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

***************************************************


United Nations undermines Internet Governance Forum
http://kierenmccarthy.com/2011/02/24/united-nations-continues-to-undermine-internet-governance-forum/


June 2011 ICANN Meeting to be Held in Singapore
http://blog.icann.org/2011/02/june-2011-icann-meeting-to-be-held-in-singapore/

US Department of Commerce Seeks Comment on IANA Functions Contract in Advance of 
Renewal Process
http://blog.icann.org/2011/02/us-department-of-commerce-seeks-comment-on-iana-functions-contract-in-advance-of-renewal-process/


NTIA Raises Possibility of Big Changes in IANA function by Milton Mueller
http://blog.internetgovernance.org/blog/_archives/2011/2/25/4758410.html

I wish [bang!] ICANN would [bang!] read its own [bang!] papers
http://kierenmccarthy.com/2011/02/25/i-wish-bang-icann-would-bang-read-its-own-bang-papers/


Broken deadlines, broken bylaws, broken ICANN?
http://kierenmccarthy.com/2011/02/23/broken-deadlines-broken-bylaws-broken-icann/


au: NetFleet breaches Code of Practice
http://www.auda.org.au/news-archive/auda-24022011/

On New gTLDs and the Timeline?
http://blog.icann.org/2011/02/on-new-gtlds-and-the-timeline/

GAC Releases Scorecard on New gTLD Outstanding Issues
http://icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-23feb11-en.htm

New gTLDs: trademark owners pray for last-minute government aid
http://www.worldtrademarkreview.com/daily/Detail.aspx?g=37bbae85-cf42-4d48-9e5c-df929e41a527


GAC backs off TLD censorship a bit. But not enough by Milton Mueller
http://blog.internetgovernance.org/blog/_archives/2011/2/24/4757553.html

Call to Action: Say No to the GAC veto! by Brenden Kuerbis
http://blog.internetgovernance.org/blog/_archives/2011/2/18/4753273.html

ICA Tells Department of Commerce that USG and GAC Scorecard Goals Could 
Undermine ICANN?s Multi-Stakeholder Model While Trampling on Registrant Rights
http://www.internetcommerce.org/ICA_Tells_Department_of_Commerce

The U.S. ?Scorecard? for Brussels Proposes Draconian Trademark Rules ? And May 
Mean the End of Unlimited New gTLDs and/or the ICANN Experiment in Private 
Sector-Led Internet Governance
http://www.internetcommerce.org/The_Scorecard_for_Brussels

Google is Missing ?Elephant? Not in the Room at Senate Domain Seizure Hearing
http://www.internetcommerce.org/Google_Not_at_Senate_Domain_Seizure_Hearing

Q&A: Vinton Cerf on the Internet's Future
http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2011/02/25/qa-vinton-cerf-on-the-internets-future/

Cyber cops and domain name registrars meet to tackle net crooks
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/02/25/cyber_cops_meet_domain_name_registrars/


**********************
REPORTS & RESEARCH PAPERS
**********************
Governments, Privatization and 'Privatization': ICANN and the GAC by Jonathan 
Weinberg [Wayne State University Law School]
Abstract: This paper examines the changing relationship between ICANN and 
national governments. ICANN was born out of a self-contradictory attempt to 
?privatize? domain name governance; its relationship with national governments 
has been fraught ever since. Notwithstanding that national governments, over the 
past five years, have been increasingly well-organized and involved in ICANN 
processes, ICANN?s relationship with them today is incoherent, ill-functioning, 
and unstable. The paper tries to explain why. It roots the problem in an 
institutional structure carried over from ICANN?s formation, when it was thought 
that (non-U.S.) world governments should play a role only at the final stages of 
the privatized regulatory process.
http://ssrn.com/abstract=1766082

**********************
GOVERNANCE
**********************
United Nations undermines Internet Governance Forum
The first preparatory meeting for the 2011 Internet Governance Forum has ended 
with a significant degree of uncertainty thanks to ongoing bureaucratic delays.
http://kierenmccarthy.com/2011/02/24/united-nations-continues-to-undermine-internet-governance-forum/

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/02/25/united_nations_undermines_internet_governance_forum/


**********************
DOMAIN NAMES
**********************
**********************
 - ICANN
**********************
June 2011 ICANN Meeting to be Held in Singapore
ICANN is pleased to announce that ICANN?s 19-24 June 2011 Public Meeting will be 
held in Singapore.
http://blog.icann.org/2011/02/june-2011-icann-meeting-to-be-held-in-singapore/

ICANN Revises 2011 Meeting Sponsorship Program
Earlier this year, ICANN announced a new sponsorship program that introduced 
higher levels of support, as well as price increases for lower level sponsorship 
packages.
http://icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-3-24feb11-en.htm

Letter from Raul Echeberr?a,Number Resource Organization to Rod Beckstrom
Implementation of a Global Trust Anchor (GTA) for the RPKI System
http://icann.org/en/correspondence/echeberria-to-beckstrom-24feb11-en.pdf

US Department of Commerce Seeks Comment on IANA Functions Contract in Advance of 
Renewal Process
The US Department of Commerce?s National Telecommunications and Information 
Administration (NTIA) released a "Notice of Inquiry" (NOI) today, seeking public 
comment on how to improve the IANA functions contract.
http://blog.icann.org/2011/02/us-department-of-commerce-seeks-comment-on-iana-functions-contract-in-advance-of-renewal-process/


IDN ccTLD Request From Pakistan Successfully Passes String Evaluation
ICANN is pleased to announce the successful completion of String Evaluation on 
proposed IDN ccTLD string for Pakistan.
http://icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-25feb11-en.htm

