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 *************************************************** §GigaNet: One government's opinion about Internet governance by Milton Mueller http://blog.internetgovernance.org/blog/_archives/2011/5/6/4811322.html au: Simon Johnson Apology Update http://www.simonjohnson.co/news/update/ auDA Panel releases draft recommendations on .au domain name policies http://www.auda.org.au/news-archive/auda-03052011/ au/nz: ANZIAs open for pre-registrations http://internetnz.net.nz/news/media-releases/2011/ANZIAs-open-pre-registrations http://www.internetawards.org.au/index.php/news Changes to auDA membership processes http://blog.auda.org.au/2011/05/02/changes-to-auda-membership-processes/ Did Europe ask America to block .xxx? http://domainincite.com/did-europe-ask-america-to-block-xxx/ US wants to delay new TLDs http://domainincite.com/us-wants-to-delay-new-tlds/ Mozilla defies DHS, will not remove Mafiaa Fire add-on [IDG] http://www.networkworld.com/news/2011/050511-mozilla-defies-dhs-will-not.html au: Hutchinson Wines v. Amphora Wine Group Pty Ltd, William Howard - Case No. DAU2011-0008 http://www.wipo.int/amc/en/domains/search/text.jsp?case=DAU2011-0008 au: ISOC-AU calls on ISP participation for World IPv6 Day http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/385727/isoc-au_calls_isp_participation_world_ipv6_day/ ********************** REPORTS & RESEARCH PAPERS ********************** Property and Commons in Internet Governance by Milton Mueller [2007] Abstract: This paper re-examines the property-commons dichotomy as it applies to Internet governance. Its main point is that commons and property are not mutually exclusive, totalizing principles for economic organization, but merely different methods of organizing access to resources. These two methods can and often do co-exist, and are often interdependent and mutually reinforcing. As an extension of this approach, the paper pays careful attention to the specific political economy factors that sustain or advance commons-like arrangements in telecommunications and Internet governance. Using four case studies, it finds that "the commons" as an institutional option is rarely implemented as the product of communitarian compacts or a sharing ethic. It is more likely to be an outcome of interest group contention. A commons is a way for an alliance of non-dominant actors to "neutralize" a strategic resource that is, or might be, controlled by a dominant actor. http://ssrn.com/abstract=1828102 Loving the Cyber Bomb? The Dangers of Threat Inflation in Cybersecurity Policy by Jerry Brito & Tate Watkins Abstract: Over the past two years there has been a steady drumbeat of alarmist rhetoric coming out of Washington about potential catastrophic cyber threats. For example, at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing last year, Chairman Carl Levin said that ?cyberweapons and cyberattacks potentially can be devastating, approaching weapons of mass destruction in their effects.? Proposed responses include increased federal spending on cybersecurity and the regulation of private network security practices. http://ssrn.com/abstract=1830625 ********************** GOVERNANCE ********************** §GigaNet: One government's opinion about Internet governance by Milton Mueller One of the highlights of the GigaNet event in Washington yesterday was U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce Lawrence Strickling?s speech. Strickling?s comments were forthright, as usual, and clearly indicated the direction of U.S. policy on issues such as the IGF, ICANN and the IANA contract. They did not always advance convincing reasons for that direction, however. http://blog.internetgovernance.org/blog/_archives/2011/5/6/4811322.html IGF Ambassadors Programme ? Call for Applications The Internet Society is pleased to announce a call for applications to participate in the Internet Society (ISOC) Ambassador programme to the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) meeting in Nairobi, Kenya in September 2011. http://isoc.org/wp/newsletter/?p=3700 ********************** DOMAIN NAMES ********************** ********************** - ICANN ********************** Public Comment Invited on: Proposed Permanent Charter of GNSO's Non-Commercial Stakeholder Group Today, a Public Comment Forum is being initiated to seek community comments on the proposed permanent Charter of the GNSO's Non-Commercial Stakeholder Group (NCSG). http://icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-06may11-en.htm GNSO gTLD Registries Stakeholder Group Statement Clarification of Key Distinctions Between the Sponsored and Community-Based TLD Models http://icann.org/en/correspondence/statement-sponsored-community-based-tld-models-06may11-en.pdf ICANN?s new ?Chief Security Officer? by Milton Mueller Jeff Moss is famous in the security community as the founder of DEF CON and Black Hat. He is in Internet governance news today because ICANN has just hired him as its new "Chief Security Officer." The corporation has issued a self-congratulatory news release, prepared by its London public relations firm, in which various prominent people effusively praise the hire. We offer up our own observations and a cautionary note. http://blog.internetgovernance.org/blog/_archives/2011/4/28/4805590.html Graham beats Doria to ICANN board Bill Graham of the Internet Society has won an election to ICANN?s board of directors. http://domainincite.com/graham-beats-doria-to-icann-board/ ********************** - ccTLD & gTLD NEWS ********************** au: Simon Johnson Apology Update I recently published a blog post relating to an article and an advertisement in a newspaper. I have voluntarily removed this blog post and apologise for any offense it may have caused. http://www.simonjohnson.co/news/update/ auDA Panel releases draft recommendations on .au domain name policies auDA's 2010 Names Policy Panel is currently reviewing the policies for .au domain names, including: http://www.auda.org.au/news-archive/auda-03052011/ au/nz: ANZIAs open for pre-registrations InternetNZ (Internet New Zealand Inc) and .au Domain Administration Ltd (auDA) are proud to announce the launch of the 2011 Australia and New Zealand Internet Awards (the ANZIAs). http://internetnz.net.nz/news/media-releases/2011/ANZIAs-open-pre-registrations http://www.internetawards.org.au/index.php/news Changes to auDA membership processes auDA is a membership-based organisation, and we encourage everyone with an interest in the Australian DNS to become a member. There are two classes of membership ? Supply and Demand. http://blog.auda.org.au/2011/05/02/changes-to-auda-membership-processes/ New legal framework for domain names : AFNIC organizes an online chat on May 5, 2011 On 22 March, the President of the Republic promulgated a law changing the legislative framework for French domain names. The main changes will take place on July 1, 2011. On May 5th, between 2pm and 4pm, AFNIC