Don't forget to check out http://www.auda.org.au/domain-news/ for the archive of the last 3 months of the news. And see my website - http://GoldsteinReport.com/ - for daily updates in between postings. *************************************************** The domain name news is supported by auDA *************************************************** What the ICANN Brussels Meeting Means for New gTLDs by Antony Van Couvering http://www.mindsandmachines.com/2010/07/what-the-icann-brussels-meeting-means-for-new-gtlds/ Domain Transfers - Domain Hijacking - Make Your Voice Heard by Michele Neylon http://www.isquattedyour.eu/2010/07/06/domain-transfers---domain-hijacking---make-yo/ AuDA Releases Report on Draft .AU 2LD Recommendations http://goldsteinreport.com/article.php?article=11766 http://www.domainpulse.com/2010/07/06/auda-releases-report-on-draft-au-2ld-recommendations/ http://www.domainnews.com/en/auda-releases-report-on-draft-.au-2ld-recommendations.html Australia and New Zealand Internet Best Practice Awards 2010 - Open http://www.auda.org.au/news-archive/auda-06072010/ http://internetnz.net.nz/news/media-releases/2010/2010-australia-and-new-zealand-internet-best-practice-awards-entries-open Tuvalu wants more money for its internet domain http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/pacbeat/stories/201007/s2948537.htm Now Playing: .XXX. TLD Carpetbaggers Give New Meaning to "Drop and Snatch" by Violet Blue http://carnalnation.com/content/57655/1469/now-playing-xxx-tld-carpetbaggers-give-new-meaning-drop-and-snatch The Threat of Cyberwar Has Been Grossly Exaggerated by Bruce Schneier http://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2010/07/the_threat_of_c.html U.S. Plans Cyber Shield for Utilities, Companies http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704545004575352983850463108.html Domain name use not enough to keep trade mark rights alive, says German court http://out-law.com/default.aspx?page=11202 Putting IPv6 Addresses into Context by Leo Vegoda http://blog.icann.org/2010/07/putting-ipv6-addresses-into-context/ ********************** DOMAIN NAMES ********************** ********************** - ICANN ********************** Your Input Requested: Inter-Registrar Transfer Policy Part B Initial Report The Inter-Registrar Transfer Policy (IRTP) Part B Policy Development Process (PDP) Working published its Initial Report on 29 May 2010. Today a public comment forum opens for a twenty-day period as prescribed by the ICANN by-laws. The IRTP Part B WG is looking for your input on the Initial Report and in particular on the preliminary conclusions and recommendations put forward in the report, including a proposed Expedited Transfer Reverse Policy. http://icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-05jul10-en.htm Public Comment: Proposed Bylaws Amendment to Allow Remuneration of Board Chair Today, ICANN is opening up a public comment forum on proposed Bylaws amendments to allow for remuneration of the Chair of the Board. http://icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-06jul10-en.htm What the ICANN Brussels Meeting Means for New gTLDs by Antony Van Couvering ICANN's 38th get-together, in Brussels, may become known as the meeting where the dust finally began to settle. Long-standing issues were settled, compromises were reached, no-one complained too much about the latest version of the Applicant Guidebook, and the Board stood by its project plan dates, even scheduling a Board retreat to solve remaining issues. Finally, there were no surprise "gotcha!" delays that generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD) applicants have been used to seeing at ICANN meeting. With one possible exception? http://www.mindsandmachines.com/2010/07/what-the-icann-brussels-meeting-means-for-new-gtlds/ Domain Transfers - Domain Hijacking - Make Your Voice Heard by Michele Neylon ICANN's Generic Names Supporting Organisation (GNSO) has formed a working group to consider changes to the domain transfer process to enhance security and reduce hijacking. The working group consists of registrars, aftermarket players, domainers and other members of the ICANN Community. The group published its preliminary recommendations at the ICANN meeting in Brussels two weeks ago and the 20-day comment period has just begun. http://www.isquattedyour.eu/2010/07/06/domain-transfers---domain-hijacking---make-yo/ ********************** - ccTLD & gTLD NEWS ********************** AuDA Releases Report on Draft .AU 2LD Recommendations AuDA, the .AU policy and regulatory body, has released draft recommendations on the introduction of new, and reactivation of dormant, second level domains following a consultation period with interested parties in recent months. http://goldsteinreport.com/article.php?article=11766 http://www.domainpulse.com/2010/07/06/auda-releases-report-on-draft-au-2ld-recommendations/ http://www.domainnews.com/en/auda-releases-report-on-draft-.au-2ld-recommendations.html Australia and New Zealand Internet Best Practice Awards 2010 - Open auDA and Internet NZ are proud to launch the 2010 Australia and New Zealand Internet Best Practice Awards. The Awards recognise organisations, businesses, groups and individuals that have made significant contributions towards the security openness, diversity and accessibility of the internet. http://www.auda.org.au/news-archive/auda-06072010/ http://internetnz.net.nz/news/media-releases/2010/2010-australia-and-new-zealand-internet-best-practice-awards-entries-open Dubai launches Arabic domain [Gulf News] The Dubai eGovernment has launched its Dubai.emarat Arabic internet domain of the official portal of the Dubai Government and corresponds to the Latin domain Dubai.ae. http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidGN_06072010_070736/Dubai launches Arabic domain EURid Examines Domain Name Market With Insights Publications EURid have launched two new reports based on surveys, studies and research developed by EURid in cooperation with industry experts and sector leaders. The reports are: Volume 1: How Top Level Domain Customer Service and Brand Influence Customer Buying Behaviour; Volume 2: What's in a domain name