[DNS] domain name news - 12 March

From: David Goldstein <goldstein_david§yahoo.com.au> Date: Wed, 11 Mar 2009 18:15:39 -0700 (PDT) · This archive was generated by hypermail 2.3.0 : Sat Sep 09 2017 - 22:00:09 UTC

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://technewsreview.com.au/ - for daily updates in between postings.

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The domain name news is supported by auDA

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Mexico City Briefing Note Published
http://icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-09mar09-en.htm

Mexico City Hosts an Eventful ICANN Meeting
http://www.circleid.com/posts/20090309_mexico_city_hosts_eventful_icann_meeting/

ICANN's Mexico City Meeting Closes - New gTLDs and IDNs Inch Closer
http://technewsreview.com.au/article.php?article=7493

ICANN Sydney Meeting Website Launched
http://technewsreview.com.au/article.php?article=7494

A Struggle Over U.S. Cybersecurity
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/09/AR2009030901213.html

au: Hacker adds to Bolton's woes
http://www.businessday.com.au/business/hacker-adds-to-boltons-woes-20090309-8tat.html
http://business.theage.com.au/business/hacker-adds-to-boltons-woes-20090309-8tat.html

National Arbitration Forum Releases 2008 Domain Name Dispute Resolution Program Totals [news release]
http://domains.adrforum.com/newsroom.aspx?itemID=1479

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DOMAIN NAMES
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 - ICANN
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Trademark Issues to be Addressed Ahead of Internet Address Expansion
ICANN's 34th International public meeting in Mexico City has drawn to a close after the organization's Board of Directors approved the establishment by staff of an Implementation Recommendation Team (IRT) comprised of an internationally diverse group of people to develop and propose solutions to the over-arching issue of trademark protection in connection with the introduction of new gTLDs.
http://icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-6-06mar09-en.htm

Mexico City Briefing Note Published
A briefing note on the Mexico City meeting of 1-6 March 2009 has been published. ICANN's 34th international public meeting was hosted by ICANN, the Mexican Internet Association (AMIPCI), the Network Information Center (NIC) Mexico, and the Internet Society (ISOC) Mexico.
http://icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-09mar09-en.htm

Mexico City briefing note by Kieren McCarthy
At the end of each international public meeting, we produce a summary of the meeting which we call a Briefing Note. This note covers the main topics discussed at the meeting complete with a rundown of what happened and links to further resources.
http://blog.icann.org/2009/03/mexico-city-briefing-note/

Mexico City Hosts an Eventful ICANN Meeting
The Mexico City ICANN Conference was more eventful than some of us had anticipated. Among the highlights was Paul Twomey's announcement that he is stepping down as President and CEO of ICANN effective on June 30. He will remain until the end of the year as "Senior President" in an advisory capacity to assist the ICANN Board in its search for a replacement and in the transition to a new CEO.
http://www.circleid.com/posts/20090309_mexico_city_hosts_eventful_icann_meeting/

ICANN's Mexico City Meeting Closes - New gTLDs and IDNs Inch Closer
ICANN?s Mexico City meeting was held last week with new gTLDs, internationalised domain names and the IDN Fast Track, amendments to the Registrar Accreditation Agreement (RAA), Improving Institutional Confidence (IIC) consultation, GNSO improvements and independent reviews all being discussed in detail.
http://technewsreview.com.au/article.php?article=7493
http://www.domainpulse.com/2009/03/10/icanns-mexico-city-meeting-closes-new-gtlds-and-idns-inch-closer/
http://www.domainnews.com/en/general/icanns-mexico-city-meeting-closes-new-gtlds-and-idns-inch-closer.html

ICANN Sydney Meeting Website Launched
ICANN will be holding their 35th meeting in Sydney from June 21-26 and the website for the meeting has now been launched, along with registrations.
http://technewsreview.com.au/article.php?article=7494
http://www.domainpulse.com/2009/03/10/icann-sydney-meeting-website-launched/
http://www.domainnews.com/en/general/icann-launches-sydney-meeting-website.html

ICANN postpones limitless domain plan
A plan to create a limitless supply of new internet domains has been postponed so that the concerns of major brand holders can be taken into account. Brand holders have objected to the costs they will incur in defending their names.
http://out-law.com/page-9851

