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 *************************************************** The global battle to rule the Internet http://www.euractiv.com/en/infosociety/global-battle-rule-internet-linksdossier-188352 Internet Governance and Regulation: What Should Be Government?s Role? http://www.brookings.edu/events/2010/1115_internet_governance.aspx Public Comment: Interim Report of the Internationalized Registration Data Working Group http://icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-15nov10-en.htm Important changes in the Proposed Final New gTLD Applicant Guidebook by Tony Kirsch http://www.ausregistry.com/blog/?p=653 New gTLDs: threats to and opportunities for brand owners http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=87fb22dc-0433-4301-a0db-4be9967e0c6c DENIC Enables Domains With ? As .DE Registrations Approach 14 Million http://goldsteinreport.com/article.php?article=12838 Russia?s Cyrillic IDN ccTLD blasts off through the 500K mark in under a week http://www.ausregistry.com/blog/?p=663 Private sector should be in next EU cybersecurity simulation [IDG] http://www.networkworld.com/news/2010/111610-private-sector-should-be-in.html Britain urged to lead international debate on cyber warfare http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/nov/15/cyber-warfare-report-chatham-house Aussie forces ready, but cyberwar is chaff http://www.zdnet.com.au/aussie-forces-ready-but-cyberwar-is-chaff-339307244.htm Strengthening Australia?s cyber security capability [news release] http://www.attorneygeneral.gov.au/www/ministers/mcclelland.nsf/Page/MediaReleases_2010_FourthQuarter_12November2010-StrengtheningAustraliascybersecuritycapability Experts: Stuxnet changed the cybersecurity landscape [IDG] http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/210971/.html US court: cybersquatters can accrue trademark rights in domain names http://www.worldtrademarkreview.com/daily/detail.aspx?g=8FE87CEE-90BE-4781-8BB8-0CACEF6A0EE8 When? by Geoff Huston http://www.potaroo.net/ispcol/2010-10/when.html Crunch time for upgrade of internet addresses that are running out http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/technology/technology-news/crunch-time-for-upgrade-of-internet-addresses-that-are-running-out-20101116-17v26.html http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/technology/4353396/Cyberspace-almost-full Vint Cerf: Net faces three crises http://www.computerweekly.com/Articles/2010/11/17/243971/Vint-Cerf-Net-faces-three-crises.htm Escom Sells Sex.com With Sedo for Record $13 Million [news release] https://sedo.com/links/showlinks.php3?tracked=&partnerid=&language=us&Id=2754 Sex.com $13m Sale Confirmed http://goldsteinreport.com/article.php?article=12839 ********************** GOVERNANCE ********************** The global battle to rule the Internet Governments, industry and rights campaigners are engaged in a global battle to shape the Internet as formal and informal policies emerge to assert control over an increasingly powerful media. http://www.euractiv.com/en/infosociety/global-battle-rule-internet-linksdossier-188352 Internet Governance and Regulation: What Should Be Government?s Role? Event Summary: As the Internet increasingly drives global commerce and social connectedness, the debate about government?s role in Internet governance and regulation intensifies. Proponents of Internet self-governance argue that market forces and self-regulation can go a long way toward ensuring order and standards of good behavior. Advocates for government intervention believe the Internet requires more regulation in order to flourish as a public good. http://www.brookings.edu/events/2010/1115_internet_governance.aspx EFF Discusses the Future of Internet Privacy at UN Internet Governance Forum EFF recently participated in the UN Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Vilnius, Lithuania, advocating for the respect of citizens' fundamental rights online. The IGF is an experimental and influential multi-stakeholder policy forum convened by the United Nations Secretary General in 2006, where civil society, industry, the technical community, and decision makers discuss key aspects of Internet governance issues on an equal footing. The informal nature of the IGF is designed to promote the full and frank exchange of ideas on important Internet policy issues without the knock-down-and-dragged-out conflicts that characterize other international fora where recommendations or binding treaties are made. This year, IGF brought together over 1,400 participants from around the world. Videos and transcripts of all the official meetings are now online and make for interesting viewing. http://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2010/11/future-privacy-internet-governance-forum ********************** DOMAIN NAMES ********************** ********************** - ICANN ********************** Public Comment: Interim Report of the Internationalized Registration Data Working Group Background/Explanation: On 26 June 2009 the Board of Directors of ICANN approved a resolution (2009.06.26.18) requesting that the Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) and the Security and Stability Advisory Committee (SSAC), in consultation with staff, convene an Internationalized Registration Data Working Group (IRD-WG) comprised of individuals with knowledge, expertise, and experience in these areas to study the feasibility and suitability of introducing display specifications to deal with the internationalization of registration data. http://icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-15nov10-en.htm IDN Session in Cartagena ICANN is pleased to release a draft of updated IDN Guidelines for discussion and to inform an IDN session at the upcoming meeting in Cartagena. The session is intended to serve as an informational interaction between all those interested in IDN registrations, and with a focus on the recently revised IDNA protocol. http://icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-4-15nov10-en.htm Public Comment: Draft Final Report of the ccNSO Review Working Group The ccNSO Review Working Group releases today its draft Final Report for public comments. http://icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-2-15nov10-en.htm Letter from Rod Beckstrom to Sha Zukang, United Nations Response to Call for Contribution to Public Consultation on the Process of Enhanced Cooperation http://icann.org/en/correspondence/beckstrom-to-sha-15nov10-en.pdf Important changes in the Proposed Final New gTLD Applicant Guidebook by Tony Kirsch The new guidebook represents an enormous step forward for the new Top-Level Domain program for a number of key reasons. As we have commented previously, the naming convention as the ?Final? guidebook is of significant importance and reinforces the ICANN Board?s intention to get to the finish line with the program. http://www.ausregistry.com/blog/?p=653 Is ICANN?s 3 Strikes Loophole on Purpose? ICANN?s three strikes rule is so full of holes that you have to wonder if the holes are on purpose. http://domainnamewire.com/2010/11/16/is-icanns-3-strikes-loophole-on-purpose/ Why Vertical Integration Is Good for the Domain Name Industry by Johnny Du ICANN's decision a little over a week ago to permit the vertical integration of registries and registrars in the new top-level domain program, which now appears in the Applicant Guidebook published over the weekend, was as welcome as it was surprising. This bold, principled stance will fundamentally modernize the domain name industry and create competitive benefits that will be felt by consumers and under-served communities for years to come. http://www.circleid.com/posts/why_vertical_integration_is_good_for_the_domain_name_industry/ New gTLDs: threats to and opportunities for brand owners ICANN has decided to allow for the registration of new gTLDs. This presents the opportunity for brand owners to: register a gTLD for their brand name and manage all second level domain names that fall within it (such as ?.canon?); join a group registration for a gTLD (such as ?.bank? or ?.melbourne?); and register second level domain names for their brand name within newly created gTLDs. http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=87fb22dc-0433-4301-a0db-4be9967e0c6c Implications of ICANN's New TLD Disqualification Policies and Cybersquatting 3-Strike Law by Constantine Roussos ICANN's proposed final applicant guidebook unraveled some new policies that would disqualify applicants from the new TLD program. ICANN states that if you lose 3 UDRP cases, you will be disqualified from being a major