Another US agency gets the ability to spy on Americans

On top of the NSA, DHS and others wanting to spy on Americans in the name of terrorism, the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) may have the means to track Americans through government files for possible criminal behavior.

What’s worse, this can all be done without warrants and without due process. The NCTC claims that they look through these files to look for counter-insurgency activity.

Source: Slashdot

US Loud commercial ban in effect today

Soon you’ll probably notice a volume difference in commercials on TV – that’s because President Obama signed the CALM Act today (the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation Act) which makes sure commercial providers and makers are airing commercials that have sound levels equivalent of that of the original programming.

This was made possible because consumers have complained about loud commercials on TV for many years.

With that, the FCC has set up an FAQ page for consumers to report such loud commercials from TV stations that exceed the rest of the TV programming.

Source: Network World

UN group to choose emergency numbers: 911 or 122?

At the International Telecommunications Union meeting in Dubai, member nations will have a say on what numbers can be used for emergency calls, whether its 911 (North America) or 122 (for Europe and other nations).

It is the same meeting in Dubai that debated the control for the Internet, and so far the US backed down on its support on the world issue – but will the US keep its word?

Source: Yahoo

Alex Jones: Transit Authorities Admit to Spying on You, Filming restrictions and more

Alex Jones of Infowars.com protesting on government spying and filming restrictions on police and government buildings. Video from the Infowars Nightly News.

Big Brother Buses: Eavesdropping devices put on US public transport

The US transit authorities are looking into updating their pubic transport systems with audio recording devices for buses, and possibly other means of public transportation. Such microphone sound surveillance systems have the ability to record and store conversations.

See Russia Today video for more:

Iranian regime launches YouTube-like video site, Mehr

The Iranian regime has launched its own video sharing site called Mehr, similar to that of YouTube. The site wasn't just made to compete against Youtube, Vimeo and others, but to have more control over what gets posted. Perhaps it was made in anticipation of its domestic Internet launch?

This Newsy.com video has said that Iran was the country that was planning to get its own national Internet, or Intranet (closed network). It also revealed that in 2002, North Korea had its own closed Internet network, with its own search engine, email and browser.

US law enforcement may soon record and trace text messages

Law enforcement in the US may soon turn to cell phone text messaging data for evidence, as they will try to get cell phone providers to retain that data for a two-year period.

A perfect way to gather evidence about your digital life, should you be charged with a crime, or just an invasion of digital privacy?