ICA Speaks Out at ICANN Public Forum in Mexico City
On Thursday, March 5, 2009 the ICANN Board listened to the views and concerns of attendees at its Mexico City meeting. ... ICA Counsel Philip Corwin made the following remarks on behalf of ICA?s members.
http://www.internetcommerce.org/node/168

ICA Counsel Philip Corwin YouTube Interview at the Mexico City ICANN Meeting
Dynamic Network Services Inc. conducted a series of interviews with opinion leader attendees at the Mexico City ICANN meeting, including one with ICA Counsel Philip Corwin.
http://www.internetcommerce.org/node/167

Internet Commerce Association Has Busy Agenda
Over the past month Internet Commerce Association (ICA) has stepped up efforts to inform the domain community about its activities. Current issues and updates are available on the home page of its web site.
http://domainnamewire.com/2009/03/11/internet-commerce-association-has-busy-agenda/

ICANN gTLD Update!
As previously stated in the November newsletter, ICANN published preliminary requirements for prospective new TLD applicants in June 2008. This was immediately followed by a period for public comment through December 2008. After review of the public comment, ICANN announced on February 5th that it was moving forward with plans to create new TLDs. The new TLD?s could launch as soon as this fall.
http://www.sedo.com/links/showhtml.php3?Id=2335

New Rules Considered for Domain Name Registrars
At the Mexico City ICANN meeting, Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) approved a motion to adopt changes to the Registrar Accreditation Agreement (RAA) including new amendments. These changes are now open for public comment, after which the ICANN board of directors will vote on the changes.
http://domainnamewire.com/2009/03/10/new-rules-considered-for-domain-name-registrars/

Al Gore versus the Pope. It's an internet domain name showdown
I find myself in the unusual position of agreeing with the Pope and disagreeing with Al Gore. It's more often the other way round but when it comes to internet domain names I have to side with the man in the dress over the square-headed former vice president.
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/shane_richmond/blog/2009/03/11/al_gore_versus_the_pope_its_an_internet_domain_name_showdown

ICANN addresses trade mark concerns
The internet body ICANN has identified trade mark protection as one of the key issues that require further work before more gTLDs can be introduced
http://managingip.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=2116591

ICANN head steps down at Mexico City meeting
The head of internet body ICANN, Paul Twomey, announced his resignation last week at the organisation?s 34th International Public Meeting in Mexico City
http://managingip.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=2121709

ICANN's Prospective Launch of New Generic TLDs 9reg req'd]
In 2008, ICANN, the governing body for domain names, approved a new gTLD program to begin in late 2009. This program will provide greater choices for legitimate Web-based businesses and users but is, at the same time, of great concern to trademark owners already faced with the difficulties of effectively policing their trademarks on the Internet.
http://www.linexlegal.com/content.php?content_id=83073

Icann postpones launch of new internet domains [sub req'd]
Icann will push back the launch of new internet domains over fears of wholesale cybersquatting.
http://www.telecompaper.com/news/

Icann formalises relationship with ccTLD manager for Austria [sub req'd]
ICANN has signed an exchange of letters with Nic.at, the country code top level domain manager for the .at national domain name in Austria.
http://www.telecompaper.com/news/

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 - ccTLD & gTLD NEWS
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tel: The world's first global directory service goes 'live'
Telnic today announced that it had achieved a milestone in the delivery of a new internet service, with tens of thousands of .tel domains going ?live? today, creating the world?s first global directory.
http://telnic.org/downloads/tel_live.pdf

.tel, World?s First Global Directory Service, Goes Live
Telnic has announced the .tel TLD has gone live with thousands of domain names registered in the sunrise period becoming active for the first time, thus creating creating the world?s first global directory.
http://technewsreview.com.au/article.php?article=7500
http://www.domainnews.com/en/general/.tel-worlds-first-global-directory-service-goes-live.html
http://www.domainpulse.com/2009/03/10/tel-worlds-first-global-directory-service-goes-live/

.Tel domain names go live
The new .tel global TLD name has gone live with tens of thousands of names eight years after its backer Telnic first floated the idea.
http://www.itwire.com/content/view/23742/127/

.XXX Proposal Heads to Arbitration
ICM Registry?s Stuart Lawley is hopeful that his TLD .XXX proposal will get a green light through arbitration.
http://www.xbiznewswire.com/view.php?id=105694

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 - DNS SECURITY
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A Struggle Over U.S. Cybersecurity
The resignation of the federal government's cybersecurity coordinator highlights a power struggle underway over how best to defend the government's civilian computer networks against digital attacks.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/09/AR2009030901213.html

Sketching Obama's Cyberplans
President Obama may be focused on implementing the massive $787 billion stimulus plan he signed earlier this week. But when the dust settles, he'll have to address another $30 billion program that he inherited from the Bush administration: The so-called Comprehensive National Cyber Initiative (CNCI), an ambitious and expensive project designed to plug the holes that have led to uncountable breaches on government networks in recent years.
http://www.forbes.com/2009/02/20/paul-kurtz-security-technology-security_kurtz.html

Beckstrom's resignation lifts lid on opposition to NSA's cybersecurity role
Last Friday's disclosure that Rod Beckstrom is resigning from his position as one of the federal government's top cybersecurity executives has exposed widespread ? though not universal ? opposition to the National Security Agency's expanding role in domestic cybersecurity issues.
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9129429

US Government Needs To Get Its Cybersecurity In Gear, Experts Tell Congress
Some of the nation's top cybersecurity experts today told a congressional subcommittee that the United States isn't ready for a major online attack, and called on the White House and the rest of the federal government to get their acts together.
http://www.darkreading.com/security/cybercrime/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=215801683

Panelists call for White House to lead cybersecurity efforts
The White House should develop a more comprehensive national cybersecurity strategy and lead efforts to implement it, witnesses told House lawmakers during a hearing on Tuesday.
http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20090311_4960.php

DHS bears brunt of criticism at House cybersecurity hearing
Efforts to develop comprehensive cybersecurity defenses and threat-response capabilities within the federal government continue to be hampered by a lack of leadership, planning and enforcement, according to witnesses who testified at a congressional hearing Tuesday.
http://www.networkworld.com/news/2009/031109-dhs-bears-brunt-of-criticism.html

us: Lawmaker: New cybersecurity regulations needed
The U.S. government needs to create new regulations and incentives to get private companies to protect important cyber infrastructure, including the electricity grid, water facilities, and financial systems, said the new chairwoman of a U.S. House of Representatives cybersecurity subcommittee.
http://www.infoworld.com/article/09/03/10/Lawmaker_New_cybersecurity_regulations_needed_1.html

Review could relieve tension over cybersecurity leadership
The White House's 60-day cybersecurity review will determine which agency will take the lead in protecting federal computer networks, according to industry and think tank officials.
http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20090310_5306.php

Kremlin-backed youths launched Estonian cyberwar, says Russian official
Members of a Kremlin-backed youth group spearheaded the cyberattacks that paralyzed Estonia's internet traffic in May of 2007, a Russian government official has admitted.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/03/11/russian_admits_estonian_ddos/

The DNSSEC Industry Coalition Announces the Formation of Its Registrar Review Team [news release]
The DNSSEC Industry Coalition announces today the formation of its Registrar Review Team following the 34th public meeting of ICANN in Mexico City, Mexico. The Registrar Review Team is comprised of companies that will provide the coalition with valuable information from a registrar's unique perspective.
http://www.domainpulse.com/2009/03/11/the-dnssec-industry-coalition-announces-the-formation-of-its-registrar-review-team/
http://www.domainnews.com/en/general/the-dnssec-industry-coalition-announces-the-formation-of-its-registrar-review-team.html

Symantec Warns of Worm's Return
A third version of Downadup has been identified by Symantec, which says the new variant gives infected machines more powerful instructions to disable antivirus software and analysis tools, among other actions.
http://www.networkworld.com/news/2009/030609-downadup-conficker-symantec-variant.html
http://www.pcworld.com/article/160872/.html
http://computerworld.com.au/article/279389/
http://pcworld.idg.com.au/article/279389/

