Google Joke: A Googler Walks into a Coffee Shop with a Regulator and…
February 17, 2022
I read an amusing write up called “Google Keeps Android Ad Tool Into At Least 2024, Exploring Other Options.” I think the writer of the article is serious, not crafting a joke for Joe Rogan’s much admired “Man Show” comments. Here is the passage I found semi amusing:
Google said it would give “substantial notice” before axing what is known as AdId. But it will immediately begin seeking feedback on its proposed alternatives, which Google said aim to better protect users’ privacy and curb covert surveillance.
But better than what? What happens if there are technical issues in 2024? A Googler walks into a coffee shop with a regulator and says, “We need more time to better protect users’ privacy and curb covert surveillance.”
The regulator laughs out loud because he was thinking of Apple marginalizing Facebook. Perhaps the Google is delivering some Meta-Aid. Whoops. I meant to type Meta AdID.
Stephen E Arnold, February 17, 2022
Interesting Assertion from Bezos Affiliated Newspaper
February 15, 2022
My recollection is that Amazon, when under Jeff Bezos’ control, provided technology to the US Central Intelligence Agency. I was surprised when I read “Senators: CIA Has Secret Program That Collects American Data.” I have no idea if the story is on the money or note. I found it interesting that Amazon was not mentioned in the write up. Even though that interesting detail was omitted, I noted this passage in the article:
“These reports raise serious questions about the kinds of information the CIA is vacuuming up in bulk and how the agency exploits that information to spy on Americans,” Patrick Toomey, a lawyer for the American Civil Liberties Union, said in a statement. “The CIA conducts these sweeping surveillance activities without any court approval, and with few, if any, safeguards imposed by Congress.”
And Amazon? Not in the picture. Amazon’s client? In the picture.
Stephen E Arnold, February 15, 2022
African Governments Vs. Citizens Online
February 7, 2022
As Market Research Telecast reports in a recent write-up, “Hacking: Demand for Products from the NSO Group and Co. Does Not Decrease.” As that piece points out, sales of the notorious Pegasus and other spyware continue to grow despite a rash of lawsuits, sanctions, and other threats against preeminent spyware vendor NSO. We see several examples of ways governments use such tools and other cyber strategies against their citizens, and some unintended consequences, in the Africa Center for Strategic Studies’ article, “Deluge of Digital Repression Threatens African Security.” Reporters Nathaniel Allen and Catherine Lena Kelly write:
“Digital repression is on the rise in many parts of Africa. Over a dozen African countries have recently experienced politically motivated internet shutdowns. Roughly the same number have been identified as operators of military-grade spyware (such as Pegasus, RCS, and FinFisher), which they use to track domestic political opponents and activists with the same vigor as criminals and terrorists. Governments employ automated tools to subject social media platforms to expansive surveillance. Increasingly, leaders are taking advantage of vague elements of recently passed cybercrime laws to expand executive powers to arrest activists and debilitate the free press. African leaders frequently portray digitally repressive tactics as necessary to combat threats from terrorism, organized crime, and secessionist violence. In fact, their main impact is to undermine the fundamental freedoms that make it possible for governments to be transparent, legitimate, and accountable to citizens.”
The thorough, link-filled article provides examples of such legislation leveraging, beginning with Tanzania. Information gathered with spyware is used against political opponents, journalists, and activists to blackmail, harass, or arrest them. Then there are other repressive tactics, like simply shutting down the Internet. This is a favorite ploy before and during contested elections and amid protests.
Allen and Kelly point out this irony: though governments often cite security as their excuse for implementing repressive policies, such measures often have the opposite effect by fueling political instability. Then there are the financial costs—like the rest of the world, much of Africa’s business has moved online. Politically motivated Internet shutdowns can be extremely pricy.
The article goes on to spell out some measures that can help combat misinformation and extremism online without sacrificing citizen rights. It also describes several citizen-centric organizations working to protect online freedoms in different parts of Africa. See the article for those details.
Cynthia Murrell, February 9, 2022
Facebook: Reluctant But Why?
