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Important Corrections to General Inaccuracies and Misconceptions Regarding U.S. Announcement and IANA Functions by Fadi Chehad?
<http://blog.icann.org/2014/03/important-corrections-to-general-inaccuracies-and-misconceptions-regarding-u-s-announcement-and-iana-functions/>

What happens to the internet after the U.S. hands off ICANN to others?
<http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2014/03/20/what-happens-to-the-internet-after-the-u-s-hands-off-icann-to-others/>

Bill Clinton: If the U.S. gives up Internet oversight, Internet freedom will suffer
<http://venturebeat.com/2014/03/23/bill-clinton-if-the-u-s-gives-up-internet-oversight-internet-freedom-will-suffer/>

2014 .au survey launched
<http://www.ausregistry.com.au/news/2014-au-survey-launched>
<http://www.auda.org.au/news/20140318/>

Top Brands Who Didn't Apply for a gTLD
<http://info.wolfedomain.com/blog/bid/375193/Top-Brands-Who-Didn-t-Apply-for-a-gTLD>

Cybersquatting an Emerging Trend in New gTLDs
<http://cadna.org/blog/2014/3/17/cybersquatting-an-emerging-trend-in-new-gtlds>

au: Web policy breached: Domain name buy-up not allowed
<http://www.sunraysiadaily.com.au/story/2167250/web-policy-breached-domain-name-buy-up-not-allowed/>


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DOMAIN NAMES
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 - ICANN
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Proposal for the Use of Mandatory Policy Advisory Boards for Regulated Industry Sector and Consumer-Trust-Sensitive New gTLD Strings
Purpose (Brief): A collaboration between diverse members of the ICANN community proposes the use of mandatory Policy Advisory Boards (PABs) for a subset of new gTLDs which are targeted at regulated industry sectors and other consumer-trust-sensitive fields. These ICANN community members assert that PABs are able to address what are perceived to be substantial public-interest deficiencies in the current implementation of ICANN's gTLD expansion program.
<http://www.icann.org/en/news/public-comment/pab-new-gtld-strings-21mar14-en.htm>

Important Corrections to General Inaccuracies and Misconceptions Regarding U.S. Announcement and IANA Functions by Fadi Chehad?
On Friday, March 14 the U.S. Government announced its intention to transition its stewardship responsibilities of the IANA Functions to the global multistakeholder community?a key component of the Internet ecosystem. The IANA Functions are the Internet?s technical identifiers, specifically, the top-level domain names of the Domain Name System, IP addresses, and protocol parameter registries.
<http://blog.icann.org/2014/03/important-corrections-to-general-inaccuracies-and-misconceptions-regarding-u-s-announcement-and-iana-functions/>

ICANN Seeks Public Comment on 2013 RAA Data Retention Specification Data Elements and Legitimate Purposes for Collection and Retention
ICANN has been in discussions with a number of Registrars regarding data retention waiver requests (?Waiver Requests?) submitted under the 2013 Registrar Accreditation Agreement (the "2013 RAA"). Some Registrars are seeking an exemption from certain collection and/or retention requirements under the Data Retention Specification (the "Specification") of the 2013 RAA.
<http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-3-21mar14-en.htm>

Proposal for the Use of Mandatory Policy Advisory Boards for Regulated Industry Sector and Consumer-Trust-Sensitive New gTLD Strings
Purpose (Brief): A collaboration between diverse members of the ICANN community proposes the use of mandatory Policy Advisory Boards (PABs) for a subset of new gTLDs which are targeted at regulated industry sectors and other consumer-trust-sensitive fields. These ICANN community members assert that PABs are able to address what are perceived to be substantial public-interest deficiencies in the current implementation of ICANN's gTLD expansion program.
<http://www.icann.org/en/news/public-comment/pab-new-gtld-strings-21mar14-en.htm>

ICANN Appoints Fourth New gTLD Data Escrow Agent
Beilong Zedata (Beijing) Data Technology Co., Ltd has been approved by ICANN to provide data escrow services to new gTLD Registry Operators.
<http://newgtlds.icann.org/en/announcements-and-media/announcement-3-21mar14-en>