Public Comment: Proposed Recommendations for a GNSO Global Outreach Program
Pursuant to a Resolution passed by the GNSO Council at its meeting on 24 
February 2011 the community is invited to provide comments on a proposed 
recommendations for a global outreach program. The GNSO Council resolution 
acknowledged receipt of the document, "Recommendations to Develop a Global 
Outreach Program to Broaden Participation in the GNSO" [PDF, 74 KB] and directed 
Staff to post this document for forty-five (45) days in the ICANN Public Comment 
Forum. The GNSO Council shall take formal action on this document, including 
potential modification, as soon as possible after the conclusion of the public 
comment period.
http://icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-2-24feb11-en.htm

Public Comment: Proposed Changes to Section 5.0 of the GNSO Council Operating 
Procedures
Pursuant to a Resolution passed by the GNSO Council at its meeting on 24 
February 2011 the community is invited to provide comments on proposed changes 
to Section 5.0 of the GNSO Council Operating Procedures. In its resolution the 
GNSO Council acknowledged the receipt from the OSC of the proposed revisions to 
Section 5.0 and directed Staff to post this document for thirty (30) days in the 
ICANN Public Comment Forum. The GNSO Council shall take formal action on this 
document, including potential modification, as soon as possible after the 
conclusion of the public comment period.
http://icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-24feb11-en.htm

NTIA Raises Possibility of Big Changes in IANA function by Milton Mueller
The U.S. Commerce Department has issued a Request for Comments (RFC) on the 
renewal of the IANA contract. As the notice itself says, this is "the first time 
NTIA has undertaken a comprehensive review of the IANA functions contract since 
the award of the first contract in 2000."
http://blog.internetgovernance.org/blog/_archives/2011/2/25/4758410.html

Federal Register Notice: Request for Comments on the Internet Assigned Numbers 
Authority (IANA) Functions
ICANN currently performs the IANA functions, on behalf of the United States 
Government, through a contract with NTIA. Given the September 30, 2011 
expiration of this contract, NTIA is seeking public comment to enhance the 
performance of the IANA functions in the development and award of a new IANA 
functions contract. Comments are due on or before March 31, 2011
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/frnotices/2011/fr_ianafunctionsnoi_02252011.pdf

US may break up ICANN powers
The US government is considering taking away some of ICANN?s powers. The 
Department of Commerce today kicked off the process of reviewing the so-called 
IANA contract, from which ICANN currently derives its control over the domain 
name system root zone.
http://domainincite.com/us-may-break-up-icann-powers/

IANA contract up for rebid this week?
As ICANN?s leadership heads off to Brussels to kick off two days of 
unprecedented talks about new top-level domains with international governments, 
one nation has an ace up its sleeve.
http://domainincite.com/iana-contract-up-for-rebid-this-week/

I wish [bang!] ICANN would [bang!] read its own [bang!] papers
Sorry to always be harping on about ICANN; it?s the not exactly the most 
important organisation in the world. But it is the one bureaucracy I have come 
to know really well and so just can?t help but rail against all the things that 
infuriate people the world over when they come up against unthinking 
bureaucracies.
http://kierenmccarthy.com/2011/02/25/i-wish-bang-icann-would-bang-read-its-own-bang-papers/


Broken deadlines, broken bylaws, broken ICANN?
Where is ICANN?s 2010 Annual Report? It is typically produced at the end of the 
calendar year. The 2009 Report was published on 24 December 2009, and the 2008 
Report on 31 December 2008. It is currently 23 February 2011 and so far no 2010 
Annual Report.
http://kierenmccarthy.com/2011/02/23/broken-deadlines-broken-bylaws-broken-icann/


ICA Tells ICANN: Don?t Fold Under Government Pressure
In a letter addressed to the US Department of Commerce, but also sent to Rod 
Beckstrom and other ICANN execs, Phil Corwin of the Internet Commerce 
Association told ICANN not to cede the new gTLD process to governments 
represented by the GAC (Governmental Advisory Committee).
http://www.thedomains.com/2011/02/25/ica-tells-icann-dont-fold-under-government-pressure/


ICANN-Law Enforcement Due Diligence Recommendations and Fundamental Rights by 
Nigel Roberts
A commentary in the context of the 1950 Convention and European Union law... The 
ICANN Law Enforcement Due Diligence Recommendations is a document that was a 
jointly issued in 2009 by several law enforcement agencies, including the US 
Department of Justice's Federal Bureau of Investigation' ('the FBI), the United 
Kingdom's Serious and Organised Crime Agency ('SOCA') and the Royal Canadian 
Mounted Police.
http://www.circleid.com/posts/icann_law_enforcement_due_diligence_recommendations_and_fundamental_rights/


The Costs of a Dysfunctional Relationship - Part 1 by R. Shawn Gunnarson
"The current Board-GAC relationship is dysfunctional and has been so for several 
years." Never has this line from the ATRT Report seemed so apt as now, when the 
ICANN board and the GAC are preparing to meet in Brussels. Part 1 of this blog 
will describe their impasse over the introduction of new generic Top-Level 
Domains (gTLDs). Part 2 will analyze that impasse and offer recommendations to 
begin resolving it.
http://www.circleid.com/posts/the_costs_of_a_dysfunctional_relationship_part_1/

