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.


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The domain name news is supported by auDA

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The U.N. Threat to Internet Freedom: Top-down, international regulation is antithetical to the Net, which has flourished under its current governance model
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204792404577229074023195322.html

FCC Commissioner Warns Against U.N. Control of Internet
http://www.slate.com/blogs/future_tense/2012/02/22/fcc_commissioner_robert_mcdowell_on_u_n_internet_control_.html

CEO Search Update
http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-2-21feb12-en.htm

Strickling says ICANN needs a stronger bottom
http://domainincite.com/strickling-says-icann-needs-a-stronger-bottom/

ARI Wins .SYDNEY, .MELBOURNE & .VICTORIA As Big Guns Wheel Out Announcements
http://www.domainpulse.com/?p=7802

No block on move for .wales and cymru domain names
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-17127046

FCC chairman calls on ISPs to adopt new security measures [IDG]
http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/416237/fcc_chairman_calls_isps_adopt_new_security_measures/

AusCERT beefs up operations to combat threats
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/in-depth/auscert-beefs-up-operations-to-combat-threats/story-fnc20bhu-1226275772929

Domain Pulse 2012: Registrars, Resellers Reluctant to Support DNSSEC, New gTLDs
http://www.domainpulse.com/?p=7806


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GOVERNANCE
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The U.N. Threat to Internet Freedom: Top-down, international regulation is antithetical to the Net, which has flourished under its current governance model
On Feb. 27, a diplomatic process will begin in Geneva that could result in a new treaty giving the United Nations unprecedented powers over the Internet. Dozens of countries, including Russia and China, are pushing hard to reach this goal by year's end. As Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said last June, his goal and that of his allies is to establish "international control over the Internet" through the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a treaty-based organization under U.N. auspices.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204792404577229074023195322.html

FCC Commissioner Warns Against U.N. Control of Internet
FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell penned a warning about the potential for greater U.N. control over the Internet in a Wall Street Journal op-ed on Tuesday.
http://www.slate.com/blogs/future_tense/2012/02/22/fcc_commissioner_robert_mcdowell_on_u_n_internet_control_.html

Is the Web Closing? by Esther Dyson
Within the tech community, there is much angst about whether the Web is about to be ?closed.? Will it be controlled by companies like Apple, Facebook, and Google, or will it remain ?open? to all? Will individuals be able to reach any content they choose? Will developers be able to serve users on any platform?
http://beta.project-syndicate.org/commentary/is-the-web-closing-

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DOMAIN NAMES
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**********************
 - ICANN
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CEO Search Update
The CEO Search Committee has been actively working to identify top candidates for ICANN's CEO/President position, to commence 1 July 2012.
http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-2-21feb12-en.htm

Inter-Registrar Transfer Policy Part B Policy Development Process ? Recommendation 8 Concerning Standardizing and Clarifying WHOIS Status Messages
Purpose (Brief): Public notice is hereby provided of the proposed change related to the Inter-Registrar Transfer Policy to standardize and clarify WHOIS status messages that is considered for adoption as well as an opportunity to comment on the adoption of the proposed policy change, prior to ICANN Board consideration.
http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-21feb12-en.htm

IDN Variant Issues Project: Final Integrated Issues Report Published and Proposed Project Plan for Next Steps is Now Open for Public Comment
ICANN is pleased to announce the publication of the final Integrated Issues Report and the posting of the proposed project plan for the next steps of the IDN Variant Issues Project for public comment. The report explores the issues associated with the potential inclusion of IDN variant TLDs in the DNS root zone. The report also includes recommendations for additional work for taking the issues identified in the report and identifying potential solutions.
http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-20feb12-en.htm

Strickling says ICANN needs a stronger bottom
National Telecommunications & Information Administration chief Larry Strickling has called for ICANN to strengthen its decision-making processes.
http://domainincite.com/strickling-says-icann-needs-a-stronger-bottom/

So who's going to be ICANN CEO? [subscription]
ICANN will announce its new CEO in April, the Board committee tasked with finding Rod Beckstrom's replacement has announced.
http://news.dot-nxt.com/2012/02/21/who-will-be-icann-ceo

