Tech Time - Technology News

China Wants To Ban Bitcoin Mining

* China’s state planner wants to eliminate bitcoin mining in the country, according to a draft list of industrial activities the agency is seeking to stop in a sign of growing government pressure on the cryptocurrency sector. * China is the world’s largest market for computer hardware designed to mine bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, even though such activities previously fell under a regulatory grey area. * The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said on Monday it was seeking public opinions on a revised list of industries it wants to encourage, restrict or eliminate. The list was first published in 2011. * The draft for a revised list added cryptocurrency mining, including that of bitcoin, to more than 450 activities the NDRC said should be phased out as they did not adhere to relevant laws and regulations, were unsafe, wasted resources or polluted the environment. * It did not stipulate a target date or plan for how to eliminate bitcoin mining, meaning that such activities should be phased out immediately, the document said. The public has until May 7 to comment on the draft.

Samsung’s Galaxy S10 Fingerprint Sensor Fooled By 3D Printer

* A Samsung Galaxy S10 user has managed to fool the in-display fingerprint reader on his smartphone using a 3D print of his fingerprint. * In a post on Imgur, user darkshark outlined his project: he took a picture of his fingerprint on a wineglass, processed it in Photoshop, and made a model using 3ds Max that allowed him to extrude the lines in the picture into a 3D version. * After a 13-minute print (and three attempts with some tweaks), he was able to print out a version of his fingerprint that fooled the phone’s sensor. * The Galaxy S10’s fingerprint sensor doesn’t rely on a capacitive fingerprint scanner that’s been used in other versions of the phone, using instead an ultrasonic sensor that’s apparently more difficult to spoof.* darkshark points out that it didn’t take much to spoof his own fingerprint. A concern, he notes, is that payment and banking apps are increasingly using the authentication from a fingerprint sensor to unlock, and all he needed to get into his phone was a photograph, some software, and access to a 3D printer* . “I can do this entire process in less than 3 minutes and remotely start the 3d print so that it’s done by the time I get to it,” he writes.

UBer plans to expand Booze delivery, e-Scooters in Canada

* Bikes, booze and e-scooters are part of Uber Canada’s plans for 2019. * Uber – “We want the Uber app to provide you with access to each type of transit that is relevant for you”.* “We are going to increasingly be providing you with access to different modes of transportation”* E-Scooters in Canada* Lime has pilot e-scooters in waterloo Ont, Bird is looking to expand into Canada.* Jump, Lime and Bird have gotten in trouble for having “dockless” e-bikes and scooters.  Abandoned and littering cities. * Social media is also showing people destroying e-scooters by throwing them off buildings, lighting them on fire,

Apple Arcade Is a New Game Subscription Service For iOS, Mac, and Apple TV

* Apple has unveiled a few different subscription services today at its “show time” event, including a new Apple Arcade game subscription service for titles that can be installed from the App Store. * The company is aiming to curate some of the 300,000 games currently available from the App Store into this new ad-free subscription service. * “There will be 100 new and exclusive games available on Apple Arcade, which will launch on the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV,” reports The Verge.* These games won’t be available on any other mobile platform or any subscription service other than Apple Arcade. * Games will be downloaded and played straight from the App Store, and subscribers will be able to try games whenever they want and resume them across devices. * All of the game features, content, and future updates will be included, and there will be no ads shown within the games. * SimCity creator Will Wright is also making a game for the service. * Apple is promising games from Annapurna Interactive, Bossa Studios, Cartoon Network, Finji, Giant Squid, Klei Entertainment, Konami, Lego, Mistwalker Corporation, SEGA, Snowman, ustwo games, and more. * Apple isn’t just curating the games for Apple Arcade; it’s actually planning to contribute to the development costs of creating them. Apple might not have announced its own game studio today, but it’s certainly a big step toward that. * Apple Arcade is launching this fall in more than 150 countries, but Apple is not yet revealing pricing for this subscription service. Apple does say that “access for up to six family members,” will be available, suggesting you’ll be able to share the subscription. * While the full list of games isn’t available yet, some of the titles revealed on Apple Arcade’s website include: LEGO Brawls, HitchHiker, Kings of the Castle, Where Cards Fall, and Frogger in Toy Town.

