11–20 of 48 posts
Yeah, because the EFF is going to be unbiased when it comes to explaining legislation. I'm so sick of how partisan the EFF has become.
I guess you are expecting the EFF to be neutral with regard to NSA snooping and data collection, versus NSA not doing any of those things. That's not a reasonable ask, though.
Yeah, because the EFF is going to be unbiased when it comes to explaining legislation. I'm so sick of how partisan the EFF has become.
Why would we expect or want anything else?
You're free to act or not upon the EFF's urging - but at least they're honest about their goals.
I don't think the EFF has adequately answered the concerns raised by Marcy Wheeler about the risks and weaknesses of this bill: https://www.emptywheel.net/2014/11/12/why-i-dont-support-usa...
https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2014/08/understanding-new-usa-...
The bill isn't perfect, but it'll mean that the government collects less information on innocent people, there'll be greater transparency, and an advocate for citizen privacy in the FISA court. Beyond that, it's the most likely vehicle for NSA reform. We're unlikely to see anything stronger if this doesn't pass. And it seems like a better bet than trying to push for Section 215 to sunset next year.
EFF -- if you're listening -- it would be great to stake a very clear position on this bill at the very top of your statement.
Something like "We urge you to support the USA Freedom Act."
Since neither the name of the bill itself, nor anything on the page, makes it clear that the "Freedom Act" is an act against the digital surveillance of US citizens, someone who had never heard of the Act, or someone skimming the page, would not gain a meaningful conclusion.
I was unsure at first whether to support or decry the bill, and heck, the name even sounds like "Patriot Act." The title of the page itself does no help: it paints an ominous message in a severe tone.
Marketing: it's important. Be clear.
"The signals we give—yes, or no, or maybe— should be clear; the darkness around us is deep."
William Stafford -- http://williamstafford.org/spoems/pages/ritual.html
I don't think the EFF has adequately answered the concerns raised by Marcy Wheeler about the risks and weaknesses of this bill: https://www.emptywheel.net/2014/11/12/why-i-dont-support-usa...
If I'm not mistaken, this is EFF's latest analysis of the bill, as well as their justification for supporting: https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2014/08/understanding-new-usa-... The bill isn't perfect, but it'll mean that the government collects less information on innocent people, there'll be greater transparency, and an advocate for citizen privacy in the FISA court. Beyond that, it's the most likely vehicle for NSA r…
Earlier quoted context omitted.
Why not refer to the bill as H.R.3361. For anyone interested, here is the bill in question: https://www.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/house-bill/3361
Hashes would make it a lot easier to detect sneaky last-minute changes.
This page, content-wise, doesn't appear to have a clear message. EFF -- if you're listening -- it would be great to stake a very clear position on this bill at the very top of your statement. Something like "We urge you to support the USA Freedom Act." Since neither the name of the bill itself, nor anything on the page, makes it clear that the "Freedom Act" is an act against the digital surveillance of US citizens, s…
This was a revelation to me, so I would have to agree. I'm ignorant of the subject and my initial reaction to a thing called the USA Freedom Act was "great, how are my rights about to be curtailed now?"
Earlier quoted context omitted.
If I'm not mistaken, this is EFF's latest analysis of the bill, as well as their justification for supporting: https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2014/08/understanding-new-usa-... The bill isn't perfect, but it'll mean that the government collects less information on innocent people, there'll be greater transparency, and an advocate for citizen privacy in the FISA court. Beyond that, it's the most likely vehicle for NSA r…
As per the article I linked, it also likely nullifies the Klayman case, a case which could very likely turn out to have an even bigger effect than this bill.
~Filing~
"In Klayman I, the plaintiffs, subscribers of Verizon Wireless, brought suit against the NSA, the Department of Justice, Verizon Communications, President Barack Obama, Eric Holder, the United States Attorney General, and General Keith B. Alexander, the Director of the National Security Agency.[5] The plaintiffs alleged that the government is conducting a "secret and illegal government scheme to intercept vast quantities of domestic telephonic communications" and that the program violates First, Fourth and Fifth Amendment and exceeds statutory authority granted by Section 215.[5] In Klayman II, the plaintiffs sued the same government defendants and in addition, Facebook, Yahoo!, Google, Microsoft, YouTube, AOL, PalTalk, Skype, Sprint, AT&T, Apple again alleging the bulk metadata collection violates the First, Fourth and Fifth Amendment and constitutes divulgence of communication records in violation of Section 2702 of Stored Communications Act.[4]"
~Current Status~
"On January 3, 2014 the government filed notice of appeal. On February 21, 2014 government filed a motion for extension of time to file dispositive motions in wake of the President's changes to Section 215 metadata program on January 17, 2014.[17][18] The parties argued the case before a three-judge panel of the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals on November 4, 2014.[19]"
This page, content-wise, doesn't appear to have a clear message. EFF -- if you're listening -- it would be great to stake a very clear position on this bill at the very top of your statement. Something like "We urge you to support the USA Freedom Act." Since neither the name of the bill itself, nor anything on the page, makes it clear that the "Freedom Act" is an act against the digital surveillance of US citizens, s…
"The USA Freedom Act, the leading contender for NSA reform, is set for a vote this week. The bill has some problems, but is a major step forward for surveillance reform. That's why we're asking you to call your Senator and urge them to support the USA Freedom Act."
How much more clear do you want it?