Jeff Cassman

Data Minimization: Regulating the Ineffective, Irrelevant, and Invasive Practice of Surveillance Advertising

This is the fifth blog post in EPIC’s series on Data Minimization. We have previously discussed data minimization as a framework to curb harmful commercial surveillance practices, harms that stem from out of context secondary data uses, data minimization as a pillar of data security, and data minimization as a tool to protect health data privacy. This post discusses surveillance advertising and questions whether this invasive business model provides consumers with any significant benefits. Bottom line: surveillance advertising does not provide consumers with more relevant, higher quality, or lower priced ads, meaning the harms associated from this model are not outweighed by any benefits to consumers. (Note that this post does not discuss the harms from surveillance advertising in detail, which EPIC has written about extensively.)

The FTC’s Mandate to Determine Benefits to Consumers

As we’ve said before, the Commission should use its proposed commercial surveillance and data security rulemaking to promulgate a data minimization standard that will limit harmful data practices like surveillance advertising. This post analyzes whether the claims made about surveillance advertising by industry actors accurately reflect their purported benefits to consumers.

If and when the Commission promulgates a proposed rule, the Commission will have to determine that the commercial surveillance practices targeted by that rule are either deceptive or unfair. To determine that a practice is unfair, the Commission will have to find that it (1) causes or is likely to cause substantial injury (2) that is not reasonably avoidable and (3) is not outweighed by countervailing benefits to consumers or competition. This post addresses part of the last prong of the test—namely, the fact that surveillance advertising provides no benefits to consumers that outweigh its harms. We urge the Commission to use its resources to verify claims made about the effectiveness of targeted ads.

Many large tech companies claim that surveillance advertising provides consumers will well-tailored, relevant ads that consumers want to see as they browse the internet. The theory goes that gathering vast amounts of personal information about an individual will enable publishers and retailers to personalize their internet experience with ads for products and services they want to purchase. In reality, most ads that an individual sees are not relevant to them and most of the ads are for lower quality products and services. There is simply no worthwhile tradeoff for the invasive, harmful nature of surveillance advertising for consumers.

As we have previously explained in our comments to the Commission, the profiling and targeting of consumers online is an unavoidable, injurious practice. A 2021 FTC report found that a single ISP had 370 million consumer relationships and that another ISP served one trillion ad requests monthly. (These figures are likely higher today as the online advertising industry has continued to grow since 2021.)

The average consumer spends 7 hours a day online. This means we see hundreds or even thousands of ads each day. When browsing the internet, reading emails, or…

15 Star Wars Recipes to Enjoy with Your Friends on May 4th

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Trapping Laws in the United States – An Overview

Animal trapping is a practice that has been conducted even before history was recorded. For food, for defense and for commerce, people have relied on trapping to deal with animals in the environment around us, be it in the wild or close to our own places of habitation.

a Paiute deadfall trap

Although it’s seen as somewhat distasteful and rarely discussed today, trapping is alive and well throughout the United States.

Now as then, it’s also done for various reasons… However, there are many, many laws covering the practice of trapping, at the state and federal levels and sometimes even at the local level.

If you want to begin trapping for any purpose, you’ll need to understand these laws.

This article will serve as an overview of trapping laws in the US so you can better understand what to expect when you start looking into your own state’s laws. Grab your gear, and let’s get going.

Why Would Someone Need to Trap Animals at All?

If you’re unfamiliar with trapping, or if you just love animals, it’s easy to bristle at the notion of trapping.

What could be worse than luring some poor animal to its doom, either struck down by a lethal trap or held captive, suffering, terrified, waiting for someone to come along and dispatch it in a non-lethal trap?

Despite this sentimentality, trapping has always been extremely important historically, and it remains important today.

Trapping is the primary method by which nuisance animals are eliminated or relocated, and it is still commercially important for the production of fur, various glandular products, physical specimens, and a lot more.

Although tightly regulated, trapping is a crucially important skill that has until recently been in danger of dying out.

A surge of interest in self-sufficiency and personal preparedness has seen a corresponding surge in education concerning trapping, both the practical application and the ethics of it.

