Cathy Gellis
@cathygellis.mastodon.cloud.ap.brid.gy
US lawyer and former Internet professional interested in tech, international law, civil liberties & their convergence, plus the sociology of technology […]
[bridged from https://mastodon.cloud/@cathygellis on the fediverse by https://fed.brid.gy/ ]
[bridged from https://mastodon.cloud/@cathygellis on the fediverse by https://fed.brid.gy/ ]
Remember 24 hours ago when we were still mad at Hilton, who insisted that these monsters needed to be housed on their properties? Want to tell them?
I've got you covered with this model letter.
https://www.techdirt.com/2026/01/07/dear-hilton-lose-my-number/
I've got you covered with this model letter.
https://www.techdirt.com/2026/01/07/dear-hilton-lose-my-number/
Dear Hilton: Lose My Number
For those who wish to tell Hilton what they think of them, here is a model letter. Dear Hilton: I, as well as many of my friends and fellow citizens (as social media reflects), initially read with patriotic pride the news that a Hilton franchisee in Minnesota had refused service to ICE personnel—at least initially, […]
www.techdirt.com
January 8, 2026 at 4:25 PM
Remember 24 hours ago when we were still mad at Hilton, who insisted that these monsters needed to be housed on their properties? Want to tell them?
I've got you covered with this model letter.
https://www.techdirt.com/2026/01/07/dear-hilton-lose-my-number/
I've got you covered with this model letter.
https://www.techdirt.com/2026/01/07/dear-hilton-lose-my-number/
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
Susan Landau, @SteveBellovin , and I have a piece up on Lawfare on the UK’s latest ill-advised attempts to prohibit strong encryption. https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/the-u.k.-s-plan-for-electronic-eavesdropping-poses-cybersecurity-risks
The U.K.’s Plan for Electronic Eavesdropping Poses Cybersecurity Risks
The U.K. government’s latest attempt to access encrypted cloud backups could allow adversarial actors to gain access to sensitive data.
www.lawfaremedia.org
January 8, 2026 at 4:04 PM
Susan Landau, @SteveBellovin , and I have a piece up on Lawfare on the UK’s latest ill-advised attempts to prohibit strong encryption. https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/the-u.k.-s-plan-for-electronic-eavesdropping-poses-cybersecurity-risks
The Democrats did something good yesterday! A significant majority voted to pursue impeachment. It didn't succeed, but let's celebrate it anyway, so that the hold-outs see that it's best to join them. And hopefully their GOP colleagues too...
Here's my Techdirt post about it […]
Here's my Techdirt post about it […]
Original post on mastodon.cloud
mastodon.cloud
December 12, 2025 at 8:36 PM
The Democrats did something good yesterday! A significant majority voted to pursue impeachment. It didn't succeed, but let's celebrate it anyway, so that the hold-outs see that it's best to join them. And hopefully their GOP colleagues too...
Here's my Techdirt post about it […]
Here's my Techdirt post about it […]
I was on This Week in Technology last weekend. If you missed it, now you can see it!
https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-tech/episodes/1061
https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-tech/episodes/1061
This Week in Tech: Amy's Crazy Husband | TWiT.TV
What happens if your internet provider gets the blame for what you download? This week, the panel unpacks a billion-dollar copyright battle at the Supreme Court that could
twit.tv
December 12, 2025 at 3:50 AM
I was on This Week in Technology last weekend. If you missed it, now you can see it!
https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-tech/episodes/1061
https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-tech/episodes/1061
Today's SCOTUS argument was awful. But (catching up) here's a write-up of last Monday's hearing about Cox Communications v. Sony Music Entertainment, a big copyright/DMCA/online free speech case I wrote a brief in, which may be the last time I ever say anything nice about the conservative […]
Original post on mastodon.cloud
mastodon.cloud
December 8, 2025 at 10:52 PM
Today's SCOTUS argument was awful. But (catching up) here's a write-up of last Monday's hearing about Cox Communications v. Sony Music Entertainment, a big copyright/DMCA/online free speech case I wrote a brief in, which may be the last time I ever say anything nice about the conservative […]
This morning is oral argument at the Supreme Court in Cox Communications v. Sony Music Entertainment.
