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 *************************************************** McCaul, Langevin Raise Fears Of UN Internet Regulation http://techdailydose.nationaljournal.com/2012/03/mccaul-langevin-raise-fears-of.php ICANN Under More Scrutiny http://techdailydose.nationaljournal.com/2012/03/icann-under-more-scrutiny.php Wholesale price for .com domains could hit $10.29 by 2016 http://domainnamewire.com/2012/03/27/wholesale-price-for-com-domains-could-hit-10-29-by-2016/ ICANN Publishes New .COM/.NET Registry Agreements With 7% Annual Increases http://www.domainpulse.com/?p=7978 Timing of .com contract renewal is telling http://domainincite.com/timing-of-com-contract-renewal-is-telling/ ICANN Answers Questions about Batching. Sort of. http://www.gtldstrategy.com/policy-updates/icann-answers-questions-about-batching-sort-of The Olympics and the death of the GNSO, part deux http://domainincite.com/the-olympics-and-the-death-of-the-gnso-part-deux/ Red Cross and Olympic Committee overcome latest hurdle in new gTLDs protection bid http://www.worldtrademarkreview.com/daily/detail.aspx?g=CD955321-6EDC-4480-9B57-93F284A7D6DE Copyright infingement will lead ICANN registrars to lose accreditation http://www.computerworld.co.ke/articles/2012/03/28/copyright-infingement-will-lead-icann-registrars-lose-accreditation New Zealand wakes up to .com drama http://www.zdnet.com.au/new-zealand-wakes-up-to-com-drama-339334557.htm Stamping Out Illegal Prescription Drugs, One Innovative New gTLD at a Time http://www.gtldstrategy.com/brand-protection-strategies/stamping-out-illegal-prescription-drugs-one-innovative-new-gtld-at-a-time Could gTLD Applications Reach 2000? http://www.domainpulse.com/?p=7988 Malware to Increasingly Abuse DNS? http://www.darkreading.com/advanced-threats/167901091/security/vulnerabilities/232700369/malware-to-increasingly-abuse-dns.html Microsoft Raid To Disable Botnet Sees Seizure of 800 Domains http://www.domainpulse.com/?p=7966 Cybercrime: EU's 'best brains' to be enlisted to fight http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-17541462 Ten thousand Australians face web blackout http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/consumer-security/ten-thousand-australians-face-web-blackout-20120329-1w00q.html Is your computer infected with DNSChanger? [news release] http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_410332 IPv6 deadline looms http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/ipv6-deadline-looms/story-e6frgakx-1226311881939 Domain Pulse 2012: DENIC Not Responsible For Content Of .DE Domains http://www.domainpulse.com/?p=7986 ********************** GOVERNANCE ********************** McCaul, Langevin Raise Fears Of UN Internet Regulation Will the United Nations try to regulate the Internet? At least two members of Congress think that's a possibility. http://techdailydose.nationaljournal.com/2012/03/mccaul-langevin-raise-fears-of.php U.S. Reps. Introduce Resolution to Bar UN Regulation of Internet Citing a September letter from China, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan outlining their plan to introduce a UN resolution on Internet governance, U.S. Representatives Michael McCaul and Jim Langevin (D-R.I.) have sponsored House Concurrent Resolution 114 to prevent such an action. http://www.thenewamerican.com/tech-mainmenu-30/computers/11338-us-reps-introduce-resolution-to-bar-un-regulation-of-internet Council of Europe puts users' rights at heart of Internet The 47 Council of Europe member states have adopted an Internet governance strategy to protect and promote human rights, the rule of law and democracy online. https://wcd.coe.int/ViewDoc.jsp?Ref=DC-PR028(2012) ********************** DOMAIN NAMES ********************** ********************** - ICANN ********************** .com Registry Agreement Renewal Executive Summary: ICANN is posting today for public comment Verisign's proposed agreement for renewal of the 2006 .com Registry Agreement between ICANN and Verisign. This proposal is a result of discussions between ICANN and VeriSign, and will be considered by the ICANN Board after public comment. http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-27mar12-en.htm ICANN Under More Scrutiny The group that manages the Internet's domain name system may have awakened a sleeping giant with its controversial program to allow for the launch of an unlimited number of gTLDs. http://techdailydose.nationaljournal.com/2012/03/icann-under-more-scrutiny.php New .com contract revealed: Verisign gets to raise prices, ICANN makes millions more ICANN and Verisign both stand to make oodles of cash from their renewed .com registry contract. http://domainincite.com/new-com-contract-revealed-verisign-gets-to-raise-prices-icann-makes-millions-more/ Wholesale price for .com domains could hit $10.29 by 2016 ICANN has published a proposed agreement to renew the .com contract with VeriSign. http://domainnamewire.com/2012/03/27/wholesale-price-for-com-domains-could-hit-10-29-by-2016/ ICANN Publishes New .COM/.NET Registry Agreements With 7% Annual Increases ICANN have published the proposed new registry agreement with Verisign for the .COM and .NET TLDs. The main issue on everyone's minds when this agreement is renewed is price. The new agreement sees a maximum price per .COM and .NET domain payable to ICANN for registry services, which will increase to $7.85 per domain, from the $6 per domain name as of 2006, as of 31 December 2012, and then a maximum of a seven per cent increase per year afterwards for the life of the agreement. Six months notice to ICANN is required for any fee increase. http://goldsteinreport.com/article.php?article=17313 http://www.domainpulse.com/?p=7978 http://www.domainnews.com/en/icann-publishes-new-comnet-registry-agreements-with-7-annual-increases.html Timing of .com contract renewal is telling The timing of the publication of the renegotiated .com registry contract may give Verisign and ICANN the chance to duck some criticism about its price-raising powers. http://domainincite.com/timing-of-com-contract-renewal-is-telling/ ICANN Answers Questions about Batching. Sort of. We were not expecting very much new gTLD news to come out of ICANN?s public meeting in Costa Rica, which opened this weekend. But it appears that ICANN has settled on a solution ? or maybe it?s better just to say ?process? ? for dealing with new gTLD application batching. http://www.gtldstrategy.com/policy-updates/icann-answers-questions-about-batching-sort-of The View from Costa Rica: Observations about ICANN?s gTLD Registries Stakeholder Group People sometimes wonder why ICANN hosts three public meetings annually, and in such varied geographical locations (this year?s meetings will start in Costa Rica, move to Prague, and then end in Toronto). While outsiders may regard these meetings as somewhat excessive, the truth is, much of ICANN?s ?work? ? discussing issues, developing policies, and even voting to approve or reject those policies ? takes place at these meetings. http://www.gtldstrategy.com/ongoing-strategies/the-view-from-costa-rica-observations-about-icann?s-gtld-registries-stakeholder-group The Olympics and the death of the GNSO, part deux ICANN?s GNSO Council today narrowly voted to approve controversial special brand protections for the Olympic and Red Cross movements in the new gTLD program. http://domainincite.com/the-olympics-and-the-death-of-the-gnso-part-deux/ Red Cross and Olympic Committee overcome latest hurdle in new gTLDs protection bid The GNSO Council will recommend that ICANN protect the International Red Cross and International Olympic Committee names at the top level in new gTLDs, following a tense round of voting on the issue. While the resolution passed by a single vote, Non-Commercial Stakeholder Group (NCSG) members were vocal in their criticism of the policy development process. http://www.worldtrademarkreview.com/daily/detail.aspx?g=CD955321-6EDC-4480-9B57-93F284A7D6DE Copyright infingement will lead ICANN registrars to lose accreditation Registrars that fail to comply with copyright infringement contract terms given by ICANN will lose their accreditation. http://www.computerworld.co.ke/articles/2012/03/28/copyright-infingement-will-lead-icann-registrars-lose-accreditation