*************************************************** The domain name news is supported by auDA *************************************************** A Narrow Internet Escape: The U.S. walks out of a U.N. conference just in time. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323981504578179440210095684.ht ml No One Mourns the WCIT http://www.forbes.com/sites/larrydownes/2012/12/17/no-one-mourns-the-wcit/ Surprise! Verisign to increase .net fees http://domainincite.com/11387-surprise-verisign-to-increase-net-fees Brand TLDs To Change Online Advertising, Marketing In 2013 http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/189725/brand-tlds-to-change-on line-advertising-marketing.html Amazon, Uniregistry, Verisign here?s who won the new gTLDs lottery http://domainincite.com/11358-amazon-uniregistry-verisign-heres-who-won-the- new-gtlds-lottery Internet real estate goes under the hammer http://www.brw.com.au/p/sections/fyi/internet_real_estate_goes_under_mUXSrAm d2SWh3gGizRkuUI Aussies picked in gTLD lotto http://www.zdnet.com/au/aussies-picked-in-gtld-lotto-7000008980/ Quarter Of A Billion Registered Domain Names On The Planet: Verisign http://www.domainpulse.com/2012/12/20/quarter-billion-domains-verisign/ Domain Pulse 2013 Conference Focussing on European New gTLDs http://www.domainpulse.com/2012/12/17/domain-pulse-2013/ ********************** GOVERNANCE ********************** A Narrow Internet Escape: The U.S. walks out of a U.N. conference just in time. The good news is that last week the U.S. walked out of a United Nations confab in Dubai to regulate the Internet. The not-so-good news is that the movement by unsavory governments to control the Web now has an official U.N. imprimatur, which can only lead to trouble. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323981504578179440210095684.ht ml No One Mourns the WCIT That?s the key take-away following collapse of two weeks of intense negotiations in Dubai, where representatives of over 150 countries met under the auspices of the United Nations? ITU to agree on updates to a 1988 treaty on international telecommunications. http://www.forbes.com/sites/larrydownes/2012/12/17/no-one-mourns-the-wcit/ Civil society key to ensuring Internet free speech, says UN independent expert The credibility of the Internet depends on how much civil society ? the broad label given to worldwide activism outside government ? is able to take part in its evolution, a United Nations independent expert said today. http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=43813 What does the failure of the UN telecom treaty mean for Canada? Byron Holland, President and CEO of The Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA), is available today to put into perspective the outcome of last week?s WCIT-12 and explain its significance to Canadians. http://www.cira.ca/news/news-releases/telecom-treaty/ Canada right to walk away from ?Orwellian doublespeak? on Internet regulation at UN meeting: delegate Byron Holland says Canada made ?absolutely the right decision? when it walked away from international negotiations that pitted nations in favour of a free and open Internet against states seeking heightened control over their citizens? use of the Web. http://business.financialpost.com/2012/12/18/canada-right-to-walk-away-from- orwellian-doublespeak-on-internet-regulation-at-un-meeting-delegate/ Second-class Internet may be coming, says CIRA head The odds of a ?second-class Internet? where major content providers like Google refuse to send content to strictly regulated countries have been increased with the approval of a global telecommunications treaty, says the head of Canada?s Internet registry. http://www.itworldcanada.com/news/second-class-internet-may-be-coming-says-c ira-head/146508 Behind closed doors at the UN's attempted "takeover of the Internet" by Eli Dourado In early December, I found myself in an odd position: touching down in Dubai with credentials to attend a 12-day closed-door meeting of the WCIT. It's a meeting I spent the last six months trying to expose. http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2012/12/behind-closed-doors-at-the-uns-at tempted-takeover-of-the-internet/ A false consensus is broken by Parminder Jeet Singh The United States?s decision to walk out of the ITU?s WCIT in Dubai along with some of its allies last week could represent a turning point in global Internet governance. http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/a-false-consensus-is-broken/article4222 688.ece Other voices: Who rules the Internet? The ITU, the little-known but influential United Nations agency that oversees phone, radio and satellite communications, last week stopped short of fragmenting the Internet into national fiefdoms, as some had feared it would do through a new global treaty. http://www.twincities.com/opinion/ci_22217135/other-voices-who-rules-interne t WCIT and Internet Governance: Harmless Resolution or Trojan Horse? by Wolfgang Kleinw?chter The Resolution No. 3 called "To Foster an Enabling Environment for the Greater Growth of the Internet" became the subject of a rather substantial controversy during the recent WCIT which ended last week in Dubai. Some people have argued that they did not understand the noise around the short text... However a second reading of the ten paragraphs makes you sensitive that this "harmless resolution" could become also a "Trojan Horse". http://www.circleid.com/posts/20121217_wcit_and_internet_governance_harmless _resolution_or_trojan_horse/ WCIT Denouement by Bill Smith It is midnight in Dubai and I am listening to the final readings of the International Telecommunication Regulations (ITR). This instrument is the final output of two weeks of negotiations at the World Conference on International Telecommunication (WCIT), a gathering of the world's nations to update the the ITRs. The Chair goes through the document article by article, section by section, and with each passing "thank you", this Conference draws to a close. Many in the room are elated. http://www.circleid.com/posts/20121217_wcit_denouement/ After Saying No in Dubai: What Next by Anthony Rutkowski What occurred in Dubai on 14 December was unprecedented in the history of the ITU. It was unprecedented in the history of international telecommunication law. Most of the major nations of the telecommunication world rejected a profoundly broken treaty instrument that had no reason to even exist. A large number of "minor" networking nations accepted the obligations of the treaty instrument, although almost all of them entered significant reservations. In the long history of telecommunication law and intergovernmental organizations since 1850, this has never occurred. http://www.circleid.com/posts/20121219_after_saying_no_in_dubai_what_next/ ********************** DOMAIN NAMES ********************** ********************** - ICANN ********************** Tracking the SSR Review Implementation by Patrick Jones This is an update on our progress with implementation of the 28 recommendations from the Security, Stability