The Costs of a Dysfunctional Relationship - Part 2 by R. Shawn Gunnarson
Part 1 described the impasse between the ICANN board and the Governmental 
Advisory Committee (GAC) over the introduction of new gTLDs. This part analyzes 
the conflicts and offers suggestions for beginning to resolve them. ... Some of 
these conflicts turn out to have clear answers. Approving the DAG before public 
comments could be considered violated ICANN's bylaws, but the board has 
unmistakable authority to reject the GAC's advice.
http://www.circleid.com/posts/the_costs_of_a_dysfunctional_relationship_part_2/

**********************
 - ccTLD & gTLD NEWS
**********************
au: NetFleet breaches Code of Practice
auDA has found that NetFleet breached the Code of Practice by sending 
unsolicited emails to approximately 1,200 registrants.
http://www.auda.org.au/news-archive/auda-24022011/

Chance to 'click' on concerns - Canadian Internet authority hosts its first web 
forum
Canadian consumers have been given the chance to vent their concerns about 
Canada's Internet connections, thanks to the Canadian Internet Registration 
Authority.
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/business/Chance+click+concerns/4350997/story.html
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/technology/Internet+forum+gives+industry+users+chance+download+concerns/4349417/story.html


China?s .CN Domain Name Keeps Dropping
Thanks mostly to tighter controls and rules on registration, China?s .cn domain 
name count keeps falling.
http://domainnamewire.com/2011/02/24/chinas-cn-domain-name-keeps-dropping/

Libya shutdown raises questions about bit.ly, security of foreign domains
A secondary story has come out of the events in Libya, affecting users in a way 
few people have ever thought about. The top-level domain .ly, used by the 
popular URL-shortening site bit.ly and others, is the TLD of Libya. As Libya has 
intermittently shut down its Internet access in a curfew-like fashion, it raised 
questions about the security of Web sites that use foreign TLDs for their sites.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/fasterforward/2011/02/bitly_other_ly_domains_likely.html


nl: Progress with establishment of Registrars? Association
Significant progress has recently been made towards setting up a new Registrars? 
Association (RA). The intention is that the RA should take up the role of the 
now defunct Council of Registrars, thus satisfying the general wish for a formal 
channel of communication between SIDN and the registrar community.
https://www.sidn.nl/en/news/news/article/progressie-in-oprichting-vereniging-van-registrars-1/


SERBIAN INTERNET DOMAIN DAY (DIDS2011)
In order to celebrate the third anniversary of the .RS domain registration, the 
Serbian National Register of Internet Domain Names has created a special 
Website, dids.rs, dedicated to the Serbian Internet Domain Name conference. 
There is no participation fee. However, online registration is mandatory and 
will be finalised on 8 March 2011.
http://rnids.rs/en/node/67?lang=en

.SE introduces faster and less expensive ADR for disputes over .se domains
.SE (The Internet Infrastructure Foundation) now offers the option of faster and 
less expensive processing of ADR cases in the event of a domain-name dispute.
http://www.iis.se/en/pressmeddelanden/se-infor-snabbare-och-billigare-atf-for-tvister-om-se-domaner


sg: Special names for a limited period! Grab it now!
From 1 March to 31 March 2011, a selected group of Premium Domain Names (?PDNs?) 
will be released for application at a Base Price ranging from $600 to $20,000. 
If the name has multiple applications, it will be allocated to the applicant 
with the highest bid.
http://nic.net.sg/news/special-names-limited-period-grab-it-now

**********************
 - NEW TLDS
**********************
On New gTLDs and the Timeline?
ICANN recently published materials describing discussions, public comment and 
general progress on the New gTLD program. One area that has attracted particular 
interest is the timeline for moving forward.
http://blog.icann.org/2011/02/on-new-gtlds-and-the-timeline/

GAC Releases Scorecard on New gTLD Outstanding Issues
In preparation for the upcoming ICANN GAC - Board consultations in Brussels, the 
GAC has furnished a scorecard on outstanding issues related to the New gTLD 
Program.
http://icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-23feb11-en.htm

New gTLDs: trademark owners pray for last-minute government aid
This is it. Years of negotiation over trademark protection mechanisms for the 
new gTLD space will come to a head in Brussels next week. The city is due to 
host an unprecedented meeting at which ICANN?s board will receive counsel from 
its Government Advisory Committee (GAC) regarding the controversial rights 
protection developed over three years by the ICANN community. Insiders are 
predicting that it could get messy.
http://www.worldtrademarkreview.com/daily/Detail.aspx?g=37bbae85-cf42-4d48-9e5c-df929e41a527


GAC backs off TLD censorship a bit. But not enough by Milton Mueller
An official "Scorecard" has been posted in advance of the Feb. 28 showdown in 
Brussels between the Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) and the ICANN Board. 
The "scorecard" is intended to identify the areas where GAC differs from the 
positions developed by ICANN's supposedly official and open policy development 
process.
http://blog.internetgovernance.org/blog/_archives/2011/2/24/4757553.html

Call to Action: Say No to the GAC veto! by Brenden Kuerbis
If you've been following our coverage recently, you'll want to sign the petition 
telling ICANN that you oppose a U.S. Commerce Department proposal to give the 
world?s governments arbitrary power over the Internet?s domain name system.
http://blog.internetgovernance.org/blog/_archives/2011/2/18/4753273.html

ICA Tells Department of Commerce that USG and GAC Scorecard Goals Could 
Undermine ICANN?s Multi-Stakeholder Model While Trampling on Registrant Rights
The ICA has just dispatched a letter to Assistant Secretary of Commerce Lawrence 
Strickling in advance of the talks scheduled in Brussels on February 29-March 1 
between ICANN?s Board and its Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC). Our letter 
expresses strong concerns that the positions being advocated by the U.S. 
government and the GAC regarding the proposed Final Applicant Guidebook (AG) for 
new gTLDs would be detrimental to ICANN?s multi-stakeholder policy process and 
would undermine the rights of legitimate registrants at new gTLDs.
http://www.internetcommerce.org/ICA_Tells_Department_of_Commerce