Cox unfortunately isn't pressing this point but it is an enormously important First Amendment case involving online free speech.
Here's the amicus brief I wrote […]
Cox unfortunately isn't pressing this point but it is an enormously important First Amendment case involving online free speech.
Here's the amicus brief I wrote […]
Original post on mastodon.cloud
mastodon.cloud
December 8, 2025 at 10:52 PM
This morning is oral argument at the Supreme Court in Cox Communications v. Sony Music Entertainment.
Cox unfortunately isn't pressing this point but it is an enormously important First Amendment case involving online free speech.
Here's the amicus brief I wrote […]
Cox unfortunately isn't pressing this point but it is an enormously important First Amendment case involving online free speech.
Here's the amicus brief I wrote […]
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
Hey folks: this morning we're launching a monthlong fundraiser for @techdirt.com. Over the last year, we've been steadfast in not self-censoring, not capitulating, not sanewashing bullshit. But that's come at a cost. And we need help: rtb.techdirt.com/products/fri...
Friend Of Techdirt
Get an Insider Badge on your profile
rtb.techdirt.com
December 3, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Hey folks: this morning we're launching a monthlong fundraiser for @techdirt.com. Over the last year, we've been steadfast in not self-censoring, not capitulating, not sanewashing bullshit. But that's come at a cost. And we need help: rtb.techdirt.com/products/fri...
Would you like something to argue about this Thanksgiving? Here: I wrote about how Congress refusing to impeach Trump violates their oath of office.
https://www.techdirt.com/2025/11/26/oaths-of-office-and-how-everyone-not-moving-to-impeach-trump-is-violating-their-own/
https://www.techdirt.com/2025/11/26/oaths-of-office-and-how-everyone-not-moving-to-impeach-trump-is-violating-their-own/
Oaths Of Office, And How Everyone Not Moving To Impeach Trump Is Violating Their Own
Until very recently the only member of Congress excused from not having moved to impeach Trump was Rep. Grijalva, because until someone swore her in there was nothing she could officially do. But for everyone else already sworn into this 119th Congress, there was no excuse. There is no excuse. The refusal to act, to […]
www.techdirt.com
November 27, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Would you like something to argue about this Thanksgiving? Here: I wrote about how Congress refusing to impeach Trump violates their oath of office.
https://www.techdirt.com/2025/11/26/oaths-of-office-and-how-everyone-not-moving-to-impeach-trump-is-violating-their-own/
https://www.techdirt.com/2025/11/26/oaths-of-office-and-how-everyone-not-moving-to-impeach-trump-is-violating-their-own/
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
So I guess all those skyscrapers in Manhattan will be torn down to make way for collective farms now that Mamdani’s been elected.
November 6, 2025 at 6:59 PM
So I guess all those skyscrapers in Manhattan will be torn down to make way for collective farms now that Mamdani’s been elected.
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
"Why their decisive election victories mean bad news for Democratic prospects in 2026" - Tomorrow's NY Times, probably.
November 5, 2025 at 5:38 AM
"Why their decisive election victories mean bad news for Democratic prospects in 2026" - Tomorrow's NY Times, probably.
