Posts from the ‘Crime’ Category

Five for Friday: What calamity will hit next?

Hurricanes look spectacular from above.

Busy day for the blog today.  We’ve already had the most views ever today and we still have 6 hours to go.  First a little on Irene and then on to the Five for Friday.  The first part has some information even the natural disaster free west coasters can use.

What calamity will come our way next?  I am so glad I recently purchased a home in an old now new earthquake zone and close to the water in a hurricane-prone area.  That being said, here are some useful links for affected East Coasters to get themselves through the next few days:

MSNBC.com’s page highlights some useful mobile apps in times like these.  Speaking of Apps, FEMA just launched its Droid App just in time.  A search did not reveal an App for iOS though.  Have no fear, iOS Apps are here.

The Washington Post has a good resource on all the Hurricane information.  The AP, has a nice blurb on how best to stay connected.  And, of course, if you want up to date weather information: go to the source.

Why is social media and the legal implications of what we do on it so important?  Because 50% of adults use it.  Without further adieu, here is another solid Five for Friday:

First, part of the now-infamous law that was to take affect Sunday that would have prevented private online chats between teachers and students has been put on hold by a Missouri state court judge.  Details are here and here.  Gov. Nixon, who signed the bill, now wants it repealed.

Second, Gawker.com reports on a new trend that may be ending right after it began: elevator tweets.  The first was a twitter account dedicated to Conde Naste.  A copycat one started from Goldman Sachs.  Not surprisingly, Twitter refused to freeze the Goldman Sachs account.  Instead, Goldman Sachs has launched an internal witch hunt investigation, according to the New York Post’s Page Six (though GS denies this).

There is a good lesson to be learned by this: (1) have a plan to protect proprietary information; (2) instruct employees about when or where you should discuss proprietary information (hint: not in an elevator with strangers); and (3) require employees to sign a written policy and train them about the consequences of revealing proprietary information.  I, of course, can help you with that.

Third, look for a story and analysis on a new case next week (or tomorrow if I batten down the hatches quick enough).  The maker of the Angry Birds games has sued a toy manufacturer for making “Angry Birds” stuffed animals.  In the meantime, read about copyrights here.

Fourth, recent law grad Justin Silverman has the most comprehensive analysis on the legality of BART’s actions here and here.  I have no examined it yet, but I will when I have a few minutes over the weekend and offer my comments next week.  Since that time, BART has been the target of Anonymous and protests.  Some of BART’s “exposure” has been of their own doing.

Speaking of hacking, a hacker exposed (via msnbc.com) the e-mail and passwords of 66,000 people (including US government employees).  It seems like the government and contractors are always one-step behind in prevention.

Fifth, here are a few tidbits worth further reading:

• Here is a good primer how click fraud works.  We’ll have more on click fraud in the coming days.
• Here (via cnet.com)is more on the MP3tunes decision we discussed a few days ago.
• Google may be changing their search engine’s algorithm soon.
• The NYPD arrested more than 50 gang members (via mashable) who they tracked down using social media.  We discussed this in an earlier blog.

I will also try to blog about the Protect IP Act next week in all its controversy.

Stay safe and have a good weekend.  Please feel free to offer your insights in the comments.