Symantec Finds a New Conficker Version
Symantec has found a new variant of Conficker, which they call by its other well-known name Downadup, and they are calling it Downadup.C.
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2342698,00.asp?kc=PCRSS03069TX1K0001121

Conficker modified for more mayhem
According to Symantec the Conficker worm has been modified to cause more damage. Previously the worm had only contacted about 250 domains a day, to look for commands and download new code. Symantec report that there is a new variant of Conficker using an algorithm which will contact up to 50,000 domains a day. The new domain generation algorithm also uses one of a 116 possible domain suffixes.
http://www.heise.de/english/newsticker/news/134229

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 - DOMAIN DISPUTES
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Cybersquatting on the rise
Fraudsters are increasingly hijacking the brands or names of legitimate companies to lure people to their websites.
http://www.computeractive.co.uk/computeractive/news/2238088/cybersquatting-rise

au: Hacker adds to Bolton's woes
YOU have to wonder just how well BrisConnections investor Nick Bolton has been sleeping in the past month. ... The Australian Federal Police is investigating and a 22-year-old Perth man has been arrested over the theft and charged with dishonestly dealing in personal financial information. It seems that Bottle's records were hacked into, and the account information stolen, despite claims that the company was compliant with the latest security standards.
http://www.businessday.com.au/business/hacker-adds-to-boltons-woes-20090309-8tat.html
http://business.theage.com.au/business/hacker-adds-to-boltons-woes-20090309-8tat.html

us: Limbaugh-for-president domains snatched
A slew of Rush Limbaugh-for-president domain names have been purchased following the verbal sparring between the White House and the conservative talk show host.
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/limbaugh-for-president-domain-names-snatched-up-2009-03-09.html

Cybersquatter Hit With Maximum Penalty
Defendant Shui registered the domain name citybank.org and established a site there promoting financial services, sometimes using the mark CITIBANK. The real Citibank, armed with its trademark registrations in over 200 countries and over 50 years of use of its CITIBANK mark, filed suit against Shui under the Anticybersquatting and Consumer Protection Act, 15 USC 1125(d) ("ACPA")... Citibank sought $100,000 -- the maximum amount of statutory damages available under the ACPA, plus payment of Citibank's attorneys' fees.
http://www.circleid.com/posts/20090310_cybersquatter_hit_with_maximum_penalty/

National Arbitration Forum Releases 2008 Domain Name Dispute Resolution Program Totals [news release]
The National Arbitration Forum, an international provider of arbitration services, today announced that a total of 1,770 cases were filed in its domain name dispute resolution program in 2008. The National Arbitration Forum is approved by ICANN to provide domain name dispute resolution services under policies like the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP).
http://domains.adrforum.com/newsroom.aspx?itemID=1479

1770 Domain Disputes Filed with National Arbitration Forum in 2008, Over 12K Since 1999
The National Arbitration Forum today announced that a total of 1,770 cases were filed in its domain name dispute resolution program in 2008. The National Arbitration Forum, approved by ICANN, provides domain name dispute resolution services under policies like the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP).
http://www.circleid.com/posts/1770_domain_disputes_national_arbitration_forum_2008/

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 - IPv4/IPv6
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The Slow Mainstreaming of IPv6
Slowly, we're making progress mainstreaming IPv6. I wanted to post on a few interesting developments.
http://www.circleid.com/posts/20090309_slow_mainstreaming_of_ipv6/

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 - MISCELLANEOUS
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New York Proposes Adding to State?s Anti-Gambling Law
The state of New York recently proposed legislation to clarify the state?s anti-gambling law. The proposed bill explicitly prohibits online gambling within the state. Coincidently, New York?s proposition arises in the wake of the Kentucky Governor?s attempt to seize 141 domain names connected with illegal online gambling activity. In the Kentucky case, the Kentucky Court of Appeals held that internet domain names are not ?gambling devices? and therefore cannot be seized under state law. Notwithstanding the Court of Appeals ruling, the Governor has appealed the case to the state?s Supreme Court.
http://www.sedo.com/links/showhtml.php3?Id=2336