Whether you want to start a new business of some kind, to be better prepared to provide food for your family, or just get rid of troublesome animals tearing up your property, trapping is a great skill to know.

Trapping Laws Vary Considerably from State to State

As you should have expected by now, trapping laws are only broadly similar throughout the United States. As it turns out, each and every state has its own take on the practice and its own requirements for citizens who would engage in it.

In some states, trapping any kind of animal larger than a mouse in your own home might require substantial education, licensure, bonding and more.

In other states, trapping is far less regulated, and only the disposition of commercial fur trappers or professional pest controllers could be regulated at all.

Accordingly, all of the information presented in this overview should serve only to ground you concerning the most common concepts.

It is up to you to look up, learn, and understand your state’s regulations concerning trapping, whether…

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The Ultimate Guide to Making Cucumber Chips

Homesteading enthusiasts, this guide is for you! We’re going to delve into the art of making cucumber chips. This healthy and delicious snack is a fantastic way to use up those extra cucumbers from your garden or local farmer’s market. We’ve gathered information from three different sources to provide you with a comprehensive guide. Let’s get started!

Why Cucumber Chips?

Cucumber chips are a super healthy snack, offering a guilt-free way to satisfy your craving for something crunchy. They’re also a great way to preserve cucumbers for longer periods, allowing you to enjoy the fruits of your garden well beyond the harvest season.

Choosing Your Cucumbers

Fresh, vine-ripened cucumbers are the best for making this homemade crunchy treat. You can use cucumbers from your garden, greenhouse, local farmer’s market, or grocery. Just ensure they are free from dirt.

Preparing Your Cucumbers

Start by washing your cucumbers thoroughly. Then, slice them thinly, about an ⅛ of an inch in thickness. You can use a mandoline for even slices. Pat the cucumber slices dry with a towel before proceeding to the next step.

Seasoning Your Cucumbers

This is where you can get creative. There are so many different varieties of spices and seasonings for these cucumber chips. Here are some suggestions:

Onion and Garlic: A classic combination that never fails.
Salt and Vinegar: For a tangy twist.
Smoked Paprika: For a hint of smokiness.
Lemon Pepper: For a zesty kick.
Ranch Salad Dressing Mix & French Onion Dry Mix: For a burst of flavor.

Remember, the choice of seasoning is entirely up to you. Feel free to experiment with different combinations.

Drying Your Cucumbers

There are two main methods to dry your cucumbers: using a dehydrator or an oven.

Dehydrator Method

If you’re using a dehydrator, fill your trays with cucumber slices, season with your choice of spices, and then follow the instructions for your specific dehydrator. The recommended drying time is approximately 6 hours at 135 degrees.

Oven Method

If you’re using an oven, place the seasoned cucumber slices on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake them low and slow at 170 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-4 hours. The cooking time will depend on how large your cucumbers are.

Storing Your Cucumber Chips

Once all your cucumber slices have dried, you will need to store them in a dark, cool place. Glass jars with screw-on lids are a good option. For short term storage, you can use Silica Pillow Packs (recycled from vitamin bottles) to keep the chips dry and fresh. For longer storage, consider vacuum sealing your jars.

Conclusion

Cucumber chips are a healthy, delicious, and versatile snack that you can easily make at home. They’re a great way to use up excess cucumbers and can be seasoned to suit your taste. So why not give it a try? Happy snacking!

The World’s Most Efficient Bugout Shelter

Understanding Bugout Shelters

A bugout shelter, often referred to as a survival shelter, is a secure location where people can retreat to when faced with potential dangers or threats. It serves as a temporary dwelling that offers protection from the elements, wildlife, and potential adversaries.

We’re always on the look out for new ideas for shelters in the case of an emergency, or disaster situation. Recently we ran across a modular survival shelter known as the Bunkhouse.

The Bunkhouse can be assembled by 2 people in 30 minutes or less. The cost is only $1595. It has some nice features that include:

insulated walls
heating
air conditioning
solar power options for lighting and 110 outlets
6 bunks per unit
toilet
sink
shower
water storage
and more!

Designing the Most Efficient Bugout Shelter

Location and Accessibility

Selecting the right location for a bugout shelter is paramount. It should be easily accessible but strategically hidden from common pathways. An ideal bugout shelter should also have access to freshwater sources and be far from potential hazards such as flood-prone areas or fault lines.