and Resiliency (SSR) Review Team. http://blog.icann.org/2012/12/tracking-the-ssr-review-implementation/ ?Internet Villain? Stephen Conroy wants role on ICANN ATRT A politician who, together with his government, was named ?Internet Villain of the Year? in 2009 by an ISP trade group, wants a role on ICANN?s Accountability & Transparency Review Team (ATRT). http://domainnamewire.com/2012/12/19/internet-villain-stephen-conroy-wants-r ole-on-icann-atrt/ The fight over .jobs is over ... ICANN has withdrawn its February 2011 breach notice against Cleveland-based Employ Media, the registry operator of the .jobs domain and confirmed that Employ Media is in good standing. http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20121219/BLOGS03/121219795 Two ICANN directors update their conflicts profile after .africa complaint ICANN directors Mike Silber and Chris Disspain have updated their official statements of interest ? used to identify potential conflicts on the board ? after a complaint from a .africa applicant. http://domainincite.com/11378-two-icann-directors-update-their-conflicts-pro file-after-africa-complaint ********************** - ccTLD & gTLD NEWS ********************** Over 70,000 domain names in .by zone About 73,000 domain names have been registered in the national zone .by, BelTA learned from Mr Sergei Povalishev, Head of the Hosting and Domain Registration Department of the Belarusian software development company Reliable Software. http://news.belta.by/en/news/society?id=702181 Accented French Characters In .CA Domain Names Coming January 2013 The Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) has announced that registrants will be able to register .CA domain names comprising accented French characters beginning January 13, 2012. CIRA is introducing support for the full range of French characters, such as ?, ?, ?, ?, ?. http://www.mondaq.com/canada/x/212622/ http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=f338ee5a-4c94-4db3-9147-f0cdc5 fafd5a .Co domain base up 24% this year to 1.4 million .Co Internet just released stats about its domain registrations. http://domainnamewire.com/2012/12/20/co-domain-base-up-24-this-year-to-1-4-m illion/ Fee reduction extended for .eu dispute proceedings The fee for a basic .eu Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) procedure will continue to be cut by 50% until the end of 2013, announced the .eu registry EURid and the Czech Arbitration Court (CAC), the institution appointed to rule on .eu domain name proceedings. http://www.eurid.eu/en/content/fee-reduction-extended-eu-dispute-proceedings -0 http://www.domainpulse.com/2012/12/18/eurid-fee-reduction-dispute-proceeding s/ http://www.domainnews.com/en/eurid-announces-fee-reduction-extended-for-eu-d ispute-proceedings.html EURid extends fee reduction for .eu dispute proceedings The .eu registry EURid and the Czech Arbitration Court (CAC), the institution appointed to rule on .eu domain name proceedings, have announced that the fee for a basic .eu Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) procedure will continue to be cut by 50 percent until the end of 2013. http://www.telecompaper.com/news/eurid-extends-fee-reduction-for-eu-dispute- proceedings--914941 Verisign To Increase .NET Registry Fee The US government may have been rejected their request to increase the registry fee for .COM domains, but Verisign has announced they will increase the registry fee for .NET domain names as of 1 July 2013. http://goldsteinreport.com/article.php?article=19490 http://www.domainpulse.com/2012/12/20/verisign-net-registry-fee/ Surprise! Verisign to increase .net fees Verisign has just announced that it will increase its .net registry fee by 10% next year. http://domainincite.com/11387-surprise-verisign-to-increase-net-fees net: VeriSign Increases Registry Fee - Analyst Blog Leading internet infrastructure services provider VeriSign, Inc. recently announced a hike in the registry domain name fee for .net TLDs, in agreement with ICANN. http://www.nasdaq.com/article/verisign-increases-registry-fee-analyst-blog-c m201169 ********************** - NEW TLDS ********************** Brand TLDs To Change Online Advertising, Marketing In 2013 ICANN held a lottery in Los Angeles this week to decide on which of the proposed new TLDs will become the first to go live. http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/189725/brand-tlds-to-change-on line-advertising-marketing.html Amazon, Uniregistry, Verisign here?s who won the new gTLDs lottery Amazon, Uniregistry and Verisign were among the luckiest companies competing in yesterday?s New gTLD Prioritization Draw, our preliminary analysis indicates. http://domainincite.com/11358-amazon-uniregistry-verisign-heres-who-won-the- new-gtlds-lottery .cymru beats .scot to early internet address name review Proposed net address endings .tattoo, .transformers and .menu are among the first that could go live next year. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-20768273 No-ho-ho ? .christmas delayed till 2014, thanks to domain name lottery Put down the cracker and pack away the bunting: plans for Christmas to have its own winter wonderland online are on ice until 2014. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2012/dec/18/christmas-domain-name-lotte ry-draw Religion, Tech and Automotive sectors get the luck of the draw in new Top-Level Domain program [news release] Internet users are likely to see the first new TLDs appear from the technology and automotive sectors as early as July next year, according to major infrastructure provider for new TLD applicants, ARI Registry Services. http://www.ariservices.com/news-prioritisation_draw.php ARI Registry Services Pleased With Client Outcomes in New gTLD Priority Draw The priority draw for new gTLDs was held by ICANN on 18 December in Los Angeles determined the order in which evaluation results will be released for the 1930 applications. http://goldsteinreport.com/article.php?article=19478 http://www.domainpulse.com/2012/12/18/ari-new-gtld-priority-draw/ http://www.domainnews.com/en/ari-registry-services-pleased-with-client-outco mes-in-new-gtld-priority-draw.html ICANN New gTLD Priority Draw Completed ICANN have published the preliminary results of the new gTLD priority draw with numbers one through to 1766. http://goldsteinreport.com/article.php?article=19477 http://www.domainpulse.com/2012/12/18/icann-new-gtld-priority-draw-completed / http://www.domainnews.com/en/icann-new-gtld-priority-draw-completed.html Mitigating Harm Caused by the ICANN "Draw" by Werner Staub The gTLD Prioritization "Draw" was a mistake. But its negative impact can still be mitigated. The best course of action follows directly from information that can be gleaned from available data. Let us start with the latest piece of intelligence: who "played" in the "Draw"? 