Who Watches The Watchers

That Other Threat: Electronics Thefts From Checked Luggage

"In 2014, the Transportation Safety Administration said more than 500 baggage screeners had been fired since it was established in 2001, according to the Wall Street Journal. A CNN analysis found more than 30,000 property loss claims were filed by passengers with the TSA between 2010–14, most claiming valuables were taken from checked baggage. Under an international treaty known as the Montreal Convention (to which the US is a signatory), an airline’s liability for loss or damage to a passenger’s luggage is limited to the equivalent of about $1,360." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingThat Other Threat: Electronics Thefts From Checked Luggage

Challenge Red Light Cameras, Get Fined for ‘Practicing Engineering Without a License’

"According to the board, Järlström's research into red light cameras and their effectiveness amounts to practicing engineering without a license. No, really. Järlström is now suing the state board over that fine, arguing that it's unconstitutional to prevent someone from doing math without the government's permission." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingChallenge Red Light Cameras, Get Fined for ‘Practicing Engineering Without a License’

IRS deliberately targeted innocents for civil forfeiture program

"The Treasury Inspector General released a report this month that reveals that the IRS deliberately targeted people they knew were not engaged in structuring for millions of dollars' worth of seizures, such that 91% of seizures were made in error, taking money away from people engaged in lawful activity. These seizures were 'quick hits' that allowed IRS enforcers the rack up impressive resolution stats because the victims were happy to negotiate a settlement, as opposed to actual criminal acts. The result: for the IRS, depositing $10,000 or more was an inherently suspicious act; but so was depositing $10,000 or less." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingIRS deliberately targeted innocents for civil forfeiture program

British visitors to US to be ‘asked’ for passwords and phone contacts at airports

"British visitors to the US may be asked for social media usernames and passwords and their phone’s address book under new border checks being considered at US airports. The Trump administration is considering 'extreme vetting' scenarios in which even tourists from US allies such as the UK, France and Germany are subject to intense security checks, according to the Wall Street Journal. 'We will do it when we think there’s a reason to do it,' US Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly told a US Senate committee hearing last week." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingBritish visitors to US to be ‘asked’ for passwords and phone contacts at airports

New York: Facebook Can’t Challenge Demands for User Data, Or Gag Orders

"Facebook is not allowed to tell their users that law enforcement is taking their data. And Facebook is not allowed to challenge these orders on behalf of their users. So in true kangaroo court fashion, the only people able to challenge the government are those forbidden from being told that the government is investigating them. Well isn’t that convenient for prosecutors. How are gag orders even Constitutional? You would think things like free speech and the right to know your accuser might cover that. But again, the government plays by no rules." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingNew York: Facebook Can’t Challenge Demands for User Data, Or Gag Orders

The Real Surveillance Problem

"The real story—and scandal—of intelligence surveillance and incidental collection is the mass incidental collection and use of Americans’ communications without a warrant. Under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), countless Americans are subject to the same incidental collection that President Trump now thinks is a serious problem, and the rules for accessing and using those communications are far more lax than the Susan Rice process, and totally unrelated to foreign intelligence and national security." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingThe Real Surveillance Problem

Trump approves Pentagon warfighting authority expansion

"Week by week, country by country, the Pentagon is quietly seizing more control over warfighting decisions, sending hundreds more troops to war with little public debate and seeking greater authority to battle extremists across the Middle East and Africa. This week it was Somalia, where President Donald Trump gave the U.S. military more authority to conduct offensive airstrikes on al-Qaida-linked militants. Next week it could be Yemen, where military leaders want to provide more help for the United Arab Emirates' battle against Iranian-backed rebels." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingTrump approves Pentagon warfighting authority expansion

Trump said Obama needed war authority from Congress. Will he ask for it now?

"A senior administration official told reporters on Friday that the president acted pursuant to his authority under Article 2 of the Constitution, which makes him commander in chief. And, the aide said, top officials including Vice President Mike Pence are in 'constant contact with congressional leaders.' On Thursday night, Trump laid out conventional U.S. rationales for unilateral military action in a way that suggests he does not see a need for formal authority from Congress." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingTrump said Obama needed war authority from Congress. Will he ask for it now?