The article discusses the rise of facial recognition and biometric surveillance, the ways individuals can protect their privacy through simple anti-surveillance measures like masks and clothing, and the importance of understanding these systems to maintain personal power and privacy in an increasingly monitored world.
Wegmans in NYC has expanded its biometric data collection to all shoppers, capturing facial, eye, and voice data without clear assurances on data storage or sharing, raising privacy concerns and sparking criticism from privacy advocates and some shoppers.
A review of over 200 studies from 1900 to 2024 reveals that the emergence of human viruses has occurred in peaks, notably between 1950-1979 and starting in 2000, driven by technological, ecological, and socio-demographic factors, with most initial detections in the US, China, and Australia, highlighting ongoing challenges in global disease surveillance and prevention.
The Guardian's investigation reveals a close and controversial relationship between Israeli military operations and major tech companies like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon, highlighting how AI and cloud services are used for mass surveillance and military targeting, especially in Gaza, raising concerns about data control, ethical implications, and potential shifts in public and political support affecting these tech-military ties.
Purchases of the new iPhone 17 Pro are rising in Gaza, with many buyers being displaced and unemployed, as the compact phones are easier to import than bulkier aid supplies. There are concerns about Israel using phones for surveillance, and despite limited official channels, phones are being sold at high prices, highlighting ongoing tensions over imports and aid in Gaza.
'The Copenhagen Test' is a complex, twisty sci-fi spy series led by Simu Liu, involving mind hacking and surveillance, with engaging performances but a convoluted plot that may challenge viewers' understanding, leaving open the possibility of a second season.
In 2025, Guardian reporting led to significant changes including the halting of Israeli surveillance on Palestinians, new laws to regulate hospital pricing, the cancellation of undercover investigations at the University of Michigan, the dropping of charges against protesters, and the reinstatement of a medical misinformation channel, among other impactful stories that prompted legal and policy reforms.
The Chinese government is increasingly targeting artists in the U.S. who protest or criticize China, with some facing harassment and surveillance, creating an Orwellian climate of fear for dissenters abroad.
Two separate US outbreaks of Listeria linked to packaged salads caused 30 illnesses and four deaths over eight years, highlighting the importance of routine food safety surveillance. The outbreaks, though genetically unrelated, were detected through CDC's PulseNet system, emphasizing ongoing risks associated with contaminated salads and the need for vigilant monitoring.
New Orleans has become the first U.S. city to implement a private, live facial recognition network through Project NOLA, raising questions about privacy, control, and legal oversight, as the technology is used to track individuals in real time with limited regulation and oversight.
India's government has mandated the preinstallation of a tracking app called Sanchar Saathi on all smartphones to combat cybercrime and theft, sparking controversy over privacy and mass surveillance concerns. Critics argue the app could be used for extensive data collection, while officials claim it is optional and aimed at enhancing cybersecurity. The move has raised debates about government overreach and privacy rights in India.
A decade after the 2015 Paris terror attacks, France's laws and daily life remain heavily influenced by security measures, including expanded surveillance and restrictions, reflecting a shift in balancing civil liberties with public safety, with little indication of rollback despite ongoing concerns about rights and liberties.
A recent government funding bill includes a provision allowing senators to sue the government for secretly obtained phone records, potentially retroactive for eight Republican senators investigated by special counsel Jack Smith, raising concerns about surveillance and legal protections.
The article argues that pandemics are preventable through human action, emphasizing the importance of global cooperation, technological advances, and strategic investments in prevention, detection, and response systems to significantly reduce the risk of future pandemics by 2050.
Palantir CEO Alex Karp advocates for a surveillance state over China winning the AI race, emphasizing AI's role in US economic growth and national security, while dismissing privacy concerns and highlighting the risks of social instability from AI proliferation.