Don't forget to check out http://www.auda.org.au/domain-news/ for the archive of the last 3 months of the news. And see my website - http://GoldsteinReport.com/ - for daily updates in between postings. *************************************************** The domain name news is supported by auDA *************************************************** ********************** GOVERNANCE ********************** China can't control the net for ever Google has been widely celebrated for its loud refusal to continue censoring its search results in China. It is still unclear whether Google will continue to operate in China, but in any event we are not about to see much change in China's internet policy. More likely, all this "foreign meddling" will merely cause the Chinese government to dig in its heels. http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/feb/28/china-google-twitter-democratisation ********************** DOMAIN NAMES ********************** ********************** - ICANN ********************** New podcast helps you join the conversation Imagine footmen playing a royal brass fanfare as we announce: ICANN now produces its first audio podcast series for you! When you join the ICANN community, you quickly discover that folks here have considered and debated certain issues for years. You want to participate, but when you try to educate yourself on a topic, you look on icann.org and find (seemingly) one thousand documents, each a hundred pages long. How do you begin to understand the issue? http://blog.icann.org/2010/03/new-podcast-helps-you-join-the-conversation/ Draft Delegation Rate Scenarios for New gTLDs Root Zone Scaling - In February 2009, with Resolution 2009-02-03-04, the ICANN Board requested the Root Server System Advisory Committee (RSSAC), the Security and Stability Advisory Committee (SSAC), and ICANN staff, including the IANA team, to study potential issues regarding the addition of substantial numbers of new TLDs to the root zone. http://icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-03mar10-en.htm Survey of IPv6 Availability on Commercial Firewalls ICANN's Security and Stability Advisory Committee (SSAC) is conducting a survey of the commercial firewall market to obtain information relating to IPv6 security service availability. The purpose of this survey is to update and compare the results against a similar survey SSAC conducted in October 2007, see Survey of IPv6 Support Among Commercial Firewalls. http://icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-2-01mar10-en.htm Public Comments Requested on Chairs Draft Interim Paper for Policy on Introduction of IDN ccTLDs The Chair of the ccNSO's Internationalised Domain Name Country Code Policy Development Process Working Group (IDN ccPDP WG) for the selection and delegation of IDN ccTLDs is pleased to announce the publication of the Chairs draft Interim Paper. The purpose of this paper is to report to the community on structure and potential directions of the recommendations for the overall policy. http://icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-02mar10-en.htm Reminder: Apply Now to Join the ICANN Board, the Councils of GNSO and ccNSO, and the ALAC ICANN's Nominating Committee (NomCom) invites Statements of Interest and candidate recommendations from the Internet community for key leadership positions to fulfill ICANN's technical and policy coordination role. Interested individuals are invited to submit a Statement of Interest to the 2010 NomCom for the following positions: http://icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-13nov09-en.htm Bulk Transfer of DNGLOBE Domains to Paknic ICANN has authorized a bulk transfer of DNGLOBE LLC's gTLD domain names to Paknic (Private) Limited, due to a compliance action taken by ICANN that resulted in the de-accreditation of registrar DNGLOBE. http://icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-01mar10-en.htm ICANN Head Visiting China After 'dot-China' Request [IDG] The head of the global Internet addressing authority will visit China this week, according to people briefed on the matter, highlighting questions about China's Web censorship after it applied to offer domain names that end with Chinese characters. http://www.pcworld.com/article/190391/.html http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/337863/icann_head_visiting_china_after_dot-china_request http://www.itworld.com/internet/98247/icann-head-visiting-china-after-dot-china-request http://www.thestandard.com/news/2010/03/01/icann-head-visiting-china-after-dot-china-request http://www.networkworld.com/news/2010/030110-icann-head-visiting-china-after.html ICANN Board sticks .xxx on public agenda The ICANN Board has stuck discussion of the dot-xxx Internet extension on the agenda for its public meeting on 12 March ? a good but brave move. http://kierenmccarthy.com/2010/03/01/icann-board-sticks-xxx-on-public-agenda/ ICANN Bonuses Not Tied to Long Term Revenue, New TLDs When ICANN released its compensation ideology and information about the top five salaries last month, I wasn?t all that taken aback by the salaries. What got me curious was the bonus structure. Bonuses drive behavior, and bonuses tied to poor goals drive poor behavior. I have a patent related to goal alignment, so it?s something I?m familiar with. http://domainnamewire.com/2010/03/01/icann-bonuses-not-tied-to-long-term-revenue-new-tlds/ Will New Domain Names Take a Step Forward Next Week? Next week is the highly anticipated ICANN meeting in Nairobi, Kenya. Err, Washington D.C. And New York. And everywhere else people have decided to participate remotely for fear of their safety. http://domainnamewire.com/2010/03/01/will-new-domain-names-take-a-step-forward-next-week/ .XXX urges ICANN to execute 2004 contract Following a ruling in its favour by ICANN's Independent Review Panel (IRP), would-be .XXX operator ICM Registry is pushing ICANN to honour the 2007 contract which should have allowed it to run .XXX for the last 3 years. http://domainesinfo.fr/english/337/.php ICANN Nairobi Kicks Off This Weekend - So What Is Cooking? .XXX , New TLDs and More by Michele Neylon The ICANN meeting in Nairobi starts officially next Monday. However, as is normally the case, by the time Monday rolls around people will already have been working since Saturday morning (if not