Geek News

Out of the blue, Transport for London (TfL) has issued a "policy statement" on ride-sharing services in the capital. Most of it isn't new — the bulk of the six-page document recaps older policy announcements, such as the controversial English language test for Uber drivers — but there was one idea that hasn't been communicated before. "Operators should provide mechanisms to allow passengers to choose who they share vehicles with (e.g. women-only vehicles) and establishing how passengers might be able to decide on this before accepting a ride." That would affect UberPool and similar services that offer discounts if you share a ride with a stranger. The concept is listed under a section called "aspirations for PHV (private hire vehicle) services." It is, therefore, a polite request, rather than a proper rule right now. Still, TfL says cryptically: "This section also highlights where we will seek further regulatory change in the future....

Lauri Love, a 32-year-old student accused of hacking US government websites in 2012 and 2013, has won a high court battle and will not be extradited to the States. He suffers from Asperger syndrome -- a form of autism that makes him worry and obsess -- depression and sudden, untreatable outbursts of eczema. Love's legal team argued that extradition would have caused his condition to deteriorate and, therefore, compromised his basic human rights. In the US courts, he faced up to 99 years in prison — an effective life sentence — and a fine up to $9 million (£6.3 million). Love said he would kill himself if he was extradited. Love is accused of being a part of the Anonymous hacker group that co-ordinated #OpLastResort . The multi-pronged attack, which affected the Federal Reserve, Nasa and the US army, was a reaction to the death of Aaron Swartz on January 11th, 2013. The hacktivist had killed himself while awaiting trial for alleged cyber crimes. Most notably, Swartz entered the...