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 - DOMAINING & AFTERMARKET
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The Time to Buy - Everyone knows of the recent financial problems going on around the world, and many are feeling the impact directly
Everyone knows of the recent financial problems going on around the world, and many are feeling the impact directly. However, for some worldwide industry investors, like domainers, these times offer opportunities that shouldn?t be overlooked. Now, some people may look at domains and see them as a luxury item to be bought only when the economy is thriving, but if you consider domains as stock, then you?ll be able to see the potential behind investing in times like these.
http://www.sedo.com/links/showhtml.php3?Id=2337

Gaming Domains-Become a Fan!
Gaming domains are currently gaining popularity and sparking much interest amongst the domain industry and online entrepreneurs. Investors want to buy them, sell them, and simply cash in on their entertainment value for consumers who see online gaming as an escape from the current economic climate. In fact, according to The LA Times, free online gaming has increased significantly as more people have been laid off, experiencing 27% more visitors in December of 2008.
http://www.sedo.com/links/showhtml.php3?Id=2333

The Next Generation of Domainers and Entrepreneurs
During the past decade, the Internet has been a gateway for young entrepreneurs. The resources that the World Wide Web provides seem to be limitless for creative, young, business-minded people, especially with the opportunities created through online networking, charities, and fellow like-minded businesses.
http://www.sedo.com/links/showhtml.php3?Id=2332

Sedo's First .Me Auction is Coming
Sedo is pleased to announce a partnership with the .Me Registry to bring you its first ever .Me Auction! The auction begins Thursday, March 26th at 12 PM EST and ends April 2nd at 12 PM EST. Thirty-five premium, one-word .Me domains will be offered.
http://www.sedo.com/links/showhtml.php3?Id=2331

Domain Name Industry Acquisition Watch
Domain name companies including registrars, parking companies, and portfolio holders are considering their strategic options in 2009. Domain Name Wire has learned that Dark Blue Sea has been shopping its services businesses, including Fabulous parking and registration. Dark Blue Sea CEO Richard Moore wouldn?t comment directly on what the company is considering, but he did refer me to the company?s third quarter release:
http://domainnamewire.com/2009/03/11/domain-name-industry-acquisition-watch/

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INTERNET USE
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Google introduces targeted display ads on sites including YouTube
Google today took a major step into the controversial targeted advertising space market by introducing a global display advertising system on YouTube and other networks.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2009/mar/11/googlethemedia-google

Google to Offer Ads Based on Interests
Google will begin showing ads on Wednesday to people based on their previous online activities in a form of advertising known as behavioral targeting, which has been embraced by most of its competitors but has drawn criticism from privacy advocates and some members of Congress.
http://nytimes.com/2009/03/11/technology/internet/11google.html

Google ad service raises privacy fears
Google knows more about you than any organisation in human history. It can give you a bird?s eye view of your house, allow friends and family to track your every move through their mobile phones, and through its search engine - knows your likes, dislikes and even your vices.
http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/article5887701.ece

Privacy groups rip Google's targeted advertising plan [IDG]
Two online privacy groups slammed Google for launching a behavioral advertising program, with one advocate calling Google's plan a privacy "disaster."
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9129441
http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/161086/.html
http://www.networkworld.com/news/2009/031109-privacy-groups-rip-googles-targeted.html

Google launches behaviour-tracking ad system
Google has launched a behavioural advertising system which will track users' online activity to display to them adverts it thinks will be more relevant to them. The company said users will be alerted to the activity through labels on ads.
http://out-law.com/page-9859

Google serves up behavioural ads
Google has entered the sometimes controversial arena of behaviour-based advertising. It has launched a system that will serve up ads to web users based on their previous online activities.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7937201.stm

Google will let people choose how its ads target them
Google plans to target online advertisements based on the sites people visit, not just the searches they make or the site on which the ad appears, it said Wednesday. It will also allow people to define the interest categories for which they would like to receive ads.
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9129380

Google ads go behavorial
Google said Wednesday that it will show ads to people based on their habits. This behavioral targeting is designed to make ads more "interesting," according to Google.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10193423-93.html

British search engine 'could rival Google'
A British physicist has revealed his plan to launch a new internet search engine so powerful that one expert has suggested it "could be as important as Google". London-born scientist Stephen Wolfram says that his company, Wolfram Research, is preparing to unveil the system in two months' time.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2009/mar/09/search-engine-google