California! I wrote a piece about why you should vote for Prop. 50:
https://www.techdirt.com/2025/10/16/prop-50-the-better-of-two-bad-choices/
https://www.techdirt.com/2025/10/16/prop-50-the-better-of-two-bad-choices/
Prop 50, The Better Of Two Bad Choices
It’s a damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don’t choice appearing on the California ballot this Election Day: choose gerrymandering, or have gerrymandering chosen for you. It’s an ugly decision to be forced to make. But, for the moment, at least, one that needs to be made. At issue is Proposition 50, which would change the law affecting how California […]
www.techdirt.com
November 4, 2025 at 3:18 PM
California! I wrote a piece about why you should vote for Prop. 50:
https://www.techdirt.com/2025/10/16/prop-50-the-better-of-two-bad-choices/
https://www.techdirt.com/2025/10/16/prop-50-the-better-of-two-bad-choices/
I took a closer look at the lawsuit by Arizona to force Grijalva to be seated. In short, it's a bit of a long shot, but it has a lot more going for it than some might think […]
Original post on mastodon.cloud
mastodon.cloud
October 29, 2025 at 7:10 PM
I took a closer look at the lawsuit by Arizona to force Grijalva to be seated. In short, it's a bit of a long shot, but it has a lot more going for it than some might think […]
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
I loathe Curtis Sliwa, but I really want him to come in second ahead of Cuomo because that will be maximally humiliating for Cuomo. I am petty this way.
October 27, 2025 at 12:07 AM
I loathe Curtis Sliwa, but I really want him to come in second ahead of Cuomo because that will be maximally humiliating for Cuomo. I am petty this way.
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
Anyway, I think Trump should NOT get his security deposit back in 2028.
October 21, 2025 at 3:36 AM
Anyway, I think Trump should NOT get his security deposit back in 2028.
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
Oh, now the "2024 election was stolen" clowns are threatening to sue me, presumably for referring to them as clowns. Really, if anyone should be offended here, it should be clowns.
October 20, 2025 at 7:51 PM
Oh, now the "2024 election was stolen" clowns are threatening to sue me, presumably for referring to them as clowns. Really, if anyone should be offended here, it should be clowns.
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
First Spotify refused to cancel Joe Rogan's racist podcast. Now Spotify is running recruiting ads for ICE.
No one needs Spotify.
#BoycottSpotify #CancelSpotify #ice #rogan #USpol
No one needs Spotify.
#BoycottSpotify #CancelSpotify #ice #rogan #USpol
October 19, 2025 at 5:25 PM
First Spotify refused to cancel Joe Rogan's racist podcast. Now Spotify is running recruiting ads for ICE.
No one needs Spotify.
#BoycottSpotify #CancelSpotify #ice #rogan #USpol
No one needs Spotify.
#BoycottSpotify #CancelSpotify #ice #rogan #USpol
I was kind of on the fence about Prop 50, but then I read it and wrote out my thoughts and ended up convincing myself to vote for it. See if it convinces you too:
https://www.techdirt.com/2025/10/16/prop-50-the-better-of-two-bad-choices/
https://www.techdirt.com/2025/10/16/prop-50-the-better-of-two-bad-choices/
Prop 50, The Better Of Two Bad Choices
It’s a damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don’t choice appearing on the California ballot this Election Day: choose gerrymandering, or have gerrymandering chosen for you. It’s an ugly decision to be forced to make. But, for the moment, at least, one that needs to be made. At issue is Proposition 50, which would change the law affecting how California […]
www.techdirt.com
October 17, 2025 at 3:53 PM
I was kind of on the fence about Prop 50, but then I read it and wrote out my thoughts and ended up convincing myself to vote for it. See if it convinces you too:
https://www.techdirt.com/2025/10/16/prop-50-the-better-of-two-bad-choices/
https://www.techdirt.com/2025/10/16/prop-50-the-better-of-two-bad-choices/
I was on @twit.tv This Week in Tech on Sunday, talking about many things, including those involving technology. Highlights include Cox v. Sony pending at the US Supreme Court and robots with rotating blades...
https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-tech/episodes/1053?autostart=false
https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-tech/episodes/1053?autostart=false
October 14, 2025 at 9:15 PM
I was on @twit.tv This Week in Tech on Sunday, talking about many things, including those involving technology. Highlights include Cox v. Sony pending at the US Supreme Court and robots with rotating blades...
https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-tech/episodes/1053?autostart=false
https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-tech/episodes/1053?autostart=false
I have a new Techdirt post that went up on Friday, while the CDC was trying to illegally fire everyone...