http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9225629/Registrars_could_lose_accreditation_over_copyright_issues_ICANN_warns http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/news/internet/3347688/copyright-infingement-will-lead-icann-registrars-lose-accreditation/ RAA Progress Report and Whois Data Validation Workshop In the course of the RAA Progress Report and WHOIS Data Validation Workshop... http://news.dot-nxt.com/icann43/mon/raa-whois-verification Ethics and Conflicts of Interest This session covered the three reviews going on around ICANN's conflicts of interests: http://news.dot-nxt.com/icann43/mon/ethics-conflicts-interest Whois verification approaches The following list of possible ways to verify "Whois data" i.e. the information provided when someone registers a domain name, was published at ICANN's Costa Rica meeting in March 2012 in relation to ongoing negotiations over the Registrar Accreditation Agreement (RAA) - the key contract that defines how domains are registered. http://news.dot-nxt.com/2012/03/12/whois-verification-steps ********************** - ccTLD & gTLD NEWS ********************** New Zealand wakes up to .com drama In New Zealand, everyone has been worried about what the Megaupload seizure means for putting data on the cloud. However, last week, the country was certainly given the proverbial rocket up its jacksie, courtesy of Internet New Zealand. http://www.zdnet.com.au/new-zealand-wakes-up-to-com-drama-339334557.htm Domain Pulse 2012: DENIC Not Responsible For Content Of .DE Domains The German registry DENIC is not responsible for the content of websites and other content associated with .DE domain names was the general thrust of a presentation by J?rg Heidrich, a specialist lawyer for IT Law in Germany, told the Domain Pulse conference in Hamburg last month. http://goldsteinreport.com/article.php?article=17322 http://www.domainpulse.com/?p=7986 http://www.domainnews.com/en/domain-pulse-2012-denic-not-responsible-for-content-of-de-domains.html NIRA to address challenges of Nigeria?s domain names at forum AS part of efforts to deepen the call for the adoption of Nigeria?s domain name?.ng, the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA), managers of Nigeria?s identity on the Internet has announced move to address challenges beclouding the adoption in the country. http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=81391 ********************** - NEW TLDS ********************** Stamping Out Illegal Prescription Drugs, One Innovative New gTLD at a Time ICANN?s New gTLD Program represents an unprecedented change to the domain name space in that this is the first time we have seen such a massive opening of the top level. Previous rounds, notably the 2001 and 2004 introductions of new gTLDs, resulted in a comparatively miniscule number of new extensions, as compared to the estimated 1,000+ new gTLDs that could result from this current application period. http://www.gtldstrategy.com/brand-protection-strategies/stamping-out-illegal-prescription-drugs-one-innovative-new-gtld-at-a-time A Note on Stats Perhaps it is because there has been so little information out of ICANN about the field of new gTLD applicants that the media seem to be giving TAS registration numbers so much attention. ICANN has been publishing the number of applicants registered in its TLD Application System, or TAS, at regular intervals during the application period; as of last week, the number had topped 250. Each time this data point is published, certain members of the media tend to jump on it, attempting to extract some insight into how many applications that will ultimately translate to. http://www.gtldstrategy.com/policy-updates/a-note-on-stats Could gTLD Applications Reach 2000? Today (29 March) is the closing date when applicants have to be registered in ICANN's online TLD Application System and the number of registered users is growing rapidly. The latest figure published by ICANN shows that as of 25 March there were 839 registered users, up from 556 on 23 March and 329 on 19 March. http://goldsteinreport.com/article.php?article=17332 http://www.domainpulse.com/?p=7988 http://www.domainnews.com/en/could-gtld-applications-reach-2000.html Wow: 839 entities signed up for ICANN?s new top level domain system Latest update shows 839 registered users for new top level domain application system. http://domainnamewire.com/2012/03/28/wow-839-entities-signed-up-for-icanns-new-top-level-domain-system/ A Gap in the New gTLD Applicant Guidebook? by Jean Guillon I strongly believe there is a serious "breach" in the Applicant Guidebook: I checked the scoring, I checked the possible objections, I am aware of the Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) early warning but I really could not find how ICANN is going to avoid Community applications to be submitted as Standard ones. The role of ICANN is to offer a solution to launching new gTLDs, it is no party in saying whether a new gTLD is a Community or not. http://www.circleid.com/posts/a_gap_in_the_new_gtld_applicant_guidebook/ New York Promised At Least $3.6 Million For Sale Of .NYC Domain Names New York City will receive millions from domain name sales at no risk to tax-payers, according to a spokesperson for NYC Digital. http://paidcontent.org/article/419-new-york-promised-at-least-3.6-million-for-sale-of-.nyc-domain-names/ .brussels operated by DNS.be as well Today the Brussels government assigned the concession of the gTLD .brussels to DNS.be. http://dns.be/en//brussels_operated_by_dnsbe_as_well Kazakhstan becomes third state using Cyrillic domain Nurlan Isin, President of the Kazakh Association of IT-Companies has announced launched of the ??? domain, the national domain, approved by the ICANN, News Kazakhstan reports. http://vestnikkavkaza.net/news/economy/24725.html ICANN asked to protect the names of body parts There?s been no shortage of special pleading in relation to ICANN?s new gTLDs program, but this has to be the wackiest yet. http://domainincite.com/icann-asked-to-protect-the-names-of-body-parts/ .nxt new gTLD conference open for registration The third .nxt conference on new gTLDs opened for early bird registrations today. http://domainincite.com/nxt-new-gtld-conference-open-for-registration/ Registrations Open For Third .NXT Conference In London The third .NXT conference will be held in London from 20 to 22 June with registrations now open with early bird rates now available for ?399 until 12 April. http://www.domainpulse.com/?p=7983 http://www.domainnews.com/en/registrations-open-for-third-nxt-conference-in-london.html ********************** - DNS SECURITY ********************** Malware to Increasingly Abuse DNS? Security researchers have looked at ways to abuse the domain-name service (DNS) for years. From denial-of-service attacks aimed at the domain-name servers to various forms of domain hijacking, the DNS system is a perennial target of researchers and attackers alike. http://www.darkreading.com/advanced-threats/167901091/security/vulnerabilities/232700369/malware-to-increasingly-abuse-dns.html Microsoft Raid To Disable Botnet Sees Seizure of 800 Domains Microsoft announced it had, in conjunction with the financial services industry successfully executed a coordinated global action against some of the most notorious cybercrime operations that fuel online fraud and identity theft. http://www.domainpulse.com/?p=7966 http://www.domainnews.com/en/microsoft-raid-to-disable-botnet-sees-seizure-of-800-domains.html Microsoft Raids Hosts, Seizes Servers, Domains, Shuts Down Botnets Microsoft said Monday that it had executed a carefully-planned federal warrant on Friday, raiding web hosting facilities in Scranton, Pennsylvania and Lombard, Illinois, seizing servers and 800 domain names in an action aimed at shutting down the Zeus and SpyEye botnets. http://www.thewhir.com/web-hosting-news/microsoft-raids-hosts-seizes-servers-domains-shuts-down-botnets DNS Changer by Paul Vixie One fine night in November 2011 I got an opportunity to get my hands dirty, working on a project for the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). They were planning to seize a bunch of computing assets in New York City that were being used as part of a criminal empire that we called "DNS Changer" since that was the name of the software this gang used to infect a half million or so computers. http://www.circleid.com/posts/20120327_dns_changer/ Cybercrime: EU's 'best brains' to be enlisted to fight The European Commission has announced plans to set up a dedicated centre to fight cybercrime. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-17541462 EU to get tough on cybercrime, file-sharers to be spared [IDG] The European Commission is to get tough on cybercrime, but won't target illegal file-sharing, it revealed on Wednesday. http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9225615/EU_to_get_tough_on_cybercrime_file_sharers_to_be_spared http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/419895/eu_get_tough_cybercrime_file-sharers_spared/ Cyber-centre to shield EU against online crime The European Commission laid out plans on Wednesday for a centre to combat illegal online activity and shield the EU against cyber-crime, a rapidly expanding enterprise that costs global business an estimated $380 billion a year. http://in.reuters.com/article/2012/03/28/eu-cybercrime-centre-idINDEE82R0C720120328 An EU Cybercrime Centre to fight online criminals and protect e-consumers [news release] It is estimated that, worldwide, more than one million people become victims of cybercrime every day. The cost of cybercrime could reach an overall total of USD 388 billion worldwide. http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/12/317 Cyber Crime Boosts Threat to Financial Services, PwC Says Cyber crime is a ?growing threat? globally and the second most commonly reported economic crime affecting financial-services firms, according to a survey by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-03-26/cyber-crime-is-increasing-threat-to-financial-services-pwc-says.html Ten thousand Australians face web blackout Ten thousand Australian internet users are among four million worldwide who face a total internet blackout from July 9 thanks to a malicious piece of software that infected their computers without their knowledge. http://www.theage.com.au/digital-life/consumer-security/ten-thousand-australians-face-web-blackout-20120329-1w00q.html http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/consumer-security/ten-thousand-australians-face-web-blackout-20120329-1w00q.html Kiwis face web blackout Thousands of New Zealanders with malware-infected computers may find they are unable to access the internet from July 9, based on a warning issued in Australia. http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/digital-living/6661361/Kiwis-face-web-blackout Is your computer infected with DNSChanger? [news release] DNSChanger is malicious software (malware) that may have been installed on your computer without your knowledge. http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_410332 Microsoft Raids Tackle Net Crime Microsoft employees, accompanied by United States marshals, raided two nondescript office buildings in Pennsylvania and Illinois on Friday, aiming to disrupt one of the most pernicious forms of online crime today ? botnets, or groups of computers that help harvest bank account passwords and other personal information from millions of other computers. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/26/technology/microsoft-raids-tackle-online-crime.html Microsoft moves to disable Zeus botnet A global operation has been undertaken to disable a number of botnets believed to be responsible for the theft of millions of pounds, Microsoft has said. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-17515647 Microsoft, Financial Partners Seize Servers Used In Zeus Botnets Microsoft continued its aggressive legal tear against botnets with a new operation where the software giant successfully seized some command-and-control (C&C) servers run by cybercriminals using Zeus and its related crimeware. http://www.darkreading.com/advanced-threats/167901091/security/attacks-breaches/232700254/microsoft-financial-partners-seize-servers-used-in-zeus-botnets.html Microsoft Disrupts the Zeus Infrastructure by Terry Zink Over the weekend and this morning, Microsoft, working in conjunction with others, issued civil lawsuits to sinkhole numerous domains associated with the Zeus botnet. When I say "botnet", I use the term loosely because Zeus is not a botnet in the sense that Rustock or Waledac is (or was). Rather, Zeus is a tool kit that online criminals can buy that lets them create phishing pages, perform fast fluxing, host drive-by downloads in addition to spamming. It's more like infrastructure than a botnet, although it does have a large botnet under its control. http://www.circleid.com/posts/20120326_microsoft_disrupts_the_zeus_infrastructure/ Microsoft Joins Financial Services Industry to Disrupt Massive Zeus Cybercrime Operation That Fuels Worldwide Fraud and Identity Theft [news release] In its most complex effort to disrupt botnets to date, Microsoft Corp., in collaboration with the financial services industry ? including the Financial Services ? Information Sharing and Analysis Center (FS-ISAC) and NACHA ? The Electronic Payments Association ? as well as Kyrus Tech Inc., announced it has successfully executed a coordinated global action against some of the most notorious cybercrime operations that fuel online fraud and identity theft. With this legal and technical action, a number of the most harmful botnets using the Zeus family of malware worldwide have been disrupted in an unprecedented, proactive cross-industry action against this cybercriminal organization. http://www.microsoft.com/Presspass/press/2012/mar12/03-25CybercrimePR.mspx Viewpoint: How hackers could decapitate the internet A recent threat, purportedly from the hacker group Anonymous, stated boldly that its members would stop the internet on 31 March. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-17472447 Neelie Kroes speech: A European Strategy for Internet Security High Level Public-Private Security Roundtable Brussels, 21st March 2012 It's a pleasure to address you all today. I know we all feel the importance and urgency of tackling internet security threats. For one thing, there are serious costs to inaction. Already, some say that cyber crime accounts for more than the global drugs trade. The 2011 cyber attack cost Sony nearly $175 million, almost as much as they lost from the same year's earthquake and tsunami. http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=SPEECH/12/204 ********************** - DOMAIN DISPUTES ********************** Silvio Berlusconi's Mediaset Loses Rights to Expired Internet Domain Name Mediaset, the film and television giant controlled by former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi on Tuesday officially lost the rights to the mediaset.com Internet domain name, Italian newspapers reported. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/berlusconi-mediaset-internet-domain-name-304825 Baylor, University of Texas Win .XXX Arbitration Cases Two universities ended up victorious in two .XXX dispute resolution cases last week. So far, out of 17 .XXX UDRP cases filed so far, eight cases have been resolved by arbitrators ? all in favor of complainants. http://newswire.xbiz.com/view.php?id=146282 Two Texas universities win .xxx domain disputes Triple-X domains to be transferred to Texas universities in two separate arbitration proceedings. http://domainnamewire.com/2012/03/27/texas-universities-win-xxx-domain-disputes/ ********************** - IPv4/IPv6 ********************** IPv6 deadline looms Big businesses are being told to start planning now for the internet's new addressing system as the June date for the official international launch for the new protocol looms. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/ipv6-deadline-looms/story-e6frgakx-1226311881939 Big news for IPv6: Akamai to launch service in April Akamai will offer IPv6 services to its entire customer base in April -- a long-awaited move that will be a major boon to the adoption rate of the next-generation Internet Protocol. http://www.networkworld.com/news/2012/032612-akamai-ipv6-257634.html http://www.techworld.com.au/article/419673/big_news_ipv6_akamai_launch_service_april/ ********************** - MISCELLANEOUS ********************** Cracking the SEO Code on Domain Migration Any business that has undergone a domain name migration can tell you, there are some significant headaches involved. One of the biggest worries when switching to a new domain is preserving search engine rankings. There is an entire industry devoted to Search Engine Optimization, or SEO, and many companies invest significantly in the tools and tricks to make sure that their sites appear at the top of search engine query results. http://www.gtldstrategy.com/brand-protection-strategies/cracking-the-seo-code-on-domain-migration Internet traffic jams: how to avoid them [Engineering and Technology Magazine] The system of Internet highways and byways is being reconfigured to cope with the size and shape of traffic heading over it, while Internet companies are dreaming up fresh approaches to avoid http://eandt.theiet.org/magazine/2012/03/internet-jams.cfm Internet Society celebrates 20 years of standards, advocacy The Internet Society, a nonprofit that operates the .org registry and funds Internet standards development work, is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a gala event in Geneva next month. http://www.networkworld.com/news/2012/032612-isoc-anniversary-257636.html http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9225550/Internet_Society_celebrates_20_years_of_standards_advocacy http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/419664/internet_society_celebrates_20_years_standards_advocacy/ Fake Bank Site, Fake Registrar by Garth Bruen In our continuing review of Rogue Registrars we have stumbled upon on a very elaborate fake banking site for "Swiss Bank" or "Bank of Switzerland". To the casual Internet consumer this site probably appears legitimate, but a number of clues tip off the fraud. Phishing sites are everywhere so this does not immediately raise eyebrows until you review the Thick WHOIS record for the domain. http://www.circleid.com/posts/20120327_fake_bank_site_fake_registrar/ O2 and porn company in court battle over user details O2 says it has no option but "co-operate fully" with a High Court judgement ordering it to hand customer details over to a porn company. http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/17525349 UK ISP forced to hand over details on 9,124 IP addresses to porn producer British ISP O2 was ordered by the Chancery Division of the British High Court to hand over the customer details belonging to a portion of 9,124 IP addresses. These addresses supposedly used BitTorrent clients to illegally download porn created by the British Ben Dover Productions and 12 smaller porn copyright holders. http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2012/03/uk-isp-forced-to-hand-over-details-on-9124-ip-addresses-to-adult-video-producer-1.ars Post your job opening on DI for $1 a day I?d like to introduce a new jobs feature for DomainIncite readers. As you?ll be able to see in the sidebar to the left, and in the header above, DI Jobs is now live on the site. http://domainincite.com/post-your-job-opening-on-di-for-1-a-day/ ********************** - DOMAINING & AFTERMARKET ********************** Brannan's New Kid On Aftermarket Block With Old Hands Clements Running The Show Old hands in the domain name aftermarket business have set up a new business that is to focus on selling premium domain names as brand building tools for businesses. http://www.domainpulse.com/2012/03/26/brannans/ Some people make me sick. How could someone try to make a buck of the death of teenager Trayvon Martin? The most tasteless: Itrayvonmartin.com for sale on eBay. http://domainnamewire.com/2012/03/28/some-people-make-me-sick/ ********************** INTERNET USE ********************** au: Online media revenue to boom but offline will dominate till 2015: Google Australia has a trade surplus in online video, according to a new report on digital media commissioned by Google Australia. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/media/online-media-revenue-to-boom-but-offline-will-dominate-till-2015-google/story-e6frg996-1226312901397 uk: History of the web goes offline at LOL gallery A new gallery exploring the history of the internet is to open at the National Media Museum in Bradford. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-17535664 us: Free Wireless Broadband for the Masses When you think of basic human rights, access to wireless broadband Internet probably isn't at the top of the list. But a new company backed by a Skype cofounder disagrees, and plans to bring free mobile broadband to the U.S. later this year under the slogan "The Internet is a right, not a privilege." http://www.technologyreview.com/communications/40000/ A Surge in Learning the Language of the Internet ... The market for night classes and online instruction in programming and Web construction, as well as for iPhone apps that teach, is booming. Those jumping on board say they are preparing for a future in which the Internet is the foundation for entertainment, education and nearly everything else. Knowing how the digital pieces fit together, they say, will be crucial to ensuring that they are not left in the dark ages. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/28/technology/for-an-edge-on-the-internet-computer-code-gains-a-following.html Knowing Cost, the Customer Sets the Price ... Pricing has always been a tug of war between retailer and shopper, with the retailer having more muscle. No more. Thanks to the Internet and shopping comparison apps, price-wise shoppers are haggling. Mr. Vineburgh, a real estate agent, has a closet full of haggled items, including shirts from Jos. A. Bank and the Brooks Brothers outlet. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/28/business/retailers-rush-to-adjust-to-price-smart-shoppers.html ********************** SOCIAL NETWORKING ********************** us: Senators Question Employer Requests for Facebook Passwords [AP] Two Democratic senators are asking Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. to investigate whether employers asking for Facebook passwords during job interviews are violating federal law, their offices announced Sunday. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/26/technology/senators-want-employers-facebook-password-requests-reviewed.html Facebook softens its stand on bosses violating applicant privacy It seemed Friday morning as if Facebook came out with guns blazing, aiming for employers who required applicants or employees to surrender their log-in information. Now there's a softening of that position, a clarification. http://www.latimes.com/business/technology/la-fi-tn-facebook-softens-its-stand-20120323,0,650705.story ********************** NEW TECHNOLOGIES ********************** Google's Future: Marissa Mayer Explains What The Search Engine Will Look Like In 20 Years Twenty years from now, Google won't just give you what you're looking for. It could know what you want before you know it yourself. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/28/marissa-mayer-google-future_n_1385549.html ********************************* CHILD PROTECTION & ONLINE SAFETY ********************************* Child abuse images hidden in web stores, says IWF report Paedophiles are hiding images of child sex abuse on websites that look like ordinary web shops, reveals a report. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-17510776 Internet Watch Foundation report highlights new abuse of online technology [news release] Criminals intent on distributing images of children being sexually abused are finding new ways of exploiting legitimate online technology, according to the Internet Watch Foundation?s (IWF) 2011 Annual Report launched today (26 March 2012). http://www.iwf.org.uk/about-iwf/news/post/321-internet-watch-foundation-report-highlights-new-abuse-of-online-technology Cyberbullying: The Face of 21st Century Bullying Although bullying has been around for decades, the spectrum for bullying has reached the vast and unregulated digital domain, where people use computers and cellphones to take bullying to entirely new levels. http://global.christianpost.com/news/cyberbullying-the-face-of-21st-century-bullying-72157/ us: School District Told to Replace Web Filter Blocking Pro-Gay Sites Students using the computers at Camdenton High School here in central Missouri have been able to access the Web sites for Exodus International, as well as People Can Change, antigay organizations that counsel men and women on how to become heterosexual. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/26/education/missouri-school-district-questioned-over-anti-gay-web-filter.html us: Push to strengthen cyber bullying laws MSNBC?s Thomas Roberts speaks with Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden about efforts underway in five states to strengthen or enact cyber bullying laws. http://video.msnbc.msn.com/msnbc-tv/46868912/ au: Study shows effects of cyber bullying A new study has highlighted the effects of bullying on children. Although the survey shows cyber-bullying accounts for 15 per cent of bullying in Australian schools, researchers say online harassment is more harmful in the long-run. http://www.skynews.com.au/tech/article.aspx?id=733718 nz: Student cyber gossip 'appalling' Taranaki principals have condemned the behaviour of students using social media to spread malicious and vulgar gossip. http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/6641889/Student-cyber-gossip-appalling nz: Cyber bullying on the rise, experts warn As teenage boys scuffle in the schoolyard, young females are becoming increasingly likely to suffer cyber bullying at home. http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/6646458/Cyber-bullying-on-the-rise-experts-warn http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/news/national-news/6646458/Cyber-bullying-on-the-rise-experts-warn http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/6646282/Cyber-bullying-hits-home nz: Use experience, not apps to deal with cyberbullying: expert Few parents today will have grown up in a world in which technologies like smartphones and social networks were mainstream. http://www.techday.co.nz/netguide/news/use-experience-not-apps-to-deal-with-cyberbul/22627/ nz: Teachers Educated: Cyber Bullies Target Young Girls Cyberbullying is increasingly affecting mostly young girls who are not likely to speak openly about the bullies, teachers heard during a recently held conference at Auckland University. http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/320995/20120329/cyber-bully-teachers-parents-girls-suicide.htm ********************** ONLINE TV & MUSIC ********************** Microsoft Windows Messenger blocks The Pirate Bay links Links to The Pirate Bay's website are being blocked from appearing within Windows Live Messenger. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-17524815 ********************** MOBILE/WIRELESS ********************** EU acts to end 'rip off' roaming charges By July this year mobile firms will be forced to lower the prices of making a call or downloading data abroad. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-17539421 EU takes summer bite out of mobile phone roaming charges Cuts in mobile phone roaming charges are on the way this summer ? the latest move by the European commission towards reducing the gap between domestic and foreign call rates almost to zero by 2015, with the rates protected until June 2017. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2012/mar/28/mobile-phones-eu-roaming-charges-cap EU reaches preliminary deal on future-proof roaming solution for mobile phone users [news release] Great news today for anyone who's been stung by high charges when they've tried to use their mobile phone or tablet abroad: members of the European Parliament and representatives of the Council and the European Commission have reached a preliminary deal on new EU Roaming rules, following the European Commission's proposal of last year (see IP/11/835). These rules will lead to a structural and durable solution to the high cost of using mobile phones and other smart devices whilst travelling in the EU. The European Parliament is expected to approve this agreement in May 2012 and the Council in June, paving the way for the new rules to enter into force on 1st July 2012. http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/12/227 UK and Sweden may investigate 'misleading' iPad 4G advertisements Apple may be facing legal challenges in a growing number of countries for touting the "4G" capability of its new iPad. Both Sweden and the UK indicated that they have received numerous consumer complaints about the iPad, which is advertised as a 4G tablet in both countries despite not working on LTE in either. http://www.theverge.com/2012/3/28/2908322/uk-sweden-investigate-apple-new-ipad-4g-misleading-advertising http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/technology/apples-ipad-4g-advertisements-may-create-legal-stir-in-more-countries/2012/03/28/gIQAs0orgS_story.html Sweden May Investigate Apple iPad Marketing The Swedish Consumer Agency is considering launching an investigation into whether Apple?s marketing of its new iPad is misleading. http://blogs.wsj.com/tech-europe/2012/03/28/sweden-may-investigate-apple-ipad-marketing/ au: Apple in a pickle for 'misleading' 4G claims in iPad advertising The consumer watchdog will apply to the Federal Court this morning for orders against Apple over "misleading" advertising for the latest iPad. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/apple-in-a-pickle-for-misleading-4g-claims-in-ipad-advertising/story-e6frgakx-1226311803915 au: Apple heads to court over iPad 4G claim The competition regulator will take Apple to court for allegedly making misleading statements about the wireless internet capability of its new third generation iPad. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-27/apple-heads-to-court-over-ipad-4g-claim/3915868 Apple has proposed a refund for buyers confused over the 4G capabilities of the new iPad Apple has offered to refund customers who bought the new iPad expecting to use Telstra's 4G network, but denies it has misled the public. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/apple-has-proposed-a-refund-for-buyers-confused-over-the-4g-capabilities-of-the-new-ipad/story-e6frgakx-1226312221338 Apple offers iPad 3 refunds Computer giant Apple has offered to refund people who bought its new iPad 3, which it admits is not compatible with Telstra's 4G network. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-28/apple-offers-ipad-refunds/3917440 Apple offers refund, rejects corrective stickers over new iPad Apple is refusing to put corrective stickers on packaging for its new iPad claiming that it would be "cumbersome" but will offer refunds for customers who believe they were misled. http://www.smh.com.au/business/apple-offers-refund-rejects-corrective-stickers-over-new-ipad-20120328-1vxlm.html http://www.theage.com.au/business/apple-offers-refund-rejects-corrective-stickers-over-new-ipad-20120328-1vxlm.html Apple to offer iPad refunds Technology giant Apple will offer refunds to thousands of people who have bought its ?iPad with WiFi + 4G? after the competition watchdog took it to court, alleging its ads for the product were misleading. http://afr.com/p/national/apple_to_offer_ipad_refunds_CFcEYYunsTNNtaR4OY4iBM ACCC takes on Apple over iPad ads The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is taking technology giant Apple to court for claiming its newest iPad has 4G capability, the fastest commercial mobile broadband available. http://www.afr.com/p/technology/accc_takes_on_apple_over_ipad_ads_ebhRq9QEb2yK07xCcFC4hO Apple in strife for iPad 4G claim Australia's competition watchdog is taking on the world's biggest company - Apple - for allegedly misleading consumers over its new iPad. http://www.theage.com.au/business/apple-in-strife-for-ipad-4g-claim-20120327-1vwm4.html http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/regulator-puts-bite-on-apple-with-court-application-over-ipad-claims-20120327-1vwwj.html ********************** ONLINE CRIME & LEGAL ********************** Cybercrime: EU's 'best brains' to be enlisted to fight The European Commission has announced plans to set up a dedicated centre to fight cybercrime. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-17541462 EU to get tough on cybercrime, file-sharers to be spared [IDG] The European Commission is to get tough on cybercrime, but won't target illegal file-sharing, it revealed on Wednesday. http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9225615/EU_to_get_tough_on_cybercrime_file_sharers_to_be_spared http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/419895/eu_get_tough_cybercrime_file-sharers_spared/ Cyber-centre to shield EU against online crime The European Commission laid out plans on Wednesday for a centre to combat illegal online activity and shield the EU against cyber-crime, a rapidly expanding enterprise that costs global business an estimated $380 billion a year. http://in.reuters.com/article/2012/03/28/eu-cybercrime-centre-idINDEE82R0C720120328 An EU Cybercrime Centre to fight online criminals and protect e-consumers [news release] It is estimated that, worldwide, more than one million people become victims of cybercrime every day. The cost of cybercrime could reach an overall total of USD 388 billion worldwide. http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/12/317 Cyber Crime Boosts Threat to Financial Services, PwC Says Cyber crime is a ?growing threat? globally and the second most commonly reported economic crime affecting financial-services firms, according to a survey by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-03-26/cyber-crime-is-increasing-threat-to-financial-services-pwc-says.html Japanese court besmirches Google's autocomplete feature A Japanese man discovered that if he typed his name into Google search, more than 10,000 different suggestions popped up in the autocomplete feature allegedly relating his name to criminal acts. After Google reportedly refused his request to delete some of these words, the man decided to seek a court injunction against the Web giant in Japan. http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57404899-93/japanese-court-besmirches-googles-autocomplete-feature/ Google ordered to delete terms from autocomplete The Tokyo District Court has approved a petition demanding that Google Inc. delete terms from its autocomplete search feature for Internet browsers after a man alleged it breached his privacy and got him fired, his lawyer said. http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120326a2.html jp: Google must delete defamatory auto-complete results: court [AFP] Google says it is reviewing a Japanese court order to modify its auto-complete feature to safeguard the reputation of a man who complained it falsely links him to crimes. http://www.theage.com.au/technology/technology-news/google-must-delete-defamatory-autocomplete-results-court-20120327-1vvac.html http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/google-must-delete-defamatory-autocomplete-results-court-20120327-1vvac.html nz: First civil lawsuits filed against Kim Dotcom The first civil lawsuits have been filed against Megaupload founder Kim Dotcom, according to The Hollywood Reporter. http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/first-civil-lawsuits-filed-against-kim-dotcom-4803956 http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/business/6652208/Civil-lawsuits-launched-against-Dotcom http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/6651668/Kim-Dotcom-sued-by-US-company-report http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/technology/6651648/Civil-lawsuits-launched-against-Dotcom au: Scam reports almost double for second consecutive year: ACCC launches targeting scams report [news release] Australian Competition and Consumer Commission chairman Rod Sims will reveal this evening that scam reports to the ACCC have almost doubled for the second consecutive year. http://www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/1040045/fromItemId/142 Twitter libel case resolved in favour of defamed ex-cricketer A former international cricketer has won ?90,000 in damages after a judge ruled that he had been defamed on Twitter. It is the first time a Twitter libel case has been heard in England.27 Mar 2012 http://www.out-law.com/en/articles/2012/march/twitter-libel-case-resolved-in-favour-of-defamed-ex-cricketer/ Cairns Wins Modi Libel Case [AP] Former New Zealand allrounder Chris Cairns was awarded damages of ?90,000 ($140,000) from a British court on Monday after winning a libel case about allegations of fixing that threatened to besmirch his reputation and achievements in the sport. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303404704577306681751118406.html Ten thousand Australians face web blackout Ten thousand Australian internet users are among four million worldwide who face a total internet blackout from July 9 thanks to a malicious piece of software that infected their computers without their knowledge. http://www.theage.com.au/digital-life/consumer-security/ten-thousand-australians-face-web-blackout-20120329-1w00q.html http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/consumer-security/ten-thousand-australians-face-web-blackout-20120329-1w00q.html Kiwis face web blackout Thousands of New Zealanders with malware-infected computers may find they are unable to access the internet from July 9, based on a warning issued in Australia. http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/digital-living/6661361/Kiwis-face-web-blackout Is your computer infected with DNSChanger? [news release] DNSChanger is malicious software (malware) that may have been installed on your computer without your knowledge. http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_410332 ********************** SECURITY ********************** Microsoft Raids Tackle Net Crime Microsoft employees, accompanied by United States marshals, raided two nondescript office buildings in Pennsylvania and Illinois on Friday, aiming to disrupt one of the most pernicious forms of online crime today ? botnets, or groups of computers that help harvest bank account passwords and other personal information from millions of other computers. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/26/technology/microsoft-raids-tackle-online-crime.html Microsoft moves to disable Zeus botnet A global operation has been undertaken to disable a number of botnets believed to be responsible for the theft of millions of pounds, Microsoft has said. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-17515647 Microsoft, Financial Partners Seize Servers Used In Zeus Botnets Microsoft continued its aggressive legal tear against botnets with a new operation where the software giant successfully seized some command-and-control (C&C) servers run by cybercriminals using Zeus and its related crimeware. http://www.darkreading.com/advanced-threats/167901091/security/attacks-breaches/232700254/microsoft-financial-partners-seize-servers-used-in-zeus-botnets.html Microsoft Disrupts the Zeus Infrastructure by Terry Zink Over the weekend and this morning, Microsoft, working in conjunction with others, issued civil lawsuits to sinkhole numerous domains associated with the Zeus botnet. When I say "botnet", I use the term loosely because Zeus is not a botnet in the sense that Rustock or Waledac is (or was). Rather, Zeus is a tool kit that online criminals can buy that lets them create phishing pages, perform fast fluxing, host drive-by downloads in addition to spamming. It's more like infrastructure than a botnet, although it does have a large botnet under its control. http://www.circleid.com/posts/20120326_microsoft_disrupts_the_zeus_infrastructure/ Microsoft Joins Financial Services Industry to Disrupt Massive Zeus Cybercrime Operation That Fuels Worldwide Fraud and Identity Theft [news release] In its most complex effort to disrupt botnets to date, Microsoft Corp., in collaboration with the financial services industry ? including the Financial Services ? Information Sharing and Analysis Center (FS-ISAC) and NACHA ? The Electronic Payments Association ? as well as Kyrus Tech Inc., announced it has successfully executed a coordinated global action against some of the most notorious cybercrime operations that fuel online fraud and identity theft. With this legal and technical action, a number of the most harmful botnets using the Zeus family of malware worldwide have been disrupted in an unprecedented, proactive cross-industry action against this cybercriminal organization. http://www.microsoft.com/Presspass/press/2012/mar12/03-25CybercrimePR.mspx Viewpoint: How hackers could decapitate the internet A recent threat, purportedly from the hacker group Anonymous, stated boldly that its members would stop the internet on 31 March. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-17472447 Neelie Kroes speech: A European Strategy for Internet Security High Level Public-Private Security Roundtable Brussels, 21st March 2012 It's a pleasure to address you all today. I know we all feel the importance and urgency of tackling internet security threats. For one thing, there are serious costs to inaction. Already, some say that cyber crime accounts for more than the global drugs trade. The 2011 cyber attack cost Sony nearly $175 million, almost as much as they lost from the same year's earthquake and tsunami. http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=SPEECH/12/204 Data Breach Costs Rise for Australian Organisations, Reaching $2.16 Million Per Incident in 2011 [news release] The average cost of a data breach reported by Australian organisations has risen steadily for the third consecutive year, reaching $2.16 million in 2011, according to research released today by Symantec Corp. and Ponemon Institute. The study also found that malicious or criminal attacks were the most common cause of data breaches and the most expensive type of breach overall for Australian businesses. The 2011 Cost of Data Breach Study: Australia report is based on the actual data breach experiences of 22 Australian companies from ten different industry sectors. http://www.symantec.com/en/au/about/news/release/article.jsp?prid=20120328_01 ********************** PRIVACY ********************** Web giants loosen fine print to allow government 'fishing expeditions' for your data A loosening of words in the terms and conditions of major websites could see government surveillance becoming commonplace, warns an Australian internet law expert. http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/consumer-security/web-giants-loosen-fine-print-to-allow-government-fishing-expeditions-for-your-data-20120326-1vtz6.html http://www.theage.com.au/digital-life/consumer-security/web-giants-loosen-fine-print-to-allow-government-fishing-expeditions-for-your-data-20120326-1vtz6.html U.S. Agency Seeks Tougher Consumer Privacy Rules The government?s chief consumer protection agency said on Monday that it intended to take direct aim at the vast industry that has grown up around the buying and selling of information about American consumers. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/27/business/ftc-seeks-privacy-legislation.html us: FTC urges transparency law for Internet data brokers The Federal Trade Commission on Monday urged Congress to enact Internet privacy laws that would force data brokers to reveal what information they buy and sell about consumers. http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/technology/ftc-urges-transparency-law-for-internet-data-brokers/2012/03/26/gIQA21okcS_story.html FTC Calls for ?Do-Not-Track? Internet Browser Rules, Other Privacy Changes In its long-awaited report on consumer privacy, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) called for designers of Internet browsers to stop allowing websites to collect sensitive data about users, alongside a host of recommendations for the telecommunications industry to improve user privacy and self-regulation. http://mashable.com/2012/03/26/ftc-privacy-changes/ FTC To Release Final Online Privacy Recommendations The Federal Trade Commission released its final report on Monday on how to protect consumer privacy online. http://techdailydose.nationaljournal.com/2012/03/ftc-to-release-final-online-pr.php FTC's online privacy report: Breaking down the recommendations The Federal Trade Commission's final report on online consumer privacy can be summed up thusly: We've made progress but there's still a lot of work to do. http://www.networkworld.com/news/2012/032612-ftc-online-privacy-257659.html FTC Issues Final Commission Report on Protecting Consumer Privacy - Agency Calls on Companies to Adopt Best Privacy Practices [news release] The Federal Trade Commission, the nation's chief privacy policy and enforcement agency, issued a final report setting forth best practices for businesses to protect the privacy of American consumers and give them greater control over the collection and use of their personal data. In the report, "Protecting Consumer Privacy in an Era of Rapid Change: Recommendations For Businesses and Policymakers," the FTC also recommends that Congress consider enacting general privacy legislation, data security and breach notification legislation, and data broker legislation. http://ftc.gov/opa/2012/03/privacyframework.shtm Privacy-a fundamental right-between economics and practice [news release] ENISA releases two new reports on privacy economics and case studies of online practices in collecting and storing personal data in the EU http://www.enisa.europa.eu/media/press-releases/privacy-a-fundamental-right-between-economics-and-practice ********************** CENSORSHIP ********************** uk: Google should be forced to censor search results, say MPs A cross-party committee of MPs and peers has urged the government to consider introducing legislation that would force Google to censor its search results to block material that a court has found to be in breach of someone's privacy. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2012/mar/27/google-under-fire-from-mps Google under fire in UK MPs report into privacy An influential group of UK lawmakers has called on Google to introduce an algorithm to remove search links found to be in breach of privacy - or face legislation to force it to do so. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-17523020 Twitter and Google reject censorship calls Google and Twitter have rejected calls from UK politicians to put in place additional measures to stop people breaking Ryan Giggs-style privacy injunctions online, saying it would be impossible to censor material on the web effectively. http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/228a403a-780a-11e1-b237-00144feab49a.html Opinion: Tighter privacy laws would only serve the rich and powerful Poor practice tends to get in the way of good intentions. During a meeting at the Foreign Office a few weeks ago, I gently reminded the decent-minded mandarins that they had a problem: Britain's role in pushing internet freedom, and freedom of expression more generally, was being undermined by our own government departments. Trouble with rioters last summer? Well, go after BlackBerry messengers, David Cameron suggested, until it was pointed out to him that this was exactly the sort of thing the Egyptian and Tunisian regimes tried to do during the Arab spring. http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/mar/27/tighter-privacy-laws-report-mps MPs call for Google to block privacy-breaching results Search engines should filter out private information protected by a court injunction so that UK viewers cannot see it, a parliamentary committee has urged. http://www.zdnet.co.uk/news/security-threats/2012/03/27/mps-call-for-google-to-block-privacy-breaching-results-40154897/ us: Panel Backs Bill Targeting Internet Censorship Abroad A House Foreign Affairs panel approved legislation on Tuesday that seeks to bar U.S. companies from helping foreign countries in trying to censor the Internet or monitor their citizens' Internet or mobile communications. http://techdailydose.nationaljournal.com/2012/03/panel-backs-bill-targeting-int.php ************************** GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC POLICY ************************** Pressure Grows on Europe to Act Against Google As E.U. antitrust investigators prepare final recommendations in a case against Google, a prominent consumer group is calling for tough sanctions, warning that the U.S. technology giant may be using its power to the disadvantage of Internet users. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/28/technology/pressure-grows-on-eu-to-act-against-google.html us: McCaul, Langevin Raise Fears Of UN Internet Regulation Will the United Nations try to regulate the Internet? At least two members of Congress think that's a possibility. http://techdailydose.nationaljournal.com/2012/03/mccaul-langevin-raise-fears-of.php nz: Privacy laws to be overhauled The Government plans to overhaul 20-year-old privacy laws following ''huge changes to technology''. http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/6646910/Privacy-laws-to-be-overhauled Regulate for unimagined technologies, says InternetNZ Law Commission proposals for a new regulatory apparatus to accommodate developments in the media should be less specific to the current state of affairs and more ?technology neutral?, says InternetNZ, in response to the Commission?s wide-ranging report The News Media meets ?New Media?. http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/news/regulate-for-unimagined-technologies-says-internetnz http://www.cio.de/news/cio_worldnews/2012/2309846/index.html Singapore's Data Protection Act nears launch It's happened. Singapore's draft personal data protection act was released last Monday alongside a public consultation. http://www.zdnetasia.com/blogs/singapores-data-protection-act-nears-launch-62304323.htm de: Is the Pirate Party Its Own Worst Enemy? Germany's political establishment doesn't know how to react to the Pirate Party, which now has seats in two state parliaments and owns the debate on Internet issues. But although the party's radical experiments in transparency and participation may have caught its rivals off guard, its no-holds-barred debating culture can also backfire. http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,823993,00.html ********************** TELECOMMUNICATIONS ********************** Internet traffic jams: how to avoid them [Engineering and Technology Magazine] The system of Internet highways and byways is being reconfigured to cope with the size and shape of traffic heading over it, while Internet companies are dreaming up fresh approaches to avoid http://eandt.theiet.org/magazine/2012/03/internet-jams.cfm au: NBN rollout going into 'high gear' The Gillard government will start rolling out the National Broadband Network in all but 11 federal seats - 10 held by the Coalition and one by Labor - within the next three years. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/in-depth/nbn-rollout-going-into-high-gear/story-e6frgaif-1226313386574 au: Government announces NBN rollout plan The Federal Government has announced the three-year timeline for the rollout of the National Broadband Network. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-29/gillard-conroy-on-nbn-rollout/3919992 3.5 million premises on NBN in three years By mid-2015, 3.5 million Australian homes, businesses and schools will be connected to the federal government's high-speed national broadband network (NBN). http://www.theage.com.au/it-pro/government-it/35-million-premises-on-nbn-in-three-years-20120329-1vztg.html http://www.smh.com.au/it-pro/government-it/35-million-premises-on-nbn-in-three-years-20120329-1vztg.html Initial NBN rollout to cover 3.5m premises Communications Minister Stephen Conroy on Thursday announced the $36 billion national broadband network would be under way or complete in areas covering up to one-third of the nation?s houses and businesses over the next three years. http://www.afr.com/p/national/initial_nbn_rollout_to_cover_premises_isSE4QUMT4KXto3pFPu0QK Huawei: we?re no security risk Huawei?s local chairman, John Lord, has strongly denied the Chinese telecommunications equipment maker is a security risk to Australia, as a fresh political storm over the ?company erupted in Canberra. http://www.afr.com/p/national/huawei_we_re_no_security_risk_zisPkK3nBAZBaduA1UGrQJ Huawei a missed opportunity for Australia When Ren Zhengfei, the secretive founder and chief executive of Huawei Technologies, realised he had a problem winning contracts in the United States he set up a special board subcommittee to give him advice. http://www.afr.com/p/national/huawei_missed_opportunity_for_australia_pFGYLGVoeGBgdyi6bUq8eK Probe in UK led to Huawei NBN ban Britain's intelligence services were forced to erect a costly, resource-intensive auditing structure to ensure Huawei did not steal secrets after the Chinese telco was allowed to take part in a British broadband project. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/in-depth/probe-in-uk-led-to-huawei-nbn-ban/story-e6frgaif-1226312911964 Huawei ban to protect 'critical' NBN: PM Julia Gillard says her government was protecting "critical infrastructure" by blocking Chinese technology company Huawei from supplying equipment to the NBN. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/china-trade-to-survive-huawei-ban-craig-emerson/story-fn59niix-1226311053655 IT security experts back NBN ban on Huawei Information technology security experts have largely backed the Australian government?s decision to block Chinese telecommunications specialist Huawei Technologies from winning deals to work on the construction of the national broadband network. There would be ample opportunities for key suppliers to cripple national infrastructure if international relations soured, they said. http://afr.com/p/technology/it_security_experts_back_nbn_ban_5fjODjzz00jkgjvCQu2XGP BT chases cable thieves with RABIT BT is going after cable thieves with a new technology capable of spotting a break in a wire and identifying it quickly enough to potentially catch the robbers red-handed. http://www.zdnet.co.uk/news/security-threats/2012/03/26/bt-chases-cable-thieves-with-rabit-40154886/ nz: Undersea cable in jeopardy New Zealand's "next best hope" for a new subsea communications cable could fall victim to Australian government concerns over Chinese espionage. http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/6646110/Undersea-cable-in-jeopardy us: NTIA: Gov't and mobile operators may need to share spectrum The U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration has identified 95 MHz of wireless spectrum now used by government agencies that could be used for commercial mobile service, but mobile operators may have to share the spectrum with the current inhabitants. http://www.networkworld.com/news/2012/032712-ntia-govt-and-mobile-operators-257703.html U.S. willing to share airwaves with commercial users The U.S. government is willing to share some of its airwaves with wireless service providers to help them meet increasing demand for services such as mobile Web surfing. http://in.reuters.com/article/2012/03/27/usa-spectrum-ntia-idINDEE82Q0O020120327 ********************************** ARRESTS/COURT CASES FOR ONLINE CHILD PROTECTION ********************************** Sydney man charged over child pornography A Sydney man has been charged after police allegedly found he had shared thousands of child abuse images online. ... New Zealand police alerted the New South Wales Sex Crime Squad to the material, which also allegedly included conversations about the sexual assault of children. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-28/sydney-man-charged-over-child-pornography/3918038 Child porn man arrested with NZ cops help [AAP] A Sydney man has been arrested for allegedly disseminating more than 2500 images of child pornography, after a tip-off from New Zealand police. http://www.news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8442653/child-porn-man-arrested-after-nz-cops-help http://www.skynews.com.au/local/article.aspx?id=733783 Man charged with child abuse material offences - Sex Crimes Squad [news release] A man has been arrested in Redfern by detectives from the Sex Crimes Squad after a tip-off from New Zealand Police about the distribution of child abuse material. http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/latest_releases?sq_content_src=%2BdXJsPWh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGd3d3LmViaXoucG9saWNlLm5zdy5nb3YuYXUlMkZtZWRpYSUyRjIyMzU0Lmh0bWwmYWxsPTE%3D +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ (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 29 2012 - 05:20:26 UTC
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