Over a year since infecting CD purchasers' computers with flawed copy protection software, Sony BMG has reached a settlement with several state attorneys general (AGs) over the rootkit debacle. We've reviewed the Texas settlement agreement, which appears to be similar to agreements reached in other states, and it looks...

In a fascinating article by Shane Harris in the National Journal, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff professes great surprise at the public uproar over the Automated Targeting System (ATS). He claims that he has discussed the "collection" and "analysis" of personal data -- including airline Passenger Name...

The president and telephone companies are desperate to avoid accountability for the massive and illegal NSA program. Their latest trick: sneaking through a bill that could threaten cases like EFF's lawsuit against AT&T and let corporations off the hook for illegally assisting the government. We're now hearing credible rumors...

As we reported just before Thanksgiving, the Copyright Office and Library of Congress recently announced a set of new DMCA exemptions, including one that entitles a person to unlock a cellphone without worrying about DMCA liability.
Now prepaid wireless vendor TracFone has sued the Library...

Yesterday, lame duck legislators returned for their final week before handing the reins over to the 110th Congress next month. While it looks like there won't be any mischief on the digital freedom front, major record labels might once again try to sneak through mandatory restrictions for digital radio...

After another election with flawed touch-screen electronic voting machines, Cuyahoga County, Ohio may say enough is enough. The AP reports:
"The commissioners of the state's most populous county are considering getting rid of touch-screen voting machines and putting in a new system for the presidential election in 2008.
...

"Apparently, Hollywood believes that you should have to re-purchase all your DVD movies a second time if you want to watch them on your iPod." That's what I said last week, commenting on the Paramount v. Load-N-Go lawsuit, in which Hollywood studios claimed that it is illegal to rip...