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 *************************************************** TAS to reopen May 22. Big Reveal on for Prague? http://domainincite.com/tas-to-reopen-may-22-big-reveal-on-for-prague/ Trademark counsel urged to embrace the reality of gTLDs by Trevor Little http://www.worldtrademarkreview.com/daily/Detail.aspx?g=4f0acc15-fff2-4c8f-a7b2-8acd8215b908 ICANN affirms full refunds for pissed-off gTLD applicants, slient on new CEO http://domainincite.com/icann-affirms-full-refunds-for-pissed-off-gtld-applicants-slient-on-new-ceo/ Sedo Sells 10,000 Domains Worth $20m In First Quarter http://www.domainpulse.com/2012/05/07/sedo-10000-domains-worth-20m/ ********************** DOMAIN NAMES ********************** ********************** - ICANN ********************** TAS Interruption - Update (8 May 2012) by Akram Atallah, COO ICANN is targeting 22 May 2012 as the intended reopening date for the TLD Application System. It is anticipated that the system would remain open for five business days and close on 30 May. This takes account of the 28 May Memorial Day holiday in the United States. http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-08may12-en.htm TAS Interruption - Update (7 May 2012) by Akram Atallah, COO In recognition of the inconvenience caused by the temporary suspension of the TLD application system, ICANN will provide a full refund of the application fees paid by any new gTLD applicant that wishes to withdraw its application prior to publication of the list of applied-for new TLDs. http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-07may12-en.htm Letter from Steve Metalitz, President, IPC to ICANN Board New gTLD Program Committee "Digital Archery" Batching Method http://www.icann.org/en/news/correspondence/metalitz-to-icann-board-09may12-en Letter from Daniel L. Jaffe, Group Executive Vice President, Government Relations ANA to Rod Beckstrom Defensive Registrations for New gTLDS http://www.icann.org/en/news/correspondence/jaffe-to-beckstrom-07may12-en ********************** - ccTLD & gTLD NEWS ********************** AFNIC makes an initial assessment after opening the registration of IDNs The 3rd May, 30 new characters have been available to register domain names under the 6 ccTLDs operated by AFNIC (.fr, .re, .yt, .pm, .wf and .tf). http://www.afnic.fr/en/about-afnic/news/general-news/5935/show/afnic-makes-an-initial-assessment-after-opening-the-registration-of-idns-1.html NiRA in Fresh Strategies to Populate dot ng Domain Names The Nigerian Internet Registration Association, (NiRA) has said it is planning new strategies to beef-up the ccTLD, the dot ng domain name. http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/nira-in-fresh-strategies-to-populate-dot-ng-domain-names/115502/ NIRA budgets N11 million for infrastructure upgrade The Nigerian Internet Registration Association said it would spend N11 million on infrastructure upgrade as part of measures to achieve its target of registering 250, 000 .ng domain names by 2013. http://www.businessdayonline.com/NG/index.php/tech/telecoms/37240-nira-budgets-n11-million-for-infrastructure-upgrade Google, NiRA schemes to bring 250,000 SMEs online With over 25,000 Small and Medium Enterprises already online through the Get Nigerian Businesses online, Google and the Nigerian Internet Registration Association see huge opportunities in the sub-sector. http://www.punchng.com/business/google-nira-schemes-to-bring-250000-smes-online/ Nigeria rues slow uptake of local Internet domain name The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA), managers of Nigeria?s Internet domain name, the .ng, has expressed concern over the low rate of adoption of the online resource by its owners: Nigerians. http://www.technologytimesng.com/news/2012/05/nigeria-rues-slow-uptake-of-local-internet-domain-name/ NIRA anchors 250,000 .ng domains target on network upgrade The Nigerian Internet Registration Association said it would spend N11m on infrastructure upgrade as part of measures to achieve its tar-get of registering 250, 000 .ng do-mains by 2013. http://nationalmirroronline.net/business/business-and-finance/38939.html Internet registry targets 250,000 subscribers of .ng by 2013 AS part of efforts to deepen the adoption of Nigeria?s domain name, the .ng, Nigerian Internet Registration Association (NiRA), said that it would spend N11 million on infrastructure upgrade, in order to register 250,000 users of the country?s domain by 2013. http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=85392:internet-registry-targets-250000-subscribers-of-ng-by-2013 ICM Again Asks Court to Dismiss Manwin's Antitrust Claims For a second time, ICM Registry has asked a federal court to dismiss Manwin's antitrust claims against the .XXX operator and ICANN, saying the adult entertainment conglomerate has failed to state anticompetitive conduct. http://newswire.xbiz.com/view.php?id=148193 ICM Replies to Amended Complaint in .XXX Antitrust Lawsuit Andrea Weiss Jeffries, an attorney representing ICM in Manwin v. ICM Registry, an antitrust lawsuit brought last year by Manwin and Digital Playground against ICM and ICANN, has filed a response to Manwin's First Amended Complaint of Feb. 17. The filing was on May 8, the last day given by the court for the response. http://news.avn.com/articles/ICM-Replies-to-Amended-Complaint-in-XXX-Antitrust-Lawsuit-475202.html How to make $10,000 from .xxx domains The policy body overseeing .xxx domain names plans to dish out grants of up to $10,000 to worthy causes. http://domainincite.com/how-to-make-10000-from-xxx-domains/ ********************** - NEW TLDS ********************** ICANN extends Net domain application date -- again Meantime, some big players, including Go Daddy and Demand Media, are revealing their bets on a world beyond dot-com. http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57431082-93/icann-extends-net-domain-application-date-again/ ICANN not done with TAS bug analysis Despite sending out hundreds of notifications to new gTLD applicants today, it looks rather like ICANN?s