Recently updated Canadian travel advisories warn citizens to expect thorough scrutiny from U.S. border patrol, including electronic device searches, which are conducted without warrants. U.S. authorities have broad discretion regarding entry, potentially leading to detention or deportation for those denied entry. Experts advise travelers to weigh the privacy risks before traveling, considering options like bringing a secondary device or leaving personal devices at home. The Canadian government maintains a low risk rating for travel to the U.S., but heightened security measures are prompting increased anxiety among travelers.
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Despite warnings from senior Interior Department officials about the risks, Elon Musk’s “Doge” team gained access to the Federal Personnel and Payroll System, which handles the payroll for 276,000 federal employees. A memo highlighted the sensitive nature of the data and the lack of necessary training for Doge employees. Access was granted over the weekend, despite the memo’s warnings and lack of approval from Secretary Burgum. Subsequently, two IT officials who resisted the access request were placed on administrative leave. The Interior Department claims these actions align with efforts to improve government efficiency.
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Effective March 28th, Amazon is eliminating the “Do Not Send Voice Recordings” setting for Alexa devices, mandating that all voice data be sent to Amazon for Alexa Plus processing. This change, driven by the need to improve Alexa Plus’s conversational AI capabilities, removes user choice regarding data sharing. While Amazon claims data is encrypted in transit and deleted after processing, past incidents of data mishandling raise concerns about data security and potential misuse. Users who disable the remaining “Do Not Save Voice Recordings” setting will lose access to features like Voice ID.
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23andMe’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing has ignited serious privacy concerns, as the genetic data of millions of users is now a potential asset in the company’s sale. This sensitive information, used to predict disease predisposition and connect relatives, lacks robust federal protection under current U.S. law, unlike medical data held by healthcare providers. Experts warn of the potentially catastrophic consequences of data misuse by future owners, highlighting the irreplaceable nature of DNA and the limited recourse for individuals. The sale underscores the vulnerability of personal genetic information and the need for stronger data privacy regulations.
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A leaked audio recording reveals that the acting head of the Social Security Administration, Leland Dudek, acknowledged the “DOGE kids,” young staffers with broad access to sensitive data, are learning and making mistakes. Dudek, appointed by the Trump administration, stated that he would investigate and potentially prosecute any illegal activity involving Social Security data. Concerns were raised regarding the agency’s deep cuts and potential system collapse due to the DOGE takeover, prompting assurances from Dudek but also highlighting the president’s influence on agency decisions. Former employees have voiced serious concerns about data security and the potential disruption of benefit payments.
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Effective March 6th, 2025, the Social Security Administration banned employees from accessing news websites, online shopping sites, and sports websites on government devices to enhance security and improve employee focus on mission-critical tasks. Employees may request exceptions for work-related needs. This policy follows recent criticism of the agency and aligns with prior administration efforts to limit federal agency access to certain news sources. The restrictions aim to protect sensitive information and ensure employees concentrate on serving the public.
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Italy is experiencing a significant shift in its enthusiasm for a proposed €1.5 billion deal with Elon Musk’s Starlink. The initial excitement surrounding the prospect of enhanced satellite-based communications is now overshadowed by a growing unease regarding the reliability and trustworthiness of Musk himself, as well as the inherent security risks associated with utilizing a foreign-owned and operated system.
The concern stems from Musk’s demonstrably erratic behavior and his willingness to wield his technological power in unpredictable ways. Instances of Starlink service being disabled, even in situations perceived as critical, raise serious questions about the dependability of the system for a nation’s critical infrastructure.… Continue reading
Following a government-wide email demanding weekly work reports, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) advised employees not to respond, citing the risk of exposure to malign foreign actors. HHS emphasized that non-response would have no employment consequences, but cautioned that responses should be generic to protect sensitive data. This warning followed similar guidance from other agencies, while the Department of Transportation instructed its employees to respond. The email request, initiated by Elon Musk, has sparked controversy, with President Trump voicing support, while concerns remain about national security risks and the potential use of AI to evaluate employee necessity.
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A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing sensitive Treasury Department data, including Social Security and bank account numbers, after a lawsuit from 19 Democratic attorneys general. The lawsuit alleges DOGE’s access violates federal law and the Constitution’s separation of powers, jeopardizing the security of millions of Americans’ financial information and potentially interfering with congressionally appropriated funds. The judge ordered the immediate destruction of any already downloaded data and scheduled a hearing for February 14th. The case highlights concerns over DOGE’s authority and the potential misuse of sensitive government information.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood