Broadband Roundup: Germany Rebuffs Surveillance for Repression, Wearable Technology in the Body and Cyber-Attacks

WASHINGTON, May 21, 2014 - ABC News reported that Germany plans to limit their exports of surveillance technology to states "that fail to respect their human rights." The action is a response to recent allegations made against intelligence agencies, claiming that surveillance programs have been unwarranted and non-transparent.

Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel said he wanted to keep German spy software from being used for repression, said ABC. He's seeking to persuade all 28 members of the European Union to conform to "common standards" for the export of surveillance technology.

The Guardian reported on a breakthrough in wireless technology allowing for embeddied wearable technology within the human body.

The technique is referred to as "mid-field wireless transfer," which transfers power to very small electronic devices. In addition to better health tracking tools, the Guardian reports that the new benefit will not need large, long-life batteries that need replacing through more surgery. It would also enable "electroceutical" devices –such as medical implants to treat pain or alleviate the symptoms of diseases like Parkinson's through deep brain stimulation.

The technology has been proved to work in animals but still requires years of scrutiny from safety regulators and medical professionals, the paper reports.

Reuters reported that U.S. military experts are clamoring for new ways to clamp down on cyber attacks against U.S. methods as current acquisition rules make quick responsiveness difficult.

Kristina Harrington, director of the signals and intelligence directorate at the National Reconnaissance Office, that acquisition programs can take up to two years to "initiate and execute." The wire service reported that Harrington deemed this to be unacceptable in light of the ever-changing nature of cyber threats.

Forbes reported that Google has acquired startup Divide, a New York-based company that "offers a bring-your-own-device solution for corporate environments." The goal for Google is to make its Android devices more "enterprise-friendly" by reducing concerns regarding privacy in the work space.

“We’re thrilled to announce that Divide is joining Google! The company was founded with a simple mission: Give people the best mobile experience at work. As part of the Android team, we’re excited to continue developer solutions that our users love,” Divide stated on its website.