privacy

Browse Facebook Privately and Anonymously

Episode 975

Facebook.com

Leo's Mom wants to do something that many users probably want to do -- see other Facebook accounts without being public themselves. Facebook hides the ability to do this, and the default when creating an account is to be public. Here's how to make an account that's as private as possible:

Create a Facebook page that has no information in it, not even a photo. It may even be a good idea to lie about your age and say you're 100 years old.

Next, go into the Facebook account settings > Privacy. There are a couple of categories with a few options under each.

How can privacy be protected with Google Glass?

Episode 973

Louis from Hollywood, CA
Google Glass

Louis is concerned with privacy and Google Glass. He's seen interviews with journalists like Robert Scoble who have admitted to wearing them while going into public bathrooms. Leo says that one of the features of taking images is a very loud audible click and having to verbally say "take image." It's designed so the subject knows that they're being imaged. What about video? Leo says that there should be a red light.

Reddit Users Take Boston Bomber Investigation Upon Themselves, Against Police Wishes

Episode 972

The abundance of security camera footage and images from individuals near the Boston bombing were vital in identifying the suspects. In fact, this article from Slate claims that we need more security cameras now. Privacy advocates, on the other hand, are concerned that we're giving up too much and the use of cameras could be taken too far.

How can I keep my photos private on Google+?

George from Venice, FL

Episode 968

George isn't thrilled that Google+ is taking over Picasa and posting them online. Leo suspects that Google plans on phasing out PicasaWeb in favor of Google+ posting. Leo suggests going over to PicasaWeb and marking his pictures private. When he goes to PicasaWeb.com, he'll be sent to Google+ initially. However, there will be a link to go back to PicasaWeb and he can then set all of his images to private.

Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Rules Probable Cause Required for Laptop Searches

Episode 959

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that Probable Cause is required for Laptop Searches and that entering the country is not sufficient to justify a search. Additionally, the court ruled that using encryption is not reasonable suspicion to justify a search either.

US Ninth Circuit says forensic laptop searches at the border without suspicion are unconstitional (Boing Boing)…
http://boingboing.net/2013/03/09/us-ninth-circuit-says-forensic.html

Is there software to encrypt my smartphone?

Episode 953

Rob from Vacaville, CA
Silent Circle

Rob has a laptop running TrueCrypt. Is there something for smartphones that does the same thing? Leo says yes, there's Silent Circle, for the iPhone, with Android coming soon. Phil Zimmerman of PGP seems to be involved. It'll encrypt text messages, email, and video calls. The phone is still already encrypted though, but adding peer to peer encryption puts on another layer.

Is there any software that would provide encryped voice over IP?

Episode 953

JP from Belgium
Jitsi

Leo says that he sees many companies claiming such, but any company that does business in the US would probably have to provide a back door for law enforcement. The scary part is that the Patriot Act prohibits notification of it. The Chatroom says RedPhone and Ostel are open Source and claim encryption. Another option is Jitsi.

Are black boxes in cars a violation of privacy?

Mike from El Segundo, CA

Episode 952

Mike hears that black boxes are now being put on cars. Can they be used to spy on the motorist? Leo says that it could, but there's cameras everywhere, so it's not like the government can't follow him if they really want to anyway. The boxes are more likely for diagnostic information to repair a car. That capability has been in there since the 80s. But they can also be used for accident investigation. The question though, is what are the rules?