Sustainable and Self-Sufficient

The world’s most efficient bugout shelter is designed to be sustainable and self-sufficient. It incorporates renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind turbines to power essential devices and equipment. Additionally, it includes rainwater harvesting systems and on-site gardening to provide food and water for extended periods.

Sturdy Construction

The shelter’s construction is a crucial aspect that determines its durability and ability to withstand harsh conditions. High-quality materials like reinforced steel and impact-resistant walls ensure the shelter can endure extreme weather events and potential attacks.

Advanced Security Measures

Security is of utmost importance in a bugout shelter. The most efficient bugout shelter is equipped with state-of-the-art security systems, including surveillance cameras, motion sensors, and secure entryways. Furthermore, it has reinforced doors and windows to deter unauthorized access.

Multi-Functional Spaces

The world’s most efficient bugout shelter is designed to optimize space utilization. It includes multi-functional areas that can serve as living spaces, storage rooms, and medical bays. Each section is efficiently organized to provide comfort and functionality.

We love the nice features of this modular shelter which is made by CompassionShelters.com. The Bunkhouse is their smallest shelter and can sleep 6, and has available toilet facilities.

How the Bugout Shelter Works

Step-by-Step Bugout Plan

Having a well-defined step-by-step bugout plan is essential for the efficient functioning of the shelter. The plan includes clear instructions on when and how to evacuate to the shelter, what essentials to bring, and how to communicate with others during the evacuation.

Evacuation Essentials

To ensure a successful bugout, there are several essential items that individuals should bring with them. These include first aid kits, non-perishable food supplies, water purification tools, communication devices, and…

The Government Wants to Turn Blockchain Firms into Servants of the State

In recent years, blockchain surveillance (BS) companies have become increasingly important players in the cryptocurrency industry. Their business model consists in developing proprietary software that collects and interprets public data available on public blockchains and in selling their services to governments, banks, exchanges, and others that need access to this data. Usually, governments are interested in collecting information about financial crimes, while other institutional players use BS companies for compliance, especially with regard to customer due diligence. This article argues that BS companies can be understood as governmentalities.

Michael Rectenwald deploys this term to “refer to corporations and other non-state actors who actively undertake state functions.” The partnership between the state and BS companies threatens cryptocurrency users’ privacy and their ability to transact freely, away from the prying eyes of unwanted third parties.

Guilty until Proven Innocent

BS companies help institutional players and law enforcement implement the risk-based approach (RBA) developed by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). According to the RBA, customers of regulated intermediaries such as cryptocurrency exchanges are first and foremost considered to be risks to the stability of the financial system; they are considered to be customers secondarily. Consequently, all customers are categorized based on the level of risk they pose to the ability of intermediaries to comply with regulations. Different BS firms may implement the RBA differently, but the classification of risk remains more or less constant: Severe risk is usually tied to indicators of child abuse, terrorist financing, and sanctions. Ties to dark-net markets and ransomware; use of ATMs; protocol privacy; peer-to-peer activity; use of cryptocurrency mixers, and indicators of gambling are normally classified as high or medium risk factors. The use of decentralized exchanges and smart contracts poses medium to no risk by default.

If customers are a risk, it follows that the burden of proof is on them to demonstrate their innocence by providing all the required information. When BS companies flag activity as suspicious, exchanges eventually start asking questions of their customers, and if the answers are unsatisfactory, customers’ funds are blocked. As is clear from the list provided above, an activity is considered risky not only when it is an obvious crime like child abuse but also when it is a legitimate and legal action such as exchanging cryptocurrencies peer to peer, using a crypto ATM, or taking advantage of protocol privacy.

It is important to not overstate what BS companies can do. Thanks to pseudonymity, personal identities are not part of the bitcoin blockchain: only public addresses that control some funds show up in the blocks. The very purpose of customer due diligence procedures is to attach real-world identities to addresses and to follow their trails. When users’ money is not in the custody of third parties, heuristic rules can be used to guess where the funds went; however, these rules can at best provide good approximations, not infallible results.

