Good morning tech

Ford uses Wi-Fi to customize cars. “The auto industry is getting fired up about wireless technology in cars and trucks but it’s not just for connecting passengers’ laptops or streaming Internet radio stations,” the Wall Street Journal reports. Other entertainment and software functions abound. “Transmitting software for radio and phone systems may be just the start of the customization possibilities at car factories and dealerships.” http://bit.ly/cu4z0u

Germany might limit use of Facebook in hiring. The German cabinet approved draft legislation Wednesday that would ban firms from using Facebook and other socially oriented websites to screen job applicants. Companies would be allowed to conduct Google searches of candidates’ names or check their profiles on professional networking sites such as LinkedIn, but wouldn’t be allowed to “friend” them on Facebook. The law would also ban firms from recording employees in personal areas like the restroom and places limits on when companies can monitor employees’ conversations and e-mails. http://bit.ly/c1Pokw

Executive notes

Feds face Hatch Act violations for following political parties on Facebook. Nextgov reports federal employees who start following or “Like” a political party or group on Facebook during work hours could potentially be found in violation of the Hatch Act. Employees are also banned from suggesting friends follow a particular politician or party during work hours, though they are free to engage politically online in their free time. http://bit.ly/aOwJ8z

Broadband plan architect: No shocker Americans don’t see broadband benefits. Blair Levin, who directed the creation of the National Broadband Plan when he was at the Federal Communications Commission, said this week it is understandable that many Americans fail to see the broad public benefits of the Internet. It’s because the government has been slow to show them those benefits. http://bit.ly/9oYuMK

SAID

“We’re not profitable right now. The specific thing I try to say over and over and stress is we’ve got plenty of time to take this model and grow it…I think you can worry about profits too quickly.”

-Twitter chief operating officer Dick Costolo in an interview with CNNMoney. http://bit.ly/9y5bTr

WATERCOOLER

EMMYS…NBC asked Emmy’s viewers to help Jimmy Fallon with his monologue this year by tweeting him notes about the presenters using the hashtag #imontheemmys. So far, viewers have nominated Tina Fey for vice president and demanded an extensive appearance by Betty White. http://bit.ly/bBGL2s