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 *************************************************** Berkman Center to Conduct Study to Assist ICANN?s Accountability and Transparency Review Process http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/newsroom/icann_study Porno union will try to shaft .xxx http://domainincite.com/porno-union-will-try-to-shaft-xxx/ Should Domainers Invest In Their Own Top Level Domain? http://domainnamewire.com/2010/08/11/should-domainers-invest-in-their-own-top-level-domain/ As .AT Approaches One Million Domains, Second .AT Report Finds Germans Love Austria http://www.domainpulse.com/2010/08/11/3023/ McAfee Says Security Industry Failing On Cybercrime http://www.informationweek.com/news/security/management/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=226600352 FTC Halts Cross Border Domain Name Registration Scam http://ftc.gov/opa/2010/08/ils.shtm AusRegistry International Celebrates IDNA 2008 Protocol Approval for Internationalised Domain Names [news release] http://www.ausregistry.com/news-IDNAptotocol.php ********************** DOMAIN NAMES ********************** ********************** - ICANN ********************** Accountability and Transparency Review Team ? Selection of Independent Expert and Update on ATRT Review The Accountability and Transparency Review Team (ATRT) has selected the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard Law School as an Independent Expert to assist the ATRT in its review under the Affirmation of Commitments (AoC). In addition to assisting the ATRT with its review, the Berkman Center team is specifically tasked to conduct an analysis of case studies that were suggested to the ATRT by the ICANN community during its interactions with the community at the ICANN meeting in Brussels, Belgium. Those case studies are: http://icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-10aug10-en.htm Proposed Bylaws Amendment to Add Voting Director from the At-Large Community to the ICANN Board of Directors ? Extension of Public Comment Period As requested by Members of the Community, the public consultation on the Proposed Bylaws Amendment to add a voting Director from the At-Large Community to the ICANN Board of Directors has been extended from the 31st of July to the 15th of August 2010. http://icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-09aug10-en.htm Berkman Center to Conduct Study to Assist ICANN?s Accountability and Transparency Review Process The Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University will conduct an independent, exploratory study analyzing ICANN?s decision-making processes and communications with stakeholders. The study will develop a framework and recommendations for understanding and improving ICANN?s accountability and transparency. http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/newsroom/icann_study Porno union will try to shaft .xxx The fight between ICM Registry and the Free Speech Coalition over the proposed .xxx top-level domain is not over yet. The porn trade group has a plan to block ICM?s passage through the ICANN process, and has already stepped up efforts to rally the adult entertainment industry to its cause. http://domainincite.com/porno-union-will-try-to-shaft-xxx/ New generic top level domains present enhanced opportunities for internet site owners ICANN is currently developing a new process to allow any person or organisation to introduce its own general top level domain (gTLD), beyond the existing gTLDs such as '.com', '.org', '.net'. This opens up the possibility of registering domain names that end in unique words, brand names, trade marks, job industries or city names, such as '.sydney', and '.bank'. http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=ccb00b6e-485e-434b-955d-2cf5d193df5d Want a New gTLD? Some Items to Consider by Steve Stolfi Over three years ago ICANN boldly announced that the top level of the domain name system would be opened up to new registry operators. As we now approach a likely spring 2011 launch, a number of key issues remain unresolved including how trademarks will be protected. http://www.circleid.com/posts/want_a_new_gtld_some_items_to_consider/ A lesson in global civics The reality of the world's epic interdependence is well known. We have seen how financial engineering in the United States can determine economic growth in every part of the world; how carbon-dioxide emissions from China end up influencing crop yields and livelihoods in Vietnam, Bangladesh, the Maldives and beyond; how an epidemic in Mexico endangers the rhythm of public life in the U.S.; or how volcanic ash from Iceland affects travel across Europe. ... When standard global public health instruments proved insufficient, for example, we built the Global Fund to Fight Tuberculosis, AIDS and Malaria. When the Internet became global, its management was turned over to ICANN, which enlists the voices of individual Internet users in its governance ? a significant departure from intergovernmental multilateralism. http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/eo20100811a1.html Putting String Similarity into Context: Bulgaria's IDN (.??) vs. Brazil's ccTLD (.br) by Vassil Petev Bulgaria is a nation which is directly impacted by the current Fast Track automatic disqualification when Top-Level Domain (TLD) strings are "confusingly similar" to other TLDs, in this case an Internationalized Domain Name (IDN) country code Top-Level Domain (ccTLD). Bulgaria has already been declined twice (in late 2009, and in May of 2010) to register the *.?? Cyrillic IDN on the premise that it looks confusingly similar to Brazil's *.br ASCII TLD. Being a native Bulgarian, I did not see how these two strings are similar. http://www.circleid.com/posts/string_similarity_case_of_the_bulgarian_cyrillic_idn_vs_brazil_cctld/ Should Domainers Invest In Their Own Top Level Domain? Domain investing is about to enter whole new era with the launch of new top level domain names. Regardless of if they like the idea of new TLDs or not, a number of domainers are evaluating starting their own top level domain names. Consider it diversification or hedging their bets. http://domainnamewire.com/2010/08/11/should-domainers-invest-in-their-own-top-level-domain/ ********************** - ccTLD & gTLD NEWS ********************** The case for DotAfrica domain name for Africa With a population of one billion, Africa hosts 86 millions of Internet users. The penetration rate is 8.7% which is rather good compared to the world average of 26.9%. http://www.itnewsafrica.com/?p=8564 DOTAFRICA - A specific internet namespace for Africa [news release] The extraordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Conference of Ministers in charge of Communication and Information Technologies (CITMC) held in Johannesburg in 2009, acknowledged the benefit of the GTLds and work together to promote the use of CCTLDs as they are a critical national resource whilst ensuring that the technical and administrative operations are at international standards to foster trust and use of African Domain Names in order to bring financial, economic and social-cultural benefits to Africa. http://allafrica.com/stories/201008090862.html As .AT Approaches One Million Domains, Second .AT Report Finds Germans Love Austria With the .AT domain name space approaching its one millionth registration sometime in the next twelve months, the Austrian registry nic.at has released the second of its twice-yearly reports. This edition of the .AT Report finds that Germans love .AT domain names with 190,000 of the 939,951 domain names registered on 1 July. However the Swiss and the British are also interested in .AT domain names. http://www.domainpulse.com/2010/08/11/3023/ http://www.domainnews.com/en/as-.at-approaches-one-million-domains-second-.at-report-finds-germans-love-austria.html Global Brands Snap Up .Co Domain Names Figuring the good .com domain names are already taken, major companies are registering the newly