Don't forget to check out www.auda.org.au/domain-news/ for an archive of the last 3 months of the domain name news. And see my website - http://technewsreview.com.au/ - for daily updates in between postings. *************************************************** The domain name news is supported by auDA *************************************************** Industry Still Wary Of ICANN Plan For New Top-Level Internet Domains http://ip-watch.org/weblog/index.php?p=1227 ICANN Concludes Asia/Pacific Registry/Registrar Regional Gathering http://blog.icann.org/?p=353 auDA's Industry Competition Advisory Panel releases draft recommendations for public consultation http://technewsreview.com.au/article.php?article=5921 EU Agency investigates the potential to improve Internet security by protecting Domain Name Systems (DNS) http://egovmonitor.com/node/20960 Internet latest Olympic venue for Chicago 2016 http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-chicago2016-web-sep17,0,4507078.story Banking crisis: Cyber-squatters cash in http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/sep/17/wallstreet.technology Google's Schmidt: Full steam ahead Yahoo ad deal http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10044908-93.html Lehman and Merrill Collapse Leads to Domain Name Speculators http://technewsreview.com.au/article.php?article=5924 ********************** DOMAIN NAMES ********************** ********************** - ICANN ********************** Industry Still Wary Of ICANN Plan For New Top-Level Internet Domains ICANN has not adequately explained to the world the need for more generic top-level domains (gTLDs - such as .com), industry representatives said last week. http://ip-watch.org/weblog/index.php?p=1227 ICANN Concludes Asia/Pacific Registry/Registrar Regional Gathering On 10-11 September 2008, ICANN hosted its third Asia/Pacific regional gathering in Seoul, Korea. The regional gathering approach to broadening participation in the ICANN process for gTLD registries and ICANN-accredited registrars was first introduced in February 2005 in Brussels, Belgium. And, since that time, ICANN has conducted annually three outreach events ? one each in the Asia/Pacific, Europe and North America regions. As the participation in the community continues to expand to all parts of the world, ICANN anticipates adjusting the model to include other areas such as Latin America/Caribbean Islands, South America, Africa and the Middle East. http://blog.icann.org/?p=353 ICANN: Public Comment Period Now Open for Inter-Registrar Transfer Policy Denials Definitions PDP The GNSO Council approved on 4 September 2008 a motion on the Inter-Registrar Transfer Policy (IRTP) Denial Definitions Public Development Process (PDP). The motion, which is pending for Board action, proposes new texts for two of the nine denial reasons (#8 and #9) while recommending that work on denial reasons #5 and #7 be suspended until such time as a Policy Development Process is initiated on PDP C on IRTP operational rule enhancement as outlined in the Inter-Registrar Transfer Policy Issues PDP Recommendations of 19 March 2008. http://icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-15sep08-en.htm ICANN: RFP for Independent Review of SSAC Posted As part of its commitment to ongoing improvement through its program of reviews, ICANN is today posting a Request for Proposal (RFP) [PDF, 149K] for an independent reviewer of the Security and Stability Advisory Committee. The RFP contains the Terms of Reference for the review. ICANN welcomes responses from any qualified party. Applications close at 23:59 UTC on Friday 3 October 2008. Details of the application process are contained in the RFP document. For further information about ICANN reviews, see the Reviews page. http://icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-16sep08-en.htm Consolidated Overview of Public Comments on the Final Report of the IDNC Working Group Available for Review As part of its commitment to keep the community full informed on public policy matters of significant interest, the ICANN staff has prepared and posted a consolidated overview of public comments submitted on the Final Report of the IDNC Working Group on ccTLD Fast Track Mechanisms. http://icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-17sep08-en.htm ********************** - ccTLD & gTLD NEWS ********************** auDA's Industry Competition Advisory Panel releases draft recommendations for public consultation auDA's Industry Competition Advisory Panel is currently reviewing auDA?s competition model for the Australian domain name industry. As part of its consultation, the Panel has released its Draft Recommendations for public consultation. http://technewsreview.com.au/article.php?article=5921 http://www.domainpulse.com/2008/09/15/audas-industry-competition-advisory-panel-releases-draft-recommendations-for-public-consultation/ http://www.domainnews.com/en/general/audas-industry-competition-advisory-panel-releases-draft-recommendations-for-public-consultation.html IEDR domain appeals process detrimental, says Irish ISP Following a consultation with the Irish internet community, the IEDR (Irish Domains Registry) may bring about a formal appeals process that will have negative consequences for ISPs by effectively allowing anyone to query the