A new report says the U.S. Justice Department allowed law enforcement agencies to examine more private data in 2010-2011 than in the entire previous decade. The kind of surveillance allowance isn’t new — but the kinds of data the government is being allowed to pull has changed. And while digital technology has disrupted the old way of doing business for many industrites — like music and books — it’s taken a while with one near-essential, wine. But Amazon may try selling wine online, again.

People are spending more time sharing photos on Instagram than they are writing or reading on Twitter.  The new numbers are a surprise, given how Twitter-style microblogging is supposed to change the way we interrelate. But sending a picture of Dmitri the goldfish via Instagram?

It’s called “Additive Manufacturing.” There’s a snappier name for it: 3D Printing. Til now we’ve tended to make objects by cutting, grinding, chiseling away at metal or wood. Now we are entering the age of  making things by adding, not subtracting. The Obama administration thinks this sort of thing creates jobs, and wants to get 3D printing to a place near you.

The once-mighty social media site Myspace has a slick video showing off its new look. And pop star Justin Timberlake likes it so much he’s endorsing it… though it should be noted that Justin’s also a major investor. But will some celebrity power and a thorough redesign make Myspace a go-to spot again for online users?

With all this information technology at our disposal, it’s striking how getting to the truth of a matter can still be so tough. Two tech stories from opposite sides of the world today remind us how even in 2012 the flow of information is still tightly controlled. First, Iran, where authorities seem to be restricting access to some big websites. And part two, from China: that brawl-slash-unrest-slash-riot involving employees of one of that country’s huge technology factories the other night.

Let’s start with the anatomy of a troll: First you email. Then you follow up with a text. Then, if all else fails, you place a phone call. All of this to get your kid in college to register to vote. Technology to the rescue? Turbovote is of one of a host of websites that try to make sure you are on the voter rolls ahead of the election… which is nice, but Turbovote’s real strength is that it won’t give up on you after this election day November 6.

You know those online display ads that seem to know where you’ve shopped on the web recently? Facebook had been making the most money on them, but new forecasts suggest Google will earn the most revenue from display ads this year. What does this clash of titans mean for mere mortals? For one, Google’s lead isn’t just coming from tech. There are real human beings hard at work selling those ads. Google has about 2,000 people working in New York. And about half of them are marketing folks.

North Carolina is taking a hard line against kids who bully teachers online.  There’s a new law with fines up to $1000 for students putting up a fake Facebook site about the teacher, no tweeting private or sexual info about the teacher or other school employees or doctoring photos. Plus, here’s the definition of a hot ticket: Every month New York Tech Meetup sells out in just four minutes…and the theater’s a big one at NYU. Venture capitalists are here along with engineers,  designers, and start ups both theoretical and already online.

Where is the New York tech scene, and what does it feel like? One way to find out is to take a tour. You could your tour on Wall Street, home of all the big financial firms. Or, you could begin it in the lobby of the swanky Ace Hotel. The long tables are always crowded with young, hip New Yorkers with laptops, headphones and four-dollar coffees. Then, continue on to a very different slice of the New York tech scene, found at 10 Jay Street, in an office building in Brooklyn overlooking the water.