[DNS] auDA Domain News - 14 February

[DNS] auDA Domain News - 14 February

From: David Goldstein <david>
Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2013 10:05:39 +1100
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The domain name news is supported by auDA

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ICANN seeks more power over new gTLD registries
<http://domainincite.com/11850-icann-seeks-more-power-over-new-gtld-registries>

Why new top-level web domains are doomed to fail
<http://www.guardian.co.uk/media-network/media-network-blog/2013/feb/12/icanns-gtlds-internet-domain-name>

Obama cybersecurity order welcomed as step forward by internet activists
<http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2013/feb/13/obama-cybersecurity-executive-order>

Cybersecurity Executive Order Short on Action, Long on Voluntary Initiatives
<http://threatpost.com/en_us/blogs/cybersecurity-executive-order-short-action-long-voluntary-initiatives-021313>

Australia's new cyber security initiative
<http://www.allens.com.au/pubs/cmt/cutmt11feb13.htm>


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GOVERNANCE
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Who controls the Internet?
Internet governance is an important policy and governance issue that has been raised at international level. Since the World Summit on Internet Society in 2003, nations have called for a transparent, democratic and multilateral governance of the Internet.
<http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/features/weekend-life/who-controls-the-internet/article4386265.ece>

CENTR Paper on Fifth World Telecommunication/ICT Policy Forum
Many nations, particularly from the developing world, look to the ITU for advice on telecommunications issues and, increasingly, Internet governance issues. The ITU's Fifth World Telecommunication / ICT Policy Forum (WTPF-13), 14-16 May 2013, Geneva, Switzerland, will be the first WTPF to focus exclusively on Internet issues.
<https://www.centr.org/CENTR-Paper-WTPF>
<http://www.circleid.com/posts/20130213_centr_paper_on_fifth_world_telecommunication_ict_policy_forum/>

The Continuing ITU Meltdown by Anthony Rutkowski
It is rather like watching the episodes in the new season of a soap opera. When we last left the ITU at its WCIT treaty conference in Dubai in December, fifty-five nations got up and left, refusing to sign a profoundly broken scheme to regulate anything and everything related to telecommunications, information systems, and the Internet. Eighty-nine nations signed - notably Russia, China, Korea, and most of the Middle East and African countries. This G55 versus G89 split fundamentally fractured the legal basis of the ITU and the role of its standards making body.
<http://www.circleid.com/posts/20130210_the_continuing_itu_meltdown/>

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DOMAIN NAMES
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 - ICANN
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New Meeting Strategy Working Group Launched
ICANN has committed to identifying ICANN Meeting locations two years in advance.
<http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-11feb13-en.htm>

Exploring More Effective Forms of Engagement ? GNSO Non Contract Parties Gather in Los Angeles
January was a busy month for ICANN community engagement. Building on the successes of the DNS Industry CEO roundtable event and the Europe regional Registry/Registrar meeting, the Non-Contracted community of the GNSO held its first intersessional meeting in Los Angeles as well.
<http://blog.icann.org/2013/02/exploring-more-effective-forms-of-engagement-gnso-non-contract-parties-gather-in-los-angeles/>

New gTLDs Website, Renewed
As the New gTLD Program matures, so should its communications. That's why ICANN is committed to improving the microsite.
<http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-12feb13-en.htm>

Beneficiary Requirement on Letters of Credit - New gTLD Advisory
About this advisory: Based on evaluations performed to date, there are some areas that are generating a large number of clarifying questions. The intent of this advisory is to provide applicants with information to prepare in advance of receiving clarifying questions. We recommend that applicants take pro-active steps to address any relevant issues prior to receiving clarifying questions.
<http://newgtlds.icann.org/en/applicants/advisories/loc-beneficiary-requirement-05feb13-en>

ICANN terminates three registrars
ICANN has pulled the plug on three accredited domain name registrars, saying they all failed to comply with an audit.
<http://domainincite.com/11846-icann-terminates-three-registrars>

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 - ccTLD & gTLD NEWS
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.FO Joins as Newest Member of the ccNSO
The Council of the country code Names Supporting Organisation (ccNSO) today approved FO Council, the ccTLD operator of .fo (Faroe Islands), as a new ccNSO member.
<http://ccnso.icann.org/announcements/announcement-08feb13-en.htm>

it: A ?Net? of relations
A thousand relations that put together and ?do? the Net. This is the topic of the last issue of Focus .it. Examined, far, practical, real and unreal. Complex, on the borderline and, no less than, ? ?artistic performance? relations! And even though we start from a diatribe still current between ?apocalyptic and integrated? - respectively between who asserts that the Internet is simply the ?last god? and who asserts that the ?we are the net? - we realize that the world is necessarily digital (although many Italians still love the television and the digital divide is one of the real problem of Italy). ?There is no virtual world and real world. There is the world and the Internet as a means of communication?.
<http://www.nic.it/documenti/sala-stampa/NEWSLETTER%20N.%2022.pdf>

