ZDNetGovWeek: Get ready for non-stop investment scams, DEFCON disinvites feds, and more NSA
ZDNet's worldwide team provides global 24/7 technology news and analysis. In addition to my own coverage analysis here in the ZDNet Government column and on ZDNet's DIY-IT, every week I'll bring you a selection of the best government-related articles posted by our intrepid reporters and analysts. Here are some of the most interesting from the last week.
Top stories this week
Latest SEC vote means startups, VCs can advertise fundraising
The latest decision from the SEC could change how a number of tech startups and VCs do business from now on.
Why you shouldn't worry that the NSA is inside Android's code
People worry that Google is accepting code from the NSA and pushing it into Android, but really, don't we want some of those code breakers showing us how to do it right?
Merkel calls for global rules on data, Obama to explain EU bugging
Angela Merkel has said that she expects a commitment by the US government to respect German law while on German soil.
JFK's mind-blowing speech on secrecy and the role of newspapers
"The very word "secrecy" is repugnant in a free and open society; and we are as a people inherently and historically opposed to secret societies, to secret oaths and secret proceedings..."
Microsoft sucked into ever-growing NSA vortex: who's next?
Did Microsoft's "reasonable assistance" go too far, becoming an NSA branch office and betraying their customers? What about other service providers?
Microsoft accused of handing NSA access to encrypted messages
A report following the U.S. government's outed spying program accuses Microsoft of handing over secure and encrypted emails and messages to the National Security Agency.
Feds 'not welcome' at DEF CON hacker conference
Last year NSA Director Keith Alexander keynoted the annual DEF CON hacker conference in Las Vegas. This year, DEF CON organizers warn that U.S. government Federal agents are explicitly not welcome. UPDATED.
China, U.S. pledge to improve cybersecurity cooperation
Progress between the two nations is underway, according to reports.
Other government coverage around ZDNet
U.S. 'blocks' tax avoidance reform plans, proposals watered down
"Enough is enough," say EU countries trying to crack down on the global tax avoidance problem. But the U.S. isn't playing fair and behind closed doors is stamping its feet.
NT chief minister defends free Wi-Fi on buses
Northern Territory Chief Minister Adam Giles has defended the government's decision to spend AU$120,000 on installing free Wi-Fi on Darwin buses.
Soldiers forced to install app to stop leaks in Seoul
South Korea's defence ministry says it has ordered staff to install a smartphone application that restricts key functions like the camera in a bid to prevent military leaks, but 20 percent are refusing to do so.
Android OEMs slow to roll out Bluebox Security patch
Google released the Bluebox Security fix days ago but only a handful of OEMs have released the patch to customers. On the bright side, there's now an Android app available to scan for the security hole.
Microsoft sues U.S. Customs office to force Google phone ban
Here's another Microsoft-Motorola Mobility battle brewing, but we have a new party in the mix: U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
US govt tells India to ease protectionist trade policies
Political posturing between the U.S. and Indian government takes shape, with the U.S. saying protectionist trade policies on the subcontinent must be lifted before it will discuss concessions to its proposed immigration reforms.
Telstra agreed to retain data for US authorities
Telstra signed an agreement in 2001 to retain data for US authorities, a document leaked to several media outlets has revealed.
The impracticalities of GST on overseas online shopping
The New Zealand Inland Revenue and the Customs Department have set up a working group to see whether GST should be collected on purchases below the current NZ$400 limit.
India's BlackBerry monitoring system 'ready for use'
Smartphone maker has successfully developed a lawful interception system allowing the Indian government to track e-mail and intercept Web browsing in real-time.
S. Korea banks to segment network, establish data backup
Financial regulator to instruct local banks to separate their network systems into two, for internal and external usage, and is pushing to set up a consolidated backup center, as part of measures to beef up defenses against cyberattacks.
Mexico investigates report of US spy contract
Mexico is investigating a report that its previous government allowed the United States to install a system to intercept calls and internet communications, a government spokesman has said.
Japan govt used wrong privacy settings in Google Groups
Officials from the government did not amend default privacy settings on their Google Groups online discussions, and may have revealed internal memo to non-members.