Access Express | 07/11/13
How Microsoft handed the NSA access to encrypted messages
According to new leaks, Microsoft has collaborated closely with U.S. intelligence services to allow users' communications to be intercepted, including helping the National Security Agency to circumvent the company's own encryption.
via guardian 
Staff Picks
Philippines considering "Magna Carta" for internet freedom
The Philippines is considering a crowdsourced internet regulation bill which could represent a huge improvement over the recent Cybercrime Prevention Act. Here's a brief analysis of the bill.
via eff
Gambians could face 15 years in jail for spreading "false news" online
The Gambian National Assembly has passed an amendment to the Information and Communication Act which criminalizes using the internet to spread false news against the government. Offenders will be jailed up to 15 years and/or fined about US $90,000.
via allafrica
From The Access Community
U.S. - E.U. trade agreement could threaten internet freedom
The first round of talks for the TTIP, the largest bilateral trade agreement ever, have begun. And according to the first leaked documents, the new treaty threatens to be yet another trojan horse for copyright and internet issues.
via ifex
Brazil demands explanation from U.S. over NSA spying
Brazil has called on the US to explain why its intelligence agencies have been monitoring millions of emails and phone calls from Brazilian citizens, as the fallout from the U.S. whistleblower Edward Snowden's revelations spread to Latin America.
via guardian
U.S. judge allows civil lawsuit against NSA to continue
A federal judge ruled that the Obama administration will not be allowed to terminate a lawsuit against the NSA on the basis that the argument would risk exposing national secrets, allowing AT&T users to continue their suit.
via rt
France drops controversial 'three strikes' anti-piracy law after spending millions
Mired in controversy, a French anti-piracy law that would disconnect those suspected of copyright infringement from the internet has been overturned and replaced with a system of automatic fines.
via guardian
China's Xinjiang region suffers information blockade four years after demonstrations
In 2009 Chinese authorities clamped a communications blackout on the Uighur region as part of military repression prompted by protests. Four years later the authorities are maintaining their tight control.
via ifex
Online and off, information control persists in Turkey
As protests continue in Turkey, information control and media intimidation are on the rise. After arresting people for tweeting in June, the Turkish government is now working to use legal tools to increase control over social network activity.
via globalvoicesonline
Joint E.U. and U.S. expert group will investigate U.S. spying
A joint E.U. and U.S. expert group will investigate the alleged U.S. spying on E.U. officials and report its findings in October, according to the European Commission says.
via bbc
Report warns connectivity blackout imminent in Nigeria
Nigerian internet users may soon be restricted from getting online, as the country's share of IPv4 addresses, on which most connectivity in the country is run, are nearly all allocated.
via thisdaylive
Florida accidentally bans all computers, smart phones
When lawmakers in the U.S. state of Florida recently voted to ban all internet cafes, they worded the bill so poorly that they effectively outlawed every computer in the state, according to a recent lawsuit.
via huffingtonpost
Investors raise unique surveillance concerns
Some of the world’s leading sustainable investment firms have joined the chorus of voices speaking out against private sector compliance in the U.S. government's sweeping violations of human rights through its widely publicized NSA surveillance programs.
via accessnow
Obama’s appointment for U.S. FBI director fails to support surveillance reform
James Comey, nominee for director of the FBI, failed to take a stand against the NSA's widely publicized spying programs at his confirmation hearing. However, many members of the US Senate Judiciary Committee signaled their support for important reforms.
via accessnow
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