extension? http://goldsteinreport.com/article.php?article=11773 http://www.domainpulse.com/2010/07/07/eurid-examines-domain-name-market-with-insights-publications/ http://www.domainnews.com/en/eurid-examines-domain-name-market-with-insights-publications.html Tuvalu wants more money for its internet domain Tuvalu wants more money for its real estate. Not terra firma real estate - but rather its own virtual patch on the Internet. Tuvalu owns the domain name dot-tv, which American company Verisign manages and sells as website addresses. It's a dispute that's gone on for years - but with new changes coming to the Internet soon, the island nation may be left stranded with little bargaining power. Tuvalu's Finance Minister Lotoala Metia and Ausregistry International CEO, Adrian Kinderis are interviewed for this story. http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/pacbeat/stories/201007/s2948537.htm http://www.abc.net.au/ra/asiapac/stories/m1895133.asx Tuvalu Unhappy With Returns on .TV from VeriSign The government of Tuvalu has voiced its displeasure at the return it has received from handing over the operation of the .TV ccTLD to VeriSign. http://www.domainpulse.com/2010/07/06/tuvalu-unhappy-with-returns-on-tv-from-verisign/ http://www.domainnews.com/en/tuvalu-unhappy-with-returns-on-.tv-from-verisign.html Tuvalu wants more $$ before .tv The government of Tuvalu is hoping to secure more funds from the owners of the ".tv" internet domain name. http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/stories/201007/2946199.htm http://australianetworknews.com/stories/201007/2946199.htm Now Playing: .XXX. TLD Carpetbaggers Give New Meaning to "Drop and Snatch" by Violet Blue What do you get when you combine a former real estate developer, an ex-employee from a scandal-ridden domain bidding business, and an ex-fax machine salesman? Your first answer probably isn't "internet pornography and child safety consultants." But that's exactly who's behind creating and curating an adults-only gated trailer park on the Internet: three unlikely startup jocks plan to make a .xxx suffix for pornographic websites, despite the fact that no one on any side of the debate wants one. http://carnalnation.com/content/57655/1469/now-playing-xxx-tld-carpetbaggers-give-new-meaning-drop-and-snatch Violet Blue on .XXX by Phillip Hallam-Baker We seem to hear quite a bit from ICM about their .xxx TLD proposal. People who might be interested in the view from the porn community might be interested in Violet Blue's article on the proposal. As you might expect, she is against and sees no real support from the porn world. She does not consider 153K defensive domain registrations as proof of demand. http://www.circleid.com/posts/violet_blue_on_xxx/ The man who stands to make $200m a year out of '.xxx porn ghetto' [Bloomberg] Stuart Lawley has Hustler magazine and the distributor of Paris Hilton's sex tape up in arms. The 47-year-old British internet entrepreneur's ICM Registry is roiling the $US13 billion pornography industry after last week winning a preliminary nod for the .xxx domain from ICANN which approves web addresses. http://www.theage.com.au/technology/technology-news/the-man-who-stands-to-make-200m-a-year-out--of-xxx-porn-ghetto-20100706-zya3.html http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/technology/technology-news/the-man-who-stands-to-make-200m-a-year-out--of-xxx-porn-ghetto-20100706-zya3.html http://www.watoday.com.au/technology/technology-news/the-man-who-stands-to-make-200m-a-year-out--of-xxx-porn-ghetto-20100706-zya3.html http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/the-man-who-stands-to-make-200m-a-year-out--of-xxx-porn-ghetto-20100706-zya3.html xxx: Can a domain name clean up the web? Pornography is the elephant in the room, as the old Joni Mitchell song doesn't go. Actually, to say that it's the elephant in the room doesn't do justice to its overwhelming dominance of the internet; it's more like the mammoth in the porch, although it may be a while before that particular phrase gains common currency. http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/features/rhodri-marsden-can-a-domain-name-clean-up-the-web-2019816.html http://www.nzherald.co.nz/technology/news/article.cfm?c_id=5&objectid=10657115 Pornography's .xxx factor Apple's Steve Jobs doesn't like pornography. Nor do parents' groups and campaigners. The new .xxx web domain, approved last week after a $10m battle, promises benefits to porn buyers and sellers, but does the internet need a red light district? http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/2010/jul/03/pornography-xxx-apple-ipad Can the .xxx domain name clean up the internet? Online pornography is certainly a subject that's rarely talked about, bearing in mind that it's the pre-eminent internet money-spinner, and that everyone spends a disproportionate amount of time either trying to avoid it or access it, depending on their moral standpoint and taste. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/technology/news/article.cfm?c_id=5&objectid=10657296 Chinese domain set to surf Domain names with Chinese characters will function in August following final approval by ICANN, the organization that administers the Internet, at a meeting in Brussels on June 25. http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90778/90860/7055780.html ********************** - DNS SECURITY ********************** The Threat of Cyberwar Has Been Grossly Exaggerated by Bruce Schneier There's a power struggle going on in the U.S. government right now. It's about who is in charge of cyber security, and how much control the government will exert over civilian networks. And by beating the drums of war, the military is coming out on top. http://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2010/07/the_threat_of_c.html U.S. Plans Cyber Shield for Utilities, Companies The federal government is launching an expansive program dubbed "Perfect Citizen" to detect cyber assaults on private companies and government agencies running such critical infrastructure as the electricity grid and nuclear-power plants, according to people familiar with the program. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704545004575352983850463108.html U.S. aims to detect cyber infrastructure attacks - WSJ The U.S. government is launching a program nicknamed "Perfect Citizen" to detect cyber assaults on private U.S. companies and government agencies running critical infrastructure, the Wall Street Journal said in its online edition. http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-49963120100708 http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE66665N20100707 DNS Platforms: A Study in Capacity and Scalability by Chuck Kisselburg Capacity and scalability are necessary in managing DNSSEC and D/DoS. Capacity, necessary for maintaining operations during D/DoS attacks, is also necessary for increased traffic due to DNSSEC deployment. http://www.circleid.com/posts/dns_platforms_a_study_in_capacity_and_scalability/ ********************** - DOMAIN DISPUTES ********************** Domain name use not enough to keep trade mark rights alive, says German court A German music festival dedicated to the work of unconventional rock musician Frank Zappa can continue to use a version of his name without infringing on the trade mark rights of his estate, a court has ruled. http://out-law.com/default.aspx?page=11202 ********************** - IPv4/IPv6 ********************** Putting IPv6 Addresses into Context by Leo Vegoda Because IPv6 is so much larger than IPv4, the IETF has been able to structure the address space more neatly. Page 1Consequently, it is easier to distinguish between different address types based on the first few characters in the address, rather than having to refer to registry, as is often the case with IPv4. http://blog.icann.org/2010/07/putting-ipv6-addresses-into-context/ What You Need to Know about IPv6 The Internet promises unlimited connectivity, but such connectivity requires that computers and devices find one another through a common address plan. The current plan, in place since the late 1970s, is running out of open addresses, and a new scheme called IPv6 is being put in place to power the Internet's next stage of growth. http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/200580/.html http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/07/AR2010070700272.html ********************** - MISCELLANEOUS ********************** Egyptian IDN Registry (dotMASR) Tenth African TLD to Deploy CoCCA Registry Software The small registry services provider CoCCA (Council of Country Code Administrators) has added the Egyptian internationalised domain name (IDN) registry (dotMasr) to its stable of registry operators who have deployed their own registry software. http://www.domainpulse.com/2010/07/05/egyptian-idn-registry-dotmasr-tenth-african-tld-to-deploy-cocca-registry-software/ http://www.domainnews.com/en/egyptian-idn-registry-dotmasr-tenth-african-tld-to-deploy-cocca-registry-software.html Zuccarini Sues NameJet, eNom, VeriSign, and Network Solutions John Zuccarini has filed a complaint against NameJet, eNom, VeriSign, and Network Solutions in U.S. District Court over the transfer and auctioning of a number of his domain names. http://domainnamewire.com/2010/07/07/zuccarini-sues-namejet-enom-verisign-and-network-solutions/ ********************** - DOMAINING & AFTERMARKET ********************** Domainer Income Platform Publicly Available With Benefits For All Domainers After many years of investment in time, energy and even some money, Simon Johnson has announced that his personal baby, Domainer Income, has gone public allowing others to profit from his years of research and experience to make money from trading in and monetising domain names. http://www.domainpulse.com/2010/07/06/domainer-income-platform-publicly-available-with-benefits-for-all-domainers/ http://www.domainnews.com/en/domainer-income-platform-publicly-available-with-benefits-for-all-domainers.html WhyPark Launches Domain Apps WhyPark has announced the launch of Domain Apps By WhyPark that they believe will allow customers to add depth, relevant engaging content and functionality, through the use of one-click installs, to domain names hosted at WhyPark as per the news release below. http://www.domainpulse.com/2010/07/07/whypark-launches-domain-apps/ ********************** REPORTS & RESEARCH PAPERS ********************** The future of social relations: supports information sharing, but make us shallow: Pew study Overview: The social benefits of internet use will far outweigh the negatives over the next decade, according to experts who responded to a survey about the future of the internet. They say this is because email, social networks, and other online tools offer ?low-friction? opportunities to create, enhance, and rediscover social ties that make a difference in people?s lives. The internet lowers traditional communications constraints of cost, geography, and time; and it supports the type of open information sharing that brings people together. http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2010/The-future-of-social-relations.aspx Mobile Access 2010: America's Mobile and Wireless Access Jump Dramatically Overview: Cell phone and wireless laptop internet use have each grown more prevalent over the last year. Nearly half of all adults (47%) go online with a laptop using a Wi-Fi connection or mobile broadband card (up from the 39% who did so as of April 2009) while 40% of adults use the internet, email or instant messaging on a mobile phone (up from the 32% of Americans who did this in 2009). This means that 59% of adults now access the internet wirelessly using a laptop or cell phone?that is, they answered ?yes? to at least one of these wireless access pathways. That adds up to an increase from the 51% who used a laptop or cell phone wirelessly in April 2009. http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2010/Mobile-Access-2010.aspx ********************** INTERNET USE ********************** uk: Amazon launches online groceries division as Ocado gears up for flotation Internet retailer Amazon piled the pressure on Ocado today with the overnight launch of a grocery division selling 22,000 products including brands such as Pampers nappies, Ariel washing powder and Pedigree