ICANN Strategy Panels & the Planning Process by Theresa Swinehart on March 22, 2014
At the dawn of the ICANN 49 meeting in Singapore, we wish to provide you with an update on ICANN?s strategic planning. Last October, ICANN?s Draft Vision, Mission & Focus Areas for a Five-Year Strategic Plan was published for public comment and for community discussion at the Buenos Aires meeting. Built on prior community feedback, the draft proposed a new Vision, reiterated ICANN?s existing Mission, and described five proposed Focus Areas.
<http://blog.icann.org/2014/03/icann-strategy-panels-the-planning-process/>

The TLD Universal Acceptance Project by Francisco Arias
As the global Internet expansion continues to move forward, ICANN?s motto of, ?One World, One Internet,? has never been a more apt rallying cry.
<http://blog.icann.org/2014/03/the-tld-universal-acceptance-project/>

ICANN Expands Global Stakeholder Engagement Team
ICANN has announced new developments to enhance its Global Stakeholder Engagement (GSE) efforts, with the creation of two new leadership positions and the hiring of two new regional Vice Presidents.
<http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-20mar14-en.htm>

Audio Files, Transcripts from Community Calls with ICANN Board Chair and CEO
Were you unable to join the community call with ICANN Board Chair Steve Crocker and ICANN President and CEO Fadi Chehad? on Saturday? Don't worry that you missed out, because an audio file and transcript is available online now.
<http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-19mar14-en.htm>

What happens to the internet after the U.S. hands off ICANN to others?
This weekend, hundreds of people from dozens of countries will gather in Singapore to discuss the future of ICANN, a multinational organization that oversees the address book of the internet thanks to a contract issued by the U.S. government.
<http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2014/03/20/what-happens-to-the-internet-after-the-u-s-hands-off-icann-to-others/>

Closed Generics The Final Battle? by Michele Neylon
... In the last few days ICANN has started publishing the requests its received for exemptions to the standard registry code of conduct. What that means in simple terms is that brand holders who want to be able to keep all the names in a registry for themselves and their affiliates need to request an exemption from ICANN. While the bulk of the requests received aren?t problematic such as Bloomberg?s application for .bloomberg, there are others that are more questionable in nature.
<http://www.internetnews.me/2014/03/20/closed-generics-final-battle/>

US Government Changes To IANA Won't Happen Until Internet Security, Stability And Resiliency Protected
The US Government's proposal to convene global stakeholders to develop a proposal to transition the US government's stewardship of the Domain Name System through its contract with ICANN to run IANA will not happen unless "any transition plan [meets] the conditions of supporting the multistakeholder process and protecting the security, stability and resiliency of the internet."
<http://goldsteinreport.com/article.php?article=22036>
<http://www.domainpulse.com/2014/03/20/us-govt-iana-changes/>
<http://www.domainnews.com/us-govt-changes-to-iana.html>

Doing the ICANN-can: America promises to release its grip on the internet?s phone book?and opens up a debate on how to govern cyberspace
IS THE internet about to fall apart? Just a few weeks ago it seemed possible. First Dilma Rousseff, Brazil?s president, said her country would seek to circumvent internet services based in America; then Angela Merkel, Germany?s chancellor, said she would back calls to create a separate European internet. Both were furious that America?s National Security Agency (NSA) had spied on their communications.
<http://www.economist.com/news/international/21599385-america-promises-release-its-grip-internets-phone-bookand-opens-up-debate>

NTAG Chair Blog: Singapore Mid-term Update by Jacob Malthouse
While the media spotlights the US role in Internet governance, the NTAG Executive Committee has been focussed on the daily business of ensuring the New gTLD programme is moving forward in the best interests of applicants. There are signs that ICANN is becoming more responsive to applicant needs. Quick action implementing GAC Advice once it was resolved by the New gTLD Program Committee, the recent name collision webinar, and an ongoing dialogue on new gTLD auctions procedures are all positive steps.
<http://www.circleid.com/posts/20140323_ntag_chair_blog_singapore_mid_term_update/>

Bill Clinton: If the U.S. gives up Internet oversight, Internet freedom will suffer
According to former U.S. president Bill Clinton, Obama?s plan to relinquish control of the Internet will enable foreign governments to crack down and limit Internet freedom.
<http://venturebeat.com/2014/03/23/bill-clinton-if-the-u-s-gives-up-internet-oversight-internet-freedom-will-suffer/>

Bill Clinton Would Prefer U.S. Oversight of The Internet
Count former President Bill Clinton among those who are skeptical of the new Obama administration plan to give up Internet oversight authority.
<http://recode.net/2014/03/23/bill-clinton-would-prefer-u-s-oversight-of-the-internet/>