will be available on Facebook. http://www.afnic.fr/actu/nouvelles/283/new-legal-framework-for-domain-names-afnic-organizes-an-online-chat-on-may-5-2011 ICANN tries to dodge .jobs legal fees That?s the message some are taking away from the latest round of published correspondence between lawyers representing ICANN and .jobs registry Employ Media. http://domainincite.com/icann-tries-to-dodge-jobs-legal-fees/ Letter from Eric Enson, Jones Day (ICANN) to Arif Ali, Crowell & Moring (Employ Media - .JOBS) Arbitration After Notice of Breach to Employ Media http://icann.org/en/correspondence/enson-to-ali-06may11-en.pdf Factions Want to Impose Uniform Rapid Suspension on .Net The comment period for the proposed renewal of the .net registry agreement ends on May 10, yet no one has commented to date. But there will be comments by time the comment period closes, and one could be a bombshell: a proposal to apply the untested Uniform Rapid Suspension scheme to .net. http://domainnamewire.com/2011/05/08/urgent-factions-want-to-impose-uniform-rapid-suspension-on-net/ Turkey slammed for 'ridiculous' Internet censorship Turkey has announced measures to "protect families" from pornographic content. But civil society was quick to criticise what it saw as disguised Internet censorship and illegal or even "ridiculous" practices. http://www.euractiv.com/en/enlargement/turkey-slammed-ridiculous-internet-censorship-news-504608 uk: May systems maintenance and DNSSEC update Our May systems release went live today. The May release includes a change to the WHOIS output to include information about the DNSSEC status of a domain name. Further information is available in the May release notes along with an update of our DNSSEC deployment. http://www.nominet.org.uk/news/latest/?contentId=8381 uk: Signing .co.uk - DNSSEC update As part of our DNSSEC roll out, on Tuesday 3 May 2011 the second level domain .co.uk was DNSSEC signed, with DS records placed in the parent .uk zone. http://www.nominet.org.uk/news/latest/?contentId=8375 uk: Change to WHOIS output On the 5 May 2011 we published a change to the WHOIS output to show the DNSSEC status of a domain name. http://www.nominet.org.uk/news/latest/?contentId=8382 Europe asked the US to delay .xxx European Commissioner for the Digital Agenda Neelie Kroes asked the US Department of Commerce to delay the introduction of the .xxx TLD after ICANN approved it, I can reveal. http://domainincite.com/europe-did-ask-the-us-to-delay-xxx/ Did Europe ask America to block .xxx? The European Commission may have asked the US Department of Commerce to block or delay the .xxx TLD, it has emerged. http://domainincite.com/did-europe-ask-america-to-block-xxx/ ********************** - NEW TLDS ********************** US wants to delay new TLDs With ICANN seemingly hell-bent on approving its new TLDs program at its Singapore meeting, June 20, the US government wants to slam the brakes. http://domainincite.com/us-wants-to-delay-new-tlds/ ********************** - DNS SECURITY ********************** us: Lawmakers propose giving Energy authority over utilities during cyber emergencies Federal officials, lawmakers and industry leaders have reached consensus that any forthcoming cybersecurity legislation should grant the Energy Department authority to order utilities to take action when there is an emergency threat to critical elements of the electricity grid. Energy is one of many agencies currently brokering a sweeping proposal to guard the government, consumers and international partners against cyber predators. http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20110505_1094.php ********************** - DOMAIN DISPUTES ********************** Mozilla defies DHS, will not remove Mafiaa Fire add-on [IDG] The open-source Mozilla project said Thursday it won't comply with a U.S. Department of Homeland Security request to remove a Firefox add-on that helps redirect Web traffic for sites that have been seized by the government. http://www.networkworld.com/news/2011/050511-mozilla-defies-dhs-will-not.html Mozilla resists US agency takedown request The US Department of Homeland Security has asked Mozilla to remove a Firefox add-on that redirects user requests for seized domains to sites outside American government control. http://www.zdnet.co.uk/news/security/2011/05/06/mozilla-resists-us-agency-takedown-request-40092697/ Mozilla resists US agency takedown request No judge has ever declared a Firefox plug-in called MafiaaFire Redirector to be illegal. But that didn't stop the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from trying to censor it from the Web. http://news.cnet.com/8301-31921_3-20060636-281.html http://www.zdnetasia.com/mozilla-resists-us-agency-takedown-request-62300255.htm Mozilla Refuses to Help Censor the Internet Mozilla, maker of the open source Firefox browser, recently told the Department of Homeland Security that if you want to censor the Internet you better have a good reason or at least a legal justification. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the DHS' principal investigative arm, recently asked Mozilla to remove an add-on called MafiaaFire Redirector from the organization's Firefox add-ons site. http://www.pcworld.com/article/227308/.html Mozilla resists request to remove Firefox tool [AP] Mozilla, the non-profit developer of the Firefox Web browser, is holding off on complying with a government request to remove a software tool meant to circumvent federal efforts at curbing Internet piracy. http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-technology/mozilla-resists-request-to-remove-firefox-tool-20110507-1ecsl.html http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-technology/mozilla-resists-request-to-remove-firefox-tool-20110507-1ecsl.html EuroDNS and ICANN Trade Jabs Following a notice of breach sent by ICANN to EuroDNS, the two companies have traded jabs in correspondence. http://domainnamewire.com/2011/05/06/eurodns-and-icann-trade-jabs/ au: Hutchinson Wines v. Amphora Wine Group Pty Ltd, William Howard - Case No. DAU2011-0008 1. The Parties: The Complainant is Hutchinson Wines of Healdsburg, California, United States of America, represented by Bay Area Technology Law Group PC, United States of America. The Respondent is Amphora Wine Group Pty Ltd, William Howard of Stonyfell, South Australia, Australia, represented by Alison Bradshaw Legal, Australia. 2. The Domain Name and Registrar: The disputed domain name <amphorawines.com.au> is registered with Domain Central Pty Ltd. ... 