Summary

Meta's Oversight Board is set to weigh in on changes to its hate speech policies, which were announced by CEO Mark Zuckerberg in January. The board's decision will likely have significant implications for Facebook, Instagram, and Threads users.

Critics argue that an independent body should oversee such decisions, while others claim that the CEO's role is essential to driving innovation and progress. As the board considers the new policies, it must navigate complex questions about free speech, safety, and accountability.

The outcome will determine the future of online discourse and the responsibility of social media platforms towards their users.

Summary

The EFFector newsletter highlights recent threats to online privacy and free expression. Apple's decision to turn off Advanced Data Protection in the UK raises concerns about user safety.

A guide is available on limiting Meta's data collection, but its effectiveness is debated. The EFF victory against government spying via Section 702 is a significant human rights win.

The newsletter provides updates, announcements, and stories on protecting online privacy and free expression. Subscribers can access future editions directly in their inbox or through the audio edition on the Internet Archive or YouTube.

Summary

The Senate passed the TAKE IT DOWN Act (S. 146), a bill aiming to speed up removal of non-consensual intimate imagery, including "deepfakes." Critics argue that the current draft threatens free expression, user privacy, and due process without addressing the issue it claims to solve.

The bill's broad definition of NCII and lack of safeguards against abuse could lead to censorship of legitimate speech. Instead of this approach, experts recommend focusing on enforcing and improving existing laws addressing NCII.

Users are urged to speak out against the bill in the House of Representatives and tell theiepresentatives to oppose it.

Summary

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) is concerned about proposed changes to Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 29 that would make it harder to file amicus briefs in circuit courts. These briefs are a core part of EFF's legal work, providing valuable outside perspectives on cases and contributing to informed court decisions.

Two proposed changes are particularly concerning: disfavoring amicus briefs that address issues already mentioned by the parties, and reducing the amount and types of such briefs filed. EFF has submitted comments opposing these changes, highlighting their potential impact on access to important perspectives and the integrity of the judicial process.

Summary

The TAKE IT DOWN Act has raised concerns about its potential to speed up the removal of non-consensual intimate imagery online, but at the cost of threatening free expression and user privacy. The bill's notice-and-takedown system could lead to overreach and censorship, particularly with broad definitions and lack of safeguards.

Exemptions for encrypted services are also unclear, posing a threat to private conversations and end-to-end encryption. Critics argue that the bill does not adequately address the problem it claims to solve and would instead create a far broader internet censorship regime than existing laws like the DMCA.

Summary

R The Texas legislature is set to debate a bill that would significantly weaken the state's free speech protections, specifically targeting the landmark anti-SLAPP law, TCPA. SB 336 would strip away crucial safeguards against abusive lawsuits designed to silence critics, creating a chilling effect on public discussion.

This would disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, including domestic violence survivors, journalists, and grassroots activists. Opponents urge Texans to contact their state representatives to express strong opposition to this effort, highlighting the need to protect anti-SLAPP laws that safeguard citizens' rights to express themselves without fear of retaliation or harassment.