Rogue registrar suspended over ?stolen? domain
ICANN has told Turkish domain name registrar Alantron that its accreditation will be suspended for a month due to its shoddy record-keeping.
http://domainincite.com/rogue-registrar-suspended-over-stolen-domain/

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 - ccTLD & gTLD NEWS
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CIRA releases .CA Factbook, an information resource about the Internet
Canada's .CA is the fourth fastest growing TLD in the world. Eighty-one per cent of Canadian Internet users agreed that whenever possible, they prefer to support Canadian businesses. These facts, and more, are included in a new resource from the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) released today.
http://www.cira.ca/news/news-releases/factbook-ca/

Afnic to launch IDNs in July
French registry Afnic will introduce non-Latin characters in the six ccTLDs that it manages by July 2012, giving existing domain owners exclusive rights to take IDNs.
?http://www.managingip.com/Article/2983326/Managing-Internet-IP-Archive/Afnic-to-launch-IDNs-in-July.html

ICM offers free .xxx domains to porn stars
ICM Registry and Name.com have teamed up to give a free one-year .xxx domain name registration to 3,500 selected porn stars.
http://domainincite.com/icm-offers-free-xxx-domains-to-porn-stars/

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 - NEW TLDS
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New Age of Global Name Brand Identities by Naseem Javed
... It?s no longer important how and where the business names that later became candidates for trademarks, then domain names and now possibly gTLD candidates, originated. The fact is that the majorities are simply not performing as well as originally thought. The passage of time can be very cruel; last-century naming based on yesterday?s models has little value in these times, when ferocious digital cyber branding driven models are deciding global consumption patterns.
http://www.coolavenues.com/mba-journal/marketing/new-age-global-name-brand-identities

ARI Registry Services wins tender for .melbourne and .sydney domains
ARI Registry Services has been selected as the preferred respondent for the Request for Proposal for appointment of a registry operator to assist in obtaining and operating multiple gTLDs. The TLDs include the .melbourne, .sydney and .victoria new TLDs.
http://www.ariservices.com/news-ari_wins_tender_for_melbourne_and_sydney.php

ARI Wins .SYDNEY, .MELBOURNE & .VICTORIA As Big Guns Wheel Out Announcements
ARI Registry Services has been selected by the NSW and Victorian governments to assist with the application and operation of the .SYDNEY, .MELBOURNE and .VICTORIA TLDs.
http://goldsteinreport.com/article.php?article=17046
http://www.domainpulse.com/?p=7802
http://www.domainnews.com/en/ari-wins-sydney-melbourne-a-victoria-as-big-guns-wheel-out-announcements.html

NSW, Vic sign vendor for .brand domains
The New South Wales and Victorian governments have signed off on a vendor to assist them in a joint application for the purchase of new .sydney and .melbourne TLDs.
http://www.zdnet.com.au/nsw-vic-sign-vendor-for-brand-domains-339332192.htm

Melbourne IT to work on at least 120 new top level domain applications
Melbourne IT has disclosed that it already has 120 new TLD applications it is working on as of February 14. It expects that number to hit 150 by the end of the application period in April.
http://domainnamewire.com/2012/02/21/melbourne-it-new-tld/

M+M registers for another 20 gTLD applications
Minds + Machines parent Top Level Domain Holdings has registered for another 20 new gTLD application slots with ICANN, bringing its total to date to 40.
http://domainincite.com/mm-registers-for-another-20-gtld-applications/

A top level domain name for Wales
The Minister for Business, Enterprise, Technology and Science has agreed that an application from Nominet for the TLDs .wales and .cymru should proceed to ICANN without objection from Welsh Government.
http://wales.gov.uk/publications/accessinfo/decisionreports/businessecon/dl2012/feb/5761168/?skip=1&lang=en

No block on move for .wales and cymru domain names
The bid to give people the chance to use Wales and Cymru in their internet address names has moved a step closer. The Welsh government says it will not object to a bid for the right to use the '.wales' and '.cymru' domain names.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-17127046

Two internet domain names chosen for Wales
Two internet domain names have been chosen for Wales ? .cymru and .wales, the body in charge of the system said today.
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2012/02/22/two-internet-domain-names-chosen-for-wales-91466-30385734/