analysis of the TLD Application System bug is not yet complete. http://domainincite.com/icann-not-done-with-tas-bug-analysis/ TAS to reopen May 22. Big Reveal on for Prague? ICANN?s bug-plagued TLD Application System will reopen on May 22 and close on May 30, according to a statement just issued by chief operating officer Akram Atallah. http://domainincite.com/tas-to-reopen-may-22-big-reveal-on-for-prague/ ICANN Targeting 22 May To Reopen TLD Application System ICANN is targeting 22 May as the intended reopening date for the TLD Application System. ICANN anticipates the system remaining open for five business days and close on 30 May. This takes account of the 28 May Memorial Day holiday in the United States. http://goldsteinreport.com/article.php?article=17684 http://www.domainpulse.com/2012/05/09/icann-reopen-tas/ Trademark counsel urged to embrace the reality of gTLDs by Trevor Little While the delayed gTLD reveal date has prevented trademark counsel attending this year?s INTA Annual Meeting from discussing the full list of applications, gTLDs remain a hot topic in DC, with ICANN stating that the TLD application system (TAS) held 2,091 applications when it was taken offline. This morning the conference opened with a call for brand owners to embrace the reality of the expanded online space. http://www.worldtrademarkreview.com/daily/Detail.aspx?g=4f0acc15-fff2-4c8f-a7b2-8acd8215b908 ICANN affirms full refunds for pissed-off gTLD applicants, slient on new CEO ICANN?s board of directors has approved full refunds for any new gTLD applicant that asks for one ? something that the organization has already been offering for over a month. http://domainincite.com/icann-affirms-full-refunds-for-pissed-off-gtld-applicants-slient-on-new-ceo/ ICANN Offers Full Refund To TLD Applicants Wanting To Withdraw ICANN has offered a full refund of application fees for any gTLD applicant that wishes to withdraw its application prior to publication of the list of applied-for new gTLDs. http://goldsteinreport.com/article.php?article=17673 http://www.domainpulse.com/2012/05/08/icann-refund-tld-applicants/ http://www.domainnews.com/en/icann-offers-full-refund-to-tld-applicants-wanting-to-withdraw.html ICANN offers refunds over gTLD system shutdown ICANN ... has offered refunds to applicants who have been inconvenienced by a shutdown of the application system. http://www.zdnet.co.uk/blogs/communication-breakdown-10000030/icann-offers-refunds-over-gtld-system-shutdown-10026106/ ICANN offers refund to top level domain applicants ICANN has responded to delays caused by a software glitch in its TLD Application System (TAS) by offering a full refund of the US$185,000 application fee back to companies and individuals. http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/423928/icann_offers_refund_top_level_domain_applicants/ http://www.techworld.com.au/article/423928/icann_offers_refund_top_level_domain_applicants/ ICANN refunds idea was a dumb move ICANN?s offer to refund 100% of applicant fees if new gTLD applicants pull their applications was a dumb move. http://domainnamewire.com/2012/05/09/icann-refunds-new-tlds/ ANA Calls for ICANN to Review and Revise Its Rejection of Defensive Registration Proposals for the TLD Expansion Program The Association of National Advertisers (ANA) has called on ICANN to provide a clear and complete analysis and review of its decision to summarily reject the proposal for a ?Do Not Sell? registry, which would address the serious concerns Internet stakeholders have about the need for ?defensive registrations? to protect their brands in the TLD expansion program. http://www.ana.net/content/show/id/23445 SIDN to manage realisation of new .amsterdam domain Dutch domains registrar SIDN has been asked by HUB Publishers to manage the technical realisation of the new .amsterdam http://www.telecompaper.com/news/sidn-to-manage-realisation-of-new-amsterdam-domain .AMSTERDAM Begins Outreach The capital of The Netherlands has begun an outreach programme to get potential applicants interested in registering their preferred domains. http://www.domainpulse.com/2012/05/08/amsterdam-begins-outreach/ Amsterdam accepts pre-registrations for city gTLD The City of Amsterdam has confirmed that it has joined the ranks of major international cities to apply to ICANN for a new gTLD. http://domainincite.com/amsterdam-accepts-pre-registrations-for-city-gtld/ City council applies to buy .amsterdam internet domain name Amsterdam city council has applied to buy new top level internet domain name .amsterdam, local broadcaster RTV Noord-Holland reports. http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2012/05/city_council_applies_to_buy_am.php Demand Media mum on $18m new gTLDs investment Demand Media has invested $18 million in new gTLDs, but it won?t disclose whether it has spent all of the money on application fees. http://domainincite.com/demand-media-mum-on-18m-new-gtlds-investment/ Demand Media Invests $18m In Its Pursuit of New gTLDs Demand Media invested $18 million in pursuit of their gTLD initiative in April, which it believes represents a complementary strategic growth opportunity for its registrar services. http://www.domainpulse.com/2012/05/10/demand-new-gtlds/ Go Daddy applying for three new gTLDs Go Daddy reportedly plans to apply for three new gTLDs, including the dot-brand .godaddy. http://domainincite.com/go-daddy-applying-for-three-new-gtlds/ DNW Interview: Go Daddy applies for .godaddy and two other TLDs Go Daddy, the world?s largest domain name registrar, has applied for three TLDs, CEO Warren Adelman told Domain Name Wire today. http://domainnamewire.com/2012/05/09/dnw-interview-go-daddy-applies-for-godaddy-and-two-other-tlds/ ********************** - DNS SECURITY ********************** Survey: Americans worry more about cybersecurity than terrorism More Americans want presidential candidates to make cybersecurity a priority than want them to focus on terrorism, according to a bi-annual survey by a computer security firm. http://www.nextgov.com/cybersecurity/2012/05/survey-americans-worry-more-about-cybersecurity-terrorism/55652/ U.S. warns of cyberattacks on gas pipeline companies U.S. gas pipeline operators have been targeted in sophisticated phishing attacks since at least December, with the Department of Homeland Security helping firms deal with the incidents since March, the DHS and an industry expert said. http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-57429617-83/u.s-warns-of-cyberattacks-on-gas-pipeline-companies/ CERT warns of targeted phishing attacks against gas pipeline firms The United States Industrial Control Systems Cyber Emergency Response Team (ICS-CERT) has issued a warning about an active "spear phishing" campaign targeting companies in the natural gas pipeline sector. http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9226960/CERT_warns_of_targeted_phishing_attacks_against_gas_pipeline_firms http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/423899/cert_warns_targeted_phishing_attacks_against_gas_pipeline_firms/ China, U.S. vow cooperation on cyber security Washington and Beijing recognize that all cyber attacks on the United States cannot be attributed to China, Chinese Defence Minister Liang Guanglie said during a visit to the Pentagon on Monday. http://in.reuters.com/article/2012/05/08/usa-china-defense-cyber-idINDEE84700O20120508 http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/05/07/oukin-uk-usa-china-idUKBRE84615E20120507 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/07/china-us-vow-cooperation-cybersecurity_n_1498245.html China denies cyber attacks aimed at the U.S. China?s defense minister denied Monday that his country was the source of cyber attacks directed at the U.S., contradicting recent assertions by the Pentagon. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/world_now/2012/05/washingtonchinas-defense-minister-denied-monday-that-his-country-was-the-source-of-cyber-attacks-directed-at-the-us.html Hackers attack space agencies Hackers referring to themselves as 'The Unknowns', have claimed responsibility for attacks on servers belonging to ten different organisations. NASA and the ESA space agencies have confirmed that an incident did take place. http://www.h-online.com/security/news/item/Hackers-attack-space-agencies-1569914.html Windows Gets Privacy Boost For DNS New open-source technology locks down the "last mile" traditionally exposed between a Windows computer and the DNS provider, especially in public WiFi networks. http://www.darkreading.com/mobile-security/167901113/security/encryption/240000080/windows-gets-privacy-boost-for-dns.html Free Tool to Encrypt DNS Requests Released for Windows [IDG] A security company specializing in the Domain Name System has released a Windows version of a tool that encrypts DNS requests, which could be spied on to reveal a user's browsing activity. http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/255357/free_tool_to_encrypt_dns_requests_released_for_windows.html ********************** - DOMAIN DISPUTES ********************** Apple grappling for iPhone 5 domain name Every morsel of iPhone 5 information is precious, especially when Apple becomes directly involved. The company filed a complaint with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) over the domain name for iphone5.com, which is currently held by a group that's using it as a message board for discussions about the new iPhone. http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/apple-grappling-for-iphone-5-domain-name-1079285 Apple angles for iPhone5.com domain The company files a complaint with the World Intellectual Property Organization over iPhone5.com, a discussion forum and domain name that it doesn't -- yet -- control. http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-57428794-37/apple-angles-for-iphone5.com-domain/ Why BuyDomains? lawsuit over FACI.com makes sense In April I wrote about how a WIPO panel ?stole? FACI.com from BuyDomains (NameMedia) in a faulty UDRP decision. I also mentioned that I hoped BuyDomains would turn to the courts to over the issue. http://domainnamewire.com/2012/05/07/why-buydomains-lawsuit-over-faci-com-make-sense/ ?If you don?t sell me your domain for $2,000, I?ll file a UDRP? ?If you don?t sell me your domain for $2,000, I?ll file a UDRP against the domain name.? That?s effectively what a United Kingdom company threatened against the owner of the domain name edgePOS.com, according to the findings of a recent UDRP decision. http://domainnamewire.com/2012/05/09/if-you-dont-sell-me-your-domain-for-2000-ill-file-a-udrp/ ********************** - IPv4/IPv6 ********************** Business Case for IPv6 - Part 1 by Juha Holkkola When discussing IPv6, it is easy to forget that we are ultimately talking about an enhanced version of an existing network protocol. Sure, it brings about a number of technical advantages. But when viewed in isolation - without a business case - there really are not that many drivers that would place IPv6 on the agenda of the top decision makers looking after budgets. For IPv6 to gain serious momentum, this has to be changed. http://www.circleid.com/posts/20120507_business_case_for_ipv6_part_1/ ********************** - MISCELLANEOUS ********************** The Numbers Game ? Trade Marks and Domain Names On the Internet there is only one thing that really matters ? prominence. It is the nexus of all factors that drive the ever-expanding cyberspace. In this world, the attention span of every visitor is measured in seconds, and the amount of traffic to a specific website measured with scientific precision. http://blogs.sun.ac.za/iplaw/2012/04/29/the-numbers-game-trade-marks-and-domain-names/ African Internet Registry Meets in Banjul The African Network Operators Group (AfNOG) Gambia Local Organising Committee (LOC) will be hosting the 13th event of the AfNOG and the 16th African Regional Internet Registry (AfriNIC) meetings from 6th to 18th May at the Kairaba Beach Hotel. http://www.foroyaa.gm/modules/news/article.php?storyid=9666 http://allafrica.com/stories/201205070939.html Demand Media Reports First Quarter 2012 Results and Raises Fiscal 2012 Guidance Demand Media, Inc., a leading content and social media company, today reported financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 and raised its previously issued fiscal 2012 financial guidance. http://ir.demandmedia.