Civil Liberties in the Digital Age: Weekly Highlights (3/30/2012)

In the digital age that we live in today, we are constantly exposing our personal information online. From using cell phones and GPS devices to online shopping and sending e-mail, the things we do and say online leave behind ever-growing trails of personal information. The ACLU believes that Americans shouldn’t have to choose between using new technology and keeping control of your private information. Each week, we feature some of the most interesting news related to technology and civil liberties that we’ve spotted from the previous week.

FTC Issues Final Commission Report on Protecting Consumer Privacy [Federal Trade Commission]
The Federal Trade Commission, the nation's chief privacy policy and enforcement agency, issued a final report setting forth best practices for businesses to protect the privacy of American consumers and give them greater control over the collection and use of their personal data.

Twitter Won't Hand Over Data on Occupy Wall Street Protester [ReadWriteWeb – John Paul Titlow]
Barely two weeks after the New York District Attorney asked Twitter to hand over data about an Occupy Wall Street protester, the company says it will not comply with the request, at least for the time being.

City of Boston pays $170,000 to settle landmark case involving man arrested for recording police with cell phone [ACLU of Massachusetts]
Simon Glik, a Boston attorney wrongly arrested and prosecuted for using his cell phone to record police officers forcefully arresting a man on the Boston Common, has reached a settlement with the City of Boston on his civil rights claims. The settlement requires the City to pay Glik $170,000 for his damages and legal fees.

Judge Rules in Favor of Bradley Manning Supporter, Allows Lawsuit Challenging Laptop Search [ACLU]
A federal judge late Wednesday denied the government's motion to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the suspicionless search and seizure of electronics belonging to activist David House when he reentered the U.S. after a vacation.

Senators Question Employer Requests for Facebook Passwords [New York Times – Associated Press]
Two Democratic senators are asking Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. to investigate whether employers asking for Facebook passwords during job interviews are violating federal law, their offices announced Sunday.
> See Also Facebook takes steps to address privacy concerns [Huffington Post]

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