7. Decision: For all the foregoing reasons, the Complaint is denied. http://www.wipo.int/amc/en/domains/search/text.jsp?case=DAU2011-0008 ********************** - IPv4/IPv6 ********************** IPv6: A Reality Check From Brocade [IDG] The looming depletion of Internet addresses has split the networking world into "IPv4 diehards" and "IPv6 purists," but the real needs of businesses lie somewhere in between the views of these extremists, a Brocade Communications Systems executive said this week. http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/227286/.html The other IP address transfer market: mergers by Brenden Kuerbis The recent Nortel bankruptcy proceeding provided some clarity concerning the legacy space holders property rights in IP addresses. Another transfer likely involving legacy space is in the works. CenturyLink, which became the third-largest telecommunications company in the United States after acquiring regional bell company Qwest in April 2011 for $12.2 billion in stock, has agreed to acquire Savvis, Inc. for $2.5 billion in stock and cash. Savvis has substantial v4 address space and data center assets, much of which it got in a 2004 acquisition of Cable & Wireless. http://blog.internetgovernance.org/blog/_archives/2011/4/29/4806145.html au: ISOC-AU calls on ISP participation for World IPv6 Day The Internet Society of Australia (ISOC-AU) has called on local businesses ISPs to participate in World IPv6 Day, with Internode the first major Aussie telco to sign up to the initiative. http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/385727/isoc-au_calls_isp_participation_world_ipv6_day/ http://www.techworld.com.au/article/385727/isoc-au_calls_isp_participation_world_ipv6_day/ http://www.cio.com.au/article/385727/isoc-au_calls_isp_participation_world_ipv6_day/ ********************** - MISCELLANEOUS ********************** Slippery Slope by David Maher Last week, I visited Budapest to deliver a speech at the ICANN Studienkreis, an annual conference where experts study and address some current issues relating to Internet governance. I discussed how the Internet is on a slippery slope. Starting with the legitimate concern over how to deal with cybersquatters, we have moved to an unreasonable focus on legal control of Internet content and the domain name system. http://pir.org/blog/2011/slippery RIPE NCC Membership and Stakeholder Survey 2011 This survey will be used by the RIPE NCC to assess its current service offering and shape its strategy for the years ahead. The RIPE NCC carries out these large-scale surveys every three years. They are extremely important in finding out the views of RIPE NCC members on the direction the RIPE NCC should be taking as an organisation. Please participate in this important survey before the closing date of 10 June 2011. The survey should take 15-20 minutes to complete. http://www.ripe.net/internet-coordination/news/about-ripe-ncc-and-ripe/ripe-ncc-membership-and-stakeholder-survey-2011 Netcraft May 2011 Web Server Survey In the May 2011 survey we received responses from 324,697,205 sites. Apache exhibited by far the largest growth this month, gaining 12.5M hostnames and over 1.5 percentage points of market share. SoftLayer saw the largest increase, gaining 3.0M hostnames, while Earthlink took a big drop, losing 1.3M. http://news.netcraft.com/archives/2011/05/02/may-2011-web-server-survey.html ********************** - DOMAINING & AFTERMARKET ********************** Keyword Disputes in the International Arena Due to the global nature of Internet transactions, trademark infringements are quite common. New navigation methods, such as keyword systems, further increase the complexity of this issue. The tendency of search engines to sell the registered trademark of a company as a keyword to another company also leads to keyword disputes. The courts in various countries are divided on this issue. http://www.ibls.com/internet_law_news_portal_view.aspx?s=articles&id=F651F001-2234-46F8-A153-7885F63EF295 Sales That Rank Among the Year's Best in Three Different Categories Headline This Week's Action in the Domain Aftermarket This was quite a week for the domain aftermarket as we saw not only the biggest sale of the year to date in RunningShoes.com at $700,000, but also the biggest country code sale of the year - Deals.com.au at $100,000 - and the second biggest non .com gTLD sale of the year - Outreach.org at $90,400. Those domains fill the first three slots on our new weekly all extension Top 20 Sales Chart. http://dnjournal.com/archive/domainsales/2011/20110504.htm Need help explaining the value of domains? Our 2 minute video can help! Have you ever had trouble explaining the value of domains to someone less familiar to the industry? Do these non-domainers scratch their heads every time you explain the benefits of implementing a domain strategy into their business plan? Well, so have we! This is why we?ve created a short video to explain just how crucial the right domain can be for business owners. It?s easy to follow, fun to watch, and most importantly, simple to share! https://sedo.com/links/showlinks.php3?tracked=&partnerid=&language=us&Id=2847 ********************** REPORTS & RESEARCH PAPERS ********************** The Changing Patterns of Internet Usage by Christopher S. Yoo Abstract: The Internet unquestionably represents one of the most important technological developments in recent history. It has revolutionized the way people communicate with one another and obtain information and created an unimaginable variety of commercial and leisure activities. Interestingly, many members of the engineering community often observe that the current network is ill-suited to handle the demands that end users are placing on it. Indeed, engineering researchers often describe the network as ossified and impervious to significant architectural change. As a result, both the U.S. and the European Commission are sponsoring "clean slate" projects to study how the Internet might be designed differently if it were designed from scratch today. http://www.law.indiana.edu/fclj/pubs/v63/no1/2010-Dec.-Vol.63-05_Yoo.pdf http://ssrn.com/abstract=1824594 It?s a Mad, Mad Internet: Globalization and the Challenges Presented by Internet Censorship by Jessica E. Bauml The advent of the Internet has brought tremendous technological advancements and growth to the world. However, it has also become a source of conflict, particularly when different countries attempt to regulate this very ubiquitous and amorphous medium. The most notable controversy has arisen in China? home to the world?s most advanced system of Internet censorship, which levies harsh penalties on those who violate the country?s strict censorship laws. China?s "Great Firewall" has raised many eyebrows and is garnishing substantial criticism in response to the human rights abuses that result from the jailing and reported torture of Chinese dissidents. http://www.law.indiana.edu/fclj/pubs/v63/no3/Vol.63-3_2011-May_Art.