Come design the future of IANA by Kieren McCarthy.
In an unexpected move late last week, the US government announced it would transition the IANA contract to ICANN in 18 months' time.
<http://www.1net.org/blog>

JPRS expressed its endorsement to the contribution made by technical community - toward the discussion in NETmundial -
JPRS expressed its endorsement to the contribution made by technical community, which was submitted to "Global Multistakeholder Meeting on the Future of Internet Governance" (known as NETmundial[*1]) that will be held in Sao Paulo, Brazil during 23-24 April 2014.
<http://jprs.co.jp/en/topics/2014/140319.html>

ARIN and the Evolution of the IANA Functions
On Friday 14 March, the United States Government announced that it intends to transition oversight of key Internet functions (including the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority, or IANA) to the global multi-stakeholder community. It has asked ICANN to facilitate, in consultation with the global multi-stakeholder community, the development of a proposal for the transition.
<https://www.arin.net/announcements/2014/20140320.html>

APNIC: IANA Globalization Consultation Process
Dear Colleagues, In October 2013, APNIC joined other Internet organizations in issuing the ?Montevideo Statement?, calling for a globalization of ICANN and IANA functions. In January 2014, these organizations met again to discuss the basic principles for such a process.
<http://www.apnic.net/publications/news/2014/iana-globalization-consultation-process>

ARI Registry Services? statement on US Government domain name functions announcement
ARI Registry Services acknowledges the announcement by the US National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) of its intent to transition key Internet domain name functions to the global multi-stakeholder community.
<http://www.ariservices.com/news-ARI Registry Services? statement on US Government domain name functions announcement.php>

Competition Is Sexy - Separation or Integration of the Domain Name Sales Channel? by Philip S. Corwin
Back in the early days of the public Internet, Network Solutions had a monopoly on .com, .org., and .net domain registrations and charged $100 per domain for a 2-year registration. Growing complaints about that predatory pricing was one of the factors that led to ICANN's creation. NetSol established an internal "firewall" in 1998 and its wholesale prices soon dropped to $6 per domain. VeriSign acquired NetSol for $21 billion in 2000, and then sold off the registrar side of the business to private equity in 2003. more?
<http://www.circleid.com/posts/20140321_separation_or_integration_of_the_domain_name_sales_channel/>

As the ICANN Guard Changes, Taking Care of Business at Home
The U.S. Department of Commerce has announced its intent to relinquish remaining oversight over ICANN, the organization that oversees technical functions of the Internet. What does this mean for anti-cybersquatting efforts?
<http://cadna.org/blog/2014/3/17/as-the-icann-guard-changes-taking-care-of-business-at-home>

What?s Next For Internet Governance
In the wake of the Commerce Department?s announcement that it will give up control of ICANN, perhaps only one thing is certain: We, the world?s Internet users, are witnessing the dawn of a new era in Internet governance. The question is ? what will define this new era?
<http://domainnamestrategy.com/2014/03/18/whats-next-for-internet-governance/>

Public Meeting Ushers in New Era of Internet Governance
The 49th public meeting of ICANN opens in Singapore next week, and FairWinds Partners will be on the ground attending formal and informal sessions, meeting with ICANN staff, and working toward solutions on key issues of interest to our clients.
<http://gtldstrategy.com/2014/03/20/public-meeting-ushers-in-new-era-of-internet-governance/>

Fadi?s railroad: Are the I* organizations getting on board? by Brenden Kuerbis
As if on cue, a statement has emerged from the I* organizations concerning the IANA functions transition. Unfortunately, the statement outlines a plan to simply give ICANN the IANA functions; it considers accountability an afterthought.
<http://www.internetgovernance.org/2014/03/23/fadis-railroad-are-the-i-organizations-getting-on-board/>

Oops. The fly in the IANA transition ointment by Milton Mueller
In all the excitement about the IANA transition, it seems that many people, including us, have overlooked a critical fact. As far as we can tell, the NTIA is only talking about eliminating or transitioning its own ?authorization? function in the contract with ICANN. Apparently, it is not also talking about the Verisign Cooperative Agreement. In conversations at the ICANN meeting here, Commerce Department representatives indicated that the Cooperative Agreement was not part of the transition process.
<http://www.internetgovernance.org/2014/03/22/oops-the-fly-in-the-iana-transition-ointment/>

Structural separation: A key principle of IANA globalization by Brenden Kuerbis
Last Friday?s Department of Commerce announcement means that the process of globalizing the governance of the DNS root zone has officially begun. Almost immediately, ICANN began spinning the NTIA announcement to re-scope what is actually up for debate. Not surprisingly, the spin goes in a direction calculated to subtly strengthen ICANN?s position.
<http://www.internetgovernance.org/2014/03/18/structural-separation-a-key-principle-of-iana-globalization/>

The RIPE Community and the Evolution of the IANA Functions
On Friday 14 March, the United States Government announced that it intends to transition oversight of key Internet functions (including the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority, or IANA) to the global multi-stakeholder community. It has asked ICANN to facilitate, in consultation with the global multi-stakeholder community, the development of a proposal for the transition.
<http://www.ripe.net/internet-coordination/news/industry-developments/the-ripe-community-and-the-evolution-of-the-iana-functions>

News analysis: U.S. weighs pros, cons of giving up control of Internet domain name system
The United States is weighing pros and cons of giving up the control of the world's Internet domain name system as opposition to the move is getting stronger in the country.
<http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/indepth/2014-03/23/c_133207842.htm>

Former CEO Of ICANN Beckstrom: US Surrender of Internet Governance Leads to Turbulence & Risks
In an email to subscribers of his newsletter, the former CEO of ICANN Rod Beckstrom says the US surrender of Internet governance role will leadsto new turbulence and risks.
<http://www.thedomains.com/2014/03/22/former-ceo-of-icann-beckstrom-us-surrender-of-internet-governance-leads-to-turbulence-risks/>

Questions and No Answers to US Oversight transition, ICANN's Role and Future of Internet Governance by Gideon Rop
Traditionally, ICANN coordinates the IANA functions, which are key technical services critical to the continued operations of the DNS. ICANN has also evolved in its structures to use the 'Multistakeholder Model' in the dissemination of some of its functions and this has seen the creation of working groups and constituencies.
<http://www.circleid.com/posts/20140321_questions_and_no_answers_to_us_oversight_transition_icanns_role/>

Control of Internet In Spotlight At Singapore Talks [AFP]
Stakeholders meet in Singapore Monday to discuss the future of the Internet after the US said it will hand over stewardship of its technical operations to a global group including businesses and governments.(Photo credit should read SIMIN WANG/AFP/Getty Images) 2014-03-21 01:14 AM EST
<http://www.ntd.tv/en/news/world/asia-pacific/20140321/115011-control-of-internet-in-spotlight-at-singapore-talks.html>

AUC welcomes transfer of IANA functions
The African Union Commission (AUC) has welcomed the announcement of the United States Government intention to transfer the function of the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) to a ?global multi-stakeholder community?.
<http://www.biztechafrica.com/article/auc-welcomes-transfer-iana-functions/7883/>

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 - ccTLD & gTLD NEWS
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ae: TRA releases data on UAE registrar market share
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has released data on the UAE?s registrar market share, revealing the .ae domain name registration until January 2014.
<http://aeda.ae/aeda/eng/news.php?id=111>

2014 .au survey launched
AusRegistry and .au Domain Administration (auDA) today launched their latest survey in an ongoing commitment to understand the Australian Internet user and their relationship with the .au domain namespace.
<http://www.ausregistry.com.au/news/2014-au-survey-launched>
<http://www.auda.org.au/news/20140318/>

China tops 3.5 million websites [Xinhua]
The total number of websites in China had reached 3.51 million by the end of last year, huge step up since China's first website two decades ago.
<http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclass-cnt.aspx?id=20140323000072&cid=1102>

Neustar acquires .CO for $109 million
Domain name registry Neustar has acquired .CO Internet S.A.S and associated assets for $109 million, the company announced moments ago.
<http://domainnamewire.com/2014/03/20/breaking-neustar-acquires-co-for-109-million/>

Neustar to Acquire .CO Internet S.A.S.; Terms Undisclosed
Neustar has announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire .CO Internet S.A.S. and certain associated assets. .CO Internet is the exclusive operator of the worldwide registry for the .co ccTLD, which has been rebranded as a gTLD.
<http://www.domainpulse.com/2014/03/20/neustar-to-acquire-co/>
<http://www.domainnews.com/neustar-to-acquire-co.html>

Neustar pays $109 million for .CO Internet
Four years after relaunching the Colombian ccTLD .co as a global top-level domain, .CO Internet has been acquired by its long-time partner Neustar for $109 million.
<http://domainincite.com/16166-neustar-pays-109-million-for-co-internet>

