privacy advocacy

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NLUUG Award - Bert Hubert's writings
2 months ago
- The author received an NLUUG Lifetime Achievement Award at the spring conference after a presentation on machine learning.
- Previous awardees include notable figures like Guido van Rossum, Wietse Venema, and Bram Moolenaar who made significant contributions.
- The author experiences imposter syndrome but appreciates it as a grounding force, despite questioning if their work merits the award.
- The NLUUG recognized the author's work on PowerDNS, explaining technical topics, and advocating for open systems and privacy.
- The author has accepted the award with pride and notes it enhances their credibility with governments and institutions.
- The author expresses gratitude to NLUUG and hopes the award supports their efforts for a free and open internet.
Donation Controversy
2 months ago
- A private donation by one of Mullvad's owners to a Swedish political party sparked controversy; Mullvad as a company was not involved.
- Mullvad is a politically active company focused on freedom of speech, information, and privacy through products, open-source tech, and campaigning.
- Mullvad maintains a narrow political focus to cooperate broadly, practicing radical tolerance even when collaborators hold opposing views.
- The donation is neither condoned nor condemned; it is seen as a potentially bad idea but part of societal diversity of ideas.
- Mullvad separates its values and mission from founders' personal views, having succeeded with this approach for 17 years.
Flock CEO Apologizes for Calling Activists 'Terrorists'
2 months ago
- Will Freeman leads DeFlock, an organization opposing Flock Safety's surveillance cameras, mapping over 80,000 camera locations.
- Flock CEO Garrett Langley apologized for calling DeFlock 'terroristic,' acknowledging valid criticisms and advocating for a balance between safety and privacy.
- Public backlash against Flock grew due to reports of ICE access, a creepy Super Bowl ad with Amazon Ring, and police misusing cameras to stalk women.
- Flock denies working with ICE, retains vehicle data for 30 days (21 days in Washington state), and welcomes privacy regulations.
- Despite vandalism of cameras and activist efforts, Flock's business is growing, with annual revenue reaching $500 million and half from products like drones and AI software.
- DeFlock's apps have 350,000 downloads, and Freeman is suing for records and organizing a National Week of Action Against ALPRs across 102 cities.
EU to legislate about Chat Control behind closed doors
3 months ago
- European Parliament President Roberta Metsola's push to resurrect 'Chat Control 1.0' disregards the Parliament's earlier rejection, threatening democratic processes.
- Final trilogue negotiations on 'Chat Control 2.0' risk concessions leading to mass scanning of private messages, warrantless scanning orders, and the end of anonymous communications.
- Civil society has relaunched fightchatcontrol.eu to enable citizens to email EU lawmakers, opposing undemocratic backroom deals and advocating for privacy and fundamental rights.

privacy advocacy

NLUUG Award - Bert Hubert's writings

Donation Controversy

Flock CEO Apologizes for Calling Activists 'Terrorists'

EU to legislate about Chat Control behind closed doors