1766 of 1917 applications had a lottery ticket. This is much worse than expected. Very few abstained. Even the purely defensive applicants saw no other choice but to "play". http://www.circleid.com/posts/20121218_mitigating_harm_caused_by_the_icann_d raw/ The Results of the ICANN Bingo Are In! by St?phane Van Gelder A few early technical hiccups with the system streaming it live did not prevent ICANN's prioritization draw from running smoothly yesterday, December 17, 2012. All 1917 remaining applications (out of initial 1930 announced last June) were processed in one of the meeting rooms at the Los Angeles Airport Hilton, starting at 13:00 local time. Shortly before midnight, or more than 10 hours later, Google's Dot MBA was the last application to be pulled out of the box. http://www.circleid.com/posts/20121218_the_results_of_the_icann_bingo_are_in / Vatican nears approval for 'dot-Catholic' domain name in Chinese The Vatican is close to securing a TLD, ?.catholic,? written in Chinese characters, which could be used to identify internet sites qualifying for the Holy See?s approval. http://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=16599 Registering for the Registrar Rodeo: A Note to the New gTLDs by Jennie-Marie Larsen Thank goodness for Monday's new gTLD draw!!! To date the process has been more of an intellectual exercise in marketing, technology, and strategic game thinking - it was getting a little boring. A business needs to see regular 'wins' to keep momentum and stay motivated. The presumptive lineup of new gTLDs has now been established which has given most applicants (save those poor souls looking at 2015 as their launch year) a clear view of the starting gate. http://www.circleid.com/posts/20121220_registering_for_the_registrar_rodeo_a _note_to_the_new_gtlds/ ICANN domain lottery may open the Web to .kittens and .transformers in 2013 ICANN held its domain name auction this week. The results promise to change the Web as we know it next year. http://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/icann-domain-lottery-will-open-the-we b-to-kittens-in-2013/ Internet real estate goes under the hammer In front of a blue screen in the Los Angeles Airport Hilton, they gathered to organise the future of the internet. The process: A nearly 11-hour long, $US350 million raffle. http://www.brw.com.au/p/sections/fyi/internet_real_estate_goes_under_mUXSrAm d2SWh3gGizRkuUI Aussies picked in gTLD lotto GTLDs such as .melbourne and .cba will be among the first applications processed for the new naming system. http://www.zdnet.com/au/aussies-picked-in-gtld-lotto-7000008980/ Open Universities Australia makes the cut in .courses domain bid Open Universities Australia has made the list in a lottery draw held by ICANN to help assign new gTLDs. http://theconversation.edu.au/open-universities-australia-makes-the-cut-in-c ourses-domain-bid-11424 iSelect, Monash and Melbourne top ICANN domain name lottery iSelect, Monash University and Victorian government have topped ICANN's domain name lottery and will be among the first in Australia to gain access to a tailored web address suffix for its sites. http://www.technologyspectator.com.au/iselect-monash-and-melbourne-top-icann -domain-name-lottery Melbourne wins priority in domain name draw The City of Melbourne has come out ahead in an international lottery to determine the order in which some 1930 applications for new gTLDs will be processed. http://www.itnews.com.au/News/326691,melbourne-wins-priority-in-domain-name- draw.aspx Wine Applications: Results of the New gTLD Prioritization Draw by Jean Guillon There are 4 applications related to the wine business in the new gTLD program. Yesterday the new gTLD prioritization draw took place where each application was assigned a randomly-drawn priority number. These priority numbers are used to determine the order in which initial evaluation results are released. In the 1917 applications, 4 applications are related to wine. http://www.circleid.com/posts/20121218_wine_applications_results_of_the_new_ gtld_prioritization_draw/ Why Swiss International Airlines withdrew its .swiss application While it should come as no surprise, here?s an official response to Domain Name Wire?s inquiry to why Swiss International Airlines withdrew its TLD application .swiss: http://domainnamewire.com/2012/12/18/why-swiss-international-airlines-withdr ew-its-swiss-application/ .Green gets edge on .eco in new TLD priority draw When ICANN planned ?digital archery? to determine the order in which it would review TLD applications, there was a benefit to applying for a domain other people were applying for: all applications would be moved up in the queue to the top spot in the contention set. http://domainnamewire.com/2012/12/18/dot-green-dot-eco/ 4 Key Dates on the gTLD Timeline by Kathy Nielsen The new "dot-anything" domain extensions or "gTLDs" have been a major point of debate in the domain community for years now -- ever since they were just a glimmer in ICANN's eye -- and it's all come down to a few very important dates over the next six to nine months. http://www.circleid.com/posts/20121217_4_key_dates_on_the_gtld_timeline/ New top-level internet domains to launch in 2013 Just like Christmas coming early, a new internet domain name for all things festive could be among the first to go live in spring next year. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2012/dec/17/internet-domain-names-new Raffle to set new net names schedule Internet name regulator Icann is to use a raffle to decide which order it will process applications for new addresses. http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-20757525 .Melbourne scores higher ranking than .Sydney in ICANN top-level domain lottery The state of Victoria, iSelect, Monash University and Commonwealth Bank drew high slots in a lottery at the ICANN to determine the order in which ICANN will evaluate applications for new TLDs. http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/444905/_melbourne_scores_higher_rank ing_than_sydney_icann_top-level_domain_lottery/ ********************** - DNS SECURITY ********************** EU Cybersecurity Agency Says Variation Between Countries Adds Risk [IDG] Problems with national or governmental Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) could be weakening cybersecurity in the European Union, the E.U.'s top cybersecurity agency is warning. http://www.cio.com/article/724162/EU_Cybersecurity_Agency_Says_Variation_Bet ween_Countries_Adds_Risk Recent botnets busted by FBI were lame, but still dangerous [CSO] A criminal organization recently busted by law enforcement distributed malware on Facebook using two separate botnets built from tools that are easily found in the hacker underground, a security expert said. http://www.pcworld.com/article/2020600/recent-botnets-busted-by-fbi-were-lam e-but-still-dangerous.html Iran CERT Reports New Data-Wiping Malware Computer systems in Iran are being targeted by a new strain of malware that is capable of wiping disk partitions clean of files. Security researchers are calling the attacks simplistic, yet effective. http://threatpost.com/en_us/blogs/iran-cert-reports-new-data-wiping-malware- 121712 WordPress Pingback Vulnerability Could Lead to to DDoS Attacks A pingback