January 26, 2022
The write up concerns Facebook in Australia. Australia has good relationships with the US. The bonds between Australia and the United Kingdom seem to be in reasonable shape as well. Australia, it seems to me, has been an origin point for some interesting ideas related to online.
“Meta Most Reluctant to Work with Government: Home Affairs” points out that Meta (originally just plain old super community minded Facebook) is less enthusiastic about working with Australia’s government than some of its very large, possibly monopolistic fellow travelers.
The write up reports:
In a submission to the House Select Committee Inquiry into Social Media and Online Safety, Home Affairs criticized Meta for not doing enough to protect its users and for not adequately engaging with the government on these issues. In its own submission, Meta said it has “responded constructively” to Australian government inquiries and is “highly responsive” to local regulators.
I think this means that Meta is doing a better job at foot dragging than some other big technology firms. Like Meta’s recognition as the worst company in the United States, the highly responsive outfit has tallied points in the “less enthusiastic” competition.
The Australian government and Meta have other issues which have caused the US company to arm wrestle with Australian officials; for example, encryption of Facebook Messenger content, dealing with Australian media’s interest in compensation for its content, and ideas about privacy.
The write up does not answer the question “But why?”
To fill the void, may I suggest a cou8ple of reasons:
- Keep people in the dark. Disclosures about Meta technology, business practices, or data systems might inform the Australian government. With the information, the Australian government could formulate some new ideas about fining or controlling the community focused US outfit. In short, Meta information may lead to meta prosecution perhaps?
- Take steps to prevent data moving around the Five Eyes. Information disclosed in Australia might find its way to the US and the UK. Despite these countries’ security methods, some of that disclosed data could seep into the efficient machinery of the European Union. It is conceivable that the risk of becoming even more responsive to Australia increases the risk of EU action with regard to the community oriented social media company.
- Circle the wagons to prevent user defections. Cooperating in any way that become public could cause some Meta users to delete their accounts and prevent others in their span of control from using Meta services. This means a loss of revenue, and a loss of revenue has downside consequences; namely, encouragement for other high technology companies to nose into Meta territory.
I want to emphasize none of these ideas appear in the write up cited above. Furthermore, these are views which I developed talking with my colleagues about Meta.
Net net: Meta does not want information about its systems, methods, research, and policies. Frances Haugen, it seems, did not get that email.
Stephen E Arnold, January 26, 2022
A Comparison: US Vs. European Government Methods
January 21, 2022
I know one thing about 5G. The T Mobile super high speed service delivers data more slowly than my 4G / LTE service. Thus, it is difficult for me to accept that the pig slow 5G in rural Kentucky is a threat to aircraft eager to land on the dirt road used by certain characters in the Commonwealth.
I noted “5G Is Grounding Planes and Freaking Out Airlines: We Found Out Why.” I want to sidestep the somewhat interesting discussion about who shot John, the 5G expert. The US government and the airlines are wrestling with US 5G carriers. The main idea is a minor one; that is, 5G signals in the C band emitted from vertically mounted towers could — note the word could — cause an aircraft to demonstrate one of Newton’s Laws in an expensive way.
But here’s the quote which caught my attention:
The issues haven’t affected other countries as badly because they don’t use the same 5G frequencies as the US. In Europe, for instance, the network operates on a wavelength that is less likely to cause interference. Both the EU’s Aviation Safety Authority and the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority say there’s no such problem with their networks. China and Australia have also rolled out 5G without any issues with aircraft…. Critics have also pointed the finger at the federal government. They’ve blamed the Trump administration for failing to create a national spectrum policy and the Biden administration for the chaotic rollout. Somehow, Europe’s collection of crappy governments has avoided such problems. [Emphasis added by the Beyond Search editor]
Interesting. Now European governments have a larger challenge to surmount. Vacationing in Kiyv perhaps?
Stephen E Arnold, January 21, 2022
Big Tech: Back in Front of Informed Elected Officials Again
January 14, 2022
I read “Jan. 6 Committee Subpoenas Tech Giants after Inadequate Responses.” The write up states:
The subpoenas demand that Facebook, Google, Reddit and Twitter turn over more information about what they did and didn’t do in the lead-up to Jan. 6.