Chum dog food. http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/jul/07/amazon-groceries-ocado-flotation Google and Bing search engines turn to music [Reuters] Internet search engines pride themselves as being neutral providers of information. But as competition mounts to own the connection between fans and online content, tech behemoths like Microsoft and Google increasingly are turning to their search engines to help drive their entertainment content strategies. http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/google-and-bing-search-engines-turn-to-music-2019507.html Britons admit they just can't live without home internet A computer and an internet connection at home are no longer viewed as luxuries but as essentials, according to research published today. The latest Minimum Income Standard report released by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, the social research charity, gauges what members of the public think people need to achieve a "socially acceptable standard of living". http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/jul/06/internet-access-home-essential-survey Is the Web outdated, or is it just Prince? The Internet has suffered a premature death--or at least that's what aging rocker Prince believes has happened. "The Internet [is] completely over," Prince told U.K. publication The Mirror, which published an interview with the music icon on Monday, the eve of the debut in that country of his latest CD, 20TEN. Perhaps not coincidentally the disc will be distributed in the pages of The Mirror. http://news.cnet.com/8301-31001_3-20009675-261.html Prince - world exclusive interview: Peter Willis goes inside the star's secret world ... Unlike most other rock stars, he has banned YouTube and iTunes from using any of his music and has even closed down his own official website. http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2010/07/05/prince-world-exclusive-interview-peter-willis-goes-inside-the-star-s-secret-world-115875-22382552/ ********************** SOCIAL NETWORKING ********************** Facebook Makes Headway Around the World Sergey Brin, a Google founder, takes issue with people who say Google has failed to gain a foothold in social networking. Google has had successes, he often says, especially with Orkut, the dominant service in Brazil and India. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/08/technology/companies/08facebook.html Facebook Touts Selling Power of Friendship - In Bid to Boost Revenue, Site Pitches 'Social Context' Ads to Major Marketers Facebook Inc. is trying to rev up its advertising business with a little help from your friends. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704545004575353092563126732.html Wake up, check Facebook: Americans increasingly obsessed [AFP] Americans are increasingly obsessed with Facebook and many young women check their page even before using the bathroom in the morning, according to a poll released on Wednesday. http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-technology/wake-up-check-facebook-americans-increasingly-obsessed-20100708-1010n.html http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-technology/wake-up-check-facebook-americans-increasingly-obsessed-20100708-1010n.html Social media making us 'shallow' [Scripps Howard News Service] Social networking should reduce friction between humans around the world by 2020 but our real life relationships could suffer and become more shallow, US experts say. Still, the benefits of social media should "far outweigh" the negative impacts over the next 10 years, according to the Pew Research Centre study. http://www.theage.com.au/technology/social-media-making-us-shallow-20100706-zy5u.html http://www.smh.com.au/technology/social-media-making-us-shallow-20100706-zy5u.html Blame privacy woes for stalled U.S. Facebook growth? Statistically speaking, it had to happen at some point or another: New numbers from market research outlet Inside Network say that for the first time, Facebook's U.S. traffic growth may be plateauing. http://news.cnet.com/8301-13577_3-20009868-36.html ********************** NEW TECHNOLOGIES ********************** APAC PC shipments to cross 114M in 2010 PC shipments in the Asia-Pacific region this year will grow 20.3 percent over 2009 to reach 114.6 million units, according to new predictions from Gartner. http://www.zdnetasia.com/apac-pc-shipments-to-cross-114m-in-2010-62201194.htm Gartner Says Asia Pacific PC Shipments Will Grow 20.3 Percent in 2010 [news release] The Asia Pacific personal computer (PC) market is forecast to grow 20.3 percent in 2010, reaching 114.6 million unit shipments, according to Gartner?s latest forecast. Spending on PCs in Asia Pacific is forecast to grow 12.4 percent in 2010, compared to only 2.9 percent in 2009, due to a sharper decline in average selling prices for PCs in 2009. http://www.gartner.com/it/page.jsp?id=1395013 ************************************************ CHILD PROTECTION, FILTERING & CONTENT REGULATION ************************************************ au: ISP filtering legislation on the way The federal government hopes to introduce legislation to enable its controversial internet filter by the end of the year. Communications Minister Stephen Conroy said the legislation would be this year "sooner rather than later''. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/filtering-legislation-on-the-way/story-e6frgakx-1225889109550 Gillard should halt ISP filtering plan: Greens The Greens have urged Prime Minister Julia Gillard to put the controversial ISP filtering plan on hold or risk affecting Labor's election chances. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/gillard-should-halt-isp-filtering-plan-greens/story-e6frgakx-1225889467829 au: Gillard backs internet filter Prime Minister Julia Gillard says she is happy with the policy aim of the Government's proposed internet filter, but understands there are concerns about it. http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/07/07/2946907.htm au: PM vows to block 'dark side' of net Julia Gillard says she is aware of public concerns over the mandatory internet filter interfering with ''legitimate use'' but has vowed to push ahead with the controversial proposal. http://www.theage.com.au/national/pm-vows-to-block-dark-side-of-net-20100707-100og.html Gillard to stick with web filter despite disquiet The Prime Minister will push ahead with controversial plans for a mandatory internet filter despite acknowledging public concerns that it will interfere with ''legitimate use''. http://www.theage.com.au/technology/technology-news/gillard-to-stick-with-web-filter-despite-disquiet-20100707-100qe.html http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/australia/3896943/Gillard-to-stick-with-web-filter-despite-disquiet http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/gillard-to-stick-with-web-filter-despite-disquiet-20100707-100qe.html Filter cops criticism in cyber-safety commitee Telecommunications providers and Internet advocate groups have called for more funding to educate Australian Federal Police (AFP) and state law enforcement on lawful data interception and cyber-safety. http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/352520/filter_cops_criticism_cyber-safety_commitee/ Opposition calls on Gov to head Cyber Safety Committee evidence Evidence heard at the Cyber Safety Committee roundtable in Melbourne has been cited by the Greens and the Opposition as further reason for the Federal Government to drop its controversial mandatory ISP-level filter. http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/352521/opposition_calls_gov_head_cyber_safety_committee_evidence/ Professor warns Aus firewall is undemocratic The proposed great Australian firewall is bad law and bad policy on every level, according to Professor Catharine Lumby speaking at the first conference of new international academic network Onscenity in London on Monday. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/07/07/aus_firewall_filters/ eu: Safer Internet Forum The Safer Internet Forum has been organized by the Safer Internet Programme as an annual conference on safer internet issues since 2004. It brings together representatives of industry, law enforcement authorities, child welfare organizations and policy makers. The past editions of the Safer Internet Forum have welcomed guests not only from Europe, but also from countries such as Australia, Brazil or the Russian Federation. http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/activities/sip/events/forum/index_en.htm uk: Cyber-bullies, victims face health problems Adolescent victims and perpetrators of cyber bullying tend to suffer from psychiatric and physical problems, says a new study. http://www.newkerala.com/news/fullnews-140511.html uk: Adolescent cyberbullies and their victims may have physical, mental health problems Adolescent victims and perpetrators of electronic bullying appear more likely to report having psychiatric and physical symptoms and problems, according to a report in the June issue of Archives of General Psychiatry. http://www.physorg.com/news197544862.html http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100705190542.htm us: Bill includes porn-blocking technology for federal networks The House passed this month an amendment to a supplemental spending bill that bars federal agencies from using funds for computer networks unless the systems block pornography. One information security expert called the requirement wise, but warned Congress should leave it up to agencies to specify the controls they use to prevent federal employees from downloading porn. http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20100707_9601.php us: FTC Extends COPPA Deadline The FTC announced it has extended until July 12 the deadline for those who want to submit comments on the commission's review of its rule implementing the 1998 Children's Online Privacy Protection Act. The deadline for comments had originally been set for June 30. http://techdailydose.nationaljournal.com/2010/07/ftc-extends-coppa-deadline.php FTC Extends Public Comment Period for COPPA Rule Review until July 12, 2010 The Federal Trade Commission today announced that it is extending the deadline for public comments relating to its review of the Children?s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) Rule until July 12. http://ftc.gov/opa/2010/07/coppa.shtm us: New Law Targets Cyberbullying, Sexting Any child knows what a bully is. "It's somebody who picks on you, because you're different, because they think they're cool and you're not," said 12-year-old Katy Zacarias. http://www.8newsnow.com/global/story.asp?s=12757512 us: New legislation to reduce cyberbullying at schools As technology advances, so do the modes of bullying. The world of e-mail, social networking sites, blogs, chat rooms and text messaging has created a vast audience for bullies. It is an environment where bullied children cannot escape, which is why Illinois schools are adding ?cyberbullying? and ?sexting? to student codes of conduct. http://www.journalstandard.com/news/x1609350549/New-legislation-to-reduce-cyberbullying-at-schools South Africa and online pornography: Bill sets off alarm bells in women's movement A draft Bill proposing a ban on sexual content on the internet and cellphones submitted to the South African Department of Home Affairs in May 2010 claims to have the best interests of women and children in mind but has set alarm bells ringing in the women?s movement. http://www.apc.org/en/news/south-africa-and-online-pornography-bill-sets-alar ********************** ONLINE TV & MUSIC ********************** US TV on a PC or Phone Has Some Drawbacks Trying to watch TV on the Internet is frustrating. Sure, cutting off cable service sounds promising, if only for the money you?ll save. But online TV is so fragmented and incomplete that finding a favorite show can be difficult. Watching a compete season of shows, particularly if you want those shows without paying for them, is even harder. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/08/technology/personaltech/08basics.html Google acts to fix YouTube flaw exploited by hackers YouTube has been forced to fix a flaw allowing hackers to bombard users with fake pop-up messages and redirect them to adult sites. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/10506150.stm Google confirms attack on YouTube [IDG] Malicious hackers attacked Google's YouTube on Sunday, exploiting a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability on the ultra-popular video sharing site, hitting primarily sections where users post comments. http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9178861/Google_confirms_attack_on_YouTube ********************** MOBILE/WIRELESS ********************** Microsoft makes a new push into mobile phone operating systems The tech giant, which now has a small and shrinking share of the market, plans to introduce an all-new system, Windows Phone 7, in the northern hemisphere's autumn. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-windows-phone-7-20100707,0,3011165.story Mobile Web Use and the Digital Divide The image of the affluent and white cellphone owner as the prototypical mobile Web user seems to be a mistaken one, according to a report published Wednesday by the Pew Research Center?s Internet and American Life Center. http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/07/increased-mobile-web-use-and-the-digital-divide/ Survey: Majority Of Americans Access Net Wirelessly A new survey released Wednesday finds that nearly 60 percent of Americans now access the Internet using wireless devices such as a mobile phone or a laptop computer with a Wi-Fi connection. http://techdailydose.nationaljournal.com/2010/07/survey-majority-of-americans-a.php Study: US mobile Web use growing, but still low [AP] When it comes to accessing the Web over mobile devices, Americans are far behind their Internet-connected counterparts in Japan, South Korea and parts of Europe. http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-technology/study-us-mobile-web-use-growing-but-still-low-20100708-100vw.html http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-technology/study-us-mobile-web-use-growing-but-still-low-20100708-100vw.html Hundreds of Apple customers fall victim to hacker in app scam If Apple didn't notice that 41 of its 50 top-rated e-books in the US were in Vietnamese and the work of the same, unknown publisher, then alarm bells should have sounded when customer reviews talked not of ripping yarns, but of online scams. http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/hundreds-of-apple-customers--fall-victim-to-hacker-in-app-scam-2019189.html Apple Blocks App Developer Apple said that it had banished a developer and his applications from the company?s online store after he breached the accounts of users and engaged in fraudulent purchases. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/07/technology/07apple.html Apple pulls iPhone apps after rival devs claim fraud Apple today pulled a large number of apps created by a Vietnamese iPhone developer after claims by competitors that he had pushed his software to the top of the bestseller list by purchasing them with stolen credit cards. http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9178903/Apple_pulls_iPhone_apps_after_rival_devs_claim_fraud Google Makes the iPhone YouTube App Obsolete What?s the difference between the new version of YouTube?s mobile Web site and the Apple-created YouTube application that is installed on every iPhone? The Web site is a lot better. At least that?s the subtext of a video that YouTube released as it announced the overhaul of the mobile site on Wednesday. http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/07/google-makes-the-iphone-youtube-app-obsolete/ Gartner Says Application Development Software Market in Australia and New Zealand Will Grow 6.7 Percent in 2010 [news release] Application development (AD) software revenue in Australia and New Zealand is forecast to reach US$144.5 million, an increase of 6.7 percent from 2009 revenue of US$135.4 million, according to Gartner, Inc. This is a solid increase compared with the overall forecast for worldwide growth of 0.7 percent. http://www.gartner.com/it/page.jsp?id=1394913 ********************** SPAM ********************** Spam application again spreading on Facebook A Facebook spam application spread by advertising a 'shocking' video has triggered security warnings. http://www.v3.co.uk/v3/news/2266039/spam-application-again Suspicious Facebook app may be spam launch pad [IDG] A suspicious application circulating on Facebook has attracted nearly 300,000 fans whose profiles could be used as launching pads for spam, according to a security analyst. http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9178886/Suspicious_Facebook_app_may_be_spam_launch_pad ********************** DIGITAL DIVIDE ********************** Undersea Cable Set To Boost West Africa Broadband [Reuters] An eagerly-awaited submarine cable linking West Africa to Europe has gone live, paving the way for cheaper and more reliable internet access in one of the world?s fastest-growing telecoms markets http://www.wired.com/epicenter/2010/07/undersea-cable-set-to-boost-west-africa-broadband/ ************************** ONLINE CRIME, SECURITY & LEGAL ************************** The Threat of Cyberwar Has Been Grossly Exaggerated by Bruce Schneier There's a power struggle going on in the U.S. government right now. It's about who is in charge of cyber security, and how much control the government will exert over civilian networks. And by beating the drums of war, the military is coming out on top. http://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2010/07/the_threat_of_c.html U.S. Plans Cyber Shield for Utilities, Companies The federal government is launching an expansive program dubbed "Perfect Citizen" to detect cyber assaults on private companies and government agencies running such critical infrastructure as the electricity grid and nuclear-power plants, according to people familiar with the program. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704545004575352983850463108.html U.S. aims to detect cyber infrastructure attacks - WSJ The U.S. government is launching a program nicknamed "Perfect Citizen" to detect cyber assaults on private U.S. companies and government agencies running critical infrastructure, the Wall Street Journal said in its online edition. http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-49963120100708 http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE66665N20100707 Australian online ID fraud losses explode to $1.3bn a year One in 10 Australian internet users have lost money to online identify fraud over the past year with losses totalling $1.286 billion, according to the VeriSign Online Fraud Barometer figures released today. http://www.smh.com.au/technology/security/online-id-fraud-losses-explode-to-13bn-a-year-20100705-zxbj.html http://www.theage.com.au/technology/security/online-id-fraud-losses-explode-to-13bn-a-year-20100705-zxbj.html http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/world/3888986/Australians-lose-A-1-3bn-in-online-fraud One in 10 Aussies duped on net: survey [AAP] Australians are falling victim to online identity theft at an alarming rate, a new survey suggests, costing them an estimated $1.3 billion over the past year. http://www.zdnet.com.au/one-in-10-aussies-duped-on-net-survey-339304328.htm http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/id-theft-costs-13bn-survey/story-e6frgakx-1225888567247 Online ID Fraud Claims One in 10 Australian Victims [news release] Exposing the financial harm that online identity (ID) fraud can cause average Australians, the VeriSign Online Fraud Barometer released today shows that one in 10 Australians that use the Internet (13,710,000 people) have lost an average of $1,000 to criminals and fraudster in the past twelve months. http://www.verisign.com.au/press/2010/20100706.html British man fined over fake eBay auctions A man has been fined ?3,000 and ordered to carry out 250 hours community service after fixing an online auction on eBay. Paul Barrett, 39 and from County Durham, became the first person to be convicted of shill bidding in April. http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/technology/newsid_10500000/newsid_10508900/10508913.stm EBay shill bidder fined ?3,500 A man has been fined ?3,500 and ordered to undertake 250 hours of community service after bidding on items he had listed for sale on eBay to drive up the price. It was the first prosecution in the UK for the practice known as shill bidding. http://out-law.com/page-11205 Tackling cyberthreats, championing cyberpeace ... Having been to the northern part of Africa recently to engage the public and private sectors on cybersecurity, the chairman of the International Multilateral Partnership Against Cyber Threats (Impact) is keenly aware of the continent's potential for technological progress and the challenges that accompany the developments. http://www.zdnetasia.com/tackling-cyberthreats-championing-cyberpeace-62201158.htm nz: Internet cafe owner gets home detention on piracy charges An Auckland internet cafe director found guilty of illegally reproducing and showing movies without permission has been sentenced to seven months home detention on multiple copyright offences. http://www.odt.co.nz/news/technology/114488/internet-cafe-owner-gets-home-detention-piracy-charges Singapore bank suffers massive IT failure [IDG] One of Singapore's biggest banks suffered a major IT outage on Monday that took down its computer systems for seven hours. http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9178879/Singapore_bank_suffers_massive_IT_failure http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/200506/.html ************************** PRIVACY ************************** Germany officials launch legal action against Facebook German officials have launched legal proceedings against Facebook for accessing and saving the personal data of people who do not use the site. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8798906.stm Germany launches legal action against Facebook [AP] A German data protection official said Wednesday he launched legal proceedings against Facebook, which he accused of illegally accessing and saving personal data of people who don't use the social networking site. http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/germany-launches-legal-action-against-facebook-20100708-101lz.html http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/digital-living/3896680/Germany-sues-Facebook-over-privacy http://www.theage.com.au/technology/technology-news/germany-launches-legal-action-against-facebook-20100708-101lz.html Brussels to look closely at Google probe The prospect of Google facing a European inquiry into alleged anti-competitive behaviour appeared to increase on Wednesday, with Brussels? leading competition official breaking his silence to suggest how seriously he took the issue. http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/e2e24334-89e9-11df-bd30-00144feab49a.html Behavioural advertising is fair if users can opt out, says UK privacy watchdog There is nothing "intrinsically unfair" about behavioural advertising but website operators should offer visitors the option of using their services without any activity being recorded, privacy watchdog the Information Commissioner has said. http://out-law.com/page-11207 ********************** CENSORSHIP ********************** Google's China license problem remains unresolved [IDG] After five days of waiting, Google is still in the dark about whether the company's operating license in China will be renewed. http://www.networkworld.com/news/2010/070510-googles-china-license-problem-remains.html Google's China webpage licence under review - government Google's application to renew its webpage licence in China is currently under review with no set deadline, a government official said on Wednesday. http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE6660CS20100707 http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-49932820100707 Google: still waiting for China licence decision [AFP] Google's application for renewal of its licence to operate in China, the world's largest Internet market, is still under review, a company spokeswoman and a government official said Wednesday. http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-technology/google-still-waiting-for-china-licence-decision-20100707-1007h.html