available Internet domain names ending in .co. http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/351000/Global_Brands_Snap_Up_.co_Domain_Names http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/356263/global_brands_snap_up_co_domain_names/ Global Brands Snap Up .co Domain Names Originally, .co was just the Internet country code for Colombia. But now it's becoming a popular top-level domain for major global brands such as BMW, Canon, Honda, Nike, Nokia, Pfizer, Sony and Visa. http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/356263/global_brands_snap_up_co_domain_names/ http://www.arnnet.com.au/article/356263/global_brands_snap_up_co_domain_names/ http://www.cio.com/article/602676/Global_Brands_Snap_Up_.Co_Domain_Names Domainers get love, but no refunds for .co cybersquatters .CO Internet has ramped up its anti-cybersquatter messaging, promising no refunds for trademark-infringing .co registrants, no matter how much they paid for their domains. http://domainincite.com/domainers-get-love-but-no-refunds-for-co-cybersquatters/ Want thousands of free .jobs domains? Now?s your chance Employ Media wants to hear from companies interested in registering .jobs domain names in bulk, at the start of its recently approved landrush process. http://domainincite.com/want-thousands-of-free-jobs-domains-nows-your-chance/ Telnic Wants to Release 1 and 2 Character .Tel Domain Names .Tel registry Telnic has formally asked ICANN to allow it to offer one and two character .tel domain names. The company would not offer two letter domains that correspond to an existing country code, nor would it release one and two digit domain names. http://domainnamewire.com/2010/08/11/telnic-wants-to-release-1-and-2-character-tel-domain-names/ Tuvalu - trouble in paradise [Dominion Post] The isolated and vulnerable Pacific Island nation of Tuvalu lies thousands of miles from help. ... It sold its highly marketable internet domain name ''.tv'' to American company Verisign in 1999. The Government is aggressively trying to renegotiate the deal, which earns it around A$2 million annually, saying it is not enough, though it is making little headway. http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/south-pacific/4008988/Tuvalu-trouble-in-paradise/ ********************** - DNS SECURITY ********************** Three Things Registrars Must Do to Enhance Security by Ram Mohan If the rise of phishing has taught us anything, it's that on the Internet, if a digital asset has value, there's somebody out there who wants to steal it. Whether it's a bank account password, a credit card number, a PayPal login, or even a magic sword in an online game, there's a fraudster somewhere trying to misappropriate it for his or her own nefarious purposes. http://www.circleid.com/posts/three_things_registrars_must_do_to_enhance_security/ DNS Made Easy whacked with 50Gbps attack The managed DNS service provider DNS Made Easy was knocked offline for 90 minutes on Saturday by a distributed denial of service attack estimated at 50Gbps. http://domainincite.com/dns-made-easy-whacked-with-50gbps-attack/ McAfee Says Security Industry Failing On Cybercrime Antivirus vendor McAfee has called on security researchers and the security industry at large to go on the offensive against criminals and pursue "a more proactive strategy for fighting cybercrime." ... The company also called on ICANN, the not-for-profit organization that coordinates the Internet's naming system, to "take a stronger stance against cybercrime," especially since it's the body that "accredits the registrants that sell the domains which cybercriminals use to host malicious sites." http://www.informationweek.com/news/security/management/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=226600352 McAfee calls for ICANN spam crackdown The security company McAfee has claimed that ICANN needs to try harder in the fight against spam by cracking down on rogue registrars. http://domainincite.com/mcafee-calls-for-icann-spam-crackdown/ Country-to-country cyberattacks deemed OK by users An alarming 63 percent of computer users deem country-to-country cyber-espionage to be an acceptable act, according to a new report by security vendor Sophos. http://www.zdnetasia.com/country-to-country-cyberattacks-deemed-ok-by-users-62202005.htm http://www.zdnet.com.au/inter-country-cyber-espionage-ok-users-339305167.htm Demand Media a home to badware, researchers say [IDG] As Demand Media gears up for its initial public offering, anti-spam advocates and online crime fighters say that the company needs to clean up its act. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2010/08/11/urnidgns852573C4006938800025777B00760B82.DTL http://www.networkworld.com/news/2010/081110-demand-media-a-home-to.html http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/203035/.html DNSSEC not a panacea for cybercrime, but a step in the right direction The global roll-out in mid-July of technology aimed at making the internet safer was billed as a decisive blow against cyber criminals, but has it made a difference? http://www.computerweekly.com/Articles/2010/08/10/242324/DNSSEC-not-a-panacea-for-cybercrime-but-a-step-in-the-right.htm ********************** - DOMAIN DISPUTES ********************** FTC Halts Cross Border Domain Name Registration Scam The Federal Trade Commission has permanently halted the operations of Canadian con artists who allegedly posed as domain name registrars and convinced thousands of U.S. consumers, small businesses and non-profit organizations to pay bogus bills by leading them to believe they would lose their Web site addresses unless they paid. Settlement and default judgment orders signed by the court will bar the deceptive practices in the future. http://ftc.gov/opa/2010/08/ils.shtm FTC halts domain-name registration scam [IDG] A U.S. judge has ordered a halt to a Canadian operation that allegedly posed as a domain-name registrar in an effort to collect fees from thousands of U.S. consumers, small businesses and nonprofits, the Federal Trade Commission said. http://www.networkworld.com/news/2010/080910-ftc-halts-domain-name-registration.html http://www.pcworld.com/article/202915/.html http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9180461/FTC_halts_domain_name_registration_scam FTC Halts Canadian/US Domain Registration Scam The Federal Trade Commission has permanently halted the operations of Canadian con artists who allegedly posed as domain name registrars and convinced thousands of U.S. consumers, small businesses and non-profit organisations to pay bogus bills by leading them to believe they would lose their domain names unless they paid. http://goldsteinreport.com/article.php?article=12035 http://www.domainpulse.com/2010/08/10/ftc-halts-canadianus-domain-registration-scam/ http://www.domainnews.com/en/canadian/us-domain-registration-scam-halted-by-ftc.html FTC settles suit against Canadian domain name scammers A group of Canadian con artists caught scamming US individuals, small businesses, and non-profit organizations for millions in phony domain registration and search engine optimization fees has been shut down by the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC announced Monday that has reached settlement agreements with most of the defendants in the case, while another defendant, Steven E. Dale, received a default judgement to the tune of $4.3 million. http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2010/08/ftc-settles-suit-against-canadian-domain-name-scammers.ars FTC Shuts Down Domain Name Registration Scam A Canadian domain name registration scam has been shut down, and the accused will pay $10,000 in fines, the Federal Trade Commission announced Monday. http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2367568,00.asp Judge halts domain registration scam A federal judge has ordered members of a Canadian operation to stop posing as domain-name registrars in scams that collected more than $4.26m in bogus renewal fees from unsuspecting consumers, small businesses, and non-profits. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/08/09/domain_registration_scam/ Arbitrators Of India Must Adopt Technology ... Presently, the arbitration and conciliation act 1996 governs the arbitration or conciliation proceedings in India. The same is based upon the united nations commission on international trade law (UNCITRAL) model and rules dated back to 1985. ... The arbitration act must also cater the growing demands for domain name dispute resolution as addressed by ICANN. Besides ADR and ODR must be combined with other online justice mechanisms like e-courts. http://cjnews.noads.biz/?p=395 Forbes Gains Russian Domain Name After Court Fight A year after being awarded it by a Russian court, Forbes Media?s local online edition there has finally been handed the forbes.ru domain name by a company that had controlled it. http://paidcontent.org/article/419-forbes-gains-russian-domain-name-after-court-fight/ http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Forbes-Gains-Russian-Domain-paidcontent-3402515666.html ********************** - IPv4/IPv6 ********************** IPv6: The end of the Internet as we know it (and I feel fine) In 2012, it won?t be the the end of the Mayan Long Count that preoccupies the global technology industry ? it will be running out of TCP/IP version 4 addresses. http://www.zdnet.com/blog/perlow/ipv6-the-end-of-the-internet-as-we-know-it-and-i-feel-fine/13679 ********************** - MISCELLANEOUS ********************** AusRegistry International Celebrates IDNA 2008 Protocol Approval for Internationalised Domain Names [news release] The body responsible for the development and promotion of Internet Standards (the Internet Engineering Task Force or IETF), has approved IDNA 2008 as the official Internet protocol for Internationalised Domain Names by publishing the Internet Drafts as official RFCs. http://www.ausregistry.com/news-IDNAptotocol.php http://www.domainpulse.com/2010/08/10/ausregistry-international-celebrates-idna-2008-protocol-approval-for-internationalised-domain-names/ http://www.domainnews.com/en/ausregistry-international-celebrates-idna-2008-protocol-approval-for-internationalised-domain-names.html Half of companies can't update a website themselves Nearly half of companies rely on external website designers to create their websites for them, while more than half cannot even update their website themselves, according to research by UK webhost Fasthosts. ... 70 percent of businesses revealed that some of their domain names are not even registered in the name of the business owner, meaning that valuable domains could be dragged from under them and sold to the highest bidder, running up costs or potentially resulting in the complete loss of a previous domain name. http://www.techeye.net/internet/half-of-companies-cant-update-a-website-themselves uk: OFT takes action over misleading European health insurance websites [news release] The OFT has taken action against four online traders who deceptively sold consumers European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs). ... A fourth website (ehiconline.com) has been suspended by its domain name registrar following concerns expressed by the OFT, and a fifth (e111-online.com) has voluntarily ceased trading. ... The OFT formed the view that the online traders had breached the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and, in certain cases, the Electronic Commerce (EC Directive) Regulations 2002. The websites were found to be misleading in their presentation as they mimicked the EHIC brand, used an official sounding domain name and omitted important information by failing to clearly disclose that they were not the official provider of EHICs. http://www.oft.gov.uk/news-and-updates/press/2010/88-10 uk: OFT takes action against 'confusing' keyword-promoted health card firms The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has taken action against online retailers it said broke consumer protection laws by charging for applications for a free health card. ... "The OFT took the view that the online traders had breached the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and, in certain cases, the Electronic Commerce (EC Directive) Regulations 2002," said the OFT. "The websites were found to be misleading in their presentation as they mimicked the EHIC brand, used an official sounding domain name and omitted important information by failing to clearly disclose that they were not the official provider of EHICs." http://out-law.com/page-11298 Psst - Interested in Some Lightly-Used IP Addresses? by John Curran The Internet Service Provider (ISP) community is carefully watching the impending depletion of the unassigned IPv4 address pool. Most estimates place the depletion of the central pool of unassigned IPv4 addresses by mid-2011. After that, each Regional Internet Registry (RIR) will continue to satisfy requests for additional IPv4 space for a limited time (depending on the rate of incoming requests and the amount of address space on hand in the RIR at the time of central pool depletion). http://www.circleid.com/posts/psst_interested_in_some_lightly_used_ip_addresses/ Digging for dirt in the Demand Media IPO ? roundup Demand Media, parent of second-largest domain name registrar eNom, has filed to go public, and the publication of its S-1 registration document has given an unprecedented glimpse inside the company. http://domainincite.com/digging-for-dirt-in-the-demand-media-ipo-?-roundup/ Questor share tip: Group NBT remains confident of growth Yesterday's trading update from domain name manager Group NBT was more than reassuring. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/7935888/Questor-share-tip-Group-NBT-remains-confident-of-growth.html eNom called world?s most ?abusive? registrar A small security firm has singled out eNom as the domain name registrar and web host with the most criminal activity on its network. http://domainincite.com/enom-called-worlds-most-abusive-registrar/ ********************** REPORTS & RESEARCH PAPERS ********************** McAfee, Inc. Q2 Threat Report Reveals Malware at All Time High with 6 Million Malicious Files Found This Quarter, While Spam Hits a Plateau [news release] McAfee, Inc. today unveiled its McAfee Threats Report: Second Quarter 2010, which uncovered that malware has reached its highest levels, making the first six months of 2010 the most active half-year ever for total malware production. At the same time, spam leveled out with only 2.5 percent growth from Q1 2010. http://newsroom.mcafee.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=3675 Critical Infrastructure in the Age of Cyber-war In most developed countries, critical infrastructure is connected to the Internet and can lack proper security functions, leaving these installations vulnerable to attacks. Without the appropriate protection combined with the current lack of preparedness, an attack on these infrastructures would be detrimental and will cause more destruction than any previous cyber attacks. In the crossfire ? Critical Infrastructure in the Age of Cyber-War analyses these trends and issues, and provides a global report on the threats and issues facing companies and governments providing critical infrastructure. http://newsroom.mcafee.com/images/10039/In the Crossfire_CIP report.pdf [full report] http://newsroom.mcafee.com/images/10039/CIP Executive Summary.pdf [executive summary] Home Broadband 2010: US Growth Slows Dramatically Overview: The adoption of broadband internet access slowed dramatically over the last year. Two-thirds of American adults (66%) now have a broadband internet connection at home, a figure that is little changed from the 63% with a high-speed home connection at a similar point in 2009. http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2010/Home-Broadband-2010.aspx The Impact of the Commercial World on Children's Wellbeing: Report of an Independent Assessment In The Children's Plan the DCSF gave a commitment to commission an independent review of the impact of the commercial world on children's wellbeing. That assessment, conducted by Professor David Buckingham and a panel of experts, is now complete and this report presents their findings. http://publications.education.gov.uk/default.aspx?PageFunction=productdetails&PageMode=publications&ProductId=DCSF-00669-2009 ********************** INTERNET USE ********************** Behavior: Internet Use Tied to Depression in Youths A large Chinese study suggests that otherwise healthy teenagers are much more vulnerable to depression if they spend too much time on the Internet. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/10/health/research/10beha.html 4chan users seize Internet's power for mass disruptions One morning in June, Google's list of the top global searches began to fill up with random words: "fried chicken," "comic book stores," "gyms." Before anyone could stop it, a racial slur jumped to the No. 1 spot. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/09/AR2010080906102.html Tech Savvy Moms, Setting Rules Much has been said about the downside of technology. It isolates family members from each other emotionally and physically. It keeps kids glued to chairs instead of running around in the fresh air. It shortens attention spans. It puts kids at risk for danger online. http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/09/tech-savvy-moms-setting-rules/ au: Helping kids who play computer games to be active [news release] CSIRO has developed computer software that aims to encourage children to be more active when playing computer games. http://www.csiro.au/news/Computer-games-for-active-kids.html Survey: Broadband growth slowing in the US [IDG] Broadband adoption in the U.S. grew by 5% over the past year, the smallest increase since 2004, according to a survey that's widely recognized as an authority on broadband use in the country. http://www.networkworld.com/news/2010/081110-survey-broadband-growth-slowing-in.html http://www.pcworld.com/article/203063/.html In U.S., many don't want gov't to push fast Internet The majority of Americans do not favour making affordable high-speed Internet access a government priority, according to a study released by the Pew Internet & American Life Project on Wednesday. http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-50786320100811 ********************** SOCIAL NETWORKING ********************** Hugo Ch?vez's Twitter habit proves a popular success It is known mainly for transmitting celebrity trivia and narcissism, but in the hands of Hugo Ch?vez Twitter has become something else: a tool of government. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/aug/10/hugo-chavez-twitter-venezuela Britons worry about over-sharing location from mobiles, study finds More than half of people with geolocation-capable mobile devices worry about "loss of privacy" from using their location-sharing features, a survey has found - even though location-sharing apps such as FourSquare and Gowalla have millions of users checking in every day. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/blog/2010/jul/12/geolocation-foursquare-gowalla-privacy-concerns ********************** NEW TECHNOLOGIES ********************** Apple's iPad bonanza triggers race to launch copycat tablets Last week, Microsoft released tantalising pictures of its latest device which got bloggers talking about a tablet. The division of Microsoft behind the account, however, makes keyboards, webcams and mice so it's more likely that the flat matt black device in the photos is Microsoft's rival to Apple's recently announced trackpad. http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/aug/11/apple-ipad-microsoft-clones iPad may be a 'game changer', but competitors are up to this game When Rupert Murdoch announced last week that Apple's iPad was a "game changer" and would lead to hundreds of millions of so-called tablet computers being sold globally it was not just the media world that nodded sagely in agreement. The technology industry is also gearing up for a world in which the desktop PC, laptop computer and smartphone are joined by a fourth member of the home computing family. http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/aug/11/ipad-competitors-in-wings ************************************************ CHILD PROTECTION, FILTERING & CONTENT REGULATION ************************************************ au: Telstra and Optus to start 'clean feed' to block child pornography web pages ABOUT 5 million internet users in Australia will start receiving a "clean feed" mid next year that will automatically block some web pages. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/telstra-and-optus-to-start-clean-feed-to-block-child-pornography-web-pages/story-e6frgakx-1225903166489 au: $90m for filters, cyber safety: Coalition THE Coalition will allocate $90 million for PC-based filters to block internet nasties and boost cyber-safety education. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/coalition-to-introduce-pc-based-internet-filters/story-fn59niix-1225903465174 Coalition to spend $90 million on PC-based content filtering and cyber-safety program A Coalition Government will spend $90 million on PC-based Internet filtering software and the expansion of Australian Communication and Media Authority?s (ACMA) cyber-safety outreach program. http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/356536/coalition_spend_90_million_pc-based_content_filtering_cyber-safety_program/ Coalition announced additional $10.5 million to spend on cyber-safety The Coalition has announced it will spend $10.5 million on a National Cyberbullying Taskforce as part of its wider cyber-safety policy. http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/356726/coalition_announced_additional_10_5_million_spend_cyber-safety/ Coalition to bring back NetAlert Coalition Communications spokesperson Tony Smith has announced that if a coalition government is elected on 21 August, the party would reintroduce the former Howard Government's NetAlert program in place of Labor's mandatory internet service provider (ISP) level filter policy. http://www.zdnet.com.au/coalition-to-bring-back-netalert-339305125.htm au: Think-tank for families of trans youth Respected Sydney LGBT youth organisation Twenty10 hopes an upcoming seminar will help support families of trans and intersex youth. http://www.samesame.com.au/news/local/5741/Think-tank-for-families-of-trans-youth.htm Craigslist is hub for child prostitution, allege trafficked women The online classified advertising site, Craigslist, is facing accusations that it has become a hub for underage prostitution after two young women placed an advertisement in the Washington Post saying they were repeatedly sold through the site to men who "paid to rape" them. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/aug/08/craigslist-underage-prostitution-allegations Sex-trafficking opponents fight Craigslist's 'adult services' ads ... Newmark is the founder of the worldwide online bazaar Craigslist. MC is a 17-year-old girl who says she was repeatedly sold for sex through ads on Craigslist. In open letters published as newspaper ads, she has beseeched Newmark to shut down the site's lucrative "adult services" section, which law-enforcement officials and advocates say facilitates prostitution and child trafficking. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/06/AR2010080606376.html Craigslist responds to 'prostitution' claims Online marketplace Craigslist has responded to an open letter claiming the site helps promote prostitution. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-10914334 nz: TV internet debate will canvass many issues A panel discussion on a range of internet safety and security topics will be broadcast tonight live on TVNZ 7 and streamed over the internet. The event is organised by TVNZ 7 in cooperation with Netsafe and InternetNZ. http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/news/tv-internet-debate-will-canvass-many-issues Too young for Facebook, cellphones? [The Press] Ask an expert when children should get access to technology and the loudest answer is: It depends on the maturity of the child and what they've been taught about how to safely use those technologies. http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/lifestyle/4007092/How-young-is-too-young http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/digital-living/4007782/Too-young-for-Facebook-cellphones http://updatednews.ca/?p=31763 uk: Online safety: Facebook, the Grid project and the 'panic button' myth For a while, it seemed as if the ongoing debate about online safety, and all the expertise engaged with that, was obscured by simplified 'panic button' coverage in the spat between Facebook and Ceop, the Child Explotation and Online Protection centre. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/pda/2010/aug/09/fosi-grid-facebook-ceop uk: Facebook vows new security measures to combat alarming 'trolling' abuse trend Facebook, the social networking site, has pledged to develop new security measures to combat a growing surge in cyber bullying and abuse of strangers. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/facebook/7939721/Facebook-vows-new-security-measures-to-combat-alarming-trolling-abuse-trend.html Banning porn sites ?virtually impossible? for Indonesian government The only thing the government must learn from its attempt to block all pornographic websites is that it is virtually impossible and could misfire, an Internet providers association says. http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2010/08/12/banning-porn-sites-?virtually-impossible?.html ********************** MOBILE/WIRELESS ********************** Spies, secrets and smart-phones Some sort of a deal seems to have been thrashed out over the weekend, according to reports from Saudi Arabia, under which its spooks will be able to snoop to their heart's content on messages sent over BlackBerrys within the kingdom. All last week, as it negotiated with the Saudi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Indian authorities over their demands for monitoring, the smart-phones' Canadian maker, Research In Motion (RIM), was dodging journalists' demands for proper explanations about what exactly is negotiable about the phones' security. The Economist asked five times in four days for an interview, and got nowhere. Other news organisations had a similar experience. http://www.economist.com/blogs/babbage/2010/08/blackberrys_and_encryption BlackBerry Security Stance Sows Anxiety The 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai heightened concerns in India over the government?s inability to eavesdrop on encrypted communications. In the United Arab Emirates, similar concerns escalated this year after a Palestinian operative was killed in a hotel in Dubai, possibly by a team from the Mossad, the Israeli intelligence agency. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/09/technology/09rim.html Saudis Relent a Bit on Shutting Down BlackBerry The Saudi government backed away Tuesday from a threat to shut down the BlackBerry corporate messenger service in the country, citing progress in talks with operators and the maker of the device, Research In Motion, over the ability to monitor encrypted messages for national security reasons. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/11/technology/11rim.html India steps up demands for BlackBerry access Indian demands are giving a new headache to BlackBerry maker Research in Motion after New Delhi threatened a shutdown that could affect one million of the smartphone's 41 million users. http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE67A10I20100811 http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-50769620100811 BlackBerry ban lifted in Saudi Arabia The threat of a ban on certain BlackBerry functions has been temporarily lifted in Saudi Arabia, a government regulator revealed today. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/aug/10/blackberry-saudi-arabia-ban-lifted BlackBerry gets reprieve as Saudi praises progress BlackBerry maker Research In Motion on Tuesday won a reprieve from a threatened ban on its Messenger texting service as Saudi Arabia said progress was being made on addressing its concerns. http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-50741020100810 RIM to share some BlackBerry codes with Saudis - source Research In Motion has agreed to hand over user codes that would let Saudi authorities monitor its BlackBerry Messenger, as it seeks to stop the kingdom from silencing the service, a source close to the talks said on Tuesday. http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE6793JB20100811 http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE6793JB20100810 Saudi Arabia fails to impose BlackBerry ban Saudi Arabia?s three mobile network operators were awaiting instructions on Monday from the kingdom?s telecommunications regulator agency on whether to shut off Research in Motion?s BlackBerry instant messaging service, which the authorities wish to access and monitor. http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/1de0b9e6-a3c3-11df-a100-00144feabdc0.html BlackBerry users guessing in Saudi, assured in Oman BlackBerry users in Saudi Arabia were left guessing for a second time in a week on Tuesday after a deadline to address security concerns about encryption lapsed, but service continued normally. http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE6784XD20100809 http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-50733920100809 Google and Apple prepare for mobile advertising battle British mobile users will soon find themselves embroiled in the epic confrontation taking shape between Apple and Google. iAds, Apple's bid to run advertisements inside apps, is expected to make its UK debut in September. Separately, Google has adopted what its chief executive, Eric Schmidt, calls a "mobile first" approach, prioritising investment in a medium that has become "fundamental to everything we do". http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2010/aug/09/apple-google-mobile-advertising Smartphone security put on test BBC News has shown how straightforward it is to create a malicious application for a smartphone. Over a few weeks, the BBC put together a crude game for a smartphone that also spied on the owner of the handset. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-10912376 iPhone meat market sparks gay sex revolution A location-aware iPhone app has spawned a sexual revolution in Australia's gay community by providing what is effectively a meat market enabling people to meet other gay men who may be just metres away from them. http://www.theage.com.au/digital-life/smartphone-apps/iphone-meat-market-sparks-gay-sex-revolution-20100810-11w15.html http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/smartphone-apps/iphone-meat-market-sparks-gay-sex-revolution-20100810-11w15.html http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/gadgets/4009242/Gaydar-now-on-your-iPhone German ministers told to avoid BlackBerrys, iPhones [AFP] The German government said Monday ministers and senior civil servants have been told not to use iPhone and BlackBerry mobile devices as the interior minister warned a "dramatic" rise in cyber attacks. http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-technology/german-ministers-told-to-avoid-blackberrys-iphones-20100810-11ued.html http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/mobiles/german-ministers-told-to-avoid-blackberrys-iphones-20100810-11uo9.html Malware Infection Hits Russian Android Phones The adage ?Be careful what you wish for? has a modern-day counterpart: ?Be careful what you download.? Especially on your mobile phone. http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/10/malware-infection-hits-russian-android-phones/ Virus writers hit Google Android phones A malicious application that can steal cash via phones running Google's Android operating system has been found. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-10928070 ************************** ONLINE CRIME, SECURITY & LEGAL ************************** McAfee says malware threat at a new high McAfee Inc, the No. 2 security software maker, said production of software code known as malware, which can harm computers and steal user passwords, reached a new high in the first six months of 2010. http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE67910D20100810 http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-50742320100810 Country-to-country cyberattacks deemed OK by users An alarming 63 percent of computer users deem country-to-country cyber-espionage to be an acceptable act, according to a new report by security vendor Sophos. http://www.zdnetasia.com/country-to-country-cyberattacks-deemed-ok-by-users-62202005.htm http://www.zdnet.com.au/inter-country-cyber-espionage-ok-users-339305167.htm McAfee Says Security Industry Failing On Cybercrime Antivirus vendor McAfee has called on security researchers and the security industry at large to go on the offensive against criminals and pursue "a more proactive strategy for fighting cybercrime." ... The company also called on ICANN, the not-for-profit organization that coordinates the Internet's naming system, to "take a stronger stance against cybercrime," especially since it's the body that "accredits the registrants that sell the domains which cybercriminals use to host malicious sites." http://www.informationweek.com/news/security/management/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=226600352 Nighthawk Energy and Nostra Terra oust names of damaging postings on web forums Two Aim-listed oil firms have won court orders to uncover the identity of individuals they claim are posting damaging rumours anonymously on online investor bulletin boards. http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/aug/09/oil-firms-oust-names-investor-forums Oil explorers cry foul over chat rooms [The Times] Two listed oil explorers are threatening to take legal action against users of stockmarket chat rooms. The companies accuse some users of the chat rooms of spreading malicious falsehoods in an attempt to drag down share prices. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/markets/oil-explorers-cry-foul-over-chat-rooms/story-e6frg91o-1225903247872 Rupert Murdoch claims to own the 'Sky' in 'Skype' Rupert Murdoch?s BSkyB is fighting a legal battle with the internet telecommunications pioneer Skype, claiming that it owns the ?Sky? in ?Skype?. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/online/murdoch-claims-to-own-the-sky-in-skype-2048607.html Skype in dispute with BSkyB over similarities in branding and logo BSkyB is taking legal action against internet phone company Skype, claiming it owns the rights to the "Sky" part of its name, it has emerged. http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/aug/10/skype-dispute-bskyb-branding-sky Skype faces trade mark challenges from Sky owner Broadcaster BSkyB has won an initial battle to stop internet phone company Skype from registering its name as an EU-wide trade mark, Skype has said. It has pledged to appeal the ruling. http://out-law.com/page-11297 Agencies could be prone to new kind of sophisticated cyberattack Federal computer networks are vulnerable to the same type of sophisticated cyberattack that recently cost a global bank more than $1 million in a month, according to a security company official. http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20100810_7392.php Targeted Attack Nets 3,000 Online Banking Customers Some 3,000 consumer and commercial online banking customers of one of the world's largest financial institutions have been hit by a targeted attack that combined drive-by exploits, the Zeus Trojan, a botnet, and hijacking of banking sessions to steal more than $1 million from the victims since early July. Law enforcement is now investigating the attack, which remains under way, according to the researchers who discovered it. http://www.darkreading.com/smb-security/security/attacks/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=226600381 New trojan virus targets online bank accounts Online banking customers are being targeted by international cyber criminals who are using a new version of the trojan virus. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/industry-sectors/new-trojan-virus-targets-online-bank-accounts/story-e6frg96f-1225903750683 nz: Don't be sucked in by cold caller [news release] Internal Affairs Anti-Spam Compliance unit is warning the public to beware of a cold caller who suggests there is a problem with their computer and that he can help. The call is believed to come from within New Zealand. http://www.dia.govt.nz/press.nsf/d77da9b523f12931cc256ac5000d19b6/860ca2383efd84dfcc25777b00148deb http://www.voxy.co.nz/national/don039t-be-conned-cold-caller-warns-internal-affairs/5/58241 Internal Affairs: Beware of cold caller PC scam Internal Affairs Anti-Spam Compliance unit has warned the public to be on the lookout for cold caller who is going round saying there?s a problem with your computer and that he can fix it. Obviously he?s not going to fix it. http://www.techday.co.nz/netguide/news/internal-affairs-beware-of-cold-caller-pc-sca/17329/1/ nz: Scammers remotely control victims' computers A Dunedin person was among South Islanders encouraged by a cold-calling international scammer to log on to a website then used to remotely control their computers. http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/120343/scammers-remotely-control-victims-computers au: ISP Code of Practice to improve cybersecurity The Internet Industry Association (IIA) has issued a Code of Practice, known as icode, which provides recommendations on how Internet Service Providers (ISPs) can improve their cybersecurity practices. The move comes after a Government announcement on 9 July 2010 that filtering legislation will be deferred until after a review of the ?Refused Classification? category next year. http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=76c1a1d2-24eb-42e7-b3de-a80df8cc2eac ************************** PRIVACY ************************** Google Agonizes on Privacy as Ad World Vaults Ahead A confidential, seven-page Google Inc. "vision statement" shows the information-age giant in a deep round of soul-searching over a basic question: How far should it go in profiting from its crown jewels?the vast trove of data it possesses about people's activities? http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703309704575413553851854026.html http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/news/google-agonises-on-privacy-as-rivals-emerge/story-e6frg90x-1225903397740 Google offices raided by Korean police A police statement said they suspected Google has been collecting and storing data on "unspecified internet users from wi-fi networks". http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-10924682 Google under probe in S.Korea over data collection South Korean police raided Google Inc's Seoul office on Tuesday, the latest in a series of legal challenges the company is facing because of data collected by its controversial fleet of "Street View" cars. http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-50742620100810 South Korea raids Google over Street View South Korean police raided Google's offices Tuesday to see whether the company broke local laws by collecting user data in kicking off its Street View service in the country. http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-20013156-83.html South Korean police raid Google's office over Street View [IDG] South Korean police on Tuesday raided Google offices in an investigation of the company's Street View mapping project, the latest instance of a country scrutinizing the company's collection of Wi-Fi data