activistpost--2020-03-25--Coronavirus and Surveillance Technology: How Far Will Governments Go?

The following post written by Shui-yin Sharon Yam , Assistant Professor of Writing , Rhetoric , and Digital Studies at the University of Kentucky , was originally published on Hong Kong Free Press on 24 March 2020 and republished here on Global Voices under a content partnership agreement .
Check out Global Voices ’ special coverage of the global impact of COVID-19 .
Since the COVID 19 outbreak became a fast-spreading pandemic , governments from across the globe have implemented new policies to help slow the spread of the virus .
In addition to closing borders to non-citizens , many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to track and contain visitors and citizens alike .
On Wednesday , the Hong Kong government announced that all new arrivals to the city must undergo two weeks of self-quarantine , while wearing an electronic wristband that connects to a location tracking app on their phones .
If the app detects changes in the person ’ s location , it will alert the Department of Health and the police .
Prior to this new policy , only people who had recently visited Hubei province in China were required to wear a monitoring wristband @ @ @ @ @ @ @ technologies and measures may give the public a sense of security in controlling the spread of the virus , we must remain mindful and vigilant of their continued use after the pandemic subsides .
European and North American countries like Italy , Spain , and the US are currently being hit hard by the coronavirus .
Meanwhile , Asian countries have been praised by international media for their swift responses and use of surveillance technologies to control the outbreak .
The Singaporean government , for example , implemented policies that can effectively and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As of February , anyone entering a government or corporate building in Singapore will have to provide their contact information .
In addition , the government has been gathering a substantial amount of data detailing not only each known case of infection but also where the person lives , works and the network of contacts they are connected to .
While these measures have thus far seemed to yield positive results , they have highlighted the technological capacity and power of the government to monitor the movements and lives of every individual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first detected , the government has been deploying not only drastic lockdown policies but also a variety of surveillance technologies to ensure public compliance with self-quarantine and isolation .
In addition to using drones to monitor people ’ s movements and ensure they are staying home , police in five Chinese cities have taken to patrolling the streets wearing smart helmets equipped with thermal screening technologies that sound an alarm if a person ’ s temperature is higher than the threshold .
The government has also collaborated with the company Hanwang Technology Limited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so that it can work even when the person is wearing a face mask .
When connected to a temperature sensor and the Chinese government ’ s existing database as well as state-level intel , this technology allows authorities to immediately identify the name of each person whose body temperature is above 38 degrees Celcius .
According to Hanwang Technology , this refined facial recognition technology can identify up to 30 people “ within a second.
” While the use of surveillance technologies like these has been effective in lowering the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not without risks .
Beyond the pandemic , both the Chinese government and the company have substantial interests in further developing and deploying this technology : the government can make use of it to track and suppress political dissidents , and the company has much to gain financially .
This technology can also be co-opted by China ’ s counterterrorism forces to further monitor and regulate the movement of the Uighur people , who are categorised as terrorists by the Chinese government and are currently being forced into mass detention camps and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asia , Middle Eastern countries like Israel and Iran have also been deploying similar surveillance technologies , citing the need to control the spread of the coronavirus .
The Israeli government now makes use of technologies developed for counterterrorism to collect cellphone data , so that the government can trace people ’ s contact network , and identify those who need to be quarantined .
The geolocation data gathered via people ’ s phones will then be used to alert the public where not to go based on the pattern of infection .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to deploy counterterrorism data to combat a public health crisis , but the existence of this data trove has also , according to the New York Times , not been reported prior to this .
On March 6 , researcher Nariman Gharib revealed that the Iranian government had been tracking its citizens ’ phone data through an app disguised as a coronavirus diagnostic tool .
Security expert Nikolaos Chrysaidos confirmed that the app collected sensitive personal information unrelated to the outbreak – for example , the app recorded the bodily movements of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Google has since removed the app from Google Play , but this case demonstrates the need for ongoing public vigilance over government use of surveillance technologies in the name of public health .
Safeguarding public health has historically been used as a justification for mainstream institutions and government authorities to stigmatise , monitor , and regulate the lives of marginalised people – such as immigrants , racial minorities , LGBTQ+ people , and people living in poverty .
If we do not hold our government accountable for its use of surveillance technologies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we will be putting those who are already marginalised at further risks of regulation , suppression , and persecution .
Hong Kong Free Press is an English language news source seeking to unite critical voices on local and national affairs .
Free of charge and completely independent , HKFP arrived amid rising concerns over declining press freedom in Hong Kong and during an important time in the city ’ s constitutional development .
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By Shui-yin Sharon Yam
The following post written by Shui-yin Sharon Yam, Assistant Professor of Writing, Rhetoric, and Digital Studies at the University of Kentucky, was originally published on Hong Kong Free Press on 24 March 2020 and republished here on Global Voices under a content partnership agreement.
Check out Global Voices’ special coverage of the global impact of COVID-19.
Since the COVID 19 outbreak became a fast-spreading pandemic, governments from across the globe have implemented new policies to help slow the spread of the virus.
In addition to closing borders to non-citizens, many governments have also mobilized digital surveillance technologies to track and contain visitors and citizens alike.
On Wednesday, the Hong Kong government announced that all new arrivals to the city must undergo two weeks of self-quarantine, while wearing an electronic wristband that connects to a location tracking app on their phones.
If the app detects changes in the person’s location, it will alert the Department of Health and the police. Prior to this new policy, only people who had recently visited Hubei province in China were required to wear a monitoring wristband during their quarantine period.
While surveillance technologies and measures may give the public a sense of security in controlling the spread of the virus, we must remain mindful and vigilant of their continued use after the pandemic subsides.
European and North American countries like Italy, Spain, and the US are currently being hit hard by the coronavirus. Meanwhile, Asian countries have been praised by international media for their swift responses and use of surveillance technologies to control the outbreak.
The Singaporean government, for example, implemented policies that can effectively and rigorously trace a complex chain of contacts. As of February, anyone entering a government or corporate building in Singapore will have to provide their contact information.
In addition, the government has been gathering a substantial amount of data detailing not only each known case of infection but also where the person lives, works and the network of contacts they are connected to.
While these measures have thus far seemed to yield positive results, they have highlighted the technological capacity and power of the government to monitor the movements and lives of every individual.
In China, where Covid-19 was first detected, the government has been deploying not only drastic lockdown policies but also a variety of surveillance technologies to ensure public compliance with self-quarantine and isolation.
In addition to using drones to monitor people’s movements and ensure they are staying home, police in five Chinese cities have taken to patrolling the streets wearing smart helmets equipped with thermal screening technologies that sound an alarm if a person’s temperature is higher than the threshold.
The government has also collaborated with the company Hanwang Technology Limited to finesse their existing facial recognition technology, so that it can work even when the person is wearing a face mask.
When connected to a temperature sensor and the Chinese government’s existing database as well as state-level intel, this technology allows authorities to immediately identify the name of each person whose body temperature is above 38 degrees Celcius.
According to Hanwang Technology, this refined facial recognition technology can identify up to 30 people “within a second.”
While the use of surveillance technologies like these has been effective in lowering the number of confirmed cases in China, it is not without risks.
Beyond the pandemic, both the Chinese government and the company have substantial interests in further developing and deploying this technology: the government can make use of it to track and suppress political dissidents, and the company has much to gain financially.
This technology can also be co-opted by China’s counterterrorism forces to further monitor and regulate the movement of the Uighur people, who are categorised as terrorists by the Chinese government and are currently being forced into mass detention camps and subjected to forced labour.
Outside of Asia, Middle Eastern countries like Israel and Iran have also been deploying similar surveillance technologies, citing the need to control the spread of the coronavirus.
The Israeli government now makes use of technologies developed for counterterrorism to collect cellphone data, so that the government can trace people’s contact network, and identify those who need to be quarantined.
The geolocation data gathered via people’s phones will then be used to alert the public where not to go based on the pattern of infection.
Not only is it unprecedented for Israel to deploy counterterrorism data to combat a public health crisis, but the existence of this data trove has also, according to the New York Times, not been reported prior to this.
On March 6, researcher Nariman Gharib revealed that the Iranian government had been tracking its citizens’ phone data through an app disguised as a coronavirus diagnostic tool.
Security expert Nikolaos Chrysaidos confirmed that the app collected sensitive personal information unrelated to the outbreak – for example, the app recorded the bodily movements of the user the way a fitness tracker would.
Google has since removed the app from Google Play, but this case demonstrates the need for ongoing public vigilance over government use of surveillance technologies in the name of public health.
Safeguarding public health has historically been used as a justification for mainstream institutions and government authorities to stigmatise, monitor, and regulate the lives of marginalised people – such as immigrants, racial minorities, LGBTQ+ people, and people living in poverty.
If we do not hold our government accountable for its use of surveillance technologies during the current pandemic and beyond, we will be putting those who are already marginalised at further risks of regulation, suppression, and persecution.
Article source: Global Voices
Hong Kong Free Press is an English language news source seeking to unite critical voices on local and national affairs. Free of charge and completely independent, HKFP arrived amid rising concerns over declining press freedom in Hong Kong and during an important time in the city’s constitutional development.
Electronic tracking bracelet on a passenger at Hong Kong International Airport. File photo: Rachel Wong/HKFP.
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activistpost--2020-03-25--Trump Signs “Secure 5G and Beyond Act of 2020” Despite Security, Health, and Environmental Warnings

