by Rob Lever Agence France-Presse WASHINGTON, D.C., United States (AFP) — Facebook’s massive settlement in a class action case over violating a state law on how it uses facial recognition is being hailed as a watershed moment for “biometric privacy.” The leading social network said Wednesday it agreed to the $550 million payout after failing to win dismissal of the case alleging it illegally collected biometric information for “face tagging” in violation of a 2008 Illinois […]
Tag: legislation
Hong Kong protesters optimistic on US rights legislation
by Ian Timberlake WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — Prominent Hong Kong protesters expressed optimism Saturday that US legislators will pass by year’s end a bill aimed at defending civil rights in the global financial hub roiled by pro-democracy demonstrations and accusations of police abuse. The activists testified on Tuesday at a congressional hearing that examined the legislation. The bill, which enjoys wide support in Congress, would end Hong Kong’s special trading status with the United […]
US state of New Jersey outlaws drunk droning
NEW YOR, United States (AFP) — Drunk driving has been a social taboo for decades, but New Jersey has now added drunk droning to the statute books: outlawing the flying of unmanned aircraft after one too many drinks. The law makes it an offense to operate a drone under the influence of intoxicating liquor, narcotic, hallucinogenic or habit-producing drug or with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or more. Infractions can be punishable by […]
Democrats get US Senate to consider gun control measures
by Michael Mathes WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — Senate Democrats claimed a small victory early Thursday, forcing the US upper house to consider legislation to help keep guns out of the hands of terrorism suspects. The move, which could break a years-long logjam on gun control, follows demands for action after the weekend massacre of 49 people at a gay nightclub in Florida. Democrats took to the floor of the Republican-controlled Senate Wednesday to launch […]
As Trump hints on guns, Congress eyes post-Orlando debate
by Michael Mathes WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — With US Democrats demanding action Wednesday to reduce violence following the Orlando massacre, Republican Donald Trump signaled openness to legislation preventing terror suspects from purchasing firearms, a flicker of bipartisanship in a toxic presidential campaign. The presumptive Republican nominee, who regularly touts his support for the constitutionally enshrined right to bear arms, said he could support banning people on terror watchlists from buying guns. Following attacks including […]