Apple TV+, With Shows From Spielberg, Oprah and J.J. Abrams, is Coming This Fall

* Apple TV+, a place for its new slate of original shows. The new service, billed as a place for the “highest-quality storytelling,” will be available in over 100 countries and released starting this fall through the Apple TV app.* It will be ad-free, on-demand and available both streaming online and downloadable. Pricing will be announced this fall. * Apple TV Plus is the company’s way of jumping into the streaming video game, where Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu and others have already established themselves and brought in millions of cord-cutter customers fleeing cable subscriptions. * The new service also works as a way for Apple to grow its thriving services business, helping it continue to grow despite lagging iPhone sales. * The company in 2017 hired Jamie Erlicht and Zack Van Amburg from Sony Pictures Television to oversee “all aspects of video programming.” The two were responsible for shows such as Breaking Bad, The Crown and Rescue Me. * And in the past year, Apple has continually announced original content it’s producing — including a multiyear partnership deal with Oprah and deals with Rees...

Apple Finally Updates the iMac With Significantly More Powerful CPU and GPU Options

* Today, Apple will finally begin taking orders for newly refreshed 21- and 27-inch iMacs. The new versions don’t change the basic design or add major new features, but they offer substantially faster configuration options for the CPU and GPU. * The 21.5-inch iMac now has a 6-core, eighth-generation Intel CPU option — up from a maximum of four cores before. * The 27-inch now has six cores as the standard configuration, with an optional upgrade to a 3.6GHz, 9th-gen, 8-core Intel Core i9 CPU that Apple claims will double performance over the previous 27-inch iMac.* The base 27-inch model has a 3GHz 6-core Intel Core i5 CPU, with intermediate configurations at 3.1GHz and 3.7GHz (both Core i5). The big news is arguably that both sizes now offer high-end, workstation-class Vega-graphics options for the first time. (Apple added a similar upgrade option to the 15-inch MacBook Pro late last year). * Apple claims the Vega 48 will net a 50-percent performance improvement over the Radeon Pro 580, the previous top configuration.

The Most Powerful iMac Pro Now Costs $15,927

* Apple recently updated the upgrade options for the iMac Pro, and getting the very best will cost you. * A baseline model will cost you just under $5,000, and maxing out the hardware to absurd heights runs a whopping $15,927. * The most expensive possible upgrade is a $5,200 charge for upgrading the RAM from 32GB to a startling 256GB. * Other addons include an additional $700 for a 16GB Radeon video card and $2,400 for a 2.3 Ghz Intel processor with 18 cores. * Almost $16,000 is a lot of money for a computer, especially one so overpowered that there are very few reasonable applications of its hardware. * Most people will never need more than 16GB of RAM to play video games, and 32-64GB will take care of most video editing and 3D modeling tasks. With 256GB of RAM, you could run advanced AI processes or lease computing power to other people.* But what about when they come out with touch screens?  You’ll be made you spent the money.* THE HARD DRIVE SUCKS

Sony VR looks like it will go Wireless

* Sony patent filings show a wireless headset for PlayStation VR headset 2.* The patent shows a person untethered by a cord, able to walk around the room.* This has been difficult to do in the past due to latency and the refresh rates needed to avoid motion sickness. * Typical VR uses refresh rates of 75 to 120 updates per second across two screens. – way more than current Wi-Fi can handle.* This patent is signifigant because it demonstrates that Sony has achieved a connection of at least 60 Gigahertz or WiGig.* HTC already has achieved this with its TPCast but it doesn’t have a feedback loop.* Sony’s patent shows a 5GHz backup signal maintain a stable VR connection.

Google Debuts Video Games Streaming Service Stadia

* Google today launched its Stadia cloud gaming service at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco. * Stadia is not a dedicated console or set-top box. * The platform will be accessible on a variety of platforms: browsers,

Facebook Pressured Canada to Ease up on Data Rules

* Internal Documents leaked to UK journalists show Facebook’s global lobbying operations.* Facebook promised to open a data center in Canada that was to create thousands of jobs.* In exchange Canada was not to enforce its jurisdiction over the Facebook’s non Canadian data.* Facebook could collect and share any data they wanted with non canadian accounts.* They wanted Canada to turn a blind eye (in regards to privacy laws) to non Canadian accounts.* This request was also done in the UK, USA, India & Brazil.* The Canadian government expressed concern over the double standard of privacy.* Facebook was firm and said, “If you don’t promise to turn a blind eye to non Canadian accounts, we will take this data center (and its jobs elsewhere).  * Canada eventually sent a letter guaranteeing “Independence of non-Canadian data”.* The data center was never built. * The leaked documents also show Facebook complaining about a Minister’s aid that was blocking this request and Levine (FB VP) personally went to Canada to “cut this person out.”* This shows a corporate interference in governmental organizations and independence.

