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 *************************************************** A Constitutional Solution for Internet Governance by Rolf H. Weber, R. Shawn Gunnarson & Kirton McConkie [Columbia Science and Technology Law Review] http://ssrn.com/abstract=2076780 India: The New Front Line in the Global Struggle for Internet Freedom http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2012/06/india-the-new-front-line-in-the-global-struggle-for-internet-freedom/258237/ New gTLD Batching Announcement http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-06jun12-en.htm auDA industry panel proposes "world-first" security standard - seeks community views http://www.auda.org.au/news-archive/auda-08062012/ Australian body proposes 'world-first' security standard for domain name registrars http://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/view/26224/australian-body-proposes-worldfirst-security-standard-for-domain-name-registrars/ AuDA cracks down on registrar system security http://www.scmagazine.com.au/News/304208,auda-cracks-down-on-registrar-system-security.aspx 'World-first' security standard set for .au http://www.zdnet.com.au/world-first-security-standard-set-for-au-339339444.htm au: Following up with 2011 ANZIA award winners http://blog.auda.org.au/2012/06/06/399/ ICANN proceeds with batching... for now by Adrian Kinderis http://www.ariservices.com/blog/icann-proceeds-with-batching?-for-now/ IPv6 Arrives, But Not Everywhere http://www.darkreading.com/security-monitoring/167901086/security/news/240001730/ipv6-arrives-but-not-everywhere.html Making the IPv4 address market in Europe more transparent by Milton Mueller http://www.internetgovernance.org/2012/06/04/making-the-ipv4-address-market-in-europe-more-transparent/ Turn off IPv6, say security experts http://www.theage.com.au/it-pro/security-it/turn-off-ipv6-say-security-experts-20120608-2002h.html World IPv6 Launch boosts morale but traffic levels remain tiny http://news.techworld.com/data-centre/3362557/world-ipv6-launch-boosts-morale-but-traffic-levels-remain-tiny/ ********************** GOVERNANCE ********************** A Constitutional Solution for Internet Governance by Rolf H. Weber, R. Shawn Gunnarson & Kirton McConkie [Columbia Science and Technology Law Review] Abstract: Internet governance has long been troubled by an unresolved problem. Its dominant organization, ICANN, suffers from inadequate accountability. ICANN holds the exclusive authority to manage the Domain Name System (?DNS?) that enables the Internet to function as a global network, and that authority is exercised by a Board of Directors whose powers are virtually unconstrained. ICANN?s exercise of unconstrained power over the Internet DNS is associated with a conspicuous gap between the accountability ICANN needs and the accountability it delivers. ICANN needs sufficient accountability, at least, to honor its written commitments and to satisfy its stakeholders? expectations. Unfortunately, ICANN?s performance falls short in both regards. http://ssrn.com/abstract=2076780 India: The New Front Line in the Global Struggle for Internet Freedom This Saturday, Indian Internet freedom advocates are planning to stage a nation-wide protest against what they see as their government's increasingly restrictive regulation of the Internet. An amorphous alliance of concerned citizens and activist hackers intend to use the streets and the Internet itself to make their opposition felt. http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2012/06/india-the-new-front-line-in-the-global-struggle-for-internet-freedom/258237/ The IGF: a bridge to nowhere? Leaderless, broke and mired in bureaucracy, the Internet Governance Forum will become an historic relic unless its supporters act http://news.dot-nxt.com/2012/06/06/igf-leader Vint Cerf: 'COMMUNISTS want to seize the INTERNET' No less a figure than Vint Cerf has been addressing the US Congress on why the UN can't be allowed to control the internet, whipping up sentiment against a supposed takeover bid and at the same time advocating something at least as controversial. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/06/07/un_vint_cert/ European telcoms defend leaked proposal for U.N. Internet tax Requiring content providers to pay based on usage is an "innovative" change to the way the Internet currently works and will create a more "fair" environment, European telecommunications companies claim. http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-57449640-83/european-telcoms-defend-leaked-proposal-for-u.n-internet-tax/ U.N. could tax U.S.-based Web sites, leaked docs show Global Internet tax suggested by European network operators, who want Apple, Google, and other Web companies to pay to deliver content, is proposed for debate at a U.N. agency in December. http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-57449375-83/u.n-could-tax-u.s.-based-web-sites-leaked-docs-show/ ********************** DOMAIN NAMES ********************** ********************** - ICANN ********************** New gTLD Batching Announcement Given the large number of new gTLD applications, we will divide and evaluate them in batches. The batching system is targeted to open at 00:01 UTC on 8 June 2012, and will close at 23:59 UTC on 28 June 2012. The target date for posting the batching order is 11 July 2012. http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-06jun12-en.htm Open-Source Reference Implementation of a Domain Name RESTful Whois Server - Responses to RFP Questions Respondents are requested to respond to the Request For Proposals. The period to submit questions about the RFP is now closed. The final response to the RFP is due on 15 June 2012. http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-08jun12-en.htm Letter from Nacho Amadoz, Chairman, ECLID, to New gTLD Programme Committee New gTLD Batching Process http://www.icann.org/en/news/correspondence/amadoz-to-new-gtld-program-committee-08jun12-en Letter from Adrian Kinderis, Chief Executive Officer, ARI Registry Services to Cherine Chalaby New gTLD Program ? Digital Archery and Batching Processes http://www.icann.org/en/news/correspondence/kinderis-to-chalaby-06jun12-en Venue has ?more reservations than bedrooms? for ICANN Prague The Hilton Prague Hotel has apologized for screwing up delegates? reservations for the June 23-28 public ICANN meeting, and has reconfirmed the reservations of those affected. http://domainincite.com/9304-venue-has-more-reservations-than-bedrooms-for-icann-prague ********************** - ccTLD & gTLD NEWS ********************** auDA industry panel proposes "world-first" security standard - seeks community views The.au Domain Administration (auDA) 2012 Industry Advisory Panel has today proposed the introduction of a mandatory security standard for all existing