http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-technology/google-still-waiting-for-china-licence-decision-20100707-1007h.html Google.cn Added ICP License Number on Monday by Rebecca MacKinnon Google.cn landing page has added an ICP license number dated 2010 Beijing News is reporting (in Chinese) that one of their reporters noticed on Monday that the Google.cn landing page has added an ICP license number dated 2010. The license number had not been there before. The reporter then confirmed with Wang Jinhong, director of public relations for Google China, that the license number had been newly added. Three other links to "Music," "Translate," and "Shopping" were also added. The report did not clarify whether the addition of the ICP license means that the Chinese authorities have renewed Google.cn's ICP license after Google announced on June 28th that it has changed the way in which users are re-directed from Google.cn to Google.com.hk. http://www.circleid.com/posts/20100705_googlecn_added_icp_license_number_on_monday/ Web blocks remain one year on for China's Uighurs [AFP] For Ruzmammat, the Internet is a crucial way of keeping in touch with his Uighur friends in China's Xinjiang region -- a lifeline that was denied to him for 10 months following deadly ethnic riots. http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-technology/web-blocks-remain-one-year-on-for-chinas-uighurs-20100706-zyde.html http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-technology/web-blocks-remain-one-year-on-for-chinas-uighurs-20100706-zyde.html China lashes out at 'vulgar' online game ads China has ordered the country's online game companies to stop promoting their products in ways that Beijing deems "vulgar", in the government's latest move to clamp down on the booming market. http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-technology/china-lashes-out-at-vulgar-online-game-ads-20100708-1020j.html http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-technology/china-lashes-out-at-vulgar-online-game-ads-20100708-1020j.html ************************** GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC POLICY ************************** BT and TalkTalk challenge Digital Economy Act BT and TalkTalk are seeking a judicial review of the controversial Digital Economy Act, BBC News has learned. The two internet service providers want the High Court to clarify the legality of the act before it is implemented. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/10542400.stm nz: Software patents ? left vs right again? The software patent debate is opening old sores associated with the change of government and government?s interface with the ICT industry. http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/news/software-patents-left-vs-right-again Greece Backs Away From Online Ad Tax Though it faces budget shortfalls and holes in its pension system, Greece has withdrawn a proposed levy on Internet advertising that aimed to finance the retirement of journalists working in online media. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/05/technology/internet/05iht-netax05.html au: Tougher online piracy rules unlikely The federal government is unlikely to impose tougher online piracy laws on internet providers. This is in spite of its intent to sign a trade pact aimed at strengthening intellectual property rights. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/tougher-online-piracy-rules-unlikely/story-e6frgakx-1225888232938 ********************************* MISCELLANEOUS ********************************* US Regulators Prepare to Dig Into Google-ITA Deal Last week, Google announced a deal to acquire ITA, a Boston-area company that makes flight information software. The move will give Google a large foothold in the online travel search market, and control over a critical data source used by many of its competitors, including Kayak.com, Orbitz.com and Microsoft?s Bing. But first comes the regulatory review. http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/06/regulators-prepare-to-dig-into-google-ita-deal/ ********************** TELECOMMUNICATIONS ********************** France Telecom seeks to conquer emerging markets [AFP] France Telecom, the owner of mobile network operator Orange, launched a strategy to "conquer" the Middle East and Africa on Monday, aiming to double sales in emerging markets. http://au.biz.yahoo.com/100705/33/2e3gx.html au: Number of complaints still too high, says watchdog Gripes against the telecommunications companies are on the slide, but the industry watchdog warns complaints remain at ''very high levels''. http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/business/number-of-complaints-still-too-high-says-watchdog-20100705-zxli.html au: Accessibility the key challenge for new Ombudsman [news release] A few weeks into the job, and the new Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman, Simon Cohen, has set his sights on ensuring the TIO reaches out to all consumers. http://tio.com.au/media_statements/RELEASES/2010/07_10_TIOTalks47.html ********************************** ARRESTS/COURT CASES FOR ONLINE CHILD PROTECTION ********************************** us: Teenage girls face child porn charges Two girls aged 13 and 14 appeared in court Monday facing several charges related to child pornography. No details of the alleged crimes were given in their brief court appearance, but the girls each face charges of making, printing or publishing child pornography, one charge of distributing or selling child pornography, two counts of sexual counsel of a minor and two counts of sexual contact with a minor. http://dailyheraldtribune.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2656188 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ (c) David Goldstein 2010 --------- David Goldstein email: goldstein_david§yahoo.com.au web: http://davidgoldstein.tel/ http://goldsteinreport.com/ phone: +61 418 228 605 - mobile; +61 2 9665 5773 - office/home "Every time you use fossil fuels, you're adding to the problem. Every time you forgo fossil fuels, you're being part of the solution" - Dr Tim FlanneryReceived on Thu Jul 08 2010 - 02:50:38 UTC
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