What to expect from the March 25 ‘It’s show time’ Apple News and streaming video eventApple has confirmed the long-rumored March 25 event but, of course, said nothing directly about what will be unveiled there. AppleInsider examines the evidence for Apple launching a more coherent Apple News service with magazines and other publications, plus the debut of Apple’s streaming video service — and what new hardware could appear.

Apple News ServiceApple is working on a $9.99 per month subscription news service that would give Apple News users unlimited access to stories from paywalled sites like The New York Times and the Washington Post. This service is also expected to include a magazine elemen

US Tells Germany To Stop Using Huawei Equipment Or Lose Some Intelligence AccessThe Wall Street Journal is reporting that the United States has told Germany to drop Huawei from its future plans or risk losing access to some U.S. intelligence.

The U.S. says the Chinese company’s equipment could be used for espionage — a concern that Huawei says is unfounded.

“The Trump administration has been pressing allies to end their relationships with Huawei, but Germany, moving ahead with its plans, has not moved to ban the company from its networks,” reports The Verge

. From the report: According to the Journal, a letter sent from the U.S. Ambassador to Germany warns the country that the U.S. will stop sharing some secrets if it allows Huawei to work on its next-generation 5G infrastructure.

The letter, according to the Journal, argues that network security can’t be effectively managed by audits of equipment or software. While the U.S. plans to continue sharing intelligence with Germany regardless, the Journal reports, officials plan to curtail the scope of that information if Huawei equipment is used in German infrastructure.

Russia Wants to create an “Electronic Curtain”

* The Russian Government wants to create an “Electronic Curtain” or a Firewall similar to China’s “Great Firewall of China”.* They are also passing laws that target social media apps that are used to criticize the current government.

Virgin Galactic Sends Its First Passenger to Space

* Feb 27, Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic sent its first “tourist” into space.* Beth Moses, the company’s astronaut trainer.  Not really a tourist. * Made history last month for the highest private flight 80km (defined as space).* We are getting closer to Space Tourism.* Many have booked with Virgin Galactic at a price of $250 USD.* Space People Facts * 560 people have gone to space (to orbit).* 2 dozen have gone farther.* 12 have walked the moon.

Huawei P30, P30 Pro Leaked Photos reveal 7.8x-Zoom Camera

* Huaewei’s P30 and P30 Pro are scheduled to be released on March 26 in Paris.* Leaked photos (probable marketing photos) reveal the * P30 Pro’s triple camera will get a 7.8x zoom (P20 Pro 3x)* P30 gets a third camera for 4.7x zoom (P20 had none)* Leaked photo also shows a teardrop notch.

Microsoft Will Launch Disc-Less, ‘All Digital’ Xbox One S Next Month, Report Says

* Microsoft’s next iteration of the Xbox One may not have a disc at all, and it might be coming sooner than you think. * Windows Central, which says a disc-less Xbox One S “All-Digital Edition” will be offered for preorders in April. * The new device, said to be code-named Maverick, * will offer a “disc-to-digital” program, letting fans turn in physical game discs and convert them to digital downloads, Windows Central added.* One benefit of this new Xbox, Windows Central said, would be that it could push the price of an Xbox down.* The Xbox One S starts at $299 and is typically bundled with a game. A Microsoft spokesman declined to comment. * The move could mark a turning point for the video game industry, which has sold video games on discs and cartridges for decades. * What’s going to happen to gamestop?

Canada Allows US Extradition of Huawei CFO To Proceed

* The Canadian government has allowed for the extradition proceedings against the CFO of Huawei to proceed. * “Today, department of Justice Canada officials issued an authority to proceed, formally commencing an extradition process in the case of Ms. Meng Wanzhou,” the government said in a statement.* Meng Wanzhou was arrested in Canada in December at the request of American authorities, who allege that she violated U.S. sanctions against Iran. * From the report: China, whose relations with Canada have deteriorated badly over the affair, denounced the decision and repeated previous demands for Meng’s release. * Legal experts had predicted Ottawa would give the go-ahead for extradition proceedings, given the close judicial relationship between Canada and the United States* It could be years though before Meng is ever sent to the United States, since Canada’s slow-moving justice system allows many decisions to be appealed. Meng’s lawyers said they were disappointed and described the U.S. charges as politically motivated.* She’s now suing Canada

