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 *************************************************** Internet agency approves domains in native scripts [AP] http://www.nzherald.co.nz/technology/news/article.cfm?c_id=5&objectid=10634235 Domain bid war about to break out: domain name scheme http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/domain-bid-war-about-to-break-out-domain-name-scheme/story-e6frgakx-1225843977845 Adult Industry Still Outraged at .XXX Proposal http://goldsteinreport.com/article.php?article=10778 Go Daddy Draws Line in China http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703312504575141983884666038.html What Does It Cost Go Daddy To Leave China? http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2010/03/24/what-does-it-cost-go-daddy-to-leave-china/ .NZ Domains Wholesale Price Slashed by 16% http://goldsteinreport.com/article.php?article=10752 http://www.domainpulse.com/2010/03/23/nz-domains-wholesale-price-slashed-by-16/ http://www.domainnews.com/en/internetnz-slashes-.nz-wholesale-price-by-16.html Cheaper .nz web addresses should be on the way http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/cheaper-nz-web-addresses-should-be-way-120477 Olympic Committee Threatens ICANN With Intellectual Property Concerns http://goldsteinreport.com/article.php?article=10753 Council of Europe Pushes for Only One Cybercrime Treaty [IDG] http://www.pcworld.com/article/192165/.html Top U.S. Domain Name Registrars Lag on DNS Security http://www.cio.com/article/587931/Top_U.S._Ddomain_Name_Registrars_Lag_on_DNS_Security Disputed Domains Heard By WIPO Increases in 2009 http://goldsteinreport.com/article.php?article=10754 Brands Tackle Cybersquatters in 2009, UDRP becomes Eco-Friendly [news release] http://www.wipo.int/pressroom/en/articles/2010/article_0007.html au: US giant comes after Footscray home business http://leader-news.whereilive.com.au/news/story/us-giant-comes-after-home-business/ Slow but steady increase in IPv6 adoption reported http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9174059/Slow_but_steady_increase_in_IPv6_adoption_reported ********************** GOVERNANCE ********************** U.S. senators form Internet freedom caucus Several U.S. senators have formed a caucus to promote online freedom in Iran, China and other countries as the Obama administration pushes for greater access to an unfettered Internet. http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE62L4DW20100322 ********************** DOMAIN NAMES ********************** ********************** - ICANN ********************** IDN ccTLD Requests Completes Fast Track String Evaluation ICANN is pleased to announce the successful completion of String Evaluation on proposed IDN ccTLDs. Announcements for the completion of each request are provided .... The requesters may now initiate delegation of the IDN ccTLDs by following ICANN's standard processes for TLD delegation, through the IANA function. http://icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-8-23mar10-en.htm Proposed Implementation Plan for Synchronized IDN ccTLDs ICANN is pleased to announce the public comment period for the proposed Implementation Plan for Synchronized IDN ccTLDs. Synchronized IDN ccTLDs are described by situations in the Fast Track Process where: http://icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-22mar10-en.htm Internet agency approves domains in native scripts [AP] Four countries and two territories have won preliminary approval to have Internet addresses written entirely in their native scripts as early as this summer. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/technology/news/article.cfm?c_id=5&objectid=10634235 http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2011427287_apustecinternetnames.html http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2010/03/24/financial/f124153D74.DTL Glance: Status of non-Latin Internet suffixes [AP] Status of Internet suffixes in non-Latin scripts: http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-technology/glance-status-of-nonlatin-internet-suffixes-20100325-qx5e.html http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-technology/glance-status-of-nonlatin-internet-suffixes-20100325-qx5e.html All Aboard? the IDN Fast Track by Elisa Cooper In addition to Egypt, Russian Federation, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia which had successfully completed the second phase of the IDN Fast Track Process earlier this year, ICANN announced today that China, Hong Kong, Palestinian Territories, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Tunisia have also successfully completed the second phase. http://www.circleid.com/posts/20100324_all_aboardthe_idn_fast_track/ Domain bid war about to break out: domain name scheme Companies have been urged to start budgeting for a new domain name scheme to protect their brands and prepare themselves for bidding wars that could cost tens of millions of dollars. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/domain-bid-war-about-to-break-out-domain-name-scheme/story-e6frgakx-1225843977845 Adult Industry Still Outraged at .XXX Proposal A US-based trade association for the adult entertainment industry has written to ICANN expressing their outrage at the prospect of a .XXX top level domain, saying the proposal is ?not of the industry and that the proposal does not have the community?s support. http://goldsteinreport.com/article.php?article=10778 http://www.domainpulse.com/2010/03/25/adult-industry-still-outraged-at-xxx-proposal/ http://www.domainnews.com/en/adult-industry-still-outraged-at-.xxx-proposal.html Adult Industry Association Still Doesn?t Want .XXX In a letter to ICANN CEO Rod Beckstrom, Diane Duke of the adult industry trade association Free Speech Coalition asks ICANN to reject ICM Registry?s plans for a .xxx top level domain name. http://domainnamewire.com/2010/03/24/adult-industry-association-still-doesnt-want-xxx/ Pornographers still hate .xxx The Free Speech Coalition, a trade group for the porn industry, has condemned the proposed .xxx top-level domain as ?untenable? and ?detrimental?. http://domainincite.com/pornographers-still-hate-xxx/ Dot-XXX lights fire under ICANN?s feet ICM Registry has urged ICANN to stop messing around and finalise the contract that would add .xxx to the domain name system. http://domainincite.com/dot-xxx-lights-fire-under-icann-feet/ CADNA Opposes ICANN?s Dismissal of the Need to Gauge Demand for New TLDs [news release] The Coalition Against Domain Name Abuse (CADNA) opposes the ICANN decision to move forward with new gTLDs without first evaluating demand. http://www.cadna.org/en/newsroom/press-releases/cadna-opposes-icanns-dismissal-need-gauge-demand-new-tlds Law Enforcement Lobbies Hard for ICANN Changes [IDG] U.S. and U.K. law enforcement officials are trying to marshal support for changes that would make it more difficult for criminals to register domain names under false details. http://www.pcworld.com/article/192182/.html http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9173976/Law_enforcement_lobbies_hard_for_ICANN_changes http://www.arnnet.com.au/article/340642/law_enforcement_lobbies_hard_icann_changes/ http://www.networkworld.com/news/2010/032310-law-enforcement-lobbies-hard-for.html Iron Mountain to Provide Additional Audit Services for Registrar Data Deposits to ICANN When ICANN introduced the mandatory Registrar Data Escrow (RDE) for registrars in 2007, the program was a direct result of the problems experienced with the registrar RegisterFly. http://www.domainnamenews.com/icann-policy/iron-mountain-provide-additional-audit-services-registrar-data-deposits-icann/7374 What?s New with the New Top Level Domain Names? As many of you will be well aware, last year, ICANN began the massive process of opening up TLDs. This means it would be possible for anyone with enough cash to register their chosen URL ending (like ?.com?). http://isedb.com/20100324-3377.php ********************** - ccTLD & gTLD NEWS ********************** .Africa Can Learn from .Asia, and WHOIS Behind Adrenaline TLD? The number of firms coming out from the woodwork with plans to launch new TLDs is increasing. Some of these groups have been out in the open for a while but are just now revving up the PR machine. http://domainnamewire.com/2010/03/22/africa-can-learn-from-asia-and-whois-behind-adrenaline-tld/ A DotAfrica generation soon to be born Internet users in Africa will soon have as much as 21 internet domain names, including ".africa" to choose from. This follows a decision by ICANN board to expand the generic top-level domain space which comprises now of only 4 names, namely ".com," ".org," ".net" and ".biz". http://www.rnw.nl/africa/article/a-dotafrica-generation-soon-be-born Go Daddy Draws Line in China Go Daddy Group Inc. told members of Congress that it will discontinue offering new ".cn" domain registrations in China, following new Chinese government requirements for information about registrants. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703312504575141983884666038.html What Does It Cost Go Daddy To Leave China? Go Daddy, the large Internet domain registration company known for its sexy TV ads, announced on Wednesday that it was going where so far only Google has been willing to go: out of China. http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2010/03/24/what-does-it-cost-go-daddy-to-leave-china/ Go Daddy to stop registering .cn domain names [IDG] GoDaddy.com, the world's largest domain name registrar, will stop registering .cn domains in China after the government there has demanded personal information about people who have purchased domain names from GoDaddy in the past, the company said Wednesday during a hearing in the U.S. Congress. http://www.arnnet.com.au/article/340827/go_daddy_stop_registering_cn_domain_names/ http://www.pcworld.com/article/192308/.html http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/340827/go_daddy_stop_registering_cn_domain_names GoDaddy plans to stop China domain registrations Internet domain company GoDaddy.com said it planned to stop registering domain names in China, joining Google Inc in protesting cyber attacks and censorship in that country. http://in.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idINIndia-47190320100324 GoDaddy.com plans to stop registering domain names in China GoDaddy.com Inc., the world's largest domain name registration company, told lawmakers Wednesday that it will cease registering Web sites in China in response to intrusive new government rules that require applicants to provide extensive personal data, including photographs of themselves. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/24/AR2010032401543.html After Google, Go Daddy pulls back in China [AP] Two U.S. companies that sell Internet addresses to websites said Wednesday they had stopped registering new domain names in China because the Chinese government has begun demanding pictures and other identification documents from their customers. http://www.usatoday.com/money/world/2010-03-24-go-daddy-china_N.htm http://news.brisbanetimes.com.au/breaking-news-technology/another-us-internet-company-pulls-back-in-china-20100325-qx2b.html http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-technology/another-us-internet-company-pulls-back-in-china-20100325-qx2b.html http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-technology/another-us-internet-company-pulls-back-in-china-20100325-qx2b.html GoDaddy Stops Selling Chinese Domains Over Censorship Concerns GoDaddy, the net?s largest domain-name registrar, announced Wednesday it would stop selling .cn domain names, saying it was unwilling to comply with new rules from the Chinese government that require new and existing .cn domain-name holders to provide photo ID. http://www.wired.com/epicenter/2010/03/godaddy-stops-selling-cn-domains-over-china-censorship-concerns/ Go Daddy stops registering Chinese domain names amid censorship concerns [AFP] Two days after Google halted censorship in China, another major US internet company, web domain registrar Go Daddy, has announced that it was cutting back on its activities there. http://www.news.com.au/business/breaking-news/go-daddy-stops-registering-chinese-domain-names-amid-censorship-concerns/story-e6frfkur-1225845055835 http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/World/Story/STIStory_506338.html InternetNZ reduces .nz wholesale fee by 16% InternetNZ is reducing the wholesale domain name fee for .nz domain names by 16%. At its meeting last Friday the InternetNZ Council committed to a reduction in the wholesale fee for a .nz domain name to $1.25 per month, down from $1.50 per month. http://blog.internetnz.net.nz/?p=314 http://dnc.org.nz/story/internetnz-reduces-nz-wholesale-fee-16 .NZ Domains Wholesale Price Slashed by 16% InternetNZ have announced they will be slashing the wholesale price for .NZ domain names by 16 per cent as of 1 July 2010. http://goldsteinreport.com/article.php?article=10752 http://www.domainpulse.com/2010/03/23/nz-domains-wholesale-price-slashed-by-16/ http://www.domainnews.com/en/internetnz-slashes-.nz-wholesale-price-by-16.html Cheaper .nz web addresses should be on the way The next time you buy or renew a .nz internet address, it should cost a little less. http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/cheaper-nz-web-addresses-should-be-way-120477 Russia to crack down on abuse of .ru addresses The organization that administers Russia's .ru top-level domain names will soon begin verifying the identity of its customers in an attempt to crack down on cybercrime, according to reports. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/03/22/russian_domain_crackdown/ Russian domain crackdown drives criminals elsewhere Russia has become the latest country to tighten up its domain name registration policies, in a move that could spell bad news for DNS scammers and cyber criminals operating in the region. http://thefrontline.v3.co.uk/2010/03/russian-domain.html Olympic Committee Threatens ICANN With Intellectual Property Concerns The International Olympic Committee appears to think it has the rights to all sport, given a recent letter to ICANN that raises concerns on the .SPORT gTLD proposal in particular, and new gTLDs in general. http://goldsteinreport.com/article.php?article=10753 http://www.domainpulse.com/2010/03/23/icann-threatened-by-olympic-committee-over-intellectual-property-concerns/ http://www.domainnews.com/en/icann-threatened-by-olympic-committee-over-intellectual-property-concerns.html Olympic threat to .sport domains The proposed .sport new top-level domain may find itself facing a significant challenge from the International Olympic Committee. http://domainincite.com/olympic-threat-to-sport-domains/ Olympic Committee Continues to Pester ICANN for Special Status The International Olympic Committee has sent another letter to ICANN requesting that it be given ?holier-than-thou? trademark rights and special protections for the launch of new top level domain names. http://domainnamewire.com/2010/03/22/olympic-committee-continues-to-pester-icann-for-special-status/ ********************** - DNS SECURITY ********************** Council of Europe Pushes for Only One Cybercrime Treaty [IDG] A European intergovernmental body that oversees the only international cybercrime treaty is advocating that the U.N. supports its efforts to get wider ratification of the treaty. http://www.pcworld.com/article/192165/.html http://www.arnnet.com.au/article/340625/council_europe_pushes_only_one_cybercrime_treaty/ http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/340625/council_europe_pushes_only_one_cybercrime_treaty/ http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/news/council-of-europe-pushes-for-only-one-cybercrime-treaty Cyberattacks an 'existential threat' to U.S., FBI says A top FBI official warned today that many cyber-adversaries of the U.S. have the ability to access virtually any computer system, posing a risk that's so great it could "challenge our country's very existence." http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9173967/Cyberattacks_an_existential_threat_to_U.S._FBI_says http://www.pcworld.com/article/192267/.html EFF: Internet's security, privacy flaws need attention The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) held a 1 hour round table concerning internet architecture revealing what they believe are flawed design elements have never been designed with standards consumers can trust. Internet technology engineers face legal concerns that are still not addressed, according to many legal scholars that follow Internet services and applications. http://government.zdnet.com/?p=8241 Top U.S. Domain Name Registrars Lag on DNS Security The leading domain name registrars in the United States appear to be dragging their feet on the deployment of DNS Security Extensions, an emerging standard that prevents an insidious type of hacking attack where network traffic is redirected from a legitimate Web site to a fake one without the Web site operator or user knowing. http://www.cio.com/article/587931/Top_U.S._Ddomain_Name_Registrars_Lag_on_DNS_Security http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9173960/Top_U.S._domain_name_registrars_lag_on_DNS_security http://news.techworld.com/security/3218219/domain-registrars-lagging-behind-over-dnssec-security/ ********************** - DOMAIN DISPUTES ********************** Disputed Domains Heard By WIPO Increases in 2009 In 2009, the number of disputed domain names arbitrated by WIPO jumped for the third consecutive year, jumping by 18.5 per cent to 4,688 from 3,958 in 2008. This compares to an increase in domain registrations of eight percent over the same period to 192 million from 177 million in 2008. http://goldsteinreport.com/article.php?article=10754 http://www.domainpulse.com/2010/03/23/disputed-domains-heard-by-wipo-increases-18-in-2009/ http://www.domainnews.com/en/disputed-domains-heard-by-wipo-increases-18-in-2009.html Brands Tackle Cybersquatters in 2009, UDRP becomes Eco-Friendly [news release] Demand for WIPO?s dispute resolution services, in particular relating to cybersquatting cases, continued in 2009 with trademark holders filing 2,107 complaints under procedures based on the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP), which at WIPO became a paperless operation at the end of 2009. While this caseload represents a 9.5% decrease over 2008, it covers the highest number of individual domain names in a given year (4,688) since the UDRP - a quick and cost effective way of addressing allegations of cybersquatting - was launched ten years ago. http://www.wipo.int/pressroom/en/articles/2010/article_0007.html WIPO Sees Decrease In Cybersquatting Complaints, Warns Of Domain Name Expansion The expansion of internet domain names as proposed is worrying to trademark owners as a significant number cybersquatting cases continue