How .pw signed up more launch registrars than .xxx
Directi has signed up more registrars for its launch of the .pw TLD than .xxx managed a year ago, crediting pricing and ?operating in new gTLD mode? for its progress.
<http://domainincite.com/11838-how-pw-signed-up-more-launch-registrars-than-xxx>

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 - NEW TLDS
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Letter to Fadi Chehad?, ICANN CEO and Dr. Stephen Crocker, ICANN Board Chairman regarding financial support for governments filing new gTLD objections.
<https://gacweb.icann.org/download/attachments/4817665/GAC+Letter+to+ICANN_new+gTLD+objection+funds_20130211.pdf>

The GAC received a letter from the ICANN Board regarding the High Level Meeting which was held during the Toronto GAC meetings in October 2012. The letter is posted here: Letter from Steve Crocker to the GAC
<https://gacweb.icann.org/download/attachments/18645106/Crocker+to+GAC_HLM_Jan-25-13.pdf>

For further information on the High Level Meeting, such as the agenda and the Chair's Summary Report please visit the Toronto High Level Meeting page here.
<https://gacweb.icann.org/display/gacweb/Meeting+45%3A+Toronto%2C+Canada%2C+14-19+October+2012+-+High+Level+Meeting>

ICANN seeks more power over new gTLD registries
When ICANN published a new draft of its basic Registry Agreement for wannabe new gTLD operators last week, much of the focus was on the new Public Interest Commitments mechanism, but a whole bunch of other big changes were also proposed.
<http://domainincite.com/11850-icann-seeks-more-power-over-new-gtld-registries>

Why new top-level web domains are doomed to fail
Launch of new gTLDs represents a major change to the internet, but they are unlikely to threaten the existing marketplace
<http://www.guardian.co.uk/media-network/media-network-blog/2013/feb/12/icanns-gtlds-internet-domain-name>

Rick Schwartz Sounds Off on New gTLDs and the Key Difference Between Them and .Com
... Before I left for the show, domain pioneer Rick Schwartz, co-founder of the T.R.A.F.F.I.C. conference, shared his new gTLD view with me while I was conducting interviews for our January State of the Industry Cover Story. Some of his comments were included in that article, but due to space constraints in that wide ranging article, I held some others that I can share with you now.
<http://www.dnjournal.com/archive/lowdown/2013/dailyposts/20130212.htm>

What do we do now that the world didn?t end in 2012?
The countdown to the launch of the new gTLDs and the surrounding uncertainty about whether the potential commercial benefits will outweigh the perceived burdens, has begun. Is your company ready
<http://www.mwe.com/What-Do-We-Do-Now-that-the-World-Didnt-End-in-2012-02-07-2013/>

Your Top 5 Questions About The New gTLD Domain Extensions, Answered
Do you know what new gTLDs are? That?s the question I posed to a room filled with marketers and SEO experts at a recent SMX event. Only three of around 40 people in the room raised their hands.
<http://searchengineland.com/your-top-5-questions-about-the-new-gtld-domain-extensions-answered-148224>

ICANN New gTLD Program SWOT Analysis: STRENGTH (Part 1) by Jean Guillon
The SWOT analysis (alternatively SWOT Matrix) is a structured planning method used to evaluate the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats involved in a project or in a business venture. The following is an attempt to apply the SWOT Analysis to ICANN's new gTLD program.
<http://www.circleid.com/posts/20130213_icann_new_gtld_program_swot_analysis_strength_part_1/>

Thinking Carefully About New gTLD Objections: Limited Public Interest (Part 2 of 4) by Don Moody
The second installment in my four-part series on New gTLD objections will focus on the limited public interest ("LPI") variety. The overarching theme however is essentially the same: new gTLD objections are generally more complicated (and costly) than UDRP actions and need to be approached with care. In fact, LPI represents one of the best examples of the tough climb that would-be objectors are likely to face. Understanding exactly what is required beforehand - and whether or not you can deliver - is absolutely critical.
<http://www.circleid.com/posts/20130213_thinking_carefully_about_objections_limited_public_interest_2_of_4/>