Nominet confirmed for Welsh bid
The Welsh Government has announced it is happy for Nominet to bid for a new TLD for Wales.
http://www.nominet.org.uk/news/latest/?contentId=9074

Welsh government strikes political compromise by applying for two gTLDs [subscription]
The Welsh government has struck an expensive political compromise by deciding to apply for both a dot-cymru and a dot-wales TLD.
http://news.dot-nxt.com/2012/02/22/welsh-government-dot-cymru-compromise

Watch ICANN approve some new gTLDs
In ICANN?s world, the current new TLDs application period is actually the fourth, not the first.
http://domainincite.com/watch-icann-approve-some-new-gtlds/

Tucows co-founder takes hard line on .club gTLD
.CLUB Domains LLC says it has secured funding for its .club gTLD application, and says it is ready to go to an ICANN auction if necessary.
http://domainincite.com/tucows-co-founder-takes-hard-line-on-club-gtld/

CentralNic working with .mls new gTLD bidder
MLS Domains has contracted with CentralNic to provide the back-end registry for its .mls new TLD application, which it expects to be contested.
http://domainincite.com/centralnic-working-with-mls-new-gtld-bidder/

Commercial Connect keen to collaborate on dot-shop [subscription]
Louisville-based Commercial Connect has said it's keen to collaborate with any other parties thinking about applying for the dot-shop gTLD, as they're confident they have the best application for the domain.
http://news.dot-nxt.com/2012/02/21/dot-shop-collaborate

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 - DNS SECURITY
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New Internet security facility to protect the Internet brought into operation
On Monday, 20 February 2012, a new Internet security facility was inaugurated in Zurich. The facility, operated jointly by Packet Clearing House (PCH) and SWITCH, hosts the secret cryptographic keys that allow many countries to secure their national domain names. Two related facilities are in operation, in San Jos? and Singapore.
http://www.switch.ch/about/news/2012/pch2012.html

FCC urges Internet companies to safeguard Web
Internet service providers need to work harder to prevent hacks, data theft and other fraud, including contacting customers whose infected computers have been hijacked by organized crime and helping them clean out viruses, the head of the Federal Communications Commission said on Wednesday.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/02/22/us-cybersecurity-fcc-idUKTRE81L1Z620120222

FCC chairman calls on ISPs to adopt new security measures [IDG]
U.S. Internet service providers should take new steps to protect subscribers against cyberattacks, including notifying customers when their computers are compromised, the chairman of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission said Wednesday. ... Genachowski also called on ISPs to adopt secure routing standards to protect against Internet Protocol hijacking and to implement DNSSEC, a suite of security tools for the Internet's Domain Name System.
http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/416237/fcc_chairman_calls_isps_adopt_new_security_measures/

Feds request DNS Changer extension to keep 400K users online
Officials with the U.S. government have asked a New York judge to extend an impending deadline that could sever ties to the Internet for hundreds of thousands of users infected with the "DNS Changer" malware.
http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9224491/Feds_request_DNS_Changer_extension_to_keep_400K_users_online
http://www.networkworld.com/news/2012/022212-feds-request-dns-changer-extension-256467.html

Orphaned Bots Facing Internet Blackout
Botnet takedowns typically leave many orphaned bots in their wake: rarely do they leave still-infected machines cut off from the Internet, but that's what is in store for hundreds of thousands of machines that have yet to be cleaned up from the now-defunct DNSChanger botnet.
http://www.darkreading.com/advanced-threats/167901091/security/attacks-breaches/232601288/orphaned-bots-facing-internet-blackout.html

Why computers infected with DNSChanger could lose Internet access
A court order giving the FBI temporary power to operate a group of rogue Domain Name System servers used in a criminal click-jacking operation will expire March 8. If those servers go offline as expected, computers still infected with malware directing DNS requests to those addresses will be effectively cut off from the internet.
http://gcn.com/articles/2012/02/22/dnschanger-fbi-march-8-internet-cut-off.aspx

AusCERT beefs up operations to combat threats
THE nation's independent computer emergency response team, AusCERT, is adding staff and bringing new systems online to combat increasing threats, including foreign raids on corporate intellectual and commercial assets.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/in-depth/auscert-beefs-up-operations-to-combat-threats/story-fnc20bhu-1226275772929