and potential registrars in the .au domain space, a ?world first? requirement. http://www.auda.org.au/news-archive/auda-08062012/ Australian body proposes 'world-first' security standard for domain name registrars auDA is proposing the use of a mandatory information security standard for domain name registrars, which auDA says is the ?world-first? security standard for registrars. http://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/view/26224/australian-body-proposes-worldfirst-security-standard-for-domain-name-registrars/ AuDA cracks down on registrar system security auDA is preparing to impose minimum IT security requirements on .au registrars. http://www.scmagazine.com.au/News/304208,auda-cracks-down-on-registrar-system-security.aspx 'World-first' security standard set for .au auDA is seeking comment from the domain-name industry on proposed changes to how Australian registries operate, including the use of a world-first mandatory security standard. http://www.zdnet.com.au/world-first-security-standard-set-for-au-339339444.htm au: Following up with 2011 ANZIA award winners We at auDA checked in on our 2011 ANZIA award winners to see how their win has effected their organization and what they?re up to now. http://blog.auda.org.au/2012/06/06/399/ Healthy 2011 for DNS.be 2011 was a good year for DNS.be. The financial crisis was unable to halt the increase in the number of .be domain names, generating great net growth of 11%. Confidence in .be resumed its upward trend; after a slight fall in market share over the past few years, confidence rose again from 53.7% to 57.7%. http://dns.be/en//healthy_2011_for_dnsbe2 cn: Amendment and Enforcement Announcement on CNNIC Implementing Rules of Domain Name Registration To meet the application requirements of national domain name of China by the public and further regulate the registration service and management of domain name, CNNIC recently revised the CNNIC Implementing Rules of Domain Name Registration (Implementing rules) since we made the sufficient preparation work on verification of registration information, privacy protection of registrants? information, registrar management and rights protection about national domain name of China, and meanwhile reported to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) for the record. http://www1.cnnic.cn/html/Dir/2012/05/28/6041.htm ee: Marek-Andres Kauts resigns as board member Today Marek-Andres Kauts, Chairman of the Management Board of the Estonian Internet Foundation, has reached the following agreement with the Supervisory Board of the foundation: he will continue working at the foundation until the end of July 2012 in an advisory capacity to assist in the redelegation process but is to resign as Member of the Management Board. http://www.internet.ee/eng/news/marek-andres-kauts-resigns-as-board-member FICORA intervenes in case of exceptionally large numbers of misspelled fi-domain names The Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority (FICORA) is examining hundreds of deliberately misspelled fi-domain names of Finnish companies and services. A total of 886 fi-domain names are being examined. They were applied for via a Maltese registrar but registered under a Finnish holder. https://domain.fi/info/en/index/tietoa/ajankohtaista/2012/P_29.html Federal Court of Arbitration has changed the resolution on JSC RU-CENTER's proceedings The Federal Court of Arbitration of Moscow district has reviewed an appeal filed by RU-CENTER, one of Russian registrars. The previous proceedings revolved around RU-CENTER's breach of competition laws. http://cctld.ru/en/news/news_detail.php?ID=3819 uk: The Nominet Internet Awards 2012 shortlists the best and most innovative UK internet initiatives Nominet, the not-for-profit organisation responsible for the smooth and secure running of the .uk infrastructure, today announces the shortlist of entries for the Nominet Internet Awards 2012. http://www.nominet.org.uk/news/releases/?contentId=9341 .XXX up to 137k active registrations, 220k total, and new $630k premium sale The .xxx domain name now has 137,000 active registrations, ICM Registry founder Stuart Lawley told Domain Name Wire today. http://domainnamewire.com/2012/06/07/xxx-up-to-137k-active-registrations-220k-total-and-new-630k-premium-sale/ YouPorn says ICANN not immune from .xxx antitrust YouPorn owner Manwin Licensing has rejected ICANN?s claim to be immune from antitrust liability. http://domainincite.com/9317-youporn-says-icann-not-immune-from-xxx-antitrust ********************** - NEW TLDS ********************** ICANN proceeds with batching... for now by Adrian Kinderis Yesterday, ICANN released a statement to confirm its intention to evaluate new TLD applicants in batches using the proposed timestamp system (digital archery) to determine the batches. http://www.ariservices.com/blog/icann-proceeds-with-batching?-for-now/ More Batching Updates, Process Still Complicated Yesterday, ICANN issued another announcement about the batching process for new gTLD applications. For the most part, it?s nothing we don?t already know (and haven?t already blogged about), but peppered throughout the announcement are some interesting new things to consider. http://www.gtldstrategy.com/policy-updates/more-batching-updates-process-still-complicated MarkMonitor Asks ICANN to Reconsider Batching and Allow Community to Provide Input by Elisa Cooper Yesterday, MarkMonitor sent the following letter to ICANN requesting that they 1)reconsider batching, 2) allow the community to provide guidance after the list of applications has been revealed, and 3) unambiguously clarify whether ?Digital Archery? technology solutions provided by third-parties are allowed. https://www.markmonitor.com/mmblog/markmonitor-asks-icann-to-reconsider-batching-and-allow-community-to-provide-input/ ICANN going ahead with digital archery Despite recent calls for it to slam on the brakes, ICANN is going ahead with its plans for the controversial ?digital archery? method of batching new gTLD applications. http://domainincite.com/9268-icann-going-ahead-with-digital-archery Fate of new TLD order determined by click of a button and location ICANN has provided more details about its so-called digital archery solution that will determine in which batch a new TLD application will be evaluated. http://domainnamewire.com/2012/06/07/fate-of-new-tld-order-determined-by-click-of-a-button-and-location/ Bugs and bungling slow major Internet name expansion Next week, the public will get its first look at the proposed list of new Web domains in the largest-ever expansion of the Internet's naming system. We're headed way beyond .com and .org -- get ready for .google, .sex and thousands more. http://money.cnn.com/2012/06/08/technology/ICANN-domain-expansion/index.htm Battlefield Internet: A Saga of the Year 2012 Dr