Last Updated Oct 24, 2016 5:51 PM EDT Snapchat and Skype are falling short in protecting users’ privacy — a failure that puts users’ “human rights at risk,” according to a report by the organization Amnesty International.Snapchat and Skype received dismal grades in a new set of rankings released by Amnesty that specifically evaluate how popular messaging apps use encryption to protect users’ private communications. In the report, Amnesty is trying to elevate encryption as a human rights necessity, due to concerns that activists, opposition politicians and journalists in some countries could be put in grave danger if their communications on popular messaging apps were compromised.“Activists around the world rely on encryption to protect themselves from spying by authorities, and it is unacceptable for technology companies to expose them to danger by failing to adequately respond to the human rights risks,” Sherif Elsayed-Ali, head of … [Read more...] about CBS News Logo Snapchat, Skype put users’ “human rights at risk,” Amnesty Int’l reports
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CBS News Logo Small army of “elves” fighting Russian propaganda online
VILNIUS, Lithuania — Elves against trolls: it sounds like something out of “The Lord of the Rings.” But to Ricardas Savukynas, the battle he’s fighting is no fantasy. The 43-year-old business consultant and blogger is part of an informal internet army of Lithuanians trying to counter what they describe as hate speech and pro-Russia propaganda. “I am just a regular guy from Lithuania, a citizen, who once noticed that Russian propaganda is being spread in this country by huge numbers of groups on Facebook,” he told The Associated Press over tea at a restaurant in Vilnius’ old town. “Seeing this I thought that it cannot be a natural thing.” Savukynas’ fellow volunteers -- who’ve dubbed themselves “elves” -- patrol social media, coordinating their actions through Facebook or Skype to expose fake accounts. On a busy day, Savukynas said that fellow elves report as many as 10 or 20 to get them removed. He himself … [Read more...] about CBS News Logo Small army of “elves” fighting Russian propaganda online
Color of Money: Setting up an IRS online account is well worth your while
In today’s world, we all have to play defense when it comes to our financial data.We all need long computer passwords, anti-virus software and passcodes for our phones — and we could really use an identity-theft prevention class.You also have to get used to watching your online accounts. I have so many automatic alerts beeping on my phone all day that it’s maddening. But it’s also necessary.So, in my constant quest to be cautious, I recently added another item to my watch list: setting up an IRS online account. It’s one way to keep an eye out for suspicious activity with your federal tax return.Meanwhile, I’m encouraging people to file their returns as soon as possible. But for a number of reasons, you may not be in a rush to file, especially if you aren’t getting a refund. Or maybe you’re still waiting for some tax information to arrive. While you wait to finish, how can you be sure someone hasn’t filed a return in your name?For … [Read more...] about Color of Money: Setting up an IRS online account is well worth your while
How technology is changing Mormon missionary work: Inside the Temple Square online teaching center
1 of 8 View 8 Items Laura Seitz, Deseret News Sister Megan Pazos chats online with someone requesting information about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Temple Square Online Teaching Center at the Temple Square North Visitors’ Center in Salt Lake City on Thursday, March 8, 2018. Related Link The LDS faith and the Internet: Flooding the Earth from the comfort of home SALT LAKE CITY — As soon as the two missionaries logged into the system, a window popped up with a long list of people waiting on Mormon.org to ask questions. Sister Megan Pazos clicked on one and began an online chat with a Spanish speaker. "Hola, como esta?" "What brings you to Mormon.org today?" added her companion, Sister Kimeme Ackley, using Google Translate to convert the question into Spanish. "I've wondered what a Mormon is," the man wrote back. "I've heard good things about Mormons, but I want to know what their purpose is. I'd be grateful … [Read more...] about How technology is changing Mormon missionary work: Inside the Temple Square online teaching center
Setting up an IRS online account is well worth your while
Visit The Boston Globe Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Comment on this Scroll to top of page By Michelle Singletary Washington Post March 03, 2018 WASHINGTON — In today’s world, we all have to play defense when it comes to our financial data.We all need long computer passwords, antivirus software, and passcodes for our phones — and we could really use an identity-theft prevention class.You also have to get used to watching your online accounts. I have so many automatic alerts beeping on my phone all day that it’s maddening. But it’s also necessary. Advertisement So, in my constant quest to be cautious, I recently added another item to my watch list: setting up an IRS online account. It’s one way to keep an eye out for suspicious activity with your federal tax return. Get Talking Points in your inbox: An afternoon recap of the day’s most important business news, delivered weekdays. Thank you for signing … [Read more...] about Setting up an IRS online account is well worth your while