Industry on Cybersecurity Act of 2012: Not so fast
While the government may be in a rush to get the Cybersecurity Act of 2012 enacted, many in the industry are saying: not so fast.
http://www.networkworld.com/news/2012/022212-industry-on-cybersecurity-act-of-256438.html

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 - DOMAIN DISPUTES
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Why UDRP Panel Certification is Important: HardwareResources.org by Paul Keating
Although the UDRP has functioned for over a decade, the evidence continues to mount in favor of a certification process so all can be assured that panelists have the proper legal knowledge and address claims seriously.
http://www.domainnamenews.com/legal-issues/udrp-panel-certification-important/10140
http://www.thedomains.com/2012/02/20/guest-post-by-paul-keating-on-udrps-why-panel-certification-is-important-the-case-of-hardwareresources-org/

Branson wins right to own porn web address featuring his name
An Australian man has been ordered to transfer his ownership of the richardbranson.xxx domain name to UK entrepreneur Richard Branson.
http://www.out-law.com/en/articles/2012/february/branson-wins-right-to-own-porn-web-address-featuring-his-name/

**********************
 - IPv4/IPv6
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Report: IPv6 sees first DDoS attacks
Calling it a "milestone in IPv6 deployment", Arbor Networks notes that respondents in its seventh annual Worldwide Infrastructure Security Report said they observed distributed denial of service attacks on their IPv6 networks.
http://www.h-online.com/security/news/item/Report-IPv6-sees-first-DDoS-attacks-1440502.html

IPv6 Internet Seeing Increase In DDoS Attacks
Have you moved to the cutting edge of the Internet that is IPv6 yet? If so, did you make the move because you thought it would be safer than IPv4? Well, turns out that may not be true anymore.
http://www.webpronews.com/ipv6-increase-ddos-attacks-2012-02

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 - MISCELLANEOUS
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Domain Pulse 2012: Registrars, Resellers Reluctant to Support DNSSEC, New gTLDs
The Domain Pulse evening event at Hamburg's Fish Auction Hall that brought to a close the first day of the conference meant there were quite a few stragglers at day two's commencement. But by the afternoon everyone had arrived in time to hear an update on this year's Registrar Atlas Survey, presented by Thomas Rickert.
http://goldsteinreport.com/article.php?article=17047
http://www.domainpulse.com/?p=7806
http://www.domainnews.com/en/domain-pulse-2012-registrars-resellers-reluctant-to-support-dnssec-new-gtlds.html

Melbourne IT upbeat despite challenges
Melbourne IT chief executive Theo Hnarakis has predicted its darkest days are behind it after the company showed signs of improvement in the second half of its financial year.
http://afr.com/p/technology/melbourne_it_upbeat_despite_challenges_lW1ELbY0iFI6O7MtT6tcTO

Melbourne IT profit down 16 per cent [AAP]
Internet domain name manager Melbourne IT says it is well-positioned for the future despite a fall in annual profit.
http://www.theage.com.au/business/earnings-season/melbourne-it-profit-down-16-per-cent-20120221-1tkq8.html
http://www.smh.com.au/business/earnings-season/melbourne-it-profit-down-16-per-cent-20120221-1tkq8.html

Over 225,000 Domain Names Are On Godaddy Owned SPAM-AND-ABUSE.COM, Like JotForm.com Was
In reading one of the many stories about Jotform.com the site whose domain was seized and then returned by the Government for reasons still unexplained and therefore unknown reasons last week.
http://www.thedomains.com/2012/02/21/over-225000-domain-names-are-on-godaddy-owned-spam-and-abuse-com-like-jotform-com-was/

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INTERNET USE
**********************
Why the Popularity of Some Web Pages Doesn't Fall Over Time
Back in 2005, a group of computer scientists carried out a now-famous study of the way visits to a website fall over time. These guys looked at the traffic to a Hungarian news site and found that it decayed as a power law. ... Their idea is that the popularity of a webpage is simply a function of how easily it can be accessed: pages near the top of a website are easier to find than those further down or on other pages.
http://www.technologyreview.com/blog/arxiv/27591/