Everything announced at Samsung’s Event

* Galaxy S10* Infinity O screen.  Is it a notch?* S10 one small hole, S10+ long hole for two selfie cameras.* UltraSonic Fingerprint reader* Uses sound waves to measure depth of creases. * Mixed reviews – 50% of time…* Need an “airless” screen protector like White Stone (resin). * No face unlock (iris scan???)* Wireless Powershare (Qi).* Yes, it charges iPhones.* Galaxy Budds* Won’t go below 30% of galaxy battery.* Bixby Routines* Auto change phone settings. – Used to have hacks – Car mode, night…* Highest Dx0Mark – Beats iPhone & Pixel. * Rear = 114 (same as P20 Pro)* Selfie = 96 (P20 Pro 75)* Pixel still wins on Night Sight.* Headphone Jack, Water resistant & lots of colors.* S10e* 5.8”, same price as iPhone XR.* 3,100 mAh, 512GB, 6 or 8GB RAM, Expandable* Fingerprint reader on power button.* 1 selfie (10mp), 2 back (16mp wide, 12 mp ultra wide)* Flat screen* $750 USD* S10* 6.1”* 3,400 mAh, 128gb or 512GB, 8 GB RAM. Expandable* 1 selfie (10 mp), 3 back (12 mp telephoto 2x zoom)* Sonic Fingerprint reader* $900 USD* S10+* 6.4”* 4,100 mAh 256 – 1 TB, 8 & 12 gb RAM. Expandable* 2 selfie (8mp), 3 back* Sonic Fingerprint reader* $1,000 USD* S10 5G* 6.7”* 4500 mAh, 256mb storage, 8gb RAM, no external* 5G* 3 selfie (3d depth sensing), 4 back (3d depth sensing)* $ ??? USD* Galaxy Buds* Wireless charging* Always on Bixby – Can switch it to Google Voice or Alexa.* 5-6 hours, 7 hours in case.* AKG sound + outer and inner mike (for noisy backgrounds).* BT5 & connects to multiple devices.* Tap Controls (can use only one like AirPods)* Black, white or yellow. * $130 USD (cheaper than AirPods)* Galaxy Fold* One small screen on outside 6.4” & one large screen on inside 7.3”* Folds on the inside. * Six cameras (2 selfie, 3 rear & 1 on cover.)  Selfie Notch* 4G & 5G variants. * Fold Hinge won’t lay completely flat (when folded).* $1,980 USD

Huawei Mate X

* Summer * 5G only – Networks won’t be ready in Summer.* Folds on the outside into “three screens”* Large outside screen 8”* Small front 6.6”, small back 6.38”* Lit-up screen turns on and off depending on how you hold it.* Bezel-less, 4 cameras, no notch. * Will lay flat when folded but has a “Wing” that the screen nests into.  * To be used as a handle.  Bezel-less could be hard to hold.* Polymer screens (plastic)* $2,600 USD

Xiaomi – Double folding Phone

* Xiaomi released a video last week with a double folding phone.

HoloLens 2

* Smaller, Sleeker, lighter.* Intended for Enterprise Use.* Fixing equipment – Guides how to build things. * Slides over the head like a cap* Can flip the screen up.* Bigger field of view than V1.  30 degrees vs 52 degrees (deck of cards vs paperback book). * Eye tracking – be able to track your interest and emotion.  Glance at objects and use your voice on what you are looking at.* Study engagement and focus.* No physical controls but can detect more hand movements. * Developed to be more collaborative – other hololens, phones

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1. Chrome Can Tell You if Your Passwords Have Been Compromised

* Given the frequency of hacks and data leaks these days, chances are good at least one of your passwords has been released to the wild. * A new Chrome extension released by Google today makes it a little easier to stay on top of that: Once installed, Password Checkup will simply sit in your Chrome browser and alert you if you enter a username / password combination that Google “knows to be unsafe.” * The company says it has a database of 4 billion credentials that have been compromised in various data breaches that it can check against. When the extension detects an insecure password, it’ll prompt you with a big red dialog box to immediately update your info. * It’s handy, but users might wonder exactly what Google can see — to that end, Google says that the extension “never reveal[s] this personal information.”

2. Use a VPN (but not chinese)

3. Use open DNS

* Depending upon distance between your place and DNS server, there will be speed improvements* If your ISPs DNS servers are not that reliable, using an alternate DNS server will improve stability* If you are using an old Operating System with no security updates, using a third-party DNS will be protection from phishing attacks* And, yes, you can get rid of geography-based content restrictions and web censorship

4. Don’t use internet explorer at work

5. Always use incognito mode on a public computer no matter what

6. Don’t do your banking on public Wifi (starbucks etc… there could be fishers)

7. Use two-step passwords for everything

* You can get a google app for it.

