Summary

:A new report from Amnesty International details how a zero-day exploit developed by Cellebrite was used to unlock an Android phone belonging to a Serbian youth activist. The exploit targeted Android USB drivers, highlighting the vulnerability of devices to sophisticated attacks.

This raises concerns about mass surveillance and censorship, as well as the protection of human rights for activists and journalists. International organizations must take steps to ensure the safety and security of those who speak out against injustice, while also addressing the root causes of such exploitation.

The use of such exploits demands a global response.

Summary

R Serbian authorities have reportedly employed an Android zero-day exploit chain developed by Cellebrite to unlock the device of a student activist, with the intention of installing spyware. This incident raises significant concerns regarding national security, individual rights, and the use of dark tech in cybersecurity.

The exploitation of vulnerabilities highlights the need for transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices, as well as robust protection measures against such vulnerabilities. International cooperation and standardization are essential to preventing similar incidents and ensuring that authorities prioritize both security and individual freedoms.

Governments must reassess theieliance on exploit chains.

Summary

Elon Musk's admission that he mistakenly fired Ebola prevention workers and quickly rectified the erroaises concerns about the state of humanitarian initiatives at SpaceX and Tesla. Despite this correction, many critical programs, including AIDS treatments for children, remain underfunded and inadequate.

The question remains whether Musk's organization can be trusted to prioritize public health over profit, and what steps should be taken to prevent similar failures in the future.

Summary

EFF will be attending RightsCon in Taipei, Taiwan from 24-27 February. Several members, including director-level staff and experts, will participate in sessions, panels, and networking opportunities.

The EFF delegation includes individuals leading sessions on platform accountability, digital rights defenders, and human rights challenges. They will connect with attendees, particularly at the following sessions: "Mutual Support" and "Platform Accountability in Crisis".

These events aim to foster dialogue, learn from Taiwan's tech community, and contribute to the global conversation on pressing issues. EFF hopes to engage with attendees and support the global dialogue on digital human rights challenges.

Summary

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to do "all that I can" to secure the release of Alaa Abd el-Fattah, a British-Egyptian blogger and activist imprisoned in Cairo. Despite months of requests for a meeting, Starmer has so far declined, citing lack of time.

Meanwhile, Alaa's mother, Laila Soueif, continues a 135-day hunger strike, growing weaker by the day. The situation remains dire, with Soueif claiming "I don't have time" and the Egyptian government refusing to free Alaa despite mounting pressure from Western governments.

The lack of progress raises questions about the effectiveness of diplomacy in securing his release.

Summary

Google's recent decision to remove four key points from its AI principles has sparked widespread concern. The company's shift towards prioritizing profit over human rights and humanitarian concerns has raised questions about the ethics of AI development.

With the removal of principles on weapons, surveillance, and technologies that contravenge international law, Google appears to be legitimizing the use of AI for mass surveillance and high-tech warfare. As a global leader in tech, Google's actions have significant implications for democratic values and the broader influence of the military-industrial complex.

Regulatory bodies must take action to hold companies accountable.

Summary

A new report by TEDIC found that Paraguay's broadband service providers have made some strides in making their privacy policies more accessible, but still fall short on commitments to transparency, due process, and human rights. The report evaluated the country's five leading providers and found significant gaps in their compliance with criteria such as metadata sharing with authorities and promoting human rights.

Only one provider, Tigo, met all criteria, while Vox received credit for only 5%. The report highlights the need for Paraguay to establish a comprehensive data protection law and for private companies to prioritize user privacy.

Summary

The EFF is sounding the alarm about the devastating impact of the Trump Administration's executive order on global digital rights. The Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid has led to the suspension of contracts with hundreds of organizations that rely on State Department funding, including those working on critical freedom technologies like Tor, Guardian Project, and OONI.

This move has severe consequences foesearchers, developers, and users worldwide, who will be forced to curtail or halt their work. The EFF urges a full reinstatement of these programs, highlighting their crucial role in supporting freedom and human rights abroad.

Summary

Bumble's updated privacy policy is insufficient, leaving users vulnerable to data breaches and exploitation. While a step-by-step guide provides some protection, it is not enough, and companies should prioritize user privacy by default.

The consequences of data falling into the wrong hands are severe, particularly for marginalized communities seeking reproductive health care, survivors of intimate partner violence, and LGBTQ+ individuals. A comprehensive data privacy legislation in the US can help address these issues.

Users must take proactive steps to protect themselves, including reviewing login information, disabling behavioral ads, and using strong passwords and two-factor authentication.