-05_Bauml.pdf Social Media in the Changing Ecology of News Production and Consumption: The Case in Britain by Nic Newman, William H. Dutton & Grant Blank [Annual Conference of the International Communication Association / Oxford Internet Institute Working Paper / Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism Working Paper] Abstract: This paper looks at how the production and consumption of news is changing in the UK. It draws from survey research of individuals in Britain from 2003-2011, which includes evidence on patterns of news readership among Internet users and non-users, as well as more qualitative case studies of developments in online news organizations, based on interviews and log files of journalistic sites. Survey evidence has shown a step-jump in the use of online news since 2003, as a complement to print news reading, but a leveling off since 2009. However, this relative stability in news consumption masks a change in the growing role of social networks, both as a substitute for search in many cases, but also in their relationship with online newspapers, as the interaction of mainstream news and networked individuals has begun to reshape the ecology of production and consumption. http://ssrn.com/abstract=1826647 Personal Jurisdiction, Internet Commerce, and Privacy: The Pervasive Legal Consequences of Modern Geolocation Technologies by Kevin F. King Abstract: Modern geolocation technologies allow Internet sites to automatically and accurately identify a user?s geographic location. This capability?unavailable just a few years ago?has begun to revolutionize Internet commerce and communication by enabling content localization, customization, and access regulation on a scale previously thought to be impossible. Yet thus far, the law has reacted inadequately to these technologies, or in some cases, failed to react at all. http://www.albanylawjournal.org/article.php?id=89 Don?t Be Evil: The Fourth Amendment in the Age of Google, National Security, and Digital Papers and Effects by Andrew William Bagley Abstract: This Article offers an overview of current Fourth Amendment law in light of evolving concepts of papers and effects, expectations of privacy online, and the third party and state action doctrines. Scholars have addressed some of these issues individually, but this Article analyzes the legal issues that subsist in the wake of the NSA Terrorist Surveillance Program dilemma and during Congress? current push to update the Electronic Communications Privacy Act. Individuals are increasingly turning to third party technology companies such as Google to host their most private papers and effects, yet in doing so are subjecting themselves to non-negotiated Terms of Service and their information to the mercy of a corporate slogan. http://www.albanylawjournal.org/article.php?id=91 Net Neutrality 101 by Richard French [University of Ottawa Law & Technology Journal - 2007] Abstract: Network neutrality is a controversy of American origin, which, given the American foundations of the internet, has spread to a number of other jurisdictions, including Canada. In this article, I attempt to provide an introduction to the issues in a Canadian context for the non-specialist. Network neutrality is a debate about the public interests in freedom of expression, consumer protection, and economic growth and innovation, as they are mediated by the expansion of broadband internet access. http://ssrn.com/abstract=1825322 Combating Cyberbullying: Emphasizing Education over Criminalization by Jessica P. Meredith The advent of new technologies such as social media websites like MySpace and Facebook have increased the methods through which bullying takes form and causes harm to children and teenagers. As the public has become more aware of the dangers of this new form of bullying, cyberbullying, legislators have responded by proposing legislation to criminalize this type of behavior with varying degrees of success. This Note explains the problem of cyberbullying and evaluates state and federal legislative efforts to combat the issue through criminalization, then argues that prevention through education will be the most effective solution. http://www.law.indiana.edu/fclj/pubs/v63/no1/2010-Dec.-Vol.63-11_Meredith.pdf Mind the Gap: A New Model for Internet Child Pornography Regulation in Canada by Sara M. Smyth [University of Ottawa Law & Technology Journal - 2007] Abstract: Canada?s child pornography provisions were enacted just as the ?computer revolution? was building momentum. At that time, very few policy makers had any idea about what the internet was, how it could be used, and its vast potential for facilitating criminal activity on an international scale. Although Parliament has proven to be both willing and able to respond to the child pornography problem, our legislators have not implemented appropriate regulatory measures to combat the circulation of these materials on the internet. http://ssrn.com/abstract=1825315 ********************** INTERNET USE ********************** Three Asian markets snag world's fastest Web speeds South Korea, Hong Kong and Japan were crowned the top three markets with the fastest Internet connections worldwide in the fourth quarter of 2010, according to the latest stats from Web services vendor, Akamai. http://www.zdnetasia.com/three-asian-markets-snag-world-s-fastest-web-speeds-62300212.htm Akamai State of the Internet Report Shows Annual Growth in Global Connection Speeds and Mobile Broadband Data Consumption [news release] Akamai Technologies, Inc., the leading provider of cloud optimization services, today released its 4th Quarter, 2010 State of the Internet report available for download at www.akamai.com/stateoftheinternet. Based on data gathered from the Akamai Internet Platform, the report provides insight into key global Internet statistics such as the world?s fastest and slowest regions for connection speed, the most frequent origins of attack traffic, and the highest-performing geographies for mobile connectivity, as well as resulting trends over time. http://www.akamai.com/html/about/press/releases/2011/press_042611.html Innovation in online advertising: How real-time bidding will affect media companies You are browsing for lampshades on a department store?s website. You grow bored, and surf across to the website of your favourite daily newspaper. Mysteriously, the lampshades follow you: an advertisement for the same brand appears next to the article you are reading. Welcome to the world of real-time bidding, a cleverer and nosier way of selling advertising that is beginning to shake up the online media business. http://www.economist.com/node/18651104?story_id=18651104 Trying to Game Google on 'Mother?s Day Flowers' Mother?s Day flowers. Those words have been typed into search engines by countless Americans in the lead-up to Sunday. What few realize is that an online war over this endearing phrase is being waged by the country?s largest flower sellers, and some of them, apparently, are not fighting fair. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/07/business/07flowers.html You old romantics you... 72 million live streams in 188 countries for the Royal Wedding on YouTube The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are YouTube's newest megastars. Though half the globe was still in darkness, YouTube users from across the world got wedding fever for the Royal Household's official live stream of the landmark wedding on The Royal Channel. http://youtube-global.blogspot.com/2011/05/you-old-romantics-you72-million-live.html 72 million live YouTube streams for royal wedding [AFP] Britain's royal wedding attracted 72 million live streams on YouTube in 188 countries and over 100 million views on the big day itself, the Google-owned video-sharing site said Friday. http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/72-million-live-youtube-streams-for-royal-wedding-2280427.html Internet porn 'encourages sex offenders? Pornography on the internet is normalising extreme fantasies and increasing the risk of sexual offences, psychologists have warned. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/8499409/Internet-porn-encourages-sex-offenders.html Fairfax job cuts part of paper 'death throes' Fairfax's announcement this week to ditch sub-editors at its major newspapers has outraged many, but the former editor of one of the UK's leading tabloids says the move is hardly surprising. http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/05/06/3209485.htm Opinion: Hold the front page - it's time US papers had a redesign The Wall Street Journal looks fresh and modern, and circulation is rising. For many other American newspapers, neither of those things is true http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/may/08/hold-the-front-page-us-papers-redesign In Singapore, Political Campaigning Goes Viral Rather than attempting to suppress online political organizing, as China and Vietnam have done, the country is taking a gamble on making it part of the legal campaign system. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/06/world/asia/06iht-singapore06.html Opposition Makes Inroads in Singapore ... In what seemed an attempt to embrace the future, Singapore loosened its grip on political discourse in the unruly world of the Internet. Government opponents are often sued for defamation, and public speech has been permitted only in a small park called Speakers? Corner (which was shut down in the campaign). But experts say the new opening, if only in the virtual world, appears to be a redefinition of what are known as ?out-of-bounds markers.? http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/08/world/asia/08singapore.html Singapore elections marked by online buzz of discontent It is a dangerous act in a country where graffiti can fetch eight strokes of the cane, more dangerous still because it parodies the leader of the ruling Lee dynasty. With a few deft applications of spray paint, Skope One finishes a pig-head depiction of the prime minister, Lee Hsien Loong, with a Nazi-styled SS logo on the lapel and an Uncle Sam-inspired banner emblazoned "Lee Wants You". http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/06/singapore-elections-internet au: Retailers finally click to the online boom More than a decade since the tech sector crash put paid to expectations we'd all soon be living like the Jetsons, retailers are finally getting serious about selling over the internet. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/retailers-finally-click-to-the-online-boom/story-e6frg8zx-1226051436382 ********************** NEW TECHNOLOGIES ********************** Intel Increases Transistor Speed by Building Upward Intel announced on Wednesday that it had again found a way to make computer chips that could process information more quickly and with less power in less space. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/05/science/05chip.html Intel, Seeking Edge on Rivals, Rethinks Its Building Blocks Intel Corp. showed off what it called the most radical shift in semiconductor technology in more than fifty years, a design that could produce more powerful chips for gadgets without taxing their batteries. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703937104576303180600624322.html Intel unveils 22nm 3D Ivy Bridge processor Intel has unveiled its next generation of microprocessor technology, code named Ivy Bridge. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-13283882 ************************************************ CHILD PROTECTION, FILTERING & CONTENT REGULATION ************************************************ OECD: The Protection of Children Online - Risks Faced by Children Online and Policies to Protect Them As increasing numbers of children worldwide enjoy the benefits of the Internet, they also face a spectrum of risks to which they are more vulnerable than adults. This reports examines these risks as well as the policy responses of governments and other stakeholders to improve the protection of children online. http://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/science-and-technology/the-protection-of-children-online_5kgcjf71pl28-en nz: Cyber predators prey on data too, A recent survey has shown that many Kiwis are in the dark when it comes to computer viruses and other internet nasties. Two of New Zealand's leading online safety specialists - NetSafe and AVG - have conducted a survey that has revealed some eye-opening results. http://www.times-age.co.nz/life-style/news/cyber-predators-prey-on-data-too/3949870/ http://www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz/life-style/news/cyber-predators-prey-on-data-too/3949870/ http://www.bayofplentytimes.co.nz/life-style/news/cyber-predators-prey-on-data-too/3949870/ http://www.starcanterbury.co.nz/life-style/news/cyber-predators-prey-on-data-too/3949870/ http://www.stratfordpress.co.nz/life-style/news/cyber-predators-prey-on-data-too/3949870/ http://www.hawkesbaytoday.co.nz/life-style/news/cyber-predators-prey-on-data-too/3949870/ http://www.northernadvocate.co.nz/life-style/news/cyber-predators-prey-on-data-too/3949870/ http://www.rotoruadailypost.co.nz/life-style/news/cyber-predators-prey-on-data-too/3949870/ Turkish government agency wants to install filtering software on every computer Reporters Without Borders condemns a plan by the Information Technologies Board (BTK), an offshoot of the prime minister?s office, to force the Turkish public to submit to content filtering in order to gain access to the Internet. http://en.rsf.org/turkey-government-agency-wants-to-install-06-05-2011,40238.html us: House Releases 'Do Not Track' Bill A draft House bill with bipartisan support would prohibit companies from tracking children on the Internet without parental consent, restrict online marketing to minors and require an "Eraser Button" that would allow parents to eliminate kids' personal information already online. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703992704576307261709717734.html us: Erasing Cyberbullying, One Keystroke At A Time In a sweltering classroom in The Mary Louis Academy of Jamaica Estates, Queens, freshman Regina Maghirang, 15, sat down at a computer, logged onto Facebook and hit delete. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/06/cyberbullying-students-erase_n_858832.html us: Markey, Barton To Unveil Online Child Privacy Bill Reps. Ed Markey, D-Mass., and Joe Barton, R-Texas, plan to circulate a discussion draft of their promised children's online privacy legislation Friday, which will include a controversial "do-not-track" provision. http://techdailydose.nationaljournal.com/2011/05/markey-barton-to-unveil-online.php http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20110506_3252.php us: Senator Says He Will Introduce Do-not-track Bill [IDG] A senior member of the U.S. Senate plans to introduce legislation that would require websites and online advertising networks to stop tracking Web users who ask to be left alone. http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/227346/.html us: Online dangers grow for teen girls While we've all been taught to beware of online predators, experts say that's just the beginning when it comes to Internet dangers for teen girls. http://abclocal.go.com/wjrt/story?section=news/local&id=8113252 uk: One Of The UK?s Smallest Forces Has Smashed An International Paedophile Network [news release] An international network distributing horrific images of child sexual abuse has been smashed by Lincolnshire Police and the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre. http://www.ceop.police.uk/Media-Centre/Press-releases/2011/ONE-OF-THE-UKS-SMALLEST-FORCES-HAS-SMASHED-AN-INTERNATIONAL-PAEDOPHILE-NETWORK/ at: E-skills for young people: how can schools contribute? No doubt, schools play an important role when it comes to developing e-skills. They can act as bridge builders between formal education and informal learning that goes beyond school. Therefore, their focus should be on providing their students with the knowledge and the tools to make the most of their e-skills. http://www.saferinternet.org/web/guest/blog?p_p_id=homeBlog_WAR_insafeportlet&p_p_lifecycle=0&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_col_id=column-1&p_p_col_count=1&_homeBlog_WAR_insafeportlet_action=detail&_homeBlog_WAR_insafeportlet_articleId=192125 de: Source criticism ? an important skill for young internet users When searching online, young internet users are faced with a wealth of information that must be sorted and rated in order to be able to make it useful and properly useable, for example for personal knowledge or homework. Although search engines provide a pre-sorting, they cannot really assist in the assessment of websites with wrong and misleading information. We therefore need to teach children and young people the mechanisms of source and content criticism and also strengthen their ability and their right to criticise. http://www.saferinternet.org/web/guest/blog?p_p_id=homeBlog_WAR_insafeportlet&p_p_lifecycle=0&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_col_id=column-1&p_p_col_count=1&_homeBlog_WAR_insafeportlet_action=detail&_homeBlog_WAR_insafeportlet_articleId=192168 EU Kids Online Conference 2011 ? registration now open Registration for the 2011 EU Kids Online Conference, to be held in London 22-23 September 2011, is now open. http://www.saferinternet.org/web/guest/blog?p_p_id=homeBlog_WAR_insafeportlet&p_p_lifecycle=0&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_col_id=column-1&p_p_col_pos=2&p_p_col_count=3&_homeBlog_WAR_insafeportlet_action=detail&_homeBlog_WAR_insafeportlet_articleId=192259 ********************** ONLINE TV & MUSIC ********************** Mexico Leads Latin America in Online Video Penetration and Engagement [news release] comScore ... released a study of online video viewing behaviors in Latin America based on data from its comScore Video Metrix Service. The report found that in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and Chile more than 80 percent of all online users viewed video content in March 2011, with viewers in Mexico spending the most time watching online video at an average of 10.5 hours per viewer during the month. http://www.comscore.com/Press_Events/Press_Releases/2011/5/Mexico_Leads_Latin_America_in_Online_Video_Penetration_and_Engagement ********************** MOBILE/WIRELESS ********************** Flexible phone made from electronic paper to debut A prototype flexible smartphone made of electronic paper has been created by Canadian researchers. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-13308452 Inside Foxconn's Factory: Report Exposes Conditions At Apple Manufacturer "Some of my roommates weep in the dormitory. I want to cry as well but my tears have not come out." These are the words of a 22-year-old woman working at the Foxconn factory in Chengdu, China, a manufacturing facility that solely produces Apple products, as recorded in a new report by the Center for Research on Multinational Corporations and Students & Scholars Against Corporate Misbehavior (SACOM), two non-profit advocacy groups. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/06/foxconn-factory-conditions_n_858619.html au: Internet users clog mobile network Insatiable demand for smartphones, tablets and data-enabled devices is putting telephone networks under so much pressure they are struggling to cope. http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/mobiles/internet-users-clog-mobile-network-20110506-1ec3x.html http://www.watoday.com.au/digital-life/mobiles/internet-users-clog-mobile-network-20110506-1ec3x.html http://www.theage.com.au/digital-life/mobiles/internet-users-clog-mobile-network-20110506-1ec3x.html http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/digital-life/mobiles/internet-users-clog-mobile-network-20110506-1ec3x.html Apple software update prevents it from storing users' movements Apple has released a software update for its iPhone and iPad which prevents it keeping a detailed record of the owner's movements, and does not synchronise the details to the owner's computer. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2011/may/05/apple-software-update-user-movements Google's Android Moves Past BlackBerry Google Inc.'s Android operating system overtook Research In Motion Ltd.'s BlackBerry as the top smartphone platform in the first quarter, according to research firm comScore Inc. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703859304576307433378758712.html Samsung Overtakes Nokia in Western Europe to Become Number 1 in the Mobile Phone Market in 1Q11; Apple Becomes Number 1 in the Smartphone Segment, Says IDC [news release] The Western European mobile phone market grew 5% year-on-year to 45 million units in the first quarter of 2011 (1Q11), according to the IDC European Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker. http://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prUK22816311 San Francisco puts cell phone radiation law on hold San Francisco has rarely shied away from a legal fight over its cutting-edge laws - be it Walgreens suing over the ban on selling cigarettes in drug stores or restaurants taking the city to court over its requirement that employers provide health care coverage. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/05/05/BAVB1JB9L6.DTL San Francisco backtracks on cell phone radiation bill The City of San Francisco's controversial cell phone radiation disclosure bill has been put on "indefinite hold," and a "watered-down version" will probably be enacted instead. So reports Friday's San Francisco Chronicle, which says that it's not just that the City has the jitters about a lawsuit coming from cell phone industry. http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2011/05/san-francisco-backtracks-on-cell-phone-radiation-bill.ars ************************** ONLINE CRIME, SECURITY & LEGAL ************************** Criminal Justice Blog Moves to Dismiss Sham Copyright Troll Lawsuit - Unsealed Documents Show Righthaven Not True Owner of News Article's Copyright The publisher of a criminal justice blog that provides resources for difficult-to-prosecute murder cases has asked a judge to dismiss the sham infringement lawsuit filed against him by copyright troll Righthaven LLC. Recently unsealed documents show that Righthaven is not the true owner of the copyright of the news article that is the basis for the lawsuit. https://www.eff.org/press/archives/2011/05/04 'HTTPS Now' Campaign Urges Users to Take an Active Role in Protecting Internet Security [news release] The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and Access have launched an international campaign for HTTPS Now, rallying consumers around the world to help us make web surfing safer. https://www.eff.org/press/archives/2011/04/19-0 Suit Opens a Window Into Google A stack of internal e-mail messages from Google, which a Massachusetts state court made public last week, provide a glimpse into the competitive tactics and decision-making inside a business that is crucial to the company?s growth ? its Android software for smartphones. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/09/technology/09google.html us: Lawmakers propose giving Energy authority over utilities during cyber emergencies Federal officials, lawmakers and industry leaders have reached consensus that any forthcoming cybersecurity legislation should grant the Energy Department authority to order utilities to take action when there is an emergency threat to critical elements of the electricity grid. Energy is one of many agencies currently brokering a sweeping proposal to guard the government, consumers and international partners against cyber predators. http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20110505_1094.php Google Loses Copyright Appeal Over Internet Links to Belgian Newspapers Google Inc. lost an attempt to overturn a Belgian ruling that blocked it from publishing links to local newspapers on its online news service. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-05-06/google-loses-copyright-appeal-over-links-to-belgian-newspapers.html Thousands Of Google Images Infected With Malware That picture of a cat licking a lollipop you found on Google Images may be infected. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/06/google-images-malware_n_858845.html Malicious Software Features Usama bin Laden Links to Ensnare Unsuspecting Computer Users [news release] The FBI today warns computer users to exercise caution when they receive e-mails that purport to show photos or videos of Usama bin Laden's recent death. This content could be a virus that could damage your computer. This malicious software or "malware" can embed itself in computers and spread to users' contact lists, thereby infecting the systems of associates, friends and family members. These viruses are often programmed to steal your personally identifiable information. http://www.ic3.gov/media/2011/110504.aspx http://www.fbi.gov/news/pressrel/press-releases/malicious-software-features-usama-bin-laden-links-to-ensnare-unsuspecting-computer-users FBI spyware continuously trolls suspects' surfing A computer bug akin to spyware, developed by the FBI to trace the source of cyber crimes remains permanent on a suspect's machine, according to previously Secret documents recently released under the Freedom of Information Act. http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20110506_4515.php us: Lawmakers propose giving Energy authority over utilities during cyber emergencies Federal officials, lawmakers and industry leaders have reached consensus that any forthcoming cybersecurity legislation should grant the Energy Department authority to order utilities to take action when there is an emergency threat to critical elements of the electricity grid. Energy is one of many agencies currently brokering a sweeping proposal to guard the government, consumers and international partners against cyber predators. http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20110505_1094.php nz: Expert gives scammers taste of own medicine Computer scams are a multibillion-dollar industry and one Taranaki cyber-expert is doing his bit to flush out the conmen. http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/4973993/Expert-gives-scammers-taste-of-own-medicine IP addresses alone cannot be used to identify individuals, US judge says An IP address on its own cannot be used to identify who has carried out activity on computer networks, a US judge has ruled. http://out-law.com/page-11901 ************************** PRIVACY ************************** There's No Data Sheriff on the Wild Web A company suffers a catastrophic attack on its servers. Gone are names, e-mail addresses, home phone numbers, passwords, credit card numbers. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/08/weekinreview/08bilton.html Editorial: Internet data collection: The privacy line >From cellphones to the Internet, data collection is widespread. Can we limit it, and should we? http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/opinionla/la-ed-privacy-20110508,0,138042.story Websites should notify EU users about privacy breaches, says justice commissioner Europe-wide laws which require telecommunications companies to notify users if their data is at risk should be extended, the European justice commissioner has said. http://out-law.com/page-11899 ca: Fines needed to help stem growing data breaches, Privacy Commissioner says [news release] An alarming trend of ever-bigger data breaches is prompting Privacy Commissioner Jennifer Stoddart to call for substantial fines against major corporations that fail to adequately protect Canadians? personal information from preventable breaches. http://www.priv.gc.ca/media/nr-c/2011/nr-c_110504_e.cfm au: Outrage over TomTom speed traps for motorists TomTom Australia says it is planning to sell GPS data collected about its customers' journeys to road authorities and private companies even after it was forced to apologise when that same data was used by Dutch authorities to set speed traps. http://www.theage.com.au/digital-life/cartech/outrage-over-tomtom-speed-traps-for-motorists-20110506-1ebc2.html