Why Neustar paid $109 million for .Co and what it means for new TLDs
Neustar announced yesterday that it is paying $109 million to acquire .CO Internet, operator of the .com domain name. It?s a big price tag, and here?s how it breaks down:
<http://domainnamewire.com/2014/03/21/neustar-co-acquisition/>

It?s Onward & Upward for .CO! by Juan Diego Calle
Historic times for us at .CO: just a few days ago we signed a ?definitive agreement? whereby Neustar will become the company?s sole shareholder. I couldn?t be more proud to share this news or more excited about what the future holds in store for .CO! While this announcement may come as a surprise to some, we?ve spent the last year thoughtfully planning our long-term growth strategy. In our desire to take .CO to the next level, we are confident that now is the perfect time to join forces with Neustar.
<http://www.go.co/blog/2014/03/20/its-onward-upward-for-co/>

uk: New Registrar Agreement comes into force
Our new .uk Registrar Agreement, as published in January, has been introduced today.The new agreement offers a framework that recognises the diversity of registrar business models and outlines higher standards. From today, registrars can apply for self-managed and accredited channel partner tags, or submit information to remain a channel partner.
<http://www.nominet.org.uk/news/latest/new-registrar-agreement-comes-force>

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 - NEW TLDS
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Top Brands Who Didn't Apply for a gTLD
Some of the top tech brands who didn?t apply for a gTLD includeFacebook, Pandora, Twitter and EBay. In the consumer goods sector, companies like Kraft Foods, Coca Cola, Pepsi, KFC, Hershey, Unilever, United, American Airlines, Disney, ESPN, and Verizon didn?t apply.
<http://info.wolfedomain.com/blog/bid/375193/Top-Brands-Who-Didn-t-Apply-for-a-gTLD>

Cybersquatting an Emerging Trend in New gTLDs
It comes as no surprise to us that the launch of new gTLDs has created a robust opportunity for cybersquatting - the bad-faith registration and use of domain names confusingly similar to existing trademarks.
<http://cadna.org/blog/2014/3/17/cybersquatting-an-emerging-trend-in-new-gtlds>

First URS Cases Offer Little Guidance
As readers likely know by now, the Uniform Rapid Suspension system (URS) is a quick and low-cost dispute process available to brand owners when confronted with trademark infringement in a new gTLD. Rather than the domain being transferred to the brand owner, as is done in UDRP cases, the domain on the losing side of a URS decision is merely locked and any website content is replaced with a standard notice informing visitors that the domain has been suspended.
<http://domainnamestrategy.com/2014/03/17/first-urs-cases-offer-little-guidance/>

Territoriality Challenges in Protecting Trademark Interests in the System of gTLDs by Jesse Kim [Marquette Intellectual Property Law Review]
Abstract: Being human-friendly addresses on the Internet, domain names, such as amazon.com and cbc.ca, operate as globally unique gateways that enable consumers of products, services, and information to reach online contents. Trademarks, on the other hand, are territorial in nature and arise primarily from the need to prevent consumer confusion. The interface between the two systems in an Internet economy is such that domain names act similarly to word-marks in the trademark system, thereby functioning as quasi-trademarks.
<http://ssrn.com/abstract=2412437>

First ICANN gTLD auction slated for June 4
ICANN has published a preliminary schedule for its first new gTLD contention set auctions, which would see the first batch hit the block on June 4 this year.
<http://domainincite.com/16164-first-icann-gtld-auction-slated-for-june-4>

Closed Generics The Final Battle? by Michele Neylon
Over the past couple of years I?ve posted several times on the issue of ?closed generics?. In essence these are new TLD applications where the string is a ?generic term? AND the applicant wanted to keep all domains in the registry for their own use.
<http://www.internetnews.me/2014/03/20/closed-generics-final-battle/>

ICANN process flawed, says BBC lawyer
The slow and uncertain pace of ICANN's new gTLD application process is a major challenge for businesses interested in a new domain, according to BBC intellectual property lawyer Diane Hamer.
<http://www.worldipreview.com/news/icann-process-flawed-says-bbc-lawyer-6410>

Dot Berlin clarifies trademark list
The registry behind the .berlin gTLD has clarified the purpose of a list of trademarks that it published by mistake.
<http://www.worldipreview.com/news/dot-berlin-clarifies-trademark-list-6401>

