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Today, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) and request for public comment regarding commercial surveillance and lax data security practices. The FTC is specifically asking whether it should implement new trade regulation rules or regulatory alternatives the ways in which companies process consumer data and how they transfer, share, sell, or monetize that data in unfair or deceptive ways. The ANPR asks a series of questions in several categories (for example, Harms to Consumers, Discrimination, Remedies, Costs and Benefits, etc.) that commenters may address in their submissions and submissions will be due within 60 days (October 10, 2022). There will also be a virtual public forum on the matter hosted on September 8, 2022.

Alan Butler, EPIC’s Executive Director and President, responded to the announcement that “EPIC is thrilled to see the FTC taking action on harmful commercial surveillance and data security practices. For too long, the data practices of companies online have been dictated by large and powerful corporations, and users have been subject to invasive surveillance and dangerous profiling. It is time for rules that put users first and end these invasive and unfair business practices.”

EPIC has repeatedly called on the FTC to exercise its rulemaking authority to better protect consumer privacy. A recent EPIC white paper argued in support of using Section 5 unfairness authority to establish a Data Minimization Rule. In addition, EPIC has joined coalition letters calling for civil rights and privacy rulemaking and submitted a request for rulemaking on the use of artificial intelligence in commerce.

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“My guess is that Meta is going to have to look at some form of geo-siloing if they want to continue to operate in the EU,” says Calli Schroeder, global privacy counsel at the Electronic Privacy Information Center, a nonprofit digital rights research organization. Schroeder, who previously worked with companies on international data transfers, says this approach could mean Meta would have to create its own servers and data centers in the EU that aren’t connected to its broader databases.

Read the full article here.

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Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

Amaranth is a resilient and valuable crop that has been used for centuries. With its ability to survive in harsh conditions, amaranth is the perfect plant for growing in difficult environments. 

This article will explore the benefits of amaranth and provide tips on how to grow this superfood yourself.

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What is Amaranth?

Amaranth is a tropical plant that produces brightly colored flowers. The plant is native to Central and South America, and it has been cultivated for centuries by indigenous peoples. 

Amaranth is a highly nutritious grain that is high in protein and fiber. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including iron and calcium. The grain can be cooked and eaten like rice, or it can be ground into flour and used to make breads and pastries. 

Amaranth is gaining popularity as a health food, as it is gluten-free and has a low glycemic index. Additionally, amaranth leaves can be eaten like spinach, and the flowers can be used to make tea. With its many uses and health benefits, amaranth is an increasingly popular food ingredient.

What is the History of Growing Amaranth?

Amaranth is a flowering plant that has been cultivated for thousands of years. 

The first records of amaranth come from the ancient Aztecs, who grew the plant for both its grain and its colorful leaves. Amaranth was so important to the Aztecs that it was used in religious ceremonies and was even considered to be a sacred food. 

After the Spanish conquest of Mexico, amaranth was largely forgotten until it was rediscovered by botanists in the early 1800s. 

Today, amaranth is grown in many parts of the world, and its grain is increasingly being recognized as a healthy and nutritious component of a balanced diet. 

With its impressive history and nutritional value, amaranth is sure to continue to play an important role in the world of agriculture for years to come.

Why is Amaranth the Best Survival Crop You Can Grow?

Amaranth is a versatile crop that can be used for many different purposes. Its leaves are high in nutrients and can be eaten as a green vegetable, while the seeds can be ground into flour or popped like popcorn. 

Amaranth is also highly tolerant of drought and poor soil conditions, making it an excellent choice for survival gardens. Additionally, amaranth is relatively easy to grow, and its sturdy stalks can reach up to 10 feet in height. 

For all these reasons, amaranth is an ideal crop to grow in any situation where food security is a concern. In a world filled with uncertainty, amaranth may just be the best insurance policy you can have.

Let’s take a closer look at its many benefits.

<img width="720" height="480" src="//www.w3.org/2000/svg%22%20width=%22720%22%20height=%22480%22%3E%3C/svg%3E" alt="Amaranth Flowers and Leaves"…

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WASHINGTON, DC – Today the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) announced the five individuals it will be honoring at its annual Champions of Freedom Awards ceremony, to be held on September 21st in Washington, DC.

EPIC established the Champions of Freedom Awards in 2004 to honor individuals and organizations that have worked to safeguard the right to privacy, open government, and democratic values with courage and integrity.

The theme of this year’s ceremony is “Defending Privacy and Civil Rights.” As EPIC Board Chair Danielle Citron points out, “This is a particularly important time to recognize that privacy should be understood as a civil right, one owed each and every one of us and one essential to protect against invidious discrimination. This year’s awardees exemplify this commitment.”