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=215358&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1693426 General Counsel Christine Jones leaving Go Daddy Christine Jones, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary for Go Daddy, will leave the company Friday after 10 years. http://domainnamewire.com/2012/05/09/christine-jones-leaving-godaddy/ ********************** - DOMAINING & AFTERMARKET ********************** Sedo Sells 10,000 Domains Worth $20m In First Quarter Sedo was responsible for more than 10,133 domain name transactions accounting for $19,641,153 in sales, the Sedo Q1 2012 Domain Market Study reports. The report also says there has been a significant shift in market dynamics with the number of Buy Now sales surpassing offer-counter offer sales for the first time and hence becoming the most popular type of transaction, accounting for almost two in five sales in quarter one 2012. http://goldsteinreport.com/article.php?article=17665 http://www.domainpulse.com/2012/05/07/sedo-10000-domains-worth-20m/ Wall Street and Virtual Space Data: Internet Domain Name Index (IDNX) Listed on Bloomberg, Reuters by Thies Lindenthal The financial industry is all about pinstripe suits, excessive Excel sheets and boring data. Or is it? Financial markets are more colorful than their reputation: take a look at Bloomberg's or Reuters' sites, and you'll see that pork belly is as much an object of investment speculation as coffee, electricity, bananas, hides, or fishmeal. Recently, the universe of data available to financial analysts and investment bankers grew further, with the addition of the Internet Domain Name Index (IDNX) to leading financial data distributors Bloomberg and Reuters. http://www.circleid.com/posts/20120507_wall_street_and_virtual_space_data_internet_domain_name_index/ ********************** SOCIAL NETWORKING ********************** How Facebook fights child porn It's hard not to be affected by an article titled "Kids Raped, Sodomized on Facebook Pages," the first of a four-part WND series about child porn and Facebook. http://news.cnet.com/8301-19518_3-57430212-238/how-facebook-fights-child-porn/ Facebook Australia users get donor feature [AAP] Australian Facebook users can link to organ donor registries and share their donor status with friends under a new feature introduced on the social networking site. http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/423896/facebook_australia_users_get_donor_feature/ Smartphones top computers for U.S. Facebook time The average time spent accessing Facebook via smartphone in the United States was 441 minutes in March, compared with 391 minutes via computer, according to comScore, underscoring the increasingly high-profile role of mobile in social networking. http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/05/07/oukin-uk-facebook-comscore-idUKBRE84617120120507 http://in.reuters.com/article/2012/05/07/facebook-comscore-mobile-idINDEE8460IT20120507 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/07/smartphones-facebook-march-2012_n_1498279.html comScore Introduces Mobile Metrix 2.0, Revealing that Social Media Brands Experience Heavy Engagement on Smartphones [news release] comScore, Inc., a leader in measuring the digital world, today announced the U.S. launch of Mobile Metrix? 2.0, its next generation mobile behavioral measurement service. Mobile Metrix 2.0 brings comScore?s Unified Digital Measurement? to smartphone devices, combining passive on-device measurement with census-level data to provide one of the most accurate and detailed views into actual U.S. mobile media usage across apps and mobile browsing. http://www.comscore.com/Press_Events/Press_Releases/2012/5/Introducing_Mobile_Metrix_2_Insight_into_Mobile_Behavior ********************************* CHILD PROTECTION & ONLINE SAFETY ********************************* Facebook Child Porn Pages: Shocking Groups Uncovered On Social Network While many people have used Facebook to do some good, a small portion of the service's 901 million diverse users has been using the social network to do the complete opposite. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/07/facebook-child-porn_n_1496530.html Child porn photos traded on Facebook in plain sight Facebook has reportedly become a source for pedophiles to trade graphic photographs. Child pornography is heavily being shared by predators on the social network. http://www.zdnet.com/blog/facebook/child-porn-photos-traded-on-facebook-in-plain-sight-report/12632 Facebook And Child Pornography: Shocking Amount Of Pedophiles Use Facebook To Share Pictures, Videos Facebook and child pornography are not words that people normally link together. In fact, Facebook, as the world?s largest social networking site, is a hotbed of ?miracle? stories, like a man who donated his kidney to save someone?s life, or even parents hoping to adopt finding the perfect child. http://www.inquisitr.com/231862/facebook-and-child-pornography-shocking-amount-of-pedophiles-use-facebook-to-share-pictures-videos/ nz: Cyber bullying insidious - Chief Coroner The Chief Coroner says bullying on mobile phones and social media is becoming a common background factor in cases of suicide. http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/105346/cyber-bullying-insidious-chief-coroner nz: Call for laws to combat cyber bullying Police, teachers and internet safety groups have spoken out in favour of new laws to combat bullying over mobile phones and social media. http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/105346/call-for-laws-to-combat-cyber-bullying nz: Live chat: Cyber bullying experts Netsafe executive director Martin Cocker and his team are joining us for a live chat on how you can identify and stop online bullies. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/connect/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501833&objectid=10804355 nz: Penny auction website warning Consumers are being warned about penny auction sites which offer free trials but may actually charge hundreds of dollars to credit cards. http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/business/6889116/Penny-auction-website-warning http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/business/6888806/Penny-auction-website-warning http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/money/6888806/Penny-auction-website-warning nz: Being bullied? Ask for help Although it may be difficult, experts say one of the first things to do if you are being bullied online or via text messaging is to ask for help. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/bullying/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503256&objectid=10804430 http://www.nzherald.co.nz/education/news/article.cfm?c_id=35&objectid=10804430 nz: Support for new laws to crack down on cyber bullying Chief coroner Judge Neil MacLean, Executive Director of Netsafe Martin Cocker and Junior Vice President of the PPTA Angela Roberts discuss support for new laws to crack down on cyber bullying. http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/20120508 http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2518039/support-for-new-laws-to-crack-down-on-cyber-bullying.asx nz: South Park video sparks school phone ban A small Golden Bay primary school has restricted cellphone use at school after a seven-year-old pupil showed others a South Park video with sexual themes. http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/6873243/South-Park-video-sparks-school-phone-ban Worried about online porn? Don't regulate the net ? regulate your kids The sight of David Cameron weighing into the "internet porn filters" debate ? in a move nicely timed to distract the Conservative press from the uncomfortable news of Tory councillors losing seats by the score ? isn't exactly one to fill the more web-savvy with confidence. http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/may/07/online-porn-regulate-kids-not-net App designed to help parents find missing children It's a parent's worst nightmare. Their child doesn't come home one evening and is missing for several days. http://in.reuters.com/article/2012/05/07/app-missing-idINDEE8460A320120507 New York High Court OKs Child-Porn Web Surfing Accessing and viewing child pornography over the internet is not necessarily a crime under New York law, the state?s highest court ruled Tuesday. http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2012/05/new-york-porn-surfing/ ********************** ONLINE TV & MUSIC ********************** Internet TV on rise as American viewers cut cable television subscriptions [AFP] Nearly three million Americans cut their cable television subscriptions last year as an increasing number turned to the Internet, a survey shows. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/media/internet-tv-on-rise-as-american-viewers-cut-cable-television-subscriptions/story-e6frg996-1226349537227 Google Tries Again with Google TV Google is, once again, making a push into your living room. http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/07/google-tries-again-with-google-tv-2/ ********************** MOBILE/WIRELESS ********************** China Telecom's Ready To Ride The 3G Revolution In China China, the world?s largest mobile phone market, recently crossed the one billion mobile connections mark in March. To put this number in perspective, the U.S. currently has just over 330 million active connections in all. http://www.forbes.com/sites/greatspeculations/2012/05/07/china-telecoms-ready-to-ride-the-3g-revolution-in-china/ Smartphones 'more secure' than credit cards Paying by smartphone is safer than a credit card ? that is the message for consumers from the financial services industry now technology to enable payment online and in stores by the phones is about to come into use. http://www.afr.com/p/national/smartphones_more_secure_than_credit_4RCAOuWoQy0epA0w4y0yDJ Telefonica unveils data-based communication app Tu Me Telefonica is launching an app that allows smartphone users to make calls and send messages without using up their quota of call minutes or texts. http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-17998106 Telefonica App Offers Apple IPhone Users Free Calls Telefonica SA, Spain?s dominant telecommunications company, is offering a free mobile communications application for users of Apple Inc.?s iPhone as it tries to stop customers switching to cheaper rivals. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-05-08/telefonica-app-offers-apple-iphone-users-free-calls.html ********************** ONLINE CRIME & LEGAL ********************** Interpol says organised gangs behind internet crime boom [AFP] Interpol president Khoo Boon Hui said on Tuesday that organised international gangs are behind most internet scams and that cyber crime's estimated cost is more than that of cocaine, heroin and marijuana trafficking put together. http://news.malaysia.msn.com/top-stories/article.aspx?cp-documentid=6296099 INTERPOL European conference builds on regional strength to combat global crimes [news release] Developing innovative solutions through building on past experience is key in identifying and addressing future crime threats, chiefs of police and ministers from throughout Europe heard on the opening day of INTERPOL?s 41st European Regional Conference in Tel Aviv. http://www.interpol.int/News-and-media/News-media-releases/2012/PR040 au: Internet piracy talks up in the air after High Court decision The federal Attorney-General's Department is struggling to keep negotiations to stop peer-to-peer internet piracy on track after the High Court cleared internet service providers of liability for the problem. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/government/internet-piracy-talks-up-in-the-air-after-high-court-decision/story-fn4htb9o-1226349229827 Cyberspace is no longer a lawless world - social media and the law A topic of much heated debate out in the online community and through the realms of cyberspace is whether there is a social media law? Although there is no Social Media Act or Social Networking Act, it is important to recognise that the laws that apply in the real world also apply in cyberspace and that what you do with social media can have real world legal consequences. http://www.mondaq.com/australia/x/176152/ Opinion: We need a revolution in copyright regime by Nick Tait, president of the Australian Computer Society After the recent High Court decision in Roadshow Films v iiNet, there have been reports of talks between Australian Federation Against Copyright Theft and the commonwealth Attorney-General's Department about changing the law and voluntary codes of conduct. The question many in the industry might ask is: where to from here? http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/opinion/we-need-a-revolution-in-copyright-regime/story-e6frgb0o-1226349223677 U.S. Jury Hands Google Mixed Verdict on Oracle In a split decision that all but guaranteed continuing litigation, a Federal District Court jury in San Francisco on Monday decided that Google infringed on the overall structure of software copyrights held by Oracle, but also said that Google had not violated other important parts of Oracle?s software known as Java. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/08/technology/google-violated-oracle-patent-jury-decides.html If Google Loses the Oracle Battle, the Internet Will Never Be the Same A jury on Monday turned in the first big verdict in the high-stakes dispute over intellectual property between Google and Oracle. Unfortunately it didn?t do much to resolve the conflict, failing to rule on a key point that would give either party a clear victory. http://mashable.com/2012/05/09/google-oracle-fair-use/ ch: Non-delivery following eBay sale is not fraud per se The Federal Supreme Court has overruled the judgment of an upper cantonal court finding a seller guilty of fraud after he sold several products that he did not possess, and subsequently did not deliver, through online auction platforms eBay.ch and ricardo.ch. http://www.internationallawoffice.com/newsletters/detail.aspx?g=4e940b37-b65a-4170-8de6-04a35df9de27 Twitter resists US court's demand for Occupy tweets Twitter is contesting a US court order ordering it to hand over the message history of one of its users. http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-18002548 au: Pell's threat to sue Twitter highlights law's use-by date A threat by Sydney's Catholic Archbishop Cardinal George Pell to sue Twitter for defamation over an offensive tweet by the Melbourne blogger Catherine Deveny has revealed the increasing threat social media poses to the reputations of public figures. http://www.theage.com.au/technology/technology-news/pells-threat-to-sue-twitter-highlights-laws-useby-date-20120508-1yb33.html http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/pells-threat-to-sue-twitter-highlights-laws-useby-date-20120508-1yb33.html au: Google sparks war of the roses The online florist Roses Only is suing a South Australian competitor, easyflowers.com.au, claiming it attempted to hijack customers by paying Google to obtain greater prominence on the search engine. http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/google-sparks-war-of-the-roses-20120508-1yb2m.html uk: Louise Mensch 'troll' is told he could face jail An internet "troll" who tried to drive the Conservative MP Louise Mensch off Twitter by sending her an email threatening the lives of her children has been warned he could be jailed for six months. http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/may/08/louise-mensch-troll-face-jail ********************** SECURITY ********************** FBI issues warning on hotel Internet connections The FBI today warned travelers there has been an uptick in malicious software infecting laptops and other devices linked to hotel internet connections. http://www.networkworld.com/news/2012/050912-fbi-internet-259125.html http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/424136/fbi_issues_warning_hotel_internet_connections/ FBI: hotel hotspots used to spread malware Wi-Fi icon Hotel internet connections and hotspots are increasingly being used to infect travellers' systems with malware. According to a report from the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) ? a partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C) ? criminals are now using pop-up windows to target travellers when they try to establish an Internet connection in their hotel rooms. http://www.h-online.com/security/news/item/FBI-hotel-hotspots-used-to-spread-malware-1571596.html Hotel internet an open door for hackers Have you ever downloaded a software update from your hotel room or a coffee shop? If your answer is yes, then you may have been hacked http://www.smh.com.au/executive-style/business-travel/hotel-internet-an-open-door-for-hackers-20120510-1yei8.html Malware Installed on Travelers' Laptops Through Software Updates on Hotel Internet Connections [news release] Recent analysis from the FBI and other government agencies demonstrates that malicious actors are targeting travelers abroad through pop-up windows while establishing an Internet connection in their hotel rooms. http://www.ic3.gov/media/2012/120508.aspx nz: Gen-Y careless in wi-fi use? In delivering the results of its latest twice-yearly Security Index survey, Unisys highlights the increasing scale of public wi-fi use, particularly by New Zealanders in the 18-34 age-group. http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/news/gen-y-careless-in-wi-fi-use Survey: Americans worry more about cybersecurity than terrorism More Americans want presidential candidates to make cybersecurity a priority than want them to focus on terrorism, according to a bi-annual survey by a computer security firm. http://www.nextgov.com/cybersecurity/2012/05/survey-americans-worry-more-about-cybersecurity-terrorism/55652/ U.S. warns of cyberattacks on gas pipeline companies U.S. gas