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 *************************************************** Delegates debate challenges of worldwide Internet governance at UN-backed forum http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=39830 Activists meet to defend Internet from state control http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/26/idUSLDE78P03R20110926 Beckstrom Points to Multi-stakeholder Model as "Catalyst for the Internet" http://www.icann.org/en/news/releases/release-27sep11-en.pdf NORC at the University of Chicago Selected to Conduct a gTLD Whois Registrant Identification Study http://blog.icann.org/2011/09/norc-at-the-university-of-chicago-selected-to-conduct-a-gtld-whois-registrant-identification-study/ ICANN drums up support for IANA contract renewal [Computerworld Kenya] http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/news/internet/3306851/icann-drums-up-support-for-iana-contract-renewal/ TLDs - Neues von .au, .eu und .bayern http://www.domain-recht.de/magazin/domain-news-2011/tlds-neues-von-au-eu-und-bayern-id668068.html Updated Applicant Guidebook provides more clarity for applicants by Tony Kirsch http://www.ausregistry.com/blog/?p=848 Munich's New Domains Conference Reveals Urgency to Act Now by Michael Twist http://www.ausregistry.com/blog/?p=859 AusRegistry wins .jewelers deal http://domainincite.com/ausregistry-wins-jewelers-deal/ Is an ISP code of conduct the best way to fight botnets? http://arstechnica.com/business/news/2011/09/us-government-looks-to-fight-botnets-with-isp-code-of-conduct.ars au: NetRegistry suffers DDoS attack http://www.itwire.com/it-industry-news/strategy/50011-netregistry-suffers-ddos-attack au: Hackers Target Netregistry Telstra Bigpond Customers Hit http://smarthouse.com.au/Wireless_And_Networking/Broadband/A6S2M5A3 Warning marks opening of New Zealand cyber security center [Xinhua] http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=731502&publicationSubCategoryId=200 London Won?t Follow Beijing?s Lead on Net Addresses http://blogs.wsj.com/tech-europe/2011/09/26/london-wont-follow-beijings-lead-on-net-addresses/ 50MM Go Daddy Domain Names: Historic Internet Milestone http://www.godaddy.com/newscenter/release-view.aspx?news_item_id=369 Vint Cerf: the internet is going into space http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/google/8785626/Vint-Cerf-the-internet-is-going-into-space.html Canada's Tea Party rocking out with million-dollar domain dilemma http://www.edmontonjournal.com/entertainment/Canada+Party+rocking+with+million+dollar+domain+dilemma/5473517/story.html ********************** GOVERNANCE ********************** Delegates debate challenges of worldwide Internet governance at UN-backed forum The Internet?s role as a catalyst for change in light of the turmoil sweeping North Africa and the Middle East, the exposure by WikiLeaks of confidential United States diplomatic cables and recent cyber-attacks are high on the agenda of a United Nations-backed meeting that began today. http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=39830 Activists meet to defend Internet from state control Internet activists will this week make an 11th-hour attempt to stop governments seizing more control of the Web that has fueled Arab revolutions, enabled mass leaks of U.S. diplomatic cables and allowed online piracy to thrive. http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/26/idUSLDE78P03R20110926 http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/09/26/oukin-uk-overnighter-internet-governance-idUKTRE78P68W20110926 http://in.reuters.com/article/2011/09/26/idINIndia-59562120110926 Can we have internet governance without internet rights? Many important technical decisions about internet architecture are being made right now ? decisions that will have consequences for decades. At present, policy choices are being made largely without the input of civil society and without sufficient consideration of the public good. It is clear that civil society needs some innovative thinking, a new paradigm through which we can ensure the right policy outcomes. http://www.apc.org/en/node/13016/ Global Internet security meeting kicks off in Kenya, cyber crime high on agenda [Xinhua] A four-day meeting aimed to address cross-border challenges facing Internet governance officially kicked off in Nairobi on Tuesday. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2011-09/27/c_131162833.htm UN Takes on Child Porn, Cybercrime and Other Global Issues I'm in Nairobi, Kenya, this week to serve as a panelist at the United Nations' Internet Governance Forum. I'm not sure what will be accomplished at the three day conference, but it's an opportunity for "multi-stakeholders" from around the world to talk about important Internet-related issues such as child protection, cybercrime, privacy, censorship, managing critical Internet resources and making sure that the Internet is accessible in developing countries. The conference starts Tuesday and ends Friday. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/larry-magid/un-internet-governance-fo_b_982596.html Multi-Stakeholder Debate at the IGF: Lessons from a Safari by Steve DelBianco Here at the IGF in Kenya, we're debating how governments, private sector, and civil society can improve the multi-stakeholder model that's helped the Internet become such a vital part of life around the world. Makes me think of another kind of multi-stakeholder model I saw last week on a photo safari in Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve. http://www.circleid.com/posts/multi_stakeholder_debate_at_the_igf_lessons_from_a_safari/ Growing Challenges to Internet Freedom Next week, government, business, and civil society representatives will gather at the Internet Governance Forum in Nairobi, Kenya to discuss the future of the global digital space. This gathering takes place against the backdrop of growing restrictions by repressive regimes on online freedoms. The U.S. and European governments have undertaken significant initiatives to respond to these restrictions, but their initiatives are inadequate to stem, let alone reverse, the decline of freedom on the internet. Stronger action is needed. http://www.freedomhouse.org/template.cfm?page=700 ********************** DOMAIN NAMES ********************** ********************** - ICANN ********************** Beckstrom Points to Multi-stakeholder Model as "Catalyst for the Internet" Rod Beckstrom, CEO and President of ICANN, has called on the world community to speak up in defense of the multi-stakeholder model that has served as the ?catalyst for the Internet.? http://www.icann.org/en/news/releases/release-27sep11-en.pdf NORC at the University of Chicago Selected to Conduct a gTLD Whois Registrant Identification Study I am delighted to report that ICANN has engaged NORC at the University of Chicago to conduct a gTLD Whois Registrant Identification study, seeking a foundational understanding of the types of entities and kinds of