The US Constitution's Fifth Amendment protection against self-incrimination does not prohibit police officers from forcing a suspect to unlock a phone with a thumbprint scan, a federal appeals court ruled yesterday. The ruling does not apply to all cases in which biometrics are used to unlock an electronic device but is a significant decision in an unsettled area of the law.
The US Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit had to grapple with the question of "whether the compelled use of Payne's thumb to unlock his phone was testimonial," the ruling in United States v. Jeremy Travis Payne said. "To date, neither the Supreme Court nor any of our sister circuits have addressed whether the compelled use of a biometric to unlock an electronic device is testimonial."
A three-judge panel at the 9th Circuit ruled unanimously against Payne, affirming a US District Court's denial of Payne's motion to suppress evidence. Payne was a California parolee who was arrested by California Highway Patrol (CHP) after a 2021 traffic stop and charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, fluorofentanyl, and cocaine.
Absolutely nothing prevents unscrupulous law enforcement from forcing citizens to unlock or decrypt anything these days. All they need do is claim 'suspiicion' of something illegal. If the unlocking is dependent on 'something you know' you can delay for a little while, but you may find yourself in a cell until you give in . . . or forever.
Bleeeeeaaaagggghhhhh. | Screenshot: Wes Davis / The Verge
Comedy Central has ordered 10 episodes of Golden Axe, an animated show based on the fantasy beat ’em up sidescroller games. Deadline writes that it will be both “hilarious and loving” in its adaptation of the game. If I remember my Sega Genesis days well, I think that means there’ll be fighting over who gets to ride the purple bird dinosaur and that, at some point, a gigantic hairy skull will float down and hotbox everyone.
Who’s big idea was this, you ask? You can blame producers Mike McMahan (Star Trek: Lower Decks) and Joe Chandler (American Dad!), who will also write the first episode together, with Chandler serving as the showrunner afterward. A timeline for the show’s release hasn’t been announced yet.
In 2020, we wrote how coding bootcamp Lambda School seemed like a bit of a bait-and-switch. Four years later and one rebranding to “BloomTech” later, the US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is finally slapping it on the wrist — it’s permanently banning it from issuing any more student loans, fining the company and its CEO $164,000, and releasing some students from some of their debt.
Why? Among other deceptive practices, the “Bloom Institute of Technology” didn’t call them loans. It advertised a way for students to get high-paying tech jobs “risk free” with “no loans” by paying 17 percent of their future income for five years — rather than the $20,000 sticker price of tuition.
"Allred tweeted that the school achieved a 100 percent job placement rate in one of BloomTech’s cohorts. In a private message, he later acknowledged that the sample size was just one student."
Welcome back, fellow adventurers! If you joined us for our last escapade in Oxnard, get ready for another thrilling journey to the sun-soaked shores of Pismo Beach. Situated midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Pismo Beach is the quintessential California beach town, offering a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and, of course, plenty of sunshine.
Dive Into Pismo Beach: Where Beach Dreams Come True
Ah, Pismo Beach—a haven for beach bums, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking to unwind by the ocean. Picture yourself strolling along the long stretches of soft, white sand, with the Pacific waves crashing gently nearby. It’s the kind of place where flip-flops are the footwear of choice and SPF is your best friend.
Ready to kick back and relax? Pismo Beach has you covered. Whether you’re a sun worshiper or a shade seeker, you’ll find the perfect spot to unwind on these wide, sandy beaches. Need a break from beach bumming? Try your hand at surfing, horseback riding, or cruising the dunes in a four-wheel ATV. There’s never a dull moment in Pismo!
Venture north to Shell Beach and discover a different side of the coastline, where rocky outcroppings meet hidden sandy coves. Keep an eye on the tide—those tide pools are like nature’s own treasure trove. Just remember, it’s all fun and games until the tide comes in!
California landscape, USA – coastal walkway of Shell Beach (Pismo Beach).
Uncover Pismo’s Hidden Gems
Beyond the beach, Pismo offers a trove of unique attractions. Channel your inner archaeologist at Dinosaur Cave Park or step back in time at the historic Price Anniversary House. Pismo Beach isn’t just a pretty face—it’s got personality!
Sip, Savor, and Indulge
No visit to Pismo Beach is complete without a taste of Central Coast wine country. Treat yourself to a glass of local vino paired with fresh coastal cuisine. Pro tip: Dining al fresco isn’t just about the food—it’s also a chance to people-watch and soak in those ocean views.
A rustic country road lies next to a lush central california vineyard.
Experience peer-judged competitions, including the exclusive “Gold Class” award for the top 10 cars. This event also features a wide range of food, beverages, and goods from local vendors, making it a must-attend for classic car enthusiasts and families alike.
Finding the perfect place to stay in Pismo Beach is a breeze. Whether you’re yearning for luxury with an ocean view at the Sandcastle Hotel on the Beach or seeking a cozy beachfront hideaway like the SeaVenture Beach Hotel, Pismo Beach offers accommodations to suit every style and budget. From upscale resorts to charming boutique hotels, you’ll find your ideal home away from home in this coastal paradise
Pack your sunscreen, dust off your shades, and get ready for the ultimate coastal adventure in Pismo Beach. It’s not just a destination—it’s a state of mind. Join us as we explore, unwind, and soak in the laid-back vibes of this classic California gem.
Visible has just launched its first annual plans, letting customers lock in a year of mobile service all at once for either of the company’s two tiers. The Verizon-owned prepaid carrier is charging $395 per year for its Visible Plus plan, which it says leads to annual savings of $145. The standard Visible plan runs $275 per year, and in that case, you’re only saving $25 compared to the monthly rate.
For now, annual plans are only available to new Visible customers and not existing users. Even once they do roll out more widely, it’s worth thinking twice if you’ve got a discount code applied to your Visible Plus plan. Many people are only paying $35 / month for the normally $45 service. And if you do the math, you’re only saving $25 for...
Enlarge/ See that fortress over there? You can explore it. And then die, when someone in your party remembers a tragic incident involving meat and perishes of sadness. (credit: Bay 12 Games/Kitfox)
"I'm crying for some reason," says Tarn Adams, demonstrating Dwarf Fortress' "Adventure Mode" for a Discord stream full of games writers and PR folk. His adventurer is crying, that is. "Something must have upset me. Probably the dead bodies… I have great grouchiness, though."
Adventure Mode, out today, builds on the graphical version of Dwarf Fortress and the work you've put into it. The adventurers you create and send out into the world traverse the overland and underground places you yourself crafted. This allows you to both appreciate the realms carved out by your imagination and also be a kind of dungeon master for other adventurers (with, hopefully, an easier fortress-swapping mechanic to come soon). You can also generate a new world if you prefer the simulation's weird choices to your own.
Release trailer for Dwarf Fortress' Adventure Mode update.
Everything about the standard simulation version of playing Dwarf Fortress applies to playing it as a hardcore CRPG. Everything has layers, all is described, and the combination of deep logic and utter silliness is unmatched.
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