So this happened on Tuesday : Today , I have signed into law S. 893 , the “ Secure 5G and Beyond Act of 2020 ” ( the “ Act ” ) .
The Act requires the President to develop and implement a strategy for the adoption of secure wireless communications technology in the United States and abroad .
The strategy will protect the American people from security threats to telecommunications networks and 5G technology .
As part of the strategy , section 4 of the Act purports to require the President to engage in international diplomacy in order to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Congress .
Consistent with longstanding constitutional practice , my Administration will treat the relevant provisions of this section in a manner that does not interfere with the President ’ s exclusive constitutional authorities with respect to foreign relations , including the President ’ s role as the sole representative of the Nation in foreign affairs .
Section 5 of the Act further purports to condition the President ’ s authority to implement parts of the strategy upon the approval of the Federal Communications Commission .
My understanding is that this provision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from exercising our constitutional authorities as the “ sole organ ” of the Nation in foreign relations and as the head of the unitary Executive Branch to ensure proper implementation of the entire strategy .
OMG and Holy Crap !
Warnings about 5G have come from a variety of credible sources including Department of Defense Secretary , Mark Esper .
Defense Secretary Mark Esper has asked the Federal Communications Commission ( FCC ) to deny a Virginia wireless company ’ s license to provide 5G mobile broadband service out of “ national security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefit of the nation ” concerns .
“ There are too many unknowns and the risks are far too great to federal operations to allow Ligado ’ s proposed system to proceed , ” Esper said in a letter Monday to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai , .
“ This could have a significant negative impact on military operations , both in peacetime and war .
“ I , therefore , strongly oppose , ” Esper said , adding that the proposed service had “ the potential for widespread disruption and degradation of GPS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ space .
Esper ’ s letter was released Wednesday by the Pentagon , Bloomberg reports , and the FCC is not bound by the recommendation .
In April 2019 , Brig .
Gen. Robert S. Spalding III was interviewed by The New Yorker for an article titled , “ The Terrifying Potential of 5G ” and again in November by Patrick Bet-David about cybersecurity risks and increased surveillance drastically affecting the American way-of-life : Esper and Spalding are two of many security experts who have warned about cybersecurity risks from 5G ( see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Things ( IoT ) technology .
Other highly respected individuals and organizations ( including the U.S. Navy , NOAA and NASA ) have also issued opposition for other safety issues ( see 1 , 2 , 3 ) .
American opposition to 5G has been ongoing .
Since 2018 people and animals have been getting sick where 5G has been turned on ( see 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ) .
In February 2019 the telecom industry gave U.S. congressional testimony that they have NO scientific evidence that it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ engineers , scientists , and public advocates asked President Trump for a moratorium due to biological , environmental and safety risks .
Lawsuits have been filed ( see 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ) .
A growing number of Congress members have also expressed grave concerns and objections .
Other countries have taken action though including banning 5G and issuing moratoriums ( see 1 , 2 , 3 ) .
Unfortunately , it seems Americans will continue to be guinea pigs .
So much for “ making America great again ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the people ” … Activist Post reports regularly about 5G and other unsafe technology .
For more information , visit our archives and the following websites : Subscribe to Activist Post for truth , peace , and freedom news .
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By B.N. Frank
So this happened on Monday:
Statement by the President Today, I have signed into law S. 893, the “Secure 5G and Beyond Act of 2020” (the “Act”). The Act requires the President to develop and implement a strategy for the adoption of secure wireless communications technology in the United States and abroad. The strategy will protect the American people from security threats to telecommunications networks and 5G technology. As part of the strategy, section 4 of the Act purports to require the President to engage in international diplomacy in order to share information and pursue policy goals specified by the Congress. Consistent with longstanding constitutional practice, my Administration will treat the relevant provisions of this section in a manner that does not interfere with the President’s exclusive constitutional authorities with respect to foreign relations, including the President’s role as the sole representative of the Nation in foreign affairs. Section 5 of the Act further purports to condition the President’s authority to implement parts of the strategy upon the approval of the Federal Communications Commission. My understanding is that this provision does not preclude me or future Presidents from exercising our constitutional authorities as the “sole organ” of the Nation in foreign relations and as the head of the unitary Executive Branch to ensure proper implementation of the entire strategy. DONALD J. TRUMP THE WHITE HOUSE,
March 23, 2020.
OMG and Holy Crap! Warnings about 5G have come from a variety of credible sources including Department of Defense Secretary, Mark Esper.
From Newsmax, November 22, 2019:
Defense Secretary Mark Esper has asked the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to deny a Virginia wireless company’s license to provide 5G mobile broadband service out of “national security, civil service, and the economic benefit of the nation” concerns. “There are too many unknowns and the risks are far too great to federal operations to allow Ligado’s proposed system to proceed,” Esper said in a letter Monday to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, Bloomberg News reports . “This could have a significant negative impact on military operations, both in peacetime and war. “I, therefore, strongly oppose,” Esper said, adding that the proposed service had “the potential for widespread disruption and degradation of GPS services” that rely on signals from space. Esper’s letter was released Wednesday by the Pentagon, Bloomberg reports, and the FCC is not bound by the recommendation.
In April 2019, Brig. Gen. Robert S. Spalding III was interviewed by The New Yorker for an article titled, “The Terrifying Potential of 5G” and again in November by Patrick Bet-David about cybersecurity risks and increased surveillance drastically affecting the American way-of-life:
Esper and Spalding are two of many security experts who have warned about cybersecurity risks from 5G (see 1, 2) and Internet of Things (IoT) technology. Other highly respected individuals and organizations (including the U.S. Navy, NOAA and NASA) have also issued opposition for other safety issues (see 1, 2, 3).
American opposition to 5G has been ongoing. Since 2018 people and animals have been getting sick where 5G has been turned on (see 1, 2, 3, 4). In February 2019 the telecom industry gave U.S. congressional testimony that they have NO scientific evidence that it’s safe. Last December – doctors, engineers, scientists, and public advocates asked President Trump for a moratorium due to biological, environmental and safety risks. Lawsuits have been filed (see 1, 2, 3, 4). A growing number of Congress members have also expressed grave concerns and objections.
Other countries have taken action though including banning 5G and issuing moratoriums (see 1, 2, 3). Unfortunately, it seems Americans will continue to be guinea pigs. So much for “making America great again” and “giving the country back to the people”…

Activist Post reports regularly about 5G and other unsafe technology. For more information, visit our archives and the following websites:
Subscribe to Activist Post for truth, peace, and freedom news. Become an Activist Post Patron for as little as $1 per month at Patreon. Follow us on SoMee, Flote, Minds, Twitter, and Steemit.
Provide, Protect and Profit from what’s coming! Get a free issue of Counter Markets today.


activistpost--2020-03-25--Forbes on Men’s Fertility: Lifestyle Choices Including Cell Phone and Laptop Placement May Cause Pro

Forbes on Men’s Fertility: Lifestyle Choices Including Cell Phone and Laptop Placement May Cause Problems

Cell phones , laptops , and other wireless radiation emitting products include warnings in their manuals that carrying or holding wireless devices against the body could cause users to expose themselves to Radio Frequency Radiation levels that exceed federal safety limits .
In fact , a class action lawsuit was filed last year because some smartphones models DO exceed safety limits .
For many years already manufacturers have also been warning investors that they could be held liable for harm caused by their devices and transmitters .
Bizarrely enough – some companies still advertise unsafe use of their products to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ article published in Forbes includes warnings about cell phones and laptops in regard to men ’ s fertility .
Where do you typically carry your cell phone ?
If you ’ re like most men and store it in your front pant ’ s pocket , you should consider the implications that this may have on your sperm health .
Cell phone radiation or the heat emitted from your laptop while it ’ s in your lap may decrease your sperm ’ s motility .
They aren ’ t the first to warn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Research has also indicated that exposure can cause a variety of undesirable health issues ( see 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ) including increased risk for cancer .
IEEE has warned that wireless wearables like watches and earphones should only be worn when absolutely necessary .
Another reason to not keep phones , laptops , and other wireless devices against the body – they sometimes overheat , catch fire and/or explode .
Activist Post reports regularly about unsafe technology .
For more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ websites .
Subscribe to Activist Post for truth , peace , and freedom news .
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By B.N. Frank
Cell phones, laptops, and other wireless radiation emitting products include warnings in their manuals that carrying or holding wireless devices against the body could cause users to expose themselves to Radio Frequency Radiation levels that exceed federal safety limits. In fact, a class action lawsuit was filed last year because some smartphones models DO exceed safety limits. For many years already manufacturers have also been warning investors that they could be held liable for harm caused by their devices and transmitters. Bizarrely enough – some companies still advertise unsafe use of their products to people of all ages.
A recent article published in Forbes includes warnings about cell phones and laptops in regard to men’s fertility.
Where do you typically carry your cell phone? If you’re like most men and store it in your front pant’s pocket, you should consider the implications that this may have on your sperm health. Cell phone radiation or the heat emitted from your laptop while it’s in your lap may decrease your sperm’s motility.
They aren’t the first to warn about fertility issues associated with wireless habits. Research has also indicated that exposure can cause a variety of undesirable health issues (see 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) including increased risk for cancer. IEEE has warned that wireless wearables like watches and earphones should only be worn when absolutely necessary.
Another reason to not keep phones, laptops, and other wireless devices against the body – they sometimes overheat, catch fire and/or explode.