Thies Lindenthal, a researcher in virtual real estate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, submits the following post to FT Alphaville. The piecemeal roll out of new virtual space is unfair, risky and detrimental to the user-acceptance of new space on the internet. http://ftalphaville.ft.com/blog/2012/06/08/1034091/battlefield-internet-a-saga-of-the-year-2012/ Unbelievably, .africa will be contested The .africa TLD may well be unique ? the only geographic gTLD to be contested. http://domainincite.com/9313-unbelievably-africa-will-be-contested Schilling applies for ?scores? of new gTLDs Domaining icon Frank Schilling?s new venture, Uniregistry, has applied for ?scores? of new gTLDs, ?most? of which he expects to be contested. http://domainincite.com/9325-schilling-applies-for-scores-of-new-gtlds Experts weigh in: what do new TLDs mean for domainers? Companies have submitted close to 2,000 applications to ICANN to run new TLDs covering everything from .app to .zippo. What will this mean for domainers as we watch a flood of TLDs hit the market in the coming years? http://domainnamewire.com/2012/06/07/experts-weigh-in-what-do-new-tlds-mean-for-domainers/ DCA Open Letter to Congress in Defense of the Status Quo on Global Internet Governance Model by Sophia Bekele As spearhead of the Yes2DotAfrica Campaign, I recently wrote a letter on behalf of DCA, to the Chairman of the United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation, Senator Jay Rockefeller which was also copied to other U.S. leaders and officials to express support for the present status quo on Global Internet Goverenance and a Reaffirmation of the Mult-stakeholder model. The full text of the letter is published in this post. http://www.circleid.com/posts/20120607_dca_letter_to_congress_defense_of_status_quo_internet_governance/ New Top-Level Domains Could Give the Internet More Structure With just days to go before the ICANN is expected to release its list of new TLD applications, news is starting to dribble out about what the list will include. http://www.nextgov.com/emerging-tech/emerging-tech-blog/2012/06/new-top-level-domains-could-give-internet-more-structure/56174/?oref=ng-dropdown Neustar Urges Caution to ICANN Before Batching by Jeff Neuman Neustar has sent the following letter to ICANN. Neustar sent the letter to urge caution to ICANN before launching the batching process to promote competition and choice for consumers in a fair and balanced manner... "Neustar has long been an advocate for the introduction of new gTLDs. Given the long and sometimes arduous road the ICANN community has traveled to get to this point in the process, we are understandably anxious to avoid unnecessary delay in the launch of new gTLDS." http://www.circleid.com/posts/20120607_neustar_urges_caution_to_icann_before_batching/ ********************** - DNS SECURITY ********************** Flame malware makers send 'suicide' code The creators of the Flame malware have sent a "suicide" command that removes it from some infected computers. Security firm Symantec caught the command using booby-trapped computers set up to watch Flame's actions. http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-18365844 Flame: UN urges co-operation to prevent global cyberwar The UN has urged countries to seek a "peaceful resolution" in cyberspace to avoid the threat of global cyberwar. http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-18351995 Industry: 'Do not use cyber threat as trade barrier' Governments could be using cyber attacks as a proxy to introduce trade protection measures, industry sources warned EurActiv, as the EU prepares to set up a new anti-cybercrime centre in the Hague. http://www.euractiv.com/infosociety/industry-use-cyber-threat-trade-news-513134 us: Compromise Cybersecurity Bill Talks Started, Lieberman Says A bipartisan group of senators is working on a compromise around U.S. cybersecurity legislation that?s been stalled over differences on whether government should set protection standards, Senator Joseph Lieberman said. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-06-07/compromise-cybersecurity-bill-being-negotiated-lieberman-says.html International security pacts vital, but trust needed Cross-border treaties to collaborate and protect against online threats growing in importance, but potential allies need trust and right incentives to ensure such agreements are effective, security observers note. http://www.zdnetasia.com/international-security-pacts-vital-but-trust-needed-62305051.htm ********************** - DOMAIN DISPUTES ********************** us: Campaign domain squatters look to 2020 If Joe Biden wants to run for president in 2020, he may have to cut Harris Swindell a check. Swindell, a computer programmer, registered Biden2020.com and Edwards2020.com after he saw a story about the sale of the domain WhiteHouse.com. At $12 a pop, Swindell's holding on to them until 2020. http://money.cnn.com/2012/06/08/technology/campaign-domain-squatters/index.htm Don?t be a Cybersquatter: How To Avoid Trademark Cybersquatting under the ACPA and UDRP. ... the whole concept of cybersquatting is something that's foreign to many people. Maybe, they've never heard the term cybersquatting before. They may register domain names for fun, or maybe even for a living without a high level understanding of cybersquatting law. And all of a sudden they find themselves being accused of cybersquatting. The last thing you want to do is be a cybersquatter. http://tcattorney.typepad.com/anticybersquatting_consum/2012/06/dont-be-a-cybersquatter-how-to-avoid-trademark-cybersquatting-under-the-acpa-and-udrp.html ********************** - IPv4/IPv6 ********************** Internet Society, Number Resource Organization, and Regional Internet Registries Reinforce Importance of IPv6 Deployment for the Future of the Internet Thousands of companies and millions of websites around the world are permanently deploying the next generation Internet Protocol, IPv6, ensuring the Internet remains open and accessible for the future. World IPv6 Launch, organized by the Internet Society, begins today and is supported by the Number Resource Organization (NRO) and the Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) who have long played a vital role in raising awareness about supporting the global deployment of IPv6. http://www.internetsociety.org/news/internet-society-number-resource-organization-and-regional-internet-registries-reinforce http://www.nro.net/news/ipv6-launch-day IPv6 Arrives, But Not Everywhere Yesterday may have been the first official day of IPv6 operation on the Internet, but not everyone is ready yet to adopt the new protocol. Only about one percent or so of the Internet is now running on IPv6 the day after the switch to the new protocol was flipped