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 *************************************************** Improving Global Engagement: ICANN Globalization Survey http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-2-21mar12-en.htm Private Fight at Internet Naming Firm Goes Public http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/19/technology/private-fight-at-internet-naming-firm-goes-public.html Slippery Territory: IOC and Red Cross in the New gTLD Program by Wolfgang Kleinw?chter http://www.circleid.com/posts/20120320_slippery_territory_ioc_and_red_cross_in_the_new_gtld_program/ Olympic showdown spells doom for ICANN, film at 11 http://domainincite.com/olympic-showdown-spells-doom-for-icann-film-at-11/ Second new gTLD round in ?small number of years? http://domainincite.com/second-new-gtld-round-in-small-number-of-years/ French Government Calls For Applications To Manage .FR And 10 Other French ccTLDs http://www.domainpulse.com/?p=7923 Matt Cutts publishes video about new top level domains and Google search results http://domainnamewire.com/2012/03/20/matt-cutts-new-tlds-video/ Middle East Moves Towards .ARAB TLD http://www.domainpulse.com/?p=7929 Duqu Code Written By Seasoned Programmers, Researchers Find http://www.darkreading.com/advanced-threats/167901091/security/vulnerabilities/232602839/duqu-code-written-by-seasoned-programmers-researchers-find.html Australia?s first national cyber security competition launched http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/418879/australia_first_national_cyber_security_competition_launched_/ ********************** GOVERNANCE ********************** Internet Governance and the Public Interest by Paul Diaz ICANN held its first international meeting of 2012 last week in San Jose, Costa Rica, and kicked off the week on a high note with an inspired speech by Costa Rican President Laura Chinchilla. While Chinchilla's point was made in reference to recent U.S. legislative initiatives and other proposals to increase Internet regulations at the international level, the tug-of-war over online rights and the governance framework to develop and assure them was a common thread throughout much of the ICANN meeting. http://www.circleid.com/posts/20120319_internet_governance_and_the_public_interest/ ********************** DOMAIN NAMES ********************** ********************** - ICANN ********************** Improving Global Engagement: ICANN Globalization Survey ICANN published today a survey to solicit community input on improving its effectiveness as a global organization. ICANN has community participants and leaders from all regions of the world, and is seeking ways to make enhancements to its performance as a global organization. http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-2-21mar12-en.htm Fake Renewal Notices Report Purpose (Brief): On 6 March 2012, the Fake Renewal Notices Drafting Team submitted its report to the GNSO Council. Prior to considering this report and its recommendations, the GNSO Council is requesting community input. http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-21mar12-en.htm Private Fight at Internet Naming Firm Goes Public A boardroom dispute over ethics has broken out at the organization that maintains the Internet address system, after its most important supporter, the U.S. government, reproached the group for governance standards said to fall short of ?requirements requested by the global community.? http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/19/technology/private-fight-at-internet-naming-firm-goes-public.html Slippery Territory: IOC and Red Cross in the New gTLD Program by Wolfgang Kleinw?chter We know from life: There is no rule without exception. The problem is, exceptions create space for interpretations and have the risk to undermine the rule. Take Article 19 of the International Covenant on Political and Civil Rights from 1966. Article 19, paragraphs 1 and 2 define the individual right to freedom of expression. Paragraph 3 adds some exceptions where this right can be restricted to protect, inter alia, national security and public order. This is an understandable justification for a restriction, but it opens the door for misuse. http://www.circleid.com/posts/20120320_slippery_territory_ioc_and_red_cross_in_the_new_gtld_program/ Olympic showdown spells doom for ICANN, film at 11 ICANN?s 43rd public meeting, held in Costa Rica last week, was a relatively low-drama affair, with one small exception: the predicted death of ICANN?s Generic Names Supporting Organization. http://domainincite.com/olympic-showdown-spells-doom-for-icann-film-at-11/ Second new gTLD round in ?small number of years? ICANN chair Steve Crocker has said that the second round of new gTLD applications will open years from now, but ?not a large number of years?. http://domainincite.com/second-new-gtld-round-in-small-number-of-years/ Another conflicted ICANN director? Yet another member of ICANN?s board of directors may have a conflict of interest relating to the new gTLDs program, it has emerged. http://domainincite.com/another-conflicted-icann-director/ ICANN prez calls out own board over conflicts of interest The board of directors of internet overseer ICANN is said to be fuming after its ethics were called into question by the organisation's outgoing president and CEO. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/03/19/icann_president_calls_out_his_own_board_over_conflicts_of_interest/ The final six for the ICANN CEO job [subscription] The search for the toughest job in the Internet governance field is coming to a close. The ICANN Board sub-committee tasked with finding a replacement for Rod Beckstrom from July this year has boiled down candidates to a final six and is planning to decide in the next three weeks. http://news.dot-nxt.com/2012/03/21/final-six-icann-ceo ********************** - ccTLD & gTLD NEWS ********************** be: New WHOIS and DAS service Mar 20, 2012 DNS.be will deploy the latest version (release 9.0 ) of its Registration Platform in the coming weeks. The main enhancement is the introduction of the new WHOIS and DAS service on 10 April 2012. http://dns.be/en//new_whois_and_das_service http://www.domainpulse.com/?p=7935 http://www.domainnews.com/en/dnsbe-announce-new-whois-and-das-service.html French Government Calls For Applications To Manage .FR And 10 Other French ccTLDs Eric Besson, the French Minister of the Economy, Finance and Industry, has launched a call for nominations for companies wishing to act as the registry for the 11 French ccTLDs. http://www.domainpulse.com/?p=7923 Calls for applications for the management of the 11 French TLDs The calls for applications to act as the registry for the French TLDs have been published in the Official Journal. http://www.afnic.fr/en/about-afnic/news/general-news/5782/show/calls-for-applications-for-the-management-of-the-11-french-tlds.html France publishes call for top-level domain registry The French ministry of the economy has published calls for applications to act as the registry for French TLDs in the Official Journal. http://www.telecompaper.com/news/france-publishes-call-for-top-level-domain-registry uk: Nominet rules prevent findings of abusive domain name registrations being re-heard in court, High Court rules Those registering '.uk' domain names are not entitled to a fresh hearing in court to assess whether they have abusively registered those domains if the issue has already been determined through an industry dispute resolution service, the High Court has ruled. http://www.out-law.com/en/articles/2012/march/nominet-rules-prevent-findings-of-abusive-domain-name-registrations-being-re-heard-in-court-high-court-rules/ ICANN begins cancellations of defensive .XXX gTLDs ICANN registry, responsible for .XXX domain name registrations has begun cancelling .XXX registrations that were secured as blocking registrations during the Sunrise B period. In many cases, the registry has simply informed the owner that the domain name has been "cancelled" with no further information. http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=09260af0-b052-4645-accd-7be5c33e84c4 Sunrise .xxx domains get 1.3 million hits a day Domain names blocked by trademark holders during the .xxx sunrise period get 1.3 million hits per day, according to ICM Registry president Stuart Lawley. http://domainincite.com/sunrise-xxx-domains-get-1-3-million-hits-a-day/ ********************** - NEW TLDS ********************** New gTLD registrants now at 290 There are now 290 registered users of ICANN?s TLD Application System, according to the organization. http://domainincite.com/new-gtlds-registrants-now-at-290/ Matt Cutts publishes video about new top level domains and Google search results Today?s Google webmaster video is about new TLDs. Google engineer Matt Cutts already grabbed some headlines when talking about new TLDs and search results last week. http://domainnamewire.com/2012/03/20/matt-cutts-new-tlds-video/ Middle East Moves Towards .ARAB TLD The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of the United Arab Emirates has gained the support of the ITU and the League of Arab States to establish a .ARAB TLD for use by all stakeholders and communities in the Arab world, ARI Registry Services has revealed. http://goldsteinreport.com/article.php?article=17259 http://www.domainpulse.com/?p=7929 http://www.domainnews.com/en/middle-east-moves-towards-arab-tld.html Internet use set to flourish in the Arab world under .arab ARI Registry Services can reveal that the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of the United Arab Emirates has gained the support of the ITU and the League of Arab States to establish a .arab new TLD as a digital asset for use by all stakeholders and communities in the Arab world. http://www.ariservices.com/news-internet_use_set_to_flourish_in_the_arab_world.php City Seeks to Become a New Internet Address Businesses have long jockeyed for an address on Fifth Avenue ? and the city is now hoping it can create a similar phenomenon online. http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/20/city-seeks-to-become-a-new-internet-address/ GMO to apply for .yokohama GMO Registry has said it has obtained government consent to apply to ICANN for yet another Japanese city TLD. http://domainincite.com/gmo-to-apply-for-yokohama/ New York City Seeks to Become a New Internet Address Businesses have long jockeyed for an address on Fifth Avenue ? and the city is now hoping it can create a similar phenomenon online. http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/20/city-seeks-to-become-a-new-internet-address/ The Case for Trademark Protection for Top Level Domains by Mary Iqbal The United States Patent and Trademark Office currently does not provide Trademark protection services for the TLD industry, an industry which generates almost $1 Billion in revenues annually in the United States. The TLD industry is the only legal business class in the United States that is denied constitutionally guaranteed intellectual property protections... The lack of Trademark Protection for the TLD industry has greatly increased the amount of uncertainty associated with the ICANN Application Process for new TLDs. http://www.circleid.com/posts/the_case_for_trademark_protection_for_top_level_domains/ Generic Top-Level Domains: What Every Brand Manager Should Know by David A. Einhorn, partner, and Lesley Portnoy, associate, at law firm Baker Hostetler The days of .com domination may be coming to a close. ICANN has opened applications under its gTLD program. Companies willing to foot the $185,000 application fee and $25,000 annual renewal bill (not to mention maintenance and management costs) can lay claim to their own ?dot Brand? domain?anything from .kids to .deloitte. In the near future this may raise the count of TLDs (.com, .co, .edu,.gov) from 22 to more than 1,000. http://www.forbes.com/sites/onmarketing/2012/03/21/generic-top-level-domains-what-every-brand-manager-should-know/ How many gTLD applications will there be? [subscription] With less than a month to go until the window closes for new Internet extension applications, we have combined what statistics are available with industry expert conversations to arrive at an estimate of what market size we are looking at. http://news.dot-nxt.com/2012/03/19/how-many-gtld-applications ********************** - DNS SECURITY ********************** 10 places you're not allowed to see on Google Maps Want an up close view of the Eiffel Tower but can't make it to Paris anytime soon? Google Maps is optimal for virtual sightseeing. But not every landmark is visible on the site ? some images are blurred and distorted by countries for security reasons. http://mashable.com/2012/03/20/google-maps-censored/ http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/10-places-youre-not-allowed-to-see-on-google-maps-20120321-1vitr.html http://www.theage.com.au/technology/technology-news/10-places-youre-not-allowed-to-see-on-google-maps-20120321-1vitr.html Duqu Code Written By Seasoned Programmers, Researchers Find The mystery of who's really behind the sophisticated Stuxnet and Duqu attacks remains unsolved, but new evidence shows that the masterminds behind Duqu relied on professional programmers in their code development. http://www.darkreading.com/advanced-threats/167901091/security/vulnerabilities/232602839/duqu-code-written-by-seasoned-programmers-researchers-find.html Duqu trojan built by 'old school' programmers, Kaspersky says The use of a little used programming language to create part of the the Duqu trojan, an espionage tool that last year attracted lots of attention for its many Stuxnet-like features, indicates that it may have been written by experienced, old school programmers, a security researcher at Kaspersky Labs said Monday. http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9225319/Duqu_trojan_built_by_old_school_programmers_Kaspersky_says http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/418974/duqu_trojan_built_by_old_school_programmers_kaspersky_says/ http://www.networkworld.com/news/2012/031912-duqu-trojan-built-by-old-257436.html U.S. accelerating cyberweapon research The Pentagon is accelerating efforts to develop a new generation of cyberweapons capable of disrupting enemy military networks even when those networks are not connected to the Internet, according to current and former U.S. officials. http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/us-accelerating-cyberweapon-research/2012/03/13/gIQAMRGVLS_story.html Chinese cyber threat from abroad on the rise Cyber attacks on China launched from bases overseas surged in 2011, rising to 8.9 million computers affected from 5 million the previous year, according to a network security report. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/sci/2012-03/20/c_131477346.htm Web attacks on China rising The number of computers in China which were infected and controlled by overseas IP addresses is on the rise with Japan and the U.S. ranked as top source of attacks, says the national Chinese computer defense team. http://www.zdnetasia.com/web-attacks-on-china-rising-62304236.htm Australia?s first national cyber security competition launched A cyber security competition aimed at enticing ICT university students into the information security industry has been unveiled by the Gillard government. http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/418879/australia_first_national_cyber_security_competition_launched_/ Growing cyberattacks to usher 'new reality' in Singapore Greater interconnectivity and access to technology will create a "new reality" in which the country will see more cyberattacks and social extremists, cautions Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean. http://www.zdnetasia.com/growing-cyberattacks-to-usher-new-reality-in-singapore-62304241.htm ********************** - DOMAIN DISPUTES ********************** The legal risks of having a .com domain If you have a .com, .net or .org domain you are subject to US domestic laws and jurisdiction. This allows the US government to seize your website or even seek your extradition to USA to stand trial, based on allegations of breaking their laws. You?re also at risk from any mistakes and collateral damage according to an article on New Zealand website The National Business Review. There have been many stories of seizure by the US where foreign websites which violate US legislations were taken down. http://www.techzim.co.zw/2012/03/the-legal-risks-of-having-a-com-domain/ au: Mayne Pharma International Pty Ltd. v. Namewise Pty Ltd. - Case No. DAU2012-0001 1. The Parties: The Complainant is Mayne Pharma International Pty Ltd. of Salisbury South, South Australia, Australia, represented internally. The Respondent is Namewise Pty Ltd., Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. 2. The Domain Name and Registrar: The disputed domain name <astrix.com.au> (the ?Domain Name?) is registered with Domain Central Pty Ltd. ... 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 <astrix.com.au> be transferred to the Complainant upon the Registrar being satisfied of the Complainant?s eligibility. http://www.wipo.int/amc/en/domains/search/text.jsp?case=DAU2012-0001 au: Bathox Australia Pty Ltd v. Haresh Bhojwani - Case No. DAU2011-0040 1. The Parties: The Complainant is Bathox Australia Pty Ltd (ACN 001 287 467) Chipping Norton, New South Wales Australia, represented by Deutsch Miller, Australia. The Respondent is Newimage Cosmetics Pty Ltd (ACN 079 153 049) Sydney, New South Wales Australia. 2. The Domain Name and Registrar: The disputed domain name <bathox.com.au> is registered with NetRegistryPty Ltd. ... 