Better Search Doesn?t Mean Beating Google
A headline that kicked around the blogosphere this weekend made no sense to me: ?Wolfram Alpha Is Coming ? and It Could Be as Important as Google.?
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/09/better-search-doesnt-mean-beating-google/

Wolfram Alpha: Next major search breakthrough?
Stephen Wolfram has a track record of scientific breakthroughs and some controversy. He received his Ph.D. in theoretical physics from Caltech in 1979 when he was 20 and has focused most of his career on probing complex systems.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13953_3-10191304-80.html

For The New York Times, the digital future is now
By now, just about everyone who follows the media industry has heard of the deep fiscal troubles of The New York Times. But even as the paper does its best for all the news that's fit for newsprint, it is also conducting experiments aimed at moving itself into the forefront of digital journalism.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10193349-93.html

Google's advertising outlook darkens amid search fall [Dow Jones]
Google's advertising business appears to be under increasing pressure as fewer shoppers search for products online and advertisers spend less.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/business/story/0,28124,25164769-5017997,00.html

US broadband growth plummeted in 2008
A new study of 2008 broadband adoption reveals that subscriber growth continued its declining trend. Between factors like excessive premiums, comparatively slow speeds, and a segment of the population that has yet to be wooed away from dial-up, the US' broadband market is more saturated than ever.
http://arstechnica.com/business/news/2009/03/us-broadband-growth-plummeted-over-13-in-2008.ars

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SOCIAL NETWORKING
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Social networks now more popular than email
Social networks are now more popular than email, according to a new report from market research firm Nielsen.
http://www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/2238196/social-networks-popular-email
http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/nielsen_globalfaces_mar09.pdf

Online networking more popular than email
Are you spending hours and hours on Facebook? If so, you are not alone. Networking and blogging sites account for almost ten percent of time spent on the internet -- more than on email.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/internetNews/idUKTRE52A6G820090311
http://in.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idINIndia-38459420090311

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CHILD PROTECTION, FILTERING & CONTENT REGULATION
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us: FBI to talk Internet
The FBI?s premier expert on cyber stalking will be among those at a town hall meeting Wednesday stressing the importance of protecting kids from Internet predators.
http://www.krqe.com/dpp/news/crime/crime_krqe_albuquerque_fbi_to_talk_internet_safety_for_kids_200903101939

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ONLINE TV & MUSIC
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nz: Copyright not about criminalising kids
Campbell Smith, chief executive of the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand (Rianz), is disingenuous when he says: "Internet service providers are in a unique position to help us protect creative content online."
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/technology/news/article.cfm?c_id=5&objectid=10561186

YouTube stands by UK video block
YouTube will not reverse its decision to block music videos to UK users despite a plea from the Performing Rights Society to change its mind. It is removing all premium music videos to UK users after failing to reach a new licensing agreement with the PRS.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7933565.stm

Fair play in the music industry by Billy Bragg and Dave Rowntree
Google's decision unilaterally to remove the music videos from their YouTube network in the UK as a fee-negotiating tactic in a dispute with the Performing Rights Society is a stark illustration of the power-shift that has gone on with the music industry over the past decade. By choosing to take on the PRS, a society that collects royalties for artists rather than record companies, Google is hoping to bring to heel the last remaining outpost of resistance to the idea that music on the internet should be free ? the creators of that music, the artists themselves.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/mar/10/google-music-prs-youtube

Top British musicians unite to form copyright lobby group
They earn millions and the extent of their diva-esque demands is often mind boggling. But tomorrow, Robbie Williams, KT Tunstall and the members of Radiohead will join a group of high-profile musicians to protest at how badly they are treated by record companies and music streaming websites like YouTube.
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article5883885.ece

Radiohead, Billy Bragg join fray against YouTube
The fight between YouTube and a U.K. music royalties group appears to be heating up as Radiohead, Billy Bragg, and Robbie Williams have come out against YouTube.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10193215-93.html

YouTube rights row over music videos could spread to MySpace
The dispute between YouTube and the Performing Rights Society for Music that prompted the website to remove music videos could spread to MySpace UK and other music sites, industry sources said today.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2009/mar/10/youtube-performing-rights-society-music

