Watching the Shadows

Key provisions of Patriot Act expire

Key provisions of the USA Patriot Act allowing "Bulk Data Collection" and  "Roving Wiretaps" expired after a late Senate vote failed to establish an extension.

The Andes

Colombia: convictions in Uribe spying scandal

Colombia's supreme court convicted two close aides of former president Alvaro Uribe for illegal eavesdropping on the communications of the conservative leader's top opponents.

Watching the Shadows

Net neutrality and the extinction of journalism

The end of "net neutrality," now broached by the FCC, portends an "enclosure" of the Internet—and the marginalization of all perspectives not officially approved.

New York City

NYPD disbands Muslim surveillance program

The new commissioner of the New York Police Department, William Bratton, announced the disbanding of a controversial surveillance unit used to spy on Muslim communities.

Mexico

US spied on Brazilian and Mexican leaders

In the latest US intelligence scandal, the NSA is caught bragging about its ability to intercept messages to and from the presidents of Latin America’s two largest countries.