Access Express | 07/04/13
NSA spying row: bugging friends is unacceptable, warns Europe
Following revelations of U.S. spying on E.U. member states, the leaders of Germany and France have accused Washington of "cold-war" tactics, calling the extent of NSA spying unacceptable.
via guardian 
Staff Picks
Encryption foiled wiretaps for first time ever, feds say
U.S. officials admit encryption has thwarted government surveillance efforts through court-approved wiretaps. The revelation comes in the wake of the NSA spying scandal, as people look for effective ways to protect their data from the government.
via wired
Iran's new president signals softer line on web censorship
Iran's president-elect, Hassan Rouhani, has recently expressed relatively progressive views about civil liberties, freedom of expression and the internet, stating, "Widespread online filtering will only increase distrust between people and the state."
via guardian
From The Access Community
Protesters stage Restore the Fourth rallies across U.S. on Independence Day holiday
Thousands demonstrated yesterday in cities across the U.S. to protest the government’s unlawful surveillance programs and to support privacy rights.
via accessnow
In Saudi Arabia, seven convicted for Facebook postings about protests
Saudi Arabia sentenced seven men to prison for allegedly inciting protests and harming public order through Facebook. The Specialized Criminal Court sentenced the men to terms ranging from five to 10 years.
via ifex
Telenor and Ooredoo win Myanmar telecoms licenses
Myanmar has chosen the two winners of its new telecoms licenses, Telenor Mobile Communications of Norway and Ooredoo of Qatar. But after winning the highly competitive process, they will have their work cut out for them with regards to human rights.
via accessnow
Rethinking limits on surveillance in a digital era
Kenneth Roth, executive director of Human Rights Watch, reflects on how increasingly sophisticated technology has drastically changed the needed limits on electronic surveillance.
via nybooks
Grenada to criminalize offensive online comments
Legislators in Grenada have approved a bill that makes it a crime to offend people through websites such as Facebook and Twitter. Those found guilty could be fined up to $37,000 or face three years in prison.
via bigstory
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In U.S., states may lead reform of law enforcement access to mobile phone data
The state of Montana recently passed a bill requiring police to obtain warrants before using cellphone records to find a suspect’s location. Other states are considering similar measures, while federal legislators have lagged behind.
via nytimes
Commonwealth of surveillance states: the dangers of Russian-made surveillance technology
Access released a paper highlighting the challenges of regulating growing electronic surveillance in Central Asia, where Russian companies and technologies dominate the market.
via accessnow
China's new public petition website crashes on first day
Chinese officials launched the new website for citizens to submit online petitions directed at the government. But after crashing on the first day, it has sparked mockery and criticism from online users.
via globalvoicesonline
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