pipeline operators have been targeted in sophisticated phishing attacks since at least December, with the Department of Homeland Security helping firms deal with the incidents since March, the DHS and an industry expert said. http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-57429617-83/u.s-warns-of-cyberattacks-on-gas-pipeline-companies/ CERT warns of targeted phishing attacks against gas pipeline firms The United States Industrial Control Systems Cyber Emergency Response Team (ICS-CERT) has issued a warning about an active "spear phishing" campaign targeting companies in the natural gas pipeline sector. http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9226960/CERT_warns_of_targeted_phishing_attacks_against_gas_pipeline_firms http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/423899/cert_warns_targeted_phishing_attacks_against_gas_pipeline_firms/ China, U.S. vow cooperation on cyber security Washington and Beijing recognize that all cyber attacks on the United States cannot be attributed to China, Chinese Defence Minister Liang Guanglie said during a visit to the Pentagon on Monday. http://in.reuters.com/article/2012/05/08/usa-china-defense-cyber-idINDEE84700O20120508 http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/05/07/oukin-uk-usa-china-idUKBRE84615E20120507 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/07/china-us-vow-cooperation-cybersecurity_n_1498245.html China denies cyber attacks aimed at the U.S. China?s defense minister denied Monday that his country was the source of cyber attacks directed at the U.S., contradicting recent assertions by the Pentagon. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/world_now/2012/05/washingtonchinas-defense-minister-denied-monday-that-his-country-was-the-source-of-cyber-attacks-directed-at-the-us.html Hackers attack space agencies Hackers referring to themselves as 'The Unknowns', have claimed responsibility for attacks on servers belonging to ten different organisations. NASA and the ESA space agencies have confirmed that an incident did take place. http://www.h-online.com/security/news/item/Hackers-attack-space-agencies-1569914.html Windows Gets Privacy Boost For DNS New open-source technology locks down the "last mile" traditionally exposed between a Windows computer and the DNS provider, especially in public WiFi networks. http://www.darkreading.com/mobile-security/167901113/security/encryption/240000080/windows-gets-privacy-boost-for-dns.html Free Tool to Encrypt DNS Requests Released for Windows [IDG] A security company specializing in the Domain Name System has released a Windows version of a tool that encrypts DNS requests, which could be spied on to reveal a user's browsing activity. http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/255357/free_tool_to_encrypt_dns_requests_released_for_windows.html ********************** PRIVACY ********************** nz: Workers' Facebook privacy warning The Privacy Commissioner is concerned at reports that employers are seeking access to job applicants' Facebook pages, and has fears that the overseas trend of making it a requirement for employment will catch on in New Zealand. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10804880 F.T.C. Charges Myspace With Breaking U.S. Law in Sharing Users? Personal Information Continuing its crackdown on Internet privacy violations, the Federal Trade Commission charged Myspace on Tuesday with violating federal law by breaching its promise not to share users? personal information, including their Web browsing habits, with advertising companies. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/09/technology/myspace-agrees-to-privacy-controls.html Myspace settles with FTC over privacy ? will Google be next? Myspace, the once-mighty social network that was ultimately toppled by Facebook, has settled a privacy investigation by the powerful Federal Trade Commission in the US over its sharing of personally identifiable information about users with advertisers. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2012/may/09/myspace-privacy-ftc-settlement Myspace Settles FTC Charges That It Misled Millions of Users About Sharing Personal Information with Advertisers [news release] Social networking service Myspace has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it misrepresented its protection of users' personal information. The settlement, part of the FTC's ongoing efforts make sure companies live up to the privacy promises they make to consumers, bars Myspace from future privacy misrepresentations, requires it to implement a comprehensive privacy program, and calls for regular, independent privacy assessments for the next 20 years. http://ftc.gov/opa/2012/05/myspace.shtm ********************** CENSORSHIP ********************** Google-Backed Scholar: Search Results Protected by the First Amendment In a Google-funded report on the constitutional rights of an Internet search, UCLA law professor?and blogger?Eugene Volokh makes a lofty claim about the legal rights of any given Google search: The weight, placement, and even omission of search results deserve the same free speech protection as the articles on the front page of The New York Times. As such, Google deserves protection against all those pesky anti-trust accusations that people have been throwing at them. If you think these ideas are a little bit hard to swallow, read on. It does make a little bit of sense. http://www.theatlanticwire.com/technology/2012/05/google-backed-scholar-search-results-protected-first-amendment/52120/ ************************** GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC POLICY ************************** Keeping the Internet Neutral Imagine a network of private highways that reserved a special lane for Fords to zip through, unencumbered by all the other brands of cars trundling along the clogged, shared lanes. Think of the prices Ford could charge. Think of what would happen to innovation when building the best car mattered less than cutting a deal with the highway?s owners. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/09/business/economy/net-neutrality-and-economic-equality-are-intertwined.html Industry Groups Push for Strong IP Protections in Pacific Trade Pact Some of the same groups that backed controversial legislation to crack down on piracy on foreign websites are urging the Obama administration to support strong intellectual property protections in a trade agreement with a group of Asia-Pacific countries. http://techdailydose.nationaljournal.com/2012/05/industry-groups-push-for-stron.php uk: Big questions remain unanswered over the government's 'snooper's charter' The coalition has pushed ahead with its plans to introduce monitoring of who is talking to whom over the internet, known as the "header" information of emails, web pages and text messages ? although Nick Clegg is insistent that it will not be rammed through parliament and that it will get plenty of scrutiny. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2012/may/09/questions-unanswered-snoopers-charter uk: Home Office promises 'strict safeguards' over privacy for new laws governing communications data monitoring New laws will be proposed to enable law enforcement and intelligence agencies to better monitor individuals' internet communications, under plans announced in the Queen's Speech. http://www.out-law.com/en/articles/2012/may/home-office-promises-strict-safeguards-over-privacy-for-new-laws-governing-communications-data-monitoring/ ACTA unlikely to come into operation, Kroes says It is not likely that a controversial anti-counterfeiting treaty will ever come into force, an EU Commissioner has said. http://www.out-law.com/en/articles/2012/may/acta-unlikely-to-come-into-operation-kroes-says/ South Africa adopts Australian iCode South Africa will adopt its own version of Australia's iCode, which will aim to tackle problem users who are unaware that their computers have become part of a botnet system. http://www.zdnet.com.au/south-africa-adopts-australian-icode-339337523.htm ********************** MISCELLANEOUS ********************** Microsoft to go carbon neutral Microsoft has committed to going carbon neutral, joining the growing list of tech companies trying to reduce their environmental footprint. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/may/08/microsoft-carbon-neutral Making Carbon Neutrality Everyone?s Responsibility at Microsoft Microsoft has a long tradition of tackling tough challenges at a global scale. We have always focused on how our technology can enrich people?s lives, build businesses, and inspire and change the world. http://blogs.technet.com/b/microsoft_blog/archive/2012/05/08/making-carbon-neutrality-everyone-s-responsibility-at-microsoft.aspx NZ Rise appoints new co-chair, lists achievements Industry group NZRise, which lobbies on behalf of New Zealand-owned IT companies, has appointed Paul Ramsay as co-chair. http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/news/nz-rise-appoints-new-co-chair-lists-achievements ********************** TELECOMMUNICATIONS ********************** New ISP to launch in New Zealand Auckland data centre company Maxnet has launched a new internet provider, FYX, that is designed to let people access online services that are not available in New Zealand, which could include online television services such as Netflix and Hulu. http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/digital-living/6879967/New-ISP-to-launch-in-New-Zealand nz/au: Opinion: A tale of two telco industries Telecommunications Carriers Forum CEO David Stone compares and contrasts the telco industries on both sides of the Tasman http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/news/opinion-a-tale-of-two-telco-industries Why Britain's broadband is heading for the slow lane The internet is a bigger part of the British economy than education, healthcare or construction. Britons generate more money online than any other G20 nation. But when it comes to high-speed broadband, the country is falling behind. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2012/may/07/broadband-britain-heading-slow-lane UK trails rivals in race for broadband, says report Its average download speed is the 16th slowest in Europe and experts warn that the country could be ?frozen out? as a result. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/broadband/9250775/UK-trails-rivals-in-race-for-broadband-says-report.html au: Sale of 4G wireless spectrum to reap $4bn for Swan's surplus The government has earmarked some $4 billion for the sale of 4G licences in digital spectrum auctions likely later this year. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/treasury/sale-of-4g-wireless-spectrum-to-reap-4bn-for-swans-surplus/story-fndbwnla-1226350366456 au: Phone companies will pay well for 4G rights Soaring demand for mobile phone services could deliver a surprise boost to next year's federal budget as Labor leaves room to reap more than the official estimate for an auction of wireless spectrum later this year. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/treasury/phone-companies-will-pay-well-for-4g-rights/story-fndbwnla-1226351394103 Deutsche Telekom faces antitrust complaint The European Commission on Tuesday accused Deutsche Telekom of breaking antitrust laws in Slovakia, where its Slovak Telekom subsidiary is believed to have abused its market position to thwart rival broadband providers. http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/a867cbc6-992c-11e1-9a57-00144feabdc0.html us: FCC chief defends review of wireless deals Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski on Tuesday defended his agency?s review of recent wireless-industry transactions, saying that ensuring competition in the wireless sector does not take away from the agency?s efforts to free up more spectrum to meet the public?s growing demand for mobile technologies. http://www.nextgov.com/mobile/2012/05/fcc-chief-defends-review-wireless-deals/55642/ ------ 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 FlanneryReceived on Thu May 10 2012 - 05:57:45 UTC
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