Minecraft Goes Catphishing on the Moon

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Alibaba goes IPO, Phishing and Catphishing, Microsoft buys Minecraft, Nvideo renders moon landing, Warrant Canarys, and more Geek News.

Bill Introduced in Congress to Let You Actually Own Things, Even if They Contain Software

“At last, someone in Congress has noticed how “intellectual property rights” are showing up in unexpected places and undermining our settled rights and expectation about the things we buy. Today, Representative Farenthold announced the introduction of the You Own Devices Act (YODA). If a computer program enables a device to operate, YODA would let you transfer ownership of a copy of that computer program along with the device. The law would override any agreement to the contrary (like the one-sided and abusive End-User License Agreements commonly included with such software). Also, if you have a right to receive security or bug fixes, that right passes to the person who received the device from you.”

Apple’s “warrant canary” disappears, suggesting new Patriot Act demands

“Apple included language in its first Transparency Report to say that it had not been subject to a Section 215 Patriot Act request. That language is now gone.”

Apple expands data encryption under iOS 8, making handover to cops moot

Lyle talks all about how excited he is about the security hardware features of Apple’s newest devices.

Sorry, AT&T and Verizon: 4Mbps isn’t fast enough for “broadband”

FCC chairman says Americans shouldn’t subsidize Internet service under 10Mbps.”