Finishing What We Started: A Level Playing Field for New gTLDs by Mason Cole
While the Internet governance debate devours headlines, it's almost easy to forget that ICANN is in the midst of the most audacious and important policy process it has ever undertaken. And while many new gTLDs are now live, the process of ensuring the best opportunity to fulfill their potential is not yet complete. We recently reached the milestone of 280,000 registrations in the Donuts gTLDs that are currently generally available.
<http://www.circleid.com/posts/20140320_finishing_what_we_started_a_level_playing_field_for_new_gtlds/>

First IDN gTLD auction raises $181,000
TLD Registry today raised over $181,000 in ?premium? Chinese IDN domain names.
<http://domainincite.com/16169-first-idn-gtld-auction-raises-181000>

Macedonia gets Cyrillic internet domain
Macedonia now has its own national Cyrillic internet domain '.mkd' approved by ICANN, reports Kapital.
<http://www.telecompaper.com/news/macedonia-gets-cyrillic-internet-domain--1003497>

Four Reasons Why Your Nonprofit or NGO Should Register .ngo and .ong
Nonprofit?NGO? is the widely recognized acronym for describing Non-Governmental Organizations; ?ONG? has the same meaning, but it is specifically used in regions of the world that speak Romantic Languages (i.e. Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese). Why should global NGOs|ONGs choose to use the .ngo and .ong domains?
<http://pir.org/four-reasons-why-your-nonprofit-or-ngo-should-register-ngo-and-ong/>

Donuts adds another 15,000 registrations with next 5 domains
Another five of Donuts domain names reverted to ?regular? pricing today and they picked up about 15,000 registrations in the first hours, according to updated stats on nTLDStats.com.
<http://domainnamewire.com/2014/03/19/donuts-next-5-newtlds/>

Richard Branson is first URS loser
Last month I wrote about how billionaire Richard Branson had filed some cases under the new Uniform Rapid Suspension (URS) policy to suspend domains that cybersquatted his name and brands.
<http://domainnamewire.com/2014/03/20/richard-branson-is-first-urs-loser/>

CentralNic Launches .XYZ and .WIKI gTLD Sunrises
The Sunrise periods have commenced for the .xyz and .wiki gTLDs, with .xyz commencing on 20 March.
<http://www.domainpulse.com/2014/03/20/centralnic-xyz-wiki-sunrises/>
<http://www.domainnews.com/centralnic-launches-xyz-and-wiki-gtld-sunrises.html>

You can soon bag a .london domain
The rolling out of new domain suffixes continues and one of interest caught my idea today, that will be of interest to businesses located in Great Britain?s capital city. From April 29th, you can get your grubby mitts on a .london domain.
<http://tamebay.com/2014/03/you-can-soon-bag-a-london-domain.html>

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 - DNS SECURITY
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Joining Forces to Advance Protection Against the Growing Diversity of DDoS Attacks
You may have seen the news this morning that we have joined forces with Juniper Networks to provide a comprehensive, always on, DDoS solution. At Verisign, we focus on protecting companies from increasingly complex cyber threats, and this relationship should only raise the bar higher, as it will provide a different, more integrated approach than what?s used today, to help ensure faster and more efficient detection and mitigation.
<http://blogs.verisigninc.com/blog/entry/joining_forces_to_advance_protection>

Recommendations for DNSSEC deployment
A new guide from .SE, designed as an aid and tool for municipalities that have the intention to implement DNSSEC, but it also applies to other types of organisations in both the public and private sectors.
<https://www.iis.se/english/news/recommendations-for-dnssec-deployment/>

Keeping cyberspace safe
For the first time, cybersecurity has been included in the Chinese Government's annual work agenda. "We will safeguard cybersecurity," said Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in his government work report to this year's full session of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, on March 5. The report outlined the top priorities for China's development in 2014 and beyond.
<http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/2014-03/20/content_31849850.htm>

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 - DOMAIN DISPUTES & SEIZURES
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Quebec?s government loses domain dispute over Quebec.com
The Government of Quebec has lost a UDRP it filed against the domain name Quebec.com.
<http://domainnamewire.com/2014/03/19/quebec-government-domain-name/>

Richard Branson is first URS loser
Last month I wrote about how billionaire Richard Branson had filed some cases under the new Uniform Rapid Suspension (URS) policy to suspend domains that cybersquatted his name and brands.
<http://domainnamewire.com/2014/03/20/richard-branson-is-first-urs-loser/>