For example, according to the common input heuristic, if more than one input appears in…

How To Make Winter Chicken Treats

How To Make Winter Chicken Treats | Homesteading tallest) { tallest = thisHeight; } }); group.height(tallest); } equalHeight($(“.dg-grid-shortcode .dg_grid-shortcode-col”)); $(window).resize(function() { equalHeight($(“.dg-grid-shortcode .dg_grid-shortcode-col”)); }); }); ]]> Sorry, this product is unavailable. Please choose a different combination. ]]>

5 Home Improvement Projects to Tackle Before Selling

Considering selling your home and moving to a new city? It can be a smart move, especially if you live in a city like Tampa, Florida, where home values are skyrocketing. The median sale price of a home in Tampa in April 2023 was $417,500, according to Redfin data. This is greater than the national median sale price of $388,800, according to Bankrate, and it reflects a rise of 4.4 percent year over year. It gives you the perfect opportunity to start fresh in a new city.

Selling a property may be thrilling, but it can be equally challenging, particularly if you want to draw in buyers and get a fair price. Planning the home renovations and the move simultaneously can be another challenge since there are simply too many factors to consider.

Therefore, to lessen your workload, we have done the necessary research and created a list of recommendations to assist you in making choices that increase the market value of your property before you put it up for sale.

Let’s take a look.

1. Reduce Clutter and Move your Belongings

It is important to declutter your home before you start any remodeling or repairs for your Tampa home. This will help you get a better idea of your available space and make it easier to stage your home for potential buyers.

After you’ve finished the decluttering process, it’s a good idea to move your possessions to a storage unit, or preferably your new home, to ensure they’re out of the house and safe. However, shifting your belongings to the new city you’re moving to without causing damage or losing anything is challenging. Therefore, to guarantee your belongings move safely out of the city, hire the best long distance movers in Tampa.

Additionally, clearing up the clutter in your house and moving your items can give you a room that seems like a blank canvas. This blank canvas enables you to complete further minor renovations before listing your home for sale. Utilizing this spotless setting will allow you to concentrate on making your property more appealing and presenting its full potential to prospective purchasers.

2. Update The Bathrooms With New Fixtures And Furnishings

According to Zillow, even simple bathroom upgrades can result in a good return on investment. Outdated bathrooms with corroded fixtures and drab color schemes can be quite off-putting. Invest in replacing outdated bathroom fixtures with timeless styles made of durable materials like brushed nickel or stainless steel. The need for frequent replacements is reduced by using durable materials, which also minimizes maintenance expenses.

Moreover, regrouting and caulking are important bathroom maintenance steps. Grout and caulk can deteriorate and change color over time, giving the bathroom a messy appearance. The bathroom will look clean and well-kept if you take the time to re-grout the lines and caulk around the shower, tub, and sink areas.

Last but not least, don’t undervalue how important it is to incorporate natural elements into the bathroom. These components contribute to better air quality while also enhancing aesthetic…

The State of State AI Laws: 2023

By Katrina Zhu, EPIC IPIOP Clerk

The 2023 legislative session has seen a surge in state AI laws proposed across the U.S., surpassing the number of AI laws proposed or passed in past legislative sessions. Ten states included AI regulations as part of larger consumer privacy laws that were passed or are going into effect in 2023, and even more states have proposed similar bills. Several states proposed task forces to investigate AI, and others expressed concern about AI’s impact on services like healthcare, insurance, and employment. Below is a list of state laws going into effect, passed, or proposed for the current legislative session.

Laws going into effect in 2023
Of the AI-related laws going into effect in 2023, most of them are part of comprehensive consumer privacy laws. These laws regulate AI and automated decision-making by allowing users to opt-out of profiling and requiring impact assessments. One law in New York City stands out as it “blazes a path for A.I. regulation” in hiring, attracting national attention.