shareholder, partner, officer, director of a new top-level domain registry... Has ICANN opened a new can of worms with the 3-strike rule? http://www.circleid.com/posts/implications_of_icanns_new_tld_disqualification_policies_and_cybersquatting/ What in the World Will ICANN Do with $100 Million Cash Next Year? $185,000 per application. Let?s say 550 applications for new to level domain names. That?s $101.75 million in cash coming in ICANN?s door next year. http://domainnamewire.com/2010/11/16/what-in-the-world-will-icann-do-with-100-million-cash-next-year/ Vertical integration was not a slam dunk Two members of ICANN?s board voted against the decision to allow registrars and registries to own each other, according to a preliminary report from its November 5 meeting. http://domainincite.com/vertical-integration-was-not-a-slam-dunk/ Is ICANN too scared of lawsuits? Arguments about the new top-level domain Applicant Guidebook kicked off with a jolt this week, when ICANN was accused of abdicating its responsibilities and being too risk-averse. http://domainincite.com/is-icann-too-scared-of-lawsuits/ Happy 10th birthday new TLDs! With all the excitement about ICANN?s weekend publication of the new top-level domain Applicant Guidebook, it?s easy to forget that ?new? TLDs have been around for a decade. http://domainincite.com/happy-10th-birthday-new-tlds/ A Report Every Domain Name Administrator Should Read Earlier this month ICANN?s Security and Stability Advisory Committee released a report ?A Registrant?s Guide to Protecting Domain Name Registration Accounts?. Every domain administrator at small and large businesses, as well as domain portfolio owners, should read it. http://domainnamewire.com/2010/11/17/a-report-every-domain-name-administrator-should-read/ Is ICANN?s 3 Strikes Loophole on Purpose? One of the major changes to the so-called ?Proposed Final? applicant guidebook is a definition of what a pattern of ?bad faith in regard to domain name registrations? is. Applicants that have shown this bad faith pattern are barred from applying. http://domainnamewire.com/2010/11/16/is-icanns-3-strikes-loophole-on-purpose/ ********************** - ccTLD & gTLD NEWS ********************** at: "?" (s sharp) in domain names [news release] In contrary to .de domains it is not planned at the moment to register domains with the special (german) sign "?" under .at. The reason is that most of the application software (eg. internet browsers) are not updated to the new IDN standard yet and convert "?" to "ss", considering the two domains "gro?.at" and "gross.at" the same. http://www.nic.at/en/uebernic/current_issues/nicat_news/news_view/article/81/sonderzeichen-ss-in-domainnamen/ DENIC Enables Domains With ? As .DE Registrations Approach 14 Million As it approaches 14 million domain name registrations, the world?s largest country code Top Level Domain (ccTLD) by active registrations has allowed domain names to be registered by all on a first-come, first-served basis with the small Latin letter ???, also known as a ?sharp s? or ?eszett?, as of 16 November. http://goldsteinreport.com/article.php?article=12838 http://www.domainpulse.com/2010/11/17/denic/ German Alphabet In The Internet Now Complete With Eszett [news release] Effective 16 November, the letter eszett will officially be included in the set of characters permitted for .de domains http://www.denic.de/en/denic-in-dialogue/press-releases/press/3032.html Eurid boss cautious on generic domain names and DNSSec Marc Van Wesemael is a refreshing rarity in a domain name industry hidebound by political machinations and the promotion of vested interests; a senior figure unafraid to speak candidly about the industry and his somewhat controversial registry, Eurid. http://www.v3.co.uk/v3/analysis/2273240/dot-eu-domain-name-van-wesemael Russian IDN ccTLD .?? Opens for Registrations, Makes History by Veni Markovski ... It turned out they needed less than three hours to reach to the 100,000 domain names! Such a gold rush was not expected, and numbers continued to grow ? 200,000 within 6 hours from the beginning of the registration period. And more than 460,000 by today. http://blog.icann.org/2010/11/russian-idn-cctld-%d1%80%d1%84-opens-for-registrations-makes-history/ Controversy as Cyrillic Domains Hit the Open Market On November 11, 2010, registration for Internet domains in Cyrillic script, the writing system used by Russian and other Eastern European and Asian languages, went on the open market. Prior to this, Cyrillic domains could be registered only by firms that provided the trade mark certificate. This move comes a year and some after ICANN approved the use of internationalized domain names (IDNs), or domain names written in local language characters. http://globalvoicesonline.org/2010/11/17/russia-controversy-as-cyrillic-domains-hit-the-open-market/ Russia?s Cyrillic IDN ccTLD blasts off through the 500K mark in under a week Since last Thursday?s launch of Russia?s Cyrillic script IDN ccTLD, registration volumes have smashed all expectations, much like a Soyuz rocket blasting off into space from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. http://www.ausregistry.com/blog/?p=663 ********************** - DNS SECURITY ********************** Private sector should be in next EU cybersecurity simulation [IDG] Early assessments of the recent pan-European cybersecurity exercise conclude that the private sector should be included in the next simulation. http://www.networkworld.com/news/2010/111610-private-sector-should-be-in.html U.S. sees "huge" cyber threat in the future The United States faces a major threat in the future from cyber technologies that will require civil-military coordination to shield networks from attack, Defence Secretary Robert Gates said on Tuesday. http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-52956820101116 US faces 'huge' cyber threat in the future: Gates [AFP] Defense Secretary Robert Gates warned Tuesday that potential cyber attacks posed a "huge" future threat that had to be tackled through joint efforts by US military and civilian agencies. http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-technology/us-faces-huge-cyber-threat-in-the-future-gates-20101117-17wft.html http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-technology/us-faces-huge-cyber-threat-in-the-future-gates-20101117-17wft.html Britain urged to lead international debate on cyber warfare Britain could lead a sober international debate about the threat of cyber warfare, avoiding melodramatic claims made about aggressive actions in a world where it is difficult to point the finger at perpetrators. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/nov/15/cyber-warfare-report-chatham-house Aussie forces ready, but cyberwar is chaff Australia's military and defensive structures place it in a better shape to defend itself against cyber attacks than the United States, according to a senior analyst. http://www.zdnet.com.au/aussie-forces-ready-but-cyberwar-is-chaff-339307244.htm Strengthening Australia?s cyber security capability [news release] Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today opened the new office of the national computer emergency response team, CERT Australia, in Brisbane. http://www.attorneygeneral.gov.au/www/ministers/mcclelland.nsf/Page/MediaReleases_2010_FourthQuarter_12November2010-StrengtheningAustraliascybersecuritycapability US senators mull bill to require private sector reporting of cyberattacks Senators are contemplating legislation to mandate that the private sector report cyberattacks in the wake of Stuxnet, a recently detected computer worm with potential to bring down industrial operations ranging from water treatment to manufacturing. http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20101117_5600.php NATO mobilises for cyber warfare [AFP] In 1989, before the Internet revolution, Suleyman Anil was the lone man in charge of the security of NATO's IT system, armed with a single computer. http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-technology/nato-mobilises-for-cyber-warfare-20101118-17yok.html http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-technology/nato-mobilises-for-cyber-warfare-20101118-17yok.html Experts: Stuxnet changed the cybersecurity landscape [IDG] The appearance of the Stuxnet worm in June should serve as a wake-up call to governments and businesses, especially those relying on Internet-based industrial control systems, a group of cybersecurity experts told U.S. lawmakers Wednesday. http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9196980/Experts_Stuxnet_changed_the_cybersecurity_landscape