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SOCIAL NETWORKING
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Facebook's nudity and violence guidelines are laid bare
Facebook bans images of breastfeeding if nipples are exposed ? but allows "graphic images" of animals if shown "in the context of food processing or hunting as it occurs in nature". Equally, pictures of bodily fluids ? except semen ? are allowed as long as no human is included in the picture; but "deep flesh wounds" and "crushed heads, limbs" are OK ("as long as no insides are showing"), as are images of people using marijuana but not those of "drunk or unconscious" people.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2012/feb/21/facebook-nudity-violence-censorship-guidelines

Facebook nudity ban laid bare
The rules Facebook uses to decide whether to censor users? postings have been published for the first time, detailing its more liberal attitude to gore than to nudity.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/facebook/9095968/Facebook-nudity-ban-laid-bare.html

Pinterest moves to address copyright fears with opt-out
Social networking service Pinterest has responded to concerns over copyrighted material by allowing websites to opt-out of being featured on the site.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-17111041

Pinterest addresses copyright issues with opt-out option
As Pinterest grows at break-neck speed, it has to iron out kinks along the way. One of the issues that's been floating around the Web recently is the idea that "pinning" might actually be violating copyright laws.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57381458-93/pinterest-addresses-copyright-issues-with-opt-out-option/

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ONLINE TV & MUSIC
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Google, Microsoft, Apple and the race to a talking TV
We've all been there -- lazily relaxing on the couch, when an engrossing TV or movie show wraps up and is inexplicably followed by something that you just don't want to watch. The channel needs to be changed but the remote is out of arm's reach. Wouldn't it be nice just to tell the TV to change the channel itself?
http://www.latimes.com/business/technology/la-fi-tn-voice-control-google-tv-patent-apple-itv-microsoft-kinect-20120221,0,3787941.story

BSkyB's internet TV plan is brilliant, a rare example of perfect timing
On the internet, it's always better to jump before you're pushed. That's the clear lesson from John Naughton's new book, From Gutenberg to Zuckerberg, which points out ? among other things ? that "on the internet, disruption is a feature, not a bug". In other words: change just keeps on coming; and if you wait to be pushed rather than leaping into the flood of change, you'll generally find yourself face down in the mud with people running over your back.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2012/feb/19/bskyb-internet-tv

As digital music sales leap, paid-for print circulations tumble
Just nine years ago, Britain had a thriving music press and a music industry that was defying the worldwide trend for falling sales. While still some way past its peak, NME enjoyed a circulation of 72,442 in 2003, while the UK's recorded music industry boasted an income of ?1.22bn that year, up ?13m on 2002.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2012/feb/19/digital-music-sales-circulations

The Pirate Bay to defy international crackdown on filesharing websites
The Pirate Bay is planning to defy an international crackdown on filesharing websites after the high court in London signalled that the site should be blocked in the UK.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2012/feb/21/pirate-bay-defy-crackdown-filesharing

Pirate Bay vows to go underground over blocking threat
File-sharing site The Pirate Bay has said that it will adapt rather than die as it faces legal blocks in the UK.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-17125905

The Pirate Bay could be blocked in UK
The filesharing website The Pirate Bay has come a step closer to being blocked in the UK after the high court ruled that the site breaches copyright laws on a large scale.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2012/feb/20/pirate-bay-blocked-uk-high-court

High Court rules The Pirate Bay operators and users guilty of copyright infringement
The operators of The Pirate Bay (TPB) website and its users are both guilty of infringing the copyright of rights holders in the music industry, the UK High Court has ruled.
http://www.out-law.com/en/articles/2012/february/high-court-rules-the-pirate-bay-operators-and-users-guilty-of-copyright-infringement/

Pirate Bay ruled to infringe copyright, could be blocked in UK
The Pirate Bay could be blocked in the UK, after a High Court judge ruled that the torrent site and its users are committing copyright infringement.
http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2012/02/pirate-bay-ruled-to-infringe-copyright-could-be-blocked-in-uk.ars

