Hasta La Gadget!

Earlier today, the Electronic Frontier Foundation sued the Obama administration over concerns surrounding the NSA’s extensive surveillance programs, just weeks after the ACLU did the same. Filed on behalf of human rights, religious and environmental activist groups, the suit argues that the federal government’s so-called Associational Tracking Program is inherently unconstitutional because it threatens stipulations found in the Bill of Rights, like freedom of speech and the right to assembly. The list of plaintiffs is extensive, and the suit has united groups with varying mission statements, like Human Rights Watch, Greenpeace and the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. To read the complaint in full, head on over to the source link below.

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Via: Bloomberg

Source: Electronic Frontier Foundation

Google has rolled out some changes to its Chrome browser on a number of fronts today, with new betas hitting Windows, Mac, Linux and Android. For those on a traditional desktop or laptop, the biggest change comes to the address bar (or “omnibox,” as Google calls it), which the company says will now offer suggestions based on the based on the recency of websites visited and deliver “more contextually relevant suggestions at the right time.” Those using Chrome on an Android phone or tablet can apparently expect to see faster page loading times, as well as higher-quality web-based audio applications courtesy of the Web Audio API (Google has a MIDI Synth demo you can try out) and in-browser videoconferencing that’s now possible thanks to the new WebRTC implementation.

Filed under: Internet, Software, Mobile, Google

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Source: Google Chrome Blog, Chromium Blog, MIDI Synth demo

Mayor Bloomberg’s government is often finding ways to keep The Big Apple as connected to the internet as can be. Today, in an effort to bring more connectivity options to its residents (and tourists), the City of New York announced that it’s teaming up with Cablevision and Time Warner Cable to add WiFi hotspots to 32 parks across the five boroughs. Of course, these will be available in addition to free services already provided by companies such as AT&T in select parts of the city.

Unlike with similar offerings, however, these new hotspots will require potential users to be Cablevision Optimum Online or Time Warner Cable broadband subscribers in order to get free access. Those who have the proper credentials will be able to connect gratis via a WiFi-enabled device anytime, while non-subscribers can do so at no cost for up to 30 minutes every 30 days, or for 99 cents per day. The full list of participating NYC parks can be found after the break, and fret not if your favorite didn’t make it — we’re told WiFi is “coming soon” to more locations.

Filed under: Wireless, Internet

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Source: NYC Parks

Everyone has had to deal with malware of some sort at one point or another, with some being unlucky enough to come across the FBI-themed “ransomware” variety that presents itself as being a government threat of criminal charges should one refuse to pay a fine. This kind of malware has typically been the domain of Windows users, but has made its way to OS X.

The information comes from Malwarebytes, an anti-malware company. According to the rundown they’ve provided, the FBI ransomware is presenting users with a page that, at a quick glance, looks official enough: the beginning of the URL starts with fbi.gov.id, and and it harbors the real FBI logo, as well as a fake logo stating “The FBI” cyber department has targeted the user.

The trojan targets the users by using the “restore from crash” feature in the browser, which prevents the user from getting rid of the page. Attempting to close the tab results in a popup stating “YOUR BROWSER HAS BEEN LOCKED. All PC data will be detained and criminal procedures will be initiated against you if the fine will not be paid.” The “fine” in question? $300.

Aside from the threats of criminal procedures and other such nonsense, the ransomware tries to scare the user into paying the amount by specifying specific criminal activities it accuses the user of committing, such as violating copyright laws regarding music, video, and software, as well as viewing “prohibited pornographic content.”

Causing Safari to force quit won’t do any good for the user, with the ransomware page reappearing the next time the browser is fired up. Fortunately, the issue is pretty easy to get rid of by simply resetting Safari, which can be done by clicking “Safari” from the menu. All the items must be checked under the reset options.

SOURCE: Malwarebytes

FBI-themed ransomware now affecting OS X users is written by Brittany Hillen & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2013, SlashGear. All right reserved.

The artist famed for fronting Radiohead, and not so much for toeing the line, has withdrawn his solo tracks from Spotify and some smaller streaming services in order to highlight the low payments given to new musicians. Thom Yorke explained the decision by re-tweeting his producer, Nigel Godrich, who had complained that “new artists get paid f^@k all,” and that the current streaming model only suits those with an existing back catalog. Yorke added that Spotify shareholders “will shortly be rolling in it,” implying that the distribution of wealth is unfair. Some followers reacted badly to his decision, accusing him of “hurting his fans” with a “small [and] meaningless rebellion,” but others spoke out in support — including electronic artist Four Tet (aka Kieran Hebden) who said he’d pulled his music off Spotify for the same reason.

Spotify responded to the criticism this morning in a statement provided to TechCrunch, saying that it is “still in the early stages of a long-term project,” and adding that “we’ve already paid $500 million to rightsholders so far and by the end of 2013 this number will reach $1 billion.” The spokesperson further went on to say that “we’re 100% committed to making Spotify the most artist-friendly music service possible, and are constantly talking to artists and managers about how Spotify can help build their careers.” Yorke is hardly the first star to make a stand, but unlike Coldplay, Adele and the rest, his specific focus on industry newcomers (rather than himself) is — we’ve gotta say — quite refreshing.

Filed under: Misc, Home Entertainment, Internet

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Source: The Guardian, TechCrunch