Camouflage plays an important role in the animal kingdom. Just think of the plaice and its perfectly camouflaged skin that matches the seabed and hides it from predators. In the human world there are also predators and prey – but the focus is on the collection of personal information. The hunters have it easy because their victims fail to protect and hide their information adequately but instead make it freely available. The latest example: IBM wants to analyse the health information of Apple users. more...
Two views on the subject of data protection and digital rights in Europe are presented here. In a guest editorial, data protection expert Christoph Schäfer calls on businesses not to follow every technological trend without question. EU Justice Minister Viviane Reding puts her faith in the upcoming European data protection reform due in 2014. It should result in cost savings for the economy and shift more responsibility onto data-handling companies. more...
In May 2013, the information leaked by Edward Snowden shocked the public around the world. First, from the safe haven of Hong Kong and later from Russia, where he would ultimately find asylum, the IT expert and whistleblower leaked a succession of breathtaking revelations about the work of one of the most shadowy of America’s intelligence agencies, the NSA. To bring this information to a wider audience, Snowden used the journalist Glenn Greenwald of the British broadsheet, “The Guardian”, as his mouthpiece. more...
The non-governmental organization “Electronic Frontier Foundation” (EFF) is fighting in court against the NSA surveillance program. The goal is to make more information public and the same time determine the legality of such programs. The EFF Director for international questions, Danny O’Brien, and the Director for International Rights, Katitza Rodriguez, are convinced they can win the fight. more...
Just enter your email address and start receiving the International Trade Newsletter, free of charge, to your email inbox.
The overdose of antibiotics in food animal production is considered a problem with serious repercussions. The risk of developing resistance rises each time bacteria are exposed to antimicrobials. Resistance opens the door to treatment failure and leads to an increasing number of infections. cd Vet Naturprodukte GmbH situated in Fürstenau, Germany, decided to bank on a completely different approach. The company develops and produces natural pet products based on natural ingredients that help to prevent diseases.