7. Decision: The Panel having found that the Complainant has made out each of the three elements required in accordance with paragraphs 4(i) of the Policy and 15 of the Rules, it is the decision of the Panel that the disputed domain name <bathox.com.au> be transferred to the Complainant. http://www.wipo.int/amc/en/domains/search/text.jsp?case=DAU2011-0040 ********************** - IPv4/IPv6 ********************** Growth in IPv6-Capable DNS Infrastructure by Mirjam Kuehne In our last post on CircleID we showed encouraging growth in the number of IPv6-enabled networks. But announcing an IPv6 prefix is only one of the first steps a network operator should take when deploying IPv6. For a full IPv6 deployment, IPv6 needs to be enabled on network infrastructure and made available to end users. One key piece of infrastructure for which we can measure IPv6 capabilities are DNS resolvers. http://www.circleid.com/posts/20120319_growth_in_ipv6_capable_dns_infrastructure/ ********************** - WEBHOSTING ********************** WHD 2012 ? How Web Hosts Can Prepare for the New TLDs with Thorsten Einig of OpenSRS In a presentation on Wednesday afternoon at World Hosting Days, managing director of OpenSRS Europe Thorsten Einig talked about the upcoming TLD deadline, and the impact that the new TLDs will have on web hosts. http://www.thewhir.com/web-hosting-news/whd-2012-how-web-hosts-can-prepare-for-the-new-tlds-with-thorsten-einig-of-opensrs WHD 2012 ? Legal Lessons for Web Hosts from the Megaupload.com Indictment Wednesday afternoon at World Hosting Days, internet lawyer and frequent WHIR contributor David Snead discussed the Megaupload indictment, and what it could mean for web hosting companies. http://www.thewhir.com/web-hosting-news/whd-2012-legal-lessons-for-web-hosts-from-the-megaupload-com-indictment ********************** - DOMAINING & AFTERMARKET ********************** Clements Brothers Launch New Domain Name Auction House and Brokerage Service Two domain industry veterans who also happen to be brothers, David Clements and Toby Clements, have joined forces to launch a new domain name auction house and brokerage service called Brannans.com. The name pays tribute to Sam Brannan, a 19th century San Francisco publicist, merchant and publisher whom historians credit with helping to trigger the California Gold Rush that started in 1848. http://www.dnjournal.com/archive/lowdown/2012/dailyposts/20120319.htm New Escrow.com-DomainTools Partnership Speeds Up Sales Transactions + Keynote Speaker Named for Next Month's Domaining Europe Conference in Spain Two pillars of the domain industry, Escrow.com and DomainTools announced a new partnership today that will speed up domain sales transactions handled through Escrow.com. By integrating the DomainTools API suite throughout the escrow process, Escrow.com can automatically verify that domain ownership has been transferred before they release funds to the seller. That assures that valuable domain name transactions cannot be gamed by buyers or sellers with ill intent. http://www.dnjournal.com/archive/lowdown/2012/dailyposts/20120320.htm ********************** REPORTS & RESEARCH PAPERS ********************** Developments in Mobile Termination You or your institution have access to this content Wholesale interconnection rates for mobile telephony service in the OECD area have decreased by 53% from 2006 to 2011. The charges, or mobile termination rates (MTRs), represent the fees that telecommunication network operators (fixed, mobile and VoIP) pay for delivering telephone calls to mobile wireless providers. http://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/science-and-technology/developments-in-mobile-termination_5k9f97dxnd9r-en ********************** INTERNET USE ********************** UK is the ?most internet-based major economy? The internet contributes to 8.3% of the UK economy, a bigger share than for any of the other G20 major countries, a new study suggests. The "internet economy" was worth ?121bn in 2010, more than ?2,000 per person, researchers at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) said. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-17405016 UK 'most web-connected economy' The internet contributes 8.3 per cent to UK GDP, according to a new study ? more than any other economy in the G20. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/internet/9151934/UK-most-web-connected-economy.html Internet Accounts for 4.7% of the U.S. Economy The Internet accounts for 4.7% of the U.S. economy and is projected to grow 6.5% a year through 2016, according to a new report. http://mashable.com/2012/03/20/internet-percent-us-economy/ Front-running UK pulls in billions from internet Internet-driven sales, investment and other business are worth ?121bn, or more than 8 percent of the total economy, to the UK, according to a report. http://www.zdnet.co.uk/news/business-of-it/2012/03/19/front-running-uk-pulls-in-billions-from-internet-40095291/ us: Teens clamor to smartphones, texting and girls lead the way The vast majority of teenagers have a cell phone and older girls are leading use by sending more than 100 text messages a day, according to a new report. http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-tech/post/teens-clamor-to-smartphones-texting-and-girls-lead-the-way/2012/03/19/gIQAIxiLNS_blog.html us: Teens prefer texting over phone calls, e-mail Year after year, study after study, teens are proving to be texting at an increasing rate. In a new survey by the Pew Internet Research Center, U.S. teenagers are talking on landlines and cell phone less, using more smartphones, and are averaging 60 texts a day--up from 50 in 2009. http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57400439-93/teens-prefer-texting-over-phone-calls-e-mail/ Teens, Smartphones & Texting: Pew Overview: Teens