minilinks for 2008-06-18 - Via EFF.org Updates:

• Selectable Output Control (SOC) for Video Content: It's All About Control
  Jon Healy explains that the MPAA's petition to the FCC is really about gaining control over the next generation of video technology.
• Counter Spy Act -- Pro-Privacy or Anti-Piracy?
  A new bill in the Senate is designed to fight spyware -- but Ed Foster says it provides a loophole for software makers who would like the ability to remotely disable software that is suspected of being pirated.
• Google to Develop ISP Throttling Detector
  The Internet giant wants to provide users with tools to detect whether ISP service is being tampered with.
• alt.toast
  Verizon has confirmed that it is shutting down some Usenet discussion areas, including the popular alt.* groups.
• Mod Chips Found Legal In The UK
  A UK court has ruled that mod chips are legal, and do not circumvent copy protection.
• Olympic Visitors Data at Risk
  National security agencies are warning that Chinese agents may be planning to steal secrets by hacking digital devices.
• Wiretap Ruling Dies Slow Death
  If Congress passes immunity for the telecoms, a ruling from 9th Circuit Court Judge Walker may never see the light of day.
• How the US Got Its Canadian Copyright Bill
  Michael Geist details the intense pressure brought by US officials on the Canadian parliament to pass a bill modeled on the US DMCA.
• Copyright Criminal Mugshots
  Join the fight against the Canadian DMCA by uploading your mugshot to OpenSourceCinema.org.

(Read Original Article - Via EFF.org Updates.)