to be filed in the World Intellectual Property Organization dispute resolution system, WIPO said this week. Meanwhile internet intermediaries should play a bigger role in the fight against trademark infringement, WIPO officials said. http://www.ip-watch.org/2010/03/23/wipo-sees-decrease-in-cybersquatting-complaints-warns-of-internet-domain-expansion/ National Arbitration Forum ("N.A.F.") Domain Name Dispute Study This study by DNattorney.com suggests that a handful of domain name arbitrators are appointed to decide a disproportionate amount of cases. http://www.dnattorney.com/study.shtml Football dominated cybersquatting complaints in 2009: WIPO [AFP] Complaints about football-related website addresses made up a key part of the cybersquatting disputes in 2009, said the UN intellectual property agency Tuesday. http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-technology/football-dominated-cybersquatting-complaints-in-2009-wipo-20100323-qs21.html http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-technology/football-dominated-cybersquatting-complaints-in-2009-wipo-20100323-qs21.html http://www.france24.com/en/20100323-football-dominated-cybersquatting-complaints-2009-wipo Report on UDRP Decisions from National Abitration Forum Issued Toronto based Domain Name Lawyer Zak Muscovitch has published a study on UDRP decisions by the National Arbitration Forum (NAF) on his DNAttorney website. The Muscovitch law firm also introduced a free sign-up to receive NAF Case Update, since the NAF does not yet offer such a service. http://www.domainnamenews.com/legal-issues/report-udrp-decisions-national-abitration-forum-issued/7370 Allegedly Stolen Domain Names Resold on Flippa A National Arbitration Forum panel has refused to hand over the domain names Recent.net, Than.net, and They.net in a UDRP decision. http://domainnamewire.com/2010/03/22/allegedly-stolen-domain-names-resold-on-flippa/ Study Shows Million Dollar Domain Arbitrators and UDRP Bias For the past few weeks I?ve been working with an outside party to analyze the distribution of WIPO cases amongst arbitrators. Now attorney Zak Muscovitch has beaten me to it with National Arbitration Forum data. http://domainnamewire.com/2010/03/22/study-shows-million-dollar-domain-arbitrators-and-udrp-bias/ Utah cybersquatting bill could go national [sub req'd] Utah state is close to signing into law an Act that will allow trade mark owners to sue infringing registrants of domains and their affiliates http://managingip.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=2446097 au: US giant comes after Footscray home business A Footscray home business has felt the full force of American giant Gerber and its trademarked term ?onesies? despite the companies being in separate markets. Alice Gerlach started her babywear business 18 months ago and named it onesies.com.au, which exemplified the business - nothing but all-in-one suits. http://leader-news.whereilive.com.au/news/story/us-giant-comes-after-home-business/ ********************** - IPv4/IPv6 ********************** Slow but steady increase in IPv6 adoption reported The Internet industry is seeing evidence that more consumers, corporations and Web sites are deploying IPv6, the long-anticipated upgrade to the Internet's main communications protocol, which is known as IPv4. But IPv6 remains a fraction of Internet traffic, and it's nowhere near where it should be given the rapid depletion of IPv4 addresses. http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9174059/Slow_but_steady_increase_in_IPv6_adoption_reported IPv4 squatting: awareness raising and research by Leo Vegoda As has been noted again in recent days, some ISPs, vendors and end users have been using previously unallocated IPv4 blocks to address their own networks and devices. When these address blocks become officially allocated or assigned, the prior use can lead to routing problems both for the new holder of the addresses and the person who used them without authorization. This is an unfortunate problem that we have been trying to raise awareness of over the last few years. http://blog.icann.org/2010/03/ipv4-squatting-awareness-raising-and-research/ ********************** - DOMAINING & AFTERMARKET ********************** Apple iPad domain names for sale on eBay Canny internet users have snapped up iPad-related web addresses and are reselling them for millions of dollars http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/apple/7504215/Apple-iPad-domain-names-for-sale-on-eBay.html ********************** INTERNET USE ********************** Social Networks a Lifeline For the Chronically Ill A former model who is now chronically ill and struggles just to shower says the people she has met online have become her family. A quadriplegic man uses the Web to share tips on which places have the best wheelchair access, and a woman with multiple sclerosis says her regular Friday night online chats are her lifeline. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/25/technology/25disable.html Augmented reality: it's like real life, but better Charles Arthur investigates how the ways in which we watch sport, read magazines and do business with each other could change for ever http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/mar/21/augmented-reality-iphone-advertising IE's share tumbles in some EU markets after ballot debut Microsoft's Internet Explorer (IE) has lost three times more share than usual in some European countries since the company issued a ballot that lets users choose an alternate browser, according to a Web measurement company. http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9173883/IE_s_share_tumbles_in_some_EU_markets_after_ballot_debut http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/340465/ie_share_tumbles_some_eu_markets_after_ballot_debut/ Microsoft's browser loses market share in Europe Microsoft's Internet Explorer has lost market share in major European markets, such as France, Britain and Italy, after the U.S. software firm started to make it easier for European consumers to use competing browsers. http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE62L1KU20100322 http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/technology/article7071687.ece More Americans use TV, Internet at same time The marriage of TV and the Internet continues with a new Nielsen report finding more people surfing the Web and watching TV at the same time. http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10470174-93.html TV and Internet use together growing in America Americans are spending more time watching television and surfing the Internet simultaneously, and nearly 60 percent of TV viewers use the Web at the same time at least once a month, according to a Nielsen report released on Monday. http://in.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idINIndia-47126320100322 au: SMBs still the kings on eBay Internet auction and sales site eBay has released its inaugural Australian Online Business Index (OBI) which shows that its top sellers are optimistic about the future as larger Australian retailers remain absent from the online market. http://www.zdnet.com.au/smbs-still-the-kings-on-ebay-339302003.htm Internet is biggest threat to endangered species, say conservationists The internet has emerged as one of the greatest threats to rare species, fuelling the illegal wildlife trade and making it easier to buy everything from live lion cubs to wine made from tiger bones, conservationists said today. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/mar/21/endangered-species-internet-threat Demise of coral, salamander show impact of Web [AP] The Internet has emerged as one of the greatest threats to rare species, fueling the illegal wildlife trade and making it easier to buy everything from live baby lions to wine made from tiger bones, conservationists and law enforcement officers said Sunday. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/21/AR2010032100310.html China eyes 500 million web users [AFP] A top Chinese official has said the nation's online population, already the largest in the world, is expected to exceed 500 million in the next two to three years. http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-technology/china-eyes-500-million-web-users-20100325-qysy.html http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-technology/china-eyes-500-million-web-users-20100325-qysy.html ********************** SOCIAL NETWORKING ********************** Facebook holiday posts could push up your insurance premiums Insurers have warned householders against advertising holiday plans on social networking sites, as criminals are using them to identify targets. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/money/insurance/article7069537.ece Continuing Facebook's Study of Happiness On October 5, 2009, Data Scientists at Facebook began studying the happiness of English speakers in the United States through the Gross National Happiness Index (GNH). We used anonymous counts of positive and negative word used in people?s Facebook updates to paint a picture of how they are feeling. Measuring how well-off, happy or satisfied with life the citizens of a nation are is a part of the Gross National Happiness movement, and the Gross National Happiness Index is our way of contributing to it. See our original blog post here. http://www.facebook.com/notes/facebook-data-team/continuing-our-study-of-happiness/375901788858 Facebook 'linked to rise in syphilis' Facebook has been linked to a resurgence in the sexually-transmitted disease syphilis, according to health experts. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/facebook/7508945/Facebook-linked-to-rise-in-syphilis.html Obama Twitter account 'hacked by Frenchman' A Frenchman who police say hacked Twitter accounts belonging to US President Barack Obama and celebrities could face jail. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8586269.stm Frenchman arrested, targeted Obama's Twitter account An unemployed Frenchman has been arrested for targeting the Twitter accounts of U.S. President Barack Obama and singer Britney Spears, French police said on Wednesday. http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE62N5U920100324 http://in.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idINIndia-47191620100324 French police make arrest in hijacking of Obama's Twitter account An unemployed Frenchman who used the online handle Hacker Croll has been arrested by French police for hijacking President Obama's Twitter account, and that of numerous others, according to news service Agence-France Presse. http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9174064/French_police_make_arrest_in_hijacking_of_Obama_s_Twitter_account http://www.networkworld.com/news/2010/032410-french-police-make-arrest-in.html au: Anti-AFP group registers with Facebook [AAP] Facebook is again courting controversy with a group calling itself F*** the Australian Federal Police registering itself on the social networking website. http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/latest/6969581/anti-afp-group-registers-with-facebook/ au: Facebook airs car thief's bravado The career criminal who killed a couple and their baby during a high-speed police pursuit in Narrabundah on Saturday boasted on Facebook less than a fortnight ago about his ability to evade police when behind the wheel. http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/facebook-airs-car-thiefs-bravado/1784627.aspx http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/facebook-airs-car-thiefs-bravado-20100324-qvm1.html au: Facebook Six prison officers beat bid to sack them Six prison officers known as the Facebook Six have won their case against the NSW Corrective Services Department, which tried to sack them over comments posted on the social networking site. http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/facebook-six-prison-officers-beat-bid-to-sack-them-20100325-qy1k.html Nigeria rights group to appeal Facebook ruling A Nigerian civil rights group said Wednesday it would appeal an Islamic court order to shut down its chat forums on Facebook and Twitter which criticise the practice of Islamic law in northern states. http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE62N4CA20100324 ********************** NEW TECHNOLOGIES ********************** Even Apple doesn't know who its iPad is for It's obvious who the early buyers of the iPad will be: the fanboys and early adopters who just have to have the latest Apple toy. Pre-orders for the iPad have been open for a week, and already people are trying to work out how many have been sold so far. Daniel Tello, for example, has analysed order-tracking numbers from the Apple store and concluded that around 190,000 iPads were pre-ordered in the first week. But that doesn't reveal anything about who will buy the iPad later on, or how they will use it. Indeed, it seems Apple itself is unsure of the answer, and is hedging its bets. http://www.economist.com/blogs/babbage/2010/03/apples_ipad ************************************************ CHILD PROTECTION, FILTERING & CONTENT REGULATION ************************************************ Russia close second to U.S. in child porn Russia is second only to the United States in the production of Internet child pornography, a Russian children's rights advocate says. http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2010/03/22/Russia-close-second-to-US-in-child-porn/UPI-85401269299341/ Russia second largest producer of child porn - ombudsman Russia is the second largest producer of internet child pornography in the world after the United States, Russia's ombudsman for children's rights said on Monday. http://en.rian.ru/russia/20100322/158277750.html au: Labor divided on internet filtering plan The mandatory ISP internet filtering scheme is fast becoming a political liability for the government, with divisions in caucus becoming apparent. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/labor-divided-on-internet-filtering-plan/story-e6frgakx-1225843981660 Conroy's filter plan unworkable, says Google Australia Fresh from halting censorship of search results in China, internet giant Google says Australia's mandatory ISP filter is both unworkable and unwanted by parents. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/conroys-filter-plan-unworkable-google/story-e6frgakx-1225844270444 Conroy's internet censorship agenda slammed by tech giants Australia's biggest technology companies, communications academics and many lobby groups have delivered a withering critique of the government's plans to censor the internet. http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/conroys-internet-censorship-agenda-slammed-by-tech-giants-20100323-qt83.html http://www.theage.com.au/technology/technology-news/conroys-internet-censorship-agenda-slammed-by-tech-giants-20100323-qt83.html http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/technology/technology-news/conroys-internet-censorship-agenda-slammed-by-tech-giants-20100323-qt83.html au: Google spots holes in internet filter plans On the same day that it challenged China on internet freedom, the search engine giant Google has had its objections to the Australian attempt at internet filtering drawn into the public domain. http://www.smh.com.au/technology/google-spots-holes-in-internet-filter-plans-20100323-qu4b.html http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/3499359/Google-protests-Australian-web-censorship Microsoft, Google and Yahoo! speak out in ISP filter consultation Microsoft, Google and Yahoo! have taken different tacks during public consultation over the Federal Government?s Internet filtering. http://www.arnnet.com.au/article/340550/microsoft_google_yahoo_speak_isp_filter_consultation/ ISPs a no-show on filter discussion paper If the level of industry feedback on the Federal Government?s measures to increase accountability and transparency for Refused Classification (RC) material is anything to go by, then it?s safe to say ISPs have effectively chosen to filter out the exercise as a waste of time. http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/340547/isps_no-show_filter_discussion_paper/ Google criticises Australia on internet filter plan [AFP] Internet giant Google led high-profile criticism of Australia's controversial plan to filter the Internet Tuesday, saying it went too far and could set a dangerous precedent. http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-technology/google-criticises-australia-on-internet-filter-plan-20100323-quai.html http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-technology/google-criticises-australia-on-internet-filter-plan-20100323-quai.html Gutsy Google gets Greens' envy The Australian Greens has released a glowing response today to Google's recent decision to stop censoring its search service in China, calling it "bold" and an example that other companies and governments around the world should follow. http://www.zdnet.com.au/gutsy-google-gets-greens-envy-339302013.htm We should be told when we're filtered Telstra outright opposed the government's option to boost the transparency of its ISP filter regime by issuing a "block page notification". But will transparency really make the filter a Refused Classification (RC) oracle? http://www.zdnet.com.au/we-should-be-told-when-we-re-filtered-339301996.htm Greens dismiss Internet filtering discussion paper The Greens party has taken a swipe at the Internet filtering consultation paper and criticised the Government?s restrictions on public contribution to the proposed legislation. http://www.arnnet.com.au/article/330037/greens_dismiss_internet_filtering_discussion_paper/ Don't review filter blacklist: Christian group Family Voice Australia said in a submission on suggested transparency measures for the government's planned internet filter that regular reviews of material judged to be Refused Classification would be "overly bureaucratic". http://www.zdnet.com.au/don-t-review-filter-blacklist-christian-group-339301998.htm Google tells Australia its 'Net filters go way too far This can't be the way that Australia wanted it. One day after Google announced its decision to stop censoring its search results in China, the Australian government released the results of a public consultation on its own Internet censorship proposal. Predictably, Google has some objections (PDF), including its oblique comment that Australia's mandatory filtering scheme could "confer legitimacy upon filtering by other Governments." http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2010/03/google-tells-australia-its-net-filters-go-way-too-far.ars Google takes China-buffed halo to Oz Not content with taking on China, Google were today squaring up for another fight over internet censorship, this time with the Australian government. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/03/23/google_oz/ au: Public weighs in on Internet filter plans The Federal Government has released several public submissions received on its Internet filtering discussion paper. http://www.arnnet.com.au/article/340516/public_weighs_internet_filter_plans/ Conroy receives 174 filter submissions Communications Minister Stephen Conroy's Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy (DBCDE) has received 174 submissions on transparency and accountability measures to consider when implementing its mandatory internet service providers level filter which will block "refused classification" content hosted on overseas servers. http://www.zdnet.com.au/conroy-receives-174-filter-submissions-339301959.htm Telstra and Optus disagree on ISP filter blocking notification page Australia?s two largest telcos have knocked heads once more over a key element in the Government?s mandatory ISP filtering plan. http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/340524/telstra_optus_disagree_isp_filter_blocking_notification_page/ Filter: Telstra against block notifications Telstra was the only major organisation to advise the Federal Government against notifying internet users when a web page has been blocked by its mandatory internet filter because it believed that such action could increase the accessibility of Refused Classification (RC) content. http://www.zdnet.com.au/filter-telstra-against-block-notifications-339301976.htm Cyber-Safety - release of public submissions [news release] Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy Senator Stephen Conroy said public submissions on improved transparency and accountability measures in relation to the Government?s ISP-level filtering policy were now available on the Department?s website. http://www.minister.dbcde.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/025 au: Porn links posted on Fielding's website Links to pornographic websites have been posted on the website of Family First Senator Steve Fielding. http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/03/23/2853599.htm ********************** ONLINE TV & MUSIC ********************** Internet TV project submits plans to watchdog The OFT is to investigate plans for a proposed joint venture aimed at giving Internet access to digital TV in a move that will allow critics such as pay-TV firms to voice concerns. http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE62L3RR20100322 au: Malone to AFACT: You lose, you pay iiNet managing director Michael Malone said today that the Australian Federation Against Copyright Theft (AFACT) shouldn't be able to get out of paying for its failed attempt to sue the provider over copyright breach. http://www.zdnet.com.au/malone-to-afact-you-lose-you-pay-339301277.htm ********************** MOBILE/WIRELESS ********************** au: In-flight internet still up in the air but drawing closer The day when Australians will be able to use their mobile phones, laptops and netbooks on domestic flights is drawing closer. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/opinion/in-flight-internet-still-up-in-the-air-but-drawing-closer/story-e6frgb0o-1225843949222 Telecom companies seek to make Haiti a mobile nation The earthquake that devastated Haiti also destroyed the nation's feeble network for phones and Internet service. Except for cellphones, the population was largely cut off from communication. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/23/AR2010032304234.html T-Mobile claims to soon have fastest 3G in U.S. T-Mobile USA said it will soon have bragging rights as the nation's fastest 3G network. But will the claim to fame help the company attract new customers? http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-12261_7-20001045-10356022.html Skype questions Egypt ban on mobile Internet calls Internet telephony firm Skype has questioned Egypt's move to ban international calls made through mobile Internet connections and said markets should be left open for consumers to choose. http://in.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idINIndia-47148720100323 Egypt bans VoIP services from operators such as Skype Egypt has reportedly banned mobile calls made through services such as Skype. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8585998.stm ********************** SPAM ********************** From Russia with (objective) spam stats It?s not every day that I get the chance to speak with a representative from the Russian Association of Electronic Communications (RAEC). http://blogs.zdnet.com/security/?p=5813 Twitter slashes spam levels to one per cent Twitter claims to have dramatically reduced the amount of spam on its micro-blogging site in the past six months. http://www.v3.co.uk/v3/news/2260165/twitter-reduces-spam-levels-per Twitter: Spam Reduced To 1% Of Tweets Per Day Twitter says its spam levels have dropped significantly to a new low of 1 percent of all tweets -- a major decrease from the level of nearly 11 percent in August 2009. http://www.darkreading.com/securityservices/security/attacks/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=224200265 ************************** ONLINE CRIME, SECURITY & LEGAL ************************** Germany warns against use of Firefox browser The German government has issued a warning about using the Firefox browser because of security issues. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8580716.stm German government urges users to scrap Firefox 3.6 Germany's federal computer security agency has recommended that users dump Mozilla's newest Firefox browser until the company patches a critical vulnerability later this month. http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9173874/German_government_urges_users_to_scrap_Firefox_3.6 http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/340441/german_government_urges_users_scrap_firefox_3_6/ http://www.networkworld.com/news/2010/032210-german-government-urges-users-to.html E.U. Court Curbs Sales by Google of Brand Names as Keywords The European Union?s highest court on Tuesday gave Google broad latitude to sell advertising linked to trademarks like Louis Vuitton on its search engine, a practice that angers companies, which fear a loss of control over their brand names. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/24/technology/24lvmh.html Google not guilty in Vuitton row The European Court of Justice has ruled in favour of Google in a dispute with luxury goods maker LVMH. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8582404.stm Google AdWords cleared by European Court but advertisers warned over trade mark abuse Google's AdWords system does not break trade mark law but companies can still stop their trade marks being used in the system in some circumstances, the European Union's top court has said. http://out-law.com/page-10847 Google wins court victory over Louis Vuitton Google today won the latest stage in a legal battle with luxury goods manufacturers after Europe?s highest court ruled that the search engine does not breach companies? rights by allowing online advertisers to buy key search words. http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/consumer_goods/article7072499.ece European court rules Google's ad model is legal Europe's highest court ruled Google Inc did not infringe trademark law by selling keywords to trigger ads after Louis Vuitton and others said the practice undermined their brands. http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE62M2D020100323 EU court: Google not liable for AdWord counterfeits The European Court of Justice has ruled in favor of Google in an AdWords case over the advertising of counterfeits. The court said that the service provider?in this case, Google?could not be held liable for shady retailers buying trademarked keywords in order to sell their faux products, and that the sale of those keywords should be left open to third parties. http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2010/03/eu-court-google-not-liable-for-adword-counterfeits.ars European Court Rules For Google In Trademark Case The European Union's highest court ruled Tuesday that Google is not infringing trademarks by allowing advertisers to bid for keywords corresponding to their competitors' trademarks. http://techdailydose.nationaljournal.com/2010/03/european-court-rules-for-googl.php Europe's top court sides with Google in trademarks case [IDG] The European Court of Justice ruled in favor of Google on Tuesday in a case concerning the use of trademarks in online advertising. http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9173923/Europe_s_top_court_sides_with_Google_in_trademarks_case http://www.pcworld.com/article/192112/.html Filching a Good Name for Internet Use? A search for ?Louis Vuitton? on Google?s British Web site turns up an advertisement for ?Designer Handbags 70% off? ? to the fury of LVMH, the French luxury goods conglomerate that owns the brand. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/22/technology/22iht-brands.html Inside a global cybercrime ring Hundreds of computer geeks, most of them students putting themselves through college, crammed into three floors of an office building in an industrial section of Ukraine's capital Kiev, churning out code at a frenzied pace. They were creating some of the world's most pernicious, and profitable, computer viruses. http://in.