registry of a .ie domain including one already registered, and setting the resources of ISPs towards sorting through a new redtape nightmare. http://www.siliconrepublic.com/news/article/11442/comms/iedr-domain-appeals-process-detrimental-says-irish-isp ********************** - DNS SECURITY ********************** EU calls for help to protect IT infrastructure [IDG] The European Commission's justice and security department is seeking outside help to improve Internet and telecoms security in the European Union. http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/091608-eu-calls-for-help-to.html EU Agency investigates the potential to improve Internet security by protecting Domain Name Systems (DNS) The EU Agency ENISA is investigating the use of Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) and other advanced technologies for improving the resilience of public communication networks. http://egovmonitor.com/node/20960 us: Critics: Homeland Security unprepared for cyberthreats When politicians got together six years ago and decided to glue together a medley of federal agencies to create the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, one of the justifications was a better focus on cybersecurity. http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-10043665-38.html Protecting domain name systems may help improve internet security. Following a vulnerability of domain name systems threatened to bring chaos to the internet by poisoning the servers that translate domain names into Internet protocol addresses. http://www.scmagazineuk.com/Protecting-domain-name-systems-may-improve-security/article/116686/ US focusing cybersecurity on backdoors in tech products [IDG] As part of a comprehensive cybersecurity push, the U.S. government will focus on improving its network defense capabilities and on revamping acquisition rules to protect against malicious code installed during the manufacturing process of electronic devices. http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/091508-us-focusing-cybersecurity-on-backdoors.html http://www.infoworld.com/article/08/09/15/US_government_focuses_on_securing_backdoors_in_tech_products-IDGNS_1.html http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/151075/us_focusing_cybersecurity_on_backdoors_in_tech_products.html .info websites pose greatest 'hack' risk Websites with a .info top level domain name (TDL) are the most likely to have been hacked, according to new research. http://www.periscopeit.co.uk/website-monitoring-news/article/info-websites-pose-greatest-%27hack%27-risk/318 ********************** - DOMAIN DISPUTES ********************** Internet latest Olympic venue for Chicago 2016 As Chicago wages its battle to host the 2016 Olympics, it also finds itself scrapping over a valuable piece of cyberspace: the domain name of chicago2016.com. http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-chicago2016-web-sep17,0,4507078.story Banking crisis: Cyber-squatters cash in It is not just hedge funds and short-sellers that are looking to cash-in on the global financial meltdown. Cyber-speculators have got in on the act too, snapping up online domain names in a game of guess the brand and the hope of selling their piece of internet property to the highest bidder. Yesterday the rather long-winded domain name www.bankofamericamerrilllynch.com went up for sale on auction site eBay with an asking price of $1500 (?832). http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/sep/17/wallstreet.technology Merged banks' names cybersquatted Internet addresses corresponding to recent bank mergers are already being hoarded and sold online. In "cybersquatting", likely addresses are bought cheaply in the hope of selling to the businesses involved, or as a medium for advertising. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7621647.stm Lehman and Merrill Collapse Leads to Domain Name Speculators The collapse of Lehman Brothers Holdings and Merrill Lynch has led to some enterprising people keen to cash in. As well as Lehman coffee mugs and Merill-logo golf balls, others have registered domain names such as lehmanbankruptcy.com, offering to sell them for as much as $5,000 reports the International Herald Tribune. http://technewsreview.com.au/article.php?article=5924 http://www.domainpulse.com/2008/09/15/lehman-and-merrill-collapse-leads-to-domain-name-speculators/ http://www.domainnews.com/en/general/lehman-and-merrill-collapse-leads-to-domain-name-speculators.html Lehman, Merrill souvenirs on sale Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc and Merrill Lynch & Co Inc may be about to disappear from the Wall Street landscape, but their memorabilia commanded a premium. http://uk.reuters.com/article/internetNews/idUKN1516497820080915 http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/536641/2077903 http://iht.com/articles/2008/09/15/business/16EBAY-334898.php One Market Where Lehman's, Merrill's Value Is Up It's fast becoming a Wall Street tradition: First comes the demise of a major financial institution, then comes eBay. A plethora of Lehman-related domain names, including LehmanCasualty.com and LehmanPlunge.com, had gone without buyers. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/16/AR2008091603436.html Cybersquatters see opportunity in Dubai projects Dubai projects are attracting cybersquatters from all over the world who are blocking domain names for various schemes in the emirate. http://zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20080917044837/ ********************** - MISCELLANEOUS ********************** Ad hoc malware police besiege net neutrality Analysis Over the past couple of weeks, white hat netizens have scored two important victories in their tireless quest to clean up some of the internet's darkest recesses. While the events are encouraging, forgive us if we don't jump for joy. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/09/15/online_crime_vs_censorship/ EstDomains and Intercage vs. Cybercrime Surreal, especially when you get to read that EstDomains has "ruthlessly suspended over five thousand domains only for last week", and also, that it "has a reliable ally in its battle against malware in a face of Intercage, Inc.". http://www.circleid.com/posts/estdomains_and_intercage_vs_cybercrime/ Cybersquatting on Domain Names Following Mass Tort Accidents As if the tragedy were not enough for the responsible party, it appears cybersquatters immediately prey upon the publicity that surrounds a mass accident. Case in point, the recent Metrolink train accident that caused several deaths and numerous injuries has apparently created revenue opportunities for cybersquatters. http://tcattorney.typepad.com/anticybersquatting_consum/ CADNA Addresses New Internet Governance Obstacles [news release] The Coalition Against Domain Name Abuse (CADNA) is pleased to announce the addition of two new members: NIKE, Inc. and Wells Fargo & Company. Nike and Wells Fargo have joined the leading brand owners of CADNA to help the Coalition achieve its goal of stopping illegal and unethical infringement of brands and trademarks online. http://www.cadna.org/en/newsroom/press-releases/new-internet-governent-obstacles What's in a Name? Everything Good company monikers suggest rather than describe; great ones have the flexibility to survive unforeseen changes or expansion - How to Trademark: The USPTO may register common non-descriptive names, but they run the risk of conflict with other similar names. The more common a name, the less likely the USPTO will register it. An exception is when an entrepreneur owns a generic domain name--a word that cannot usually be trademarked on its own. For example, the company that owns Cars.com may want to use Cars.com as its name to make a direct association between the company and the website. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26759822/ Sedo Domain Jargon Buster! New to Domains? Baffled by all the terminology? Look no further... Domain investment can be a very lucrative and exciting adventure - but for those just starting out in the world of domain registrars and registries, cTLDs and gTLDs, primary and secondary markets, it can be baffling! We've compiled some of the most frequently used terms that you may find helpful as new members of the domain investment community. http://www.sedo.com/links/showhtml.php3?Id=2165 ********************** - DOMAINING & AFTERMARKET ********************** Flying High: How Directi's Divyank Turakhia Earned His First Million at 18 and Went On to Build a Company Valued at $300 Million Divyank Turakhia gives new meaning to the term "meteoric rise". He began his career at 14 when he started advising large businesses on how to do business on the Internet. As a 16-year-old high school student in 1998, he co-founded the Directi Group with a $600 investment (a seed that sprouted a global conglomerate that is believed to be worth over $300 million today). http://dnjournal.com/cover/2008/september.htm Newspapers Worldwide (Minus U.S.) Oppose Google-Yahoo Deal A worldwide association of newspapers asks regulators to block the Google Yahoo deal, even as its U.S.-based member says it has taken no position on it. http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/09/15/newspapers-worldwide-minus-us-oppose-google-yahoo-deal/?ref=technology Yahoo-Google ad partnership faces EU review Roadblocks are mounting on a vital route for Yahoo Inc.'s revival: the company's advertising partnership with once-rival Google Inc. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-yahoo16-2008sep16,0,6239580.story Google's Schmidt: Full steam ahead Yahoo ad deal Despite increasing scrutiny from regulators, Google Chief Executive Eric Schmidt showed no signs of being deterred in from its plan to put into effect its search-ad deal with Yahoo less than a month from now. http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10044908-93.html http://www.zdnetasia.com/news/internet/0,39044908,62046253,00.htm Google CEO won't delay Yahoo deal any further [AP] Google Inc.'s chief executive said Wednesday the Internet search leader won't delay its proposed advertising partnership with rival Yahoo Inc. even if government regulators need more time to assess whether the alliance will diminish competition. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/17/AR2008091703929.html European regulators investigate Google-Yahoo advertising deal European regulators have confirmed that they are investigating the online advertising deal brokered between Google and Yahoo, following similar moves by the US department of justice. http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/sep/16/google.yahoo Google Defends Search Advertising Deal With Yahoo Google Tuesday ramped up its defense of a proposed search advertising deal with Yahoo Inc. by moving to debunk the assertions of some critics that the joint effort will boost the cost of advertising. http://computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9114859 http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/151136/google_defends_search_advertising_deal_with_yahoo.html EU competition officials probing Google-Yahoo deal European Union antitrust watchdogs are looking into a planned deal between Internet giants Google Inc and Yahoo Inc to share some advertising revenue. http://in.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idINIndia-35488220080915 http://uk.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUKN1514711020080915 SantaRosa.com Sells for $75k, Sedo Sells .de Domain for $118k Chad Wright?s GeoDomain auction, along with another strong week at Sedo , keep sales momentum going. http://domainnamewire.com/2008/09/16/santarosacom-sells-for-75k-sedo-sells-de-domain-for-118000-eur/ Will This Domain Downturn be Different from the Last? Hard economic times may suppress domain prices, but how good is the buying opportunity? http://domainnamewire.com/2008/09/17/will-this-domain-downturn-be-different-from-the-last/ ********************** RESEARCH PAPERS ********************** US Teens, Video Games and Civics: Teens' gaming experiences are diverse and include significant social interaction and civic engagement The first national survey of its kind finds that virtually all American teens play computer, console, or cell phone games and that the gaming experience is rich and varied, with a significant amount of social interaction and potential for civic engagement. The survey was conducted by the Pew Internet & American Life Project, an initiative of the Pew Research Center and was supported by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. The primary findings in the survey of 1,102 youth ages 12-17 include -- http://www.pewinternet.org/PPF/r/263/report_display.asp ********************** INTERNET USE ********************** We Are What We Google - What Online Search Records Tell Bill Tancer, head of research at online analysis firm Hitwise, is the curator of 10 million users' Web browsing records--the complete history of every click and every search term--pulled from the logs of Internet service providers (ISPs) around the world who have either sold the data to Hitwise or traded it for free analysis. Pooled together and scrubbed of its identifying features like names and phone numbers, Tancer says the logs show more than just how people use the Internet. In Click, his fast-selling book released earlier this month, he argues that the ISP's massive data dump can tell us what consumers want, predict the economic future and maybe even offer insight into human nature. http://www.forbes.com/technology/2008/09/17/hitwise-internet-trends-tech-personal-cx_ag_0917click.html Porn passed over as Web users become social: author Social networking sites are the hottest attraction on the Internet, dethroning pornography and highlighting a major change in how people communicate, according to a web guru. http://uk.reuters.com/article/internetNews/idUKSP31943720080916 http://in.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idINIndia-35495520080916 Harvard professor sees answers to nagging Web-youth issues John Palfrey says the Web isn't bad for kids and offers possible solutions to such problems as preventing teens from illegally file sharing and being exposed to porn. http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10043714-93.html us: Survey: Nearly every kid a video gamer [AP] A new survey finds that nearly all young Americans play video games, showing just how ingrained the technology has become in youth culture. http://news.smh.com.au/technology/survey-nearly-every-kid-a-video-gamer-20080917-4i0z.html http://news.theage.com.au/technology/survey-nearly-every-kid-a-video-gamer-20080917-4i0z.html Web boom in English-obsessed Korea Armed with the world's fastest Internet and an even stronger desire to learn English, South Koreans are using the latest Web resources to master a language that is the economic and emotional focus of their education. http://uk.reuters.com/article/internetNews/idUKSEO34187520080917 http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/4697189a28.html Qantas denies A380 internet porn link QANTAS has denied offering limited internet access on its new A380 in order to stop passengers from surfing porn websites. http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,21498,24360387-5005361,00.html Qantas to offer only canned net content Qantas has shelved plans to offer live internet access on its A380 planes from next month as American Airlines comes under fire from customers and flight attendants for allowing passengers to surf porn websites. http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2008/09/17/1221330891883.html http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2008/09/17/1221330891883.html ********************** SOCIAL NETWORKING ********************** IBM Gets Serious About Social Networking With New Research Center IBM is elevating social networking to another