Activist Post reports regularly about unsafe technology. For more information visit our archives and the following websites.
Image: Pixabay
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activistpost--2020-04-16--Dr. Ron Paul Interview: Bill Gates & Tony Fauci Are Determined To Run The World by Vaccines

In this exclusive interview , Spiro Skouras ’ guest is Dr. Ron Paul .
Dr. Paul needs no introduction as @ @ @ @ @ and presidential candidate .
Dr. Paul and Spiro discuss the current coronavirus crisis and the @ @ @ @ @ fallout affecting millions of Americans , as people begin to display resistance to the government @ @ @ @ @ and Spiro also discuss President Trump ’ s position in this crisis as well as @ @ @ @ @ regarding the White House Coronavirus Task Force , in addition to a possible ‘ Medical @ @ @ @ @ Activist Post for truth , peace , and freedom news .
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By Spiro Skouras
In this exclusive interview, Spiro Skouras’ guest is Dr. Ron Paul. Dr. Paul needs no introduction as a multiple time congressional representative and presidential candidate.
Dr. Paul and Spiro discuss the current coronavirus crisis and the political, social and economic fallout affecting millions of Americans, as people begin to display resistance to the government lockdown response.
Dr. Paul and Spiro also discuss President Trump’s position in this crisis as well as the potential conflicts of interest regarding the White House Coronavirus Task Force, in addition to a possible ‘Medical Patriot Act.’

Links
Ron Paul Institute
http://ronpaulinstitute.org
Ron Paul Liberty Report
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkJ1N-7g9Q6n7KnriGit-Ig
Ron Paul on Twitter
https://twitter.com/RonPaul
Follow Spiro on BitChute bitchute.com/channel/spiro/ Follow on Twitter https://twitter.com/o_rips
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activistpost--2020-04-16--Event 201: We Are Witnessing The Flood Unleashed

Derrick Broze breaks down the “ flood strategy ” from the Event 201 exercise , a recent announcement from the United Nations and what it means for freedom .
Please help us advance truth , healing , community building , and empowering the people to wake up and build a better world : https : //www.Patreon.com/DerrickBroze The Conscious Resistance Network can be found here : https : //www.theconsciousresistance.com https : //www.bitchute.com/theconsciousresistance https : //flote.app/ConsciousResistance https : //www.Minds.com/TheConsciousResistanceNetwork https : //hive.blog/ @ dbroze Discord channel : https : //discord.gg/tQrNTYS Join our text list for direct updates : https : //www.remind.com/join/dbjourno3 Join @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Telegram : https : //t.me/dbrozenews The Conscious Resistance Network is an independent media organization focused on empowering individuals through education , philosophy , health , and community organizing .
We work to create a world where corporate and state power does not rule over the lives of free human beings .
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By The Conscious Resistance
Derrick Broze breaks down the “flood strategy” from the Event 201 exercise, a recent announcement from the United Nations and what it means for freedom.

Source:
https://www.centerforhealthsecurity.org/event201/recommendations.html
UN chief on COVID-19 and misinformation
Please help us advance truth, healing, community building, and empowering the people to wake up and build a better world:
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Source: The Conscious Resistance
The Conscious Resistance Network is an independent media organization focused on empowering individuals through education, philosophy, health, and community organizing. We work to create a world where corporate and state power does not rule over the lives of free human beings.
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activistpost--2020-04-16--50 Militarized Cops Destroy Family’s Home Looking for Unarmed Homeless Man Who Stole Ice Cream

FRESNO , CA – As TFTP previously reported , a married couple claimed Fresno sheriff ’ s officers destroyed their house by using it as a training ground for a teargas-wielding SWAT team , 50 vehicles , two helicopters , a K-9 unit and a fire truck — because an unarmed homeless man had been found in their closet .
Now , after attempting to seek compensation for their incredible loss for over 3 years , the Jessens were told this month that they can kick rocks , the government who destroyed their home , owes them jack squat .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Ninth Circuit court of appeals upheld a ruling that the Fresno County and the city of Clovis are not liable for negligence claimed by David and his wife Gretchen Jessen ’ s lawsuit , because the damage to their home was caused by the officers ’ “ discretionary acts.
” Seriously .
As TFTP reported in 2017 , David and Gretchen Jessen sued Fresno County and the City of Clovis in Fresno County Court .
They say the unconstitutional assault on their home was “ excessive , unreasonable , violent , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Indeed , it was .
But the court apparently didn ’ t agree .
In their lawsuit , the Jessens , who are farmers , claimed in their complaint that the sheriff and police used their house as a military battleground for training “ because the Fresno County Sheriff ’ s Department and/or Clovis Police Department had found , by accident , the perfect location to conduct a training exercise on a rural home , on a dead-end street , in rural Fresno County , where ‘ civilians ’ were not present @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to congregate , ‘ civilians ’ were not going to observe or interfere with the military training assault on the Jessens ’ home and the situation posed no risk of injury to the officers.
” This nightmare for the Jessens started on June 11 , 2016 when David Jessen received a call from the sheriff ’ s office telling him that his house may have been broken into .
David called his wife and hurried home to find four patrol cars with officers scattered around the perimeter .
One of the cops was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come out , ” and “ hands up.
” Cops told the Jessens that a homeless man had broken into their home after being kicked out of a vacant house nearby .
When police asked David if he had any weapons inside , David gave officers an honest answer , telling them that he had two unloaded shotguns and a loaded .357 magnum .
However , he told the cops that all of them hidden so well that only he could find them .
After telling police he had guns , police then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was unarmed for the entire duration of the standoff — had threatened to shoot anyone who came inside and asked him and his family , who had just arrived , to wait elsewhere .
After taking his family to a friend ’ s house 10 minutes away , Jessen drove back to unload some farm equipment and found law enforcement cars lining the road to his house for a quarter of a mile , plus two ambulances , a fire truck , and two helicopters circling above .
“ Bewildered and baffled ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says , he drove away and was passed by a SWAT vehicle and a crisis negotiation motor home heading toward his house .
Several hours later , deputies told him he could go back home .
On the way there , Jessen counted at least 55 law enforcement vehicles .
After parking and walking to his house , a SWAT officer told him the “ operation ” was concluded , and a second officer handed him a card and said “ ‘ we have insurance for this.
’ ” The Jessens ’ home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unlivable .
Tech Dirt described the damage as follows : The “ criminal ” who required a teargas-wielding SWAT team , 50 vehicles , two helicopters , a K-9 unit , fire truck , and an two ambulances was local homeless man , Chanley Un .
He had stolen an ice cream bar , some milk , and half a tomato from the Jessens and police destroyed their home to catch him .
A video taken of Un ’ s arrest showed that this “ dangerous ” man wasn ’ t even wearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extremely humble in their request for damages , asking for just $ 150,000 to repair their home .
Yet the appellate panel denied it .
“ The record evidence shows that defendants have a general policy of obtaining warrants prior to entry , of using reasonable force , and for the reasonable use of tear gas .
The Jessens failed to establish a triable issue that any of these policies caused any constitutional injuries , or that there was a ‘ persistent and widespread ’ violation of these policies amounting to an unconstitutional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote .
“ Even assuming , without deciding , that defendants ’ training policies are inadequate , there is no evidence that ‘ the need for more or different training [ was ] so obvious ’ that defendants were deliberately indifferent to the Jessens ’ rights , ” the panel wrote .
Courthouse News reports that under the case Conway v. County of Tuolumne , the California Court of Appeal found “ discretionary act immunity applies to the selection of the means to effectuate an arrest , including the decision to deploy a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the subsequent decision to deploy tear gas.
” “ Under Conway , Defendants are immune from liability , and the district court properly granted summary judgment for Defendants on the Jessens ’ negligence claim , ” the panel wrote .
After the ruling , a spokesperson for Fresno County released a statement noting that they were “ very pleased with the decision by the Ninth Circuit again confirming that the Sheriff ’ s Office acted reasonably and in the interest of public safety under all the circumstances.
” Matt Agorist is an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former intelligence operator directly tasked by the NSA .
This prior experience gives him unique insight into the world of government corruption and the American police state .
Agorist has been an independent journalist for over a decade and has been featured on mainstream networks around the world .
Agorist is also the Editor at Large at the Free Thought Project .
Follow @ MattAgorist on Twitter , Steemit , and now on Minds .
Subscribe to Activist Post for truth , peace , and freedom news .
Become an Activist Post Patron @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month at Patreon .
Follow us on SoMee , Flote , Minds , Twitter , and HIVE .
Provide , Protect and Profit from what ’ s coming !
Get a free issue of Counter Markets today .