I stopped reading. Here’s what went on in my mind with the same impact as a trailer for “Don’t Look Up.”
ELECTED OFFICIAL INTERROGATES HIGH TECH EXECUTIVE:
Were you aware that your service was used to coordinate activities related to the January 6, 2022, incident in the months leading up to the date?
HIGH TECH EXECUTIVE RESPONSE:
Respectfully congressperson, our system is automated and appropriate actions were taken in real time by our artificial intelligence content moderation system.
ELECTED OFFICIAL INTERROGATES HIGH TECH EXECUTIVE:
What actions were taken?
HIGH TECH EXECUTIVE RESPONSE:
Congressperson, thank you for the question, I will have to obtain specific information after I return to my home office. I will forward that data to you and will answer any questions you have.
ELECTED OFFICIAL INTERROGATES HIGH TECH EXECUTIVE:
What do you know about the use of your platform to coordinate activities on the day of January 6, 2021?
HIGH TECH EXECUTIVE RESPONSE:
Congressperson, thank you for the question, I do not have at this time any knowledge of what our systems or the managers of those systems did on that particular day. I will, of course, gather any information available and provide that to your office.
ELECTED OFFICIAL INTERROGATES HIGH TECH EXECUTIVE:
We did ask for that information, and you did not provide the information. What do you have to say for yourself?
HIGH TECH EXECUTIVE RESPONSE:
Congressperson, I appreciate the opportunity to respond to that question. We did provide information about the January 6, 2021, incident. If that information was not what was needed, I sincerely apologize for the misunderstanding. I am really, really, really sorry. Immediately after this hearing, I will coordinate with my team. We definitely will provide any data available to us from the events which took place more than one year ago. With the hard copies, we will include a selection of tchotchkes, including our mouse pad with color logo, a flashing LED logo pin, and a T shirt for you. Are you a size extra large or extra extra large?
ELECTED OFFICIAL INTERROGATES HIGH TECH EXECUTIVE:
Thank you for your testimony, but it seems familiar to me. My time is up. I yield to my colleague from the great State of California.
Stephen E Arnold, January 14, 2022
Amazon: A Decision Imposed and A Practice Challenged
January 12, 2022
Alexa.com, purportedly named for legendary bastion of knowledge the Library at Alexandria, has been a go-to tool for traffic-based web rankings, APIs, and other website information for 25 years. Now, however, Amazon is pulling the plug on the subsidiary. Bleeping Computer announces, “Amazon Is Shutting Down Web Ranking Site Alexa.com.” Perhaps Alexa the AI assistant wanted the name all to itself. New subscriptions have been halted, but existing subscribers will have access to Amazon data and SEO tools until May 1, 2022. Amazon APIs will be retired on December 8, 2022. Writer Mayank Parmar reports:
“In addition to the global website ranking system, Amazon’s Alexa.com also offers a full suite of SEO and competitor analysis tools with its paid subscriptions. In a new support document, Amazon says that it will be discontinuing the Alexa.com platform in May 2022 and no new monthly stats will be released going forward. ‘Twenty-five years ago, we founded Alexa Internet. After two decades of helping you find, reach, and convert your digital audience, we’ve made the difficult decision to retire Alexa.com on May 1, 2022. Thank you for making us your go-to resource for content research, competitive analysis, keyword research, and so much more,’ the company stated.”
Meanwhile, Reuters tells us good old Italy is trying to fight back against the Amazon behemoth in, “Italy Fines Amazon Record €1.3 Bln for Abuse of Market Dominance.” Reporters Elvira Pollina and Maria Pia Quaglia write:
“Italy’s watchdog said in a statement that Amazon had leveraged its dominant position in the Italian market for intermediation services on marketplaces to favor the adoption of its own logistics service – Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) – by sellers active on Amazon.it. The authority said Amazon tied to the use of FBA access to a set of exclusive benefits, including the Prime label, that help increase visibility and boost sales on Amazon.it. … The antitrust authority also said it would impose corrective steps that will be subject to review by a monitoring trustee.”