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MOBILE/WIRELESS
**********************
Social messaging apps 'lost networks $13.9bn in 2011'
Social messaging applications cost mobile network operators $13.9bn (?8.8bn) in lost SMS revenue last year, a report has claimed.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-17111044

How Data Storage Cripples Mobile Apps: the storage in your phone has a bigger effect on your apps than you might think.
The latest smart phones and tablets at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas last month came with an emphasis on faster processors and compatibility with faster wireless networks. But new research shows that the biggest performance bottleneck with popular smart-phone apps such as Facebook and Google Maps is, in fact, the speed with they can read and write a device's data storage. The results suggest that without changing how mobile gadgets store data, the benefits of new networks and processors will be limited.
http://www.technologyreview.com/computing/39764/

iPhone and Android apps now required to have privacy policies
The makers of the most widely used mobile app stores have agreed to comply with a California law requiring mobile apps that collect personal information to have a privacy policy. California Attorney General Kamala Harris announced the agreement today with Apple and Google, which run the two most popular mobile app stores, as well as Amazon, HP, Microsoft, and Research In Motion.
http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2012/02/iphone-and-android-apps-now-required-to-have-privacy-policies.ars

uk: 4G TV interference: Up to a million homes 'need filters'
Almost a million UK homes will need to have filters installed to prevent TV interference from 4G mobile signals - at a cost of ?108m.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-17125468

uk: Doctors told to prescribe smartphone apps to patients
Doctors will be encouraged to prescribe smartphone apps to help patients manage conditions ranging from diabetes to depression, the Government has announced.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9097647/Doctors-told-to-prescribe-smartphone-apps-to-patients.html

Microsoft Files Complaint Against Motorola in Europe
Microsoft filed a complaint Wednesday with European Union antitrust authorities accusing Google and Motorola Mobility, a smartphone company the Internet search giant plans to buy, of charging too much for use of its patents, marking a new stage in a long-running feud between Microsoft and Google.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/23/technology/microsoft-files-eu-complaint-against-motorola.html
http://www.afr.com/p/technology/microsoft_files_google_motorola_U7oSU9gaK6pScL7XMtQb7M

Microsoft files EU complaint over Google, Motorola
Microsoft Corp has asked EU antitrust regulators to intervene in a patent dispute with Google Inc and Motorola Mobility Holdings Inc as it stepped up its battle against Google.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/02/22/oukin-uk-microsoft-motorolamobility-eu-idUKTRE81L10O20120222
http://in.reuters.com/article/2012/02/22/microsoft-motorolamobility-eu-idINDEE81L0HB20120222

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SPAM
**********************
Spam continues to dip but malware marches merrily on
Spam may be down, but cybercriminals are keeping busy launching more sophisticated attacks, according to McAfee's latest Threats Report.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-57381839-83/spam-continues-to-dip-but-malware-marches-merrily-on/

McAfee: Spam in retreat in UK
Spam hit its lowest level in years in the final quarter of 2011, especially across popular targets such as the UK, Brazil, Argentina and South Korea, McAfee has reported.
http://www.zdnet.co.uk/news/security-threats/2012/02/22/mcafee-spam-in-retreat-in-uk-40095096/

**********************
ONLINE CRIME & LEGAL
**********************
FCC urges Internet companies to safeguard Web
Internet service providers need to work harder to prevent hacks, data theft and other fraud, including contacting customers whose infected computers have been hijacked by organized crime and helping them clean out viruses, the head of the Federal Communications Commission said on Wednesday.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/02/22/us-cybersecurity-fcc-idUKTRE81L1Z620120222

FCC chairman calls on ISPs to adopt new security measures [IDG]
U.S. Internet service providers should take new steps to protect subscribers against cyberattacks, including notifying customers when their computers are compromised, the chairman of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission said Wednesday.
http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/416237/fcc_chairman_calls_isps_adopt_new_security_measures/
http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9224485/FCC_chairman_calls_on_ISPs_to_adopt_new_security_measures

Genachowski Remarks on Cybersecurity, at the Bipartisan Policy Center
FCC Chairman Genachowski delivered a speech on Cybersecurity. Remarks were followed by a panel moderated by General Michael Hayden (Ret.).
http://www.fcc.gov/events/genachowski-remarks-cybersecurity-bipartisan-policy-center [video]
http://www.fcc.gov/document/chairmans-remarks-cybersecurity-bipartisan-policy-center [text]