permanently. http://www.darkreading.com/security-monitoring/167901086/security/news/240001730/ipv6-arrives-but-not-everywhere.html Making the IPv4 address market in Europe more transparent by Milton Mueller Today a policy proposal that we submitted to RIPE NCC was published for comment. Policy Proposal 2012-5 wants to increase the transparency of the transfer market for IPv4 addresses by requiring the RIPE NCC to publish a record of all transfers conducted under their policy. http://www.internetgovernance.org/2012/06/04/making-the-ipv4-address-market-in-europe-more-transparent/ Turn off IPv6, say security experts World IPv6 launch day - when businesses, web hosts and equipment manufacturers were encouraged to switch from the old internet protocol version 4 to the new version 6 - came without any noticeable hitch this week, but device owners should disable the protocol until there's a compelling reason to activate it, according to two security experts. http://www.theage.com.au/it-pro/security-it/turn-off-ipv6-say-security-experts-20120608-2002h.html http://www.watoday.com.au/it-pro/security-it/turn-off-ipv6-say-security-experts-20120608-2002h.html http://www.smh.com.au/it-pro/security-it/turn-off-ipv6-say-security-experts-20120608-2002h.html http://www.canberratimes.com.au/it-pro/security-it/turn-off-ipv6-say-security-experts-20120608-2002h.html http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/it-pro/security-it/turn-off-ipv6-say-security-experts-20120608-2002h.html World IPv6 Launch boosts morale but traffic levels remain tiny Despite widespread publicity for World IPv6 Launch day earlier this week, the protocol's presence on the Internet remains painfully modest next to the domination of IPv4, Internet monitoring companies have reported. http://news.techworld.com/data-centre/3362557/world-ipv6-launch-boosts-morale-but-traffic-levels-remain-tiny/ http://www.networkworld.com/news/2012/060812-world-ipv6-launch-boosts-morale-260000.html http://www.pcworld.com/article/257214/ipv6_launch_called_mixed_success.html YouTube, Netflix, Facebook Help Double IPv6 Traffic Overnight http-web-600Was World IPv6 Day successful? The effort to prod Internet companies to adopt the newer, beefier IP-address system garnered a lot of attention, but it?s still up to companies whether or not to update their systems to the new standard. http://mashable.com/2012/06/07/ipv6-traffic-netflix/ ISOC: IPv6 is the new normal for the Internet IPv6 is the new normal for the Internet. So claims the Internet Society (ISOC) as it sums up the early results of its World IPv6 Launch Day held on Wednesday. http://www.networkworld.com/news/2012/060712-ipv6-press-conference-259979.html Launch event drives IPv6 traffic to all-time high The much-hyped World IPv6 Launch Day event on Wednesday resulted in a rise in IPv6 traffic -- including Web and email -- to a new peak as expected. But ISPs said the bigger story was the steady increase in IPv6 traffic that occurred in the months leading up to the event, which they anticipate will continue for the rest of 2012. http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/426994/launch_event_drives_ipv6_traffic_all-time_high/ Survey: IPv6 awareness remains low in Hong Kong [Computerworld Hong Kong] Public awareness of IPv6 is limited in Hong Kong while technical knowledge on the new Internet protocol is lacking, according to results of a survey released on Wednesday -- the day of World IPv6 Launch. http://news.idg.no/cw/art.cfm?id=D54EAA56-B754-D2E9-49808B7823AD264C APNIC participating in World IPv6 Launch The Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC) is a registered Website Operator participant in the World IPv6 Launch. http://www.apnic.net/publications/news/2012/world-ipv6-launch ARIN and World IPv6 Launch Day Today, as the Internet Society (ISOC) hosts "World IPv6 Launch Day", some people are hearing for the first time about the transforming change that is occurring on the Internet. https://www.arin.net/announcements/2012/20120606.html IPv4 Countdown Plan Update On 23 April 2012 during ARIN XXIX in Vancouver, Leslie Nobile, Director of Registration Services gave a presentation on ARIN's plan to manage the distribution of its remaining IPv4 address pool. https://www.arin.net/announcements/2012/20120605.html World IPv6 Launch: RIPE NCC Activities World IPv6 Launch takes place today, 6 June 2012, marking a key milestone in the development of the Internet. Major Internet service providers (ISPs), manufacturers and content providers around the world are coming together to permanently enable IPv6 for their products and services. http://www.ripe.net/internet-coordination/news/announcements/world-ipv6-launch-ripe-ncc-activities ch: World IPv6 Launch on 6 June 2012 The World IPv6 Launch is taking place on 6 June 2012. On this historic day, a large number of major Internet players will be activating IPv6 and thus officially switching on the second generation of the Internet. http://www.switch.ch/about/news/2012/world-ipv6-launch.html Czech Cities and Municipalities Lagging Behind in Implementation of IPv6 Protocol Most cities and municipalities in the Czech Republic are not adequately prepared for the transition to the new Internet protocol version 6 (IPv6). Only 15 of the 205 major cities and municipalities (with extended competence) ? or just 7.3% ? have IPv6-ready web services. http://www.nic.cz/page/1062/czech-cities-and-municipalities-lagging-behind-in-implementation-of-ipv6-protocol/ ********************** - WEBHOSTING ********************** European Commission seeks views on definition of content 'host' The European Commission has opened a consultation asking for views on what kinds of online service providers should be considered as 'hosts' of content. http://www.out-law.com/en/articles/2012/june/european-commission-seeks-views-on-definition-of-content-host/ Most Reliable Hosting Company Sites in May 2012 The most reliable hosting company during May was CWCS ? a UK-based company offering a variety of web and managed hosting services from their own data centres in Nottingham. Advertising a "100% uptime guarantee" CWCS top the chart for May after responding to all but one request. http://news.netcraft.com/archives/2012/06/06/most-reliable-hosting-company-sites-in-may-2012.html ********************** - DOMAINING & AFTERMARKET ********************** Toby Clements Closes One of the Year's Three Biggest Domain Sales to Headline This Week's Aftermarket Action Toby Clements sells a lot of domains through his popular newsletter but he really outdid himself this past week when he rung up one of the three biggest sales reported so far in 2012. He did it by brokering the $325,000 sale of BJ.com to Swiss company Finlead AG. http://www.dnjournal.com/archive/domainsales/2012/20120613.htm Moniker and SnapNames Announce Auction Catalog for Premium International and ccTLD