Architelos runs new gTLD market readiness survey
New gTLD consultancy/software provider Architelos is carrying out a survey of new gTLD applicants in an effort to gauge how ready they are to launch.
<http://domainincite.com/11873-architelos-runs-new-gtld-market-readiness-survey>

Why I?m not bothered by closed generic top level domain names
As a domain investor, I find it difficult to oppose the idea of closed gTLDs. There?s been a lot of talk in the domain industry about ?closed generic? TLDs.
<http://domainnamewire.com/2013/02/13/why-im-not-bothered-by-closed-generic-top-level-domain-names/>

gTLD Strategy Congress takes shape with Google, .Boston, and more
Next month?s Digital Marketing & gTLD Strategy Congress is coming together nicely with more speakers and representatives from large TLD applicants.
<http://domainnamewire.com/2013/02/11/gtld-strategy-congress-takes-shape-with-google-boston-and-more/>

Google, L?Oreal execs tapped for new gTLD summit
Executives from Google, L?Oreal and The Boston Globe have been lined up to speak at the new gTLD marketing conference taking placing New York next month.
<http://domainincite.com/11831-google-loreal-execs-tapped-for-new-gtld-summit>

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 - DNS SECURITY
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National Audit Office warns UK needs more cyber skills
A lack of skilled workers is hampering the UK's fight against cyber crime, the National Audit Office (NAO) has warned.
<http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-21414831>

Russia needs to catch up on Internet security
The rapid growth of Internet use and penetration in Russia contributes to the spread of information, about everything from weather to traffic. It buttresses the image of Moscow as a modern, high-tech city, and facilitates communication and commerce.
<http://themoscownews.com/business/20130211/191225312-print/Russia-needs-to-catch-up-on-Internet-security.html>

Obama cybersecurity order welcomed as step forward by internet activists
President Barack Obama introduced a cybersecurity executive order in his state of the union address that offered a broad outline of how the government plans to deal with cyber threats.
<http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2013/feb/13/obama-cybersecurity-executive-order>

Obama Order Gives Firms Cyberthreat Information
President Obama signed an executive order on Tuesday that promotes increased information sharing about cyberthreats between the government and private companies that oversee the country?s critical infrastructure, offering a weakened alternative to legislation the administration had hoped Congress would pass last year.
<http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/13/us/executive-order-on-cybersecurity-is-issued.html>

Cybersecurity Executive Order Short on Action, Long on Voluntary Initiatives
The executive order that President Barack Obama signed yesterday in advance of his State of the Union Address contains a lot of provisions for information sharing on attacks and threats on critical infrastructure, and also calls for the development of a framework to reduce cybersecurity risks in federal agencies and critical infrastructure. What the order does not include are any mandates, required changes or a plan for significant action.
<http://threatpost.com/en_us/blogs/cybersecurity-executive-order-short-action-long-voluntary-initiatives-021313>

President Obama cracks whip on cybercrime
Having run out of patience for Congress to act on a cybersecurity bill, President Obama has decided to take matters into his own hands.
<http://money.cnn.com/2013/02/12/technology/security/obama-infrastructure-cybersecurity/index.html>

Obama executive order seeks better defense against cyber attacks
U.S. President Barack Obama on Tuesday signed an executive order seeking better protection of the country's critical infrastructure from cyber attacks that are a growing concern to the economy and national security.
<http://in.reuters.com/article/2013/02/13/obama-speech-cyber-idINDEE91C00Z20130213>

Obama Orders Cybersecurity Standards for Infrastructure
President Barack Obama bypassed Congress and issued an executive order to boost U.S. cybersecurity while telling lawmakers they still must act to further strengthen the nation?s computer defenses.
<http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-13/obama-orders-cybersecurity-standards-for-u-s-infrastructure.html>

Obama's cybersecurity executive order: What you need to know
Embargoed until the delivery the State of the Union address, US President Obama signed the expected and highly anticipated cybersecurity executive order. With potentially serious implications for US and foreign citizens' privacy, here's what you need to know.
<http://www.zdnet.com/obamas-cybersecurity-executive-order-what-you-need-to-know-7000011221/>

U.S. target of sustained cyber-espionage campaign
China is the top cyberthreat to the U.S. and has been intensifying attacks on U.S. businesses to identify data that will help the country gain economically, according to a recently obtained national security document.
<http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-57568678-83/u.s-target-of-sustained-cyber-espionage-campaign/>