vulnerability exists in the WordPress blogging platform that could leak information and lead to distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks if the right script is run, according to web application security firm Acunetix. http://threatpost.com/en_us/blogs/wordpress-pingback-vulnerability-could-lea d-ddos-attacks-121712 SANS Netwars Tests Cybersecurity Pros Against Peers [IDG] Organizers played "Eye of the Tiger" and "We are the Champions" over the loudspeakers as participants in the SANS Institute's NetWars Tournament of Champions sat down at their laptops and prepared for action. http://www.cio.com/article/724287/SANS_Netwars_Tests_Cybersecurity_Pros_Agai nst_Peers http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/444963/sans_netwars_tests_cybersecur ity_pros_against_peers/ http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9234863/SANS_NetWars_tests_cybersecur ity_pros_against_peers Cybercrime Inc. - The Business of the Digital Black Market Money makes the world go round; especially the world of cyber-crime, where criminal groups have exploded in both number and sophistication. http://www.darkreading.com/threat-intelligence/167901121/security/attacks-br eaches/240145072/cybercrime-inc-the-business-of-the-digital-black-market.htm l New report on Smart Grids cyber security measures; a risk-based approach is key to secure implementation, according to EU Agency ENISA [news release] The EU?s cyber security agency ENISA has investigated the challenges for baseline smart grids protection in Europe. This new report assists smart grid providers to improve their cyber security and resilience of their infrastructures, with a set of minimum security measures. http://www.enisa.europa.eu/media/press-releases/smart-grids-cyber-security-m easures-a-risk-based-approach-is-key-to-secure-implementation ENISA Outlines Security Regulations for EU Smart Grid Expansion The European Union has set a series of ambitious goals for itself: by 2020, the 27 member states expect to collectively use 20 percent renewable energy, reduce CO2 emissions by 20 percent, and increase energy efficiency by 20 percent. In order to accomplish these goals, Europe will need to perform a major overhaul to its power grid, which will play an integral role in the development of the Union?s proposed energy economy. http://threatpost.com/en_us/blogs/enisa-outlines-security-regulations-eu-sma rt-grid-expansion-121912 eu: Cyber security measures, broadband infrastructure improvements and copyright reform high on Commission's digital to-do list The European Commission will propose new laws on cyber security as part of a revised programme of action that aims to improve the digital economy within the EU, it has said. http://www.out-law.com/en/articles/2012/december/cyber-security-measures-bro adband-infrastructure-improvements-and-copyright-reform-high-on-commissions- digital-to-do-list/ DDoS: Hacktivists Again Target 5 Banks Hacktivists announced Dec. 18 that they planned yet another round of distributed-denial-of-service attacks against five U.S. banks. And while the alleged perpetrators did not name the latest targets, Wells Fargo confirmed its online banking site experienced outages throughout the day. http://www.bankinfosecurity.com/ddos-hacktivists-again-target-5-banks-a-5363 ********************** - DOMAIN DISPUTES ********************** Stirring up a beehive: the most egregious UDRP of 2012? A single member World Intellectual Property Organization UDRP panel has handed down a ruling in favor of the current owner of Beehive.com. http://domainnamewire.com/2012/12/17/stirring-up-a-beehive-the-most-egregiou s-udrp-of-2012/ UDRP panel got BidPal.com case right, but complainant?s lawyers did it a disservice It?s no wonder that BidPal, Inc wants the domain name BidPal.com. It has the decidedly inferior domain name BidPalNetwork.com. http://domainnamewire.com/2012/12/20/bidpal-domain/ ********************** - MISCELLANEOUS ********************** Quarter Of A Billion Registered Domain Names On The Planet: Verisign Verisign announced there were 246 million registered domain names on the planet across all TLDs at the end of September in their latest Domain Name Industry Brief, an increase of 5.7 million on the second quarter, meaning that if similar growth rates continued there would be over a 250 million domain names on the planet today. http://goldsteinreport.com/article.php?article=19492 http://www.domainpulse.com/2012/12/20/quarter-billion-domains-verisign/ http://www.domainnews.com/en/quarter-of-a-billion-registered-domain-names-on -the-planet-verisign.html Internet Grows to More Than 246 Million Domain Names in the Third Quarter of 2012 [news release] More than five million domain names were added to the Internet in the third quarter of 2012, bringing the total number of registered domain names as of Sept. 30, 2012, to more than 246 million worldwide across all TLDs, according to the latest Domain Name Industry Brief, published by VeriSign, Inc. http://www.verisigninc.com/en_US/news-events/press-room/articles/index.xhtml ?artLink=aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLm13bmV3c3Jvb20uY29tL2FydGljbGUvcnNzP2lkPTE2NzEwNTg %3D Domain Pulse 2013 Conference Focussing on European New gTLDs The highlight of the European domain name calendar is fast approaching with the Domain Pulse conference set for 18 and 19 February in the Swiss alpine resort of Davos. http://goldsteinreport.com/article.php?article=19467 http://www.domainpulse.com/2012/12/17/domain-pulse-2013/ http://www.domainnews.com/en/domain-pulse-2013-conference-focussing-on-europ ean-new-gtlds.html Companies & People in the News: Go Daddy, Blake Irving, Webfest Global, Roy Flanders & .INFO I was away last week for the special trip with my daughter that I told you about in my last Lowdown post (Brittany was impressed with both Columbus hospitals where she had residency interviews but she still has more than a half dozen more to go before deciding her favorites. In fact she was on another plane to Philadelphia today for interviews there). I'm back home in Florida with lots of catching up to do! I'll start by touching on some of the most interesting stories that came out while I was away.RL: http://www.dnjournal.com/archive/lowdown/2012/dailyposts/20121217.htm Go Daddy hirings show acquisitions, product development taking priority Last week Go Daddy announced that Blake Irving, former Chief Product Officer at Yahoo, will take over as its CEO next year. http://domainnamewire.com/2012/12/17/go-daddy-hirings-show-acquisitions-prod uct-development-taking-priority/ OpenRegistry To Operate Co.nl And Co.no 2LDs [news release] OpenRegistry, an independent, leading provider of Registry Services, has today announced that it has been selected by coDNS to operate both the co.nl and co.no 2LDs. OpenRegistry is in charge of the full backend operations using its European infrastructure. http://www.domainpulse.com/2012/12/18/openregistry/ Lowlife losers try to profit from Sandy Hook domain names It?s a fact. People register domains related to big news