1st URS Denied: Panel Gets It Right & Denies URS on Branson.Guru
For the first time a Uniform Rapid Suspension (URS) complaint has been denied. URS panelist Douglas M. Isenberg Denied Virgin Enterprises URS on the domain name Branson.Guru.<
<http://www.thedomains.com/2014/03/20/1st-urs-denied-panel-gets-it-right-denies-urs-on-branson-guru/>

au: Web policy breached: Domain name buy-up not allowed
AUDA, the body in charge of .com.au websites and Australian web regulations, has ruled that a Mildura small business owner has breached its policy rules.
<http://www.sunraysiadaily.com.au/story/2167250/web-policy-breached-domain-name-buy-up-not-allowed/>

A domain investor goes to WIPO?s home in Geneva to learn more about UDRP
Last October, at the suggestion of attorneys John Berryhill and Zak Muscovitch, I flew to Geneva to attend a workshop presented by WIPO entitled WIPO Advanced Workshop on Domain Name Dispute Resolution: Update on Precedent and Practice.
<http://domainnamewire.com/2014/03/21/wipo-workshop-geneva/>

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 - MISCELLANEOUS
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Turkey?s Twitter Ban Collapse Fueled By VPNs and DNS Tricks
Friday's news that the Turkish government had banned its citizens from accessing Twitter was depressing but an opportunity to be embraced. Forewarned is forearmed, and the fact that Turks are learning how to beat censorship with VPNs and DNS tricks better prepares them for the future.
<http://torrentfreak.com/turkeys-twitter-ban-collapse-fueled-by-vpns-and-dns-tricks-140322/>

Turkey blocks Google DNS in Twitter crackdown
The Turkish government has reportedly blocked access to Google?s public DNS service from with its borders, as part of its recently instituted censorship of Twitter.
<http://domainincite.com/16175-turkey-blocks-google-dns-in-twitter-crackdown>

Report: Turkey cuts off a key Twitter workaround by blocking Google DNS
Earlier this week, the Turkish government blocked access to Twitter inside the country in response to a YouTube video that alleges Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan?s involvement in a corruption scandal. Citizens found a number of ways to circumvent the ban, but according to a new report, one of the easiest ways around the block is apparently no more.
<http://www.pcworld.com/article/2110941/report-turkey-cuts-off-a-key-twitter-workaround-by-blocking-google-dns.html>

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 - WEBHOSTING
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Security, Hybrid Cloud Present Lucrative Opportunities for Hosting Service Providers: Microsoft Study
Security could be the most lucrative cloud opportunity for web hosts over the next few years, a new report by Microsoft suggests.
<http://www.thewhir.com/web-hosting-news/security-hybrid-cloud-present-lucrative-opportunities-hosting-service-providers-microsoft-study>

in: GoDaddy expects high growth in online presence [PTI]
GoDaddy, the world's largest provider of domain name registrations, web hosting and new SSL certificates, is expecting high growth in the country as more and more small firms are keen to have own websites to support their business.
<http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/32367881.cms>

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 - DOMAINING & AFTERMARKET
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Short But Sweet: A 2-Digit Domain Sells For 7 Figures and a 4-Letter .Com Commands 6 Figures to Take Top Spots on This Week's Sales Chart
We are continuing to see some eye popping sales at the high end of the domain market. The day after last week's column came out we learned about the latest blockbuster involving 37.com and gave you all of the details about the $1,960,800 sale in a post in our Lowdown section. That huge purchase by a leading Chinese gamemaker who has been based at 37Wan.com ("wan" means play in Chinese) easily earned the spot on this week's all extension Top 20 Sales Chart.
<http://dnjournal.com/archive/domainsales/2014/20140319.htm>

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NEW TECHNOLOGIES
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Ted 2014: Larry Page on Google's robotic future
Larry Page wants patients to hand over their data to researchers in order to save "100,000 lives". It's just one of the ideas expressed in a wide-ranging interview at the Ted (Technology, Entertainment and Design) conference in Vancouver.
<http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-26658892>

Google?s Larry Page on Internet Privacy: Don?t Throw the Baby Out With the Bathwater
Google CEO Larry Page was hesitant to tell the world about the medical condition that was hurting his ability to speak, but publicly sharing his voice troubles helped him realize the value of openness. Thousands of people with similar conditions replied to him online.
<http://recode.net/2014/03/19/googles-larry-page-on-internet-privacy-dont-throw-the-baby-out-with-the-bathwater/>