potentially commercial activities observed among gTLD domain names. http://blog.icann.org/2011/09/norc-at-the-university-of-chicago-selected-to-conduct-a-gtld-whois-registrant-identification-study/ ICANN's role in Internet governance under threat, warns CEO Rod Beckstrom, CEO and president of ICANN has called on the world community to speak up in defence of "the multi-stakeholder model that has served as the 'catalyst for the Internet," and which ICANN embodies. http://www.itwire.com/it-industry-news/strategy/50059-icanns-role-in-internet-governance-under-threat-warns-ceo ICANN drums up support for IANA contract renewal [Computerworld Kenya] The head of the ICANN on Wednesday urged governments and civil society organizations to support renewal of the IANA functions contract with the U.S. Department of Commerce. http://news.idg.no/cw/art.cfm?id=EC710757-1A64-67EA-E4CA017CF937C8EC http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/news/internet/3306851/icann-drums-up-support-for-iana-contract-renewal/ ********************** - ccTLD & gTLD NEWS ********************** DotAsia to improve Asian brand exposure The launch of Chinese, Japanese and Korean ".asia" Internationalized Domain Name (IDN) will help enterprises with brand establishment and enhancement and make the Internet more accessible, said Edmond Chung, CEO of DotAsia, in an exclusive interview with China Daily Website. http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2011-09/27/content_13801308.htm TLDs - Neues von .au, .eu und .bayern Leinen los in Down Under: ?nderungen in den Vergaberegeln f?r australische Domains d?rften dem Handel neuen Schub verpassen. In Br?ssel verteilt EURid dagegen rund 9.000 .eu-Domains neu, w?hrend man sich in Bayern auf Registry-Suche begibt - hier unsere Kurznews. http://www.domain-recht.de/magazin/domain-news-2011/tlds-neues-von-au-eu-und-bayern-id668068.html IEDR reveals 10 OPTIMISE fund recipients The 10 recipients of the IE Domain Registry?s (IEDR) ?100k OPTIMISE fund have been revealed, ranging from a tourist attraction to a mobile app developer. http://www.siliconrepublic.com/start-ups/item/23788-iedr-reveals-ten-optimise/ Recipients of IE Domain Registry?s ?100,000 OPTIMISE Fund announced The IE Domain Registry (IEDR), the managed registry for Ireland?s official internet address .ie, today announced the ten recipients of the company?s ?100,000 OPTIMISE Fund at a presentation attended by guest of honour, An T?naiste Eamon Gilmore T.D. at the official opening of the company?s new office in Dun Laoghaire. http://www.iedr.ie/index.php/component/content/article/50-general/279-wednesday-28th-september-2011-recipients-of-ie-domain-registrys-100000-optimise-fund-announced Group Wants to Commercialize .NA But Is Getting Ahead of Itself Could the African country of Namibia be the next to capitalize on a commercialized TLD, a la .tv or .co? http://domainnamewire.com/2011/09/26/namibia-na-tld/ Shorter .Org Domain Names May Be On The Way Public Interest Registry asks for permission to allocate one and two character .org domain names. http://domainnamewire.com/2011/09/28/shorter-org-domain-names-may-be-on-the-way/ ********************** - NEW TLDS ********************** in: Local domain names to widen internet reach The Right to Information (RTI) Act of India 2005, advises public authorities to provide as much information as possible to the public through various means of communication. It mandates the use of the internet as one such communication tool in making information available and accessible to all. ... Internationalised domain names (IDNs), scheduled for launch in the second half of 2011, are expected to change this trend. IDNs are domain names, or web addresses, in local languages. http://www.rediff.com/business/report/local-domain-names-to-widen-internet-reach/20110927.htm Updated Applicant Guidebook provides more clarity for applicants by Tony Kirsch With less than 110 days to go until the application window opens, ICANN last week released the latest update of the Applicant Guidebook in conjunction with the launch of a new information portal for the new Top-Level Domain program. http://www.ausregistry.com/blog/?p=848 http://goldsteinreport.com/article.php?article=15947 http://www.domainpulse.com/2011/09/28/updated-applicant-guidebook-provides-more-clarity-for-applicants-by-tony-kirsch-ausregistry-international/ http://www.domainnews.com/en/updated-applicant-guidebook-provides-more-clarity-for-applicants-by-tony-kirsch-ausregistry-international.html Munich's New Domains Conference Reveals Urgency to Act Now by Michael Twist Whoever said there wasn't enough room in Munich this time of year for anything but the mighty Oktoberfest clearly underestimated the draw of the new Top-Level Domain Program and the interest within Europe. The NewDomains.org conference held in Munich over the past two days confirmed three important insights for me; one: there is a large audience of brands and entrepreneurs who still have little awareness about the new Top-Level Domain program; two: those that are aware of the program and would like to participate are seriously behind schedule in preparing their application and strategy to submit to ICANN during the application window from 12 January to 12 April 2012. http://www.ausregistry.com/blog/?p=859 http://www.domainpulse.com/2011/09/28/munichs-new-domains-conference-reveals-urgency-to-act-now-by-michael-twist-ausregistry-international/ http://goldsteinreport.com/article.php?article=15942 http://www.domainnews.com/en/munichs-new-domains-conference-reveals-urgency-to-act-now-by-michael-twist-ausregistry-international.html Generic TLDs: is it worth getting one? In June, Icann announced a program to open up the domain name space so that anyone could register any top-level domain they fancy. Run an international consortium of banks? Why not buy ".bank"? Like music? Why not buy ".music"? With the deadline of 12 January approaching, more of these initiatives are starting to come out of the woodwork with one example this week being the Scottish government making noises about buying ".scot"; another being the PR agency for London seeking ".london". So let's take a look at the mechanics and the costs involved in making your own gTLD happen. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2011/sep/27/generic-tld-worth-getting-one Notes from day one of the Munich new gTLDs conference The newdomains.org conference on new top-level domains kicked off here in Munich today, the first major show in Europe dedicated to new gTLDs. http://domainincite.com/notes-from-day-one-of-the-munich-new-gtlds-conference/ Al Gore gives way to Mikhail Gorbachev for control of .eco domain A bid by an Al Gore-backed consortium to control a major new "green" web domain has been dropped, paving the way for a rival pitch by an organisation supported by Mikhail Gorbachev. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/sep/28/al-gore-group-eco-domain http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/news/2112810/al-gore-mikhail-gorbachev-control-eco-domain Scotland calls for Whitehall support on .scot The Scottish Government has called on the UK government to support the creation of a .scot internet domain for Scotland. http://www.guardian.co.uk/government-computing-network/2011/sep/26/scottish-government-internet-domain-scotland AusRegistry wins .jewelers deal GJB Partners, one of the few companies to recently announce a commercial new top-level domain bid, has selected AusRegistry International to provide the back-end registry for .jewelers. http://domainincite.com/ausregistry-wins-jewelers-deal/ ********************** - DNS SECURITY ********************** Is an ISP code of conduct the best way to fight botnets? The Department of Homeland Security and National Institute of Standards and Technology are looking to beat back the kudzu of spam generators, distributed denial of service zombies, and other botnets, and they want your cooperation?on a totally voluntary basis, of course. http://arstechnica.com/business/news/2011/09/us-government-looks-to-fight-botnets-with-isp-code-of-conduct.ars au: NetRegistry suffers DDoS attack Australian web host NetRegistry has been hit with a continuing DDoS attack leaving many customers unable to access their websites or virtual private servers (VPS) over the course of the day. http://itechreport.com.au/2011/09/26/netregistry-suffers-ddos-attack/ http://www.itwire.com/it-industry-news/strategy/50011-netregistry-suffers-ddos-attack au: Hackers Target Netregistry Telstra Bigpond Customers Hit Hackers have targeted local online services Company Netregistry for the second time today. The first denial of service attack came early morning when select ranges of IP address were targeted, a second attack on a new range of IP address was mounted later this afternoon. http://smarthouse.com.au/Wireless_And_Networking/Broadband/A6S2M5A3 Pentagon extends program to defend cyber networks [AP] As hackers and hostile nations launch increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks against U.S. defense contractors, the Pentagon is extending a pilot program to help protect its prime suppliers. http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-technology/pentagon-extends-program-to-defend-cyber-networks-20110926-1kt1d.html http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-technology/pentagon-extends-program-to-defend-cyber-networks-20110926-1kt1d.html nz: National Cyber Security Centre opens The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which is charged with helping government agencies and critical infrastructure against cyberthreats, has been officially opened in Wellington. http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/security/national-cyber-security-centre-opens Warning marks opening of New Zealand cyber security center [Xinhua] New Zealand's new National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) officially opened Tuesday with the warning of the threat to the country's government agencies and other vital organizations of cyber attacks. http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=731502&publicationSubCategoryId=200 Microsoft botnet hunters strike again, take alleged botnet domain hoster to court Fresh off the success of decapitating the Rustock botnet, Microsoft today announced the takedown of another botnet known as Kelihos, which controlled 41,000 computers worldwide and was capable of sending 3.8 billion spam e-mails per day. While not as massive as Rustock, Microsoft said the operation is noteworthy because it marks the first time Microsoft has produced a named defendant in a botnet civil case. Microsoft is also updating its Malicious Software Removal Tool to clean up malware distributed by the botnet. http://arstechnica.com/business/news/2011/09/microsoft-botnet-hunters-strike-again-takes-alleged-botnet-domain-hoster-to-court.ars Striking a domain provider, Microsoft kills off a botnet [IDG] Microsoft has opened a front in its ongoing battle against Internet scammers, using the power of a U.S. court to deal a knockout blow to an emerging botnet and taking offline a provider of free Internet domains. http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9220321/Striking_a_domain_provider_Microsoft_kills_off_a_botnet http://www.networkworld.com/news/2011/092711-striking-a-domain-provider-microsoft-251307.html In China, business travelers take extreme precautions to avoid cyber-espionage Packing for business in China? Bring your passport and business cards, but maybe not that laptop loaded with contacts and corporate memos. http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/in-china-business-travelers-take-extreme-precautions-to-avoid-cyber-espionage/2011/09/20/gIQAM6cR0K_story.html ********************** - IPv4/IPv6 ********************** London Won?t Follow Beijing?s Lead on Net Addresses In 2008 the Chinese government boasted proudly of the way it was using IPv6 for its network infrastructure. It was the biggest test and showcase for the technology that provides an almost limitless number of Internet addresses. Addresses using the older IPv4 are fast running out. http://blogs.wsj.com/tech-europe/2011/09/26/london-wont-follow-beijings-lead-on-net-addresses/ http://blogs.wsj.com/tech-europe/2011/09/26/london-wont-follow-beijings-lead-on-net-addresses/?KEYWORDS=infrastructure ********************** - MISCELLANEOUS ********************** 50MM Go Daddy Domain Names: Historic Internet Milestone Go Daddy is celebrating its mark on Internet history ... surpassing the 50 million domain name milestone over the weekend. Go Daddy is the only registrar organization in the history of the Internet to manage this many domain names. http://www.godaddy.com/newscenter/release-view.aspx?news_item_id=369 Go Daddy?s Real Number: 225 Million ... Since it became a registrar, Go Daddy has registered more than 225 million years worth of domain names. http://domainnamewire.com/2011/09/27/godaddy-225-million/ Alibaba to Spin Off Domain Registrar for IPO, Valuing Company at $500 Million Alibaba reportedly looking to spin off ?Go Daddy of China? in an IPO valuing the popular Chinese domain registrar at $500 million. http://www.elliotsblog.com/alibaba-may-spin-off-domain-registrar-for-ipo-8651 Vint Cerf: the internet is going into space Shane Richmond meets one of the internet's founding fathers, Vint Cerf, who talks about the importance of curiosity and how the internet is going into space. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/google/8785626/Vint-Cerf-the-internet-is-going-into-space.html A Look at the Growth of the Internet Routing System by Mirjam Kuehne Geoff Huston, APNIC's Chief Scientist, is visiting the RIPE NCC this week to spend time with his fellow Regional Internet Registries (RIR) colleagues and to strengthen collaboration on shared projects. We've used this opportunity to invite him to produce the 'Interesting Graph of the Week'. Geoff has been monitoring the global routing system for many years. Here are his most recent observations. http://www.circleid.com/posts/20110927_a_look_at_the_growth_of_the_internet_routing_system/ ********************** - DOMAINING & AFTERMARKET ********************** Canada's Tea Party rocking out with million-dollar domain dilemma Even before they sell their website domain, and it's only a matter of time before they do, The Tea Party already has cashed in on the public debate over teaparty.com. "We've probably had a million dollars in free advertising, so far," said Stuart Chatwood, the Windsor band's bass player and founding member. http://www.edmontonjournal.com/entertainment/Canada+Party+rocking+with+million+dollar+domain+dilemma/5473517/story.html http://www.canada.com/entertainment/Canada+Party+rocking+with+million+dollar+domain+dilemma/5473517/story.html ********************** INTERNET USE ********************** Tablets: Ultimate Buying Machines Retailers have found an interesting characteristic of consumers who browse their websites using tablets: They're much more likely to pull the trigger on purchases than other online shoppers. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204010604576597151983657300.html http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/tablets-comfort-factor-the-retailers-new-friend/story-e6frg6nf-1226150300059 au: Wireless internet mobility overtakes copper Australians anxious to stay connected on the road have for the first time pushed wireless ahead of copper as the most common form of broadband used in Australia. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/wireless-internet-mobility-overtakes-copper/story-e6frgakx-1226150324720 au: Net users fixed on data downloads The popularity of wireless broadband has jumped in the past 12 months with nearly as many wireless as fixed subscriptions in service. But internet users vastly prefer using fixed connections for downloading activities, according to Bureau of Statistics figures. http://www.theage.com.au/technology/technology-news/net-users-fixed-on-data-downloads-20110928-1kxfn.html Mobile wireless connections more popular than DSL [news release] The number of mobile wireless internet connections (excluding mobile handsets) exceeds the number of DSL connections in Australia for the first time, according to a report released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. http://abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs§.nsf/latestProducts/8153.0Media%20Release1June%202011 Vint Cerf: the internet is going into space Shane Richmond meets one of the internet's founding fathers, Vint Cerf, who talks about the importance of curiosity and how the internet is going into space. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/google/8785626/Vint-Cerf-the-internet-is-going-into-space.html Wellington's plan to be the digital capital A plan to help Wellington forge itself as a digital powerhouse has had a mixed response from IT pioneers in the city. http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/digital-living/5699525/Wellingtons-plan-to-be-the-digital-capital ********************** SOCIAL NETWORKING ********************** Facebook 'ignored privacy flaw' on websites For more than a year, Facebook was aware of a major privacy breach affecting millions of its users and failed to fix it, despite repeated private requests to do so, an internet security expert has revealed. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/facebook-ignored-privacy-flaw-on-websites/story-e6frgakx-1226148488290 As ?Like? Buttons Spread, So Do Facebook?s Tentacles When you click a Facebook ?Like? button on other Web sites to tell your friends about a cool band, favorite political candidate or yummy cake recipe, you may know that you are also giving intelligence to Facebook the company, which makes money through targeted advertising. http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/09/27/as-like-buttons-spread-so-do-facebooks-tentacles/ Social media a threat to business security The "culture of trust" in social media and networking sites has helped them earn a place among the top enterprise security threats for 2011. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/social-media-a-threat-to-business-security/story-e6frgakx-1226148711531 Women Use Social Media More Than Men: Study Rebtel, a mobile VoIP company, commissioned a study from research firm Harris Interactive on the social networking habits of men and women. The researchers, who looked at the communication habits of 2,361 adults aged 18 and over, found that women are significantly more likely to use online social networks, like Facebook or twitter, to communicate with friends, family, and co-workers. A whopping 68 percent of women use social media to stay in touch with friends, as opposed to 54 percent of men. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/23/women-use-social-media-more_n_978498.html Facebook vows privacy fix 'in 24 hours' Facebook has promised an Australian blogger that it will "fix" a major privacy breach that he has exposed within 24 hours. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/facebook-vows-privacy-fix-in-24-hours/story-e6frgakx-1226147941509 Details are emerging of a new privacy issue for the users of social networking giant Facebook Facebook is facing its most serious privacy issue to date, with claims that it is collecting user's information after they have logged out. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/details-are-emerging-of-a-new-privacy-issue-for-the-users-of-social-networking-giant-facebook/story-e6frgakx-1226147559007 Facebook 'euthanising privacy', but denies tracking users Facebook has denied that it tracks its users' web surfing even when they are logged out, saying it only uses tracking cookies to personalise content and to make the site more secure. http://www.theage.com.au/technology/technology-news/facebook-euthanising-privacy-but-denies-tracking-users-20110927-1kucc.html http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/facebook-euthanising-privacy-but-denies-tracking-users-20110927-1kucc.html Facebook tracks you, even after leaving site Facebook is following you, even when you have logged out. http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/facebook-tracks-you-even-after-leaving-site-20110926-1ktom.html Is Facebook killing your privacy? Some say it already has Facebook has murdered privacy. That's not just the contention of privacy watchdogs. That's Mashable's Ben Parr wringing his hands. "Facebook has finally done it," Parr wrote. "It's just a few updates away now from euthanizing the concept of privacy." http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2011/09/is-facebook-killing-your-privacy-.html Why Facebook Must Die For Internet Freedom To Flourish [S?ddeutsche Zeitung/Worldcrunch] Op-Ed: Facebook is squaring with Google in a race for control not only of the social network market, but of the Internet as a whole. Regardless of who ?wins,? there?s a danger for users, who bit by bit are losing control of both their digitial profiles ? and digital freedom. http://worldcrunch.com/why-facebook-must-die-internet-freedom-flourish/3825 Dealing With an Identity Hijacked on the Online Highway Despite his prominent position as a Republican candidate for president, Rick Santorum has lost control of his online identity. And for all the snickering online about it, his predicament stands as a chilling example of what it means to be at the mercy of the Google algorithm. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/26/business/media/an-identity-hijacked-on-the-online-highway.html Why Facebook Works for All, Twitter for Some It finally makes sense to me. On Friday evening I was in Los Angeles visiting my sister. We were at a restaurant, chatting away about life, when my sister ebulliently announced that she wanted to ?Tweet about our meal.? She pulled out her iPhone, opened up the Twitter application and then proceeded to click around aimlessly trying to figure out how to send a new Twitter message. I quickly turned into a scientist in a lab and sat inquisitively watching her navigate Twitter. I didn?t offer any guidance, although she clearly needed it. http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/09/27/why-facebook-works-for-all-twitter-for-some/ ********************************* CHILD PROTECTION & ONLINE SAFETY ********************************* UN Takes on Child Porn, Cybercrime and Other Global Issues I'm in Nairobi, Kenya, this week to serve as a panelist at the United Nations' Internet Governance Forum. I'm not sure what will be accomplished at the three day conference, but it's an opportunity for "multi-stakeholders" from around the world to talk about important Internet-related issues such as child protection, cybercrime, privacy, censorship, managing critical Internet resources and making sure that the Internet is accessible in developing countries. The conference starts Tuesday and ends Friday. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/larry-magid/un-internet-governance-fo_b_982596.html Bill to crack down on cyber-bullies introduced in New York New York State Senator Jeffrey Klein introduced a new "cyber-bullying" bill on Monday, saying outdated pre-digital harassment laws fail to punish bullies who use the Internet and smartphones to torment others. http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/26/us-newyork-cyberbully-idUSTRE78P6F820110926 New York looks to 'modernize' cyberbullying laws New York state Sen. Jeffrey Klein aims to update the state's harassment laws with new legislation amid national efforts to modernize laws that protect citizens from cyberbullying. http://edition.cnn.com/2011/09/27/politics/new-york-cyberbullying/ Appeal to Northern Ireland schools over cyber bullying Cyber bullies - people who use mobile phones or social media to torment their victims - are the target of this year's anti-bullying week. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-15067624 ********************** ONLINE TV & MUSIC ********************** au: Progress in online piracy talks at the federal Attorney-General's Department The internet and entertainment sectors made a strong start on reaching agreement to tackle online piracy at a meeting convened by the federal Attorney-General's Department last week. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/progress-in-online-piracy-talks-at-the-federal-attorney-generals-department/story-e6frgakx-1226147311550 ********************** MOBILE/WIRELESS ********************** Telstra first telco off the blocks with a 4G mobile broadband service Telstra has launched the nation's first commercial 4G mobile broadband services as the telco giant continues to juggle the tricky balance between customer growth and network performance. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/telstra-first-telco-off-the-blocks-with-a-4g-mobile-broadband-service/story-e6frgakx-1226147331541 New Telstra mobile network '25x faster' Telstra will open its 4G network to all consumers today with the release of its first wireless broadband dongles. http://www.theage.com.au/business/new-telstra-mobile-network-25x-faster-20110927-1kugm.html http://www.smh.com.au/business/new-telstra-mobile-network-25x-faster-20110927-1kugm.html Samsung and Microsoft settle Android licensing dispute Samsung has agreed to pay Microsoft what could amount to hundreds of millions of dollars in royalties after it settled a bitter dispute over the Korean manufacturer's Android smartphones and tablets. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2011/sep/28/samsung-microsoft-android-licensing-dispute Microsoft?s Brad Smith: We Haven?t Seen an Android Product That Doesn?t Infringe on Our Patents Although Microsoft says it evaluates each phone and tablet individually, General Counsel Brad Smith said Wednesday that it believes every hardware maker that ships an Android device has a patent issue that needs to be addressed. http://allthingsd.com/20110928/microsofts-brad-smith-we-havent-seen-an-android-product-that-doesnt-infringe-on-our-patents/ Samsung, Microsoft deal strikes blow to Google Microsoft and Samsung Electronics reached a patent-sharing deal, striking a blow at Google's effort to provide free software to makers of smartphones and tablet personal computers. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204226204576598661866214854.html http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/world/samsung-microsoft-deal-strikes-blow-to-google/story-e6frg90o-1226151200685 US trade body to probe HTC's Apple technology complaint A US trade watchdog will investigate a claim by Taiwanese phone firm HTC that its rival Apple has infringed its patents. HTC filed the complaint with the US International Trade Commission (USITC) in August. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15085808 Samsung seeks Dutch ban on iPhone and iPad Samsung has asked a Dutch court to ban Apple from selling its iPhones and iPad tablet computers in the Netherlands, on the grounds that the US group does not have licences to use 3G mobile technology. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2011/sep/26/samsung-apple Samsung and Apple warring over patents again Samsung and Apple have gone to court once again in their ongoing, tit-for-tat patent war. The companies went before judges in Australia and the Netherlands on Monday, each asking for the other's products to be banned from sale. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-15059278 Australian Court to Make Key Ruling in Tablet War The global patent war between Apple Inc. and Samsung Electronics Co. could reach a milestone Thursday when an Australian court will consider banning distribution of the South Korean company's tablet in the country. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204138204576598090875357166.html Samsung Says Apple Infringes Its Third-Generation Patents ?Structurally? Apple Inc. has infringed upon Samsung Electronics patents since entering the mobile-phone market with the iPhone 3G, a lawyer for Samsung told a Dutch court as the Korean company seeks a ban on some Apple products in the Netherlands. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-09-26/samsung-says-apple-infringes-its-third-generation-patents-structurally-.html Google won't favour Motorola on Android fears [Dow Jones] Google executive chairman Eric Schmidt said yesterday the Internet giant won't favour Motorola Mobility Holdings after the search giant acquires the mobile phone maker because of potentially negative fallout for its Android operating system. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/companies/google-wont-favour-motorola-on-android-fears/story-fn91v9q3-1226147489497 London warned Olympic games may mean mobile phone 'capacity crunch' London's mobile phone networks face a "capacity crunch" during the Olympic games that could leave the capital and its expected 1 million extra visitors unable to use the internet on the move unless thousands of wi-fi hotspots are built in time. http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/sep/27/telecoms-telecoms Nokia's Troubles Hit Suppliers: Ripple Effects Could Reshape Global Chain That Provides Phone Components Market struggles at Nokia Corp. have had ripple effects among the company's major suppliers that could reshape the global supply chain for smartphones. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111903374004576582690092381126.html http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/world/nokia-struggles-to-source-phone-parts/story-e6frg90o-1226148739830 us: Android 'most popular' with smartphone buyers Smartphones running Google's Android are the most popular among those buying new handsets, suggest figures. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-15076474 Android doubles iPhone in new smartphone sales Android devices have outsold the iPhone by a 2-to-1 margin in the past three months, according to a new Nielsen survey. http://www.pcworld.com/article/240650/android_doubles_iphone_in_new_smartphone_sales.html http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/402208/android_doubles_iphone_new_smartphone_sales/ India cap on text messages to deter tele-marketers The telecoms regulator in India has put a cap on the number of text messages which can be sent from a mobile phone. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-15071086 Indian regulator sets 100-text limit to curb mobile-marketing nuisance Mobile phone users in India have been banned from sending more than 100 text messages a day as part of a clampdown on nuisance telemarketing in the subcontinent. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2011/sep/27/indian-regulator-sets-100-text-limit Nokia?s $6,800 Diamond-Crusted Vertu Phone Defies Slump When Mohammed Al-Haj, a 27-year-old marketing executive in Abu Dhabi, hinted to his girlfriend that he wanted a new cell phone for his birthday, he wasn?t after the latest Apple Inc. or Android device. He wanted a Nokia. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-09-28/nokia-s-6-800-diamond-crusted-vertu-phone-defies-slump-to-win-sales-tech.html ********************** SPAM ********************** au: ACMA cracks anti-spam whip The communications watchdog has told the business community to ensure customers can unsubscribe from their email lists or face spamming penalties. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/government/acma-cracks-anti-spam-whip/story-fn4htb9o-1226149157054 ACMA issues warning for Spam Act breach Less than 24 hours after fining a telco service supplier for a Do Not Call Register infringement, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), has handed down a spam email formal warning to Sydney computer supplier, Apus Corporation. http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/402341/acma_issues_warning_spam_act_breach/ Formal warning to Apus Corporation for Spam Act breaches [news release] The Australian Communications and Media Authority has given a formal warning to online retailer Apus Corporation (Apus) for sending marketing emails without the consent of the person receiving them. http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_410175 ********************** ONLINE CRIME & LEGAL ********************** What's a Company's Biggest Security Risk? You. Employees don't mean to be the primary entry point for hackers. But they are. Hacking attacks against companies are growing bigger and bolder?witness a string of high-profile breaches this year at Sony Corp., Citigroup Inc. and others. But gone are the days when hackers would simply find holes in corporate networks to steal valuable data. Large companies have grown wise to the threat of hacking, and have spent the past 30 years hardening the perimeters of their networks with upgraded technology. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111904836104576556421692299218.html What to Do if You've Been Hacked - Among the surprising advice: Don't shut down the computers It's a nightmare scenario every business fears. Your tech department has spotted suspicious activity on the company network. Your customers and employees are getting hit with credit-card fraud and identity theft. MasterCard Inc. is on line one. The panic sets in: Your company has been hacked! So, what do you do? http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111904265504576566991567148576.html Austrian hackers publish private police data [AP] An Austrian hackers group has published the names and home addresses of nearly 25,000 police officials, a move critics say compromises the individuals' personal security. http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-technology/austrian-hackers-publish-private-police-data-20110926-1ktvw.html http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-technology/austrian-hackers-publish-private-police-data-20110926-1ktvw.html Romania's anti-cybercrime efforts lack a social component [IDG] Romania has long been considered a hotbed for cybercriminal activity, but in recent years law enforcement authorities have made significant efforts to crack down on online fraud gangs that steal millions every year from victims worldwide. http://www.networkworld.com/news/2011/092611-romanias-anti-cybercrime-efforts-lack-a-251264.html Righthaven had no legal right to sue for copyright infringement, US judge rules A US company that had an agreement with a newspaper publisher to enforce the newspaper's copyrights has no legal right to sue those it accuses of infringement, a judge in Colorado has ruled.29 Sep 2011 http://www.out-law.com/en/articles/2011/september/righthaven-had-no-legal-right-to-sue-for-copyright-infringement-us-judge-rules/ Righthaven copyright suits tossed in Colorado, too In the last year, newspaper copyright troll Righthaven has brought its dubious lawsuits in two states: Nevada and Colorado. (Update: a lawyer in South Carolina says Righthaven filed a single case there as well.) With a new ruling today from a Colorado federal judge overseeing all of Righthaven's cases there, courts in both states have now told Righthaven to take a hike?and to pay court costs before it goes. http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2011/09/righthaven-copyright-suits-tossed-in-colorado-too.ars uk: Online dating scams dupe 200,000, study finds More than 200,000 people in Britain may have been conned by fraudsters posing as would-be romantic partners on internet dating sites, according to the first study examining the potential scale of the problem. http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/sep/28/online-dating-scams-study uk: 'Bad romance' hurts thousands of net singles More than 200,000 people in the UK may have fallen victim to criminals who woo them online to steal their money. The first formal study of so-called romance scams found that they were far more common than previously thought. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-15093293 For Hackers, the Next Lock to Pick Hackers have broken into the cellphones of celebrities like Scarlett Johansson and Prince William. But what about the rest of us, who might not have particularly salacious photos or voice messages stored in our phones, but nonetheless have e-mails, credit card numbers and records of our locations? http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/28/technology/companies-see-opportunity-in-stopping-cellphone-hackers.html ********************** SECURITY ********************** Pentagon extends program to defend cyber networks [AP] As hackers and hostile nations launch increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks against U.S. defense contractors, the Pentagon is extending a pilot program to help protect its prime suppliers. http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-technology/pentagon-extends-program-to-defend-cyber-networks-20110926-1kt1d.html http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-technology/pentagon-extends-program-to-defend-cyber-networks-20110926-1kt1d.html nz: National Cyber Security Centre opens The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which is charged with helping government agencies and critical infrastructure against cyberthreats, has been officially opened in Wellington. http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/security/national-cyber-security-centre-opens Warning marks opening of New Zealand cyber security center [Xinhua] New Zealand's new National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) officially opened Tuesday with the warning of the threat to the country's government agencies and other vital organizations of cyber attacks. http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=731502&publicationSubCategoryId=200 Microsoft botnet hunters strike again, take alleged botnet domain hoster to court Fresh off the success of decapitating the Rustock botnet, Microsoft today announced the takedown of another botnet known as Kelihos, which controlled 41,000 computers worldwide and was capable of sending 3.8 billion spam e-mails per day. While not as massive as Rustock, Microsoft said the operation is noteworthy because it marks the first time Microsoft has produced a named defendant in a botnet civil case. Microsoft is also updating its Malicious Software Removal Tool to clean up malware distributed by the botnet. http://arstechnica.com/business/news/2011/09/microsoft-botnet-hunters-strike-again-takes-alleged-botnet-domain-hoster-to-court.ars Striking a domain provider, Microsoft kills off a botnet [IDG] Microsoft has opened a front in its ongoing battle against Internet scammers, using the power of a U.S. court to deal a knockout blow to an emerging botnet and taking offline a provider of free Internet domains. http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9220321/Striking_a_domain_provider_Microsoft_kills_off_a_botnet http://www.networkworld.com/news/2011/092711-striking-a-domain-provider-microsoft-251307.html In China, business travelers take extreme precautions to avoid cyber-espionage Packing for business in China? Bring your passport and business cards, but maybe not that laptop loaded with contacts and corporate memos. http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/in-china-business-travelers-take-extreme-precautions-to-avoid-cyber-espionage/2011/09/20/gIQAM6cR0K_story.html ********************** PRIVACY ********************** us: Lawmakers call undeletable cookies "unacceptable" Two leading lawmakers on privacy -- a Republican and Democrat -- have asked the Federal Trade Commission to look into MSN.com and Hulu.com's installation of cookies onto users' computers that cannot be deleted. http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/27/us-privacy-supercookies-idUSTRE78Q4AS20110927 Sony did not breach Australian Privacy law, says Privacy Commissioner Timothy Pilgrim Sony Computer Entertainment Australia did not breach the Privacy Act when it fell victim to a cyber-attack, Privacy Commissioner Timothy Pilgrim has found. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/sony-did-not-breach-australian-privacy-law-says-privacy-commissioner-timothy-pilgrim/story-e6frgakx-1226151942211 Privacy Commissioner clears Sony over PSN hack Sony Computer Entertainment Australia should have acted more quickly to notify customers of the data breach occurring from the hacking of the PlayStation Network and Qriocity platforms in April, the Office of the Australian Privacy Commissioner has said. http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/402498/privacy_commissioner_clears_sony_over_psn_hack_/ ********************** CENSORSHIP ********************** Growing Challenges to Internet Freedom Next week, government, business, and civil society representatives will gather at the Internet Governance Forum in Nairobi, Kenya to discuss the future of the global digital space. This gathering takes place against the backdrop of growing restrictions by repressive regimes on online freedoms. The U.S. and European governments have undertaken significant initiatives to respond to these restrictions, but their initiatives are inadequate to stem, let alone reverse, the decline of freedom on the internet. Stronger action is needed. http://www.freedomhouse.org/template.cfm?page=700 ************************** GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC POLICY ************************** Europe plans charter to safeguard Internet users The Council of Europe plans to establish an Internet user charter to guarantee the rights of consumers in an era of increasing government attempts to seize control of the Web, its deputy secretary general said on Tuesday. http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/27/us-internet-governance-europe-idUSTRE78Q3RP20110927 http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/09/27/tech-us-internet-governance-europe-idUKTRE78Q3RP20110927 NZ illegal download law fails A new law introducing fines of up to $15,000 for people who illegally download movies