America's embarrassingly redundant and entangled cyber security complex
The cyber security capabilities of the United States have come under scrutiny in light of recent high-profile Chinese penetrations of American corporate networks. In many ways, cyber has become the handwavium of warfare ? step two in a three-step process, sandwiched between "Meet the enemy in battle" and "Victory!"
<http://theweek.com/bullpen/column/239929/americas-embarrassingly-redundant-and-entangled-cybersecurity-complex>

us: Utilities to Address ?Significant Weaknesses? in Cybersecurity
Good morning. Electric utilities and other U.S. companies considered part of the country?s critical infrastructure are finally waking up to the threat of cyberterrorism. A group of 11 electric, gas, energy and chemical companies is forming a coalition Wednesday, with the purpose of sharing information about emerging cyberthreats, best practices and employee training.
<http://blogs.wsj.com/cio/2013/02/12/the-morning-download-utilities-to-address-significant-weaknesses-in-cybersecurity/>

uk: FSA conducting cyber security review of 30 major firms
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) is assessing the cyber security plans of 30 major financial firms.
<http://www.out-law.com/en/articles/2013/february/fsa-conducting-cyber-security-review-of-30-major-firms/>

cn: Internet subject to overseas attacks [Xinhua]
China is a victim of harsh and frequent Internet hacking rather than the source of such attacks as the Western media is fond of portraying, said a Chinese Internet security center.
<http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/cndy/2013-02/13/content_16221347.htm>

Japan beefs up cybercrime-fighting abilities
National Police Agency's plans include compiling a handbook on cybercrime investigations, allocating more specialized officers and employing midcareer engineers from the private sector.
<http://www.zdnet.com/japan-beefs-up-cybercrime-fighting-abilities-7000011218/>

Cyber Attacks a Boon to Radware Sales: Israel Overnight
Radware Ltd. may end two years of slower sales growth as cyber attacks on U.S. lenders including Bank of America Corp. bolster demand for the Israeli company?s security software, Chief Executive Officer Roy Zisapel said.
<http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-11/cyber-attacks-a-boon-to-radware-sales-israel-overnight.html>

E-Mails of Reporters in Myanmar Are Hacked
Several journalists who cover Myanmar said Sunday that they had received warnings from Google that their e-mail accounts might have been hacked by ?state-sponsored attackers.?
<http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/11/world/asia/journalists-e-mail-accounts-targeted-in-myanmar.html>

Myanmar Denies Hacking After Gmail Warnings
Myanmar's government denied its agencies were involved in hacking after Google technology warned a number of journalists using Gmail that their accounts might be the target of state-sponsored hacking.
<http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323511804578298000872366988.html>

Australia's new cyber security initiative
The Federal Government plans to establish a cyber security centre by the end of 2013, with the aim of assessing, detecting, preventing and responding to cyber security threats that may affect the Australian Government or industries of national significance. Partner Niranjan Arasaratnam, Senior Associate Michael Morris and Lawyer Andy Gian report.
<http://www.allens.com.au/pubs/cmt/cutmt11feb13.htm>

nz: Editorial: Plenty phishers in the sea
So you get an email from someone you know well enough. It contains only a link to a website. It takes just an unthinking moment to click on it to find out what it is that your good buddy wants to show you. Open it and kapow. You'll soon be feeling like a dummy.
<http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/opinion/8289653/Editorial-Plenty-phishers-in-the-sea>

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 - DOMAIN DISPUTES
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Cybersquatting continues upwards rise as trademark counsel prepare for more
2012 was another record year in terms of the number of Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) complaints, posing the question of exactly what impact the expanded online space will have on trademark counsels? workloads.
<http://www.worldtrademarkreview.com/daily/detail.aspx?g=211a4b56-708c-42e1-b140-f098eb56aa2f>

Ron Paul vs. RonPaul.com: How Coalitions Crack Up in the Internet Age
The proprietors of RonPaul.com are not all pleased. Not only has their hero lodged a formal complaint against their ownership of their fan site, he's done it at the dread United Nations.
<http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2013/02/ron-paul-vs-ronpaulcom-how-coalitions-crack-up-in-the-internet-age/273059/>

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 - WEBHOSTING
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Go Daddy acquires developer of website creation app [IDG]
Web hosting provider and domain name registrar Go Daddy has acquired M.dot, the developer of a mobile app for website creation and management by small businesses.
<http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/453512/go_daddy_acquires_developer_website_creation_app/>