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idINIndia-47181120100324 Cyberattacks an 'existential threat' to U.S., FBI says A top FBI official warned today that many cyber-adversaries of the U.S. have the ability to access virtually any computer system, posing a risk that's so great it could "challenge our country's very existence." http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9173967/Cyberattacks_an_existential_threat_to_U.S._FBI_says http://www.pcworld.com/article/192267/.html EFF: Internet's security, privacy flaws need attention The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) held a 1 hour round table concerning internet architecture revealing what they believe are flawed design elements have never been designed with standards consumers can trust. Internet technology engineers face legal concerns that are still not addressed, according to many legal scholars that follow Internet services and applications. http://government.zdnet.com/?p=8241 Study: Asia faces same level cybercrime as the West Countries in Asia now face the same level and type of sophisticated cyber attack as countries in the West, according to a new report from non-profit US cyber-crime research organisation Team Cymru. http://mis-asia.com/news/articles/asia-faces-same-level-cyber-crime-as-the-west-team-cymru-study http://www.networkworld.com/news/2010/032210-study-asia-faces-same-level.html The 50 Riskiest Cities For Cybercrime Ready the Bat-Signal, Seattle: You are officially the most dangerous city in America when it comes to cybercrime. According to the folks at Symantec, anyway. http://www.networkworld.com/news/2010/032210-the-50-riskiest-cities-for.html http://www.pcworld.com/article/192051/.html Doing Business in America's Riskiest Cities for Cybercrime Symantec has released a report detailing the 50 riskiest cities in America--at least when it comes to cybercrime. Businesses already located in these cities, or planning to set up shop in one of the 50 riskiest cities, don't need to pack up and leave town, but the report raises awareness and alerts IT administrators to be extra vigilant. http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/192098/.html The Norton Top 10 Riskiest Online Cities Report Reveals Who?s Most Vulnerable to Cybercrime [news release] Cybercrime, a threat that affects one in five online shoppers? and cost Americans $560 million in 2009 due to online fraud?, may hit closer to home than many realize. Norton from Symantec (Nasdaq: SYMC) teamed up with independent research firm Sperling?s BestPlaces to find and expose the nation?s top 10 cities most vulnerable to cybercrime. http://www.symantec.com/about/news/release/article.jsp?prid=20100322_01 FBI Releases 2009 Bank Crime Statistics [news release] Today the FBI released bank crime statistics for calendar year 2009. Between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2009, there were 5,943 robberies, 100 burglaries, 19 larcenies, and three extortions of financial institutions1 reported to law enforcement. The total 6,065 reported violations represents a decrease from 2008, during which 6,8572 violations of the Federal Bank Robbery and Incidental Crimes Statute were reported. http://www.fbi.gov/pressrel/pressrel10/final2009bankcrimestats_032210.htm FBI embeds cyber-investigators in Ukraine, Estonia Hoping to catch cybercrooks, the FBI has begun embedding agents with law enforcement agencies in Estonia, Ukraine and the Netherlands. http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/347523/FBI_Fights_Cybercrime_in_E._Europe Cyber criminals target World Cup football fans Football fans are being targeted by cyber criminals in the run-up to the World Cup with a wave of spam e-mails, fake offers and attempts to steal banking details. http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/the_web/article7072020.ece CMS Cameron McKenna Technology Annual Review The CMS Cameron McKenna Technology Annual Review is now available to download. http://www.law-now.com/cmck/pdfs/nonsecured/Tech_Review_2010.pdf Singapore Unveils New Anti-Cybercrime Package Internet service providers (ISPs) in Singapore will be subject to a new code of infocomm security practice under a package of measures announced this morning by the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA). http://mis-asia.com/news/articles/singapore-unveils-new-anti-cybercrime-package http://www.networkworld.com/news/2010/032210-singapore-unveils-new-anti-cybercrime.html ************************** PRIVACY ************************** us: EFF Urges Supreme Court to Protect Text-Message Privacy [news release] The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) urged the United States Supreme Court today to ensure that modern communications methods such as text messages retain the constitutional privacy protections applied to earlier technologies. http://www.eff.org/press/archives/2010/03/23 ********************** CENSORSHIP ********************** Google stops censoring Chinese search services in a new approach to China by David Drummond, SVP, Corporate Development and Chief Legal Officer On January 12, Google announced on their blog that Google and more than twenty other U.S. companies had been the victims of a sophisticated cyber attack originating from China, and that during Google's investigation into these attacks they uncovered evidence to suggest that the Gmail accounts of dozens of human rights activists connected with China were being routinely accessed by third parties, most likely via phishing scams or malware placed on their computers. Google also made clear that these attacks and the surveillance they uncovered -- combined with attempts over the last year to further limit free speech on the web in China including the persistent blocking of websites such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google Docs and Blogger -- had led them to conclude that they could no longer continue censoring their results on Google.cn. http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/new-approach-to-china-update.html http://goldsteinreport.com/article.php?article=10733 Google stops censoring search results in China Google has stopped censoring its search results in China, ignoring warnings by the country's authorities. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8581393.stm Google Faces Fallout as China Reacts to Site Shift The company?s problems in China escalated on Tuesday as its ties to some Chinese partners began to come apart and the government reacted angrily to Google?s attempt to bypass government censors. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/24/technology/24google.html Google co-founder Sergey Brin urges US to act over China web censorship Google co-founder Sergey Brin has called on Washington to take a stand against China's censorship of the internet, urging the US to make the issue a "high priority". http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/mar/24/google-china-sergey-brin-censorship Google row: China's army of censors battles to defeat the internet When vicious inter-ethnic violence broke out in Urumqi last year, Chinese authorities flooded the city with security forces. But next came an unexpected step: they cut off internet access across the vast north-western region of Xinjiang. Controlling the information flow was as crucial as controlling the streets, it seemed. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/mar/23/google-hong-kong-china-censorship Realism lies behind decision to quit It might seem like commercial madness for one of the world?s best-known consumer brands willingly to risk ejection from the most populous country. http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/f11d5688-36d2-11df-bc0f-00144feabdc0.html China?s Booming Internet Giants May Be Stuck There Even before Google began threatening to shut down its search service in China, it was not fitting in. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/24/business/global/24internet.html Google Calls for Action on Web Limits A top Google executive on Wednesday called for new rules to put pressure on governments that filter the Internet, saying the practice was hindering international trade. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/25/technology/25google.html Chinese web users boycott Google While some gathered outside Google's head office in Beijing in support of its decision to end censorship, other Chinese citizens have expressed anger. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8584985.stm Google's Move to Hong Kong Viewed As 'A Face-Saving Capitulation' in Germany Google has stopped playing by the Chinese rules and moved its search engine to Hong Kong. The move allows the company to keep one foot in China while fulfilling its promise to end self-censorship. But German commentators are still skeptical of the company's motives -- and future. http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,685452,00.html Stance by China to Limit Google Is Risk by Beijing This is a nation that builds dams, high-speed rail lines and skyscrapers with abandon. In newly muscular China, sheer force is not just an art, but a bedrock principle of its seemingly unstoppable rise to global prominence. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/24/world/asia/24china.html China puts new limits on Google search results Chinese access to Google's search engine grew more restricted, with some sensitive searches blocked altogether, Tuesday as fallout from its decision to redirect mainland users to its uncensored Hong Kong website threatened to undermine the Internet giant's ability to cling to its hard-won Chinese market share. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-china-google24-2010mar24,0,5879877.story Google syndication deals mean China censorship will continue Google's operations and long-term prospects in China were shrouded in confusion , as it emerged that it is still censoring search services for its partners because of contractual obligations. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/mar/24/google-china-syndication-censorship-continues Google's decision signals change in Western businesses' approach to China The showdown between Google and the world's most populous country marks a turning point in one of the great alliances of the late 20th century -- the bond between Western capitalists and Beijing's authoritarian system. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/23/AR2010032302487.html Editorial: Google and China Google?s decision to stop censoring its search service in China on Monday was a principled and brave move, a belated acknowledgment that Internet companies cannot enable a government?s censorship without becoming a de facto accomplice to repression. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/24/opinion/24wed2.html China still censoring Google searches Chinese access to websites covering sensitive topics such as Tibet remains blocked despite Google's decision to stop censoring its Chinese-language search engine. http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/03/23/2854299.htm China censors searches on Google's Hong Kong-based search engine China began blocking results for sensitive searches on Google's Hong Kong-based Web site Tuesday, after the Internet search giant said it would redirect users from the mainland to the Hong Kong site in an effort to avoid Chinese censorship. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/23/AR2010032301250.html Google's decision signals change in Western businesses' approach to China The showdown between Google and the world's most populous country marks a turning point in one of the great alliances of the late 20th century -- the bond between Western capitalists and Beijing's authoritarian system. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/23/AR2010032302487.html China seeks calm amid the Google storm Google?s hopes of retaining a foothold in China remained intact yesterday after the Chinese Government played down its row with the company over censorship. http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/technology/article7072211.ece China thwarts Google's detour around censorship [AP] Google's attempted detour around China's internet censorship rules was met with countermeasures by the communist government, which blocked people on the mainland from seeing search results dealing with such forbidden topics as the pro-democracy movement. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/technology/news/article.cfm?c_id=5&objectid=10634024 Google defies China's censors and risks being blocked. Its woes send a chilling message After a couple of months of talks with the Chinese authorities, Google announced on Monday March 22nd that it had stopped censoring search results on its China portal, Google.cn, and was automatically redirecting its users to Google.com.hk, an uncensored portal in Hong Kong. The company said it would try to maintain an advertising-sales operation in China, and would continue research and development work there. However, it acknowledged that the Chinese authorities might block access to its site, in effect putting it out of business. Google's decision follows several attempts to hack its e-mail system, ever stronger censorship of its searches, legal complaints tied to its digitisation of books, and?always a worrying sign in China?growing vitriol in the state-controlled press. http://www.economist.com/business-finance/displaystory.cfm?story_id=15760510 Google raises stakes in China censorship row Google shut down its search service in the Chinese mainland last night after a two-month standoff with Beijing over online freedom and an alleged intrusion by hackers. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/mar/22/google-china-shut-down-censorships Google Shuts China Site in Dispute Over Censorship Just over two months after threatening to leave China because of censorship and intrusions from hackers, Google on Monday closed its Internet search service there and began directing users in that country to its uncensored search engine in Hong Kong. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/23/technology/23google.html Interview: Sergey Brin on Google?s China Move China?s censorship of the Internet may be blunt, but Google has found negotiations with the Chinese government in recent weeks to be subtle and uncertain. http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/22/interview-sergey-brin-on-googles-china-gambit/ Google China: Hacking bid that quickly grew into a clash of titans It is a cliche that things happen faster on the internet, but even that fails to explain the rapid collapse of relations between Google and the Chinese government. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/mar/23/google-china-hacking-bid-clash Google's defiance of China could backfire A Chinese business expert warns that Google's decision to defy the Chinese government's censorship demands could backfire. http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/03/23/2854024.htm China condemns decision by Google to lift censorship China says Google's decision to stop censoring search results is "totally wrong" and violates its promise to abide by Chinese laws. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8582233.stm Google ends censorship of China site Google on Monday carried through on its promise to end censorship of its local Chinese search engine, drawing an immediate and angry accusation from a Chinese official that raised the prospects of retaliatory action. http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/0081dbd4-35e9-11df-aa43-00144feabdc0.html Google China: Inside the firewall, information is in short supply Google's announcement in January that it was no longer willing to remove sensitive material from search results highlighted the issue of China's domestic internet controls. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/mar/23/google-china-firewall-censorship-internet Google tries to route users around Chinese censors With negotiations at an impasse in the high-profile showdown that has escalated tensions between China and the United States, Google Inc. has begun to redirect users of its Chinese-language search engine to uncensored results on its Chinese-language service based in Hong Kong. http://www.latimes.com/news/la-google-china-m,0,3972204.story Google Defies China on Web Google Inc. stopped censoring its Web search and news services in China, a risky and dramatic act of defiance that could prove to be a pivotal moment in the history of U.S. companies' efforts to do business in China. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704117304575137960803993890.html Google ends Internet censorship, dares China to make next move After two months of negotiations with Chinese officials over the country?s Internet censorship rules, Google pulled the plug on its China-based website Monday and began redirecting traffic to an uncensored site based in Hong Kong. http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2010/0322/Google-ends-Internet-censorship-dares-China-to-make-next-move Google's China Decision Ignores Conventional Wisdom [IDG] Google's decision to stop censoring search engine results in China flies in the face of common wisdom when it comes to doing business in the country. http://www.pcworld.com/article/192056/.html China: Google 'totally wrong' to stop censoring [IDG] Google was "totally wrong" to stop censoring results on its China-based search engine, Chinese state-controlled media cited a government official as saying early Tuesday. http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9173905/China_Google_totally_wrong_to_stop_censoring http://www.pcworld.com/article/192104/.html Google's China move ignores conventional wisdom [IDG] Google's decision to stop censoring search engine results in China, announced in a blog posting Monday, flies in the face of common wisdom when it comes to doing business in the country. http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9173894/Google_s_China_move_ignores_conventional_wisdom http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/news/googles-china-decision-ignores-conventional-wisdom Google's China headache not likely to go away The one-company, two-systems concept didn't work for Google in China. It's not clear how long having one system will work, either. http://news.cnet.com/8301-30684_3-20000945-265.html Comment: Can China live without Google? The media's mass coverage of Google's retreat from China showcased a war between the biggest search engine company and the biggest Internet market in the world. The Washington Post issued a report on Friday with the headline, "For Chinese people, loss of Google would mean nothing but darkness", which shows the deeply embedded ideology behind the curtain. http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2010-03/22/content_9623498.htm The Other Internet ? Beyond China?s Great Firewall China's economic miracle has been driven by the country's technological revolution, but the web also presents China?s authorities