When Is a Cybercrime an Act of Cyberwar?
There is growing talk of cyberwar, as opposed to run-of-the-mill cybercrime. There are also terms that lie somewhere in the middle like cyber espionage, and cyber hacktivism--which is sort of like cyber terrorism for good guys. At the heart of the debate is an attempt to define the scope of an appropriate response to each type of threat.
http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/250308/when_is_a_cybercrime_an_act_of_cyberwar.html

**********************
SECURITY
**********************
AusCERT beefs up operations to combat threats
THE nation's independent computer emergency response team, AusCERT, is adding staff and bringing new systems online to combat increasing threats, including foreign raids on corporate intellectual and commercial assets.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/in-depth/auscert-beefs-up-operations-to-combat-threats/story-fnc20bhu-1226275772929

Industry on Cybersecurity Act of 2012: Not so fast
While the government may be in a rush to get the Cybersecurity Act of 2012 enacted, many in the industry are saying: not so fast.
http://www.networkworld.com/news/2012/022212-industry-on-cybersecurity-act-of-256438.html

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PRIVACY
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Group files FTC complaint against Google for privacy changes [IDG]
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission should force Google to halt its plan to consolidate user identities across its services and fine the company for violating an October privacy settlement with the agency, privacy group the Center for Digital Democracy said in a complaint filed Wednesday.
http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9224478/Group_files_FTC_complaint_against_Google_for_privacy_changes
http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/250457/group_files_ftc_complaint_against_google_for_privacy_changes.html

Scrutiny Over Google Privacy Changes Shifts to States
Three dozen state attorneys general are demanding that Google CEO Larry Page meet with them to find a way to allay their concerns over the company's proposed privacy changes, which also have prompted scrutiny from Congress.
http://techdailydose.nationaljournal.com/2012/02/scrutiny-over-google-privacy-c.php

Microsoft, others hit back at Google for privacy hack
After news broke that Google has been using code to circumvent Apple privacy settings on the Safari browser to serve personalized ads to its account holders, Microsoft took the opportunity to gleefully point out the privacy features in its Internet Explorer browser.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/technology/microsoft-others-hit-back-at-google-for-privacy-hack/2012/02/17/gIQA6Dq9JR_story.html

Microsoft: Google bypassed IE privacy settings too
In the wake of reports that Google had sidestepped privacy settings in Safari, Microsoft announced today it had discovered the Web giant had done the same with Internet Explorer.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-57381371-83/microsoft-google-bypassed-ie-privacy-settings-too/

Online Data Helping Campaigns Customize Ads
Political campaigns, which have borrowed tricks from Madison Avenue for decades, are now fully engaged on the latest technological frontier in advertising: aiming specific ads at potential supporters based on where they live, the Web sites they visit and their voting records.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/21/us/politics/campaigns-use-microtargeting-to-attract-supporters.html

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CENSORSHIP
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Iran Internet disruption points to government control
Millions of Iranians have experienced disruption to email and Internet access, raising fears Iran's leaders have been testing new ways to step up control of web traffic ahead of a parliamentary election.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/02/22/uk-iran-internet-idUKTRE81L1I820120222

Internet again disrupted in Iran ahead of election
Iranians faced a second and more extensive disruption of Internet access on Monday, just a week after email and social networking sites were blocked, raising concerns about state censorship ahead of parliamentary elections.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/02/20/oukin-uk-iran-internet-idUKTRE81J0MH20120220
http://in.reuters.com/article/2012/02/20/iran-internet-idINDEE81J09720120220

ISPs kept in dark about UK's plans to intercept Twitter
The government has expanded its plans to store and monitor Twitter, Facebook and other personal web communication data, but these are being created without ISP involvement, according to an ISP representative body.
http://www.zdnet.co.uk/news/security-threats/2012/02/20/isps-kept-in-dark-about-uks-plans-to-intercept-twitter-40095083/

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GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC POLICY
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Acta: EU court to rule on anti-piracy agreement
The European Union's highest court has been asked to rule on the legality of a controversial anti-piracy agreement.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-17125469