level with the establishment of a research center dedicated specifically to developing Web 2.0 collaborative software tools. Other members of the private sector and academics from across the globe are joining in the effort. http://ecommercetimes.com/story/64534.html IBM to launch social networking center IBM will open a social software center to encourage collaboration among IBM, its partners and its customers in developing Web 2.0 applications. http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/091708-ibm-social-networking.html Underage kids flock to social networks He calls himself "fithock2ylover" and his profile on Nexopia, a popular Edmonton-based social-networking site geared toward teens, lists his age as 62. A quick glance at his photos suggests the supposed senior is stretching the truth. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080915.wgtsocial16/BNStory/Technology/ ********************** NEW TECHNOLOGIES ********************** Google search finds seafaring solution The company is considering deploying the supercomputers necessary to operate its internet search engines on barges anchored up to seven miles (11km) offshore. http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/the_web/article4753389.ece us: Teens view cell phones as essential A new nationwide survey shows the importance of cell phones in the lives of American teens. And yes, they want to have a "cool" one. http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-10041377-94.html What texting does to us ... The ratio communis, a key region of the brain, was malfunctioning. Instead of fluorescing on brain scans, it flickered, grey and dull. What science was trying to work out was the link between this dead zone and gadgets. When we chat on the mobile phone, text furiously, browse the BlackBerry, or commune with our car's global positioning system (GPS), the lights go out. http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2008/09/17/1221330983886.html http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2008/09/17/1221330983886.html ********************** SPAM ********************** Sydney targeted by nuclear explosion spam Sophos is warning Sydney residents that they are the target of a large scale spam campaign which claims a powerful nuclear explosion has occurred. http://itnews.com.au/News/NewsStory.aspx?story=84666 ************************** ONLINE CRIME, SECURITY & LEGAL ************************** us: Anonymous web comments protected like journalists' sources, rules Montana court A court in Montana has ruled that a newspaper does not have to reveal the identity of those who posted comments on its website. A state law that protects journalists from revealing their sources also protects a news site's user comments, the court ruled. http://out-law.com/page-9426 Cybercriminals use celebrity names to lure victims Looking for information about Brad Pitt or Beyonce on the Web? It could be risky. An internet security firm has dubbed the actor and singer the most dangerous celebrities to search for on the Internet because cybercriminals use their names to lure victims. http://uk.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUKPAR66652920080916 http://in.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idINIndia-35507320080916 Brad Pitt 'most dangerous' search on the web Web searches for 'Brad Pitt' have been found to be the most likely to lead the user into dangerous online territory. http://www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/2226214/brad-pitt-declared-dangerous Brad Pitt, Beyonce and Justin Timberlake top list of celebrity names most abused by malware writers Brad Pitt, Mariah Carey and George Clooney are among the stars whose names are being most exploited across the Web to lure unwary fans into downloading wallpaper and screensaver software that?s really malware in disguise. http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/091708-pitt.html Brad Pitt tops list of Internet malware lures Movie star Brad Pitt has shoved Paris Hilton off the top of a list neither wanted to be on. A fan entering Pitt's name in a search engine now has a startling one in five chance of finding a malware-hosting site instead, says security products company McAfee Inc. http://techworld.com/security/news/index.cfm?newsID=104528 http://computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9114923 http://computerworld.com.au/index.php/id;49269785 http://www.infoworld.com/article/08/09/17/Brad_Pitt_named_as_top_malware_lure_1.html Anti-abortion groups to buy ads on Google Christian and other religious groups opposed to abortion were allowed to advertise on Google for the first time from today, after the search engine capitulated in the face of a legal challenge. http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/article4775396.ece Google climbdown on abortion ads in UK Google is to change its policy on adverts about abortion following a legal challenge from a Christian pressure group. It had refused a Christian Institute advert, saying it did not allow the advertising of websites with "abortion and religion-related content". http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7621751.stm Google Lifts Ban On Controversial Christian Institute Ads A United Kingdom evangelical Christian charity has settled a legal