with problems and issues about control and access. http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/documentaries/2010/03/100316_chinas_firewall.shtml ************************** GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC POLICY ************************** Ofcom welcomes new European telecoms regulation body Ofcom today welcomed the formation of a new organisation to shape, coordinate and influence European telecoms regulation. http://www.ofcom.org.uk/media/news/2010/01/nr_20100128 Ofcom sets out vision and speed for 'superfast broadband for all' Ofcom, the telecoms watchdog, wants BT to share its network of telegraph poles and underground ducts with rival providers such as Virgin Media, to accelerate the rollout of "superfast broadband". http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/mar/23/ofcom-superfast-broadband Digital economy bill: what you need to know: the lowdown on the digital economy bill which could be rushed into law by the election The murmuring in parliament is that the digital economy bill will get its second reading on Tuesday 6 April ? the day that Gordon Brown is expected to hop into a car and head over to the palace to ask for the dissolution of parliament. The timing is precise: by getting its second reading in the Commons, the bill becomes eligible to go into the "wash-up" ? the dirty process by which bills that have run out of proper parliamentary time are hurried through to royal assent via a series of backroom deals. http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2010/mar/22/digital-economy-bill UK Budget 2010: Darling puts emphasis on broadband for all Chancellor Alistair Darling reiterated the government's commitment to making Britain a digital world leader, with plans for a major broadband roll out. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8584873.stm Complete ACTA text finally leaked Last April, the US Trade Representative explained to us that the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement had to stay secret in order to provide room for negotiating. In fact, ACTA was so inchoate that "a comprehensive set of proposals for the text of the agreement does not yet exist." In other words: there's nothing to release. http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2010/03/complete-acta-text-finally-leaked.ars New version of secret ACTA copyright treaty leaked A leaked document appears to have brought a swift response to calls from the European Commission and the New Zealand government on Monday for greater transparency in the negotiation of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement. The document suggests that the countries party to the secret negotiations still disagree on measures to police and curb illegal file sharing. http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/news/new-version-of-secret-acta-copyright-treaty-leaked Groups Voice Concern With ACTA Provisions Ten public interest groups and library associations wrote to U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk Monday voicing concern about some provisions in a leaked version of the anti-counterfeiting trade agreement being negotiated by the United States and other countries. http://techdailydose.nationaljournal.com/2010/03/groups-voice-concern-with-acta.php Leak reveals Wellington ACTA venue and agenda [IDG] The next round of Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) negotiations will be hosted at the Intercontinental Hotel in Wellington from April 12-16, according to a leaked agenda document. http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9173852/Leak_reveals_Wellington_ACTA_venue_and_agenda ACTA Wellington agenda and venue leaked Preliminary documents for the ACTA (Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement) meeting in Wellington, to be held in the week beginning April 12, have been leaked, including the agenda and venue -- and several references to the fact that the documents are confidential and should not be publicly released. http://news.idg.no/cw/art.cfm?id=86173BF7-1A64-6A71-CEC2F2FF6BE21976 http://www.thestandard.com/news/2010/03/22/acta-wellington-agenda-and-venue-leaked Geist: MP shakes up copyright landscape by Michael Geist Charlie Angus, the NDP Member of Parliament and musician, has a reputation for speaking his mind. Last week, he did more than just speak out. Angus single-handedly shook up the Canadian copyright landscape by promoting two reforms ? an extension of the private copying levy to audio recording devices such as iPods and greater flexibility in the fair dealing provision, the Canadian equivalent of fair use. http://www.thestar.com/news/sciencetech/technology/lawbytes/article/783079--geist-mp-shakes-up-copyright-landscape nz: Anti-piracy laws from the Dark Ages Mining national parks. Merging government departments. That's not all your government wants to do in secret. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/technology/news/article.cfm?c_id=5&objectid=10633858 Proposed US law would single out cybercrime havens [IDG] A bill introduced in the U.S. Senate Tuesday would compel the White House to identify international cybercrime havens and establish plans for cleaning them up. http://www.networkworld.com/news/2010/032310-proposed-us-law-would-single.html http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/192174/.html American Firms Voice Concern With Cybersecurity Bill Three leading technology associations on Tuesday expressed concern that a major cybersecurity bill, which the Senate Commerce Committee is set to mark up Wednesday, could have unintended consequences that could hinder the ability of private companies to respond to threats and attacks. http://techdailydose.nationaljournal.com/2010/03/firms-voice-concern-with-cyber.php Cybersecurity bill passes first hurdle A closely watched bill that promises to introduce some major changes on the federal cybersecurity front was approved by the Senate Commerce Committee today just days after it was introduced by Senators Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) and Olympia Snowe (R-Maine). http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9174065/Cybersecurity_bill_passes_first_hurdle http://www.networkworld.com/news/2010/032410-cybersecurity-bill-passes-first.html Bill Focuses On Global Cybercrime Measures Sens. Orrin Hatch, R-UT, and Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., introduced legislation Tuesday aimed at enhancing international cooperation to combat cybercrime. http://techdailydose.nationaljournal.com/2010/03/bill-focuses-on-global-cybercr.php http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20100323_6358.php ********************************* MISCELLANEOUS ********************************* MoMA acquires work of § [Reuters] The § symbol has come to embody the age of the internet and its constantly evolving language. http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/03/23/2853469.htm When § became art Any modern art gallery worth its salt is periodically required to raise a hue and cry with some new acquisition, to provoke a chorus of bemused or angry onlookers to exclaim: "But is it art?" By that token, the Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan just put itself back at the top of the big league. It has announced to the world that it has "acquired" the § sign, and will "exhibit" it as a symbol of our relationships and communications with others in the digital world. The requirement for inverted commas is telling. The symbol is, of course, not owned by anyone from whom the museum could acquire it, and MoMa's curators haven't yet begun to work out if and how they will give it physical form. http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/art/news/when--became-art-1926178.html ********************** TELECOMMUNICATIONS ********************** Niue to get internet bandwith boost The people of Niue are about to get a four-fold increase in internet bandwidth provided for free by the Internet Users Society Niue. http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=52620 ********************************** ARRESTS/COURT CASES FOR ONLINE CHILD PROTECTION ********************************** au: Appeal judge slams 'manifestly inadequate' child porn sentence An appeal judge said today courts must do more to try and stop the evil of child pornography and child abuse. http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/appeal-judge-slams-manifestly-inadequate-child-porn-sentence/story-e6frf7jo-1225844762177 au: Child porn sentence `was manifestly inadequate' The Victorian Court of Appeal has taken a hard line against "the evil" of child pornography by throwing out a "manifestly inadequate" suspended sentence given to a man who possessed thousands of images of child sexual abuse and resentencing him to an immediate three-year jail term. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/child-porn-sentence-was-manifestly-inadequate/story-e6frg6nf-1225844968930 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ (c) David Goldstein 2010 --------- David Goldstein email: goldstein_david§yahoo.com.au web: http://davidgoldstein.tel/ http://goldsteinreport.com/ phone: +61 418 228 605 - mobile; +61 2 9665 5773 - office/home "Every time you use fossil fuels, you're adding to the problem. Every time you forgo fossil fuels, you're being part of the solution" - Dr Tim FlanneryReceived on Wed Mar 24 2010 - 22:03:29 UTC
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