http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/210971/.html Stuxnet a threat to critical industries worldwide: experts The Stuxnet worm that infiltrated Iran's nuclear facilities poses a threat to critical industries worldwide such as water, power and chemical plants, cybersecurity experts warned on Wednesday. http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-technology/stuxnet-a-threat-to-critical-industries-worldwide-experts-20101118-17xvv.html http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-technology/stuxnet-a-threat-to-critical-industries-worldwide-experts-20101118-17xvv.html ********************** - DOMAIN DISPUTES ********************** US court: cybersquatters can accrue trademark rights in domain names A US court has held that a domainer accrued common-law trademark rights in the domain names he owned, even though they corresponded to well-known brand names. It is a default judgment but nonetheless shines a light on a shadowy corner of the Anti-cybersquatting Consumer Protection Act (ACPA), which is used by brand owners to squash infringers and collect multi-million dollar awards. http://www.worldtrademarkreview.com/daily/detail.aspx?g=8FE87CEE-90BE-4781-8BB8-0CACEF6A0EE8 ********************** - IPv4/IPv6 ********************** When? by Geoff Huston At the October 2010 ARIN meeting the inevitable question came up once more in one of the open microphone sessions: "Exactly when are we going to run out of IPv4 addresses? Could you please provide the date when the first request for an allocation of IPv4 address space will be refused?" http://www.potaroo.net/ispcol/2010-10/when.html Crunch time for upgrade of internet addresses that are running out With cyberspace almost full, Samantha Amjadali finds out it's going to take half a trillion dollars to avoid a global squeeze. IPV6. It is the ultimate case of procrastination; a problem so big, so complex and so expensive, the world has ignored it for two decades. http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/technology/technology-news/crunch-time-for-upgrade-of-internet-addresses-that-are-running-out-20101116-17v26.html http://www.theage.com.au/technology/technology-news/crunch-time-for-upgrade-of-internet-addresses-that-are-running-out-20101116-17v26.html http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/crunch-time-for-upgrade-of-internet-addresses-that-are-running-out-20101116-17v26.html http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/technology/4353396/Cyberspace-almost-full http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/digital-living/4351052/Cyberspace-almost-full ********************** - MISCELLANEOUS ********************** Vint Cerf: Net faces three crises The internet faces three major crises which, if left unsolved, will lead to the net stalling as a communications medium and an engine for economic growth, according to internet founder and Google's internet evangelist Vint Cerf. http://www.computerweekly.com/Articles/2010/11/17/243971/Vint-Cerf-Net-faces-three-crises.htm us: Groups Pushing For Action Thursday On Net Piracy Bill Several groups are pushing the Senate Judiciary Committee to act Thursday on legislation that would crack down on online piracy and counterfeiting. ... Supporters of the bill have worked to deflect criticism from civil liberties, public interest and some tech groups. The have voiced concerns with provisions in the bill that could lead to the revocation of the domain names of Web sites that engage in piracy or counterfeiting. Critics argue the bill would set a precedent that could harm Internet freedom around the world, undermine the domain name system and hamper innovation. http://techdailydose.nationaljournal.com/2010/11/groups-pushing-for-action-thur.php Why Your Business Must Embrace the Foreign Language Internet [Mashable] All signs point toward an increasingly multilingual future for the web. It?s estimated that over BRIC countries alone by 2015, and the opportunity is even greater when you factor more people accessing the web using mobile devices than computers in many emerging markets. It?s time businesses of all sizes embraced the foreign language Internet. http://mashable.com/2010/11/15/business-foreign-language-web/ http://news.yahoo.com/s/mashable/20101115/tc_mashable/why_your_business_must_embrace_the_foreign_language_internet Afilias Offers Registrars Integrated Registry and DNS Solutions for New TLDs Domain name registry and DNS services provider Afilias is now offering a full suite of registry and DNS services for new domain name registrars to ensure that both their proposed new top-level domain applications and registries are successful. http://www.thewhir.com/web-hosting-news/111510_Afilias_Offers_Registrars_Integrated_Registry_and_DNS_Solutions_for_New_TLDs ********************** - DOMAINING & AFTERMARKET ********************** Escom Sells Sex.com With Sedo for Record $13 Million [news release] Online domain specialist Sedo.com today announced the sale of the Sex.com domain name for a record $13 million. The sale was brokered by one of Sedo?s senior domain brokers, Jeffrey Gabriel, who conducted a three-month search for a buyer on behalf of Escom in accordance with an order issued by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California. https://sedo.com/links/showlinks.php3?tracked=&partnerid=&language=us&Id=2754 Sex.com $13m Sale Confirmed Sedo have confirmed sex.com has officially been sold selling for $13 million in the highest value domain sale in history. http://goldsteinreport.com/article.php?article=12839 http://www.domainpulse.com/2010/11/18/sexcom-13m-sale-confirmed/ http://www.domainnews.com/en/sex.com-$13m-sale-confirmed.html Sex.com Officially in the Record Books at $13 Million Sex.com officially becomes the largest all cash publicly announced domain sale of all time. http://domainnamewire.com/2010/11/17/sex-com-officially-in-the-record-books-at-13-million/ European Parliament joins French traders in opposing use of rival brands as keywords Companies should be able to block rivals from using their brand names as keywords for internet search advertising systems, a European Parliament report has recommended. The proposal backs calls made by a coalition of French firms. http://out-law.com/page-11548 ********************** INTERNET USE ********************** Internet picked over buses in ideal Australian suburb [AAP] Australians value access to the internet over public transport links and schools in their ideal suburb, new research shows. http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1416337/Internet-picked-over-buses-in-ideal-suburb http://www.theage.com.au/technology/technology-news/internet-picked-over-buses-in-ideal-suburb-20101118-17xud.html http://www.watoday.com.au/breaking-news-national/internet-picked-over-buses-in-ideal-suburb-20101118-17xtk.html http://www.zdnet.com.au/broadband-beats-buses-in-ideal-suburbs-339307350.htm MailOnline: what is the secret of its success? It's the most popular newspaper website in the UK, with nearly 18 million readers a month, and is second only to the New York Times worldwide http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2010/nov/15/mailonline-daily-mail-website uk: Internet sales poised to hit ?22m an hour on 'manic Monday' UK internet shoppers are poised to spend a total of ?537m ? or ?22.4m an hour ? online, on what is predicted to be the busiest internet shopping day of the year. http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2010/nov/17/internet-sales-manic-monday Call to fix web's 'inaccessible' sites A campaign has launched aimed at improving the online experience for people with disabilities. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-11746150 uk: Give prisoners access to the web, says Lane Fox Prisoners should be given access to the internet to help with their rehabilitation and cut crime, Martha Lane Fox has told The Independent. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/give-prisoners-access-to-the-web-says-lane-fox-2136115.html Kiwis faster on the net, but changing their use Kiwis are faster and better connected but the way they're using the internet is changing. The findings are part of the second bi-annual World Internet Project NZ survey. http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/digital-living/4353238/Kiwis-faster-on-the-net-but-changing-their-use nz: The Internet: More Use, More Mobile, Less Secret The internet is moving out from behind closed doors in homes to communal places like lounges and kitchens the latest World Internet Project figures report. The second bi-annual survey of more than 1200 New Zealanders shows the internet is increasingly moving into open spaces in the house. The percentage of people who use the internet mainly in living areas (including lounge, kitchen, dining room) rose from 33 per cent in 2007 to 45 per cent in 2009. http://www.voxy.co.nz/technology/internet-more-use-more-mobile-less-secret/5/72276 ********************** SOCIAL NETWORKING ********************** Web expert gives Facebook five years Digital consumer expert Jeffrey Cole gives social networking giant Facebook five years before its audience begins to splinter. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/media/web-expert-gives-facebook-five-years/story-e6frg996-1225954968896 Facebook ramps up competition with a new message system Facebook has ramped up competition with AOL, Yahoo, Microsoft and Google with a product to rival their email services. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-11760050 Facebook Offers New Messaging Tool Since the heyday of AOL?s cheery ?You?ve got mail? greeting, e-mail has been central to the online experience for millions of people. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/16/technology/16facebook.html Facebook mail: it might kill Gmail, but 'it's not email' From the decline in affection of one relationship to the growing warmth of another, Facebook users will soon be able to chart their entire conversation history with friends, family and lovers using the company's new communication system. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/nov/15/facebook-mail-gmail-killer-email Facebook's New Front in Google Rivalry Facebook Inc. ramped up its rivalry with Google Inc. and other Internet companies, as the social-networking giant unveiled a messaging service to compete for the loyalty of millions of Internet users. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703326204575616672123580274.html Hackers, Spammers Will Target Facebook Messages, Say Experts Facebook's revamped Messages will be a very attractive target for spammers, scammers and malware makers, security experts said today. http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9196828/Hackers_spammers_will_target_Facebook_Messages_say_experts http://www.pcworld.com/article/210871/.html Google Search That Leads to Brand Marketing A year ago, Google introduced a smartphone application that lets users take photos of objects and get search results in return. On Tuesday, the company will take that capability into the world of marketing with an experiment allowing five national brands to use the application in their promotional materials. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/16/business/media/16adco.html Google targets fashion market Not content to revolutionise online search and email, Google is preparing to enter the fashion business on Wednesday with a website believed to be called Boutiques.com. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/nov/15/google-targets-fashion-market-boutique nz: Facebook double-edged [The Timaru Herald] If our children are on Facebook, what are they doing there, and should we be worried? Features editor Claire Allison looks at the concerns and the advice surrounding social-networking sites and cellphones. http://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/features/4350317/Facebook-double-edged ********************** NEW TECHNOLOGIES ********************** Supercomputers Fuel Competition: Chinese Supercomputer Vexes US China's installation of the world's fastest supercomputer is galvanizing efforts by U.S. government agencies and companies to restore American leadership in the technology, a key tool in such fields as climate research, product design and weapons development. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704514504575613711067275860.html China's Tianhe-1A crowned supercomputer king China's Tianhe-1A supercomputer has been confirmed as the most powerful in the world. Confirmation came with the publication of the latest list of the Top 500 supercomputers on the planet. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-11766840 More Professors Give Out Hand-Held Devices to Monitor Students and Engage Them If any of the 70 undergraduates in Prof. Bill White?s ?Organizational Behavior? course here at Northwestern University are late for class, or not paying attention, he will know without having to scan the lecture hall. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/16/education/16clickers.html ************************************************ CHILD PROTECTION, FILTERING & CONTENT REGULATION ************************************************ Blocking child porn websites is not sufficient, say EU reps [IDG] Simply blocking websites may not be enough to combat child pornography, according to the European Parliament's Civil Liberties Committee, which also said that such a measure would be difficult to implement across the European Union due to member states' differing sensitivities and traditions. http://www.networkworld.com/news/2010/111610-blocking-child-porn-websites-is.html Europe questions move to block child sex abuse images Members of the European Parliament have cast doubt on plans to move to community-wide blocking of child sexual abuse images. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/11/16/eu_abuse_block/ au: ISP mandatory filter plan could start in 2013 Labor's controversial mandatory internet filter scheme could be delayed until 2013, when the next federal election is due. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/government/isp-mandatory-filter-plan-could-start-in-2013/story-fn4htb9o-1225954572335 Filter pushed back to mid-2013 Legislation supporting Labor's proposed mandatory internet filtering project may not hit parliament until mid-2013, according to advice provided to Stephen Conroy by his department, a timeframe which may make it an issue in the next election. http://www.zdnet.com.au/filter-pushed-back-to-mid-2013-339307316.htm http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/368325/filter_gets_new_date_mid-2013/ http://www.arnnet.com.au/article/368356/no_internet_filter_until_2013/ http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/368307/conroy_internet_filter_gets_new_date/ http://www.techworld.com.au/article/368325/filter_gets_new_date_mid-2013/ http://www.goodgearguide.com.au/article/368307/conroy_internet_filter_gets_new_date/ http://delimiter.com.au/2010/11/17/filter-gets-a-new-date-mid-2013/ http://www.itwire.com/it-industry-news/strategy/43244-filter-gets-a-new-date-mid-2013 Mandatory ISP filtering stalled until mid-2013 Legislation to introduce mandatory ISP filtering has now been deferred to the second half of 2013, according to strategy papers issued by the Department of Broadband Communications and the Digital Economy (DBCDE). http://www.itnews.com.au/News/238841,mandatory-isp-filtering-stalled-until-mid-2013.aspx http://www.securecomputing.net.au/News/238841,mandatory-isp-filtering-stalled-until-mid2013.aspx http://www.cio.com.au/article/368325/filter_gets_new_date_mid-2013/ au: Conroy's kid safety red button cost $136K Documents have revealed that the software-based anti-bullying panic button launched by the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy in June this year cost $136,000, not the $73,000 originally announced. http://www.zdnet.com.au/conroy-s-kid-safety-red-button-cost-136k-339307328.htm Our blacklist has failed us: Thai minister A senior minister in Thailand's ICT authority, which oversees internet censorship in the country, said that blacklisting has failed and should be dropped. ... Internet content filtering has also drawn the ire of activists in New Zealand after the voluntary scheme came into force earlier this year. http://www.zdnet.com.au/our-blacklist-has-failed-us-thai-minister-339307333.htm uk: New online child protection chief is appointed The Assistant Chief Constable of Lincolnshire Police has been appointed as the new chief executive of the Child Online and Exploitation Centre (Ceop). http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-11741969 us: FBI challenges students on Internet safety The Federal Bureau of Investigation's Safe Online Surfing Internet Challenge aims to do just that for pupils throughout the country. http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/richmond-neighbors/2010-11-17/fbi-challenges-students-internet-safety us: The Palin Sisters: Cyberbullies Or Typical Teens? In the wake of Willow Palin's controversial Facebook slurs, commentators on all sides of the debate have weighed in on the impact of the 16-year-old's gaff. Willow and her sister Bristol -- a public advocate for teen pregnancy prevention and Dancing With The Stars finalist -- got in a war of words with classmates on Facebook Sunday night during the premiere of Sarah Palin's Alaska. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/17/the-palin-sisters-cyberbu_n_785197.html us: Trooper talks about cyberbullying and online predators "It used to be the stranger was out on the street. Now, he's in your home." Those are pretty chilling words for parents to hear, but an obvious reality given today's society of instantaneous and anonymous electronic communication. http://www.humboldtnews.com/main.asp?SectionID=12&SubSectionID=12&ArticleID=7276 ********************** ONLINE TV & MUSIC ********************** Online viewers still loving regular TV, poll shows The Pay TV industry has heatedly debated this fall whether consumers are dropping their cable or other TV subscriptions to watch more TV content online. A new study by Nielsen, commissioned by the Cable & Telecommunications Association for Marketing, argues that most people who watch at least some content from the Web on their TV sets are "cord keepers" rather than "cord cutters." http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE6AE0PG20101115 Bandwidth threat puts online pay-TV providers on war footing Australia's emerging internet pay-TV providers appear set for a new bandwidth battle in the race to win online audiences. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/bandwidth-threat-puts-online-pay-tv-providers-on-war-footing/story-e6frgakx-1225954043092 Google's Eric Schmidt tries to quell television network backlash against Google TV In an interview with John Battelle and Tim O?Reilly onstage at the Web 2.0 Conference in San Francisco, Google Chief Executive Eric Schmidt addressed the Hollywood backlash against Google TV, saying that ongoing discussions with the television industry are going well and that Google is sharing data to help persuade broadcasters who are blocking Google TV to reconsider. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2010/11/googles-eric-schmidt-tries-to-quell-television-network-backlash-to-google-tv.html ********************** MOBILE/WIRELESS ********************** BlackBerry to allow Indian government to monitor messages BlackBerry maker Research In Motion (RIM) is ready to allow Indian authorities access to the emails and messages of its most high-profile corporate customers, according to a ministry official in the country. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/nov/17/india-blackberry-monitored-emails 500 million people will be using mobile health apps by 2015 Smartphone apps are set to become the killer health care product as a research report projects that some 500 million people will be using them within five years. http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9196823/500_million_people_will_be_using_mobile_health_apps_by_2015 http://www.networkworld.com/news/2010/111610-500-million-people-will-be.html http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/210877/.html uk: Date set for 4G airwaves auction Ofcom's chief exeuctive Ed Richards has laid out the timetable which will pave the way for next-generation mobile services in the UK. The airwaves that will enable 4G networks will be auctioned off in the first half of 2012, Mr Richards said. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-11776901 ACMA: Australians moving away from fixed-line phones The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has released research showing a rapid rise in the number of people without fixed-line phones at home. http://www.arnnet.com.au/article/368509/acma_australians_moving_away_from_fixed-line_phones/ au: Young adults leading trend away from fixed-line phones [news release] Research released today by the Australian Communications and Media Authority shows that the overwhelming majority of Australian consumers are now using multiple communications technologies?including a fixed-line telephone, a mobile phone, the internet and VoIP?which they use according to their lifestyle needs. http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_312366 ********************** SPAM ********************** Global spam e-mail drops after hacker arrests Levels of spam have fallen by almost 50% since August 2010, suggest figures. Figures compiled by security firm Symantec show that the amount of junk e-mail messages flowing around the net has dropped 47% in three months. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-11757347 Spam Levels Fall 50 Percent After Illegal Networks Smashed The Australian Federal Police have in part contributed to an International operation that that has seen global spam levels fall by almost 50%. http://www.channelnews.com.au/Hardware/Software/F8U5A6F2 McAfee: Spam down, but malware up Spam hit a two-year low this past quarter, but malware is at an all-time high, according to McAfee's latest Threats Report. http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-20023067-83.html McAfee reports malware at all-time high McAfee today revealed its McAfee Threat Report for the third quarter of 2010. Information like that provided by McAfee in these quarterly reports is valuable for IT admins -- enabling them to keep a finger on the pulse of malware, and to stay in touch with emerging attack techniques and trends. http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/210910/.html http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/368404/mcafee_reports_malware_all-time_high/ http://www.networkworld.com/news/2010/111710-mcafee-reports-malware-at-all-time.html http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/210910/.html McAfee, Inc. Q3 Threat Report Reveals Average Daily Malware Growth at an All Time High; Spam at Lowest Point since 2008 [news release] McAfee, Inc. unveiled its McAfee Threats Report: Third Quarter 2010, which uncovered that average daily malware growth has reached its highest levels, with an average of 60,000 new pieces of malware identified per day, almost quadrupling since 2007. At the same time, spam levels decreased in volume this quarter, both globally and in local geographies. Spam hit a two year low this quarter while malware continued to soar. McAfee identified more than 14 million unique pieces of malware in 2010, one million more than Q3 2009. http://newsroom.mcafee.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=3708 ************************** ONLINE CRIME, SECURITY & LEGAL ************************** US web traffic rerouted via China Telecom The traffic to some highly sensitive US websites was briefly rerouted via China, the US government has said. The incident, which happened for 18 minutes last April, is published in a report by the US-China Economic and Security review commission. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-11773146 Report Looks at How China Meddled With the Internet An annual report to Congress touched off a round of speculation Wednesday about the motives of a small Chinese Internet service provider that briefly rerouted as much as 15 percent of the world?s Web traffic on two occasions last spring. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/18/world/asia/18intel.html Pentagon data diverted to Chinese servers The United States has revealed the details of a startling breakdown in cyber security in April, when 15 per cent of the world's internet traffic was diverted through China. http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/11/18/3069626.htm How China swallowed 15% of 'Net traffic for 18 minutes In a 300+ page report today, the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission provided the US Congress with a detailed overview of what's been happening in China?including a curious incident in which 15 percent of the world's Internet traffic suddenly passed through Chinese servers on the way to its destination. http://arstechnica.com/security/news/2010/11/how-china-swallowed-15-of-net-traffic-for-18-minutes.ars Private sector should be in next EU cybersecurity simulation [IDG] Early assessments of the recent pan-European cybersecurity exercise conclude that the private sector should be included in the next simulation. http://www.networkworld.com/news/2010/111610-private-sector-should-be-in.html U.S. sees "huge" cyber threat in the future The United States faces a major threat in the future from cyber technologies that will require civil-military coordination to shield networks from attack, Defence Secretary Robert Gates said on Tuesday. http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-52956820101116 US faces 'huge' cyber threat in the future: Gates [AFP] Defense Secretary Robert Gates warned Tuesday that potential cyber attacks posed a "huge" future threat that had to be tackled through joint efforts by US military and civilian agencies. http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-technology/us-faces-huge-cyber-threat-in-the-future-gates-20101117-17wft.html http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-technology/us-faces-huge-cyber-threat-in-the-future-gates-20101117-17wft.html Britain urged to lead international debate on cyber warfare Britain could lead a sober international debate about the threat of cyber warfare, avoiding melodramatic claims made about aggressive actions in a world where it is difficult to point the finger at perpetrators. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/nov/15/cyber-warfare-report-chatham-house Aussie forces ready, but cyberwar is chaff Australia's military and defensive structures place it in a better shape to defend itself against cyber attacks than the United States, according to a senior analyst. http://www.zdnet.com.au/aussie-forces-ready-but-cyberwar-is-chaff-339307244.htm Strengthening Australia?s cyber security capability [news release] Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today opened the new office of the national computer emergency response team, CERT Australia, in Brisbane. http://www.attorneygeneral.gov.au/www/ministers/mcclelland.nsf/Page/MediaReleases_2010_FourthQuarter_12November2010-StrengtheningAustraliascybersecuritycapability US senators mull bill to require private sector reporting of cyberattacks Senators are contemplating legislation to mandate that the private sector report cyberattacks in the wake of Stuxnet, a recently detected computer worm with potential to bring down industrial operations ranging from water treatment to manufacturing. http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20101117_5600.php NATO mobilises for cyber warfare [AFP] In 1989, before the Internet revolution, Suleyman Anil was the lone man in charge of the security of NATO's IT system, armed with a single computer. http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-technology/nato-mobilises-for-cyber-warfare-20101118-17yok.html http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-technology/nato-mobilises-for-cyber-warfare-20101118-17yok.html Experts: Stuxnet changed the cybersecurity landscape [IDG] The appearance of the Stuxnet worm in June should serve as a wake-up call to governments and businesses, especially those relying on Internet-based industrial control systems, a group of cybersecurity experts told U.S. lawmakers Wednesday. http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9196980/Experts_Stuxnet_changed_the_cybersecurity_landscape http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/210971/.html Stuxnet a threat to critical industries worldwide: experts The Stuxnet worm that infiltrated Iran's nuclear facilities poses a threat to critical industries worldwide such as water, power and chemical plants, cybersecurity experts warned on Wednesday. http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-technology/stuxnet-a-threat-to-critical-industries-worldwide-experts-20101118-17xvv.html http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-technology/stuxnet-a-threat-to-critical-industries-worldwide-experts-20101118-17xvv.html Consumer warning over anti-virus software scams Consumers are being warned about a scam that sees internet users targeted by fake call centres and pop-up adverts tricking them into downloading and paying for fake anti-virus (AV) protection, which is actually malicious software. http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2010/nov/15/consumers-anti-virus-software-scam Internet users warned of criminal gangs selling bogus virus protection Gangsters are tricking internet users into buying anti-virus protection that is actually malicious software in disguise, security experts have warned. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/internet/8133434/Internet-users-warned-of-criminal-gangs-selling-bogus-virus-protection.html Organised gangs deceive web users into downloading malicious ?anti-virus software?: Get Safe Online Week 2010 [news release] Organised criminal gangs are exploiting security-conscious internet users by tricking them into downloading and paying for anti-virus (AV) protection which is actually malicious software ? known as ?scareware? ? in disguise. Often operating on a commercial scale, these gangs target victims through cold calls and by deceiving legitimate webmasters into advertising phony software for a ?pay per download?. http://www.getsafeonline.org/nqcontent.cfm?a_id=1786 uk: Warning over anti-virus cold-calls to UK internet users Internet users are being warned about cold-callers who offer to fix viruses but then install software to steal personal information. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11754487 au: Public warned of internet scam The Department for Consumer Protection is warning Pilbara residents to beware of a new phone scam targeting computer users. http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/11/15/3066596.htm Koobface: Attacker That Sharpened Facebook's Defenses A friend on Facebook suggests that you watch an amazing or funny or sexy video. The link may seem innocuous enough. But with a few simple clicks, you could end up infecting your PC with the Koobface worm. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/15/technology/15worm.html Cybercriminals, Insiders May Work Together To Attack Businesses For 19 months, an employee at Johns Hopkins Hospital allegedly stole patients' identities, feeding the information to four outsiders who used the data to charge more than $600,000 in goods on store credit. Jasmine Amber Smith, 25, has been charged with using her inside access to fuel the identity theft ring. http://www.darkreading.com/insiderthreat/security/perimeter/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=228200983 au: Public urged to take up fight against cybercrime A national education initiative designed to tackle to growing problem of cybercrime has been launched at Parliament House in Canberra. http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/11/15/3066839.htm au: National initiative to fight cybercrime launched A national education initiative designed to help fight cybercrime has been launched at Parliament House. http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/11/15/3066776.htm Image Rights vs. Free Speech in Video Game Suit When Sam Keller, a former quarterback at Arizona State, sued the video game publisher Electronic Arts last year, he was seeking compensation for himself and other college athletes whose names were not used but whose images he contended were being illegally used by the company. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/16/sports/16videogame.html us: The Internet Crime Complaint Center Hits 2 Million! [news release] The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has logged its 2 millionth consumer complaint alleging online criminal activity. The 2 millionth complaint arrived on November 9th, 2010 at 8:11 PM. http://www.ic3.gov/media/2010/101115.aspx http://www.fbi.gov/news/pressrel/press-releases/ic3_111510 ************************** PRIVACY ************************** EFF Discusses the Future of Internet Privacy at UN Internet Governance Forum EFF recently participated in the UN Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Vilnius, Lithuania, advocating for the respect of citizens' fundamental rights online. The IGF is an experimental and influential multi-stakeholder policy forum convened by the United Nations Secretary General in 2006, where civil society, industry, the technical community, and decision makers discuss key aspects of Internet governance issues on an equal footing. The informal nature of the IGF is designed to promote the full and frank exchange of ideas on important Internet policy issues without the knock-down-and-dragged-out conflicts that characterize other international fora where recommendations or binding treaties are made. This year, IGF brought together over 1,400 participants from around the world. Videos and transcripts of all the official meetings are now online and make for interesting viewing. http://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2010/11/future-privacy-internet-governance-forum FTC Readies National Privacy Framework In an era of massive collecting and selling of personal data, the Federal Trade Commission is preparing to weigh in on America's marketing frenzy in an effort to referee what's fair or unfair to consumers when it comes to personal data privacy. http://www.networkworld.com/news/2010/111610-ftc-privacy-framework.html http://www.pcworld.com/article/210872/.html ********************** CENSORSHIP ********************** Google Sees Rules Violations in Limits on Internet Access With China evidently in its sights, Google has released a policy paper contending that countries that limit Internet users? access to information providers outside their borders violate their World Trade Organization commitments. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/17/technology/17google.html Promoting Free Trade for the Internet Economy Today we?re releasing a white paper that explores the ways that governments impose limits on the free flow of information online. It?s pretty wonky stuff, but the premise is simple: In addition to infringing human rights, governments that block the free flow of information on the Internet are also blocking trade and economic growth. http://googlepublicpolicy.blogspot.com/2010/11/promoting-free-trade-for-internet.html Google urges U.S. to challenge China Internet curbs Google Inc. on Monday urged Western nations to challenge a growing list of Internet restrictions in China and around the world as a violation of global trade rules and to negotiate new trade deals to protect the free flow of online information. http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE6AE2MM20101115 http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-52924920101115 Google calls for challenge to censorship Google has called on the US and other western governments to challenge internet censorship as a restraint on global trade, opening another front in its campaign to gain more open access to countries, such as China, that restrict online information. http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/3ab232ec-f0e5-11df-bf4b-00144feab49a.html Google denounces Web curbs as '21st century trade barriers' [AFP] Google on Monday decried restrictions on the Internet by China, Vietnam and other countries, calling them the "trade barriers of the 21st century" and making a case for new trade rules and talks. http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-technology/google-denounces-web-curbs-as-21st-century-trade-barriers-20101116-17v08.html http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-technology/google-denounces-web-curbs-as-21st-century-trade-barriers-20101116-17v08.html Google: 'Net censorship amounts to undeclared trade war Back in 2007, when one of the perennial Greek/Turk spats flared up again online, some hothead had a terrific idea: why not create a home video claiming that modern Turkey's founder, Kemal Ataturk, was gay?and that everyone else in Turkey is gay, too? The result was uploaded to YouTube. Similar videos followed. One might have hoped that such grade-school taunting would seem so ridiculous that it would simply be ignored. But here's how Google described what happened next: http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2010/11/google-net-censorship-amounts-to-undeclared-trade-war.ars Baidu CEO: 'Net Censorship a Fact of Life in China [IDG] To be successful in China, Internet companies need to make peace with market realities they have no control over, including government censorship and bureaucracy, according to Robin Li, CEO of Baidu, the country's search engine leader. http://www.pcworld.com/article/210749/.html us: Smith Plans To Reintroduce Internet Freedom Bill Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J. said Wednesday that he will reintroduce in the next Congress the Internet freedom legislation he has pushed for several years. http://techdailydose.nationaljournal.com/2010/11/smith-plans-to-reintroduce-int.php New Jersey pastor says thou shalt not use Facebook [AP] Thou shalt not commit adultery. And thou also shalt not use Facebook. That's the edict from a New Jersey pastor who feels the two often go together. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/nov/17/facebook-ban-pastor-new-jersey ************************** GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC POLICY ************************** APEC: Information Technologies Key to Growth The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation outlined a new growth strategy Sunday that embraces increased use of information and communications technologies (ICT). http://techdailydose.nationaljournal.com/2010/11/apec-information-technologies.php 2010 Leaders' Declaration: The 18th APEC ECONOMIC LEADERS' MEETING - "THE YOKOHAMA VISION - BOGOR AND BEYOND" We, the Leaders of APEC, gathered in Yokohama under the 2010 theme of "Change and Action" to articulate our vision of further building and integrating the Asia-Pacific region in the 21st Century, and the paths to realize that vision. ... The 21st century presents new promises and new challenges. The global and regional environment is being transformed by the rising influence of the Asia-Pacific region, the development of extensive supply chains, and the rapid adoption of new information and communication technologies. Driven by these changes, our region has become more integrated and interdependent. While this historic transformation has brought about remarkable economic dynamism in the region, events of recent years have shown that crisis can rapidly spread across economies and have a dramatic impact on the entire regional and global economic system, slowing growth and employment. http://www.apec.org/apec/leaders__declarations/2010.html F.B.I. Seeks Wider Wiretap Law for Web Robert S. Mueller III, the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, traveled to Silicon Valley on Tuesday to meet with top executives of several technology firms about a proposal to make it easier to wiretap Internet users. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/17/technology/17wiretap.html us: Groups Pushing For Action Thursday On Net Piracy Bill Several groups are pushing the Senate Judiciary Committee to act Thursday on legislation that would crack down on online piracy and counterfeiting. The legislation, sponsored by Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., is on the committee's agenda for its Thursday markup along with several nominations and other bills. Only one of the nominations is viewed as controversial at this point. Several sources say they expect the committee to get to the online piracy bill if it can muster the necessary number of members needed to report legislation out of committee. Leahy said earlier this week that "he'd love" to move the bill at Thursday's markup. http://techdailydose.nationaljournal.com/2010/11/groups-pushing-for-action-thur.php us: IP Groups Defend Bill Targeting Online Piracy Groups representing actors, authors, composers, directors, musicians, photographers and other artists wrote Senate Judiciary leaders Tuesday to refute claims by critics of legislation that would crack down on online piracy that it would hamper Internet freedom. http://techdailydose.nationaljournal.com/2010/11/ip-groups-defend-bill-targetin.php Internet Governance and Regulation: What Should Be Government?s Role? Event Summary: As the Internet increasingly drives global commerce and social connectedness, the debate about government?s role in Internet governance and regulation intensifies. Proponents of Internet self-governance argue that market forces and self-regulation can go a long way toward ensuring order and standards of good behavior. Advocates for government intervention believe the Internet requires more regulation in order to flourish as a public good. http://www.brookings.edu/events/2010/1115_internet_governance.aspx us: Comcast Executive: Let's Move Past Net Neutrality Comcast executive vice president David Cohen said today that when it comes to Internet regulation, self-governance should trump federal mandates. http://techdailydose.nationaljournal.com/2010/11/comcast-ceo-lets-move-past-net.php us: FCC Chairman Genachowski knocks Google, Verizon for slowing net-neutrality efforts As net-neutrality efforts remain saddled by delay, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Julius Genachowski blamed two corporate giants for helping slow down the process: Google and Verizon. http://thehill.com/blogs/hillicon-valley/technology/129745-genachowski-knocks-google-verizon-for-slowing-net-neutrality-efforts Criticism Continues To Dog ACTA As It Nears Completion The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has released the "finalized" text of a trade agreement aimed at boosting international cooperation in curbing piracy and counterfeiting but it has yet to quell critics who say the agreement is unconstitutional. http://techdailydose.nationaljournal.com/2010/11/criticism-continues-to-dog-act.php Acta negotiators release final text for legal review The negotiations around the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement, an international effort to boost copyright enforcement, have concluded. http://www.zdnet.co.uk/blogs/communication-breakdown-10000030/acta-negotiators-release-final-text-for-legal-review-10021063/ Google Strikes Deal With French Publisher Google said Wednesday that it had reached a deal with the publisher Hachette Livre, which has broken ranks with its French rivals and agreed to allow Google to scan thousands of out-of-print books for its digital library project. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/18/business/global/18book.html Electronic Frontier Foundation fights copyright's 'underbelly' An unmistakable strain of compassion runs through Cindy Cohn's voice when she talks about the plight of Internet users she says are wrongly accused of copyright violations or tech companies she believes are being abused by large entertainment conglomerates. http://news.cnet.com/8301-31001_3-20020028-261.html http://www.zdnetasia.com/electronic-frontier-foundation-fights-copyright-s-underbelly-62204105.htm ca: Government agencies caught advertising on sex sites At least two federal government agencies spent money advertising on websites featuring soft pornography, files obtained by QMI Agency show. http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Politics/2010/11/16/16174546.html ********************************* MISCELLANEOUS ********************************* Ballmer Says Microsoft Breakup Not in Cards Microsoft Corp. weathered government pressure a decade ago to break up its business. Now the software giant faces similar questions from a new quarter: its stockholders. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704312504575618731948970368.html Mix and Mash contest aims to encourage original ideas Digital NZ and a slew of partners and sponsors have launched a ?Mix and Mash? competition for remixing data and creating mashups. http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/news/mix-and-mash-contest-aims-to-encourage-original-ideas ********************** TELECOMMUNICATIONS ********************** uk: ISPs should be free to abandon net neutrality, says Ed Vaizey Internet service providers such as BT should be allowed to abandon net neutrality and prioritise users' access to certain content providers, the communications minister Ed Vaizey said in a speech today. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/nov/17/net-neutrality-ed-vaizey uk: Minister plans to end 'net neutrality' for broadcasters who pay more BT, TalkTalk, Sky and other internet providers will be allowed to create a "two-speed" internet ? favouring broadcasters and other media companies who pay them extra for a faster service ? under proposals put forward by communications minister Ed Vaizey today. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/nov/17/vaizey-net-neutrality Minister Ed Vaizey backs 'two-speed' internet Culture minister Ed Vaizey has backed a "two-speed" internet, letting service providers charge content makers and customers for "fast lane" access. It paves the way for an end to "net neutrality" - with heavy bandwidth users like Google and the BBC likely to face a bill for the pipes they use. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-11773574 BBC says it can counter web-throttling by ISPs The BBC has issued a veiled threat to internet service providers not to degrade the quality of its iPlayer service, following a clear signal from the government that it will give network owners more leeway to favour some online services over others. http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/d3771a3a-f296-11df-8020-00144feab49a.html uk: Government favours light regulation on net neutrality The UK government has laid out its position on net neutrality, arguing that the issue should remain lightly regulated and that competition between ISPs will ensure future openness. http://www.zdnet.co.uk/news/regulation/2010/11/17/government-favours-light-regulation-on-net-neutrality-40090896/ The Open Internet by Ed Vaizey, Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries (jointly with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport) at FT World Telecoms Conference 2010, London The Internet is fast becoming the dominant medium in the world. More than a third of the earth?s population is connected. Facebook is the third largest country in the world and by 2020 it has been estimated that the Internet will reach 5 billion users. The Internet is central to the global economy. According to a recent report commissioned by Google, the internet sector in the UK alone was worth ?100 billion of turnover in 2009 and the UK is the largest per capita ecommerce market in the world. Yet fifteen years ago, the Internet barely existed as a consumer medium. http://www.bis.gov.uk/news/speeches/ed-vaisey-open-internet UK to ISPs: Prioritize away! (so long as you tell users) Europe, and the UK in particular, has long championed the view that its countries don't really need net neutrality regulations because they have more ISP competition (unlike those poor schlubs in the US). If consumers don't like an ISP's behavior, they can switch. With the new Tory/Lib Dem coalition government in power, the anti-regulatory mood has grown even stronger. http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2010/11/uk-to-isps-prioritize-away-so-long-as-you-tell-users.ars Independents back Labor to block Coalition amendments on Telstra laws Coalition amendments to ensure normal competition and consumer laws apply to the National Broadband Network and Telstra deal have been defeated. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/independents-back-labor-to-block-coalition-amendments-on-telstra-laws/story-fn59niix-1225954594485 India's rulers lose ?22bn in massive mobile phone scam India's government was plunged into controversy yesterday with the publication of an auditor's report into what is suspected to be India's biggest case of state corruption. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/nov/16/india-corruption-government India Lost Billions on Wireless Sales An Indian government auditor condemned the telecommunications ministry's handling of a landmark allocation of mobile telephone spectrum, saying it caused more than $38.9 billion in lost potential revenue for the government. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704312504575618262238669660.html Auction for Cellphone Bandwidth Was Rigged, India Says An auction to provide cellphone services in India?s booming market was rigged to favor a few companies, the government asserted Tuesday. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/17/technology/17rupee.html ********************************** ARRESTS/COURT CASES FOR ONLINE CHILD PROTECTION ********************************** au: Online child porn warning as five more charged Police are warning parents to monitor what their children are doing online after a crackdown on child sex offences. http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/11/18/3069623.htm au/nz: Porn diplomat named A high-ranking Australian naval officer on a diplomatic posting in New Zealand who was convicted of possessing more than 40,000 child pornography images has been named as Lieutenant Commander Mark Napier. http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/61917/porn-diplomat-named au/nz: Officer who admitted child porn charges named [The Dominion Post] A senior Australian Defence Force officer sent home in disgrace after admitting child pornography charges in Wellington has given up his bid for name suppression. http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/4350796/Officer-who-admitted-child-porn-charges-named/4350796/Officer-who-admitted-child-porn-charges-named ADF officer on child porn charges named THE identity of a senior Australian Defence Force officer who admitted possessing child pornography was revealed today after a court suppression order lapsed in New Zealand. http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/adf-officer-on-child-porn-charges-named/story-e6frfku0-1225954494461 Spanish priest arrested over '21,000 child porn images' A Catholic priest in Spain has been arrested over the alleged possession of thousands of images of child sex abuse. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11748428 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ (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 Nov 17 2010 - 21:47:35 UTC
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