8. Encrypt your hard drive with a LONG password

* Murder podcast.  They still can’t crack his hard drive.

9. Encrypt your phone with a LONG password/faceID/finger print ID

* Funny story about classy cassie that stole Friend’s phone with Uber.

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$250m in Bitcoin Locked in a Virtual Vault after Director of CryptoBank Dies

* The BC – Based QudrigaCX Bank is in court today in Halifax seeking protection from its creditors under Canadian Bankruptcy law.* According to QudrigaCX’s website, they are “Canada’s biggest cryptocurrency trader” and a “leading bitcoin exchange”.  Turns out it was just a guy with a computer. * Gerald Cotten (Chief Executive Officer) of QuadrigaCX, died on Dec 9 in India (apparently doing humanitarian work) due to complications with Crohn’s disease.  He was 30 years old. * According to court documents, Cotten (the only director of the Bank/Exchange) was the only one who knew the passwords and took them with him to the grave.* QudrigaCX held around $250 million in bitcoin that is now inaccessible, locked in encrypted wallets.* There is a Hot Wallet (like a cash register with a float).* Cold Wallet (like a safety deposit box).  Usually completely offline and is required to be plugged in and a password to access.* If this was a regular bank, the government of Canada would be doing something to recover the lost $250 million. Because this is Crypto-Currency and completely unregulated, the Government is doing nothing. * On Reddit, many are claiming there is more going on.* Some claim accounts are actually being drained.* Others claim the accounts never had the money in it and it was a ponzi scheme. * Many call into question the death certificate from India.* Two weeks before his death, Cotten left a will with a plane, two houses and $100k for the care of his two Chihuahuas.  Why no conversation over the passwords if they talked about the dogs??? * David Gerard (blockchain expert) states, “Crypto is amateur hour… People assume these are active institutions that operate under rules and regulations, and they operate under very few… It’s really hard to tell if a seemingly credible operator is just a guy in his basement”.* Most active comment, (Alex Reti), They can’t have it both ways.  The whole point of “crypto” is to avoid the control of “Big Brother”.  So when things go south, they can’t expect “Big Brother” to come riding to the rescue.

Apple Disables Group FaceTime due to Privacy Bug

* The Group FaceTime function has been removed after users claimed the microphone could be accessed without the person picking up.* This was done by calling the individual and then immediately calling another person in.  The caller could then hear the first person called. * This bug was discovered by a teen playing Fortnite. * As of Feb 5, the bug has not been fixed.

Lawyer Sues Apple Over FaceTime Eavesdrop Bug, Says It Let Someone Record a Sworn Testimony

* A lawyer in Houston has filed a lawsuit against Apple over a security vulnerability that let people eavesdrop on iPhones using FaceTime. * alleges that Apple ‘failed to exercise reasonable care’ and that Apple ‘knew, or should have known, that its Product would cause unsolicited privacy breaches and eavesdropping,'” reports CNBC. * It alleged Apple did not adequately test its software and that Apple was ‘aware there was a high probability at least some consumers would suffer harm.

Canada & Meng Wanzhou – Update (Meng Minute)