stories. They sometimes park them and sometimes try to sell them. http://domainnamewire.com/2012/12/18/lowlife-losers-try-to-profit-from-sandy -hook-domain-names/ Go Daddy Super Bowl Ad to Feature .CO Domain for Third Consecutive Year For the third consecutive year, domain and web hosting giant Go Daddy is partnering with the .CO domain for its upcoming 2013 Super Bowl commercial. http://www.thewhir.com/web-hosting-news/go-daddy-super-bowl-ad-to-feature-co -domain-for-third-consecutive-year ********************** - WEBHOSTING ********************** Web Host Go Daddy Hires New Senior Executives to Fuel Product, Partner Expansion Web hosting provider Go Daddy announced on Monday it has hired two new executives including David Popowitz as its first SVP of corporate development and Raj Mukherjee as VP and GM of the company?s Site Builder product line, to increase expansion around technology partners and products. http://www.thewhir.com/web-hosting-news/web-host-go-daddy-hires-new-senior-e xecutives-to-fuel-product-partner-expansion ********************** INTERNET USE ********************** Europe: 72% Of Homes Are Now Broadband-Connected; Online, News Reading Is Users? Favorite Pastime It?s official: Europe is fast approaching a point at which broadband is becoming ubiquitous among consumers, and with it is coming a surge of popularity for online news, social media, and e-commerce. Today the European Commission released details for how European countries have been adopting broadband, and what they are using it for. The top-line figures: in 2012 72% of households now have a broadband connection. And in a survey of what it is that people do online, the most popular activity is newsreading, at 60%. http://techcrunch.com/2012/12/18/europe-72-of-homes-are-now-broadband-connec ted-online-reading-is-users-favorite-pastime/ Internet access and use in 2012 More than half of internet users post messages to social media... and over 60% read news online [news release] Internet access and use is widespread amongst the EU population. In the EU27, more than three quarters of households had access to the internet in 2012, compared with just under half in 2006. The proportion of households who have a broadband internet connection has increased more significantly. In 2012, 72% of EU27 households had access to the internet via a broadband connection, compared with 30% in 2006. http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_STAT-12-185_en.htm us: Internet advertising revenue hits $9.2 billion in Q3 2012 Advertisers spent $9.26 billion on Internet ads during the third quarter of 2012, according to a report from the Interactive Advertising Bureau. http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57560131-93/internet-advertising-revenue-hi ts-$9.2-billion-in-q3-2012/ ********************** SOCIAL MEDIA ********************** uk: Prosecutors clarify offensive online posts law New guidelines could see fewer people being charged in England and Wales for offensive messages on social networks. The Director of Public Prosecutions said people should only face a trial if their comments on Twitter, Facebook or elsewhere go beyond being offensive. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20777002 Germany orders changes to Facebook real name policy A German data protection body has ordered Facebook to end its policy of making members use their real names. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-20766682 Privacy Champions Hand Facebook an Ultimatum A German state privacy protection authority issued an ultimatum to Facebook this week: The company can either stop forcing members to use their real names, or face fines. The social networking site says it will fight the demands by Schleswig-Holstein, calling the measures a "waste of German taxypayer money." http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-state-gives-facebook-an-u ltimatum-over-real-name-policy-a-873562.html German state orders Facebook to allow pseudonyms Facebook is on the hot seat in Germany for requiring users to use their real names instead of pseudonyms. http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57559748-93/german-state-orders-facebook-to -allow-pseudonyms/ Facebook Responds to Anger Over Proposed Instagram Changes Jeremy Pinnix, an app developer in Spring Hill, Tenn., has been a regular user of the photo-sharing service Instagram since it was introduced in 2010, posting pictures of his family, local scenery and favorite moments. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/19/technology/facebook-responds-to-anger-over -proposed-instagram-changes.html Instagram denies having right to sell users' photos Facebook's photo-sharing service Instagram has moved to deny that it has changed its privacy policy to give it the right to sell users' photos to advertisers without notification. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-20777616 Instagram reassures users over terms of service after massive outcry After a day of media reports and social media statements decrying Instagram, the photography app's co-founder Kevin Systrom sought to prevent an exodus of users by promising that the company has no intent to sell user photos. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2012/dec/18/instagram-issues-statement- terms-of-service Facebook Incites Backlash With Changes in Instagram Terms Facebook Inc.?s policy changes to its Instagram photo-sharing site has drawn withering criticism from consumers, photographers and privacy advocates who said the update forces them to cede control over content. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-12-19/facebook-incites-backlash-with-chan ges-in-instagram-terms.html us: Nielsen and Twitter partner to measure social TV audience Nielsen and Twitter have struck a multi-year partnership to measure the reach of online conversations about television shows. http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-nielsen-and-tw itter-partner-to-measure-social-tv-audience-20121217,0,3147722.story 2012 has been a big year on the Japanese social-media scene Twitter continues to ride high. Facebook has grown a lot, but newcomer Line seems set to overtake it. Social game companies Gree and Mobage have shifted their overseas expansion into high gear. And Mixi finally admits that it needs to try harder to understand what its members want. In this month's column, we look back at the big battles fought in the Japanese social-media scene over the past year. http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nc20121219aa.html ********************** NEW TECHNOLOGIES ********************** New computing devices will allow touch, smell, says IBM [AFP] Future computing devices will push further into the senses by developing capacities to mimic the ability to see, smell, touch, taste and hear, IBM says in an annual forecast. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/new-computing-devices-will-all ow-touch-smell-says-ibm/story-e6frgakx-1226539758716 Computers that will see, hear, smell: Next, world domination? IBM's 5 in 5 -- a list of five innovations that could change the world in five years -- focuses on how computers are developing the ability to taste, touch, hear, see and listen just like humans do, except way better. http://www.latimes.com/business/technology/la-fi-tn-ibm-predictions-20121217 ,0,940633.story ********************************* CHILD PROTECTION & ONLINE SAFETY ********************************* uk: ISPs told to encourage consumers to use parental controls as Government backs away from default filtering plan Internet service providers (ISPs) should encourage customers with children to utilise parental controls, the Government has said. http://www.out-law.com/en/articles/2012/december/isps-told-to-encourage-cons umers-to-use-parental-controls-as-government-backs-away-from-default-filteri ng-plan/ New Online Privacy Rules for Children In a move intended to give parents greater control over data collected about their children online, federal regulators on Wednesday broadened longstanding privacy safeguards covering children?s mobile apps and Web sites. Members of the Federal Trade Commission said they updated the rules to keep pace with the growing use of mobile phones and tablets by children. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/20/technology/ftc-broadens-rules-for-online-p rivacy-of-children.html FTC tightens rules to protect children?s privacy online Web sites and mobile apps will have to get parental permission to collect photos, videos and a wide array of other information that children expose online under federal guidelines released Wednesday. http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/technology/ftc-releases-landmark-upda te-to-child-online-privacy-laws/2012/12/19/6afbab30-494f-11e2-820e-17eefac2f 939_story.html U.S. Expands Child Online Privacy Law to Cover Apps, Social Networks The Federal Trade Commission on Wednesday updated its decade-old rules governing children?s online privacy to reflect the growth of social networks and smartphone apps, but backed away from earlier proposals that could have made companies like Facebook Inc. and Apple Inc. more responsible for violations. http://allthingsd.com/20121219/u-s-expands-child-online-privacy-law-to-cover -apps-social-networks/ Government toughens up online privacy rules for kids' websites There is currently no federal online privacy law, which makes it essentially impossible for government agencies like the Federal Trade Commission to go after Internet companies unless they violate their own published privacy policies. http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2012/12/government-toughens-up-online-pri vacy-rules-for-kids-websites/ FTC Strengthens Kids? Privacy, Gives Parents Greater Control Over Their Information By Amending Children?s Online Privacy Protection Rule [news release] The Federal Trade Commission adopted final amendments to the Children?s Online Privacy Protection Rule that strengthen kids? privacy protections and give parents greater control over the personal information that websites and online services may collect from children under 13. http://ftc.gov/opa/2012/12/coppa.shtm au: Websites stirring up attack fears SOCIAL media sites are stoking fears of an increase in random sex attacks but are also providing a high-tech tool for police investigating sexual assaults. http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/websites-stirring-up-attack-fears-20121217 -2bjbi.html ********************** ONLINE TV, MUSIC & PIRACY ********************** Pirate Bay proxy gets shut down after music industry legal threat A proxy service allowing access to banned piracy website The Pirate Bay has been shut down after legal threats from the music industry. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-20782529 Tor: An Anonymous, And Controversial, Way to Web-Surf For more than four years, William Weber has helped run a free service called Tor that makes Web surfing anonymous for anyone. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324677204578185382377144280.ht ml au: iiNet blames data retention, studio intransigence for ditching piracy trials iiNet, Australia's third largest internet service provider (ISP), has said that rights holder intransigence in negotiations and the requirement for ISPs to hold more customer data as the reasons for why it will not participate in an infringement notice scheme. http://www.zdnet.com/au/iinet-blames-data-retention-studio-intransigence-for -ditching-piracy-trials-7000008866/ ********************** MOBILE/WIRELESS ********************** Samsung drops Apple sales ban attempts after EC investigation Samsung has stopped seeking sales bans for Apple products such as the iPhone and iPad in lawsuits in five European countries, apparently after being warned by the European Commission against abusing its ownership of patents essential for standards such as 3G networking. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2012/dec/18/samsung-drops-apple-sales-b an Samsung Ends Its Push for a European Sales Ban on Some Apple Products Samsung said on Tuesday that it had dropped its request for a ban on sales of certain Apple phones and tablet computers in Europe, a sharp tactical turn in a patent war that the companies have been fighting on multiple fronts around the world. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/19/technology/19iht-samsung19.html Judge Denies Apple Request to Ban Samsung Phones [AP] A federal judge late Monday rejected Apple Inc.'s demands that its chief rival in the more than $100 billion global smartphone market cease selling models a jury recently found illegally used Apple technology. http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2012/12/17/us/ap-us-apple-samsung-trial.html ********************** ONLINE CRIME & LEGAL ********************** After Newtown tragedy, cops target social net pranksters In the wake of the tragic school shooting in Newtown, Conn, police warned that they will prosecute anyone purposefully posting false information related to the incident on social networks. http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9234783/After_Newtown_tragedy_cops_ta rget_social_net_pranksters us: Feds Probe Fake Web Posts re Conn. School Massacre, May Pursue Criminal Charges Amidst the shock and horror over the Friday shooting massacre of more than two dozen children and adults at an elementary school in Connecticut, some individuals inserted themselves into the high-profile case by creating fake Internet posts and pages, authorities say. http://www.abajournal.com/news/article/feds_probe_fake_web_posts_re_conn._sc hool_massacre_may_pursue_criminal_char/ ********************** SECURITY ********************** EU Cybersecurity Agency Says Variation Between Countries Adds Risk [IDG] Problems with national or governmental Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) could be weakening cybersecurity in the European Union, the E.U.'s top cybersecurity agency is warning. http://www.cio.com/article/724162/EU_Cybersecurity_Agency_Says_Variation_Bet ween_Countries_Adds_Risk Recent