and music from the internet has so far proven ineffective. http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/5691639/Illegal-download-law-fails http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/5691639/Can-t-stop-the-music-or-that-brand-new-episode nz: Lawyer explains how to bypass file-sharing Act While making a security-themed presentation on the new Copyright (Infringing File-Sharing) Amendment Act in Wellington, lawyer Michael Wigley was brief beyond the expectations of his audience. http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/news/lawyer-explains-how-to-bypass-file-sharing-act Is an ISP code of conduct the best way to fight botnets? The Department of Homeland Security and National Institute of Standards and Technology are looking to beat back the kudzu of spam generators, distributed denial of service zombies, and other botnets, and they want your cooperation?on a totally voluntary basis, of course. http://arstechnica.com/business/news/2011/09/us-government-looks-to-fight-botnets-with-isp-code-of-conduct.ars Do the Berlin Pirates Have a Nationwide Future? The Pirate Party was the sensation of the Berlin city-state elections after winning almost 9 percent of the vote. Now, they are looking ahead to the national German election in two years' time and wondering how to build on their success. But to do so they will need more members -- and more women. http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,788346,00.html EU will not join countries in signing ACTA this weekend The European Commission will not sign a controversial new trade agreement on behalf of EU member countries this weekend, despite Japan organising a signing ceremony for key negotiators, a spokesperson for the European Commission has told Out-Law.com. http://www.out-law.com/en/articles/2011/september/eu-will-not-join-countries-in-signing-acta-this-weekend/ ACTA will be signed Saturday, US and Japan say [IDG] A controversial trade agreement targeting counterfeiters and copyright infringers is scheduled to be signed this Saturday in Tokyo, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has announced. http://www.networkworld.com/news/2011/092711-acta-will-be-signed-saturday-251310.html Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement slouches toward signing on Saturday The Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) will finally be signed this Saturday, October 1, in Japan. The agreement has been years in the making, but its final passage comes only after a vociferous campaign by civil society and digital rights groups demanding an end to the secrecy, a place at the negotiating table, and a scaled-back set of copyright and patent provisions. http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2011/09/anti-counterfeiting-trade-agreement-slouches-toward-signing-this-saturday.ars Italy's bloggers to protest over 'fascist' right to reply bill Italian bloggers are to demonstrate in Rome on Thursday against what one opposition leader called a "fascist measure" that would make them liable for fines of up to ?12,000 (?10,000). http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/sep/27/italy-bloggers-protest-right-reply-bill ********************************* MISCELLANEOUS ********************************* Pew Media Study Shows Reliance on Many Outlets It has been conventional wisdom for decades that Americans rely more heavily on television than any other medium for local news and information. A study to be released Monday found that to be narrowly true ? but also found ample reason not to count out local newspapers, Web sites and radio stations. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/26/business/media/pew-media-study-shows-reliance-on-many-outlets.html Survey Sees Major Expansion of World?s Data Centers The next great expansion of the world?s digital infrastructure is under way in developing markets like those of China, Brazil and Argentina, according to a global census of the industry released on Monday. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/28/technology/worlds-data-centers-expected-to-grow-survey-says.html ********************** TELECOMMUNICATIONS ********************** Doubling broadband speeds would boost Australian GDP by $3.9b Ericsson has released findings from a study across 33 OECD economies, including Australia, that, it says found that a doubling of broadband speed produced a 0.3 percent increase in the GDP of that economy - $A3.9b in the case of Australia. http://www.itwire.com/it-policy-news/government-tech-policy/50032-doubling-broadband-speeds-would-boost-aus-gdp-by-37b New study quantifies the impact of broadband speed on GDP [news release] A new report, conducted jointly by Ericsson, Arthur D. Little and Chalmers University of Technology in 33 OECD countries, quantifies the isolated impact of broadband speed, showing that doubling the broadband speed for an economy increases GDP by 0.3%.* http://www.ericsson.com/news/1550083 EC to test broadband performance across member states The European Commission is launching a major new study of broadband performance across Europe. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-15079186 au: Telstra split 'won't fix monopoly' as rivals fear reform will fail Optus and three major internet service providers have warned that plans to break up Telstra's fixed-line monopoly - the Gillard government's "holy grail of microeconomic reform" in the telecommunications sector - are doomed to fail unless they are radically overhauled. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/telstra-split-wont-fix-monopoly-as-rivals-fear-reform-will-fail/story-e6frg8zx-1226148561515 ACCC winds up Telstra consultations The competition watchdog has finished its industry consultation on Telstra's planned structural separation. http://www.theage.com.au/business/accc-winds-up-telstra-consultations-20110927-1kvei.html http://www.smh.com.au/business/accc-winds-up-telstra-consultations-20110927-1kvei.html nz: Telcos business model unsustainable: IDC principal The status quo for New Zealand telcos is unsustainable, says Peter Macaulay, IDC principal, executive practice. http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/news/telcos-business-model-unsustainable-idc-principal nz: Telecom: has it got the answer? Telecom's investors have a month to decide whether Telecom should split into two new companies and get the lion's share of the Government's $1.3 billion ultrafast broadband development programme. http://www.odt.co.nz/news/business/179613/telecom-has-it-got-answer uk: Three pleads for fair sharing of airwaves Mobile firm Three has warned that it may begin running out of capacity in urban areas by the end of next year if spectrum auctions do not go ahead. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-15076703 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ (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 Thu Sep 29 2011 - 01:57:46 UTC
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