Center for Democracy & Technology | Keeping the Internet Open, Innovative and Free

Court Hands Microsoft Major Win, Rules US Warrants Don’t Reach Data Outside the Country

July 14, 2016

In a unanimous decision, the Second US Circuit Court of Appeals handed Microsoft a complete victory in its challenge to the US government’s demand that Microsoft turn over emails stored in Ireland. The Court of Appeals held that a US warrant does not reach data stored outside of the United States. CDT filed an amicus brief in support of Microsoft in the case and the ruling tracks closely with CDT’s arguments.

Look It Up: Carla Hayden is Qualified

July 13, 2016

Dr. Carla Hayden understands technology and its interaction with libraries. She is passionate about using technology to modernize the collection and digitize its assets to increase access to the Library. She wants to make sure digitized materials are accessible in formats that will allow people with visual disabilities to access them. She believes in the value of free access to information, and protecting the privacy of library users. If our Senators want to be able to send their staffers to the library to “look it up,” they should confirm Dr. Hayden as the Librarian of Congress without further delay.

Put It In The Vault: Why You Should Use a Password Manager

July 11, 2016

a good password may be all that stands between your account and someone taking over your account or getting access to the information in one of your online accounts. However, if you feel frustrated that a “good” password is often long, complex, and difficult to remember, you are not alone: research done by Microsoft has found that the average user has approximately 25 accounts with passwords. Remembering just one thing that is longer than about seven characters is difficult for the average person. A password manager is a piece of software that helps you generate long, complex passwords, then securely stores all of these passwords in an encrypted virtual container.