The U.S. ?Scorecard? for Brussels Proposes Draconian Trademark Rules ? And May 
Mean the End of Unlimited New gTLDs and/or the ICANN Experiment in Private 
Sector-Led Internet Governance
On Friday, January 28th the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) circulated its 
submission to ICANN?s Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) containing 
suggestions for what positions the GAC should push for at its February 28 ? 
March 1 meeting with ICANN?s Board to air disagreements over provisions of the 
Proposed Final Applicant Guidebook (AG) for new gTLDs. While it remains to be 
seen how much support these proposed positions will garner within the GAC, the 
U.S. is a powerful influence. And, regardless of the overall GAC consensus, it 
is the U.S.
http://www.internetcommerce.org/The_Scorecard_for_Brussels

A Tribute to the STI (Special Trademarks Initiative Team)
In the ICANN world, our relations are often a little tumultuous, as 
policy-making bodies can be. As I look back on my experiences over the last 
decade at ICANN (and many committees, working groups and task forces), one 
stands out for its quality, dedication, professionalism and hard work. That?s 
the Special Trademarks Initiatives Working Team, or the STI. I was proud to be a 
part of the Team as an NCSG representative, and this tribute reflects my high 
regard for the Team and the recommendations it produced.
http://pir.org/blog/2011/sti

Here comes .Nike
.Com is so 20th century. The brave new world of domain names will be dominated 
by everything from .Gucci to .NYC
http://www.technologyreview.com/blog/mimssbits/26431/

Government domain veto watered down
A US proposal to grant governments the right of veto over new top-level domains 
has been watered down by ICANN?s Governmental Advisory Committee.
http://domainincite.com/government-domain-veto-watered-down/

Mubarak, Ben Ali, Kaddafi, ICANN: What They Have in Common Is Scary. Will They 
Share the Same Fate? by Khaled Fattal
Will current failed ICANN direction on the New gTLDs doom its Regime to follow 
the fate of Mubarak, Ben Ali, and soon Kaddafi's? The whirlwinds of change we 
all have witnessed that started blowing in Tunisia, moved to Egypt and is now 
engulfing Libya, Yemen, Jordan and soon many others, have signaled a 
revolutionary way of thinking not just at local or regional levels but I believe 
on global levels too.
http://www.circleid.com/posts/mubarak_ben_ali_kaddafi_icann_what_they_have_in_common_is_scary/


**********************
 - DNS SECURITY
**********************
When the Internet Nearly Fractured, And How It Could Happen Again
When the entire country of Egypt was forced offline by its government last 
month, it served as a global wake-up call that the Internet is a more fragile 
medium than we imagine it to be. What happened in Egypt was particularly 
striking, but other, subtler tests of the Internet's resilience abound.
http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2011/02/when-the-internet-nearly-fractured-and-how-it-could-happen-again/71662/


New Tutorial: Using ARIN Online for Delegation Management & DNSSEC
ARIN is proud to present a preview of the soon-to-be-released DNS management 
interface. We encourage you to view the tutorial which demonstrates how to use 
ARIN Online for delegation management along with new DNSSEC functionality.
https://www.arin.net/announcements/2011/20110223.html

**********************
 - DOMAIN DISPUTES
**********************
Google is Missing ?Elephant? Not in the Room at Senate Domain Seizure Hearing
On Wednesday, February 16th the Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing titled 
"Targeting Websites Dedicated To Stealing American Intellectual Property". Not 
surprisingly, all those present ? Senators and witnesses alike ? agreed that 
with websites specializing in the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted works 
and counterfeit goods were a serious problem and that more needed to be done. 
But their disagreement on what should be included in responsive legislation ? as 
well as the different perspective of a key House Chairman -- raises considerable 
doubt about whether a bill can advance through the Senate and on to enactment.
http://www.internetcommerce.org/Google_Not_at_Senate_Domain_Seizure_Hearing

NZ Post ends litigation against Yellow Pages
NZ Post said it has settled legal action against Yellow Pages, which it had 
accused of registering websites and Google search terms in an attempt to divert 
internet traffic away from its rival Auckland directory, Localist, which will be 
launched later this year.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/business/4702280/NZ-Post-ends-litigation-against-Yellow-Pages

http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/business/4702280/NZ-Post-ends-litigation-against-Yellow-Pages

http://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/business/4702280/NZ-Post-ends-litigation-against-Yellow-Pages

http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/4702280/NZ-Post-ends-litigation-against-Yellow-Pages

http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/business/4702280/NZ-Post-ends-litigation-against-Yellow-Pages


Budget Rent A Car v. Emma Faye Weekly
1. The Parties: The Complainant is Budget Rent A Car of New South Wales, 
Australia, represented by Melbourne IT Digital Brand Services, Australia. The 
Respondent is Emma Faye Weekly of New South Wales, Australia. 2. The domain name 
and Registrar: The disputed domain name <budgetcarhire.com.au> is registered 
with Enetica. ... 7. Decision: For all the foregoing reasons, in accordance with 
paragraphs 4(i) of the Policy and 15 of the Rules, the Panel orders that the 
domain name <budgetcarhire.com.au> be transferred to the Complainant.
http://www.wipo.int/amc/en/domains/search/text.jsp?case=DAU2010-0020