* Meng Wanzhou, Hauwei and affiliates face 13 charges in the US.* Acting US Attorney General Matthew Whitaker.* 13 counts of bank and wire fraud relates to Skycom operating in Iran.* Huawei claims that Skycom is an unrelated company.* Huawei was able to borrow money from US banks and use that money in Iran under the Skycom name. * Violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act & to commit money laundering.* Huawei is also charged with conspiracy to obstruct justice.* To other executives are charged with stealing trade secrets.* Tried to steal robotic technology form T-Mobile to test smartphones’ durability. * Not rogue employees acting on their own.* Way of doing business encouraged by Huawei. * Whitaker stated Monday that the US will formally file for extradition by Tuesday (Deadline).* John McCallum – Canada’s “former” Ambassador to China* Tuesday Jan 22, He told Chinese journalists that Meng Wanzhou had a good cast to fight the extradition to the US and listed several arguments he thought would help her case. * Wednesday, many were calling for his dismissal as he was making statements as Canada’s ambassador that would be considered political and not judicial. * Thursday he said he misspoke those statements.* Friday he told a Canadian reporter that it would be “great for Canada” if the US dropped their extradition request.  He also said that if the US and China made a deal, it should include releasing the two Canadians. This is also considered political interference and assumes that a political deal will be made, not the rule of law. * Saturday – Justin Trudeau requested McCallum’s resignation. * What is all the Hype/Concern about Huawei?* 1. Ties to the Chinese Government.* Some argue US led efforts to convince partners to drop Huawei is less about national security and more aby stymying Chinese dominance.* 2. Chinese Tech companies could be compelled by the Chinese government to modify their technology for spying.* The US Department this week, “the immense influence that the Chinese government holds over Chinese corporations” is a threat to America’s economic and national security.* What Modifications?* Attacking the supply chain = producer makes modifications to a piece of hardware or software before it reaches its final destination. * 5G is a big target.  The interconnectivity of things (Cars, appliances, communication…).* Could spy or shut it down (similar to GPS). * Bloomberg Businessweek Magazine reported that computer components from a US firm called “SuperMicro” had been subtly modified during manufacturing in a Chinese factory.  Apple and Amazon use these chips. Not verified true.* There are confirmed cases of Chinese companies doing this.  “CCCleaner” and File-sharing app “Transmission”. * NotPetya was a Russia linked ransomware.  It pretended to be a legitimate update to accounting software M.E.Doc used in the Ukraine.  It shut down Maersk Shipping. * China has been caught with their hands in the cookie jar (stealing technology) before.  It’s in their playbook. * December – 2 chinese agents were caught stealing from 12 countries (Canada included).  “We are talking about State Sponsored actors engaged in illegal behaviour”.* Trust but Verify?* There are 3rd parties that can audit and inspect equipment but this may not catch everything (especially if the spy knows it will be checked).

Facebook’s 10 Year Challenge is Just a Harmless Meme – Right?

* Recommended by Simon Légaré from Quebec City. * Kate O’Neill on Wired Tweeted, “Me 10 years ago: probably would have played along with the profile picture aging meme going around on Facebook and Instagram.  Me now: ponders how all this data could be mined to train facial recognition”. Tweet gained notice.* Counterpoint – People already have access to your face from profile pictures (aren’t private and time stamped).* Point – If you were doing a study, you could mine the information looking for timestamps (not always taken near the date posted, sometimes profile pictures are not even human) or you could just ask people to do it for you. * “Thanks to this meme there’s now a very large dataset of carefully curated photos of people from roughly 10 years ago and now”.* Facebook denies being behind the 10 year challenge.  It is, “a user-generated meme that went viral on its own”.* The big question, How has our data been used?* Cambridge Analytica – 70 m facebook users.* Facial recognition (Apple & some Android “will be more”).  How can it be used?* Good – Help with finding missing children.* Mundane – Targeted Advertising (age, ethnicity, gender guessing).* Coupled with other metadata (Location, purchase history, political responses) creepy.  Remember Minority Report?* Bad? – Insurance assessments, health care.* Amazon introduced real-time facial recognition services to law enforcement, government agencies.* Privacy issues.  Not only track people with records, could track others (protesters).  * American Civil Liberties Union asked Amazon to stop and so did many shareholders.* “The broader message… humans are the richest data sources for most of the technology emerging in the world… our data is the fuel that makes businesses smarter and more profitable”.

Update on Huawei, Meng Wanzhou’s arrest & Canada China Relationship.

* Background* Meng Wanzhou CFO of Huawei was arrested in BC in December at the request of the United States for violating sanctions against Iran.* China responded by arresting two Canadians (one a former diplomat working for a non profit group looking at Human Rights violations in China) for “security reasons”.* China also quickly retried a Canadian sentenced to 15 years in jail for drug trafficking.  He now has been sentenced to death. * This week:* Chineses Diplomat threatens Canada for going to allies for support.* Hua Chunying – Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman:* Canada’s allies can be counted on 10 fingers.* What if they are the largest economies in the world?* EU has 28 countries alone. * Personal attacks on Justin Trudeau, “Laughing Stock, irresponsible”  Only Canadians can say that about our PM!* China Threatens if Canada bans Huawei from 5G* Lu Shaye China’s Ambassador to Canada warned of “repercussions” if Canada banned Huawei.* Accuses Canada of White Supremacy. * 140 former diplomats, scholars and Scientists send open letter to President Xi (shi)  Jinping. Calling China’s actions “extremely concerning”* Jan 30th deadline for the US to submit extradition paperwork.* This morning, “Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said, * “Both Canada and the US are abusing the extradition system”.  * “Canada has made a grave mistake”.* “China will respond to US actions” (if the US files extradition papers)..* Canadians are not impressed.