EPIC will be celebrating public officials and leading experts who have shown their commitment to this fight by working tirelessly to strengthen privacy and civil rights protections in the digital age.

“Many of the technologies that have become essential to our daily lives can also create new risks to individual and civil rights. Our awardees this year have stepped up to challenge invasive data practices and discriminatory algorithms, to develop and propose new oversight mechanisms and technological protections, and to document the harms that these systems cause to marginalized communities,” says EPIC Executive Director Alan Butler.

This year, EPIC will honor the following awardees:

DC Attorney General Karl Racine
Champion of Freedom Award

For holding big tech companies accountable for data abuses, including by leading a bipartisan coalition of state attorneys general challenging deceptive location data controls, supporting automated decision-making anti-discrimination legislation, and challenging the anti-competitive behavior of online platforms.

Representative Yvette Clarke
Champion of Freedom Award

For consistently championing privacy and civil liberties, including by introducing the Algorithmic Accountability Act this session with Senators Wyden and Booker, opposing PATRIOT Act extensions under the Obama administration, opposing the original PATRIOT Act as a New York City Councilmember, and more.

Dr. John Abowd
Champion of Freedom Award

For making remarkable strides for privacy and civil rights by transforming the disclosure avoidance system at the U.S. Census Bureau through the introduction of differential privacy.

Dr. Safiya Noble
Privacy Champion Award

For her groundbreaking research on algorithmic discrimination that has drawn public attention to the ways in which digital technologies have magnified discriminatory racial, gender, and power dynamics.

Professor Sherry Turkle
Lifetime Achievement Award

For being a leading voice in the critical field of the psychology of human-technology interaction, including on how changing technologies have instilled changing notions of privacy — work pursued over seminal books such as The Second Self, Life on the Screen, Alone Together, Reclaiming Conversation, and most recently, The Empathy Diaries.

The ceremony will be held during EPIC’s Champions of Freedom Awards reception on Wednesday, September 21st from 7 PM to 10 PM…

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Estimated reading time: 16 minutes

If there’s one thing central to prepping, it’s stockpiling supplies. In a very clear way, we’re a lot like Scrat, the squirrel in the cartoon movie series Ice Age. He was always looking for one more acorn, to fill that big hollow tree and make sure he would have enough for winter.

Granted, our stockpiles are a bit more complex than Scrat’s and we don’t use hollow trees; but there’s a lot of similarity in the motivation. 

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Considering what we’ve all lived through during the COVID-19 pandemic, starting with the great toilet paper shortage of 2020 and continuing on until today, we’ve seen one shortage after another.

From the way things look, not much is being done about them, and with other problems going on around the world, we’re likely to see ongoing problems for many years to come. 

We talk amongst ourselves about a “new normal” that comes after a TEOTWAWKI event. Well, even though COVID didn’t look like the end of the world as we know it, in many ways it qualifies. Things have changed, thanks even more to government reactions around the world than the pandemic itself.

While this might not seem at all like the “new normal” that we expected to find, at least the electricity works (most of the time) and there’s food in the grocery stores (even with some holes on the shelves). We’re not having to forage for food or scavenge for other supplies. 

But that’s not to say that COVID is the only TEOTWAWKI event that we’ll experience in our lifetimes. Those living in Ukraine have been experiencing the second such event, with the invasion of their country by Russia.

It is unsure what living in Ukraine will be like after the war is over; but rebuilding is going to be a major part of the people’s lives, as they attempt to put their country back together again.

Regardless of what we face in the future, we are going to need the right sorts of supplies to make it through. That means getting those supplies now, while they are available. If they’re not available, that merely proves our need to get them whenever they become available. 

The list of things we might need is literally endless. However, some of those needs may not be as great as others. For example, stockpiling cosmetics might seem important to some women, but in reality, that’s a luxury, not a need.

If we want to build our stockpile right, we should concentrate on our needs, not our wants. We’ll either have to learn now to live without those other things or how to make them for ourselves. 

The best plan is usually to start with the basics and build up and out from there. That means starting out looking for…

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Every plant is different and needs special conditions to grow to its full potential. Various kinds of vegetables need different amounts of sunlight or water. On top of that, they are not resistant to all the weather conditions.

However, there are plants that you can grow throughout the year, even in colder months. This way, you can stock your kitchen with vegetables that grow right on your doorstep continuously. Maybe it is because of the effort you put into it, but the vegetables you grow and harvest yourself taste better. Including fresh vegetables into your daily diet will also bring many benefits to your health and enrich your body with valuable vitamins and minerals.