**********************
 - IPv4/IPv6
**********************
Q&A: Vinton Cerf on the Internet's Future
Vinton Cerf is widely recognized as one of the founding fathers of the Internet 
and currently holds the title of ?chief Internet evangelist? at search giant 
Google Inc. In the latter role, Mr. Cerf often speaks publicly about the future 
of digital communications. In Hong Kong for an industry conference, Mr. Cerf 
spoke with The Wall Street Journal about trends in the Internet space, the 
implications of the temporary shut down of the Internet in Egypt earlier this 
month and censorship in China. He also spoke about the transition to a new 
protocol for Internet addresses called IP version six, or IPv6, and June?s 
upcoming World IPv6 Day, in which Internet giants Google, Facebook Inc. and 
Yahoo Inc. and others will switch over to the new addresses for one day in the 
first wide-scale test of the new network.
http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2011/02/25/qa-vinton-cerf-on-the-internets-future/

Why the Internet Will Have Plenty of Space
Although the Web has nearly exhausted its available addresses, the coming 
transition to a new system will provide far more room
http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/feb2011/tc20110224_791927.htm

Will cloud plug gap between IPv4 and IPv6?
In the gap between IPv4 depletion and full IPv6 deployment, the cloud must prove 
itself to firms that choose to use it for a public-facing presence
http://www.zdnet.co.uk/news/cloud/2011/02/27/will-cloud-plug-gap-between-ipv4-and-ipv6-40091885/


**********************
 - MISCELLANEOUS
**********************
Cyber cops and domain name registrars meet to tackle net crooks
Cyber cops from both sides of the Atlantic are meeting with domain name 
registrars in Brussels today to try to figure out ways to crack down on internet 
crime.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/02/25/cyber_cops_meet_domain_name_registrars/

CENTR Issues Paper - What is WHOIS
SUMMARY: The WHOIS tool is an important query and response protocol within the 
DNS system. It is essentially a tool allowing users to perform searches on a 
given domain (or IP address) and retrieve domain registration information. This 
paper aims give an introductory explanation to WHOIS and discuss the main issues 
surrounding it.
https://www.centr.org/main/6142-CTR/version/2/part/12/data/paperwhois.pdf

Counting Down to ARIN XXVII
We are getting closer to the ARIN XXVII Public Policy and Members Meeting, 
taking place 10-13 April, in beautiful San Juan Puerto Rico. Come be a part of 
the community in action - don?t let your voice go unheard!
https://www.arin.net/announcements/2011/20110223_xxvii.html

**********************
 - DOMAINING & AFTERMARKET
**********************
The Aftermarket's Mid Range Flexed Its Muscles With 54 Five-Figure Domain Sales 
Reported This Week
No blockbuster domain sales were reported this past week but the market's mid 
range made plenty of hay with more than 50 sales of at least $10,000 hitting the 
books. Sedo had the highest of those with Award.com at $56,005 and they went on 
to put nine names on our new all extension Top 20 Sales Chart.
http://www.dnjournal.com/archive/domainsales/2011/20110223.htm

Trio of Six-Figure Sales Set the Pace for the Domain Aftermarket Over the Past 
Two Weeks
I was away last week covering the DOMAINfest Global conference in Los Angeles, 
so we have some catching up to do this week! Since there was no report last 
week, this will be a double-length article that will bring you up to date on all 
sales reported since our last column Jan. 26. We are also doubling our usual Top 
20 Charts to 40 positions each so that all of the most notable sales over the 
past fortnight are given the attention they deserve.
http://dnjournal.com/archive/domainsales/2011/20110216.htm

vn: Is it really profitable to speculate on domain names?
A bustling domain name market has been taking shape in Vietnam, where many 
people are getting rich quickly by trading domain names for sky high prices. 
However, experts have pointed out that it is not easy at all to earn money with 
domain names.
http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/science-technology/5226/is-it-really-profitable-to-speculate-on-domain-names-.html


**********************
REPORTS & RESEARCH PAPERS
**********************
OECD report on "Broadband Bundling: Trends and Policy Implications" analyses 
bundling strategies for high speed data services in OECD countries
Bundling can provide both benefits and drawbacks to broadband customers. In 
general, bundled services are less expensive when purchased together and 
consumer surplus from one good in the bundle can help ?subsidise? another 
less-valued element. Bundling also allows the integration of products in a way 
that benefits consumers.
http://www.oecd.org/document/33/0,3746,en_2649_34225_47179169_1_1_1_1,00.html

Persistent Enemies and Cyberwar: Rivalry Relations in an Age of Information 
Warfare by Brandon G Valeriano & Ryan Maness [Western Political Science 
Association 2011 Annual Meeting Paper]
Abstract: As society moves into the digital age, international interactions are 
increasing hinge on cyber technologies for the realms of diplomacy, military, 
business, social interactions, and commerce. Technology has become a necessary 
aspect of daily life and interstate relations. When goods and activities are 
critical and valuable to society, these activities also become predatory 
targets.
http://ssrn.com/abstract=1766692

Data Protection: The Future of Privacy by Rebecca Wong [Computer Law and 
Security Review]
Abstract: The paper reviews a recent opinion given by the Art. 29 Working Party 
surrounding the revision of the Data Protection Directive 95/46/EC. The Art. 29 
Working Party (hereinafter ?Art. 29 WP) is an influential body comprised of 
representatives from the Member State Data Protection Authorities established 
under the Data Protection Directive 95/46/EC, has recently issued an opinion 
with the Working Party on Police and Justice.
http://ssrn.com/abstract=1758796

