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 *************************************************** ICANN Leaders Say Internet Community Will Support June Launch of New Generic Top Level Domains - CEO and Board Chair Wrap-up Historic San Francisco Meeting http://icann.org/en/news/releases/release-21mar11-en.pdf Interest in .XXX Grows With Over 300,000 Pre-Registrations http://goldsteinreport.com/article.php?article=14074 .XXX Spells End For ICANN Says Australian Sex Party http://goldsteinreport.com/article.php?article=14078 'Serious' cyber attack on EU bodies before summit http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12840941 CDT Warns Against Widespread Use of Domain-Name Tactics To Enforce Copyright http://cdt.org/policy/cdt-warns-against-widespread-use-domain-name-tactics-enforce-copyright Avid Life Media, Inc. v. Melody Carstairs - Case No. DAU2011-0001 http://www.wipo.int/amc/en/domains/search/text.jsp?case=DAU2011-0001 GM Holden Ltd v. Publishing Australia Pty Ltd http://www.wipo.int/amc/en/domains/search/text.jsp?case=DAU2011-0002 ********************** DOMAIN NAMES ********************** ********************** - ICANN ********************** ICANN Leaders Say Internet Community Will Support June Launch of New Generic Top Level Domains - CEO and Board Chair Wrap-up Historic San Francisco Meeting Peter Dengate Thrush, Chairman of the Board of Directors of ICANN, said a June 20 launch date for expansion the Internet?s gTLDs, beyond the familiar ones, such as .com, .net and .edu, will receive broad backing from the Internet community. http://icann.org/en/news/releases/release-21mar11-en.pdf Community Comment Opportunity Extended on: Proposed "Process for Recognition of New GNSO Constituencies" The ICANN Board is working to improve the process for evaluating new GNSO Constituency proposals by streamlining the procedures and according a larger role to community Stakeholder Groups. At the direction of the Board, ICANN Staff opened a 30-day public consultation forum, from 2 February through 4 March 2011. http://icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-20mar11-en.htm ICANN and the GAC - Lessons Learned Since Cartagena by R. Shawn Gunnarson Experience is the best teacher. In the interest of capturing lessons learned (and avoiding the repetition of hard experiences needlessly), it is worth highlighting what the interactions between the ICANN Board and the Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) since Cartagena have taught. http://www.circleid.com/posts/icann_and_the_gac_lessons_learned_since_cartage/ Bill Clinton Busts Hotel Workers? Boycott You would think former President Bill Clinton would have more sense than to bust a boycott at the Westin St. Francis, one of the swankest hotels in San Francisco. http://open.salon.com/blog/marc_norton/2011/03/21/bill_clinton_busts_hotel_workers_boycott ********************** - ccTLD & gTLD NEWS ********************** OpenRegistry to operate the .SX country code Top Level Domain At ICANN?s 40th meeting, OpenRegistry and SX Registry SA announce they have entered into an exclusive agreement with the government of the autonomous territory of Sint Maarten to manage and operate its .SX ccTLD. http://openregistry.com/openregistry-operate-sx-country-code-top-level-domain Interest in .XXX Grows With Over 300,000 Pre-Registrations With .XXX almost a certainty to come to life in the next few months, the registry must be happy with the interest in the new TLD. As of today there are almost 310,000 .XXX domains pre-registered despite opposition from the adult entertainment industry. http://goldsteinreport.com/article.php?article=14074 http://www.domainpulse.com/2011/03/21/interest-in-xxx-grows-with-over-300000-pre-registrations/ .XXX Spells End For ICANN Says Australian Sex Party ICANN's approval of the .XXX sponsored TLD last Friday spells the beginning of the end for it and their system of apportioning domain names and numbers says the Australian Sex Party, a fledgling political party down under dealing with sexual, moral and censorship issues. http://goldsteinreport.com/article.php?article=14078 http://www.domainpulse.com/2011/03/22/xxx-spells-end-for-icann-says-australian-sex-party/ http://domainnews.com/en/xxx-spells-end-for-icann-says-australian-sex-party.html New .XXX Domain Represents Huge Censorship Push [news release] The world has a new place to park porn on the world wide web. And according to the Australian Sex Party, the new .XXX domain which was approved by ICANN on Friday, spells the beginning of the end for that organisation and their system of apportioning domain names and numbers. http://www.sexparty.org.au/index.php/news/media-releases/1033-new-xxx-domain-represents-huge-censorship-push Brand owners brace for potential launch of a .xxx domain registry The January 2011 issue of Mass Media Headlines addressed the likely release in late 2011 or 2012 of customized gTLDs such as .eco, .movie, .wine, .film, .radio, .brand and many more. Recent public comments by the Chair of ICANN suggest that the new gTLD application process may be delayed slightly, but most observers believe that ICANN is determined to open the application process