: The Little Rock City Council voted 5-3 to end the city's contract with ShotSpotter, a gunshot detection system accused of steering federal grants towards local police departments. EFF has long criticized the technology, citing its risk of capturing private conversations and enabling discriminatory policing. The decision follows a grassroots advocacy effort by community members, who have dedicated time and resources to debunking ShotSpotter's marketing claims. This move joins a growing list of cities rejecting such surveillance technologies, highlighting the need for community-led initiatives in promoting public safety and protecting marginalized communities from harm.

Texas Senate Bill 336 (SB 336) would significantly weaken the state's landmark anti-SLAPP law, the Texas Citizens Participation Act (TCPA). If passed, this bill would remove automatic stays in trial court proceedings for TCPA appeals, exposing litigants to financial and emotional burden. This would disproportionately affect everyday Texans, including domestic violence survivors, journalists, whistleblowers, grassroots activists, and small business owners. The legislation would tip the scales further in favor of those with the means to weaponize the legal system against speech they disagree with. Opposing this effort is crucial to protecting free speech and safeguarding marginalized communities.

The use of mobile devices has become a primary means of accessing the internet, but existing measures for protecting user data are inadequate. Unlike web browsing, where HTTPS is widely adopted and regulated, mobile apps can engage in clear-text requests without transparency or control from users. Android and iOS have made some efforts to protect users, but more needs to be done. Establishing a regulatory framework for mobile encryption, improving education and awareness, and addressing the current gaps in protection are essential steps towards safeguarding user digital rights and preventing further attacks on their privacy.

Paraguay's broadband service providers have made some progress in improving their privacy policies, but still fall short on transparency, due process, and promoting human rights. The report found that subsidiary providers are ahead of national ones in terms of user privacy commitments. However, significant gaps remain, including lack of data retention periods, limited judicial authorization for metadata sharing, and inadequate notification to users. The absence of a comprehensive data protection law in Paraguay exacerbates these issues. The country's parliament is working on a bill, but it remains pending approval.

A California court has ruled in favor of journalist Jack Poulson, striking down a lawsuit by tech CEO Maury Blackman that aimed to censor articles about his arrest for felony domestic violence. The court agreed with Poulson's defense under the anti-SLAPP statute, stating that the First Amendment protects his right to publish truthful speech concerning matters of public interest. This ruling upholds decades of precedent and ensures that journalists can report on sensitive information without fear of retribution or censorship. The decision also highlights the importance of protecting whistleblowers and the public's right to know about important matters.

Thousands of web pages and datasets have been removed from U.S. government agencies following a series of executive orders. This censorship has significant impacts on vulnerable communities, particularly those affected by Trans individuals' identities and climate justice research. In response, technologists, academics, and open access organizations are working to preserve and archive the removed information. The Wayback Machine and similar initiatives can help mitigate the damage. It is essential for citizens to raise awareness about the risks of censorship and to support efforts preserving online heritage and protecting scientific research. Individual actions can collectively make a difference.

The European Commission has been ordered to pay damages for failing to comply with its own data protection regulations. This first-eveuling highlights the importance of holding entities accountable when people's data is lost, stolen, or shared without promised safeguards. The case underscores the principle that individuals have the right to seek damages when theiights are infringed. However, the award may be seen as too small compared to fines levied against Big Tech. The case raises questions about consent, control over personal data, and global cooperation on data protection to prevent similar breaches in the future.

The 2024 state legislative session saw notable developments in digital rights, particularly in privacy legislation. Maryland adopted a stronger law with enhanced protections, while seven other states joined the ranks of comprehensive privacy laws. However, EFF remains concerned about the flawed Washington Privacy Act model and advocates for stronger bills. The absence of private right of action (PRA) allows companies to evade accountability, leaving consumers vulnerable. States must prioritize issue-specific privacy laws and strengthen consumer protections to ensure a safer online environment. The future of digital rights at the state level will depend on these critical steps.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) warns about the growing importance of state governments in tech policy, particularly with the rise of "trifecta" governments controlling both chambers of the legislature and the governorship. This has led to a significant increase in tech-related bills passed across 46 states, marking a 163% increase from the previous year. EFF urges caution about the potential biases and implications of these regulations on civil liberties. As federal action lags, state-level tech policy becomes increasingly crucial, highlighting the need for EFF's continued advocacy and scrutiny to ensure that these regulations prioritize useights and online safety.