**********************
INTERNET USE
**********************
Q&A: Vinton Cerf on the Internet's Future
Vinton Cerf is widely recognized as one of the founding fathers of the Internet 
and currently holds the title of ?chief Internet evangelist? at search giant 
Google Inc. In the latter role, Mr. Cerf often speaks publicly about the future 
of digital communications. In Hong Kong for an industry conference, Mr. Cerf 
spoke with The Wall Street Journal about trends in the Internet space, the 
implications of the temporary shut down of the Internet in Egypt earlier this 
month and censorship in China. He also spoke about the transition to a new 
protocol for Internet addresses called IP version six, or IPv6, and June?s 
upcoming World IPv6 Day, in which Internet giants Google, Facebook Inc. and 
Yahoo Inc. and others will switch over to the new addresses for one day in the 
first wide-scale test of the new network.
http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2011/02/25/qa-vinton-cerf-on-the-internets-future/

Google versus the content-spammers
For some time, Google has been threatening to make life harder for so-called 
"content farms", which produce mountains of low-grade articles stuffed with 
popular keywords, to ensure that they appear high up in search results. Google 
users grumble at having to wade through reams of such articles to find ones that 
are really informative. Now the search giant has revealed that it has tweaked 
the secret formula that it uses to rank web pages in ways that it hopes will 
make life harder for the purveyors of such spam.
http://www.economist.com/blogs/babbage/2011/02/search_engines

Google Revamps to Fight Cheaters
Google Inc., long considered the gold standard of Internet search, is changing 
the secret formula it uses to rank Web pages as it struggles to combat websites 
that have been able to game its system.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704150604576166390281747136.html
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/news/google-revamps-to-fight-cheaters/story-e6frg90x-1226012427301


Google Tweaks Algorithm to Push Down Low-Quality Sites
Google said late Thursday that it had made a major change to its algorithm in an 
effort to improve the rankings of high-quality Web sites in its search results ? 
and to reduce the visibility of low-quality sites. While the company did not say 
so explicitly, the change appears to be directed in part at so-called content 
farms like eHow and Answerbag, which generate articles based on popular search 
queries so they will rise to the top of the rankings and attract clicks.
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/25/google-tweaks-algorithm-to-push-down-low-quality-sites/


Google Changes How It Ranks Search Results to Spotlight High-Quality Sites
Bruno Guillard, founder of 1PlusV, talks about the French web publisher's 
complaint to European Union regulators against Google for refusing to allow 
so-called vertical search sites to use its advertising service. Guillard speaks 
from Brussels with Andrea Catherwood on Bloomberg Television's "The Pulse." 
(Source: Bloomberg)
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-25/google-alters-how-it-searches-web-focuses-on-quality-results.html


Google demotes 'low-quality' websites in search overhaul
Google is making a "pretty big" change that will demote "low-quality" or 
"shallow" websites from online search engine results, in a move designed to 
tackle so-called "content farms".
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2011/feb/25/google-search-results

Online study kills uni life
The push towards web-based learning at universities has halved student 
attendance rates in some courses and dramatically increased working hours for 
lecturers, a survey of academics by The Sun-Herald has found.
http://www.smh.com.au/national/education/online-study-kills-uni-life-20110226-1b98l.html

http://www.theage.com.au/technology/technology-news/online-study-kills-uni-life-20110226-1b98l.html

http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/4713075/Online-study-kills-uni-life

**********************
SOCIAL NETWORKING
**********************
Majority of US Internet users on Facebook: market tracker [AFP]
Figures released Thursday by Internet tracker eMarketer indicated that more than 
half of US Internet users log in monthly to Facebook while about 20 million US 
online adults "tweet."
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/majority-of-us-internet-users-on-facebook-market-tracker-2226227.html


Opinion: Twitter is no substitute for proper war reporting - just look at Libya
Lenin, Fidel Castro and Ayatollah Khomeini all managed to stage revolutions in 
the age before Twitter. The Soviet Union collapsed while Mark Zuckerberg of 
Facebook was still in short pants. So, just possibly, some of the credit for 
freedom's wave as it washes around the Middle East belongs more to ordinary 
human beings standing together than to a tide of tweets.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/feb/27/twitter-war-reporting-peter-preston

nz: Facebook 'public' says watchdog
The Press Council has rejected a complaint against the Herald on Sunday by a man 
upset a picture off the social networking site Facebook was used in print.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/technology/news/article.cfm?c_id=5&objectid=10708951

**********************
NEW TECHNOLOGIES
**********************
Australian homes set for IT network revolution: ACMA
Australian home owners are increasingly becoming IT managers as household 
networks become ever more complex, according to the Australian Communications 
and Media Authority (ACMA).
http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/377815/australian_homes_set_it_network_revolution_acma/

http://www.techworld.com.au/article/377815/australian_homes_set_it_network_revolution_acma/


************************************************
CHILD PROTECTION, FILTERING & CONTENT REGULATION
************************************************
A Patrol for the Web?s Playgrounds
THE dinosaurs didn?t know it, but their world might have narrowly averted 
upheaval this month. Many of its moderators work from home. For two years, all 
the denizens of Webosaurs, an online virtual world for children 5 to 12, could 
customize their dinosaur avatars with leather armor and other whimsical outfits.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/27/business/27meta.html

uk: Police to start Facebook cyber-bully scheme in Reading
Police in Berkshire are to begin using a social networking website to tackle the 
problem of "cyber bullying".
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-12587790

95% of Kids Have Sought Porn Online
More than nine in ten (95 percent) of parents are aware their children have 
accessed pornography on the web, usually during homework time, says BitDefender.
http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/news/index.cfm?newsid=3262448&
http://www.pcworld.com/article/220705/.html