YouTube music row with PRS 'could spread to MySpace'
The licensing dispute that has led YouTube to begin taking down thousands of music videos could spread to MySpace, industry experts fear.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/scienceandtechnology/technology/technologynews/4970088/YouTube-music-row-with-PRS-could-spread-to-MySpace.html

Last.FM joins Google's rights row
Online music service Last.fm has waded into the row between YouTube and the Performing Right Society. Founder Martin Stiksel said he hoped a resolution could be found to avoid illegal services from taking over.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7935833.stm

uk: Google and PRS in deadlock as music videos pulled from YouTube
YouTube in the UK is to be stripped of its most popular music videos after the site failed to agree a new licencing deal with the Performing Rights Society for Music, the trade body that collects music royalties.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/pda/2009/mar/09/digital-music-and-audio-youtube

YouTube to block British music videos
YouTube is to block thousands of music videos by the biggest names in rock and pop for British users after failing to reach agreement with the UK music licensing body.
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/technology/article5877051.ece

Music videos pulled from YouTube in row over licensing
Thousands of music videos featuring some of the world?s most popular artists will be deleted from YouTube this evening, after the video-sharing website failed to strike a licensing agreement with the governing body that collects royalty payments for songwriters and composers.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/scienceandtechnology/technology/google/4963842/Music-videos-pulled-from-YouTube-in-row-over-licensing.html

YouTube blocks music videos in UK
Video-sharing site YouTube has blocked access to music videos for UK users over a licensing dispute with publishers. It said that it was being asked to make a loss on every song played, but the publishers' group said negotiations had not concluded.
http://out-law.com/page-9854

Sarkozy move to punish illegal downloaders sparks liberties row
The French government has been accused of "Big Brother" tactics over an anti-piracy bill which aims to punish people who repeatedly illegally download music and films by cutting off their internet access for up to a year.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/mar/11/france-internet-anti-piracy

France proposes disconnecting Web music pirates
A French bill that proposes disconnecting users from the Internet if they download music or video files illegally drew criticism on Tuesday from consumer groups and opposition legislators.
http://in.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idINIndia-38441820090310
http://uk.reuters.com/article/internetNews/idUKTRE5294Z620090310

French anti-P2P law toughest in the world
The French attempt to pass the world's toughest "graduated response" law against P2P file-sharers has been en retard for months. But the negotiations are finally over, the "Cr?ation et Internet" bill has been drafted, and today it finally came up before the National Assembly for debate. Despite furious opposition, the bill could well pass soon, laying down severe penalties for "not securing one's Internet connection" and forcing public WiFi operators to allow access only to a "white list" of acceptable sites. And all this for one industry.
http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2009/03/french-anti-p2p-law-toughest-in-the-world.ars

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MOBILE/WIRELESS
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Advertisers Get a Trove of Clues in Smartphones
The millions of people who use their cellphones daily to play games, download applications and browse the Web may not realize that they have an unseen companion: advertisers that can track their interests, their habits and even their location.
http://nytimes.com/2009/03/11/business/media/11target.html

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DIGITAL DIVIDE
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Closing the digital divide: How the spread of ICT is improving quality of life for millions in the Third World
In rural Tanzania, people are used to the daily walk to get water. Now there is a new chore: the trek to recharge the mobile. Many people walk several kilometres, two or three times a week, to keep their phone bleeping.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/sustainit/closing-the-digital-divide-1640433.html

Quebec aims to get rural residents online at high speed by 2015
Quebec aims to close the digital divide between its urban and rural centres by spending $24 million to provide most rural areas with high-speed internet ? something it says has become an essential service.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/montreal/story/2009/03/09/tech-internet-090309.html

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ONLINE CRIME, SECURITY & LEGAL
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uk: Online sales of legal alternatives to class A drugs raise safety fears
Legal alternatives to cocaine, ecstasy and amphetamines that are sold online are the latest in a new wave of stimulants that could change the way drugs are bought and sold. The drugs are available to anyone with an email address and a PayPal account.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2009/mar/12/online-legal-drugs-stimulants

