بایگانی دسته: Data Retention

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EU Court Rejects Data Retention, With Implications for Snooper’s Charter

In late December, the highest court in Europe made a ruling that “general and indiscriminate” data retention, or collection of communications information, is not in line with existing EU law. The ruling means that governments and companies can no longer conduct sweeping surveillance and indiscriminate collection of information (an activity also referred to as data retention) as they previously were under EU’s Data Retention Directive. The ruling states the Data Retention Directive, which was passed in 2006, violates two of citizens’ basic rights – “respect for private life and protection of personal data.” You can view the full ruling here.
This ruling is seen as a victory for privacy advocates and anyone concerned about the privacy of their personal communications information. The ruling combats bulk data collection and limits surveillance activities, while still allowing for “targeted” retention of data for use in fighting crime is allowable. The EU is reportedly working on a new data protection law as a result.
Implications for the Snooper’s Charter
As many outlets are reporting, this ruling could have serious implicates for the United Kingdom and their recently-passed “Snooper’s Charter.” Often referred to as a surveillance bill, the Snooper’s Charter includes sweeping data retention provisions which have now been invalidated by the EU ruling.
Data Retention
Learn more about how a VPN protects you from data retention, and about various data retention legislation in place around the world.
Sources: Tech Crunch, BBC, Engadget

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Russia Blocks LinkedIn for Violating Data Storage Law

LinkedIn was officially blocked in Russia this Thursday, as they were found to be in violation of a Russian data storage law.  The law, passed in 2014 and enacted in September 2015, requires that websites store data for their Russian users on local servers within the country. It also includes data retention provisions for a period of 6 months. The law not only applies to Russian companies, but also applies to Internet companies and other global service providers. LinkedIn submitted an appeal to the ruling to a higher court, which was officially rejected. LinkedIn is a social networking platform used by professionals.
As a result of the block users in Russia can no longer access LinkedIn, a move that affects over 6 million members. Russian ISPs were ordered to enforce the block within a 24 hour time period, and can face fines for non-compliance. It’s not known why LinkedIn was targeted, but TechCrunch speculates it was to set an example for other providers and encourage them to comply.
It’s likely this case may set a precedent for how Russia handles similar situations going forward. Reportedly, Apple & Google have started to comply with the law and moved their data to local servers, but it’s unclear whether Facebook and Twitter will. Although Russia says the law’s purpose is to protect data from cyberattacks, many others believe it’s a censorship effort to increase the control the country already has over the Internet. LinkedIn is pushing back, requesting a meeting with regulators to discuss the situation.
Update – November 29, 2016: The United States government has expressed concern over Russia’s decision to blocked LinkedIn, as they are worried it might set a precedent for censoring other websites in Russia: “This decision is the first of its kind and sets a troubling precedent that could be used to justify shutting down any website that contains Russian user data.”
 The US also asserted that the block harms competition, and has a negative effect for people in Russia.
Sources: CS Monitor, Reuters, TechCrunch

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UK Passes Investigatory Powers Bill, Mass Surveillance Becomes Law

The Investigatory Powers Bill, also referred to as the Snooper’s Charter, has officially passed in the United Kingdom. The bill, first introduced in 2015, was passed by the House of Lords and House of Commons and officially signed into law by the Royal Assent (queen) today. Described by Edward Snowden as “the most extreme surveillance in the history of western democracy,” the bill includes provisions for mass surveillance of innocent citizens and raises extreme privacy concerns.
The law provides United Kingdom intelligence agencies with broad access to data, oftentimes without a warrant. As described by Wired, this includes the ability to ” hack, read, and store any information from any citizen’s computer or phone, even if that citizen is completely innocent,” and will allow access to data by 48 UK agencies. The bill is being justified as a way to protect national security and fight terrorism in the Internet age. It goes into effect in 2017.
The bill has been the subject of much controversy since it was first introduced, and a petition opposing it received over 100,000 signatures.
Powers Granted by the Investigatory Powers Bill
The Investigatory Powers Bill grants UK officials the following powers:
Hacking & Bulk Hacking: Security services can hack into computers, networks mobile devices, servers and more using what is referred to as “equipment interference.” This hacking will require a warrant. It allows for bulk collection of metadata and the ability to hack into systems, including on citizens from targeted areas outside the UK. Companies can be forced to assist in hacking efforts, when needed.
Web Records & Communications Information: The law provides access to communications data, with provisions for collection and storage of data by ISPs and messenger services for a period of 12 months. Data to be stored includes details about communications made, who they are sent to, when, and from where. Some of this collection may be warrantless.
Bulk Data collection: In addition to the communications data above, bulk sets of personal data may also be obtained and used by UK authorities. This includes data of non-criminals and large, encompassing data sets.
Commissioners:  New roles will be created for those approving warrants and handling other details related to the bill. Roles include an Investigatory Powers Commissioner and judicial commissioners.
Protecting Your Data and Privacy
As a company that stands for privacy and security, Golden Frog is disheartened to see the passage of the Investigatory Powers Bill and its powers of mass surveillance. With the passage of the bill and its privacy violations, many in the UK will be seeking ways better secure their data and ensure privacy online. VPNs, such as VyprVPN, are a great way to protect your data from sweeping surveillance practices and data retention such as that included in the Investigatory Powers Bill. A VPN encrypts your Internet connection so your data – including personal communications, IP address, location and browsing history – remains private and secure at all times, and is not visible to ISPs or telco providers.
The Investigatory Powers Bill and VyprVPN
When using a VPN, your online privacy is better protected than without one, as Internet service providers or telcos will only see that you connected to the VPN and are unable to view other personal details about your activity. At this time, we are making no changes to our policies or operations in regards to the United Kingdom. We will keep our users informed if anything changes as the Investigatory Powers Bill legislation is enacted. For more information on data retention legislation and Golden Frog’s data retention policies, please read our detailed blog post.
Sources: Business Insider, Wired, Independent

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