It can also be advantageous for your budget. New seeds or young plants are not too expensive, and growing your vegetables will save you money for the ones from the supermarket. Additionally, it does not need to be difficult to get started. To make it easier for you, we put together growing tips for three kinds of vegetables you can harvest throughout the year.

Sweeten Your Days With Peas Straight From The Garden

Say goodbye to the frozen peas you used to get from the store. Growing your peas in the garden is not difficult and will taste much better. Whether you would like to snack on peas straight from the plant or use it as an ingredient in a delicious meal, you can rest assured that even if you do not have much gardening experience, you can bring fresh vegetables into your diet.Peas Straight From The Garden

There are many kinds of peas that you can buy. You must pick the right type for your garden and the season you want to harvest the vegetables. To ensure that your efforts to grow vegetables are successful, you need to plant peas in the fertile ground anytime between spring and midsummer. Then, you need to support young plants with pea sticks, so they can wrap around them as they grow taller. After the plant starts to bloom, you should feed it with fertilizer every week.

You should be able to harvest the vegetables after around three months. Filling your home with fresh vegetables does not need to be complicated. All you need is a bit of patience and time. You also must carefully read all the instructions for your seeds or young plants. Research what conditions your type of peas needs and prepare for a successful harvest season.

Give Your Meals Some Kick With Garlic From Your Garden

Garlic is a regularly used ingredient in households all around the world. Not only does it make your meals even more delicious, but it is also very beneficial for your health. It is known to protect from illnesses such as the common cold. Growing garlic in your garden will give you the source of vitamins right on the doorstep.

Garlic From Your Garden

It is known for garlic to…

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EPIC submitted comments to the Colorado Attorney General today as they promulgate rules implementing key measures of the Colorado Privacy Act. Specifically, EPIC urges Colorado to:

• Set out clear standards for personal data collection, use, and transfer that restrict behavioral tracking and secondary uses of data;
• Broadly define “dark patterns” and include a non-exhaustive list of manipulative design tactics in order to curb abuse and aid enforcement;
• Establish a universal opt-out mechanism that makes it easy for individuals to limit the collection, use, and transfer of their data;
• Narrowly scope the definition of affirmative, freely given, and specific consent;
• Empower individuals to meaningfully exercise their right to opt-out of profiling and automated decision making; and
• Define minimum requirements for robust Data Protection Impact Assessments that enable comparative and objective review by both enforcement authorities and consumers.

EPIC advocates for the passage of comprehensive baseline privacy laws, like the American Data Privacy and Protection Act. EPIC Counsel Ben Winters testified during an open meeting of the Colorado Attorney General on the rule-making earlier this year, and EPIC submitted comments to both California and Colorado Privacy Law rule-makings.

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(Continued from Part 1. This concludes the article.)

We did the usual pre-fire prep as soon as we heard the fire broke out, putting all the patio cushions in the house, closing drapes / blinds etc. We have lightweight patio furniture that we stacked up. For folks that cannot do that and do have a pool or stock tank, throw the patio furniture in there is our suggestion. We turned all the interior and exterior house lights on and unlocked all doors and disconnected the garage doors from the electric mechanism so every door could be opened easily. I am so glad we did that, because in the absolute midst of the worst part of the fire, our neighbor’s pump had a problem and I told the son to get the spare pump out of our garage and to take it to his house, which he did and it saved their house. Had their house started on fire, it would have caught ours on fire. We filled every available container with fresh water in the house.

We suggest using the Phos Chek product on the yard – it goes on clear (not like the Phos Check dropped from aircraft which is colored red so they can see where it lands). We bought it at the local hardware store, but it is also available online. We use an electrostatic sprayer to apply it and it lasts for 3 – 6 months in our area which has limited rain in the summer. It can go on vegetation and does not kill it. We also now have purchased a product called Barricade gel, which is sprayed onto the house and was developed by a fire fighter.

Fighting On Two Fronts

When the fire split and started to come around towards us on both sides, up from the canyon on our side of the street and down from the ridge on our neighbors’ side of the street. Winds were between 50 and 80 MPH, visibility was very limited due to smoke and firebrands were racing throughout the community ahead of the fire. The wall of flame sounded like a freight train. We went down to neighbors’ homes at the end of the street and put out spot fires as best we could – the shovel and fire flapper worked well for that. But the fire was overwhelming and we had no water sources there. All those homes caught fire and burned to the ground – nothing left. Only one house on that street, which had been remodeled and hardened, survived.