Domain Names Moniker and SnapNames, both KeyDrive S. A. companies, published the final catalog and opened bidding for their Premium International & ccTLD Auction. Bids can be placed online now through July 1. https://www.moniker.com/domainnewsresources/news/auction_catalog_for_premium_international_and_cctld_domain_names ********************** REPORTS & RESEARCH PAPERS ********************** The ITU Treaty Negotiations: A Call for Openness and Participation by Patrick S. Ryan & Jacob Glick [North American Network Operators? Group 55th Meeting] Abstract: The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) is renegotiating its treaty with the 193 countries of the world, and it hopes to expand from the telecommunications arena into the Internet. http://ssrn.com/abstract=2077095 ********************** INTERNET USE ********************** Louis Theroux on porn: The decline of an industry The adult entertainment industry is struggling to compete with free internet alternatives - and porn stars are having to get ever more resourceful, writes Louis Theroux. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-18352421 How France fell out of love with Minitel It was France's first glimpse of an online future. But now, 30 years after it was invented, the wired experiment that foreshadowed the World Wide Web is about to lose its connection once and for all. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/how-france-fell-out-of-love-with-minitel-7831816.html How Google and Microsoft taught search to "understand" the Web Despite the massive amounts of computing power dedicated by search engine companies to crawling and indexing trillions of documents on the Internet, search engines still can't do what nearly any human can: tell the difference between a star, a 1970s TV show, and a Turkish alternative rock band. That?s because Web indexing has been based on the bare words found on webpages, not on what they mean. http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2012/06/inside-the-architecture-of-googles-knowledge-graph-and-microsofts-satori/ Bing signs Encyclopaedia Britannica for search results Microsoft has signed a deal with Encyclopaedia Britannica to add entries from the reference work to Bing. http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-18365767 Bing plugs Encyclopedia Britannica into its search results In the quest for knowledge, Microsoft's Bing announced a partnership with Encyclopedia Britannica today. Now, alongside all other results -- like Wikipedia and Web pages -- users will see a box of information with an image linking to results from Britannica's online encyclopedia. http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57449347-93/bing-plugs-encyclopedia-britannica-into-its-search-results/ Fibre will feed Australia?s need for speed - Internet in Australia to be seven times as large by 2016, says Cisco [news release] Australians will be using seven times as much internet data by 2016 than they currently use, networking giant Cisco has predicted, highlighting the importance of the National Broadband Network, NBN Co said. http://www.nbnco.com.au/news-and-events/news/internet-usage-increases.html ********************** SOCIAL NETWORKING ********************** Berners-Lee talks up online friends and a social Web The man who invented the World Wide Web says that the technology is all about being social, so people need to use it stretch themselves and the boundaries of their own personal networks. http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9227882/Berners_Lee_talks_up_online_friends_and_a_social_Web uk: Facebook forced into revealing identities of cyberbullies A woman has won court backing to force Facebook to reveal the identities of cyberbullies who targeted her with a string of abusive messages on the website. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2012/jun/08/facebook-revealing-identities-cyberbullies uk: Landmark ruling forces Facebook to drag cyberbullies into the open A woman who was subjected to "vicious and depraved" abuse on Facebook has won a High Court legal battle to have her tormentors exposed, in a case believed to be among the first in Britain. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/landmark-ruling-forces-facebook-to-drag-cyberbullies-into-the-open-7831957.html uk: Louise Mensch 'troll' fails to turn up at court for sentencing A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a 60-year-old man who sent an offensive and threatening email to the Conservative MP Louise Mensch after he failed to turn up at court. Frank Zimmerman was due to be sentenced at Cheltenham magistrates court in Gloucestershire on Friday afternoon but did not appear. http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/jun/08/louise-mensch-troll-court-sentencing uk: Facebook to release trolls' IP addresses A mother who was tormented with abusive messages by so-called online trolls has won backing from the High Court to have the identities of those who targeted her disclosed. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/facebook/9318937/Facebook-to-release-trolls-IP-addresses.html Whopping .038% of Facebook users vote on data use policy change Facebook closed the vote on its new data use policy and new statement of rights and responsibilities Friday, with a paltry 342,632 ballots cast as of a minute before closing. The vote needed 270 million participants to be binding, but falling far short of that benchmark, Facebook will use the vote tally in an advisory manner as it mulls a change over its new policies. http://arstechnica.com/business/2012/06/whopping-00038-of-facebook-users-vote-on-data-use-policy-change/ us: 49 percent of online seniors use Facebook Facebook is reportedly working on ways to let kids under age 13 join its service, and it would doubtless be good for Facebook to hook as many young people as possible. But now comes a study that shows just how important Facebook is for senior citizens. http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57449802-93/49-percent-of-online-seniors-use-facebook/ Facebook and children: With appropriate safeguards, children should be allowed to use social networks In its early days, Facebook was a hangout for college students searching for hot dates and cold beer. Now the social network is open to all ages?except, in theory, the under-13s. Children need protecting from online bullies, cyberstalkers and inappropriate pictures, runs the logic. The problem is that the under-13s can enroll on Facebook simply by lying about their age. Some of them, parents will be shocked to hear, have actually done so: 5.6m in America alone, by one estimate. The current safeguards are as effective as a ?Do not pilfer? sign on an unguarded cookie jar. It is time for a rethink. http://www.economist.com/node/21556578 Facebook and the under-13s: Small children are a big headache for the social network One American in three aged 65 or older uses social networks, says a new report by the Pew Research Centre, a think-tank. But it is the small surfers, not the silver ones, who are currently making waves. Facebook is examining ways to allow children under the age of 13 to use its service, with some form of parental supervision. If this happens?and Facebook stresses that it has not yet decided whether to go ahead?it would be a venture into uncharted territory. http://www.economist.com/node/21556628 ********************************* CHILD PROTECTION & ONLINE SAFETY ********************************* EU wants blocking agreement for child porn websites [IDG] The Council of the European Union agreed on Friday to create a Global Alliance against Child Sexual Abuse Online that envisages blocking websites "where appropriate." http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/427133/eu_wants_blocking_agreement_child_porn_websites/ http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/257211/eu_wants_blocking_agreement_for_child_porn_websites.html Fighting Cyberbullies With Laws and Laughter In what is being described as a landmark case, a British woman has secured a court order obliging Facebook to reveal the identity of ?cyberbullies? who targeted her with an online campaign of ?vicious and depraved? abuse. http://rendezvous.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/06/09/fighting-cyberbullies-with-laws-and-laughter/ ********************** ONLINE TV & MUSIC ********************** Where There's No Such Thing As An Illegal Download [Tages Anzeiger] Call it the Internet's 'Neutral Territory' - Switzerland is one of the few places in the world where Internet users can take whatever they want from the Web, regardless of the source. But creators of content are fighting back. http://worldcrunch.com/where-theres-no-such-thing-illegal-download/5513 Sources Say Intel Hard At Work On Next-Gen TV Intel is counting on facial-recognition technology for targeted ads and a team of veteran entertainment dealmakers to win over reluctant media partners for its new virtual television service. http://in.reuters.com/article/2012/06/08/intel-tv-idINDEE85702N20120608 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/08/intel-tv_n_1579792.html au/nz: iiNet: A victory for the ISP industry? The much anticipated High Court of Australia judgment in Roadshow Films v iiNet Limited has finally issued. Claire Deeks of James & Wells Intellectual Property discusses the case and considers the likely consequences of the decision in New Zealand http://www.nzlawyermagazine.co.nz/Archives/Issue184/184F1/tabid/4301/Default.aspx Piracy talks 'wasted breath': iiNet Today's discussions with rights holders, which is being held in the hopes of finding a solution to online copyright infringement, will be "wasted breath", according to iiNet. http://www.zdnet.com.au/piracy-talks-wasted-breath-iinet-339339318.htm Pirate Bay cordially accepts RIAA's quest for censorship The RIAA is calling for search engines like Google and Bing to censor all links that lead to Web sites carrying illegally copyrighted material. The Pirate Bay thinks that's swell. http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57448688-93/pirate-bay-cordially-accepts-riaas-quest-for-censorship/ O2 and Be Broadband are latest to block The Pirate Bay O2 is set to block its customers from accessing file-sharing site The Pirate Bay from 0001 BST on Friday, the internet service provider has said. http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-18358483 ********************** MOBILE/WIRELESS ********************** us: FTC tells ITC that banning iPhones, Xboxes is a bad idea The Federal Trade Commission has requested that the International Trade Commission not consider import bans against Microsoft and Apple products that infringe standards-essential patents owned by Google's Motorola Mobility subsidiary. The FTC sent a memo summarizing its position to the ITC on Thursday, noting that allowing import bans based on FRAND-encumbered patents could "cause substantial harm to US competition, consumers, and innovation." http://arstechnica.com/apple/2012/06/ftc-tells-itc-that-banning-iphones-xboxes-a-bad-idea/ Famous judge spikes Apple-Google case, calls patent system ?dysfunctional? A U.S. judge yesterday threw aside a much-anticipated trial between Apple and Google-owned Motorola Mobility over smartphone patents. The decision and a blog comment by the same judge could prove to be a watershed moment for a U.S. patent system that has spiraled out of control. http://gigaom.com/mobile/famous-judge-spikes-apple-google-case-calls-patent-system-dysfunctional/ http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/technology/famous-judge-spikes-apple-google-case-calls-patent-system-dysfunctional/2012/06/08/gJQAM1bQOV_story.html uk: Vodafone and Telefonica team up over 4G Mobile phone giants Vodafone and 02-owner Telefonica, have announced plans to create one shared grid in the UK. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-18350697 Two Carriers to Combine Mobile Forces in Britain Telef?nica and Vodafone said on Thursday that they planned to combine their wireless phone grids in Britain and jointly build a superfast network to keep pace with the market leader, Everything Everywhere, a joint venture of T-Mobile and France T?l?com. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/08/technology/telefonica-and-vodafone-to-combine-mobile-forces-in-britain.html au: Apple agrees to pay $2.25m as iPad 4G claim penalty Apple has agreed to pay more than $2 million as penalty after admitting that labelling its new iPad as 4G-compatible was likely to mislead the public. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/apple-agrees-to-pay-225m-as-ipad-4g-claim-penalty/story-e6frgakx-1226388856308 au: Apple broke laws Apple admits it misled Australian consumers and broke competition laws by calling its new iPad ''WiFi + 4G''. In fact, the device could not connect to any Australian 4G networks. http://www.theage.com.au/technology/technology-news/apple-broke-laws-20120608-201ti.html Apple to Pay Millions for Australian 4G iPad Debacle Apple is facing a penalty of more than $2 million Australian for allegedly misleading consumers by promoting the 4G capabilities of the new iPad despite its incompatibility with Australia?s sole 4G network, run by Telstra. http://allthingsd.com/20120608/apple-to-pay-millions-for-australian-4g-ipad-debacle/ iOS v Android: why Schmidt was wrong and developers still start on Apple As Apple prepares for a full week in which it will fete and educate the developers who write apps for the iPhone and iPad (and also its Mac computers) at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in San Francisco - and with Google preparing