https://www.techdirt.com/2025/10/10/i-want-a-new-drug-a-vaccine-even-and-a-functioning-fda-cdc-nih-etc/
https://www.techdirt.com/2025/10/10/i-want-a-new-drug-a-vaccine-even-and-a-functioning-fda-cdc-nih-etc/
I Want A New Drug. A Vaccine Even. And A Functioning FDA, CDC, NIH, Etc…
My cancer is back. This is disappointing but not unexpected; of the 2/3 of people who survive their first bout with ovarian cancer, 80% usually have it recur at some point. For me it was sooner than expected, and disheartening because, even if I beat it back this time, it will likely come back again […]
www.techdirt.com
October 13, 2025 at 1:19 PM
I have a new Techdirt post that went up on Friday, while the CDC was trying to illegally fire everyone...
https://www.techdirt.com/2025/10/10/i-want-a-new-drug-a-vaccine-even-and-a-functioning-fda-cdc-nih-etc/
https://www.techdirt.com/2025/10/10/i-want-a-new-drug-a-vaccine-even-and-a-functioning-fda-cdc-nih-etc/
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
It is, of course, utterly fitting that the mascot of ABC's parent company is a mouse, the rodent that symbolizes cowardice and timidity.
September 18, 2025 at 1:29 AM
It is, of course, utterly fitting that the mascot of ABC's parent company is a mouse, the rodent that symbolizes cowardice and timidity.
I'm rather disappointed that this was only Techdirt podcast 430 and not 512, but here's me speaking with @mmasnick about the amicus brief we filed at SCOTUS in the Cox v. Sony online copyright liability case […]
Original post on mastodon.cloud
mastodon.cloud
September 11, 2025 at 11:57 PM
I'm rather disappointed that this was only Techdirt podcast 430 and not 512, but here's me speaking with @mmasnick about the amicus brief we filed at SCOTUS in the Cox v. Sony online copyright liability case […]
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
Trump attending a Yankees game tonight. AF1 currently on final approach to LGA, where he will presumably get a shuttle bus to the 7 train and then change at Grand Central for an 4 express train to Yankee Stadium.
September 11, 2025 at 9:56 PM
Trump attending a Yankees game tonight. AF1 currently on final approach to LGA, where he will presumably get a shuttle bus to the 7 train and then change at Grand Central for an 4 express train to Yankee Stadium.
An awful thing happened to an awful person. We can grieve the awfulness in our midst without trying to rehabilitate any of it.
In fact, if we'd like less awfulness going forward, it's best not to.
In fact, if we'd like less awfulness going forward, it's best not to.
September 11, 2025 at 2:02 PM
An awful thing happened to an awful person. We can grieve the awfulness in our midst without trying to rehabilitate any of it.
In fact, if we'd like less awfulness going forward, it's best not to.
In fact, if we'd like less awfulness going forward, it's best not to.
Reposted by Cathy Gellis
Apparently, it's bad luck to mention a "MacBook" in a software company. You have to call it "the Scottish laptop".
September 9, 2025 at 9:14 AM
Apparently, it's bad luck to mention a "MacBook" in a software company. You have to call it "the Scottish laptop".
I have nothing nice to say about the Supreme Court. Or any legitimacy it might still have.
But since there remained a shred as of last Friday, I filed an amicus brief about platform liability, copyright, and the 1st Amendment. It is right, even if the Court is not […]
But since there remained a shred as of last Friday, I filed an amicus brief about platform liability, copyright, and the 1st Amendment. It is right, even if the Court is not […]
Original post on mastodon.cloud
mastodon.cloud
September 8, 2025 at 6:45 PM
I have nothing nice to say about the Supreme Court. Or any legitimacy it might still have.
But since there remained a shred as of last Friday, I filed an amicus brief about platform liability, copyright, and the 1st Amendment. It is right, even if the Court is not […]
But since there remained a shred as of last Friday, I filed an amicus brief about platform liability, copyright, and the 1st Amendment. It is right, even if the Court is not […]