software is updated...constantly.

James Bond-Style Gadgets in Demand
Surveillance tech toys, biometrics, and bullet-proof vests are a hit.

New Gadgets Emphasize Mobility
This Washington Post article looks at the cool new tech toys previewed at Comdex. I'm not sure about the Samsung TV Phone, but I'm sure your Trib Force members could use a Handspring PDA-cell phone. Just remember, no Trib Force secrets broadcast in the clear.

Surfing the Web Away From Big Brother
An interesting article from the Korea Herald about online privacy and how to go about keeping your personal information private from online snoopers.

Europe Reruns Through Spy Bill
New surveillance legislation is under consideration by the EU after the 9-11 terrorist attacks.

Palm Offers Price Cuts, Add-Ons
Now that PDA prices are falling, there's no excuse not to get everyone in your Trib Force a handheld organizer for all your super-secret info. Don't forget to password protect it, though this probably goes without saying.

How to Mate Your Laptop With a Wireless Network
For your on-the-run Trib Force members, some important info on how to be on the go with your laptop. Can you imagine Buck without a cell phone or laptop?

Farewell Web Freedom?
A look at the USA Act just passed by the U.S. Senate and the implications of this new surveillance authority for civil liberties worldwide.

Fears Rekindle Key Escrow Debate
It looks like the info police have gained an edge in the debate over new encryption regulations.

Making Your Computer More Secure
In this new age of insecurity, here is some more advice on how to secure your personal computer. This is basic advice, but of course, very few people even bother with the basics.

Concern Over Proposed Changes in Internet Surveillance
And, as much as that last entry was good news, this entry concerns potentially bad news for privacy, as proposed changes in government Internet surveillance have the potential to target not just terrorists but the net use of average citizens.

U.S. Judges Set Precedent for Workplace Privacy
Some potential good news regarding privacy in the workplace, federal courts agreed to adopt relaxed guidelines for monitoring the Internet use of judges and other employees, a move this ZDNet article suggests could lead to greater privacy protection for workers nationwide.

How the Al Qaeda Cell Structure Works
Some interesting info from the Washington Post on how bin Laden's Al Qaeda cell structure works:

Cells: Al Qaeda is organized on principles of secrecy and security. Its cells are usually small. Members of one cell do not necessarily know members of another. Cells may remain inactive for years, or only engage in peaceful Islamic activities. For terrorist actions, al Qaeda cells are divided into planning and execution entities

Coalition to Congress: Slow Down
Fearing that too many civil liberties may be given up in exchange for stricter security, a new, multi-partisan group plans to urge Congress to be careful when writing new laws. Declan McCullagh of Wired News reports from Washington.

THE END USER Protect Your PC
Here is an article that makes the case that if you have a computer connected to the Internet, you need to install a firewall defense. And, just as an aside, my ZoneAlarm firewall has been extremely active the last few days, more so than usual I mean. Has anyone else noticed an increase in probes?

This is How We Know Echelon Exists
There has been a flood of news articles about the clash between privacy and national security, this is one of them. We must be very careful as a country that we don't sacrifice the virtues of an open, democratic and pluralistic society. These are the virtues that distinguish US from THEM.

U.S. Citizens Back Encryption Controls
Um, no they don't, at least not anyone I know. Encryption controls would not have helped stop the attacks, as the bin Laden cells have beenr revealed to be very lowtek - no cell phone or computers. I've have to check where I read that. Anyway, if the terrorists are seeking to evade being monitored by going lowtek, then the only people who are really restricted by new controls are law abiding citizens. And, if the liberties of citizens are diminished, the terrorists have succeeded in changing our way of life. I, for one, don't want to see them score that victory.

Use of Technology in Tragedy
In the midst of today's tragedy of terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon many people around the globe found comfort through technology and the Internet. Find out how you can use the Internet to touch base with your loved ones.