Texas Drops the Ball - Exposes SSN's of 3.5 million teachers, others

"This was the second high-profile technological failure at the comptroller's office in the past year. Last April, thousands of consumers seeking rebates for energy-efficient appliances could not get access through phone banks or a website. That problem was blamed on the outside vendor."

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Tennis Star Moves to Monaco for Privacy

Court pro Novak Djokavic says that a lack of privacy in his native Serbia, where he enjoys a cult-like status, was the reason for his move to Monaco.

Monaco is where I call home now, says Novak Djokovic - The National

"It's [privacy] one of the reasons I am not spending too much time at home in Serbia because I just don't have my private life," he said to The National. "That's what I looked for and I found it in Monaco. I just feel great spending time there."

GOOGLE TO DEBUT CHROME "DO NOT TRACK" TOOL

January 24, 2011 / http://www.politico.com/morningtech/ //-- Watch for Google today to unveil a new Chrome browser extension called “Keep My Opt-Outs,” the search company's response to recent federal calls for browser-based “Do Not Track” technology to protect consumer privacy. The new tool builds off of work by the Network Advertising Initiative – a group of Web advertisers, including Google – that allows Web users to say no to ads targeted to their browsing behavior.

The difference between NAI's own opt-out tool and Google's work is what's under the hood: NAI allows you to opt out, and communicates that via cookie, but that can be deleted whenever you erase your saved history. By contrast, Google's tool keeps the no-lever pulled permanently: It means you can avoid seeing targeted ads from NAI members, including Google and Yahoo, even if you delete your full browsing history. We hear Google will offer the code as open source, and that the company is expected to roll out a similar tool for other browsers in the future. Keep your eyes peeled today, and find more on privacy after the jump.

RFID Pickpockets in Full Effect

I don't want to say I told you so...but yes I do.

The RFID industry trade groups continue to defend this rediculous technology for use in all of the wrong applications. The two worst? As I've been saying for the past few years - credit cards and passports.

Imagine the ramifacations of this with celebrities, political or public figures. What can be scanned from your daughter's purse or backpack?

It's not what you have to hide, it's what you've got to lose.

 

Caught Spying on Student, FBI Demands GPS Tracker Back | Threat Level | Wired.com

Routine oil change uncovers unwarranted tracking device.  FBI shows up to reclaim it.  Oops.

Read the full story at Wired.com

New state law bans employer credit checks in hiring

Character assassination by HR department employees favoring friends in applicant pool:  $5 million

Privacy violation by leaks of credit reports of applicants by HR department employees:  $6 million

Actually having to do an interview and decide on ability rather than circumstance:  Priceless!

Clout St: New state law bans employer credit checks in hiring

Bravo, Illinois!

TV Personality home address revealed by his cell phone photo. Yours is too.

Ever heard of "Geotags?"

Geotags are embedded in the photos taken by 'smart' mobile phones, and they give the exact longitude and latitude where the photo was taken. So disable the feature if your phone allows it, and be aware that when you post that photo on Twitter, Facebook or your blog, anyone can tell where it was taken.

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Web Photo Geotags Can Reveal More Than You Wish - NYTimes.com

Think twice before referencing a photo to yourself, your home, or anyone else's. You may be jeopardizing the safety of your friends, your family, or yourself.