This comes as the EU Commission is pursuing two of its own investigations into Amazon. One involves the use of sensitive data from independent retailers. The other considers whether the company elevated its own retail offers and those of sellers that use its logistics and delivery services over offers from other vendors. The €1.13 billion fine is one of the largest to be levied on a US tech company by a European entity, but will it be enough to give Amazon pause? Along with its compatriots/rivals Google and Facebook, the company has a history of shrugging off what seem to most like large fees and carrying on with business as usual.
Cynthia Murrell, January 12, 2022
A Sporty Cyber Centric Write Up with Key Information Left Out
January 10, 2022
I read “Experts Detail Logging Tool of DanderSpritz Framework Used by Equation Group Hackers.” The main point of the write up is that some clever cyber people have been working to figure out how a particular exploit works. The exploit is called DanderSpritz, which is a full featured framework for obtaining useful information from a target system. The Shadow Brokers leaded the software in 2017. It took the folks writing the article four years to figure out the method. Non US outfits figured it out more quickly. What’s left out of the write up?
I noted these omissions:
- Details of the DanderSpritz methods incorporated into other exploit tools
- Explanation of who and what the Equation Group is. The Web site link does not provide substantive information.
- Why do long between the release of the exploit and a public analysis?
Personally I would not get too frisky when it comes to the Equation Group. I apply this type of thinking to any outfit conveniently located near an NSA facility. In the case of Shadow Brokers, my recollection is that this outfit found a way to obtain Equation Group code. My hunch is that this is a sore point for the Equation Group, and the embarrassment of the DanderSpritz dump may still cause some red faces.
Stephen E Arnold, January 7, 2022
Tech Giants: We Do What We Want. Got That?
January 3, 2022
I spotted “AT&T, Verizon Refuse US Request to Delay 5G Launch.” The main point of the story is that two big Baby Bells (remember them?) are showing their Bell Telephone DNA. The story states:
AT&T Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc. rejected a request from the U.S. federal transportation officials to delay their planned launch on January 5 of a new variation of 5G wireless services.
The US government is concerned that those outstanding 5G wave forms could have a negative impact on air traffic. I think that this means “cause crashes.” Of course, I am probably incorrect. However, the US government is worried the allegedly zippy 5G might disrupt a device: Maybe a passenger’s pacemaker or create interference when a pilot checks something on an official Boeing certified iPad.
Several observations have surfaced among my Beyond Search and DarkCyber teams:
- The government is late to the game… again. Lateness means either failing with the big tech crowd or getting a detention slip in the form of zero technical support for the annoying official
- Big tech makes clear that the US government is irrelevant and will do what it wants. The drill is outrage, hearing, an apology, and then no changes
- Significant encouragement for outfits like Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google to move forward: Deals with China, predatory pricing, cooperation on certain technical matters, and maintaining these firms’ alleged monopolies.
Net net: Quite a way to start 2022 because ignoring the 5G issue signals product managers to amp up their methods in order to generate more revenue.
Stephen E Arnold, January 3, 2022
Facebook: Making Friends in the USAF
December 31, 2021
This is a short post sparked by this Financial Times’ article: “Facebook to Build Metaverse with Start-Up That Had US Military Contracts.”
The main idea is that Facebook bought a company. The firm — Reverie— will work with Meta Facebook thing’s Reality Labs. But the bonus move is that the Meta Facebook thing was terminated when the Meta Facebook thing bought Reverie. The venerable and generally respectable Financial Times pointed out that the Meta Facebook thing would “not be involved with any future defense or military AI development.”
Okay. My hunch is that a Meta Facebook thing employee whose child seeks to enter the Air Force Academy may find that some of those involved in the selection process may remember this “not be involved with any future defense or military AI development.”
Who likes this type of business decision? Maybe the Chinese and Russian military leadership? But that’s just a thought from the wilds of rural Kentucky. The Meta Facebook thing knows what’s best for itself and, of course, the US government.
Stephen E Arnold, December 31, 2021
-
- Subscribe to Beyond Search
Feature archive
News archive
-