**********************
ONLINE TV & MUSIC
**********************
iiNet wins another round in court battle with Hollywood
iiNet yesterday celebrated another major victory in its landmark online piracy 
battle with Hollywood, but safe legal ground is still far off for internet 
providers, copyright experts say.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/iinet-fends-off-hollywood/story-e6frg8zx-1226011606466


AFACT online copyright appeal against iiNet dismissed
Australian ISPs celebrated today after the Federal Court found for a second time 
that they could not be held liable for internet piracy by their customers.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/afact-online-copyright-appeal-against-iinet-dismissed/story-e6frgakx-1226011405467


iiNet wins illegal download appeal
A group of 34 movie studios headed by Village Roadshow has lost its appeal 
against a Federal Court judgment involving internet service provider iiNet.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/02/24/3147955.htm

iiNet again slays Hollywood in landmark piracy case
The giants of the film industry have lost their appeal in a lawsuit against ISP 
iiNet in a landmark judgment handed down in the Federal Court today.
http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/iinet-again-slays-hollywood-in-landmark-piracy-case-20110224-1b6a1.html

http://www.theage.com.au/technology/technology-news/iinet-again-slays-hollywood-in-landmark-piracy-case-20110224-1b6a1.html


Judges clear internet provider of copyright blame, but suggest case not resolved
Film and music studios are likely to appeal to the High Court after a landmark 
copyright decision in which judges disagreed about whether the internet service 
provider iiNet was accountable for illegal downloads made by people using its 
service.
http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/judges-clear-internet-provider-of-copyright-blame-but-suggest-case-not-resolved-20110224-1b75q.html


**********************
MOBILE/WIRELESS
**********************
Smartphone competition heats up as HTC closes in on Apple
Apple is in the news this week with the launch of its second generation iPad, 
but it's the new smartphone from Taiwanese tech firm HTC that is likely to 
dominate sales
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/feb/27/smartphones-htc-apple-competition

HTC Desire Beats iPhone as UK's Top Smartphone
Apple's iPhone is no longer one of the top five most popular mobile phones in 
the U.K., according to uSwitch.
http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/news/index.cfm?newsid=3262338
http://www.pcworld.com/article/220710/.html

Smartphones race ahead of networks and users
In between coffees, meetings and product launches at the mobile industry's 
annual jamboree in Barcelona, many visitors were seen pulling out a computer or 
tablet to email and browse the web.
http://www.theage.com.au/digital-life/mobiles/smartphones-race-ahead-of-networks-and-users-20110228-1ba6f.html

http://www.smh.com.au/business/smartphones-race-ahead-of-networks-and-users-20110227-1ba0c.html


PayPal exec says publishers won't embrace Apple's iPad 2, App Store 
subscriptions
Apple is set to unveil the iPad 2 on March 2, and the next-generation tablet is 
widely expected to carry on the blockbuster sales success of the first model.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2011/02/paypal-exec-says-publishers-wont-embrace-apple-ipad-2.html


Google blunts Facebook phone app on Android
Google has stepped up its data battle with Facebook by blunting the social 
networking site's app on its phones.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12565527

Moonlighting Within Microsoft, in Pursuit of New Apps
If you have a smartphone, you probably have apps on it to check the news, play 
games, help with shopping or further a hobby like travel or bird-watching. But 
chances are that you don?t yet have Bubblegum ? a new app that lets you 
instantly dress up cellphone photos, tinting them in sepia or adding neon blue 
highlights, for instance, and then share the results on Facebook.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/27/business/27novel.htm

**********************
SPAM
**********************
China cleans up spam problem [IDG]
It's been a few years coming, but it looks like China may finally be getting a 
handle on its spam problem.
http://www.networkworld.com/news/2011/022611-china-cleans-up-spam.html

**************************
ONLINE CRIME, SECURITY & LEGAL
**************************
Alibaba and the 2,236 thieves: China's top e-commerce firm fights to win back 
customers' trust
The founders of eBay used to say that their real accomplishment was neither 
their clever technology nor the marketplace they created. Rather, it was to 
build trust between people who had never met.
http://www.economist.com/node/18233750?story_id=18233750

Cyber cops and domain name registrars meet to tackle net crooks
Cyber cops from both sides of the Atlantic are meeting with domain name 
registrars in Brussels today to try to figure out ways to crack down on internet 
crime.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/02/25/cyber_cops_meet_domain_name_registrars/

us: Craigslist challenges study from rival that says 330 crimes, 12 deaths were 
linked to its site
A study released Thursday said that interactions on Craigslist were linked to 
330 U.S. crimes -- 105 robberies and 12 resulting in deaths -- over a 12-month 
period.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2011/02/craigslist-disputes-crime-study-that-says-12-deaths-105-thefts-linked-to-its-website.html


US cybercrime complaints fell 10 per cent last year [IDG]
The U.S. agency that tracks complaints of criminal activity on the Internet 
reported Thursday that fewer people complained about Internet fraud in 2010 than 
in the previous year.
http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/377952/us_cybercrime_complaints_fell_10_per_cent_last_year/

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9211401/US_cybercrime_complaints_fell_10_in_2010

http://www.networkworld.com/news/2011/022511-us-cybercrime-complaints-fell-10.html

http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/220670/.html

IC3 2010 Annual Report on Internet Crime Released [news release]
The 2010 Internet Crime Report was released today by the Internet Crime 
Complaint Center (IC3). The report demonstrates how pervasive online crime has 
become, affecting people in all demographic groups throughout the country. In 
2010, IC3 received 303,809 complaints of Internet crime, the second-highest 
total in IC3's 10-year history.
http://www.ic3.gov/media/2011/110224.aspx

