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EU cloud data can be secretly accessed by US authorities
US-owned companies bound by Patriot Act, says Microsoft
Personal information belonging to EU users of US-owned cloud-based services could be shared with US law enforcers without the user being informed, Microsoft has said.
The software giant said it could not guarantee that it would not have to hand over EU customers’ data on a new cloud service it has developed whilst keeping details of the data transfer secret.
Cloud services allow internet users to store data online instead of locally.
EU data protection laws state that organizations must tell people when they are asked to disclose their personal information.
These EU provisions might conflict with obligations US-based firms, such as Microsoft, face under US law.
The USA Patriot Act gives law enforcement authorities the right to access Read more…
Next generation Internet addresses tested on global scale

WASHINGTON (AFP) – A worldwide test was under way on Wednesday of the next generation of Internet addresses designed to replace the dwindling pool of 4.3 billion unique identifiers in the original system.
Hundreds of companies, organizations and institutions around the world are taking part in “World IPv6 Day,” including Internet giants such as Facebook, Google, Microsoft and Yahoo!
Internet Protocol version 6 is the new system of unique identifying numbers for websites, computers and other Internet-connected gadgets and is replacing the original addressing system, IPv4, which is nearing exhaustion.
IPv6 provides more than four billion Read more…
Kinect could be initial step into gaming biometrics
Microsoft’s X-Box 360 Kinect, a motion-sensing device for the gaming system that sold million units in its first two months, is being looked at by some as an introduction of biometric technology to gaming, according to a Smart Office article.
Kinect’s biometric capabilities come in the form of face recognition which it uses to login recognized players prior to playing a game.
Although seen as relatively novel new technology, Kinect’s face-recognition was called into question as it was reported to frequently have trouble in poor lighting conditions as well as having trouble logging in users with dark complexions.
Despite its issues in realistically connecting users to their real-life selves, some are wary of the introduction of biometrics into gaming, which has traditionally maintained a very anonymous environment for gamers.
Experts believe that such technology, however, could be a key step into increasing biometrics’ foot hold in U.S. markets where consumers have been apprehensive to trust the technology to handle its most sensitive and unable to be changed data.
As biometric modes such as face recognition make their way into casual gaming, social networking and even places such as online dating sites, it is thought that it could help face recognition and other biometrics gain popularity in handling more serious services Read more…
Google Comes Under Fire for ‘Secret’ Relationship with NSA
Consumer Watchdog, an advocacy group largely focused in recent years on Google’s privacy practices, has called on a congressional investigation into the Internet giant’s “cozy” relationship with U.S. President Barack Obama’s administration.
In a letter sent Monday, Consumer Watchdog asked Representative Darrell Issa, the new chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, to investigate the relationship between Google and several government agencies.
The group asked Issa to investigate contracts at several U.S. agencies for Google technology and services, the “secretive” relationship between Google and the U.S. National Security Agency, and the company’s use of a U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration airfield in California.
Federal agencies have also taken “insufficient” action in response to revelations last year that Google Street View cars were collecting data from open Wi-Fi connections they passed, Consumer Watchdog said in the letter.
“We believe Google has inappropriately benefited from close ties to the administration,” the letter said. “Google is most consumers’ gateway to the Internet. Nonetheless, it should not get special treatment and access because of a special relationship with the administration.” Read more…
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