to do the same for those writing Android apps at its I/O event on 27 June - the question many are asking is: if Android phones outsell iPhones, why do developers still prefer to write for Apple first? http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/appsblog/2012/jun/10/apple-developer-wwdc-schmidt-android ********************** ONLINE CRIME & LEGAL ********************** UK's ?11bn cybercrime costs: ?16bn less than first thought A Ministry of Defence-initiated report has put the cost of cybercrime to the UK at over ?11bn per year, a much lower amount than the previous government-backed estimate of ?27bn. http://www.zdnet.co.uk/news/security-threats/2012/06/08/uks-11bn-cybercrime-costs-16bn-less-than-first-thought-40155359/ uk: Multimillion-pound cyberfraud gang jailed for selling identity theft kits Members of a gang who provided fake identities and documents to thousands of customers have been jailed following a two-and-a-half-year investigation into their multimillion-pound operation. http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/jun/09/fraud-gang-jailed-identity-theft Last.fm, EHarmony Say Passwords Stolen a Day After LinkedIn Reports Breach CBS Corp.?s Last.fm music site and the EHarmony dating service said some user passwords were stolen, a day after another online company, LinkedIn Corp., confirmed a security breach. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-06-07/last-fm-eharmony-say-passwords-stolen-following-linkedin.html nz: Hack prompts password warning Internet NZ is urging all 500,000 New Zealand members of business networking site LinkedIn to change their passwords for the website, and for other online services if they used the same password elsewhere, after a data breach was confirmed. http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/7065491/Hack-prompts-password-warning http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/business/7066330/LinkedIn-hack-prompts-password-warning nz: LinkedIn hack prompts warning for changing website passwords [ANI] A group that is dedicated to protect and promote the Internet in New Zealand has urged all 500,000 members of business networking site LinkedIn to change their passwords for the website, and for other online services if they used the same password elsewhere. http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/2012/06/08/283-LinkedIn-hack-prompts-warning-for-changing-website-passwords-.html nz: Cyber Security Awareness Week launched [news release] New Zealand?s first ever Cyber Security Awareness Week has been launched this morning by Communications and Information Technology Minister Amy Adams. http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/cyber-security-awareness-week-launched nz: Cyber-security fundamental for business The first clue something was wrong came in a panicked dawn telephone call from a friend in Dubai. Ten minutes later another upset friend called from London. ... The victim enlisted the help of online safety watchdog Netsafe who offered guidance for handling the hacked account. http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/digital-living/7075049/Cyber-security-fundamental-for-business http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/7075049/Cyber-security-fundamental-for-business/ nz: NetSafe launches Cyber Security Awareness Week Cyber crime costs New Zealand an estimated $625 million last year with more than 2,000 Kiwis affected every day by computer viruses and malware, credit card fraud, online scams, phishing and identity theft. http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?contentid=9679 NetSafe warns cyber-crime costs Kiwis $625m/year, launches new security tips site Cyber crime costs New Zealand an estimated $625 million last year, according to a survey by security company Symantec, with more than 2000 Kiwis affected every day by computer viruses and malware, credit card fraud, online scams, phishing and identity theft. http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/netsafe-warns-cyber-crime-costs-kiwis-625myear-launches-new-security-tips-site-ck-120916 nz: Cyber Security Awareness Week launched New Zealand?s first ever Cyber Security Awareness Week has been launched this morning by Communications and Information Technology Minister Amy Adams. http://www.sunlive.co.nz/news/26669-cyber-security-awareness-week-launched.html Kiwis need to stay safe online Kiwis need to do four things to improve their online security and avoid cyber threats, according to NetSafe, a government-sponsored organisation working to educate people on internet safety. http://money.msn.co.nz/businessnews/national/8481723/kiwis-need-to-stay-safe-online ********************** SECURITY ********************** Flame malware makers send 'suicide' code The creators of the Flame malware have sent a "suicide" command that removes it from some infected computers. Security firm Symantec caught the command using booby-trapped computers set up to watch Flame's actions. http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-18365844 Flame: UN urges co-operation to prevent global cyberwar The UN has urged countries to seek a "peaceful resolution" in cyberspace to avoid the threat of global cyberwar. http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-18351995 Industry: 'Do not use cyber threat as trade barrier' Governments could be using cyber attacks as a proxy to introduce trade protection measures, industry sources warned EurActiv, as the EU prepares to set up a new anti-cybercrime centre in the Hague. http://www.euractiv.com/infosociety/industry-use-cyber-threat-trade-news-513134 us: Compromise Cybersecurity Bill Talks Started, Lieberman Says A bipartisan group of senators is working on a compromise around U.S. cybersecurity legislation that?s been stalled over differences on whether government should set protection standards, Senator Joseph Lieberman said. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-06-07/compromise-cybersecurity-bill-being-negotiated-lieberman-says.html International security pacts vital, but trust needed Cross-border treaties to collaborate and protect against online threats growing in importance, but potential allies need trust and right incentives to ensure such agreements are effective, security observers note. http://www.zdnetasia.com/international-security-pacts-vital-but-trust-needed-62305051.htm ********************** PRIVACY ********************** Swiss Court Orders Modifications to Google Street View Switzerland?s highest court on Friday upheld Google?s basic right to document residential street fronts with its Street View technology, but imposed some limitations on the kinds of images the company can take. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/09/technology/09iht-google09.html Swiss court eases terms for Google's Street View Google can continue to provide its Street View service in Switzerland after a Swiss Court ruled the company was not bound to blur all faces and number plates before publishing images on the Internet. http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/06/08/oukin-uk-google-swiss-streetview-idUKBRE8570MD20120608 http://in.reuters.com/article/2012/06/08/google-swiss-streetview-idINDEE85709N20120608 Microsoft and Google play chicken over Do Not Track Microsoft and Google are playing a high-stakes game of chicken over the controversial practice of advertisers following online users' footsteps across the Internet. http://money.cnn.com/2012/06/07/technology/do-not-track/index.htm ********************** CENSORSHIP ********************** India Court Summons Top Internet Executives A trial court in India Friday moved ahead with a criminal case against Microsoft Corp., Google Inc., Facebook Inc., Yahoo! Inc. and some other entities, by issuing summons to the global executives of these companies for allegedly failing to censor objectionable content from their websites. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303753904577453612476242988.html China proposes expanding controls on Internet to include microblogs [AP] China plans to stiffen restrictions on Internet service providers as it seeks even greater control over the opinions voiced on the country?s lively microblogs and other web forums. http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/technology/china-proposes-expanding-controls-on-internet-to-include-microblogs/2012/06/07/gJQAEDRbKV_story.html China seeks public feedback for Internet law Government soliciting opinions regarding its proposed amendments to Internet law, with changes initiated in light of Web's rapid development and to safeguard national security. http://www.zdnetasia.com/china-seeks-public-feedback-for-internet-law-62305059.htm ************************** GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC POLICY ************************** us: Google Founders Slated for Questions in Antitrust Probe Google Inc. co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin are slated for questioning by U.S. antitrust regulators and hired a top Washington law firm to help them prepare for their interviews, two people familiar with the matter said. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-06-08/google-founders-slated-for-questions-in-antitrust-probe.html E.U. Antitrust Chief Sets the Clock on Google Talks Google has until the beginning of next month to indicate to the European Union's top antitrust official that it is willing to negotiate remedies to allegations of anti-competitive business practices, or else face a formal complaint and possible fines. http://techdailydose.nationaljournal.com/2012/06/eu-antitrust-chief-sets-the-cl.php Google keeps EU regulator waiting on concessions Google has yet to offer EU regulators concessions to address concerns it may have abused its market dominance, the EU's antitrust chief said on Thursday, raising the prospects of a bruising battle between the two sides. http://in.reuters.com/article/2012/06/07/eu-google-idINDEE85609M20120607 http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/06/07/uk-eu-google-idUKBRE8560PC20120607 European telcoms defend leaked proposal for U.N. Internet tax Requiring content providers to pay based on usage is an "innovative" change to the way the Internet currently works and will create a more "fair" environment, European telecommunications companies claim. http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-57449640-83/european-telcoms-defend-leaked-proposal-for-u.n-internet-tax/ U.N. could tax U.S.-based Web sites, leaked docs show Global Internet tax suggested by European network operators, who want Apple, Google, and other Web companies to pay to deliver content, is proposed for debate at a U.N. agency in December. http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-57449375-83/u.n-could-tax-u.s.-based-web-sites-leaked-docs-show/ Connecting Europe Facility: Member States reach an agreement on building our future infrastructure Siim Kallas, European Commission Vice-President responsible for transport and mobility, welcomed the efforts of the Danish Presidency and the outcome of today's Transport Council reaching a partial general approach on the initiative known as 'Connecting Europe Facility'. http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/12/583 ********************** TELECOMMUNICATIONS ********************** au: How CSIRO is using the NBN to drive research The bandwidth and breadth of deployment of the National Broadband Network (NBN) has the potential to open up new possibilities for Australian industries. http://www.techworld.com.au/article/427082/how_csiro_using_nbn_drive_research/ Bangladesh suffers internet disruption after cut cable Internet users in Bangladesh are facing major disruption to their service after a submarine cable was cut. The accident affected the SEA-ME-WE 4 optical fibre system that runs from France to Malaysia. http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-18366007 Taiwan operator calls for end of WiMax One Taiwan Mobile executive believes the government should reclaim the spectrum allocated for WiMax and use it to drive the development of long-term evolution (LTE) in the market, according to a report. http://www.zdnetasia.com/taiwan-operator-calls-for-end-of-wimax-62305046.htm ********************************** ONLINE CHILD ABUSE ARRESTS/COURT CASES ********************************** Child Porn Bust: 18 Children Saved, 190 Predators Arrested, Feds Say A joint effort by two federal agencies netted a massive number of alleged child predators. A reported 190 sexual predators were captured and 18 children were saved in the month-long operation, according to a Homeland Security news release sent to The Huffington Post. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/08/child-porn-bust-children-saved-predators-arrested_n_1581748.html U.S. crackdown on child predators nabs 190 in May Federal agents targeting child predators arrested 190 suspects in an operation during the month of May that reached across the United States and into four foreign countries, government officials said on Thursday. http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/08/us-usa-crime-children-idUSBRE85701I20120608 18 rescued in child pornography raids, feds say Eighteen victims of child pornography were rescued during a nationwide sweep by federal law enforcement agencies, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced Friday. http://edition.cnn.com/2012/06/08/justice/child-porn-raid/index.html --------- David Goldstein email: david at goldsteinreport.com 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 Mon Jun 11 2012 - 00:21:00 UTC
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