prior to the end of 2011. http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=ac1d907a-2d03-4a43-8b36-09e44a3995e5 ********************** - NEW TLDS ********************** ICANN Aims For June Launch of New gTLDs ICANN has announced they believe they will garner support from the internet community and be in a position to launch the new gTLDs on 20 June at the beginning of their 41st public meeting to be held in Singapore. http://goldsteinreport.com/article.php?article=14079 http://www.domainpulse.com/2011/03/22/icann-aims-for-june-launch-of-new-gtlds/ http://domainnews.com/en/icann-aims-for-june-launch-of-new-gtlds.html AfTLD seeks mandate to manage .africa The African Top Level Domain Organization (AfTLD) has become the second organization seeking to manage the .africa domain, in a process that is likely to be lengthy. http://news.idg.no/cw/art.cfm?id=7EE38037-1A64-67EA-E40D279CF0653219 Canon?s sexy reason for .canon? Canon made headlines and gave a small amount of momentum to the idea of ?.brand? TLDs when it announced, a year ago, that it would apply to ICANN to manage .canon. http://domainincite.com/canons-sexy-reason-for-canon/ OpenRegistry.com announces its fully flexible and licensable new gTLD solution at ICANN 39 In a week that should be a milestone in the road towards new Internet extensions, OpenRegistry launched a complete Registry system at the 39th ICANN meeting. Created by a team with years of experience in the domain name market, this flexible solution offers an a la carte service to brand owners, communities, and registrars aiming to join the new TLDs era. http://openregistry.com/openregistrycom-announces-its-fully-flexible-and-licensable-new-gtld-solution-icann-39 ********************** - DNS SECURITY ********************** 'Serious' cyber attack on EU bodies before summit The EU has reported a "serious" cyber attack on the Commission and External Action Service on the eve of a summit in Brussels, a spokesman told the BBC. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12840941 EU victim of eve-of-summit cyber attack: official [AFP] Cyber-attackers hacked into the European Commission on Wednesday, hours from a sensitive summit of EU leaders debating the military campaign in Libya, the euro debt crisis and nuclear safety, officials said. http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-technology/eu-victim-of-eveofsummit-cyber-attack-official-20110324-1c73x.html http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-technology/eu-victim-of-eveofsummit-cyber-attack-official-20110324-1c73x.html DNSSEC Deployment Reaching Critical Mass by Ram Mohan Less than nine months after the DNS root was signed, the rollout of DNSSEC across the Internet's TLD is approaching the tipping point. Thanks to the combined efforts of registries around the world, the new security protocol will soon be available to the majority of domain name registrants in almost a quarter of all TLDs. http://www.circleid.com/posts/20110321_dnssec_deployment_reaching_critical_mass/ GoDaddy: We're ready to secure .com names with DNSSEC With more than 47 million domain names under management, GoDaddy has a huge DNS infrastructure that it has upgraded to support the emerging Internet security standard known as DNSSEC for DNS Security Extensions. http://www.networkworld.com/news/2011/032311-godaddy-dnssec.html ********************** - DOMAIN DISPUTES ********************** CDT Warns Against Widespread Use of Domain-Name Tactics To Enforce Copyright A major current topic in the online copyright debate is what to do about "rogue websites" ? that is, websites that exist for the purpose of enabling illegal activity, especially copyright infringement and counterfeiting. One prominent idea lately is to have law enforcement authorities seize or block the domain names of such websites. http://cdt.org/policy/cdt-warns-against-widespread-use-domain-name-tactics-enforce-copyright Cybersquatting Update: New Protections For Brand Owners Brand owners have recently been given new weapons in the never-ending battle against cybersquatters. One court expanded the scope of brand owner enforcement by ordering what amounts to a self-policing mechanism. Another court refused to dismiss a "contributory cybersquatting" claim thus giving credence to a new cause of action. These decisions, described briefly below, reflect a new trend favoring brand owners and should be of great value in enforcement proceedings. http://www.mondaq.com/unitedstates/article.asp?articleid=126742 Avid Life Media, Inc. v. Melody Carstairs - Case No. DAU2011-0001 1. The Parties: The Complainant is Avid Life Media, Inc. (being the parent company or Cougar Life Inc.) of Ontario, Canada, represented by SafeNames Ltd., United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Respondent is Melody Carstairs of Victoria, Australia. 2. The Domain Name and Registrar: The disputed domain name <cougarlife.com.au> (?the Domain Name?) is registered with TPP Domains Pty Ltd. dba TPP Internet (?the Registrar?). ... 