Go Daddy Acquires Mobile Website Creator App M.dot
Web hosting provider Go Daddy announced on Monday at the grand opening of its new SunnyVale, California office that the company has acquired M.dot, a mobile app for small business website creation and management.
<http://www.thewhir.com/web-hosting-news/go-daddy-acquires-mobile-website-creator-app-m-dot>

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 - DOMAINING & AFTERMARKET
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Cardinals flock to Rome as domainers flock to their keyboards
After the shocking news that Pope Benedict is resigning, the rush is on to figure out the ?name? of the next pope and to register the corresponding domain names.
<http://domainnamewire.com/2013/02/11/cardinals-flock-to-rome-as-domainers-flock-to-their-keyboards/>

Colbert for pope? Over 100 ?pope? domains registered yesterday
After the sudden resignation of Pope Benedict XVI yesterday, I wrote about some of the likely names for the next pope and their registration status.
<http://domainnamewire.com/2013/02/12/colbert-for-pope-over-100-pope-domains-registered-yesterday/>

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INTERNET USE
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Mystery porn bug stumps Google
Google is trying to figure out the cause of a mysterious search bug that returns pages and pages of almost exclusively pornographic and adult results when users enter certain equations or search strings.
http://www.theage.com.au/technology/technology-news/mystery-porn-bug-stumps-google-20130212-2e9qu.html

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SOCIAL MEDIA
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Twitter and American Express develop 'pay by tweet' system
Twitter and American Express say they are working on a "pay by tweet" system that would let accredited users pay for real or virtual items via the microblogging service.
<http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2013/feb/12/twitter-american-express-pay-by-tweet>

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CHILD PROTECTION & ONLINE SAFETY
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Canada nixes online spying bill designed to stop child predators
Despite "Protecting Children from Internet Predators Act" sounding like a well-intentioned bill, it was opposed by civil liberty groups because it sanctioned warrantless wiretapping.
<http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57569089-93/canada-nixes-online-spying-bill-designed-to-stop-child-predators/>

au: Child porn or art? Topless teenage Moss gets mixed reviews
Art Gallery of NSW visitors on Monday asked if pressure had been applied to a 15-year-old Kate Moss to expose her breasts in a photo shoot now on display.
<http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/art-and-design/child-porn-or-art-topless-teenage-moss-gets-mixed-reviews-20130211-2e85t.html>

au: Child porn battle hit by net loophole [subscription]
ALMOST one in five federal child pornography investigations is failing because internet providers are not saving the customer information that police need to begin an inquiry.
<http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/child-porn-battle-hit-by-net-loophole/story-fn59niix-1226575735654>

Facebook admits paying monitors of child online safety [subscription]
The social networking site made payments and other?contributions? to charities that advised it on protecting children online
<http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/technology/internet/article3684296.ece>

nz: Love online: Honey trap warning
... Today is Valentine's Day, but the day comes with warnings for people trying to find love online. Last year, Kiwis lost $67,400 to online dating and romance scams, according to NetSafe figures. The average loss on dating scams per victim was $3964.
<http://www.nzherald.co.nz/relationships/news/article.cfm?c_id=41&objectid=10865315>

nz: Easy net access aids cyber bullies
Confiscating technology from cyber bullies will not combat the problem, a Timaru police education officer says.
<http://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/news/8300683/Easy-net-access-aids-cyber-bullies>

nz: Rugby site manager apologises for web sexism
The website manager who upset Northland rugby bosses by posting photos of a young female Northland Rugby Referees' Association employee in her bikini has apologised for his actions. But Northland rugby officials say they are seeking legal advice about whether the use of the offending photos constituted cyber bullying or harassment.
<http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10864915>

nz: Victim tells of cyber bullying
The cruelty of cyber bullying, now circulating in Timaru, is something Jess Wilson knows all too well.
<http://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/news/8295478/Victim-tells-of-cyber-bullying>

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ONLINE TV, MUSIC & PIRACY
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nz: First Copyright Tribunal case demonstrates flaws in the law
The first decision from the Copyright Tribunal has now been announced and RIANZ has been successful in getting a penalty of $616.57 awarded to them.
<http://techliberty.org.nz/first-copyright-tribunal-case-demonstrates-flaws-in-the-law/>

Intel to Launch Web TV Service This Year
Intel Corp. confirmed plans to offer a paid Internet video service and accompanying set-top box, an unusual gamble for a chip maker that has rarely marketed directly to consumers.
<http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324880504578300211271820452.html>

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MOBILE/WIRELESS
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Apple and Samsung: is an amicable split possible?
As their legal battle winds down, it is clear that the giants have common interests ? could they co-operate against Google?
<http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2013/feb/11/apple-samsung-amicable-split>