By Matt Agorist
FRESNO, CA – As TFTP previously reported, a married couple claimed Fresno sheriff’s officers destroyed their house by using it as a training ground for a teargas-wielding SWAT team, 50 vehicles, two helicopters, a K-9 unit and a fire truck — because an unarmed homeless man had been found in their closet. Now, after attempting to seek compensation for their incredible loss for over 3 years, the Jessens were told this month that they can kick rocks, the government who destroyed their home, owes them jack squat.
Last week, according to Courthouse News, the Ninth Circuit court of appeals upheld a ruling that the Fresno County and the city of Clovis are not liable for negligence claimed by David and his wife Gretchen Jessen’s lawsuit, because the damage to their home was caused by the officers’ “discretionary acts.” Seriously.
As TFTP reported in 2017, David and Gretchen Jessen sued Fresno County and the City of Clovis in Fresno County Court. They say the unconstitutional assault on their home was “excessive, unreasonable, violent, destructive … intrusive … unnecessary and unreasonable.”
Indeed, it was. But the court apparently didn’t agree.
In their lawsuit, the Jessens, who are farmers, claimed in their complaint that the sheriff and police used their house as a military battleground for training “because the Fresno County Sheriff’s Department and/or Clovis Police Department had found, by accident, the perfect location to conduct a training exercise on a rural home, on a dead-end street, in rural Fresno County, where ‘civilians’ were not present, ‘civilians’ were not going to congregate, ‘civilians’ were not going to observe or interfere with the military training assault on the Jessens’ home and the situation posed no risk of injury to the officers.”
This nightmare for the Jessens started on June 11, 2016 when David Jessen received a call from the sheriff’s office telling him that his house may have been broken into. David called his wife and hurried home to find four patrol cars with officers scattered around the perimeter. One of the cops was holding a bullhorn and was yelling “come out,” and “hands up.”
Cops told the Jessens that a homeless man had broken into their home after being kicked out of a vacant house nearby. When police asked David if he had any weapons inside, David gave officers an honest answer, telling them that he had two unloaded shotguns and a loaded .357 magnum. However, he told the cops that all of them hidden so well that only he could find them.
After telling police he had guns, police then claimed the homeless man inside — who was unarmed for the entire duration of the standoff — had threatened to shoot anyone who came inside and asked him and his family, who had just arrived, to wait elsewhere.
After taking his family to a friend’s house 10 minutes away, Jessen drove back to unload some farm equipment and found law enforcement cars lining the road to his house for a quarter of a mile, plus two ambulances, a fire truck, and two helicopters circling above.
“Bewildered and baffled” at the show of force, Jessen says, he drove away and was passed by a SWAT vehicle and a crisis negotiation motor home heading toward his house.
Several hours later, deputies told him he could go back home. On the way there, Jessen counted at least 55 law enforcement vehicles. After parking and walking to his house, a SWAT officer told him the “operation” was concluded, and a second officer handed him a card and said “‘we have insurance for this.’”
The Jessens’ home was so badly destroyed that it was unlivable. Tech Dirt described the damage as follows:
Five rooms were teargassed. Four doors and seven windows were destroyed, along with 90 feet of fencing that was rolled over by SWAT vehicles. An entire wall was ripped out as well.
The “criminal” who required a teargas-wielding SWAT team, 50 vehicles, two helicopters, a K-9 unit, fire truck, and an two ambulances was local homeless man, Chanley Un. He had stolen an ice cream bar, some milk, and half a tomato from the Jessens and police destroyed their home to catch him. A video taken of Un’s arrest showed that this “dangerous” man wasn’t even wearing shoes.
The Jessens were reasonable and extremely humble in their request for damages, asking for just $150,000 to repair their home. Yet the appellate panel denied it.
“The record evidence shows that defendants have a general policy of obtaining warrants prior to entry, of using reasonable force, and for the reasonable use of tear gas. The Jessens failed to establish a triable issue that any of these policies caused any constitutional injuries, or that there was a ‘persistent and widespread’ violation of these policies amounting to an unconstitutional custom or practice,” the panel wrote.
“Even assuming, without deciding, that defendants’ training policies are inadequate, there is no evidence that ‘the need for more or different training [was] so obvious’ that defendants were deliberately indifferent to the Jessens’ rights,” the panel wrote.
Courthouse News reports that under the case Conway v. County of Tuolumne, the California Court of Appeal found “discretionary act immunity applies to the selection of the means to effectuate an arrest, including the decision to deploy a SWAT team in effectuating an arrest, and the subsequent decision to deploy tear gas.”
“Under Conway, Defendants are immune from liability, and the district court properly granted summary judgment for Defendants on the Jessens’ negligence claim,” the panel wrote.
After the ruling, a spokesperson for Fresno County released a statement noting that they were “very pleased with the decision by the Ninth Circuit again confirming that the Sheriff’s Office acted reasonably and in the interest of public safety under all the circumstances.”
Sure thing.
Source: The Free Thought Project
Matt Agorist is an honorably discharged veteran of the USMC and former intelligence operator directly tasked by the NSA. This prior experience gives him unique insight into the world of government corruption and the American police state. Agorist has been an independent journalist for over a decade and has been featured on mainstream networks around the world. Agorist is also the Editor at Large at the Free Thought Project. Follow @MattAgorist on Twitter, Steemit, and now on Minds.
Subscribe to Activist Post for truth, peace, and freedom news. Become an Activist Post Patron for as little as $1 per month at Patreon. Follow us on SoMee, Flote, Minds, Twitter, and HIVE.
Provide, Protect and Profit from what’s coming! Get a free issue of Counter Markets today.


activistpost--2020-04-16--How Will America End? A Bang, A Whimper, Or Something Else

Hope is a wonderful thing .
Even in the darkest of times , hope gives us the strength to keep working toward a goal in the face of impossibility or to keep fighting for life even though all evidence points to the contrary .
Hope is what can lead to miracles , to beauty , and to revolutions .
But hope can be a treacherous thing as well .
It can blind those standing on train tracks to believe that the train heading towards them will stop in time or to believe , despite hearing the whistle as clear as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of the tunnel is not a train at all .
It can fool people living in unbearable circumstances , who are listening to their own governments denounce them as criminals and parasites worthy of eradication to believe that things are going to get better .
Things will get better , in their mind , because they have to .
Despite everything I have seen from all levels of government in the US , the mainstream media , and worst of all , from the American people , I still have to admit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will realize the error of its ways and attempt to return to some sense of sanity and normalcy .
I hope that the American people realize that deliberately crashing our economy , shredding the Bill of Rights , and placing the majority of the population on house arrest was not only a bad idea but an act of treason on the part of government officials and a terrifying lesson in why government by emotion , outrage mob , and fear always leads to the same thing – the imposition of tyranny , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the empowering of would-be tyrants to no longer “ would-be ” but “ be.
” I still have that hope but I do not have expectations .
Instead , I expect more and more people will come to question the wisdom of acquiescing to quasi martial law .
I expect those numbers to grow but not so great a number as to have any real effect in forcing change and a return to a respect for civil liberties and general sanity .
There will be more protests .
Perhaps there will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whatever happens , it will be entirely too late .
But even with that being said , a sizeable portion of the population will continue to pat itself on the back for being good comrades and following all the rules .
They will live their lives believing that staying at home and snitching on their neighbors who did not live in fear , saved the world from a deadly virus .
Most of them will remember our current time this way .
But no doubt many of them will forget what the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything more than a few blurry weeks at home before something happened and we justifiably came to live the way we do .
But it is because of this strange hope that I have written yet another article despite believing the former would be my last .
I hope that , even if we do not change course in the immediate future , there will at least be a record of dissent and that not everyone agreed with throwing our rights to the wolves and giving our voices away to sheep .
Perhaps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for someone , long in the distant future , to become inspired and attempt to regain what the generations currently inhabiting the earth tossed aside in fear and laziness .
But that is my hope , not my expectation .
If you are unfamiliar with how we got to where we are , I highly recommend looking in to Watt ’ s work .
He predicted what we are going through today nearly 25 years ago because , having been a student of history , he knew the plan that was unfolding .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ huddle in their homes , willingly giving up their rights and openly calling for more of their and their fellow citizens ’ rights to be taken away , I can ’ t help but think the country that was itself put on a ventilator in 2001 , might well have heaved and gasped for the last time .
Watching Americans call police on their neighbors for walking their dog or for having dinner with friends , I can not help but feel like my country is all but dead .
So there it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end .
But it is not ending with a bang nor a whimper , but to the sound of rapturous applause .
Brandon Turbeville writes for Activist Post – article archive here – He is the author of seven books , Codex Alimentarius — The End of Health Freedom , 7 Real Conspiracies , Five Sense Solutions and Dispatches From a Dissident , volume 1 and volume 2 , The Road to Damascus : The Anglo-American Assault on Syria , The Difference it Makes : 36 Reasons Why Hillary Clinton Should Never Be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Plan To Destroy Syria And How The Future Of The World Depends On The Outcome .
Turbeville has published over 1500 articles on a wide variety of subjects including health , economics , government corruption , civil liberties and , most notably , geopolitics and the Syrian crisis .
His most recent release is a book of poetry , Dance , Amputee .
Brandon Turbeville ’ s radio show Truth on The Tracks can be found at UCYTV .
His website is BrandonTurbeville.com .
He is available for radio and TV interviews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gmail.com .
He is from Columbia , SC .
This article may be freely shared in part or in full with author attribution and source link .
Support us at Patreon .
Follow us on Minds , Steemit , SoMee , BitChute , Facebook and Twitter .
Ready for solutions ?
Subscribe to our premium newsletter Counter Markets .
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Provide , Protect and Profit from what ’ s coming !
Get a free issue of Counter Markets today .