botnets busted by FBI were lame, but still dangerous [CSO] A criminal organization recently busted by law enforcement distributed malware on Facebook using two separate botnets built from tools that are easily found in the hacker underground, a security expert said. http://www.pcworld.com/article/2020600/recent-botnets-busted-by-fbi-were-lam e-but-still-dangerous.html Iran CERT Reports New Data-Wiping Malware Computer systems in Iran are being targeted by a new strain of malware that is capable of wiping disk partitions clean of files. Security researchers are calling the attacks simplistic, yet effective. http://threatpost.com/en_us/blogs/iran-cert-reports-new-data-wiping-malware- 121712 WordPress Pingback Vulnerability Could Lead to to DDoS Attacks A pingback vulnerability exists in the WordPress blogging platform that could leak information and lead to distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks if the right script is run, according to web application security firm Acunetix. http://threatpost.com/en_us/blogs/wordpress-pingback-vulnerability-could-lea d-ddos-attacks-121712 SANS Netwars Tests Cybersecurity Pros Against Peers [IDG] Organizers played "Eye of the Tiger" and "We are the Champions" over the loudspeakers as participants in the SANS Institute's NetWars Tournament of Champions sat down at their laptops and prepared for action. http://www.cio.com/article/724287/SANS_Netwars_Tests_Cybersecurity_Pros_Agai nst_Peers http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/444963/sans_netwars_tests_cybersecur ity_pros_against_peers/ http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9234863/SANS_NetWars_tests_cybersecur ity_pros_against_peers Cybercrime Inc. - The Business of the Digital Black Market Money makes the world go round; especially the world of cyber-crime, where criminal groups have exploded in both number and sophistication. http://www.darkreading.com/threat-intelligence/167901121/security/attacks-br eaches/240145072/cybercrime-inc-the-business-of-the-digital-black-market.htm l New report on Smart Grids cyber security measures; a risk-based approach is key to secure implementation, according to EU Agency ENISA [news release] The EU?s cyber security agency ENISA has investigated the challenges for baseline smart grids protection in Europe. This new report assists smart grid providers to improve their cyber security and resilience of their infrastructures, with a set of minimum security measures. http://www.enisa.europa.eu/media/press-releases/smart-grids-cyber-security-m easures-a-risk-based-approach-is-key-to-secure-implementation ENISA Outlines Security Regulations for EU Smart Grid Expansion The European Union has set a series of ambitious goals for itself: by 2020, the 27 member states expect to collectively use 20 percent renewable energy, reduce CO2 emissions by 20 percent, and increase energy efficiency by 20 percent. In order to accomplish these goals, Europe will need to perform a major overhaul to its power grid, which will play an integral role in the development of the Union?s proposed energy economy. http://threatpost.com/en_us/blogs/enisa-outlines-security-regulations-eu-sma rt-grid-expansion-121912 eu: Cyber security measures, broadband infrastructure improvements and copyright reform high on Commission's digital to-do list The European Commission will propose new laws on cyber security as part of a revised programme of action that aims to improve the digital economy within the EU, it has said. http://www.out-law.com/en/articles/2012/december/cyber-security-measures-bro adband-infrastructure-improvements-and-copyright-reform-high-on-commissions- digital-to-do-list/ DDoS: Hacktivists Again Target 5 Banks Hacktivists announced Dec. 18 that they planned yet another round of distributed-denial-of-service attacks against five U.S. banks. And while the alleged perpetrators did not name the latest targets, Wells Fargo confirmed its online banking site experienced outages throughout the day. http://www.bankinfosecurity.com/ddos-hacktivists-again-target-5-banks-a-5363 ********************** PRIVACY ********************** German Privacy Regulator Orders Facebook to End its Real Name Policy [IDG] A German privacy regulator ordered Facebook to stop enforcing its real name policy because it violates a German law that gives users the right to use nicknames online. http://www.cio.com/article/724159/German_Privacy_Regulator_Orders_Facebook_t o_End_its_Real_Name_Policy http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/444801/german_privacy_regulator_orde rs_facebook_end_its_real_name_policy/ Kiwi businesses benefit from EU recognition of NZ privacy law [news release] Justice Minister, Judith Collins, and Trade Minister, Tim Groser, have welcomed the European Commission?s formal declaration that New Zealand privacy law provides an adequate standard of data protection for the purposes of European Union (EU) law. http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/kiwi-businesses-benefit-eu-recognition-nz -privacy-law ************************** GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC POLICY ************************** Internet technology to contribute up to 3.3% to India's GDP by 2015: Report Internet services and devices industry has potential to increase its contribution to up to 3.3 per cent to India's gross domestic product by 2015, a report by McKinsey & Company said today. http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/internet/internet-technology-to-con tribute-up-to-3-3-to-indias-gdp-by-2015-report/articleshow/17678579.cms Internet could contribute US$100B to India's GDP by 2015 The Internet industry's contribution to India's gross domestic product (GDP) could jump from the current 1.6 percent to between 2.8 percent and 3.3 percent by 2015. http://www.zdnet.com/in/internet-could-contribute-us100b-to-indias-gdp-by-20 15-7000009056/ Citing Logistics, F.T.C. Pushes Antitrust Inquiry Against Google Into January Google was prepared to start the holidays early this week, by settling its antitrust dispute with federal regulators without a harsh punishment. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/20/technology/ftc-pushes-antitrust-inquiry-ag ainst-google-into-january.html As Europe Presses Google on Antitrust, U.S. Backs Away Google seems on its way to coming through a major antitrust investigation in the United States essentially unscathed. But the outlook is not as bright for Google here, as the European Union?s top antitrust regulator prepares to meet on Tuesday with Eric E. Schmidt, Google?s executive chairman. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/18/technology/eu-and-google-to-discuss-antitr ust-issues.html U.S. Inquiry of Google Is Expected to Press On The Federal Trade Commission is unlikely to finish until January its investigation into whether Google abused its power in the search market, people briefed on the investigation said on Tuesday. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/19/technology/google-wins-time-from-eu-antitr ust-enforcer.html Google May Make EU Antitrust Offer After Almunia Meeting Google Inc. should send an offer to European Union regulators next month to settle its investigation, the EU?s antitrust chief said after meeting Google Chairman Eric Schmidt today. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-12-18/almunia-says-expects-google-to-subm it-proposals-in-january.html FTC, EU to postpone Google antitrust decisions, report says The U.S. Federal Trade Commission's final decision on its 20-month long antitrust probe of the search giant will be delayed until next year, Bloomberg reported late yesterday after speaking with unnamed sources. http://news.cnet.com/8301-1001_3-57560012-92/ftc-eu-to-postpone-google-antit rust-decisions-report-says/ FTC under fire for passing on Google?s search practices, critics say Google once was seen as such a ripe target for investigation that the nation?s antitrust enforcers battled over the right to claim it as their own, as a potential high-tech pelt to be hung on the wall alongside Microsoft and AT&T. http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/ftc-under-fire-for-passing-on -googles-search-practices-critics-say/2012/12/18/aec0d708-487f-11e2-b6f0-e85 1e741d196_story.html us: Google, FTC Close to a Deal Google Inc. is close to emerging largely unscathed from a two-year federal probe of its Web-search business, people familiar with the matter said, a result likely to disappoint rivals that were hoping the Internet giant would become mired in antitrust litigation. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324677204578183850928687548.ht ml Google close to deal with US regulators over patents dispute Google is this week expected to escape the biggest anti-trust investigation for more than a decade by agreeing with US regulators to tweak the way it displays searches. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2012/dec/17/google-deal-us-regulators European commission and Apple reach settlement over ebook price fixing Readers should prepare for plunging ebook prices after the European Commission yesterday accepted commitments from Apple and four major publishers to stop restricting the sale of cheap ebooks. http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/dec/14/european-commission-apple-ebook European Commission drops court challenge of ACTA legality The European Commission has finally killed the controversial Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) by withdrawing its bid to have the treaty's legality confirmed. http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/445147/european_commission_drops_cou rt_challenge_acta_legality/ ACTA gets final stake through heart as EC drops court referral The European Union is certain not to see an ACTA revival, ever, after the Commission dropped an ECJ referral aimed at establishing the dead agreement's legality. http://www.zdnet.com/acta-gets-final-stake-through-heart-as-ec-drops-court-r eferral-7000009070/ European Commission wades into global tech patents war EU regulators are poised to accuse Samsung of breaking competition rules in filing patent lawsuits against rival Apple, in the EU's first formal challenge to the consumer electronic industry's patent wars. http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/12/20/uk-eu-samsung-idUKBRE8BJ0KB20121220 uk: Internet users will face 'full force of law' Internet users unaware that it is illegal to name rape victims or harrass others online will still face "full force of law". http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/9754973/Internet-users-who-name -rape-victims-or-harrass-others-will-face-full-force-of-law.html nz: $100m govt investment in second Pacific cable urged A co-founder of the now defunct Pacific Fibre says a $100m government investment, as proposed by the Green Party, would have saved the project http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/news/100m-govt-investment-in-second-paci fic-cable-urged nz: Govt not complying with its own web standards Not one government website complies fully with web standards laid down by the government itself in 2003, says a monitoring report released this month http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/news/govt-not-complying-with-own-web-sta ndards New Zealand joins list of places EU data can be processed Businesses will be able to exchange data with companies and subsidiaries in New Zealand more easily than before because the European Commission has certified that its data protection laws are compatible with those in the European Union. http://www.out-law.com/en/articles/2012/december/new-zealand-joins-list-of-p laces-eu-data-can-be-processed/ Germany backs away from using a Trojan on its citizens - for now Support for the use of a government-created Trojan to intercept the VoIP communications of suspected criminals appears to be on the wane - but it's far from dead. http://www.zdnet.com/germany-backs-away-from-using-a-trojan-on-its-citizens- for-now-7000008914/ ********************** MISCELLANEOUS ********************** uk: Print in 2013: Newspapers cut costs and seek tablets of salvation With Rupert Murdoch set to spin off his newspapers, Alexander Lebedev on the hunt for an investor to prop up the Independent and another steep decline in advertising on the cards, 2013 is set to be another tough year for the publishing industry. http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2012/dec/16/print-2013-newpapers-cut-costs ********************** TELECOMMUNICATIONS ********************** us: DARPA wants to build 100Gbps wireless military network Defense researchers are looking to update the wireless platform currently used for military communications to deliver 100Gbps connections. http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-57559693-94/darpa-wants-to-build-100gbps-wi reless-military-network/ In Europe, a Push for Higher Phone Fees When the authorities have tinkered with European telecommunications rules, it has usually been to lower prices for consumers, whether through retail price controls on mobile roaming fees or mandatory cuts in regulated interconnection charges. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/17/technology/eu-plan-could-raise-phone-rates .html ca: Should 911 adapt to tweets and texts? CRTC seeks input Text messages, videos and even tweets are some of the new technologies that could be used to contact 911 that the federal broadcast regulator may have to consider as it looks at ways to improve the emergency service. http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/should-911-adapt-to-tweets-and-texts-crtc-seeks -input-1.1082300 http://www.theprovince.com/technology/Future+transform+services+CRTC+says/77 11250/story.html ------ David Goldstein email: david at 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 Flannery -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: <http://lists.cynosure.com.au/mailman/private/dns/attachments/20121221/bdaf67eb/attachment-0001.html>Received on Fri Dec 21 2012 - 00:40:42 UTC
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