Reckless Oz regulator runs roughshod over rights
The Australian Securities and Investment Commission censored a website it alleges was part of a scam — plus 1,200 others as collateral damage. An apology is nowhere near enough.
The Full Tilt
Stilgherrian delivers an undiluted dose of criticism and analysis of the ways digital technology is changing our world and the spin that goes with it. Mostly in words -- sometimes in audio or video formats -- always cynical. Incorporating the Patch Monday podcast.
Stilgherrian
Stilgherrian is a freelance journalist, commentator and podcaster interested in big-picture internet issues, especially security, cybercrime and hoovering up bulldust. He studied computing science and linguistics before a wide-ranging media career and a stint at running an IT business. He can write iptables firewall rules, set a rabbit trap, clear a jam in an IBM model 026 card punch and mix a mean whiskey sour.
Latest Posts
Mobile broadband's false promise
If wireless broadband is supposed to liberate us from fixed-line data tethers, it's a dream that won't become a reality any time soon.
The fuzzy logic of Australia's data breach draft
Australia's long-overdue data breach notification laws are finally being drafted. But will they be tough enough to staunch the haemorrhage of personal data?
LulzSec? Bah, cybercrime ain't no joke
Forget the LulzSec speculation sideshow. The cybercrime charges against Matthew Flannery are a rare chance for the AFP to put a head on a spike as a warning to others.
WordPress attack highlights 30 million targets
The recent botnet attack on websites running WordPress hasn't had much impact — yet. But with millions of vulnerable sites and a knowledge gap at the low end of the market, things could get much, much worse.
Will speed kill the next tech revolution?
It took decades to develop and popularise our now-familiar desktop user interfaces. Do we still have the patience to develop the next interface revolution?
Bitcoin: More ideology than trustworthy currency
Bitcoin's appeal is its promise to fulfil certain libertarian geek fantasies, but right now, there's little to distinguish this digital currency from an elaborate scam.
Summly sale storytelling hides horrible home truths
Summly's presumed boy-genius founder and its $30 million sale to Yahoo got global media attention, thanks to classic dodgy startup-culture myth making. Time for a reality check.
Backwards attitude to online identity erodes our power
Demanding that people use their real names to access internet services, except in special circumstances, is a dramatic, but largely undiscussed shift of power away from individuals to corporations and governments.
Will you stop with all your 'cybering' already?
When someone starts warning you of "cyberthreats", check your wallet and keys. You're probably about to be conned.