http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/cartech/outrage-over-tomtom-speed-traps-for-motorists-20110506-1ebc2.html ********************** CENSORSHIP ********************** ke: NCIC Monitoring SMS, Web Chatter for Hate Speech The National Cohesion and Integration Commission has been monitoring text messages and internet-based communication for any clues of hate speech and incitement. http://www.nation.co.ke/News/politics/-/1064/1156904/-/7rhsok/-/index.html http://allafrica.com/stories/201105050870.html ************************** GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC POLICY ************************** California's Do Not Track law takes a step forward [IDG] California is a step closer to getting the first Do Not Track legislation in the U.S., aimed at protecting Internet users from invasive advertising. http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9216430/California_s_Do_Not_Track_law_takes_a_step_forward http://www.pcworld.com/article/227212/.html Digital rights group criticises EU proposal to impose illicit content censorship EU proposals to force internet service providers (ISPs) to block illicit content are not clear, would restrict freedom of speech and impose censorship across Europe, the European Digital Rights group (EDRi) says. http://out-law.com/page-11903 uk: PCC seeks to regulate press Twitter feeds Reporter and newspaper Twitter feeds are expected to brought under the regulation of the Press Complaints Commission later this year, the first time the body has sought to consolidate social media messages under its remit. http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/may/06/pcc-press-twitter-feeds nz: Fear small ISPs may be targeted by 'Skynet' law Fears are growing among small internet providers that their customers may be targeted first by rights holders when controversial changes to copyright law take effect in September, according to industry sources. http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/digital-living/4976806/Fear-small-ISPs-may-be-targeted-by-Skynet-law http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/4976806/Fear-small-ISPs-may-be-targeted us: Statement of Commissioner McDowell, Before the Subcomittee on Intellectual Property, Competition and the Internet, Committee on the Judiciary, United States House of Representatives. http://www.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2011/db0505/DOC-306380A1.pdf ********************************* MISCELLANEOUS ********************************* Mozilla building on Firefox's dominant share in Indonesia [IDG] Mozilla is building an army of volunteers in Indonesia to help customize Firefox and recommend add-ons, as the U.S.-based non-profit organization seeks to retain its massive share of the browser market in the country. http://www.networkworld.com/news/2011/050911-mozilla-building-on-firefoxs-dominant.html http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/227403/.html Facebook and Google weigh up Skype offers The internet giants Google and Facebook have held talks about possible tie-ups with Skype, it emerged yesterday, and analysts believe either move would make sense. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/facebook-and-google-weigh-up-skype-offers-2279780.html Apple tops Google as most valuable brand Apple has overtaken Google as the world's most valuable brand, ending a four-year reign by the internet search leader, according to a new study by global brands agency Millward Brown. http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/05/09/3211396.htm ********************** TELECOMMUNICATIONS ********************** European telecoms groups feel the pain Leading European telecoms companies provided a batch of disappointing results on Friday, underlining how they are getting hurt by economic, competitive and regulatory pressures. http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/bd1b081c-77f9-11e0-b90e-00144feabdc0.html D.Telekom, T.Italia seek respite from ailing Europe European telecom groups Deutsche Telekom and Telecom Italia are pinning their hopes on new business areas to offset dwindling growth in fiercely competitive regional markets. http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/05/06/oukin-uk-europe-telecoms-idUKTRE7453TY20110506 au: ACMA considers future spectrum for mobile broadband [news release] The Australian Communications and Media Authority has released two papers signalling its intention to develop a future spectrum strategy that unlocks significant spectrum for mobile broadband and makes the best use of current and future technologies. http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_312518 nz: Reforms put on a show for telco trainspotters by Anthony Doesburg These are delirious days for telecommunications market trainspotters. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10723777 Private lobby group may form to push UFB demand In the face of government?s apparent unwillingness to canvass urban populations and spark discussion among them on productive and interesting uses of the Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) network, a private lobby group may be started to ensure this information is uncovered and initiatives begun. http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/news/private-lobby-group-may-form-to-push-ufb-demand nz: Beyond the UFB building phase When it comes to national broadband networks, governments and their technical advisors often concentrate on setting up the physical infrastructure and think their job is done, says Tim Williams, author of a report recounting the UK experience of community use of broadband. http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/news/beyond-the-ufb-building-phase ********************************** ARRESTS/COURT CASES FOR ONLINE CHILD PROTECTION ********************************** au: Father with 2 million child porn images 'addicted' A Tasmanian court has heard children as young as five were depicted in sexual acts on a man's computer which contained 2 million child exploitation images. http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/05/06/3209600.htm uk: Four men in court after police smash global paedophile ring More than 130 children in the UK have been rescued from immediate danger after police smashed an international paedophile ring that distributed millions of indecent images and films to 46 countries. http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/may/06/four-men-court-police-paedophile-ring +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ (c) David Goldstein 2011 ------ David Goldstein email: david§goldsteinreport.com web: http://goldsteinreport.com/ http://davidgoldstein.tel/ phone: +61 418 228 605 - mobile; +61 2 9665 5773 - office/home "Every time you use fossil fuels, you're adding to the problem. Every time you forgo fossil fuels, you're being part of the solution" - Dr Tim FlanneryReceived on Sun May 08 2011 - 23:01:38 UTC
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