Samsung Emerges as a Potent Rival to Apple's Cool
Apple, for the first time in years, is hearing footsteps. The maker of iPhones, iPads and iPods has never faced a challenger able to make a truly popular and profitable smartphone or tablet ? not Dell, not Hewlett-Packard, not Nokia, not BlackBerry ? until Samsung Electronics.
<http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/11/technology/samsung-challenges-apples-cool-factor.html>

Worldwide mobile phone sales fell in 2012 - Gartner
Sales of mobile phones around the world fell last year for the first time since 2009 as consumers shunned cheaper feature phones, research company Gartner said on Wednesday.
<http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/02/13/uk-mobilephones-gartner-idUKBRE91C0FZ20130213>

Apple and Samsung dominate market as feature phones fall behind
Smartphones will make up more than half of all mobile phones shipped worldwide by the end of March, new figures from the research company Gartner suggest.
<http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2013/feb/13/android-smartphones-iphone-growth>

Gartner Says Worldwide Mobile Phone Sales Declined 1.7 Percent in 2012 [news release]
Worldwide mobile phone sales to end users totaled 1.75 billion units in 2012, a 1.7 percent decline from 2011 sales, according to Gartner, Inc. Smartphones continued to drive overall mobile phone sales, and the fourth quarter of 2012 saw record smartphone sales of 207.7 million units, up 38.3 percent from the same period last year. 
<http://www.gartner.com/newsroom/id/2335616>

Thousands using GPS jammers on UK roads pose risks, say experts
Thousands of people in the UK are using "GPS jammers" that plug into car cigarette lighters and can stop tracking systems used to detect stolen cars, monitor vehicle use or stop drivers working overlong hours, according to new findings from experts.
<http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2013/feb/13/gps-jammers-uk-roads-risks>

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SPAM
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US Highest Spam Volume in the World: Eleven Email Security Report
German email security provider Eleven announced on Wednesday it has released the Eleven Email Security Report February 2013, which signals the United States? return to being the highest total spam volume in the world.
<http://www.thewhir.com/web-hosting-news/us-highest-spam-volume-in-the-world-eleven-email-security-report>

nz: Telecom announces review of email service after spam attack
Telecom has announced it will review its email service to broadband customers after thousands of YahooXtra customers were caught up in a spam attack.
<http://tvnz.co.nz/technology-news/spam-attack-biggest-we-have-seen-says-netsafe-5339250>

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ONLINE CRIME & LEGAL
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Europol breaks up multi-million euro Internet fraud gang
A network of online fraudsters who masqueraded as European crime-fighting agency Europol and collected millions of euros in fake fines has been broken up - by Europol.
<http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/13/net-us-europol-fraud-idUSBRE91C1FQ20130213>
<http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/02/13/uk-europol-fraud-idUKBRE91C1FA20130213>

More Singapore males blackmailed over Webcam acts
Country is seeing an increasing number of cases involving males tricked and blackmailed by foreign females on social networking sites over Webcam-recorded sexual acts.
<http://www.zdnet.com/sg/more-singapore-males-blackmailed-over-webcam-acts-7000011237/>

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SECURITY
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National Audit Office warns UK needs more cyber skills
A lack of skilled workers is hampering the UK's fight against cyber crime, the National Audit Office (NAO) has warned.
<http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-21414831>

Russia needs to catch up on Internet security
The rapid growth of Internet use and penetration in Russia contributes to the spread of information, about everything from weather to traffic. It buttresses the image of Moscow as a modern, high-tech city, and facilitates communication and commerce.
<http://themoscownews.com/business/20130211/191225312-print/Russia-needs-to-catch-up-on-Internet-security.html>

Obama cybersecurity order welcomed as step forward by internet activists
President Barack Obama introduced a cybersecurity executive order in his state of the union address that offered a broad outline of how the government plans to deal with cyber threats.
<http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2013/feb/13/obama-cybersecurity-executive-order>

Obama Order Gives Firms Cyberthreat Information
President Obama signed an executive order on Tuesday that promotes increased information sharing about cyberthreats between the government and private companies that oversee the country?s critical infrastructure, offering a weakened alternative to legislation the administration had hoped Congress would pass last year.
<http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/13/us/executive-order-on-cybersecurity-is-issued.html>

