At its hardware event, the retailer took the wraps off several new smart home gadgets, from a TV-sized Echo Show to an ultra-cheap smart thermostat.
Police
Even the CIA and NSA Use Ad Blockers to Stay Safe Online
Plus: The ransomware scourge continues, a massive botnet gets wounded, and more of the week’s top security news.
He Escaped the Dark Web’s Biggest Bust. Now He’s Back
DeSnake apparently eluded the DOJ’s takedown of AlphaBay. The admin talked to WIRED about his return—and the resurrection of the notorious underground marketplace.
Anonymous Leaked a Bunch of Data From a Right-Wing Web Host
The hacktivist collective targeted the domain registrar Epik for providing services to clients including the Texas GOP, Parler, and 8chan.
LA Police Are Collecting Detainees’ Social Media Information
According to new documents, officers ask people they stop for their Facebook and Twitter account details, and then feed the data into Palantir.
Explosion in Geofence Warrants Threatens Privacy Nationwide
New figures from Google show a tenfold increase in the requests from law enforcement, which target anyone who happened to be in a given location at a specified time.
The NYPD Had a Secret Fund for Surveillance Tools
Documents reveal that police bought facial-recognition software, vans equipped with x-ray machines, and “stingray” cell site simulators—with no public oversight.
Citizen’s New Service Helps Paying Users Summon the Cops
The crime-tracking app is charging $20 per month to give subscribers access to their own virtual security service.
How to Take a Post-Pandemic Road Trip
Not ready for an all-out island vacation just yet? Hit the road instead.
Europe Makes the Case to Ban Biometric Surveillance
Companies are racing to track everything about you. It could be a convenient way to reduce fraud—or seriously creepy and discriminatory.