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CHILD PROTECTION & ONLINE SAFETY
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au: Digital detox program to raise awareness of cyber-bullying
An Australian organisation that works with victims of bullying is calling on teenagers to participate in a 'digital detox' this weekend.
<http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-03-19/an-aust-48-hr-digital-detox-campaign/5332698>

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MOBILE/WIRELESS
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Bill Shorten urges Australians to turn off their smartphones in digital detox
Bill Shorten has joined calls for Australians to go on a ?48 hour digital detox? and ?clean the bloody garage? instead in an effort to ease the stress arising from excessive technology use.
<http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/21/bill-shorten-urges-australians-turn-off-smartphones-digital-detox>

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PRIVACY & SURVEILLANCE
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Obama to meet with U.S. tech executives on privacy, surveillance
Executives of several large U.S. Internet companies, including Google Inc and Facebook Inc, will meet with President Barack Obama on Friday to discuss changes to government surveillance programs.
<http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/03/21/usa-surveillance-obama-idINDEEA2K0DV20140321>

Microsoft Software Leak Inquiry Raises Privacy Issues
Technology companies have spent months denying they know anything about broad government spying on people who use their Internet services.
<http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/21/technology/microsofts-software-leak-case-raises-privacy-issues.html>

Microsoft tightens privacy policy after admitting to reading journalist's emails
Microsoft has tightened up its privacy policy after admitting to reading emails from a journalist?s Hotmail account while tracking down a leak.
<http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/mar/21/microsoft-tightens-privacy-policy-journalists-emails>

Yahoo, Google and Apple also claim right to read user emails
Microsoft is not unique in claiming the right to read users' emails ? Apple, Yahoo and Google all reserve that right as well, the Guardian has determined.
<http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/mar/21/yahoo-google-and-apple-claim-right-to-read-user-emails>

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CENSORSHIP
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In Turkey, Twitter Roars After Effort to Block It
It is a sign of the difficulty of banning Twitter in the age of Twitter that within hours of the Turkish government?s attempt to block the social media site, President Abdullah Gul was one of thousands of Turks who protested the ban ? using Twitter.
<http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/22/world/europe/turks-seek-to-challenge-twitter-ban.html>

Court documents reveal the online speech Turkey was trying to block
A defamation case against a blog and Twitter account critical of the prime minister?s party appears to have contributed to the Turkish Twitter ban.
<http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/wp/2014/03/21/court-documents-reveal-the-online-speech-turkey-was-trying-to-block/>

As Turkey's Erdogan has discovered, you can't turn off Twitter
Here we go again: authoritarian ruler finds that social media are making life uncomfortable for him in the run-up to elections; finds Twitter particularly annoying; instructs local authorities to shut off access for his citizens; announces that he is unbothered by international criticism of this act of censorship which, he says, will demonstrate the power of his republic.
<http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/mar/23/erdogan-turkey-twitter-ban-failure-shows-power-of-internet>

The Strange Strategy Behind Turkey's Pathetic Twitter Ban
The Turkish government blocked access to Twitter on March 20, a move that did exactly nothing to curtail use of the service. The country blocked Twitter at the DNS level, which is not a particularly sophisticated or durable move. People in Turkey are now leaving instructions on how to get around the block as graffiti on bus stops. Twitter (TWTR)instructed Turks to get to the service using text messages. The Hurriyet Daily News points to data from Twitturk, which records Twitter use in the country. The data show that the number of tweets by Turkish users remains unchanged.
<http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-03-21/the-strange-strategy-of-turkeys-failed-twitter-ban>

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GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC POLICY
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Tech firms oppose fast-tracking of Trans-Pacific Partnership [IDG]
A group of 29 technology companies has urged the U.S. Congress to reject a proposal to give President Barack Obama's administration broad authority to negotiate a controversial trade agreement with countries in the Pacific region.
<http://www.computerworld.co.nz/article/541047/tech_firms_oppose_fast-tracking_trans-pacific_partnership/>
<http://www.pcworld.com/article/2110580/tech-firms-oppose-fasttracking-of-transpacific-partnership.html>

----------------------------
David Goldstein

 email: david at goldsteinreport.com

 web:   http://goldsteinreport.com / http://davidgoldstein.tel/
 phone: +61 418 228 605 ? mobile / +61 2 9663 3430 - 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