Cybersecurity Executive Order Short on Action, Long on Voluntary Initiatives
The executive order that President Barack Obama signed yesterday in advance of his State of the Union Address contains a lot of provisions for information sharing on attacks and threats on critical infrastructure, and also calls for the development of a framework to reduce cybersecurity risks in federal agencies and critical infrastructure. What the order does not include are any mandates, required changes or a plan for significant action.
<http://threatpost.com/en_us/blogs/cybersecurity-executive-order-short-action-long-voluntary-initiatives-021313>

President Obama cracks whip on cybercrime
Having run out of patience for Congress to act on a cybersecurity bill, President Obama has decided to take matters into his own hands.
<http://money.cnn.com/2013/02/12/technology/security/obama-infrastructure-cybersecurity/index.html>

Obama executive order seeks better defense against cyber attacks
U.S. President Barack Obama on Tuesday signed an executive order seeking better protection of the country's critical infrastructure from cyber attacks that are a growing concern to the economy and national security.
<http://in.reuters.com/article/2013/02/13/obama-speech-cyber-idINDEE91C00Z20130213>

Obama Orders Cybersecurity Standards for Infrastructure
President Barack Obama bypassed Congress and issued an executive order to boost U.S. cybersecurity while telling lawmakers they still must act to further strengthen the nation?s computer defenses.
<http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-13/obama-orders-cybersecurity-standards-for-u-s-infrastructure.html>

Obama's cybersecurity executive order: What you need to know
Embargoed until the delivery the State of the Union address, US President Obama signed the expected and highly anticipated cybersecurity executive order. With potentially serious implications for US and foreign citizens' privacy, here's what you need to know.
<http://www.zdnet.com/obamas-cybersecurity-executive-order-what-you-need-to-know-7000011221/>

U.S. target of sustained cyber-espionage campaign
China is the top cyberthreat to the U.S. and has been intensifying attacks on U.S. businesses to identify data that will help the country gain economically, according to a recently obtained national security document.
<http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-57568678-83/u.s-target-of-sustained-cyber-espionage-campaign/>

America's embarrassingly redundant and entangled cyber security complex
The cyber security capabilities of the United States have come under scrutiny in light of recent high-profile Chinese penetrations of American corporate networks. In many ways, cyber has become the handwavium of warfare ? step two in a three-step process, sandwiched between "Meet the enemy in battle" and "Victory!"
<http://theweek.com/bullpen/column/239929/americas-embarrassingly-redundant-and-entangled-cybersecurity-complex>

us: Utilities to Address ?Significant Weaknesses? in Cybersecurity
Good morning. Electric utilities and other U.S. companies considered part of the country?s critical infrastructure are finally waking up to the threat of cyberterrorism. A group of 11 electric, gas, energy and chemical companies is forming a coalition Wednesday, with the purpose of sharing information about emerging cyberthreats, best practices and employee training.
<http://blogs.wsj.com/cio/2013/02/12/the-morning-download-utilities-to-address-significant-weaknesses-in-cybersecurity/>

uk: FSA conducting cyber security review of 30 major firms
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) is assessing the cyber security plans of 30 major financial firms.
<http://www.out-law.com/en/articles/2013/february/fsa-conducting-cyber-security-review-of-30-major-firms/>

cn: Internet subject to overseas attacks [Xinhua]
China is a victim of harsh and frequent Internet hacking rather than the source of such attacks as the Western media is fond of portraying, said a Chinese Internet security center.
<http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/cndy/2013-02/13/content_16221347.htm>

Japan beefs up cybercrime-fighting abilities
National Police Agency's plans include compiling a handbook on cybercrime investigations, allocating more specialized officers and employing midcareer engineers from the private sector.
<http://www.zdnet.com/japan-beefs-up-cybercrime-fighting-abilities-7000011218/>

Cyber Attacks a Boon to Radware Sales: Israel Overnight
Radware Ltd. may end two years of slower sales growth as cyber attacks on U.S. lenders including Bank of America Corp. bolster demand for the Israeli company?s security software, Chief Executive Officer Roy Zisapel said.
<http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-11/cyber-attacks-a-boon-to-radware-sales-israel-overnight.html>

E-Mails of Reporters in Myanmar Are Hacked
Several journalists who cover Myanmar said Sunday that they had received warnings from Google that their e-mail accounts might have been hacked by ?state-sponsored attackers.?
<http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/11/world/asia/journalists-e-mail-accounts-targeted-in-myanmar.html>

Myanmar Denies Hacking After Gmail Warnings
Myanmar's government denied its agencies were involved in hacking after Google technology warned a number of journalists using Gmail that their accounts might be the target of state-sponsored hacking.
<http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323511804578298000872366988.html>

