The DOJ is highly tempted by revealing data held by telephone and email companies despite state spying threatening press freedom.
Spying and Privacy articles on Democracy Chronicles
This Spying and Privacy section concerns how these two issues impact freedom of speech and democracy in general. The modern technology we rely on has complicated the struggle to protect citizens from government overreach, especially following increased concerns of surveillance of domestic communications. Also see our entire section on Election Technology or our articles on Technology Dissidents like Eric Snowden and Julian Assange.
Lessons Learned from Portugal’s Election During The Pandemic
Though Portugal’s elections appeared well-run, Portugal made mistakes in the run-up to the vote that exposed it to external interference.
Facebook Didn’t Stop 10 Billion Views of Election Disinformation
If Facebook had taken steps earlier last year, it might have avoided 10 billion views of deceptive election-related material in the U.S.
Facial Recognition Technology Can Predict A Person’s Political Orientation
A new study shows that from a person’s Facebook profile picture, facial recognition technology can reliably predict their political views.
Prominent Russian Rights Organization Dissolves Amid Crackdown
Individuals and unregistered civic movements in politics and receiving foreign funding can now be labeled “foreign agents” in Russia, new law.
Hacking Group is Targeting Vietnam’s Democracy Activists
A new report reveals that a hacking group close to the Vietnamese government is involved in hacking attacks against activists and NGOs.
A Look at the Newly Updated Voting Security Standards
Election Assistance Commission voted to adopt first comprehensive update to its voting system security guidelines in 15 years.
Debate Over How to Ban Wireless Gear in Voting Machines
Manufacturers may have to demonstrate that any wireless gear in their voting machines have been rendered unusable.
Is Russia distorting GPS signals to protect Vladimir Putin?
For years Russia jammed satellite systems in the Black Sea. Recent events suggests this may have been to conceal the so-called “Putin’s Palace”.
SolarWinds Hack May be Big Setback to Judicial Transparency
The vulnerability in SolarWinds resulted in an “apparent compromise” of “highly sensitive non-public documents,” such as sealed filings.