are fervent communicators. Straddling childhood and adulthood, they communicate frequently with a variety of important people in their lives: friends and peers, parents, teachers, coaches, bosses, and a myriad of other adults and institutions. This report examines the tools teens use to communicate, with a particular focus on mobile devices, and then places the use of those tools in the broader context of how teens choose to communicate with people in their lives. http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2012/Teens-and-smartphones.aspx India's Internet growth faster than major economies India's Internet economy is expected to hit 10.8 trillion rupees (US$216 billion) by 2016, faster than major economies worldwide and is expected to rank fifth worldwide by 2016, a report by Boston Consulting Group reveals. http://www.zdnetasia.com/indias-internet-growth-faster-than-major-economies-62304230.htm Wi-fi to spice up Malaysian restaurants The Malaysian government has passed a law that requires hundreds of restaurants and cafes to provide the Wifi service across Kuala Lumpur. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2012/03/2012321761233667.html London 2012: Olympic Games internet speeds may lag in London warning While everyone is hoping for super-fast speeds from the UK's athletes at the London Olympics, experts are warning that internet speeds may not keep pace. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-17457982 Olympics to strain UK Internet infrastructure [AP] ... Experts say the network should be able to cope ? but they warned of sluggishness during peak times and said an unexpected surge could easily push the system over the edge. http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/story/2012-03-20/olympics-internet/53668556/1 http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-technology/olympics-to-strain-uk-internet-infrastructure-20120321-1vien.html http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-technology/olympics-to-strain-uk-internet-infrastructure-20120321-1vien.html ********************************* CHILD PROTECTION & ONLINE SAFETY ********************************* us: Three Major Online Dating Sites Agree to Screen for Predators Online dating may be complicated, but California and three industry leaders are aiming to make it safer. http://mashable.com/2012/03/20/online-dating-sites-screen-predators/ 3 online date sites agree to screen for predators [AP] Three online dating giants agreed to screen for sex offenders and take other safety steps after a woman was assaulted on a date, the California attorney general's office announced Tuesday. http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-technology/3-online-date-sites-agree-to-screen-for-predators-20120321-1viye.html http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-technology/3-online-date-sites-agree-to-screen-for-predators-20120321-1viye.html Microsoft gives cops tools to detect child porn Microsoft is giving law enforcement PhotoDNA, a digital tool that sifts through massive amounts of online images to help identify instances of child pornography and rescue victims. http://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-57400056-75/microsoft-gives-cops-tools-to-detect-child-porn/ http://www.zdnet.com.au/microsoft-gives-cops-anti-child-porn-tool-339334106.htm Microsoft gives photo-matching tech to cops to fight child pornography Microsoft and NetClean, a software company focused on tools for stopping the spread of child pornography online, have announced that they are partnering to give law enforcement agencies access to Microsoft's PhotoDNA image-matching technology at no cost to help in the investigation of child sex abuse cases. The software can be used to comb through collections of digital images to identify copies of known child porn images, speeding up the forensics work of investigators. http://arstechnica.com/microsoft/news/2012/03/microsoft-gives-photo-matching-tech-to-law-enforcement-to-fight-child-pornography.ars nz: Censorship unit works with Microsoft to develop PhotoDNA New Zealand is among the first countries to have access to a technology developed by Microsoft that identifies and removes images posted on the internet that exploit or endanger children. http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/news/censorship-unit-works-with-microsoft-to-develop-photodna New Zealand, Microsoft fight child exploitation on Internet The New Zealand government said Tuesday it has teamed up with U.S. software giant Microsoft to develop technology that identifies and removes images the exploit or endanger children on the Internet. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2012-03/20/c_131477896.htm nz: Internal Affairs, Microsoft team on technology to censor internet photos Investigators tackling the trading of child sexual abuse photos on the Internet will now find it easier to detect objectionable images, Internal Affairs Minister Amy Adams says. http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/internal-affairs-microsoft-team-photo-censoring-technology-ck-113578 au: New digital technology used like fingerprints to track child porn images State and federal police will begin using sophisticated image-matching software to tag and track child pornographic images in an attempt to reduce their distribution across the internet. http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/new-digital-technology-used-like-fingerprints-to-track-child-porn-images-20120319-1vfum.html au: Police establish child exploitation taskforce Victoria Police has set up a new task force to target the exploitation of children through the internet. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-20/police-establish-child-exploitation-taskforce/3901080 Australian R18+ games classification to become reality The R18+ games classification legislation has passed without amendment in the House of Representatives, bringing Australia closer to an R18+ category for computer games. http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/419038/australian_r18_games_classification_become_reality/ The "No Internet" Punishment: Online Rules for Out of Line Kids I've always believed in the parenting principle of finding out what your kids like the most... and then taking it away from them as a form of punishment. http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/kathy-buckworth/no-internet-punishment_b_1353109.html ********************** ONLINE TV & MUSIC ********************** 100 million TVs will be Internet-connected by 2016 Soon, the living room TV will become as hyper-connected as the people watching it. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2012/03/100-million-tvs-will-be-internet-connected-by-2016.html nz: Studios want cut to internet piracy fees Movie studios are about to push the Government to lower the fees they have to pay internet providers to out copyright pirates under the so-called "Skynet" law that took effect last year. http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/business/6617919/Studios-want-cut-to-internet-piracy-fees http://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/business/national/6615426/Studios-want-cut-to-three-strikes-law-fees ********************** MOBILE/WIRELESS ********************** China's mobile subscribers up 1.2 pct at 999.7 mln in Feb China, the world's largest mobile phone market, saw a 1.23 percent monthly increase in the total number of mobile subscribers to 999.7 million in February, data from the country's three telecommunications operators showed. http://in.reuters.com/article/2012/03/20/china-mobile-idINDEE82J03W20120320 China Passes U.S. in Android, Apple Smart-Device Activations China, the most-populous country, passed the U.S. in February in new activations of Apple Inc. and Android smartphones and tablets, according to Flurry Inc., a maker of software for tracking use of mobile applications. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-03-21/china-passes-u-s-in-android-apple-smart-device-activations.html Android retains lead over iPhone as UK smartphone ferment goes on Android is back in cruise control at the top of the UK's smartphone market, after the jump in sales of Apple's iPhone 4S dented its lead over Christmas. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2012/mar/21/smartphones-android-ios-apple ********************** ONLINE CRIME & LEGAL ********************** au: Internet scams cause record losses >From auctioned boats that never show up to ?Telstra? phone calls demanding credit card details, Australians are being hit harder and more frequently by scammers than ever before. http://www.afr.com/p/national/internet_scams_cause_record_losses_p2bjqdCBojf9IcmKhhZHDK Kaspersky finds bot that resides in memory Security company Kaspersky has found a rare kind of malware in the wild that resides in a computer's RAM rather than on the hard drive. http://www.zdnet.co.uk/blogs/security-bulletin-10000166/kaspersky-finds-bot-that-resides-in-memory-10025686/ uk: Online dating warning after woman raped and beaten Police have issued a stark warning to internet daters, after a woman was viciously beaten and raped by a man she met online. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/relationships/online-dating/9153332/Online-dating-warning-after-woman-raped-and-beaten.html Delhi court dismisses case against Microsoft India The Delhi High Court has dismissed a criminal case against Microsoft India, accused of hosting "objectionable" content on its web pages. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-17426162 Police made 'errors' during raid on Megaupload boss A police blunder could mean luxury cars, giant TVs and jewellery seized during a police raid will be returned to Megaupload owner Kim Dotcom. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-17428612 Wrong paperwork used to seize Megaupload property, judge says [IDG] An order granted to law enforcement allowing them to seize luxury cars and other personal effects from the estate of Megaupload founder Kim Dotcom is invalid, a judge in New Zealand ruled on Friday. http://www.networkworld.com/news/2012/031912-wrong-paperwork-used-to-seize-257399.html Megaupload Founder Could Get His Property Returned Megaupload.com isn't going back online anytime soon, but the founder of the file-sharing site that was shuttered in January may get his computers, documents and trove of vehicles back. http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/418922/megaupload_founder_could_get_his_property_returned/ us: Feds Arrest 19 Alleged Members of US Cybercrime Ring Linked to Buying, Selling Stolen Financial Info US Secret Service has arrested 19 people across nine states last week. The individuals were allegedly involved in buying and selling stolen debit and credit card information on a website called Carder.su, according to a press release on Friday. http://www.thewhir.com/web-hosting-news/feds-arrest-19-alleged-members-of-us-cybercrime-ring-linked-to-buying-selling-stolen-financial-info ********************** SECURITY ********************** 10 places you're not allowed to see on Google Maps Want an up close view of the Eiffel Tower but can't make it to Paris anytime soon? Google Maps is optimal for virtual sightseeing. But not every landmark is visible on the site ? some images are blurred and distorted by countries for security reasons. http://mashable.com/2012/03/20/google-maps-censored/ http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/10-places-youre-not-allowed-to-see-on-google-maps-20120321-1vitr.html http://www.theage.com.au/technology/technology-news/10-places-youre-not-allowed-to-see-on-google-maps-20120321-1vitr.html Duqu Code Written By Seasoned Programmers, Researchers Find The mystery of