By Brandon Turbeville
Hope is a wonderful thing. Even in the darkest of times, hope gives us the strength to keep working toward a goal in the face of impossibility or to keep fighting for life even though all evidence points to the contrary. Hope is what can lead to miracles, to beauty, and to revolutions.
But hope can be a treacherous thing as well. It can blind those standing on train tracks to believe that the train heading towards them will stop in time or to believe, despite hearing the whistle as clear as day, that the light at the end of the tunnel is not a train at all. It can fool people living in unbearable circumstances, who are listening to their own governments denounce them as criminals and parasites worthy of eradication to believe that things are going to get better. Things will get better, in their mind, because they have to.
Despite everything I have seen from all levels of government in the US, the mainstream media, and worst of all, from the American people, I still have to admit that I have hope that my country will realize the error of its ways and attempt to return to some sense of sanity and normalcy. I hope that the American people realize that deliberately crashing our economy, shredding the Bill of Rights, and placing the majority of the population on house arrest was not only a bad idea but an act of treason on the part of government officials and a terrifying lesson in why government by emotion, outrage mob, and fear always leads to the same thing – the imposition of tyranny, the erosion and elimination of civil liberties, and the empowering of would-be tyrants to no longer “would-be” but “be.”
I still have that hope but I do not have expectations.
Instead, I expect more and more people will come to question the wisdom of acquiescing to quasi martial law. I expect those numbers to grow but not so great a number as to have any real effect in forcing change and a return to a respect for civil liberties and general sanity. There will be more protests. Perhaps there will be riots and violence. I also expect, whatever happens, it will be entirely too late.
But even with that being said, a sizeable portion of the population will continue to pat itself on the back for being good comrades and following all the rules. They will live their lives believing that staying at home and snitching on their neighbors who did not live in fear, saved the world from a deadly virus. Most of them will remember our current time this way. But no doubt many of them will forget what the virus was called and will barely remember anything more than a few blurry weeks at home before something happened and we justifiably came to live the way we do.
But it is because of this strange hope that I have written yet another article despite believing the former would be my last. I hope that, even if we do not change course in the immediate future, there will at least be a record of dissent and that not everyone agreed with throwing our rights to the wolves and giving our voices away to sheep. Perhaps this registered dissent will be a seed for someone, long in the distant future, to become inspired and attempt to regain what the generations currently inhabiting the earth tossed aside in fear and laziness.
But that is my hope, not my expectation.
As Alan Watt of CuttingThroughTheMatrix recently stated,
History is full of people rebelling and even having revolutions to try and get rights and freedoms from those that deemed themselves superior, who believed they had the right to rule people. It took centuries to get rights for the people and you’re watching it all go down the tubes voluntarily under the guise of the big psych-terror drive you’re watching day after day after day. And you’ll never get those rights back once you give them up.

If you are unfamiliar with how we got to where we are, I highly recommend looking in to Watt’s work. He predicted what we are going through today nearly 25 years ago because, having been a student of history, he knew the plan that was unfolding.
So, in conclusion, as Americans huddle in their homes, willingly giving up their rights and openly calling for more of their and their fellow citizens’ rights to be taken away, I can’t help but think the country that was itself put on a ventilator in 2001, might well have heaved and gasped for the last time. Watching Americans call police on their neighbors for walking their dog or for having dinner with friends, I cannot help but feel like my country is all but dead.
So there it is. America is coming to an end. But it is not ending with a bang nor a whimper, but to the sound of rapturous applause.
Brandon Turbeville writes for Activist Post – article archive here – He is the author of seven books, Codex Alimentarius — The End of Health Freedom, 7 Real Conspiracies, Five Sense Solutions and Dispatches From a Dissident, volume 1 and volume 2, The Road to Damascus: The Anglo-American Assault on Syria, The Difference it Makes: 36 Reasons Why Hillary Clinton Should Never Be President, and Resisting The Empire: The Plan To Destroy Syria And How The Future Of The World Depends On The Outcome. Turbeville has published over 1500 articles on a wide variety of subjects including health, economics, government corruption, civil liberties and, most notably, geopolitics and the Syrian crisis. His most recent release is a book of poetry, Dance, Amputee. Brandon Turbeville’s radio show Truth on The Tracks can be found at UCYTV. His website is BrandonTurbeville.com. He is available for radio and TV interviews. Please contact activistpost (at) gmail.com.
He is from Columbia, SC.
This article may be freely shared in part or in full with author attribution and source link.
Support us at Patreon. Follow us on Minds, Steemit, SoMee, BitChute, Facebook and Twitter. Ready for solutions? Subscribe to our premium newsletter Counter Markets.
Image: Pixabay
Subscribe to Activist Post for truth, peace, and freedom news. Become an Activist Post Patron for as little as $1 per month at Patreon. Follow us on SoMee, Flote, Minds, Twitter, and HIVE.
Provide, Protect and Profit from what’s coming! Get a free issue of Counter Markets today.


activistpost--2020-04-16--Facial Recognition Door Locks Exploit Our Fears

Last month , I wrote a story about biometric companies using thermal imaging to make a profit during the coronavirus pandemic .
But a new company based in Europe takes the cake when it comes to profiting from our fears .
A German company called Nuki Io has created a touchless door lock that uses facial recognition to unlock and lock doors because you can not spread COVID-19 if you don ’ t touch a door knob .
Their blog reveals that Nuki ’ s smart lock use liveness detection to let users open and lock doors .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doors if they send their facial images to Nuki Io .
To begin with , the person registers and enrolls with BioID .
During the enrollment process , facial images are created and transformed into a biometric pattern .
This unique pattern is stored at BioID together with a unique identification number .
In the BioID iOS facial recognition app , which is specifically modified for Nuki , the user is registered with their personal identification number .
As soon as the open door or unlock button in the Nuki app is pressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a liveness detection process is conducted , serving as a fraud protection mechanism against photos , videos and masks .
A recent FTC press release concerning Tapplock , revealed why sending your biometrics to a private company is a bad idea .
It takes a lot for the FTC to issue a press release about a smart lock company .
But their complaint spells out why everyone should think twice about giving their biometrics to a private company .
Once a person submits their biometrics to Nuki Io they can use Apple HomeKit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unlock or lock their doors .
Whether biometric companies portray their product as a public health safety measure or as a fun way to unlock and lock your doors , they all have one thing in common : giving your biometrics to a private corporation .
Nuki Io takes a page out of the old smart devices are fun book , by posting this glowing review .
Claiming that smart doors and voice assistant devices make everyday life easier is disingenuous and does not reveal the whole truth about smart devices .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as companies portray them to be .
Once someone installs one of these smart devices in their home they instantly start recording your friends and family ’ s biometrics and conversations .
If you ask me , that is too high a price to pay for making our everyday life easier .
Subscribe to Activist Post for truth , peace , and freedom news .
Become an Activist Post Patron for as little as $ 1 per month at Patreon .
Follow us on SoMee , Flote , Minds , Twitter , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from what ’ s coming !
Get a free issue of Counter Markets today .

By MassPrivateI
Last month, I wrote a story about biometric companies using thermal imaging to make a profit during the coronavirus pandemic. But a new company based in Europe takes the cake when it comes to profiting from our fears.
A German company called Nuki Io has created a touchless door lock that uses facial recognition to unlock and lock doors because you cannot spread COVID-19 if you don’t touch a door knob.
Nuki’s smart door lock automatically unlocks your door when you get home and securely locks it again when you leave.
Their blog reveals that Nuki’s smart lock use liveness detection to let users open and lock doors.
A central component of this technology is liveness detection, which serves as a security mechanism against facial recognition fraud. Liveness detection analyses incoming images with regard to three-dimensionality and texture.
However, homeowners can only unlock and lock their doors if they send their facial images to Nuki Io.
To begin with, the person registers and enrolls with BioID. During the enrollment process, facial images are created and transformed into a biometric pattern. This unique pattern is stored at BioID together with a unique identification number. In the BioID iOS facial recognition app, which is specifically modified for Nuki, the user is registered with their personal identification number. As soon as the open door or unlock button in the Nuki app is pressed, the facial recognition as well as a liveness detection process is conducted, serving as a fraud protection mechanism against photos, videos and masks.
A recent FTC press release concerning Tapplock, revealed why sending your biometrics to a private company is a bad idea.
“We allege that Tapplock promised that its Internet-connected locks were secure, but in fact the company failed to even test if that claim was true,” said Andrew Smith, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Tech companies should remember the basics—when you promise security, you need to deliver security.”
Activist Post Recommended Book: The Age of Surveillance Capitalism
It takes a lot for the FTC to issue a press release about a smart lock company. But their complaint spells out why everyone should think twice about giving their biometrics to a private company.
Contrary to the statements described in Paragraphs 8-11, Respondent did not take reasonable measures to secure its locks, or take reasonable precautions or follow industry best practices for protecting consumers’ personal information. In fact, Respondent did not have a security program prior to the discovery of the vulnerabilities described…
Once a person submits their biometrics to Nuki Io they can use Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa to unlock or lock their doors.

Whether biometric companies portray their product as a public health safety measure or as a fun way to unlock and lock your doors, they all have one thing in common: giving your biometrics to a private corporation.
Nuki Io takes a page out of the old smart devices are fun book, by posting this glowing review.
“For me, Smart Home means: lifestyle & making everyday life easier. Electronic door lock, smartwatch and voice assistant – three smart gadgets that accompany my daily life. Every technological development has new and exciting tools at hand. Pure variety!” Judith Wilfing said.
Claiming that smart doors and voice assistant devices make everyday life easier is disingenuous and does not reveal the whole truth about smart devices. They are easily hacked and not a secure as companies portray them to be.
Once someone installs one of these smart devices in their home they instantly start recording your friends and family’s biometrics and conversations. If you ask me, that is too high a price to pay for making our everyday life easier.
Source: MassPrivateI Blog
Subscribe to Activist Post for truth, peace, and freedom news. Become an Activist Post Patron for as little as $1 per month at Patreon. Follow us on SoMee, Flote, Minds, Twitter, and HIVE.
Provide, Protect and Profit from what’s coming! Get a free issue of Counter Markets today.


activistpost--2020-04-16--Another 5G Bummer: Bill Gates Bought 5.3 MILLION Shares of Crown Castle in 2019