The fire then came towards us first on our side of the street. My husband was defending one side of the house and I defended the other. I saw that 50’ flame wall and felt the heat through all the nomex gear. It was interesting to watch multiple 5 foot palm fronds sailing through the air on fire, like paper airplanes, setting the neighbor’s yard on fire when they landed. We also had to…

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Munavvar Izhar says that Gardening is one of the healthiest hobbies one can develop. It combines physical activity with social interaction and exposure to nature and sunlight. Also, these days people prefer to eat organic, and gardening gives you complete control over the chemicals and products used during the growing process. It not only provides you with beautiful plants, vegetables, flowers, and fruits, but also has tremendous health benefits for the body and mind.

Dr. Munavvar Izhar says that the most common question people ask him is – How does gardening reduce stress?

Gardening can make you feel more peaceful and content. Focusing your attention on the immediate tasks and details of gardening can reduce negative thoughts and feelings and can make you feel better. It also boosts self-esteem and confidence in a person.

Izhar, Munavvar says that the sights, smells, and sounds of the garden are said to promote relaxation and reduce stress by enhancing the production of Serotonin hormone in the brain. Increased Serotonin in the brain enhances mood, produces happiness, and empowers a better psyche. 

Dr. Munavvar Izhar enumerates the Medical and Health benefits for the readers below:

• Helps fight disease.
• Builds strength.
• Improves memory.
• Boosts mood and Reduces stress.
• Helps addiction recovery.
• Fosters human connections.
• Heals and empowers.
• Helps combat loneliness.
• Exposure to vitamin D
• Decreased dementia risk
• Enjoyable aerobic exercise

Izhar, Munavvar further explains that your skin uses sunlight to make one of the nutrients you need: vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for literally hundreds of body functions — strengthening your bones and your immune system are just two of them.

Munavvar Izhar cites Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source that gardening is a good exercise. Activities like raking and cutting grass might fall under the category of light to moderate exercise, while shoveling, digging, and chopping wood might be considered vigorous exercise. Either way, working in a garden uses every major muscle group in the body. This fact won’t surprise anyone who’s woken up sore after a day of yard work. 

Munavvar Izhar MD states that there are research studies done at Yale and the University of Pennsylvania that state that the risk of heart attacks and stroke are significantly reduced in people who regularly garden five to six hours a week. Also, in this same group of people, the researchers found that the people who do gardening sleep much better and are less prone to anxiety and stress. Dr. Izhar also emphasizes that exercise improves cognitive functioning 

Dr. Munavvar Izhar is an avid gardener and uses a dedicated area for storing his gardening supplies and keeping them organized. He also has some useful tips for readers:

• Wear gloves, kneecaps, goggles, long pants, closed-toe shoes, and other safety gear, especially if you’re using sharp tools.
• Use bug spray and sunscreen and use a hat if sunny.
• Drink lots of water and take frequent shade breaks to prevent overheating.
• Listen to your body. It’s easy to injure yourself when you’re toting bags of mulch and hoisting shovels full of dirt.
• Make sure…

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In July 2022, EPIC hosted a two-panel webinar discussing the rise of Chinese surveillance technology and its impact on human rights, partnering with Bulelani Jili, our EPIC Scholar-in-residence. The event featured two expert panels, one on the domestic development and impact of Chinese surveillance technology and one on the global impact. Videos of each symposium segment are available below. EPIC works to ensure regulation of emerging technologies and protection of international human rights. Follow EPIC’s work on international privacy developments here.

Domestic Surveillance Panel

This panel addresses the cultural and political context of the development and use of Chinese surveillance technology within China and the policies associated with that development.

Moderator

Bulelani Jili: EPIC Scholar-In-Residence and Research PhD Fellow in African and African American Studies Department focusing on Africa-China Relations at Harvard University

Speakers

Dr. Ge Chen – Assistant Professor in Global Media and Information Law at the Durham Law School

Katja Drinhausen – Senior Analyst and Research Coordinator on Chinese Politics & Society at the Mercator Institute of China Studies (MERICS)

Karman Lucero – Fellow at Paul Tsai China Centre at Yale Law School

International Surveillance Panel

This panel discusses the global spread of Chinese surveillance technology, its use in different contexts, and the impact this has on international human rights.

Moderator

Bulelani Jili: EPIC Scholar-In-Residence and Research PhD Fellow in African and African American Studies Department focusing on Africa-China Relations at Harvard University

Speakers

Maya Wang – Senior China Researcher at Human Rights Watch (Asia Division)

Rebecca Arcesati – Analyst at the Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS)

Raman Jit Singh Chima (Invited) – Asia Policy Director and Senior International Counsel at Access Now

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