L'Or?al begins lawsuit against eBay over sale of fake cosmetics
L'Or?al, the French cosmetics giant, today accused eBay of putting consumers at risk by failing to stem the sale of fake products on its site.
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/law/article5876105.ece

uk: L'Oreal in High Court battle with eBay
L'Oreal, the cosmetics giant, has begun a High Court action over the sale of fake fragrances and cosmetic products on eBay.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/lawandorder/4964084/LOreal-in-High-Court-battle-with-eBay.html

Countries Move Forward on Cybercrime Treaty [IDG]
Countries are ratifying the only global cybercrime treaty slower than expected, but many are closer to implementing it, a senior Council of Europe official said Wednesday.
http://www.pcworld.com/article/161067/.html

Report slams "crude" effort to fight Web militants
Western governments have overstated the role the Internet plays in the recruitment of militants, and measures to block extremist material are "crude, expensive and counterproductive," a report said on Tuesday.
http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSTRE5292R820090310

Internet not to blame for terrorism
A new report from the London-based International Center for the Study of Radicalization and Political Violence is yet another indication that the Internet is not the main culprit for society's woes. The report, "Countering Online Radicalization: A Strategy for Action," debunks the myth that the Internet is a major recruiting and training tool for extremists and would-be terrorists. The report focuses primarily on the United Kingdom but has implications for the United States and elsewhere.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-19518_3-10193719-238.html

Australians need more protection online: ACMA
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has said that Australian internet users "need to be more pro-active in protecting themselves online" in a report released today.
http://www.securecomputing.net.au/News/139461,australians-need-more-protection-online-acma.aspx
http://www.itnews.com.au/News/NewsStory.aspx?story=98381

Online skill levels essential to maximise benefits from the internet and minimise risks [news release]
While Australians value the internet and see it as critical to their daily lives, they nevertheless need to be more pro-active in protecting themselves online, according to a report released today by the Australian Communications and Media Authority.
http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_311656

Australians need further online skills - study [sub req'd]
Australians value the internet and see it as critical to their daily lives. Over 11 million Australians log on in any given month, according to a report released by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
http://www.telecompaper.com/news/

NSW Police to get hacking powers
The New South Wales Government has unveiled plans to give state police the power to hack into computers remotely, with owners potentially remaining in the dark about the searches for up to three years.
http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/security/soa/NSW-Police-to-get-hacking-powers/0,130061744,339295354,00.htm
http://www.zdnetasia.com/news/security/0,39044215,62052047,00.htm
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-10191514-83.html

au: Gang used eBay to shift dodgy gear [AAP]
Police have smashed a criminal syndicate that used eBay to offload expensive merchandise purchased with fake credit cards.
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2009/03/11/1236447203022.html
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2009/03/11/1236447203022.html

Sydney police bust eBay fraudsters
Sydney police have charged two men over what is alleged to be a multi-million dollar credit card fraud racket involving online auction giant eBay.
http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/security/soa/Sydney-police-bust-eBay-fraudsters/0,130061744,339295389,00.htm

France, Ireland to Launch E-crime Police Training Programs [IDG]
France and Ireland are hoping the European Commission will back a plan to create an academically accredited cybercrime training program for law enforcement.
http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/160957/.html

Germany Ratifies Cybercrime Treaty [IDG]
Germany has become the latest country to ratify the only international treaty concerning computer crime. The Council of Europe's Convention on Cybercrime, which sets guidelines for laws and procedures for dealing with Internet crime, was adopted in 2001. Countries can sign the treaty, which indicates their willingness to comply, and then can ratify it after their laws have been modified.
http://www.pcworld.com/article/160956/.html

African drug gangs recruiting Singaporean women via web: police [AFP]
West African criminal syndicates are seducing Singaporean women via social networking websites to turn them into drug mules, police say.
http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-technology/african-drug-gangs-recruiting-singaporean-women-via-web-police-20090310-8u25.html
http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-technology/african-drug-gangs-recruiting-singaporean-women-via-web-police-20090310-8u25.html

A Struggle Over U.S. Cybersecurity
The resignation of the federal government's cybersecurity coordinator highlights a power struggle underway over how best to defend the government's civilian computer networks against digital attacks.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/09/AR2009030901213.html