Australia's new cyber security initiative
The Federal Government plans to establish a cyber security centre by the end of 2013, with the aim of assessing, detecting, preventing and responding to cyber security threats that may affect the Australian Government or industries of national significance. Partner Niranjan Arasaratnam, Senior Associate Michael Morris and Lawyer Andy Gian report.
<http://www.allens.com.au/pubs/cmt/cutmt11feb13.htm>

nz: Editorial: Plenty phishers in the sea
So you get an email from someone you know well enough. It contains only a link to a website. It takes just an unthinking moment to click on it to find out what it is that your good buddy wants to show you. Open it and kapow. You'll soon be feeling like a dummy.
<http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/opinion/8289653/Editorial-Plenty-phishers-in-the-sea>

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CENSORSHIP
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Software that tracks people on social media created by defence firm
A multinational security firm has secretly developed software capable of tracking people's movements and predicting future behaviour by mining data from social networking websites.
<http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/feb/10/software-tracks-social-media-defence>

Google challenges Russia YouTube video ban
Google has filed an appeal with a Russian court challenging the country's inclusion of a YouTube video on an official blacklist.
<http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-21449889>

Youtube Fights Russian Public Safety Agency's Video Ban
Google's video site, YouTube, is challenging a Russian federal agency's ban on one of the videos it hosts in a bid to clarify the effects of a law some Russian IT companies say could lead to Internet censorship.
<http://www.cio.com/article/728770/Youtube_Fights_Russian_Public_Safety_Agency_39_s_Video_Ban>

Egypt court bans YouTube over Innocence of Muslims trailer
YouTube has been temporarily banned in Egypt for carrrying an anti-Islamic documentary that triggered deadly riots across north Africa and the Middle East in September.
<http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/feb/10/egypt-court-bans-youtube-muslims>

**************************
GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC POLICY
**************************
au: Microsoft, Apple summonsed to explain high prices
Microsoft and Apple have been summonsed to appear before a federal parliamentary committee to explain why Australians are forced to pay more for some of their products compared with other countries.
<http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-02-11/microsoft-apple-summonsed-to-front-parliamentary-committee/4512236>

au: Microsoft, Apple and Adobe summonsed
Three multinational computing giants long accused of ripping off Australian consumers, have been summonsed to appear at a parliamentary inquiry. Microsoft, Apple and Adobe have been ordered to appear in late March to explain why Australian users pay such high prices for hardware and software.
<http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2013/s3687910.htm>

Critics question Telstra's motives on P2P throttling
Consumer groups fear a trial by Telstra that will slow the speed of peer-to-peer (P2P) services could be the start of a trend that sees ISPs "interfering in people's online activities".
<http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/critics-question-telstras-motives-on-p2p-throttling-20130212-2eajb.html>
<http://www.theage.com.au/technology/technology-news/critics-question-telstras-motives-on-p2p-throttling-20130212-2eajb.html>

nz: DIA official says privacy, security different for cloud
The government may have to make sacrifices in such treasured concepts as privacy and sovereignty, so that public sector organisations can take advantage of the ?convenience? of the cloud, says a Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) project manager.
<http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/news/dia-official-says-privacy-security-different-for-cloud>

**********************
MISCELLANEOUS
**********************
Vikram Kumar wird neuer CEO vom Sharehoster Mega
Der neuseel?ndische Sharehoster Mega hat einen neuen CEO. Das gab das Unternehmen gestern ?ber seinen Firmenblog bekannt.
<http://www.onlinepc.ch/index.cfm?page=104029&artikel_id=36975>

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TELECOMMUNICATIONS
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Broadband campaigners criticise EU over billion-euro budget cuts
Broadband campaigners say EU budget cuts hammered out last week will kill high-speed connections needed by rural homes and businesses, after it emerged the budget for rural broadband ? seen as vital to creating new businesses ? has been cut by ?8.2bn (?7bn) to just ?1bn.
<http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2013/feb/11/broadband-budget-cut-rural-connection-billion-euro>

Waste Is Seen in Program to Give Internet Access to Rural U.S.
The bank is gone from this once-thriving ranching and farming community on Colorado?s windblown eastern plain, as are the dairies, the hotel and the Union Pacific depot. The post office remains, at the corner of Main Street and First Avenue, the intersection of the town?s two paved streets.
<http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/12/technology/waste-is-seen-in-program-to-give-internet-access-to-rural-us.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 Flannery
Received on Wed Feb 13 2013 - 23:05:39 UTC

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