complaint brought against Google after the company agreed in an out-of-court settlement to allow religious groups to place factual ads related to abortion. http://www.informationweek.com/news/internet/google/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=210602191 us: Mayor's opponent sues city over order to remove web link An American woman who was ordered by her city's mayor to remove a link to that city's police department from her website has sued the mayor and the city for violation of her rights to free speech. http://out-law.com/page-9432 ************************** PRIVACY ************************** Do ISPs pose a bigger online privacy threat than Google? The increased monitoring and profiling of Internet users by companies such as Google Inc. and its DoubleClick online advertising subsidiary is widely seen as one of the biggest threats to online privacy. But in reality, said university professor Paul Ohm, the potential for the same kind of activities by ISPs poses a much greater privacy risk. http://computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9114596 http://www.infoworld.com/article/08/09/15/Do_ISPs_pose_a_bigger_online_privacy_threat_than_Google_1.html UK government responds on Phorm The government has outlined how a controversial online ad system can be rolled out in the UK. In response to EU questions about its legality, it said that it was happy Phorm conformed to EU data laws. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7619297.stm Cloud Computing and Privacy There has been a good deal of talk of late on the important topic of security and privacy in relation to cloud computing. Indeed there are some legitimate concerns and some work that needs to be done in this area in general, but I'm going to focus today on the latter term (indeed they are distinct -- as a CISSP security is my forte but I will talk more on this separately). http://www.circleid.com/posts/89163_cloud_computing_and_privacy/ Privacy Issues Darken Cloud Computing Plans Enterprises are increasingly interested in cloud computing as a potential solution to capacity challenges. The idea is that if you have a virtualized data center, the cloud could potentially be an "overflow" data center where you expand capacity during periods of high demand. If the cloud can extend your data center, then you don't need to build another one or increase the capacity of the one you have just to handle intermitted spikes in computing demand. http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/151186/privacy_issues_darken_cloud_computing_plans.html ********************** ONLINE TV & MUSIC ********************** Major labels to offer free music streaming Just a few years ago, a Web site giving away virtually every notable song ever recorded would have had music business executives speed-dialing their lawyers. But in the next two weeks, a battered music industry, facing slumping CD sales and a bleak future, will help to introduce just such a service. The new site, MySpace Music, is the product of a joint venture of MySpace and the three biggest music companies: Warner Music Group, Sony BMG and Universal Music Group. http://nytimes.com/2008/09/16/technology/16myspace.html http://iht.com/articles/2008/09/16/technology/myspace.php IMDB adds 6,000 films and TV shows The film and TV website IMBD.com - which is owned by Amazon - is to add TV shows and films to the site, it said today. Already a powerful source of information - the Wikipedia of its genre - this adds significantly to the total IMDB package, even if the move isn't that surprising. http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/pda/2008/sep/16/television Best Buy makes $121m bid for Napster American electronics specialist Best Buy has come to the rescue of digital music service Napster, offering to buy the beleaguered subscription store in a $121m (?68m) deal. http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/sep/15/technology.usa ********************** CENSORSHIP ********************** YouTube pulls the plug on homages to gang violence YouTube, the world?s largest video-sharing website, this week removed over two dozen videos glorifying gangs and gang violence which had been on its website in some cases for over 18 months. http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/the_web/article4775927.ece YouTube bans some weapons footage in UK YouTube is to ban footage showing weapons being used to intimidate people on its website in the UK. The new policy was being introduced because of "particular concern" in Britain over the subject, the site's owners, Google, said. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7621013.stm YouTube curbs videos fuelling gang violence The Google-owned video sharing website YouTube has moved to counter criticism that it helps fuel gang violence by introducing new rules to ban submissions that glamorise guns and knives. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2008/sep/18/youtube.google ************************************************ CHILD PROTECTION, FILTERING & CONTENT REGULATION ************************************************ How To Stop Cyber-Bullying ... Thankfully, experts say cyberbullying or electronic aggression, in which kids and even adults use electronic means to hurt someone, is still not that common, and many targets are able to shrug off the odd nasty text message. But for those who are cruelly or repeatedly targeted, the mental health effects can be severe. http://www.forbes.com/forbeslife/2008/09/15/bully-school-cyber-forbeslife-cx_avd_0915health.html au: Schools program to promote cyber-smart behaviour in Queensland [news release] The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, has welcomed the Queensland launch of an innovative online safety program to teach children how to be responsible cyber-citizens. http://www.minister.dbcde.gov.au/media/media_releases/2008/070 au: New tech guide helps parents tackle cyber bullying and Net nasties A new technology guide provides information on social networking sites for children, cyber bullying and what to do about it, and how to best use the Internet. http://computerworld.com.au/index.php/id;67835951 au: Telstra supports Facebook-style "safe and educational" site for kids Promising that the new social network for kids called ?SuperClubsPLUS Australia? is ?completely safe? and ?educational? for children six to 12 years of age, Telstra has put the support of its ?Telstra Foundation? right behind the new project. http://www.itwire.com/content/view/20651/1103/ eu: Making the internet safer for children Children and teenagers are keen internet users - 12 to 15-year-olds spend at least three hours a day on screen - but they are not always aware of the dangers of certain sites or content: not only material containing child pornography or violence but also the risk of harassment by individuals with harmful intentions. The EP Civil Liberties Committee called on Monday for children to be better protected against these dangers. http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/expert/infopress_page/019-37249-259-09-38-902-20080915IPR37248-15-09-2008-2008-false/default_it.htm http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/expert/infopress_page/019-37249-259-09-38-902-20080915IPR37248-15-09-2008-2008-false/default_sv.htm ************************** GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC POLICY ************************** UK government clampdown on 'suicide websites' The law on suicide is to be clarified as part of an attempt to curb so called ?suicide websites?, but the government was unable to say how it would be enforced. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article4773887.ece MEPs to vote on European telecoms reform MEPs will vote on new European telecoms reforms next week, and are likely to throw out proposals for a Europe-wide telecoms regulator. http://www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/2226099/europe-telecoms-reforms http://www.infomaticsonline.co.uk/vnunet/news/2226099/europe-telecoms-reforms InternetNZ?s stage 1 broadband study due InternetNZ is due to receive the preliminary outline of a study into competing broadband strategies for New Zealand ? including those of the major political parties and various private-sector lobbies. http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/news/11661AF81E8B2555CC2574C50003DDC3 TVNZ7 Internet Debate The TVNZ 7 Internet Debate, in association with InternetNZ involves four politicians quizzed on major areas of ICT policy with questions coming from you through the online chat, a studio audience, and experienced journalists. http://www.geekzone.co.nz/sbiddle/5763 ********************************* COMMENT, MICROSOFT & DEVELOPMENTS ********************************* Fight Google by competing with it rather than feeding it In America, we love a success story. But we distrust too much success. No one today is more successful than Google. So it is no surprise that the US justice department appears to be looking at whether Google has grown too big and successful. The department last week hired Sanford Litvack, a well-known litigator and former head of antitrust under Jimmy Carter, to look into Google's deal to sell ads on Yahoo's pages - and, by implication, Google's dominion over the ad industry. http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/sep/15/digitalmedia.google Newspapers Worldwide (Minus U.S.) Oppose Google-Yahoo Deal A worldwide association of newspapers asks regulators to block the Google Yahoo deal, even as its U.S.-based member says it has taken no position on it. http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/09/15/newspapers-worldwide-minus-us-oppose-google-yahoo-deal/?ref=technology Yahoo-Google ad partnership faces EU review Roadblocks are mounting on a vital route for Yahoo Inc.'s revival: the company's advertising partnership with once-rival Google Inc. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-yahoo16-2008sep16,0,6239580.story Google's Schmidt: Full steam ahead Yahoo ad deal Despite increasing scrutiny from regulators, Google Chief Executive Eric Schmidt showed no signs of being deterred in from its plan to put into effect its search-ad deal with Yahoo less than a month from now. http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10044908-93.html http://www.zdnetasia.com/news/internet/0,39044908,62046253,00.htm Google CEO won't delay Yahoo deal any further [AP] Google Inc.'s chief executive said Wednesday the Internet search leader won't delay its proposed advertising partnership with rival Yahoo Inc. even if government regulators need more time to assess whether the alliance will diminish competition. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/17/AR2008091703929.html European regulators investigate Google-Yahoo advertising deal European regulators have confirmed that they are investigating the online advertising deal brokered between Google and Yahoo, following similar moves by the US department of justice. http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/sep/16/google.yahoo Google Defends Search Advertising Deal With Yahoo Google Tuesday ramped up its defense of a proposed search advertising deal with Yahoo Inc. by moving to debunk the assertions of some critics that the joint effort will boost the cost of advertising. http://computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9114859 http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/151136/google_defends_search_advertising_deal_with_yahoo.html EU competition officials probing Google-Yahoo deal European Union antitrust watchdogs are looking into a planned deal between Internet giants Google Inc and Yahoo Inc to share some advertising revenue. http://in.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idINIndia-35488220080915 http://uk.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUKN1514711020080915 Google and General Electric Team Up on Energy Initiatives Google and General Electric said Wednesday that they would work together on technology and policy initiatives to promote the development of additional capacity in the electricity grid and of ?smart grid? technologies to enable plug-in hybrids and to manage energy more efficiently. The companies said their goal is to make renewable energy more accessible and useful. http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/09/17/google-and-general-electric-team-up-on-energy-initiatives/ Google and GE team up on clean-energy policy, tech General Electric and Google on Wednesday announced a collaboration to lobby for renewable energy policies and to jointly develop clean technologies. http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-10044239-54.html http://www.zdnetasia.com/news/business/0,39044229,62046260,00.htm Google, General Electric Push Renewable Energy, Grid Technology The companies are promoting development of hybrid electric plug-in vehicles and the electrical infrastructure necessary to support the so-called "smart grid." http://www.informationweek.com/news/internet/google/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=210602305 ********************** TELECOMMUNICATIONS ********************** nz: No backdown from fibre to homes: Key New Zealand has a chance to be a world leader in ultra fast technology if National becomes the government and invests in fibre broadband, says National party leader John Key. http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/news/F3AA2634ACC336D5CC2574C600182741 ********************** MOBILE/WIRELESS ********************** Report: T-Mobile to Announce Google Phone Sept. 23 [IDG] T-Mobile USA will become the first company in the world to announce a mobile phone based on Google's Android OS at a New York press conference Sept. 23, the New York Times reports, citing T-Mobile. http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/151165/report_tmobile_to_announce_google_phone_sept_23.html Google's Android no match for iPhone - yet [Reuters] Analysts say Android it will struggle in the near term to match the consumer enthusiasm generated by the iPhone, which redefined the touch-screen phone market and greatly improved mobile Web surfing. http://iht.com/articles/2008/09/17/technology/wireless18.php ********************** VoIP & WiMAX ********************** WiMAX Lab puts mobile broadband to the test While Sprint officially launches commercial WiMAX services for the first time in Baltimore this month, one college campus 30 miles to the south will be building its own mobile WiMAX network that will be used to test next-generation applications for mobile broadband services. http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/091708-wimax-lab.html ********************************** ARRESTS/COURT CASES FOR CHILD PORN ********************************** uk: Meehan guilty over child porn The former partner of Shannon Matthews' mother has been found guilty of possessing dozens of images of child pornography. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/meehan-guilty-over-child-porn-933032.html au: Computers seized in child porn raid A 37 year-old Sydney man was charged today following a raid by Eastern Suburbs Local Area Command detectives that allegedly netted hundreds of child exploitation images. http://computerworld.com.au/index.php/id;1914729783 http://pcworld.idg.com.au/index.php/id;1914729783 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ (c) David Goldstein 2008 --------- David Goldstein address: 4/3 Abbott Street COOGEE NSW 2034 AUSTRALIA email: Goldstein_David §yahoo.com.au phone: +61 418 228 605 (mobile); +61 2 9665 5773 (home) "Every time you use fossil fuels, you're adding to the problem. Every time you forgo fossil fuels, you're being part of the solution" - Dr Tim Flannery Make the switch to the world's best email. Get Yahoo!7 Mail! http://au.yahoo.com/y7mailReceived on Wed Sep 17 2008 - 22:59:48 UTC
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