5G bans , moratoriums , ordinances , and resolutions have been issued ( see 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ) because of grave biological and ( see 1 , 2 ) and environmental concerns , risks , and warnings .
5G warnings have also been issued about serious privacy , safety , and security risks ( see 1 , 2 , 3 ) .
Lawsuits have been filed against installation in the U.S. and worldwide ( see 1 , 2 , 3 ) .
Opposition to 5G is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and many other organizations and publications report about this on a regular basis .
For many years , American Academy of Pediatrics and other health experts have warned that children are more vulnerable to all sources of wireless radiation .
This includes 5G .
Despite these warnings – there is still no “ safe ” level of exposure that has been scientifically determined for kids or pregnant women .
Also for many years , Silicon Valley parents – including Bill and Melinda Gates – have been sending their own children to low-tech schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tech in their homes .
Unfortunately , 5G proponents – including the Federal Communication Commission ( FCC ) – are now using the coronavirus pandemic as an excuse to speed up deployment ( see 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ) .
This includes the launching of tens of thousands of satellites with millions of antennas to blast it from space ( see 1 , 2 ) .
A recent article has provided details about Bill and Melinda Gates ’ financial interest in 5G .
So there ’ s that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the second-wealthiest person in the world , has a net worth of around $ 90.0 billion .
Along with his wife , Melinda Gates , the pair are the eponymous names behind the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation , the largest private foundation in the U.S. Like all philanthropic organizations , its goal is to generate wealth and share it .
To do this , Bill and Melinda Gates invest in organizations that they believe will provide them with the greatest long-term gains .
Bill and Melinda have seen the future , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and butter of that technological revolution is Crown Castle International Corp. ( NYSE : CCI ) , a real estate investment trust ( REIT ) that is the largest provider of shared communication ( cellular ) infrastructure in the U.S .
According to the latest U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filing of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation , the pair purchased 5.33-million shares in Crown Castle International Corp. ( Source : “ Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation , ” U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission , last accessed February 11 , 2019 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ add 5,332,900 shares of Crown Castle International Corp. ( valued at $ 627.5 million at the time of writing ) to their holding of 19 equities ?
It all has to do with Crown Castle ’ s communication infrastructure and the rollout of 5G technology .
The Federal Communications Commission ( FCC ) is supposed to protect Americans by regulating the telecom industry .
They were labelled a “ Captured Agency ” many years ago and they have become much more dangerous since Trump was elected ( see 1 , 2 , 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7 , 8 ) .
Lawsuits have been filed against them for the “ Race for 5G ” ( see 1 , 2 ) AND also NOT protecting Americans from unsafe levels of radiation ( see 1 , 2 , 3 .
4 ) .
The telecom industry has still provided NO scientific evidence that 5G is safe .
Since 2018 people and animals have been getting sick where it ’ s been turned on ( see 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ) .
Few people have signed up for it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some good news – municipal leaders who haven ’ t taken action already can pass emergency ordinances to stop installation during the quarantine .
Activist Post reports regularly about 5G and other sources of unsafe technology .
For more information visit our archives .
Subscribe to Activist Post for truth , peace , and freedom news .
Become an Activist Post Patron for as little as $ 1 per month at Patreon .
Follow us on SoMee , Flote , Minds , Twitter , and HIVE .
Provide , Protect and Profit from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free issue of Counter Markets today .

By B.N. Frank
5G bans, moratoriums, ordinances, and resolutions have been issued (see 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) because of grave biological and (see 1, 2) and environmental concerns, risks, and warnings. 5G warnings have also been issued about serious privacy, safety, and security risks (see 1, 2, 3). Lawsuits have been filed against installation in the U.S. and worldwide (see 1, 2, 3). Opposition to 5G is growing leaps and bounds. Activist Post and many other organizations and publications report about this on a regular basis.
For many years, American Academy of Pediatrics and other health experts have warned that children are more vulnerable to all sources of wireless radiation. This includes 5G. Despite these warnings – there is still no “safe” level of exposure that has been scientifically determined for kids or pregnant women. Also for many years, Silicon Valley parents – including Bill and Melinda Gates – have been sending their own children to low-tech schools and limiting their use and exposure to tech in their homes.
Unfortunately, 5G proponents – including the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) – are now using the coronavirus pandemic as an excuse to speed up deployment (see 1, 2, 3, 4, 5). This includes the launching of tens of thousands of satellites with millions of antennas to blast it from space (see 1, 2). A recent article has provided details about Bill and Melinda Gates’ financial interest in 5G. So there’s that now too. Argh.
From Profit Confidential:
Bill Gates, the second-wealthiest person in the world, has a net worth of around $90.0 billion. Along with his wife, Melinda Gates, the pair are the eponymous names behind the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the largest private foundation in the U.S. Like all philanthropic organizations, its goal is to generate wealth and share it. To do this, Bill and Melinda Gates invest in organizations that they believe will provide them with the greatest long-term gains. Bill and Melinda have seen the future, and it is 5G. The bread and butter of that technological revolution is Crown Castle International Corp. (NYSE:CCI), a real estate investment trust (REIT) that is the largest provider of shared communication (cellular) infrastructure in the U.S. Bill Gates Snapped Up 5.3 Million Shares in Crown Castle According to the latest U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filing of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the pair purchased 5.33-million shares in Crown Castle International Corp. (Source: “Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation,” U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, last accessed February 11, 2019.) Why did Melinda and Bill Gates add 5,332,900 shares of Crown Castle International Corp. (valued at $627.5 million at the time of writing) to their holding of 19 equities? It all has to do with Crown Castle’s communication infrastructure and the rollout of 5G technology. Read full article
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is supposed to protect Americans by regulating the telecom industry. They were labelled a “Captured Agency” many years ago and they have become much more dangerous since Trump was elected (see 1, 2, 3, 4. 5, 6, 7, 8). Lawsuits have been filed against them for the “Race for 5G” (see 1, 2) AND also NOT protecting Americans from unsafe levels of radiation (see 1, 2, 3. 4).
The telecom industry has still provided NO scientific evidence that 5G is safe. Since 2018 people and animals have been getting sick where it’s been turned on (see 1, 2, 3, 4). Few people have signed up for it where it’s been installed.
Some good news – municipal leaders who haven’t taken action already can pass emergency ordinances to stop installation during the quarantine.

Activist Post reports regularly about 5G and other sources of unsafe technology. For more information visit our archives.
Image: 5G Insider
Subscribe to Activist Post for truth, peace, and freedom news. Become an Activist Post Patron for as little as $1 per month at Patreon. Follow us on SoMee, Flote, Minds, Twitter, and HIVE.
Provide, Protect and Profit from what’s coming! Get a free issue of Counter Markets today.


activistpost--2020-04-16--Ford Makes Employees Wear Electronic Buzzing Wristbands to Maintain Social Distancing

In January IEEE published warnings about “ smart ” wearables– avoid wearing them unless absolutely necessary because they emit Electromagnetic Radiation which is biologically harmful .
Wearables have actually been the subject of class action lawsuits , recalls , and other reported problems ( see 1 , 2 ) .
Wearers have been burned and shocked by them .
They also aren ’ t necessarily accurate .
Regardless , they are still very popular .
Doctors have recommended them for people who aren ’ t even their patients .
Community leaders want emotionally unstable citizens to wear them so they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on their livestock .
Parents buy them for their kids .
Charities donate them to under-served citizens .
Now Ford is making their employees wear “ buzzing wristbands ” during the pandemic to maintain “ social distancing.
” Ay carumba .
The small group of volunteers at a Ford factory in Plymouth , Michigan , are trying out wristbands that vibrate when employees come within six feet of each another , said Kelli Felker , a company spokeswoman .
The aim is to keep workers from breaching the distance that health experts recommend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social-distancing wearable could be part of a broader array of new safety protocols Ford deploys as it resumes production as early as next month after at least a roughly six-week shutdown .
The automaker is also expected to subject all workers entering a facility to a thermal-imaging scan to detect a fever .
And it will provide staff with masks and , in some cases , plastic face shields , Felker said .
The company is devising the measures along with the United Auto Workers union .
There have also been lawsuits and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with activity trackers .
Wearables can also catch fire or explode .
Ouchie .
Activist Post reports regularly about unsafe technology .
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By B.N. Frank
In January IEEE published warnings about “smart” wearables– avoid wearing them unless absolutely necessary because they emit Electromagnetic Radiation which is biologically harmful. Wearables have actually been the subject of class action lawsuits, recalls, and other reported problems (see 1, 2). Wearers have been burned and shocked by them. They also aren’t necessarily accurate. Regardless, they are still very popular.
Doctors have recommended them for people who aren’t even their patients. Community leaders want emotionally unstable citizens to wear them so they can monitor them. Farmers put them on their livestock. Parents buy them for their kids. Charities donate them to under-served citizens.
Now Ford is making their employees wear “buzzing wristbands” during the pandemic to maintain “social distancing.” Ay carumba.
From MSN:
The small group of volunteers at a Ford factory in Plymouth, Michigan, are trying out wristbands that vibrate when employees come within six feet of each another, said Kelli Felker, a company spokeswoman. The aim is to keep workers from breaching the distance that health experts recommend to avoid spreading the coronavirus. The social-distancing wearable could be part of a broader array of new safety protocols Ford deploys as it resumes production as early as next month after at least a roughly six-week shutdown. The automaker is also expected to subject all workers entering a facility to a thermal-imaging scan to detect a fever. And it will provide staff with masks and, in some cases, plastic face shields, Felker said. The company is devising the measures along with the United Auto Workers union. Read full article
There have also been lawsuits and recalls because of privacy and security issues with activity trackers. Wearables can also catch fire or explode. Ouchie.
Activist Post reports regularly about unsafe technology. For more information, visit our archives and the following websites:
Subscribe to Activist Post for truth, peace, and freedom news. Become an Activist Post Patron for as little as $1 per month at Patreon. Follow us on SoMee, Flote, Minds, Twitter, and HIVE.
Provide, Protect and Profit from what’s coming! Get a free issue of Counter Markets today.