State/City	Name	Date passed	Date in effect	Description
California	California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA)	November 3, 2020	January 1, 2023	CPRA amends the California Consumer Privacy Act, introducing provisions impacting AI like additional limitations on data retention, data sharing, and use of sensitive personal information.
Colorado	Colorado Privacy Act (CPA)	July 7, 2021	July 1, 2023	The CPA gives consumers the right to opt-out of profiling in furtherance of automated decisions. It also requires a data protection assessment for activities that pose a “heightened risk of harm,” including targeted advertising and some types of profiling.
Connecticut	Connecticut Data Privacy Act (CTDPA)	May 10, 2022	July 1, 2023	The CTPA gives consumers the right to opt-out of profiling in furtherance of automated decisions. It also requires a data protection assessment for activities that pose a “heightened risk of harm,” including targeted advertising and some types of profiling.
New York City	Automated Employment Decision Tools	December 11, 2021	January 1, 2023	AEDT regulates the use of AI in hiring. It requires employers to notify candidates about the use of such tools, allows candidates to request what data is used, and requires an annual audit to evaluate the tool for bias.
Virginia	Virginia Consumer Data Privacy Act (VCDPA)	March 2, 2021	January 1, 2023	The VCDPA gives consumers the right to opt-out of profiling in furtherance of automated decisions. It also requires a data protection assessment for activities that pose a “heightened risk of harm,” including targeted advertising and some types of profiling.
Utah	Utah Consumer Privacy Act (UCPA)	March 24, 2022	December 31, 2023	The UCPA gives consumers the ability to opt-out of profiling using personal data. Notably, it does not require impact assessments for data controllers.

This legislative session, Montana, Indiana, Oregon, Tennessee, and Texas passed comprehensive consumer privacy laws that includes provisions regulating AI, mirroring laws that California, Colorado, Connecticut, and Virginia have previously passed. Most notably, the law (1) gives consumers the right to opt out of automated profiling and (2) mandates data protection assessments if the automated decision-making poses a heightened risk of harm. Iowa also passed a consumer privacy law, but it does not grant…

How to Make Penicillin at Home (Just in Case SHTF)

One of the hottest topics in the prepper and survivalist world is how to make penicillin at home.

Considering how expensive healthcare is, I wouldn’t be surprised if there aren’t some DIY types also wanting to learn how to make penicillin.

Because penicillin is “just mold bread” and was discovered by accident, it might seem pretty easy to make penicillin. Yes, it is – but it is really hard to make penicillin safely. If you want to learn how to make DIY penicillin, here’s what you need to know.

Even in SHTF Situations, Homemade Penicillin Probably Isn’t a Good Solution

Before I even get into the (complex) instructions on how to make penicillin at home, I want to emphasize that it isn’t as straightforward as many prepper sites would have you think.

Penicillin doesn’t treat superbugs: Antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a huge problem. Already many bacterial strains are resistant to penicillin. So, don’t count on penicillin to save you from every infection!
Penicillin doesn’t treat all infections: Penicillin can be used in many throat, respiratory, and skin infections. It won’t treat tooth infections or UTIs (amongst others).
It requires strange ingredients: Most people won’t have these things at home if SHTF. That’s an insane level of preparedness. Even if you do have the supplies, it’s still very complicated to safely make penicillin.

When Would I Recommend Learning to Make Penicillin?

I think learning any skill is a good use of time. However, I personally think that this one only makes sense if you plan on becoming an expert. I mean REAL EXPERT.

Why?

Because you could make penicillin as a SHTF bartering item. You’ll become much more valuable to your survival community if you know this too. Otherwise, you are spending a lot of time on this skill when simpler alternatives exist.

Alternatives to Homemade Penicillin

Most doctors won’t give out prescriptions for antibiotics “just in case.” Even if they did, those antibiotics can be really expensive!

A better alternative is to use fish antibiotics, which currently don’t require a prescription, are cheap, and easy to get.

But, just in case you still want to learn to make penicillin, here are the instructions!

Good luck!!!

Step 1. Isolating Penicillin Bacteria

Put a piece of bread, cantaloupe, or citrus fruit in a container in a dark place at 70 degrees F. It should be in a closed (but not airtight) container. It helps to add a few drops of water to the container and leave all but one corner closed to keep in moisture.

It can take weeks for the mold to start growing. Hopefully, you aren’t trying to treat gangrene with your DIY penicillin because your patient will likely be dead before you get any usable spores.

The bread or fruit will start getting a gray mold. This gray mold will eventually turn a bluish-green color. This is the…