Acta approval stalled by European commission
Approval of the controversial international anti-counterfeiting treaty Acta has been stalled by the European commission, which is to ask Europe's highest court whether implementing it would violate any fundamental EU rights.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2012/feb/22/acta-stalled-european-commission

EU, facing opposition, suspends ratification of copyright treaty, refers to Court of Justice [AP]
The European Commission, facing opposition in city streets, on the Internet and in the halls of parliament, has suspended efforts to ratify a new international anti-counterfeiting agreement, and instead will refer it to Europe?s highest court to see whether it violates any fundamental EU rights.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/eu-facing-opposition-suspends-ratification-of-copyright-treaty-refers-to-court-of-justice/2012/02/22/gIQAHdw3SR_story.html

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MISCELLANEOUS
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Pressure, Chinese and Foreign, Drives Changes at Foxconn
The announcement Saturday that Foxconn Technology ? one of the world?s largest electronics manufacturers ? will sharply raise salaries and reduce overtime at its Chinese factories signals that pressure from workers, international markets and concerns among Western consumers about working conditions is driving a fundamental shift that could accelerate an already rapidly changing Chinese economy.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/20/technology/pressures-drive-change-at-chinas-electronics-giant-foxconn.html

Apple faces its 'Nike moment' as ABC Nightline goes inside Foxconn
Bill Weir of ABC News has provided pictures from inside Foxconn's assembly lines where it makes Apple devices such as the iPad.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2012/feb/20/apple-nightline-foxconn

Aussies' fix for 'stagnated' email
Email has "stagnated" and three Australians who quit Google say they have built a product that will change the way we interact with email and allow us to get through our bulging inboxes 20 per cent faster".
http://www.theage.com.au/technology/technology-news/aussies-fix-for-stagnated-email-20120221-1tkqd.html
http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/aussies-fix-for-stagnated-email-20120221-1tkqd.html

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TELECOMMUNICATIONS
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Sentinel project research reveals UK GPS jammer use
The illegal use of Global Positioning System (GPS) jammers in the UK has been revealed in a groundbreaking study.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-17119768

Poised to deliver the network infrastructure for London 2012
While athletes the world over prepare for the performance of a lifetime, in London, one race has already begun. For the past three years, a small army of strategists and technicians has been hard at work, putting the network infrastructure technology in place for what aims to be one of the biggest and most connected events the world has ever seen.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/poised-to-deliver-the-network-infrastructure-for-london-2012-7216585.html

nz: Fry puts focus on data limits
British actor Stephen Fry will not be the only one up in arms if internet providers don't improve miserly broadband data caps, the Telecommunications Users Association says.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/6450828/Fry-puts-focus-on-data-limits

nz: Broadband 'holding us back' - Internet NZ boss
Questions raised over New Zealand's broadband speed by visiting British actor Stephen Fry have been reiterated by public response and expert opinion.
http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/broadband-holding-us-back-internet-nz-boss-4733975

Stephen Fry 'right' about NZ internet - users
Internet experts and users are backing comments by actor Stephen Fry, who yesterday called on Kiwis to demand better broadband service.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=10786929

Fry's NZ broadband woes resolved [AAP]
The Hobbit actor Stephen Fry's broadband internet woes have been resolved by NZ Telecom, who say the problem was a 'misunderstanding'.
http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Technology/2012/02/20/Frys_NZ_broadband_woes_resolved_720504.html

White House Promises Economic Benefits of Spectrum
A few days after lawmakers passed spectrum legislation, the White House issued a report that says freeing up more spectrum for wireless technologies will spur economic investment and job creation.
http://techdailydose.nationaljournal.com/2012/02/white-house-touts-economic-ben.php

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(c) David Goldstein 2012


---------
David Goldstein

email: goldstein_david at yahoo.com.au
web:  http://davidgoldstein.tel/
         http://goldsteinreport.com/
phone: +61 418 228 605 - mobile; +61 2 9665 5773 - office/home

"Every time you use fossil fuels, you're adding to the problem. Every time you forgo fossil fuels, you're being part of the solution" - Dr Tim Flannery