activistpost--2020-04-16--Baltimore PD Wants 24-Hour HD Surveillance Drones to Enforce Social Distancing

The Baltimore Police Department and “ Persistent Surveillance , ” an Ohio-based company , signed a deal together to spy on the residents of Baltimore , Maryland with drones .
In Nazi Germany , fascism was characterized by the fusion between corporate and government power .
This shady company was under fire almost 4 years ago in 2016 , for doing surveillance with the Baltimore Police Department and violating their own 45-day data retention policy .
Give an inch , they take a mile .
Their client , the BPD was able to violate their official policy with impunity .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a secure area with access restricted to authorized persons , ” states the official policy of Persistent Surveillance Systems .
“ Recordings not otherwise needed for criminal evidence or for official reasons are retained for a period of 45 days and then destroyed.
” The company used drones to collect over 300 hours of aerial surveillance footage over Baltimore throughout 8 months in 2016 .
This was directly after nationwide scrutiny came to the department in the aftermath of the death of Freddie Gray , which sparked nationwide protests .
City officials approved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and then the ACLU filed a lawsuit against the Baltimore Police Department about a week and a half later on April 9 .
How invasive is surveillance in Baltimore ?
The drones will be equipped with high-resolution cameras , capable of posing a real threat to the security of anyone deemed a “ criminal.
” The ACLU emphasized that this crosses a massive line , explaining that the plan places every resident of Baltimore “ under constant aerial surveillance.
” “ It is equivalent to having a police officer follow us , each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in case we might commit a crime , ” senior staff attorney for the ACLU of Maryland , David Rocah said .
“ If that happened in real life , everyone would clearly understand the privacy and First Amendment implications , and it would never be tolerated.
” The high-definition surveillance drones can reportedly cover around 90 % of the City of Baltimore ’ s land area at any particular moment .
The ACLU noted that in combination with cameras on the ground accessed by the Baltimore Police Department , license plate readers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it can all be combined to provide detailed information about the actions , identities , whatever you can think of , in regard to residents .
Representing the philosophical split between the fundamentally opposed sides of totalitarian vs not totalitarian , a Baltimore Police Commissioner admitted the police will in fact combine the data and have massively increased power .
“ This actually can serve as a force multiplier for the police department , and perhaps can be used as an investigative tool while we are practicing social distancing , ” said Police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be the 5-year anniversary of Freddie Gray ’ s tragic death at the hands of the Baltimore Police Department .
It sparked protests throughout 2015 from Baltimore , Maryland to Sacramento , California , coast to coast in the US during a year of police brutality awareness .
“ Putting residents under continuous , aerial surveillance will impact the privacy rights of everyone , but it is especially dangerous for Black and Brown communities , ” the ACLU representative said .
“ Baltimore is a city with a terrible history of racism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police .
It ’ s the last place a novel system of mass surveillance should be tested.
” Will your city be next ?
Common sense tells us that if one American city is under totalitarian drone surveillance , more will follow .
The ACLU recognized that possibility as well .
A staff attorney with the ACLU stated that they are concerned if the drones are deployed in Baltimore , police across America will try to use police drones .
This month , in April 2020 the drones are set to launch , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their use will last 180 days .
A decision will be made by April 24 , regarding the ACLU lawsuit against the Baltimore Police Department .
If the police drones are deployed , it will probably happen around the end of April .
If the trial comes to an end and the drone use is discontinued , according to their promises , the drones will be out of the sky around 6 months from their launch : the end of October .
Baltimore , Maryland is of course known to have one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America , but the world , providing a heavy justification for deploying police drones equipped with high-definition cameras .
If the drones were deployed and accepted , one might see a city like Chicago or Atlanta , San Francisco or New York adopt them .
San Diego-area city Chula Vista , California is already using police drones equipped with similar night vision cameras , to spot people breaking quarantine rules .
A line into totalitarianism is being crossed .
5 years after one of the most protested police murders in American history , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ becoming the location of the line being crossed .
Baltimore is threatened with becoming the location of a new paradigm of totalitarian surveillance , a fork in the road in history that we can either fight now or be subject to for who knows how many years .
It will definitely take more than civil liberties organizations and lawsuits to shut down a movement like this , directly aimed at the civilian class .
This could be considered equal to a declaration of war against the common people : a very clear line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ totalitarianism .
What scenarios might people see if these drones were deployed throughout America ?
Jails and prisons might fill up with people charged with new crimes , destruction of surveillance drones and things like that .
Your every move could be watched when you ’ re outside your home .
Where you go who you go there with…and , yes , even if you aren ’ t doing anything wrong , you do have something to worry about : your complete invasion of privacy .
It ’ s difficult to believe people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way , this moment of the line being crossed is extremely important to recognize .
Whatever social power we have , it should be utilized to oppose the persistent advances of totalitarianism and the surveillance state .
Subscribe to Activist Post for truth , peace , and freedom news .
Become an Activist Post Patron for as little as $ 1 per month at Patreon .
Follow us on SoMee , Flote , Minds , Twitter , and HIVE .
Provide , Protect and Profit from what ’ s coming !
Get a @ @ @ @ @ @ @

By Cassius K.
The Baltimore Police Department and “Persistent Surveillance,” an Ohio-based company, signed a deal together to spy on the residents of Baltimore, Maryland with drones. In Nazi Germany, fascism was characterized by the fusion between corporate and government power.
This shady company was under fire almost 4 years ago in 2016, for doing surveillance with the Baltimore Police Department and violating their own 45-day data retention policy.
Give an inch, they take a mile. Their client, the BPD was able to violate their official policy with impunity. “All media will be stored in a secure area with access restricted to authorized persons,” states the official policy of Persistent Surveillance Systems. “Recordings not otherwise needed for criminal evidence or for official reasons are retained for a period of 45 days and then destroyed.”
The company used drones to collect over 300 hours of aerial surveillance footage over Baltimore throughout 8 months in 2016.
This was directly after nationwide scrutiny came to the department in the aftermath of the death of Freddie Gray, which sparked nationwide protests.
City officials approved the new deal on April 1, and then the ACLU filed a lawsuit against the Baltimore Police Department about a week and a half later on April 9.
How invasive is surveillance in Baltimore?
The drones will be equipped with high-resolution cameras, capable of posing a real threat to the security of anyone deemed a “criminal.”
The ACLU emphasized that this crosses a massive line, explaining that the plan places every resident of Baltimore “under constant aerial surveillance.”
“It is equivalent to having a police officer follow us, each of us, outside all the time in case we might commit a crime,” senior staff attorney for the ACLU of Maryland, David Rocah said. “If that happened in real life, everyone would clearly understand the privacy and First Amendment implications, and it would never be tolerated.”
The high-definition surveillance drones can reportedly cover around 90% of the City of Baltimore’s land area at any particular moment.
The ACLU noted that in combination with cameras on the ground accessed by the Baltimore Police Department, license plate readers, and other sources of info, it can all be combined to provide detailed information about the actions, identities, whatever you can think of, in regard to residents.
Representing the philosophical split between the fundamentally opposed sides of totalitarian vs not totalitarian, a Baltimore Police Commissioner admitted the police will in fact combine the data and have massively increased power.
“This actually can serve as a force multiplier for the police department, and perhaps can be used as an investigative tool while we are practicing social distancing,” said Police Commissioner Michael Harrison.
This week happens to be the 5-year anniversary of Freddie Gray’s tragic death at the hands of the Baltimore Police Department.
It sparked protests throughout 2015 from Baltimore, Maryland to Sacramento, California, coast to coast in the US during a year of police brutality awareness.
“Putting residents under continuous, aerial surveillance will impact the privacy rights of everyone, but it is especially dangerous for Black and Brown communities,” the ACLU representative said. “Baltimore is a city with a terrible history of racism and lack of accountability for abuses by police. It’s the last place a novel system of mass surveillance should be tested.”
Will your city be next?
Common sense tells us that if one American city is under totalitarian drone surveillance, more will follow.
The ACLU recognized that possibility as well. A staff attorney with the ACLU stated that they are concerned if the drones are deployed in Baltimore, police across America will try to use police drones.
This month, in April 2020 the drones are set to launch, and this “trial period” of their use will last 180 days. A decision will be made by April 24, regarding the ACLU lawsuit against the Baltimore Police Department.
If the police drones are deployed, it will probably happen around the end of April.
If the trial comes to an end and the drone use is discontinued, according to their promises, the drones will be out of the sky around 6 months from their launch: the end of October.
Baltimore, Maryland is of course known to have one of the highest crime rates in not just America, but the world, providing a heavy justification for deploying police drones equipped with high-definition cameras.
If the drones were deployed and accepted, one might see a city like Chicago or Atlanta, San Francisco or New York adopt them. San Diego-area city Chula Vista, California is already using police drones equipped with similar night vision cameras, to spot people breaking quarantine rules.
A line into totalitarianism is being crossed.
5 years after one of the most protested police murders in American history, the city of Baltimore is threatened with becoming the location of the line being crossed. Baltimore is threatened with becoming the location of a new paradigm of totalitarian surveillance, a fork in the road in history that we can either fight now or be subject to for who knows how many years.
It will definitely take more than civil liberties organizations and lawsuits to shut down a movement like this, directly aimed at the civilian class. This could be considered equal to a declaration of war against the common people: a very clear line being crossed that could usher in true totalitarianism.
What scenarios might people see if these drones were deployed throughout America? Jails and prisons might fill up with people charged with new crimes, destruction of surveillance drones and things like that. Your every move could be watched when you’re outside your home. Where you go who you go there with…and, yes, even if you aren’t doing anything wrong, you do have something to worry about: your complete invasion of privacy.
It’s difficult to believe people will be accepting of this. Either way, this moment of the line being crossed is extremely important to recognize. Whatever social power we have, it should be utilized to oppose the persistent advances of totalitarianism and the surveillance state.
Source: The Organic Prepper
Cassius K is a writer from North Highlands, California.
Subscribe to Activist Post for truth, peace, and freedom news. Become an Activist Post Patron for as little as $1 per month at Patreon. Follow us on SoMee, Flote, Minds, Twitter, and HIVE.
Provide, Protect and Profit from what’s coming! Get a free issue of Counter Markets today.


activistpost--2020-04-17--Dr. Ron Paul Interview: Bill Gates & Tony Fauci Are Determined To Run The World by Vaccines


activistpost--2020-04-17--How Will America End? A Bang, A Whimper, Or Something Else


activistpost--2020-04-17--Another 5G Bummer: Bill Gates Bought 5.3 MILLION Shares of Crown Castle in 2019


activistpost--2020-04-17--Yes, Section 215 Expired. Now What?

