Do you feel like all you ever do is work? Odds are, your personal devices are contributing to that feeling. A recent study by a British tech retailer found that smart devices are adding, on average, an extra two hours of work a day. So while that constant connection may give some peace of mind, it’s also likely to bring with it the inability to ever be “off-duty.”
Given the large role technology plays in our lives, it is not surprising that governments around the country have been working to figure out how to appropriately balance its risks and benefits. On Friday, the New Jersey Senate passed a social media bill, which prevents employers and colleges from obtaining online passwords. On Monday, the United States Supreme Court considered who has standing to challenge the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, a wiretapping law that gives the government broad surveillance powers. Additionally, reports indicate that the Senate will likely reconsider cyber security legislation when Congress reconvenes after the election.
Technology and the Workplace
NJ Senate Approves Bills on Social Media, Employers (CBS)
4th Circuit Email Privacy Case Hinges on Employer’s Policy (Law 360)
When is a Domain Name Protected Speech? (WSJ)
Smartphones Extend Our Workday by Two Hours (Mashable)
Police Chief Could Lose Job Over Email Span Filter Fail (San Francisco Chronicle)
Technology and the Law
Supreme Court Weighs Challenge to Eavesdropping Law (Reuters)
Woman Sues Apple Over Smart Devices, Says She Never Agreed to Have Location Data Tracked and Stored (ABA Journal)
Man Faces Fallout for Spreading False Sandy Reports on Twitter (CNN)
Senate Likely to Revisit Cyber Bill When Congress Returns (Yahoo)
Ramsey County Project Will Use GPS on Stalkers (Star Tribune)
Conviction Reinstated for Neo-Nazi Who Posted Juror’s Photo and Address (ABA Journal)
There’s an App for That
Five Ways to Keep Your Phone Charged in a Power Outage (CNN)
Butterball Hotline Goes High-Tech With Smartphone App (NBC)
Best Apps for DYI Enthusiasts (Huffington Post)
Can Your Tweets Predict Your Vote? (FOX)
iPhone App That Finds Racy Facebook Photos Raises Privacy Worries (LA Times)