http://www.networkworld.com/news/2010/081010-south-korean-police-raid-googles.html Google Prepares Street View Launch in Germany Despite criticism of the project over the past three years, Google says it is moving forward with the launch of its controversial Street View service in Germany. Although the company hasn't given a launch date, it is starting a registration process for residents in Germany who wish to have their homes or property blurred out. http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,711090,00.html Germany to keep close eye on Google 'Street View' The German government said on Wednesday it will scrutinise Google's promise to respect privacy requests by letting people opt out of its "Street View" mapping system and that it would be ready to intervene if necessary. http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-50780020100811 ************************** GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC POLICY ************************** Google, Verizon propose net neutrality rules Google Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc. reached an agreement Monday on how the Internet should be regulated, but it was very different from the controversial pact that was expected. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-google-verizon-20100810,0,7352697.story Google and Verizon's vision for open internet Google and Verizon have joined forces to present their vision of an open internet after closed-door meetings held by regulators stalled. Both champion strict enforcement of a transparent and open wireline broadband service but suggest loopholes for wireless. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-10920871 Web Plan From Google and Verizon Is Criticized Google and Verizon on Monday introduced a proposal for how Internet service should be regulated ? and were immediately criticized by groups that favor keeping the network as open as possible. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/10/technology/10net.html Google's deal on equal Internet access opens door to new clout Google has long presented itself as looking out for the little guy. It easily could have used its wealth and power to gain preferential treatment from Internet providers but always said it would not because that could prevent the next start-up in a Silicon Valley garage from enjoying similar success. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/09/AR2010080906123.html Facebook Breaks With Google on Net Neutrality When Google teamed up with Verizon on Monday to announce a set of proposed rules to govern Internet access, Google?s former allies in the years-long campaign for net neutrality were among its most vocal critics. http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/11/facebook-breaks-with-google-on-net-neutrality/ Web Plan Is Dividing Companies In an emerging battle over regulating Internet access, companies are taking sides. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/12/technology/12net.html ANALYSIS - Google-Verizon model could pinch Hollywood Hollywood players increasingly looking at wireless devices as mini-theaters could be pinched by the policing of Internet traffic as proposed by Verizon and Google. http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-50786820100811 Industry split over net neutrality Google?s compromise with Verizon over so-called net neutrality rules for the handling of online traffic has split the internet industry, with a handful of the most important players on the web coming out against the plan. http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/5eb2e902-a59f-11df-a5b7-00144feabdc0.html Google-Verizon Net Neutrality Critics Pile On Criticism continues to build against Google and Verizon's net neutrality proposal as interest groups, bloggers, and even Google fanboys start discrediting the plan. At issue is the idea that broadband carriers would be free to create a two-tiered Internet. First, there would be the normal Internet we have today where current websites and services already reside. A so-called private Internet would also exist. Basically, this would be a second broadband platform where carriers could provide "additional, differentiated online services" such as medical monitoring services, educational tools and entertainment. http://www.pcworld.com/article/203058/.html Google and Verizon offer give and take over net neutrality After last week's excitement ? when the New York Times boldly but inaccurately claimed that Google and Verizon were cutting a sweetheart deal over internet traffic ? the truth has turned out to be less dramatic but potentially more worrying for US consumers and net users. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/richard-adams-blog/2010/aug/10/google-verizon-net-neutrality What Matters in Net Neutrality by Jonathan Zittrain It's hard to know what to make of the Google/Verizon deal since until earlier today both companies have denied that there is one. And it's hard to argue about net neutrality because it means so many different things to different people. I've got lots of reading to do to catch up on the newly released set of principles from the companies, but in the meantime here are a few thoughts on the topic. http://futureoftheinternet.org/what-matters-in-net-neutrality Google and Verizon unveil web plan Google and Verizon walked into a barrage of opposition from public interest groups in Washington on Monday as they formally announced a joint proposal for how traffic on the internet should be regulated. http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/8a51ac88-a405-11df-a872-00144feabdc0.html Net neutrality crusaders slam Verizon, Google Net neutrality supporters say they're unhappy that the Verizon Communications and Google proposal for new Net neutrality rules does not go far enough. http://news.cnet.com/8301-30686_3-20013118-266.html Google, Verizon make net neutrality proposal [IDG] Google and Verizon Communications have released a proposal that would give the U.S. Federal Communications Commission limited power to enforce network neutrality rules, including levying fines up to US$2 million for violations by broadband providers. http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/356340/google_verizon_make_net_neutrality_proposal/ http://www.networkworld.com/news/2010/080910-google-verizon-make-net-neutrality.html Verizon and Google propose Web traffic rules Verizon Communications Inc and Google Inc on Monday proposed principles for policing Web traffic, but stopped short of saying they should apply to wireless devices. http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE67849S20100809 http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-50730320100809 Google and Verizon Defend Net Neutrality Proposal Google and Verizon, following release of their joint proposal on Internet regulation today, pushed back against critics who said the plan would undermine the integrity of an open Internet. But at least one member of the House Energy and Commerce Communications Subcommittee was not convinced, CongressDaily reported. http://techdailydose.nationaljournal.com/2010/08/google-and-verizon-defend-net.php Don't Be Evil Google With reports of a forthcoming deal between Google and Verizon on Internet traffic management, public interest and political groups are fighting back with a campaign to protect the openness of the Internet. http://techdailydose.nationaljournal.com/2010/08/dont-be-evil-google.php au: Big gig: NBN to be 10 times faster Labor says its National Broadband Network will deliver internet speeds 10 times faster than first thought, at 1 gigabit per second. http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/08/12/2980752.htm Labor promises 'turbo' broadband, 10 times faster than originally envisaged [AAP] Labor says its national broadband network will be able to provide speeds of one gigabit per second, 10 times faster than originally envisaged. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/labor-promises-turbo-broadband-10-times-faster-than-originally-envisaged/story-fn59niix-1225904268753 NBN download boost ups ante in web war The National Broadband Network will today unveil plans to boost download speeds on the nationwide fibre network by a factor of 10. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/nbn-download-boost-ups-ante-in-web-war/story-fn59niix-1225904128498 NBN to announce huge increase in speed The national broadband network will enable speeds of one gigabit per second on its fibre optic network, 100 times faster than originally planned, the company building the network will announce today. http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/nbn-to-announce-huge-increase-in-speed-20100812-1205s.html http://www.theage.com.au/national/broadband-network-vows-to-deliver-an-even-faster-future-20100811-11ztb.html Australia's Coalition broadband plan to 'leave us in backwater' The Coalition's broadband policy would rob Australia of the chance to lift itself out of the broadband backwater, industry experts say. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/industry-sectors/coalition-plan-to-leave-us-in-backwater/story-e6frg9hx-1225903658119 No cheaper rates in Abbott internet plan The Coalition's $6.31 billion broadband plan will not lead to cheaper internet rates for consumers, analysts say. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/no-cheaper-rates-in-abbott-internet-plan/story-fn59niix-1225903665527 Abbott's online understanding looks papyrus thin Broadband is one of the fascinating issues of this campaign. The Coalition wants it to be about economics. The Government wants it to be about old versus new. http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/08/11/2979972.htm Abbott relies on private sector for high-speed broadband The Coalition will rely on the private sector to offer high-speed broadband to 97 per cent of the population by 2016, two years ahead of Labor's plan. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/abbotts-broadband-lite-plan-no-game-changer/story-fn59niix-1225903503971 au: ICT Policy Forum Breakdown The National Broadband Network (NBN) is a key point of difference between the parties in a tight election race. Yesterday, the Coalition finally released details regarding its broadband plan. To make things interesting the Stephen Conroy, Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Tony Smith MP, Shadow Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy and Senator Scott Ludlam, Greens ICT spokesperson went head-to-head in the ICT Policy Forum Technology entitled Powering our Economic Future hosted by the Australian Computer Society. The Forum saw each party flesh out details regarding their respective ICT policies and dish some dirt on their opponent's policies. The Maddocks' NBN team spent their lunch break watching the Forum and dissecting the key differences. http://www.maddocks.com.au/uploads/articles/ict-policy-forum-breakdown-update-august-2010.pdf nz: TVNZ7 internet debate fails to catch fire Opposition ICT spokesperson Clare Curran MP has called for a New Zealand Computer Emergency Response Team (NZCERT) as a computer equivalent of civil defence and emergency management functions in the physical world. http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/news/tvnz7-internet-debate-fails-to-catch-fire nz: Joyce declines to release UFB document Communications Minister Steven Joyce says he is unable to release the Cabinet paper that sanctioned the Government's $1.35 billion ultrafast broadband investment initiative as some of the information it contains may be misconstrued to indicate bias on the part of the Government. http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/news/cabinet-paper-on-ufb-will-not-be-released-joyce New Zealand Authors Group Wants ISP P2P Tax Society of Authors chief executive Maggie Tarver compares the proposal to the licensing regime already in place for photocopiers whereby the institution in which they?re located pay a fee so that users can photocopy copyrighted material. Says the plan will ensure copyright holders are also compensated for illegal file-sharing that goes undetected. http://www.zeropaid.com/news/90217/new-zealand-authors-group-wants-isp-p2p-tax/ Asia's Telecom Market Seems Closed France Telecom Chairman Didier Lombard describes how Asian telecommunications companies are a force to be reckoned with: Steve Forbes: What differences do you see between telecom in the U.S. and in Europe, France and Europe? You mentioned net neutrality's just beginning to rear its ugly head there; we've had it for a while. Do you see other differences between the two continents? http://www.forbes.com/2010/08/09/france-telecom-lombard-intelligent-investing-asia.html Is telecom innovation at risk? Venture capital support for telecom vendors has fallen steadily in the last few years, from $1.82 billion for the four quarters ended 3Q08 to just $1.18 billion in the 2Q09-1Q10 period. Simultaneously, hard-bargaining carriers and aggressive Chinese vendors threaten to force the major vendors to spend less on R&D to compete. The result could be slower introduction of new technologies, less differentiation in product areas and reduced potential for M&A activity. http://www.telecomasia.net/content/telecom-innovation-risk us: ITIF: Reclassification of Broadband Not Necessary In comments filed with the FCC on Tuesday, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation argued that subjecting broadband to regulations designed for telecommunications is not necessary at present time. http://techdailydose.nationaljournal.com/2010/08/itif-reclassification-of-broad.php ********************************* MISCELLANEOUS ********************************* Skype plans to raise $100m in New York flotation The internet phone service Skype plans to raise up to $100m (?65m) through a Wall Street flotation, although the company's prospectus revealed today that the firm is facing a potentially embarrassing investigation by US authorities for alleged sanctions-busting in Iran. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/aug/09/skype-plans-new-york-flotation Skype, Going Public, Hopes for $100 Million From First Offering Skype, the popular Internet telephone service, said Monday that it hoped to raise $100 million in an initial public offering of stock. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/10/technology/10skype.html NZ tech leaders 'at tipping point' As it often does in transtasman encounters, the conversation turns to the rugby. The Australians at the table don't really want to discuss the topic, so I suggest the game is more watchable this year. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/technology/news/article.cfm?c_id=5&objectid=10665057 ********************** TELECOMMUNICATIONS ********************** Verizon LTE plans leaked: Carrier aims for 75% LTE coverage by April 2012 The Boy Genius Report has apparently obtained Verizon's roadmap for deployment of its 4G LTE services, which are slated to cover 75% of the United States by April 2012. http://www.networkworld.com/news/2010/080910-verizon-lte-plans-leaked.html British broadband target put back to 2015 The battle to close Britain's broadband divide suffered a blow today when the government pushed back the UK's target for universal access to high-speed networks by three years. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/jul/15/fast-broadband-target-put-back 'WiMAX 2' set to be finalized in November While LTE starts rolling out from major U.S. carriers in 2011, the WiMAX Forum is hoping to have the so-called WiMAX 2 standard up and ready to go by the start of 2012. http://www.networkworld.com/news/2010/081110-wimax2.html http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/356692/_wimax_2_set_finalized_november/ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ (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 Wed Aug 11 2010 - 22:03:06 UTC
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