Yes, Section 215 Expired. Now What?

On March 15 , 2020 , Section 215 of the PATRIOT Act—a surveillance law with a rich history of government overreach and abuse—expired .
Along with two other PATRIOT Act provisions , Section 215 lapsed after lawmakers failed to reach an agreement on a broader set of reforms to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act ( FISA ) .
In the week before the law expired , the House of Representatives passed the USA FREEDOM Reauthorization Act , without committee markup or floor amendments , which would have extended Section 215 for three more years , along with some modest reforms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become law , the House and Senate must pass an identical bill , and the President must sign it .
That didn ’ t happen with the USA FREEDOM Reauthorization Act .
Instead , knowing the vote to proceed with the House ’ s bill in the Senate without debating amendments was going to fail , Senator McConnell brought a bill to the floor that would extend all the expiring provisions for another 77 days , without any reforms at all .
Senator McConnell ’ s extension passed the Senate without debate .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ without passing Senator McConnell ’ s bill , at least until May 12 , 2020 , and possibly longer .
That means that Section 215 of the USA PATRIOT Act , along with the so-called lone wolf and the roving wiretap provisions have expired , at least for a few weeks .
So Now What ?
EFF has argued that if Congress can ’ t agree on real reforms to these problematic laws , they should be allowed to expire .
While we are pleased that Congress didn ’ t mechanically reauthorize Section @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a number of largely overlapping surveillance authorities .
The loss of the current version of the law will still leave the government with a range of tools that is still incredibly powerful .
These include other provisions of FISA as well as surveillance authorities used in criminal investigations , many of which can include gag orders to protect sensitive information .
In addition , the New York Times and others have noted that Section 215 ’ s expiration clause contains an exception permitting the intelligence community to use the law for investigations that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or to investigate “ offenses or potential offenses ” that occurred before the sunset .
Broad reliance on this exception would subvert Congress ’ s intent to have Section 215 truly expire , and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court should carefully—and publicly—circumscribe any attempt to rely on it .
Although Section 215 and the two other provisions have expired , that doesn ’ t mean they ’ re gone forever .
For example , in 2015 , during the debate over the USA FREEDOM Act , these same provisions were also allowed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and then Congress reauthorized them for another four years .
While transparency is still lacking in how these programs operate , the intelligence community did not report a disruption in any of these “ critical ” programs at that time .
If Congress chooses to reauthorize these programs in the next couple of months , it ’ s unlikely that this disruption will have a lasting impact .
The Senate plans to vote on a series of amendments to the House-passed USA FREEDOM Reauthorization Act in the near future .
Any changes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be approved by the House and signed by the President .
This means that Congress has the opportunity to discuss whether these authorities are actually needed , without the pressure of a ticking clock .
As a result , the House and the Senate should take this unique opportunity to learn more about these provisions and create additional oversight into the surveillance programs that rely on them .
The expired provisions should remain expired until Congress enacts the additional , meaningful reforms we ’ ve been seeking .
You can read more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it comes to reining in NSA spying , reforming FISA , and restoring Americans ’ privacy here .
Prior to joining EFF , India spent over 10 years in Washington , DC as a legislative staffer to three members of Congress from California .
Her work there primarily focused on the appropriations process , specifically analyzing and funding programs in the Departments of Veterans Affairs , Homeland Security , and Justice .
Her biggest legislative accomplishment was authorizing , funding and then naming a new outpatient VA/DoD clinic that will serve over 80,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attorney on the Electronic Frontier Foundation ’ s civil liberties team .
He focuses on EFF ’ s national security and privacy docket , as well as the Coders ’ Rights Project .
While in law school , Andrew worked at the Berkman Center for Internet and Society , the American Civil Liberties Union ’ s Speech , Privacy , and Technology Project , and the Center for Democracy and Technology .
He received his undergraduate and law degrees from Harvard University and an M.F.A .
in creative writing from New York University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Subscribe to Activist Post for truth , peace , and freedom news .
Become an Activist Post Patron for as little as $ 1 per month at Patreon .
Follow us on SoMee , Flote , Minds , Twitter , and HIVE .
Provide , Protect and Profit from what ’ s coming !
Get a free issue of Counter Markets today .

By India McKinney and Andrew Crocker
On March 15, 2020, Section 215 of the PATRIOT Act—a surveillance law with a rich history of government overreach and abuse—expired. Along with two other PATRIOT Act provisions, Section 215 lapsed after lawmakers failed to reach an agreement on a broader set of reforms to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).
In the week before the law expired, the House of Representatives passed the USA FREEDOM Reauthorization Act, without committee markup or floor amendments, which would have extended Section 215 for three more years, along with some modest reforms.
In order for any bill to become law, the House and Senate must pass an identical bill, and the President must sign it. That didn’t happen with the USA FREEDOM Reauthorization Act. Instead, knowing the vote to proceed with the House’s bill in the Senate without debating amendments was going to fail, Senator McConnell brought a bill to the floor that would extend all the expiring provisions for another 77 days, without any reforms at all. Senator McConnell’s extension passed the Senate without debate.
But the House of Representatives left town without passing Senator McConnell’s bill, at least until May 12, 2020, and possibly longer. That means that Section 215 of the USA PATRIOT Act, along with the so-called lone wolf and the roving wiretap provisions have expired, at least for a few weeks.
So Now What?
EFF has argued that if Congress can’t agree on real reforms to these problematic laws, they should be allowed to expire. While we are pleased that Congress didn’t mechanically reauthorize Section 215, it is only one of a number of largely overlapping surveillance authorities. The loss of the current version of the law will still leave the government with a range of tools that is still incredibly powerful. These include other provisions of FISA as well as surveillance authorities used in criminal investigations, many of which can include gag orders to protect sensitive information.
In addition, the New York Times and others have noted that Section 215’s expiration clause contains an exception permitting the intelligence community to use the law for investigations that were ongoing at the time of expiration or to investigate “offenses or potential offenses” that occurred before the sunset. Broad reliance on this exception would subvert Congress’s intent to have Section 215 truly expire, and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court should carefully—and publicly—circumscribe any attempt to rely on it.
Reform Is Still Needed
Although Section 215 and the two other provisions have expired, that doesn’t mean they’re gone forever. For example, in 2015, during the debate over the USA FREEDOM Act, these same provisions were also allowed to expire for a short period of time, and then Congress reauthorized them for another four years. While transparency is still lacking in how these programs operate, the intelligence community did not report a disruption in any of these “critical” programs at that time. If Congress chooses to reauthorize these programs in the next couple of months, it’s unlikely that this disruption will have a lasting impact.
The Senate plans to vote on a series of amendments to the House-passed USA FREEDOM Reauthorization Act in the near future. Any changes made to the bill would then have to be approved by the House and signed by the President. This means that Congress has the opportunity to discuss whether these authorities are actually needed, without the pressure of a ticking clock.
As a result, the House and the Senate should take this unique opportunity to learn more about these provisions and create additional oversight into the surveillance programs that rely on them. The expired provisions should remain expired until Congress enacts the additional, meaningful reforms we’ve been seeking.
You can read more about what EFF is calling for when it comes to reining in NSA spying, reforming FISA, and restoring Americans’ privacy here.
Prior to joining EFF, India spent over 10 years in Washington, DC as a legislative staffer to three members of Congress from California. Her work there primarily focused on the appropriations process, specifically analyzing and funding programs in the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Homeland Security, and Justice. Her biggest legislative accomplishment was authorizing, funding and then naming a new outpatient VA/DoD clinic that will serve over 80,000 people.
Andrew is a senior staff attorney on the Electronic Frontier Foundation’s civil liberties team. He focuses on EFF’s national security and privacy docket, as well as the Coders’ Rights Project. While in law school, Andrew worked at the Berkman Center for Internet and Society, the American Civil Liberties Union’s Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project, and the Center for Democracy and Technology. He received his undergraduate and law degrees from Harvard University and an M.F.A. in creative writing from New York University. His interests include Boggle and donuts.
Source: EFF.org
Subscribe to Activist Post for truth, peace, and freedom news. Become an Activist Post Patron for as little as $1 per month at Patreon. Follow us on SoMee, Flote, Minds, Twitter, and HIVE.
Provide, Protect and Profit from what’s coming! Get a free issue of Counter Markets today.