7. Decision: For all the foregoing reasons, in accordance with paragraphs 4(i) of the Policy and 15 of the Rules, the Panel orders that the domain name <cougarlife.com.au> be transferred to the Complainant upon the Registrar (or Registry for .au, being the Australian Domain Name Administrator (AUDA)) being satisfied of the Complainant?s eligibility under any relevant eligibility criteria for .au domain names. If the Complainant?s eligibility be not so established, the Panel orders that the domain name <cougarlife.com.au> be transferred to Cougar Life Inc. upon the Registrar being satisfied of that company?s eligibility under any relevant .au eligibility criteria. If Cougar Life Inc.?s eligibility be not so established, the Panel orders that the domain name <cougarlife.com.au> be cancelled. http://www.wipo.int/amc/en/domains/search/text.jsp?case=DAU2011-0001 GM Holden Ltd v. Publishing Australia Pty Ltd 1. The Parties: The Complainant is GM Holden Ltd. of Port Melbourne, Victoria, Australia represented by Piper Alderman, Australia. The Respondent is Publishing Australia Pty Ltd. of West Chatswood, New South Wales, Australia, represented by Cooper Mills Lawyers, Australia. 2. The Domain Name and Registrar: The disputed domain name <holdendiscounts.com.au> is registered with IntaServe. ... C. Registered or Subsequently Used in Bad Faith: Given the conclusion above regarding the Complainant?s failure to establish that the Respondent has no rights or legitimate interests in respect of the disputed domain name, it is not necessary for resolving the outcome of the Complaint to determine if the Respondent has registered or used the disputed domain name in bad faith. http://www.wipo.int/amc/en/domains/search/text.jsp?case=DAU2011-0002 ********************** - MISCELLANEOUS ********************** ICA Legal Counsel Phil Corwin Joins Forces With Noted Domain Attorney Stevan Lieberman at Greenberg & Lieberman + AfternicDLS Announced Major Expansion Washington, D.C. based firm Greenberg & Lieberman, LLC where noted domain attorney Stevan Lieberman has a thriving practice. Corwin has joined G&L in an Of Counsel capacity. http://dnjournal.com/archive/lowdown/2011/dailyposts/20110321.htm No excuse for not having a website If you've been procrastinating about setting up a website for your business you've now got no more excuses. Google has just launched a free service for small businesses that helps them set up a basic website in 15 minutes. http://www.smh.com.au/small-business/smallbiz-tech/no-excuse-for-not-having-a-website-20110324-1c7j7.html ********************** INTERNET USE ********************** New York Times's Online Pay Model Was Years in the Making At issue was the biggest strategic leap in a generation for the 159-year-old New York Times: would readers be willing to pay to read its journalism online? ... The risks were manifold. The company might jeopardize its huge online reach, and no one could predict what would happen to digital advertising, which had gone from being a drop in the bucket to more than a quarter of The New York Times Company?s overall advertising revenue. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/21/business/media/21times.html YouTube sensation fuelling trade in an endangered species They are the adorable, furry little creatures with the big round eyes who almost purr in delight as they are tickled into a stupor. They are also an endangered species whose stardom on YouTube is fuelling a trade built on cruelty and abuse. http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/youtube-sensation-fuelling-trade-in-an-endangered-species-2248930.html Millions download latest Firefox browser More than five million people have downloaded the latest version of Firefox since its release a day ago. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12829113 ********************** SOCIAL NETWORKING ********************** Facebook privacy chief defends cybersafety measures Facebook's head of privacy has defended the company's record on removing underage users and ensuring young people do not access inappropriate material. http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/03/21/3169543.htm Social media and the law: what businesses should know With more than 600 million Facebook users around the world, social media sites are fast becoming major communications platforms for businesses. But relatively few companies are aware of the legal ramifications of using social media. Before starting social media activities, like setting up a Facebook profile, businesses should consider a number of important legal aspects. http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=457ec93c-4128-4e0b-bb1f-80494deb180a Facebook Removes 20,000 Underage Users Every Day Facebook's privacy policy states that users must be at least 13 years old to create an account. Nevertheless, scores of underage users allegedly skirt the social network's rules by listing false ages. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/23/facebook-underage-users_n_839437.html Blocking Social Websites At Work Is A Losing Battle, Tech Consultant Says Rather than blocking access to social media websites, organizations from businesses to federal agencies need to tap the value of social media, technology consultant Jesse Wilkins said Wednesday. http://techdailydose.nationaljournal.com/2011/03/blocking-social-websites-at-wo.php 40% of Social Network Users Attacked by Malware The newest battleground for malware attacks? Facebook and Twitter. And, according to the experts, it's one of the most productive for the attackers. Why? Well, people can't help but click social links. http://techland.time.com/2011/03/23/40-of-social-network-users-attacked-by-malware/ ************************************************ CHILD PROTECTION, FILTERING & CONTENT REGULATION ************************************************ au: Facebook leads attack on internet filter FACEBOOK and three of Australia's largest web companies have criticised Labor's planned mandatory internet filter, saying it is not the answer to protecting Australians from the web's worst excesses. The comments - by security experts who are employed by Yahoo, ninemsn, Microsoft and the social networking pioneer Facebook - were delivered during a hearing of the joint select committee on cyber safety, formed to inquire into how best to protect Australian children online. http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/facebook-leads-attack-on-internet-filter-20110321-1c3w8.html au: Filter encourages complacency: Microsoft [AAP] Cyber safety will not be delivered by an internet filter alone, a series of high-profile internet companies have told a parliamentary committee. http://www.zdnet.com.au/filter-encourages-complacency-microsoft-339311685.htm Facebook, law, hinder child abuse probes Australian Federal Police (AFP) high-tech collection and capability manager Grant Edwards told a joint select committee this morning that the mutual legal assistance treaty with the US is outdated and not designed to allow for a rapid response to online crime. http://www.zdnet.com.au/facebook-law-hinder-child-abuse-probes-339311904.htm Mobile phones get better reception at school MOBILE phones, the ubiquitous accompaniment of youth, have broken through the resistance of schools, gradually taking over the playground and preparing for a final assault on the classroom. http://www.theage.com.au/digital-life/mobiles/mobile-phones-get-better-reception-at-school-20110322-1c5a3.html au: Six teenagers investigated over 'sexting' and webcam 'porn' A dangerous "sexting" trend seems to be on the rise among minors after six teenagers were probed by police over explicit images sent over the web or mobile phones, police said. http://www.theage.com.au/technology/technology-news/six-teenagers-investigated-over-sexting-and-webcam-porn-20110322-1c4v9.html au: Review of National Classification Scheme starts [news release] The Gillard Government today launched a comprehensive review of the National Classification Scheme to be conducted by the Australian Law Reform Commission. Attorney-General Robert McClelland has referred the Scheme to the Australian Law Reform Commission and asked it to conduct widespread public consultation across the community and industry. http://www.attorneygeneral.gov.au/www/ministers/mcclelland.nsf/Page/MediaReleases_2011_FirstQuarter_24March2011-ReviewofNationalClassificationSchemestarts nz: Kiwi Product Immobilises Phone Monsters A New Zealand couple goes global today with a product to monitor children's cellphones and prevent phone bullying, sexting and grooming. http://www.voxy.co.nz/business/kiwi-product-immobilises-phone-monsters/5/86203 us: Cyberbullying discussion part of teens? day at D.C. Superior Court?s Youth Law Fair The courtroom at D.C. Superior Court was packed with teenagers, and they rose to their feet when Judge Anita Josey-Herring ? and her 19-year-old, robed stand-in ? came in to begin the mock ?cyberbullying? trial. http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/cyberbullying-discussion-part-of-teens-day-at-dc-superior-courts-youth-law-fair/2011/03/19/ABdTYPx_story.html ********************** ONLINE TV & MUSIC ********************** Study: LimeWire demise slows music piracy In what will surely be music to the ears of the major record labels, research firm NPD Group says that illegal file sharing of songs via peer-to-peer services has dramatically dropped off since Lime Wire shut down. http://news.cnet.com/8301-31001_3-20046136-261.html uk: Filesharing curbs face high court delays Government plans to curb illegal filesharing could be delayed for at least a year as its most contentious measures are battled out in the high court. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2011/mar/21/illegal-filesharing-high-court Piracy: are we being conned? Is piracy really sending the entertainment industry broke or are the claimed hundreds of millions of dollars in annual losses and thousands of job cuts just a load of hogwash? http://www.theage.com.au/technology/technology-news/piracy-are-we-being-conned-20110322-1c4cs.html http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/piracy-are-we-being-conned-20110322-1c4cs.html us: Judge orders Jobs to answer iTunes antitrust questions A federal judge has ordered Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs to answer questions relating to an antitrust lawsuit that says the company's iTunes software maintained a monopoly in portable digital media players and music downloads. http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/03/22/oukin-uk-apple-jobs-idUKTRE72L1PU20110322 http://in.reuters.com/article/2011/03/22/idINIndia-55776520110322 ********************** MOBILE/WIRELESS ********************** Apple sues Amazon over 'Appstore' name Apple is suing Amazon in a bid to stop the online retail giant from using the name Appstore. The California-based firm, which makes iPhones and iPads, claims that the name is deliberately similar to its own App Store. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12817083 Apple sues Amazon over 'Appstore' name, alleging trademark infringement Apple has filed a lawsuit against Amazon accusing the Web retail giant of copyright infringement over the name "app store." The complaint, filed Friday, is over the name of Amazon's new store for mobile phone applications: It's called "Amazon Appstore." http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2011/03/apple-amazon-appstore-app-store.html Apple Sues Amazon.com Over APP STORE Trademark Apple Inc has sued Amazon.com Inc in a bid to stop the online retailer from improperly using Apple's APP STORE trademark, according to a court filing. http://in.reuters.com/article/2011/03/22/idINIndia-55765520110322 http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2011/03/22/world/americas/news-us-apple-amazon-lawsuit.html UK risks trailing in high-speed mobile internet race, warns Ofcom chief The UK risks being a laggard in the race to build high-speed mobile internet unless operators drop legal threats over Britain's digital infrastructure, the communications regulator has warned. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2011/mar/22/high-speed-mobile-internet-ofcom au: Mobile users ring up $150m online tab Australians used their mobile phones to shop online for about $150 million worth of clothing, books, gifts, tickets and music last year, but many are worried about security, a survey shows. http://www.smh.com.au/business/mobile-users-ring-up-150m-online-tab-20110324-1c795.html http://www.theage.com.au/business/mobile-users-ring-up-150m-online-tab-20110324-1c795.html Apple pulls 'gay cure' iPhone app Apple appears to have pulled an iPhone and iPad app promising "freedom from homosexuality through the power of Jesus" after coming under fire from gay rights activists. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2011/mar/23/gay-cure-app-apple-iphone Apple pulls 'gay cure' app from iTunes A group that advocates "curing" gays of same-sex attractions said that its iPhone application had been yanked from Apple's online iTunes shop. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/technology/news/article.cfm?c_id=5&objectid=10714613 http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-technology/apple-pulls-gay-cure-app-from-itunes-20110324-1c734.html http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-technology/apple-pulls-gay-cure-app-from-itunes-20110324-1c734.html China mobile subscriber total rises to 863 mln in Feb China Mobile, China's largest mobile carrier, said its total mobile subscribers in February rose to 594.9 million, including 24.5 million 3G subscribers. http://in.reuters.com/article/2011/03/22/idINIndia-55778420110322 ********************** DIGITAL DIVIDE ********************** au: Bush communities lobby for fibre optics The government faces warnings that the National Broadband Network could perpetuate the digital divide by putting the most remote bush communities on slow satellite services. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/bush-communities-lobby-for-fibre-optics/story-fn59niix-1226025686168 ************************** ONLINE CRIME, SECURITY & LEGAL ************************** us: Federal Judge Rejects Google?s Negotiated Deal to Digitize Books Google?s ambition to create the world?s largest digital library and bookstore has run into the reality of a 300-year-old legal concept: copyright. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/23/technology/23google.html US judge writes unhappy ending for Google's online library plans Google's controversial plans to create the world's biggest online library have been shelved by a US judge. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2011/mar/23/google-online-library-plans-thwarted US judge rejects Google book deal Google Inc.'s six-year struggle to bring all the world's books to the Internet suffered another big setback at the hands of a federal judge in Manhattan. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704461304576216923562033348.html http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/news/judge-rejects-google-book-deal/story-e6frg90x-1226026503890 Google books agreement torpedoed by US court An agreement between Google and publishers over the web firm's publication of books online has been blocked by a US court. The web giant has scanned millions of books and made them available online via its eBooks platform. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12827031 Judge slaps down Google's digital library settlement A U.S. judge on Tuesday rejected a $125 million (76 million pounds) settlement between Google Inc and authors that would have let the company publish millions of books online to create the world's largest digital library. http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/03/22/oukin-uk-books-google-idUKTRE72L71I20110322 http://in.reuters.com/article/2011/03/23/idINIndia-55794420110323 'Serious' cyber attack on EU bodies before summit The EU has reported a "serious" cyber attack on the Commission and External Action Service on the eve of a summit in Brussels, a spokesman told the BBC. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12840941 EU victim of eve-of-summit cyber attack: official [AFP] Cyber-attackers hacked into the European Commission on Wednesday, hours from a sensitive summit of EU leaders debating the military campaign in Libya, the euro debt crisis and nuclear safety, officials said. http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-technology/eu-victim-of-eveofsummit-cyber-attack-official-20110324-1c73x.html http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-technology/eu-victim-of-eveofsummit-cyber-attack-official-20110324-1c73x.html ************************** PRIVACY ************************** fr: France fines Google over Street View data blunder Google has been hit with a fine by France's privacy watchdog CNIL over the personal data it mistakenly gathered when setting up Street View. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12809076 Google Faces French Fine for Breach of Privacy Google?s privacy problems mounted Monday as French regulators fined the company for violating data protection laws and accused it of continuing to flout the rules even though it acknowledged mistakes in collecting data for an online mapping service. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/22/technology/22privacy.html French panel fines Google $142K for Street View collection of Wi-Fi data [IDG] Google must pay a fine of ?100,000 ($142,000) for the unauthorized collection of information about the location of Wi-Fi hotspots in France by its Street View cars, France's National Commission on Computing and Liberty (CNIL) has ordered. http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9214864/French_panel_fines_Google_142K_for_Street_View_collection_of_Wi_Fi_data http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/380476/google_fined_100k_street_view_collection_wi-fi_data/ France fines Google in Street View data case France's data protection regulator has fined Google 100,000 euros for collecting private data from wireless networks when its camera-equipped cars gathered footage for its on-line map service Street View. http://in.reuters.com/article/2011/03/21/idINIndia-55758820110321 fr: Google hit with record $140k fine Despite the Australian Federal Police decision to not pursue Google for collecting private information while compiling its panoramic Street View service, France's data privacy regulator said on Monday night that it had imposed a record fine of 100,000 euros ($141,022) on the search engine giant. http://www.theage.com.au/technology/technology-news/google-hit-with-record-140k-fine-20110321-1c40a.html http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/google-hit-with-record-140k-fine-20110321-1c40a.html German court rules Google Street View is legal Perhaps no Google product has spawned a better blend of quirkiness and scandal than Google Street View--cameras pranked with staged sword battles, naked men emerging from car trunks, unsavory snapshots of dead bodies, and the ire of multiple governments, primarily in Europe, who believe that it's an invasion of privacy. http://news.cnet.com/8301-13577_3-20045595-36.html Berlin court rules Street View doesn't invade privacy [IDG] Google won a civil lawsuit in Germany lodged by a woman who contended its roving camera cars that shoot photographs for Street View violated her privacy. http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9214920/Berlin_court_rules_Street_View_doesn_t_invade_privacy http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/222805/.html us: Editorial: The Right to Sue Over Wiretapping Federal authorities have always made it difficult to bring a legal challenge against the government?s warrantless wiretapping enterprise that was set up by the Bush administration in the years after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Because the wiretaps were secret, no one could know for certain if they were being tapped, so the government urged judges to throw out lawsuits for lack of proof of real harm. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/23/opinion/23wed1.html ********************** CENSORSHIP ********************** Sudan to unleash cyber jihadists Sudan's ruling National Congress Party has warned that its "cyber jihadists" will "crush" internet-based dissent. It follows an increase in anti-government campaigns organised on Facebook and Twitter. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12829808 Google spends $1 million on censorship and throttling detection Google has awarded $1 million to Georgia Tech researchers so that they can develop simple tools to detect Internet throttling, government censorship, and other "transparency" problems. http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2011/03/google-spends-1-million-on-censorship-and-throttling-detection.ars BBC World Service to sign funding deal with US state department Low six-figure investment will aim to help combat censorship of TV and internet services in countries including Iran and China http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/mar/20/bbc-world-service-us-funding China Tightens Censorship of Electronic Communications If anyone wonders whether the Chinese government has tightened its grip on electronic communications since protests began engulfing the Arab world, Shakespeare may prove instructive. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/22/world/asia/22china.html Google Objects to China's Acts Weeks of government disruption of Google Inc.'s email service and of services used to circumvent Web censorship is fueling frustration among Internet users in China and raising concerns the curbs may be long-lasting. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704433904576213603705012730.html Google Blames China for Gmail Problems Google Inc. blamed Chinese government efforts for problems accessing its e-mail service from China, following reports from users in the country in recent weeks that authorities have stepped up Internet censorship efforts. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704433904576213603705012730.html Google Accuses Chinese of Blocking Gmail Service Google has accused the Chinese government of disrupting Gmail in the country, making it difficult in the last few weeks for users here to gain access to the company?s popular e-mail service. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/21/technology/21google.html China dismisses Google accusations on Gmail China's Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that it did not accept accusations from Google Inc that the Chinese government was making it difficult for Gmail users to use the service in the country. http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/03/22/oukin-uk-google-china-idUKTRE72K1U120110322 ************************** GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC POLICY ************************** au: Journo shield laws now cover bloggers and tweeters Bloggers and tweeters will enjoy the same shield law protections as journalists under newly amended laws that passed through federal parliament today. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/media/journo-shield-laws-now-cover-bloggers-and-tweeters/story-e6frg996-1226025441600 au: Google should be regulated: survey Nearly two-thirds of Australians believe internet search engine Google should be subject to government regulation on issues such as personal privacy. http://www.theage.com.au/technology/technology-news/google-should-be-regulated-survey-20110322-1c564.html http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/google-should-be-regulated-survey-20110322-1c564.html S'pore mulls copyright governing broadcast content Singapore's move to abolish radio and TV license casts uncertainty on consumption of free-to-air broadcasts, with government agency saying it's reviewing potential impact on Copyright Act. http://www.zdnetasia.com/s-pore-mulls-copyright-governing-broadcast-content-62207991.htm In Britain, Curbing Lawsuits Over Libel Some tourists head to London to visit Big Ben or the Tate museum. For wealthy individuals or celebrities who feel that they can sue the news media under Britain?s libel laws, the Royal Courts of Justice have long been a popular stop. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/21/business/media/21cache.html ********************************* MISCELLANEOUS ********************************* Opinion: Teaching to the Text Message I've been teaching college freshmen to write the five-paragraph essay and its bully of a cousin, the research paper, for years. But these forms invite font-size manipulation, plagiarism and clich?s. We need to set our sights not lower, but shorter. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/20/opinion/20selsberg.html S'pore unveils Web app to monitor arthritis The government has developed its first Web-based application, which can be accessed via mobile browsers, to help people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis monitor their condition. http://www.zdnetasia.com/s-pore-unveils-web-app-to-monitor-arthritis-62207967.htm ********************** TELECOMMUNICATIONS ********************** au: CSIRO pushes digital dividend in face of NBN spectrum buyout CSIRO?s hopes of commercialising its Ngara fixed wireless broadband technology for use in the National Broadband Network (NBN) may be hampered by radio spectrum recently purchased by the network wholesaler, researchers have warned. http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/380377/csiro_pushes_digital_dividend_face_nbn_spectrum_buyout/ 13 ISPs sign up to sell NZ fibre services A total of 13 retail service providers have signalled their intention to provide services over the New Zealand Government's NZ$1.5 billion Ultra-Fast Broadband fibre network. http://www.zdnet.com.au/13-isps-sign-up-to-sell-nz-fibre-services-339311772.htm nz: Groups object to broadband legislation [NZPA] Consumer groups are calling for changes to proposed telecommunications legislation, which they say will lead to higher broadband prices and less choice. http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/4804140/Groups-object-to-broadband-legislation http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10714634 Consumer groups combine to call for Telco law changes in New Zealand The Chief Executives of four consumer groups have today released a joint supplementary submission to Parliament?s Finance and Expenditure Committee, making a joint call for changes to the telecommunications legislation it is currently considering. http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?contentid=9172 nz: Leaked Govt broadband plan comes in for criticism Leaked documents show that New Zealand's new ultra-fast broadband network will come with a variety of options and moderate prices, with connections starting at an estimated $47 a month. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/technology/news/article.cfm?c_id=5&objectid=10714414 nz: ICT Minister confident Telco Amendment Bill will pass Despite vocal opposition at the Finance and Expenditure select committee hearing last week on the Telecommunications Amendment Bill, ICT Minister Steven Joyce is confident it will pass into legislation. http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/news/ict-minister-confident-telco-amendment-will-pass Lobby groups push for changes to Telecomms Amendment Bill InternetNZ, Federated Farmers and TUANZ have written to the chairman of Parliament?s Finance and Expenditure Committee, Craig Foss, proposing major changes to the Telecommunications Amendment Bill. http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/news/lobby-groups-push-for-changes-to-telecomms-amendment-bill nz: Telco law could run up against WTO deal Proposed telecommunications law would breach international trade agreements and could see New Zealand face action at the World Trade Organisation, says an industry lobby group. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/connect/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501833&objectid=10714058 Spectrum at the heart of AT&T?s bold move Randall Stephenson, AT&T?s chief executive, has been casting around for a big acquisition since he took the top job at the US telecoms company in 2007. http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/cb2f97e2-53eb-11e0-8bd7-00144feab49a.html AT&T, T-Mobile at Odds Over Spectrum Issue While merger partners AT&T and T-Mobile have been talking up their supposed "synergies," they're actually lobbying against each other on a critical matter involving spectrum for first responders. http://techdailydose.nationaljournal.com/2011/03/att-and-tmobile-at-odds-over-s.php T-Mobile Sale May Close Tough Chapter for Deutsche Telekom In agreeing to sell its T-Mobile USA unit to AT&T for $39 billion, Deutsche Telekom will finally shed a subsidiary that has caused the German telecommunications giant considerable difficulty. http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2011/03/21/t-mobile-sale-may-close-tough-chapter-for-deutsche-telekom/ uk: Ofcom to launch next-generation 4G consultations The telecoms regulator is to launch consultations later on how best to sell off the rights to the next generation of mobile wireless networks. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12811122 Ofcom to sell off 4G licences [PA] Telecommunications regulator Ofcom today announced plans to auction off licences for fourth-generation (4G) mobile phone services. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/ofcom-to-sell-off-4g-licences-2249327.html Ofcom cues up 4G mobile phone auction for 2012 The communications regulator Ofcom is planning its largest-ever auction of mobile phone spectrum in 2012 with the aim of enabling high-speed internet connectivity around the UK while also guaranteeing competition. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2011/mar/22/ofcom-4g-mobile-auction-2012 Ofcom prepares for 4G mobile auction [news release] Ofcom has today announced plans for the largest ever single auction of additional spectrum for mobile services in the UK, equivalent to three quarters of the mobile spectrum in use today and 80% more than the 3G auction which took place in 2000. http://media.ofcom.org.uk/2011/03/22/ofcom-prepares-for-4g-mobile-auction/ ********************************** ARRESTS/COURT CASES FOR ONLINE CHILD PROTECTION ********************************** nz: Teen sentenced over child porn CONVICTED: Andrew Jack Sowman tries to hide his face with an umbrella after he was sentenced in the Blenheim District Court on charges relating to the possession and distribution of child sex abuse images. http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/4800758/Teen-sentenced-over-child-porn +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ (c) David Goldstein 2011 ------ David Goldstein email: david§goldsteinreport.com web: http://goldsteinreport.com/ http://davidgoldstein.tel/ 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 Mar 23 2011 - 18:59:30 UTC
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