earlier). http://www.isquattedyour.eu/2010/03/04/icann-nairobi-kicks-off-this-weekend---so-wha/ http://www.circleid.com/posts/20100304_icann_nairobi_kicks_off_this_weekend_xxx_new_tlds_and_more/ ********************** - ccTLD & gTLD NEWS ********************** Government eyes auDA regulation? The Federal Government has been looking into Australian domain name administrator auDA following a number of complaints, according to a domain name registrant. http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/communications/soa/Government-eyes-auDA-regulation-/0,130061791,339301394,00.htm A Brief History of the Internet and A Look At .COM Success Barriers This will be the first of a two-part article detailing insight into the past and the future of the internet. Before delving into what is to come in the not-so-distant future, I would like to offer some tech history for those unfamiliar with the creation of the internet. Following that I will be sharing some of my personal experiences and ideas regarding the .COM space. http://www.dotsauce.com/2010/02/28/history-of-the-internet-com-success-barriers/ AFNIC Re-Appointed .FR Registry; Announces Loosening of .FR Registration Requirements AFNIC was re-appointed as registry for .FR domain names for a further seven years on 2 March, 2010 by the French Minister for Industry, Christian Estrosi. http://www.domainpulse.com/2010/03/02/afnic-re-appointed-fr-registry-announces-loosening-of-fr-registration-requirements/ Changes on the way for the .fr domain On March 2nd, 2010 the French Minister for Industry, Christian Estrosi, appointed AFNIC as the Registry for the .fr domain under the Order of 6 February 2007. http://www.afnic.fr/actu/nouvelles/243/changes-on-the-way-for-the-fr-domain UK Government to pursue Nominet take-over powers The government is to push ahead with its efforts to reserve powers to itself to take over the management of the .uk internet domain. http://www.computerweekly.com/Articles/2010/03/01/240448/government-to-pursue-nominet-take-over-powers.htm Interview: Nominet IT chief Simon McCalla Simon McCalla talks to V3.co.uk about Nominet's efforts to make the internet a safer place for everyone. http://www.v3.co.uk/v3/analysis/2258696/interview-nominet-director UK registry to implement DNS security protocol [IDG] Nominet, the U.K.'s domain name registry, will begin implementing a security protocol on Monday designed to protect the DNS (Domain Name System). http://www.computerworlduk.com/management/online/isp/news/index.cfm?newsId=19067 http://www.arnnet.com.au/article/337735/uk_registry_implement_dns_security_protocol/ http://news.techworld.com/security/3213803/uk-registry-to-tighten-web-security/ ********************** - DNS SECURITY ********************** VeriSign: DNSSEC is on track VeriSign is reporting no serious problems with its ongoing deployment of DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC) on the Internet's root servers and on the top-level domain servers that it operates, including the systems that power the popular .com and .net domains. http://www.networkworld.com/news/2010/030210-verisign-dnssec.html ********************** - DOMAIN DISPUTES ********************** ru: Court rules on domain names and infringement of company names On December 8 2009 the Supreme Arbitrazh Court ruled that the use and administration of unauthorized domain names constitute an infringement of rights in a corporate name. http://www.internationallawoffice.com/Newsletters/Detail.aspx?g=686c4f77-9282-4404-9a56-fc51bbe9e5e5 Coming March 15: File a UDRP for 500 EUR Czech Arbitration Court, one of the providers of arbitration services under Uniform domain-name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP), is slashing fees to 500 EUR per case effective March 15 for certain cases. http://domainnamewire.com/2010/03/03/coming-march-15-file-a-udrp-for-500-eur/ ********************** - MISCELLANEOUS ********************** Creditor Can Execute Against Domain Name Where Registry is Located: Office Depot v. Zuccarini by Venkat Balasubramani The Ninth Circuit affirmed the district court's ruling in Office Depot v. Zuccarini [Scribd link], agreeing that a creditor may levy against a domain name in the jurisdiction where the domain name registry is located. http://www.circleid.com/posts/20100302_creditor_domain_name_registry_location_office_depot_zuccarini/ ********************** - DOMAINING & AFTERMARKET ********************** Typos may earn Google $500m a year Google may be earning an alleged $500 million a year via companies and individuals who register deceptive website addresses. http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn18542-typos-may-earn-google-500m-a-year.html Typosquatting nets Google $500 million per year Researchers at Harvard University have discovered that Google may be making around half a billion dollars on an annual basis via a controversial scheme called typosquatting. http://www.bizreport.com/2010/03/typosquatting_nets_google_500_million_per_year.html Edelman: Domainers Cause Harm, Add Little Value Cyber intelligence company Cyveillance has interviewed Benjamin Edelman, one of the authors of a recent report on typosquatting, and he has this to say about domainers: they cause harm and add little genuine value. http://domainnamewire.com/2010/03/03/edelman-domainers-cause-harm-add-little-value/ '$1.3m bid for Qant.as' domain. claims Dominic Holland An online entrepreneur who owns the domain name Qant.as claims a buyer is willing to pay $1.3 million to wrest control of it but it's not the flying kangaroo. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/bids-top-13m-for-qantas-domain/story-e6frgakx-1225837062974 How Domain Name Monetization is Changing It?s no secret that the traditional form of domain name monetization ? PPC parking ? has seen a decline over the past three years. Nonetheless, this form of monetization is still the best option for most domain names. Certain segments of domain names can do better through other monetization channels, however. http://domainnamewire.com/2010/03/03/how-domain-name-monetization-is-changing/ TRAFFIC Milan conference and hotel registration are now open. Targeted TRAFFIC is gearing up for its first 2010 European show, which will be held on April 27th-29th 2010 in Milan, Italy. Milan is the largest metropolitan area in Italy with an estimated population of 7.4 million. The city has the largest financial and business center in Italy, it is known for its unique Leonardo da Vinci fresco The Last Supper and it is recognized as one of the world?s fashion and design capitals. http://www.domainpulse.com/2010/03/03/traffic-milan-conference-and-hotel-registration-are-now-open/ DomainSponsor Expands DOMAINfest to Europe DomainSponsor?, the domain monetization business unit of Oversee.net? and organizer of the DOMAINfest? series of conferences, said today that it will expand the highly regarded franchise into Europe with a conference in Prague, Czech Republic. http://www.domainpulse.com/2010/03/03/domainsponsor-expands-domainfest-to-europe/ ********************** RESEARCH PAPERS ********************** Understanding the Participatory News Consumer Overview: The overwhelming majority of Americans (92%) use multiple platforms to get their daily news, according to a new survey conducted jointly by the Pew Research Center?s Internet & American Life Project and Project for Excellence in Journalism. http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2010/Online-News.aspx ********************** INTERNET USE ********************** The New News Junkie Is Online and On the Phone The new news junkie looks very different from even five years ago. Now, she is likely to scan the headlines on her phone in the morning, check a handful of different Web sites over the course of the day and click on links that friends have e-mailed or posted on Facebook or Twitter. http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/01/the-new-news-junkie-is-online-and-on-the-phone/ Internet changes news consumption landscape If you are like the overwhelming majority of Americans, you are likely to read or hear about this story again on TV, the radio, newspapers, and other Internet sites. A recent survey found that 92 percent of Americans get their daily news from multiple sources. http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10460854-93.html Internet 'third-most popular news platform in US' [AFP] The Internet has become the third most popular news platform for American adults, trailing only local and national television stations, according to a survey released on Monday. http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-technology/internet-thirdmost-popular-news-platform-in-us-20100301-pdfi.html http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-technology/internet-thirdmost-popular-news-platform-in-us-20100301-pdfi.html Australians more likely to pay for movies than news online [AFP] Australians are more likely to pay for music and movies online than to hand over money to read newspapers on the Internet, a survey released Thursday said. http://www.theage.com.au/technology/technology-news/australians-more-likely-to-pay-for-movies-than-news-online-20100305-pmny.html http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/australians-more-likely-to-pay-for-movies-than-news-online-20100305-pmny.html 25pc of Americans get news on mobile [AP] Just over a quarter of American adults now read news on their cell phones, according to a new report from the Pew Research Center. http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/3392783/25pc-of-Americans-get-news-on-mobile Cyber Bullying Intensifies as Climate Data Questioned Researchers must purge email inboxes daily of threatening correspondence, simply part of the job of being a climate scientist. http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=climate-cyber-bullying Broadband Internet prices fall in Asia and elsewhere Recession has affected economic growth but worldwide people are increasingly using information and communication technology (ICT) services, such as mobile phones and the Internet, according to a newly released report by international telecommunication union called "Measuring the Information Society 2010". http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/337674/broadband_internet_prices_fall_asia_elsewhere/ Firefox loses browser share third month running Mozilla's Firefox lost share in February, the third consecutive month that the browser has slipped, according to metrics data published today. http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9163358/Firefox_loses_browser_share_third_month_running http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/337868/firefox_loses_browser_share_third_month_running/ Firefox may never hit 25 percent market share Firefox is on a decline. It may not be as steady as Internet Explorer's death spiral, and it certainly has not been going on for as long, but if the last three months are any indication, Firefox will never hit that 25 percent market share mark that looked all but certain just a few short months ago. Meanwhile, Chrome is still pushing steadily forward; in fact, it was the only browser to show positive growth last month. http://arstechnica.com/microsoft/news/2010/03/firefox-may-never-hit-25-percent-market-share.ars Microsoft has started rolling out its browser ballot for Europeans Up to 200m Windows PC users in Europe will be presented with a "Web browser choice screen" screen in a scheme that helped settle the European Commission's anti-trust complaints against Microsoft. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/blog/2010/mar/01/microsoft-windows-browser-choice-screen Net closes in on Microsoft as users are given freedom to explore Surfing the internet on a personal computer used to mean becoming a Microsoft customer in the vast majority of cases. But the company?s dominance looks to be nearing the end. http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/the_web/article7045882.ece Striving to Map the Shape-Shifting Net In a dimly lit chamber festooned with wires and hidden in one of California?s largest data centers, Tim Pozar is changing the shape of the Internet. He is using what Internet engineers refer to as a ?meet-me room.? The room itself is enclosed in a building full of computers and routers. What Mr. Pozar does there is to informally wire together the networks of different businesses that want to freely share their Internet traffic. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/02/science/02topo.html au: Computer game fans back proposal for R18+ rating Computer game enthusiasts have flooded a government inquiry to support the case for an R18+ rating for interactive games, but a Christian group opposed to the change has warned that little weight should be attached to the enthusiasts' submissions. http://www.theage.com.au/business/computer-game-fans-back-proposal-for-r18-rating-20100301-pdls.html ********************** SOCIAL NETWORKING ********************** US to help Queensland Police with Facebook memorial probe Queensland Police are investigating more Facebook profiles and have requested the assistance of US authorities to help trace those responsible for defacing online tribute pages for two slain Queensland children last month. http://www.theage.com.au/technology/security/us-to-help-with-facebook-memorial-probe-20100302-pfj4.html http://www.smh.com.au/technology/security/us-to-help-with-facebook-memorial-probe-20100302-pfj4.html Could Facebook be worth $1bn a year? New figures suggest Facebook's financials are healthier than expected - with the site on course to break a billion dollars of revenue by the end of the year. Yes - and perhaps even more than that, according to new figures. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/blog/2010/mar/03/facebook-1-billion Aussies 'obsessed' with Facebook If Facebook's mantra is ''any publicity is good publicity'' then the company would be ecstatic with its exposure during the past week. http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/digital-living/3397901/Aussies-obsessed-with-Facebook ************************************************ CHILD PROTECTION, FILTERING & CONTENT REGULATION ************************************************ au: Bullies hide behind technology THE anonymity of technology allows bullies to flourish in their trade without feeling the impact of their victims'pain, according to a bullying expert. http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,20797,26789556-3102,00.html Parents should phone bully's parents says Kevin Rudd Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has urged parents to take matters into their own hands if they are unsatisfied with the way their child's school handles a case of bullying. http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/features/parents-should-phone-bullys-parents-must-step-in-on-bullying-says-kevin-rudd/story-fn50ufcf-1225836868655 http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/blade-held-to-year-7-girls-neck-in-schoolyard-threat/story-e6frf7l6-1225836787297 Experts slam Kevin Rudd's advice on bullying Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is at the centre of a fierce debate over whether parents of bullying victims should confront the mums and dads of their child's tormentor. http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/experts-slam-kevin-rudds-advice-on-bullying/story-e6freon6-1225837149786 au: Net filter causes IT industry vote swing The mandatory Internet filtering scheme could sway votes against the Rudd Government when the IT industry hits the polling booths at the Federal election. http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/338553/net_filter_causes_it_industry_vote_swing/ http://www.techworld.com.au/article/338553/net_filter_causes_it_industry_vote_swing Internet censorship not a vote-changer The Federal Government?s planned introduction of mandatory internet filtering was unlikely to change the way most broadband users voted in the next election. http://www.crn.com.au/News/168816,internet-censorship-not-a-vote-changer.aspx Porn Detection Stick seeks out salacious images Paraben offers what it calls a Porn Detection Stick that detects pornographic images hiding on a Windows PC's hard drive. The company claims 99 percent accuracy. http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-10463230-17.html Defence ordered telcos to block Titstorm The Department of Defence has admitted that it ordered telcos to block a range of internet protocol addresses to ward off the recent "Operation Titstorm" distributed denial-of-service attacks. http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/communications/soa/Defence-ordered-telcos-to-block-Titstorm/0,130061791,339301479,00.htm Gloves come off in battle for adults-only games The video games industry begins a new phase this month in its campaign to reform the classification system. http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/games/gloves-come-off-in-battle-for-adultsonly-games-20100303-phdw.html Child porn, ID theft drive record cyber crime in Japan [AFP] Internet crime in Japan jumped to a new record last year, led by ID theft and database attacks, child pornography posts and copyright violations, the national police agency said Thursday. http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-technology/child-porn-id-theft-drive-record-cyber-crime-in-japan-20100305-pm2x.html http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-technology/child-porn-id-theft-drive-record-cyber-crime-in-japan-20100305-pm2x.html ********************** ONLINE TV & MUSIC ********************** Music industry needs clear strategy and control over illegal downloads It?s 4am in a hotel room far from home and you?ve just broken up with your lover. Aside from the minibar, there?s no empathy on offer: not a soul to talk to, no shoulder to cry on. You update your Facebook status with news of the split. Seconds later someone on the other side of the world sends your smart phone a digital version of What Difference Does It Make?, allowing you and Morrissey to wallow together in self-pity. Someone else sends you Paul Simon?s Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover, which cheers you up a bit. This may sound far-fetched, but the hope of the music industry rests upon such connections. A future where songs are not bought, but accessed via telephones, sent across cyberspace, and passed around friends through platforms such as Twitter, is what is hoped will save music from the twin ravages of illegal downloading and a lack of strategic direction. http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/retailing/article7044689.ece Internet piracy crackdown by US studios Internet users suspected of illegally downloading films, music or games face prison sentences and substantial fines under a deal being thrashed out between Hollywood corporations and European governments. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/online/internet-piracy-crackdown-by-us-studios-1913673.html Millions of YouTube videos to get subtitles with 'auto-captioning' YouTube introduced a system today that will automatically create subtitles for all its English language videos. http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/article7049418.ece British universities protest against government wi-fi plans Libraries and universities are protesting about plans to make them police users of wireless networks. The government's Digital Economy Bill includes plans to make them responsible for what is done over free wi-fi. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8543142.stm UK government denies Wi-Fi operators copyright exemption Cafes, pubs, universities and libraries that offer wireless internet access will not be granted a special exemption from measures aimed at tackling copyright infringement, the Government has said. http://out-law.com/page-10798 ********************** MOBILE/WIRELESS ********************** Apple Sues Nexus One Maker HTC Apple has relied on slick applications, and even slicker advertisements, to promote the iPhone and maintain its advantage over rivals like Google in the battle to rule the next generation of smartphones. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/03/technology/03patent.html What Apple vs. HTC Could Mean The lawsuit that Apple filed on Tuesday against HTC, the mobile handset maker, opens up a lot of questions about the future of Android phones like the Nexus One and the cellphone market in general. http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/02/what-apple-vs-htc-could-mean/ Strain on HTC From Apple Suit Is Likely to Be Long-Term Apple?s patent lawsuit against HTC will not cause major problems for the Taiwan technology company in the short term, analysts said Wednesday. But it could strain its relations with partners in the crucial U.S. market and test its leadership, adding to its challenges in the increasingly competitive smartphone field. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/04/technology/04htc.html Google backs HTC in face of Apple lawsuit Google has backed HTC, its smartphone manufacturer, after the Taiwanese company was sued for patent infringement by Apple. http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/technology/article7048612.ece Apple patent case 'could affect all android phones' Apple's legal action against HTC may have "wider implications" for all phone makers using Google's Android operating system, an analyst has warned. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8547230.stm After Fumble, Microsoft Redoes Phone Software Mobile phone software from Microsoft has long resembled an underpowered version of its Windows desktop software. Users never embraced its bland interface, sluggish response time and businesslike menus that required lots of clicking to perform tasks. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/01/technology/01soft.html Apple to take on Google in China push Apple has outlined plans for a big push into China, the world?s largest mobile phone market, which include opening 25 more retail stores in the country in the next two years. http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/technology/article7042242.ece EU moves to prevent 'shock' mobile internet bills A new Europe-wide rule to prevent mobile phone users from building up large bills for surfing the internet via their handset has come into force. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8543341.stm Telecoms: mobile phone customers entitled to protection from data-roaming "bill shock" as from 1 st March 2010 [news release] As from 1st March 2010, European mobile phone operators are obliged under EU roaming rules to offer their customers a cut-off limit facility to protect them from 'bill shocks' for surfing the Internet with their mobile phones and laptops while travelling in other EU countries. Under the roaming rules adopted by the EU's Council of Ministers and European Parliament in June 2009 (see IP/09/1064 and MEMO/09/309 ), this cut-off mechanism will, following a warning, cut consumers' mobile connection to the internet while abroad when their bill reaches a specified limit. http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/10/215 LTE more than higher speeds, says Nokia Siemens [IDG] Attention has been focused on the higher speeds that will be offered by next generation LTE (Long-Term Evolution) mobile networks, but improved latency will be equally important to users, according to Nokia Siemens. http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/338088/lte_more_than_higher_speeds_says_nokia_siemens/ ********************** SPAM ********************** Spam plague in February and more to come: Symantec Spam levels in Hong Kong reached 90.6 per cent and virus activity in China was the highest in the world in February, according to Symantec's latest MessageLabs Intelligence Report. http://www.networkworld.com/news/2010/030310-spam-plague-in-february-and.html Botnets cause surge in February spam Spam now accounts for close to 90 percent of all e-mail worldwide due to a surge in February, according to Symantec. http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-10462103-83.html Symantec Announces February 2010 MessageLabs Intelligence Report [news release] Symantec Corp. announced the publication of its February 2010 MessageLabs Intelligence Report. Analysis reveals a surge in spam levels in February to 89.4 percent, an increase of 5.5 percent since January mostly due to an increase in spam emanating from the Grum and Rustock botnets. Over the past year, Grum has experienced relatively little change in spam volumes, but from February 5, Grum?s output increased by 51 percent making it responsible for 26 percent of all spam, up from its usual 17 percent. Another significant spike in spam volumes occurred on February 17, when global spam volumes increased by 25 percent pushing spam volumes to their highest for the month. The spike was caused by an increase in output from the Rustock botnet. According to MessageLabs Intelligence, both spikes in activity were related to a Canadian pharmacy-style spam run. Pharmaceutical spam now accounts for 65 percent of all spam. http://www.messagelabs.co.uk/resources/press/45666 ************************** ONLINE CRIME, SECURITY & LEGAL ************************** German court orders stored telecoms data deletion Vast amounts of telephone and e-mail data held in Germany must be deleted, the country's highest court has ruled. The constitutional court overturned a 2008 law requiring communications data to be kept for six months. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8545772.stm German Court Orders Stored Telecom Data Deleted The Constitutional Court in Germany rejected Tuesday a core piece of security legislation that requires data on telephone calls and e-mail traffic to be stored for up to six months for possible use by law enforcement and intelligence agencies. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/03/world/europe/03iht-data.html German High Court Limits Phone and E-Mail Data Storage Germany's highest court has rejected a controversial law requiring data on telephone calls and e-mail traffic to be stored for six months for possible use by law enforcement. Data stored so far must be deleted immediately, and strict controls must be put in place before the law can come into force again. http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,681251,00.html Germany's data retention law ruled unconstitutional over privacy concerns Germany's highest court has suspended that country's implementation of the EU Data Retention Directive by ruling that it violates citizens' rights to privacy. It has ordered the deletion of all data held by telecoms companies under the law. http://out-law.com/page-10807 Cyber crime fight 'begins outside the home' A leading internet security specialist is calling on governments to make it illegal for computer manufacturers to sell products that are vulnerable to attacks from cyber criminals. http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/03/04/2836693.htm New era for internet security amid increased attacks Internet security techniques must adapt to keep up with the rising tide of net attacks say officials. The issue is top of the agenda at the world's biggest security conference hosted by vendor RSA. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8544413.stm Comment: Google and YouTube should put own houses in order: Italian court case highlights inconsistencies on sites Mamma mia! Google executives who don't live in Italy found guilty in Italy of not checking every single video that goes on to YouTube! The internet, or at least big chunks of the blogosphere, rises to its keyboard in a mixture of outrage and first-principle argument that of course Google can't check every video before it goes up. Personally I've calculated that this would take 3,600 people working a three-shift system; more as the volume of videos submitted rises. Google's only got 20,000 staff worldwide. It's not going to do that. http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2010/mar/01/google-youtube-charles-arthur 'Free iPad' scam spreading on Facebook and Twitter, warns Sophos It's a day for scams. Think you've been given the chance to sign up as an iPad tester via Facebook? No you haven't - it's a scam which actually signs you up to a premium rate mobile service, warns the security company Sophos. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/mar/02/facebook-ipad-scam Google convictions reveal two flaws in EU law, not just Italian law OPINION: Criticism of last week's conviction of three Google executives has focused on Italy's legal system. That focus risks missing a wider point. Web hosts are unfairly exposed all across the EU and two legal changes are needed. http://out-law.com/page-10805 Spanish police arrest masterminds of 'massive' botnet Spanish police have revealed that they have arrested three men responsible for one of the world's biggest networks of virus-infected computers. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8547453.stm Spanish Police Take Down Massive Mariposa Botnet [IDG] Spanish authorities have arrested three men in an operation that has crushed a major botnet network of infected computers. http://www.pcworld.com/article/190634/.html http://www.networkworld.com/news/2010/030310-spanish-police-take-down-massive.html http://news.techworld.com/security/3214049/spanish-police-shut-down-worlds-largest-botnet/ http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/338203/spanish_police_take_down_massive_mariposa_botnet Spain busts ring accused of infecting 13 mln PCs Spanish police have arrested three men accused of masterminding one of the biggest computer crimes to date -- infecting more than 13 million PCs with a virus that stole credit card numbers and other data. http://in.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idINIndia-46603520100302 Spain arrests three accused of running huge botnet Authorities in Spain have arrested three men accused of operating a massive botnet composed of 12.7 million PCs that stole credit card and bank log-in data and infected computers in half of the Fortune 1,000 companies and more than 40 banks, according to published reports. http://news.cnet.com/8301-27080_3-10462718-245.html US urges 'action' needed to fight net attacks Homeland Security secretary Janet Napolitano has admitted there is an urgent need to step up efforts to protect Americans from cyber attacks. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8548618.stm Plans to fight cyberwar are a 'recipe for disaster' Senior security experts have criticised the west's approach to online threats, suggesting that not enough is being done to stem the growing tide of cyberattacks. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/mar/04/internet-hi-tech-crime Online fraudsters net millions from Australians Australians reported losses of more than $70 million to fraud and swindling to the consumer watchdog last year, but real losses could be much higher. http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/03/01/2832711.htm Online scammers swindle Aussies out of $70m From pedigree puppies to Patrick Swayze, fraudsters swindled nearly $70 million from Australians last year by exploiting a wide swath of online scams. http://www.smh.com.au/technology/security/online-scammers-swindle-aussies-out-of-70m-20100301-pcbw.html http://www.theage.com.au/technology/security/online-scammers-swindle-aussies-out-of-70m-20100301-pcbw.html $70 million lost: ACCC scam activity report [news release] During 2009, losses reported to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission through scams totalled almost $70 million, ACCC deputy chair Peter Kell said today when launching Targeting scams - Report of the ACCC on scam activity 2009. http://www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/916279/fromItemId/142 Online offensive ? Fighting fraud online [news release] The proliferation of online scams has significantly increased the chances of Australians falling victim to fraud, and it is the focus for the Australasian Consumer Fraud Taskforce?s (ACFT) 2010 Fraud Week campaign. http://www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/916070/fromItemId/142 Wave of scams hits web surfers Scammers fleeced Australian web surfers of at least $70 million in the 2009 calendar year, the ACCC has reported. http://www.afr.com/p/business/technology/wave_of_scams_hits_web_surfers_q2TDOXg14Gm688BPRFGEmN iiNet trial clears way for 'zombie' code The Internet Industry Association (IIA) will press ahead with its new internet service provider security code, with plans to launch a "quarantine" proposal for infected computers by around June this year. http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/communications/soa/iiNet-trial-clears-way-for-zombie-code/0,130061791,339301513,00.htm NATO chief says enemy might be 'everywhere' in cyberspace [AFP] NATO must be ready to address the security threats posed by potential enemies in cyberspace, the secretary general of the western military alliance, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, said Thursday. http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-technology/nato-chief-says-enemy-might-be-everywhere-in-cyberspace-20100305-pm2y.html http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-technology/nato-chief-says-enemy-might-be-everywhere-in-cyberspace-20100305-pm2y.html FBI embeds cyber-investigators in Ukraine, Estonia [IDG] Hoping to catch cybercrooks, the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation has begun embedding agents with law enforcement agencies in Estonia, the Ukraine and the Netherlands. http://www.networkworld.com/news/2010/030410-fbi-embeds-cyber-investigators-in-ukraine.html http://www.pcworld.com/article/190837/.html ************************** PRIVACY ************************** Product Watch: New Microsoft Identity Technology Aims To Protect Online Privacy Microsoft here yesterday launched new software that helps protect user's online privacy using a new, simplified cryptographic technology. The software giant also announced a new enterprise identity and access management product. http://www.darkreading.com/security/privacy/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=223101456 ********************** CENSORSHIP ********************** New Scrutiny on Censorship Issues for U.S. Companies in China On the surface, Amazon.cn resembles its global siblings, selling everything from Harry Potter books to sex toys. But a few searches of what the Web site proclaims is ?the world?s largest Chinese online bookstore? reveals limits to this literary universe. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/02/technology/02internet.html China's Cyberposse ... Human-flesh search engines ? renrou sousuo yinqing ? have become a Chinese phenomenon: they are a form of online vigilante justice in which Internet users hunt down and punish people who have attracted their wrath. The goal is to get the targets of a search fired from their jobs, shamed in front of their neighbors, run out of town. It?s crowd-sourced detective work, pursued online ? with offline results. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/07/magazine/07Human-t.html Google Wants U.S. to Weigh Challenging China in WTO The Obama administration is weighing the merits of taking China?s censorship of Google Inc. to the World Trade Organization as an unfair barrier to trade, a move that could further raise diplomatic tensions. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601080&sid=aPmR6t9n8vwY ************************** GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC POLICY ************************** German Minister Warns Against the Power of Internet Giants German Consumer Protection Minister Ilse Aigner has launched an attack on the Internet economy, warning that the likes of Google, Microsoft and Apple store vast amounts of personal information on Web users that can be used for financial gain, and can hurt people's chances of getting jobs or bank loans. http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,681058,00.html Germany Speaks Out against Global Internet Ban for Pirates Recent leaks suggest the 39 countries negotiating an international copyright protection treaty could require Internet service providers to ban repeat piracy offenders from using the Web. The German government, however, has now voiced its opposition to the proposal, which has been heavily criticized by civil rights activists. http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,681498,00.html Ofcom to investigate UK net neutrality Ofcom is to launch a consultation into network neutrality later this spring, the UK telecoms regulator has announced. http://news.zdnet.co.uk/communications/0,1000000085,40067880,00.htm British House of Lords force rethink of government's online piracy plans The government has been defeated in the House of Lords over measures to tackle online piracy after opponents said the plans could hamper digital innovation. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/8549112.stm Lords copyright change 'could block YouTube' One of the most contentious parts of the controversial digital economy bill was voted down by the House of Lords last night ? only to be replaced by a clause that campaigners say is even more draconian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/mar/04/lords-digital-economy-bill British Online Copyright Laws Draw Debates An article published on Thursday in, The Guardian, discusses a debate taking place in the British Parliament around a new ?digital economy bill.? http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/04/british-online-copyright-laws-draw-debates/ YouTube threatened by changes to Digital Economy Bill Courts will have the power to block access to entire websites from the UK because of allegations of copyright infringement under an amendment to Government legislation that has been adopted by the House of Lords. http://out-law.com/page-10810 ACTA will not undermine individuals' rights, says EU Commission The European Commission has pledged to defend EU nations' rights to decide how to deal with online copyright infringement, saying that it will not allow a secret global treaty to erode nations' powers. http://out-law.com/page-10804 Major ACTA Leak: Internet and Civil Enforcement Chapters With Country Positions On the heels of the leak of various country positions on ACTA transparency, today an even bigger leak has hit the Internet. A new European Union document prepared several weeks ago canvasses the Internet and Civil Enforcement chapters, disclosing in complete detail the proposals from the U.S., the counter-proposals from the EU, Japan, and other ACTA participants. The 44-page document also highlights specific concerns of individual countries on a wide range of issues including ISP liability, anti-circumvention rules, and the scope of the treaty. This is probably the most significant leak to-date since it goes even beyond the transparency debate by including specific country positions and proposals. http://www.michaelgeist.ca/content/view/4829/125/ New Zealand seeks to restrain ACTA New Zealand appears to be at odds with the US in the secret international Anti Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) talks. http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/news/leak-new-zealand-opposes-acta InternetNZ to host ACTA briefing InternetNZ will host a conference on the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) next month in Wellington. http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/news/internetnz-to-host-acta-briefing InternetNZ to take public message to ACTA negotiators InternetNZ (Internet New Zealand Inc) will assist the public in voicing its concerns about the controversial international Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) through an open conference to be held next month in Wellington, New Zealand. http://blog.internetnz.net.nz/?p=309 Submissions called before controversial ACTA talks Commerce minister Simon Power has called for further public submissions on the controversial Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) before the eighth round of cross-country negotiations begins next month. http://pcworld.co.nz/pcworld/pcw.nsf/feature/BA1E4909C7E800DCCC2576DB0012B86A NZ asks public on anti-piracy New Zealand Commerce Minister Simon Power has called for submissions on the country's development of new, tougher anti-piracy laws stemming from closed-door discussions over the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA). http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/communications/soa/NZ-asks-public-on-anti-piracy/0,130061791,339301454,00.htm New Zealand Proposes Internet Suspension, $15,000 Fine for File-Sharers Copyright (Infringing File Sharing) Amendment would provide new enforcement measures against the unauthorized sharing of copyright material on the Internet, including suspension of Internet access for up to 6 months and compensation to copyright holders of up to $15,000 ($10,422 USD). http://www.zeropaid.com/news/88240/new-zealand-proposes-internet-suspesnion-15000-fine-for-file-sharers/ InternetNZ To Take Public Message To ACTA Negotiators InternetNZ will assist the public in voicing its concerns about the controversial international Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) through an open conference to be held next month in Wellington, New Zealand. http://www.voxy.co.nz/national/internetnz-take-public-message-acta-negotiators/5/40277 New Zealand calls for public input into ACTA talks New Zealand's Commerce Minister Simon Power has issued a call for public submissions to help develop the ACTA (Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement). http://www.itnews.com.au/News/168598,new-zealand-calls-for-public-input-into-acta-talks.aspx Verzet tegen ACTA groeit ... In Nieuw-Zeeland dan, waar van 12 tot 16 april de laatste ronde van de onderhandelingen plaatsheeft, zal InternetNZ, de beheerder van de .nz domeinen, een open conferentie houden onder de naam PublicACTA. Daar moeten dan de internet experts, advocaten gespecialiseerd in technologie, en het publiek gehoord worden. De uitslag van deze conferentie zal aan de NZ onderhandelaars gegeven worden vooraleer de laatste ronde aanvangt. http://www.netties.be/v20/toon_artikel.php?id=10901&cat=Nieuws&zoekdatum=2010-03-04&reactietonen=ja U.S. to fund broadband plan through existing programs The U.S. National Broadband Plan set for release this month will not call for additional spending beyond the existing programs, a move likely to garner support from lawmakers, a Federal Communications Commission official said on Wednesday. http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN0324025620100303 http://in.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idINIndia-46632220100303 US Senator to Introduce Internet Human Rights Bill [IDG] A U.S. senator plans to introduce legislation that would impose criminal or civil penalties on U.S. Internet companies that bow to pressure of foreign governments and violate human rights. http://www.pcworld.com/article/190579/.html Microsoft urges antitrust complaints about Google Microsoft has encouraged other companies to complain about Google to antitrust regulators in its most outspoken attack on its rival. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article7044553.ece ********************** TELECOMMUNICATIONS ********************** Phone number governance questioned The Commerce Commission and Internet NZ are united in opposing the Telecommunications Carriers Forum?s (TCF) bid to ensure New Zealand numbers can only be distributed to paid-up TCF members. http://www.techday.co.nz/telecommunicationsreview/news/phone-number-governance-questioned/15839/ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ (c) David Goldstein 2010 --------- David Goldstein email: goldstein_david§yahoo.com.au web: http://davidgoldstein.tel/ http://goldsteinreport.com/ phone: +61 418 228 605 - mobile; +61 2 9665 5773 - office/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 FlanneryReceived on Thu Mar 04 2010 - 18:01:48 UTC
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