EU Commission hopes e-signature overhaul will boost e-commerce
Cross border e-commerce would be boosted by more effective laws on electronic 
signatures and authentication, the European Commission has said. It has 
announced a review of e-signature laws.
http://out-law.com/page-11797

nz: Another earthquake scam discovered
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has reports of another more sophisticated scam 
trying to take money from people donating to the Christchurch earthquake relief 
effort.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/canterbury-earthquake/69363/another-earthquake-scam-discovered


**************************
PRIVACY
**************************
Microsoft, Facebook Offer New Approaches to Boost Web Privacy
Technology giants Microsoft Corp. and Facebook Inc. moved to beef up and clarify 
their efforts around the thorny issue of online privacy?the latest steps by the 
Internet firms to call for stronger consumer protections.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704692904576166820102959428.html

Swiss court to rule on Google Street View privacy [IDG]
A Swiss court is considering a request from the country's data protection 
commissioner that Google should manually blur people's faces in its Street View 
imagery application rather than use automated technology.
http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9211478/Swiss_court_to_rule_on_Google_Street_View_privacy

http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/378004/swiss_court_issue_ruling_google_street_view/

http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/220719/.html

**********************
CENSORSHIP
**********************
Dictator-Proofing the Internet
When authorities in Egypt shut down Internet connections during last week?s 
uprising, hackers around the world started scrambling to create a work-around. 
Before they could succeed, the blackout was lifted. But now people are worried 
that similar shutdowns might occur in countries like Jordan, Syria, and 
Yemen?and so hackers are working to set up alternative networks in those 
countries, just in case.
http://www.newsweek.com/2011/02/06/dictator-proofing-the-internet.html

India plans to tighten rules for cyber-cafes [IDG]
New rules proposed by the Indian government would require users at cyber-cafes 
to establish their identities, while placing the onus on cyber-cafe operators to 
take precautions to ensure that their computers are not utilized for any illegal 
activity.
http://www.networkworld.com/news/2011/022411-india-plans-to-tighten-rules.html

Online call for protests in China prompts crackdown
Authorities have responded to the anonymous campaign calling for pro-democracy 
demonstrations across China with detention of human rights activists, greater 
Internet censorship and pressure on foreign journalists
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fgw-china-crackdown-20110227,0,4764714.story


LinkedIn says China has unblocked its service
Business networking site LinkedIn says access to its services appears to have 
been restored in China, a day after it was blocked there.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12586462

LinkedIn Site Inaccessible in China After 'Jasmine' Pro-Democracy Posting
LinkedIn Corp., operator of the largest networking site for professionals, 
became inaccessible in China after a user posted comments that Tunisia?s Jasmine 
Revolution should spread to the Asian country.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-24/linkedin-unavailable-in-parts-of-china-web-monitors-show-1-.html


Online professional network LinkedIn blocked in parts of China [AFP]
Career networking site LinkedIn says its service has been blocked in parts of 
China.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/online-professional-network-linkedin-blocked-in-parts-of-china/story-e6frgakx-1226012072830


Mobiles subverting online crackdown [sub req'd]
The US State Department might see internet freedom and the popularity of social 
networking sites as the catalyst for spreading democracy through the Middle 
East, but there?s a much more basic view on the ground.
http://www.afr.com/p/business/technology/mobiles_subverting_online_crackdown_Z8dojkCQxdl5DMd8pseA9L


**************************
GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC POLICY
**************************
WIPO Director General Addresses the Future of Copyright [news release]
WIPO Director General Francis Gurry today said that copyright needs to evolve to 
current technological realities or risk becoming irrelevant. Speaking at a 
conference hosted by Australia?s Faculty of Law of the Queensland University of 
Technology (QUT) on the future of copyright, Mr. Gurry said there is no ?single 
magical answer? to the development of a successful policy response to the 
challenges facing copyright in the digital age, but a combination of ?law, 
infrastructure, cultural change, institutional collaboration and better business 
models.?
http://www.wipo.int/pressroom/en/articles/2011/article_0005.html

au: Attorney-General signals shift in safe harbour provisions
The Federal Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, has signalled moves to expand 
provisions harbouring internet service and online content providers from 
litigation by copyright holders.
http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/377974/attorney-general_signals_shift_safe_harbour_provisions/


Chilean and NZ Proposals for TPP IP Chapter: Counter IP Abuse, Support Public 
Domain
The Chilean and New Zealand proposals for the intellectual property chapter in 
the Trans-Pacific Partnership have leaked (Canada has been excluded from the 
talks so far). The leaks demonstrate how much different many other countries 
view the inclusion of IP in trade agreements when compared to the U.S. and 
Europe.
http://www.michaelgeist.ca/content/view/5654/125/

*********************************
MISCELLANEOUS
*********************************
Internet NZ donates $50,000 to earthquake relief
Internet advocacy group Internet New Zealand today donated $50,000 to the Red 
Cross's Christchurch earthquake appeal.
http://pcworld.co.nz/pcworld/pcw.nsf/news/internet-nz-donates-50000-to-earthquake-relief


**********************
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
**********************
Huawei Says It's No Threat to U.S. Security, Invites Probe on Any Concerns
Huawei Technologies Co. said perceptions that the Chinese phone-network 
equipment maker threatens U.S. national security are unfounded and invited the 
government to probe the company about any concerns it may have.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-25/huawei-says-it-s-no-threat-to-u-s-security-invites-probe-on-any-concerns.html

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

(c) David Goldstein 2011


 
---------
David Goldstein
email: goldstein_david&#167;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 Flannery