who's really behind the sophisticated Stuxnet and Duqu attacks remains unsolved, but new evidence shows that the masterminds behind Duqu relied on professional programmers in their code development. http://www.darkreading.com/advanced-threats/167901091/security/vulnerabilities/232602839/duqu-code-written-by-seasoned-programmers-researchers-find.html Duqu trojan built by 'old school' programmers, Kaspersky says The use of a little used programming language to create part of the the Duqu trojan, an espionage tool that last year attracted lots of attention for its many Stuxnet-like features, indicates that it may have been written by experienced, old school programmers, a security researcher at Kaspersky Labs said Monday. http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9225319/Duqu_trojan_built_by_old_school_programmers_Kaspersky_says http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/418974/duqu_trojan_built_by_old_school_programmers_kaspersky_says/ http://www.networkworld.com/news/2012/031912-duqu-trojan-built-by-old-257436.html U.S. accelerating cyberweapon research The Pentagon is accelerating efforts to develop a new generation of cyberweapons capable of disrupting enemy military networks even when those networks are not connected to the Internet, according to current and former U.S. officials. http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/us-accelerating-cyberweapon-research/2012/03/13/gIQAMRGVLS_story.html Chinese cyber threat from abroad on the rise Cyber attacks on China launched from bases overseas surged in 2011, rising to 8.9 million computers affected from 5 million the previous year, according to a network security report. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/sci/2012-03/20/c_131477346.htm Web attacks on China rising The number of computers in China which were infected and controlled by overseas IP addresses is on the rise with Japan and the U.S. ranked as top source of attacks, says the national Chinese computer defense team. http://www.zdnetasia.com/web-attacks-on-china-rising-62304236.htm Australia?s first national cyber security competition launched A cyber security competition aimed at enticing ICT university students into the information security industry has been unveiled by the Gillard government. http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/418879/australia_first_national_cyber_security_competition_launched_/ Growing cyberattacks to usher 'new reality' in Singapore Greater interconnectivity and access to technology will create a "new reality" in which the country will see more cyberattacks and social extremists, cautions Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean. http://www.zdnetasia.com/growing-cyberattacks-to-usher-new-reality-in-singapore-62304241.htm ********************** PRIVACY ********************** What Would You Pay for Privacy? Not long ago, I sent a dozen friends an electronic invitation to a party. The invitation site offered me several choices, all entirely free: a range of attractive designs for events of various sorts, how many guests each of my guests could invite, whether the guest list would be public to other guests, and so on. http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/19/what-would-you-pay-for-privacy/ Google Quizzed by France on Privacy Rules for Android, Cookies Google Inc., the world?s largest Web-search provider, was questioned by France?s data protection authority to determine whether policies for mobile devices running its Android operating system and information collected using ?cookies? violate European privacy rules. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-03-19/google-asked-by-french-regulator-to-clarify-new-privacy-rules.html French Regulators Grill Google on Privacy Google?s privacy practices have raised eyebrows in yet another country. In a recent letter to CEO Larry Page, the National Commission for Computing and Civil Liberties (CNIL), France?s data protection authority, criticized Google for deploying its new privacy policy without first addressing the concerns the CNIL detailed in its February letter to the company. http://allthingsd.com/20120319/french-regulators-grill-google-on-privacy/ Privacy regulators: U.S. and EU will take different approaches [IDG] The development of online privacy protections is at a critical moment as policy makers in both the U.S. and European Union push for changes to their privacy rules, but coordination of enforcement across the Atlantic Ocean may be tricky, several privacy experts said Monday. http://www.networkworld.com/news/2012/031912-privacy-regulators-us-and-eu-257435.html http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9225322/Privacy_regulators_U.S._and_EU_will_take_different_approaches http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/252133/privacy_regulators_us_and_eu_will_take_different_approaches.html EU Commissioner: US Should Catch Up with Europe on Data Privacy While the Obama Administration has proposed a Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights, it has yet to propose the actual text. Yet to be determined, among various other matters, are who would be in charge of regulation and how much regulation would take place. In a teleconference yesterday between members of the European Commission in Brussels and the U.S. Commerce Dept. in Washington, E.C. Vice President Viviane Reding suggested the U.S. copy the E.U.'s approach - one which would employ a heavier hand. http://www.readwriteweb.com/cloud/2012/03/eu-commissioner-us-should-catc.php ********************** CENSORSHIP ********************** Pakistan pulling plug on controversial Internet filter--report A member of Pakistan's National Assembly told the internationally affiliated newspaper Express Tribune that the Ministry of Information Technology had decided to withdraw the plan. http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57400234-93/pakistan-pulling-plug-on-controversial-internet-filter-report/ China moves to control Sina Weibo social network with real names Hundreds of millions of Chinese faced being silenced on the country's social networks, including Sina's Weibo, after the government brought in new rules to track people across the web. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/9147767/China-moves-to-control-Sina-Weibo-social-network.html China's march to regulate the internet explained "That's sort of like trying to nail jello to the wall," Bill Clinton once said of China's attempts to regulate the internet. But with the introduction of new restrictions forcing people to link their microblog accounts, such as those on Sina Weibo, with their real names, the jello appears to be defying gravity for now. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/9148203/Chinas-march-to-regulate-the-internet-explained.html U.S. seeks greater internet access for Iranians President Barack Obama says he is trying to lift the "electronic curtain" imposed by Iran's leadership by issuing new guidelines to allow American companies involved in Internet services to offer their products to Iranians. http://security.blogs.cnn.com/2012/03/20/u-s-seeks-greater-internet-access-for-iranians/ Bangladesh blocks Facebook pages on religious grounds Bangladesh is blocking access to five Facebook pages and an unidentified Web site for posting blasphemous remarks and cartoons about the Prophet Mohammed, the Koran and other religious subjects. http://www.zdnetasia.com/bangladesh-blocks-facebook-pages-on-religious-grounds-62304258.htm ************************** GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC POLICY ************************** EC criticises German online gambling proposals The European Commission has criticised revised proposals from 15 German states for a new treaty on Internet gambling, saying it needed evidence that the planned restrictions, which have also drawn criticism from gambling companies, were justified. http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/03/20/oukin-uk-ec-german-gambling-idUKBRE82J12220120320 Singapore data protection bill to be tabled by Q3 Country's law to protect consumer data may be presented by third quarter this year, If passed, will take 18 months before law takes effect for companies to adjust to new restrictions. http://www.zdnetasia.com/spore-data-protection-bill-to-be-tabled-by-q3-62304224.htm ********************** TELECOMMUNICATIONS ********************** Internet demand soaring across Asia The chairman of the ICT agenda council at the World Economic Forum says the national broadband network will position the Australian economy to continue to expand as part of a fast-growing Asian region. http://www.afr.com/p/technology/internet_demand_soaring_across_asia_dEk9QeqwssD5R6cCioO3OI UK at back of broadband pack, technology leader warns The UK will be "frozen out of the next industrial revolution" because the government's broadband plans are not well funded or ambitious enough, according to a former BT Group technology chief. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2012/mar/20/uk-back-broadband-pack Telecoms antitrust probe details revealed Europe?s top antitrust enforcer last month forged ahead with an investigation into whether the continent?s five largest telecoms groups rigged mobile technology standards, in spite of their chief executives offering personal assurances to work through a pan-industry body. http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/3a8700ee-710f-11e1-a7f1-00144feab49a.html Taiwan eyes 80 percent 100Mbps network coverage by 2015 Taiwan is targeting to have network coverage of up to 100Mbps for 80 percent of of its households by 2015, as political figures criticize the economy's lagging Internet infrastructure. http://www.zdnetasia.com/taiwan-eyes-80-percent-100mbps-network-coverage-by-2015-62304234.htm Europe moving 60 ms closer to Japan with new undersea cables The climate change-induced retreat of Arctic ice has had one positive effect. The Arctic Ocean is now sufficiently navigable that cable-laying ships will be able to plant undersea cables directly linking London with Tokyo. http://arstechnica.com/business/news/2012/03/europe-moving-60-ms-closer-to-japan-with-new-undersea-cables.ars Telstra to target new home services Telstra is shifting its focus from its revenue-rich but declining fixed-line business by kicking off a five-year investment program to capitalise on internet-connected devices and the explosive growth of data services. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/telstra-to-target-new-home-services/story-e6frg8zx-1226303251950 Smart cities in China offer $153 billion opportunity to telecom and tech companies Telecom Lead Asia: China's build-out of smart cities offers $153 billion opportunity across 54 projects. Big winners from this investment activity in the next five years will be telecom providers and infrastructure suppliers. Ericsson, IBM and Cisco have enjoyed early access to China's market but their future is cloudy due to expected Chinese demand for reciprocity and government concerns about information security. http://telecomlead.com/inner-page-details.php?id=7717&block=News India's Supreme Court Affirms Dismissal of Vodafone Claim India?s Supreme Court reaffirmed its earlier dismissal of a $2.2 billion tax claim on Vodafone Group Plc after the government last month petitioned it to reconsider its decision. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-03-20/india-top-court-affirms-dismissal-of-claim-in-vodafone-tax-case.html +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ (c) David Goldstein 2012 ------ David Goldstein email: david at 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 Thu Mar 22 2012 - 03:26:31 UTC
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