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Most of the government's anonymous tiplines aren't secure
When it comes to whistleblowing, privacy is paramount -- just ask Edward Snowden. It's also why news from an American Civil Liberties Association report (PDF) about anonymous government tiplines not using HTTPS encryption is all the more alarming. In a letter to Tony Scott -- not the late filmmaker, the United States chief information officer -- the ACLU's Michael W. Macleod-Ball and Christopher Soghoian implore the government to fast-track efforts to swap the some 29 websites that are required by law to protect the anonymity of tipsters over to HTTPS. If that can't happen immediately (Scott has a two-year plan to encrypt all government websites) then the ACLU suggests allowing people to use the Tor browser for alerting the authorities about fraud or waste in the interim. Currently, the anonymity-minded browser is blocked by certain federal agency websites.
Microsoft CIO Tony Scott out, Jim Dubois stepping in for now (update)
Microsoft CIO Tony Scott is now former Microsoft CIO Tony Scott. He stepped down recently to "focus on personal projects," according to a statement issued by Redmond. Microsoft reps issued Engadget the following statement this morning: "Tony Scott decided to depart Microsoft to focus on personal projects. While at Microsoft, Tony was a strong IT leader passionate about taking Microsoft's technology to the next level and using our experiences and learnings to help customers and partners. We thank Tony for his contributions and wish him well." Geekwire spotted a note on Scott's LinkedIn listing his gig at Microsoft as his "former" job (the page now reflects otherwise), and Microsoft confirmed his departure; the company also said vice president of IT product and services management Jim Dubois would step in to fill Scott's role for now, until Microsoft finds a full-time replacement. Scott also confirmed the news, and offered a few more details on his next steps -- he said he'd return "to 'work' (in some form) in a few months." Update: This post originally referenced film director Tony Scott, and has been amended since. We regret any implications that were perceived.
Top Gun Blu-ray 3D details revealed, comes home February 19th after IMAX 3D run
After being delayed, Top Gun 3D will be released by Paramount in 2013. Prior to his passing late last year, director Tony Scott personally oversaw the remastering and conversion of the 80's classic performed by Legend3D. According to the press release, the process of remapping and adjusting the depth of elements in the movie brings additional clarity to its aerial dogfights in both the long shots and cockpit closeups. This comes after the 3D rerelease of Titanic last year, and ahead of the theatrical return of a converted version of Jurassic Park this summer. Before the Blu-ray 3D version hits stores February 19th it's due for a six day IMAX run, although if you're only into it for the 2D (and Tom Cruise, of course) a remastered version is included as well. Check after the break for a trailer and the press release with all of the specs, it's currently available for pre-order from Amazon for $19.96.
