[DNS] auDA domain name news - 22 April

[DNS] auDA domain name news - 22 April

From: David Goldstein <david>
Date: Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:27:20 +1000
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The domain name news is supported by auDA

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ICANN Appoints Additional URS Provider
<http://newgtlds.icann.org/en/announcements-and-media/announcement-2-19apr13-en>

Lawyer asks: how the hell did Demand Media pass the new gTLD cybersquatting test?
<http://domainincite.com/12699-lawyer-asks-how-the-hell-did-demand-media-pass-the-new-gtld-cybersquatting-test>

Will the Trademark Clearinghouse kill off premium domains?
<http://domainincite.com/12695-will-the-trademark-clearinghouse-kill-off-premium-domains>

ICANN starts the clock on new gTLD GAC advice
<http://domainincite.com/12716-icann-starts-the-clock-on-new-gtld-gac-advice>

Welcome to (dot) brand
<http://www.bandt.com.au/features/welcome-to-dot-brand>

The Big Screen and Your Computer Screen: New gTLDS could boost Hollywood movie promotion/marketing
<http://www.domainnamestrategy.com/2013/04/18/big-screen-and-your-computer-screen-new-gtlds-could-boost-hollywood-movie-promotionmarket>

Why the Internet of Things Needs IPv6
<http://www.govtech.com/policy-management/Why-the-Internet-of-Things-Needs-IPv6.html>

A Primer on IPv4, IPv6 and Transition by Geoff Huston
<http://www.potaroo.net/ispcol/2013-04/primer.html>

Beware Boston Marathon bombing scams
<http://www.boston.com/business/personalfinance/consumeralert/2013/04/beware_boston_marathon_bombing.html>


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GOVERNANCE
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India changes controversial Internet governance position
It appears the country's government has backed away from its proposal to create a UN body to govern the internet. The controversial plan, which was made without consulting civil society.
<http://www.southasiamail.com/news.php?id=107625>

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DOMAIN NAMES
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 - ICANN
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ICANN Appoints Additional URS Provider
Asian Domain Name Dispute Resolution Centre (ADNDRC) and ICANN have signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing ADNDRC as a Uniform Rapid Suspension System (URS) provider.
<http://newgtlds.icann.org/en/announcements-and-media/announcement-2-19apr13-en>

Next Set of Initial Evaluation Results Released. Total Number of Passing Applications Now 169. View Them Here.
<http://newgtlds.icann.org/en/announcements-and-media/announcement-19apr13-en>

Dave Panos, Director | United TLD Holdco, Ltd., to Steve Crocker et al.
Re: Failure of ICANN Personnel to Observe ICANN's Rules in the gTLD Process
<http://www.icann.org/en/news/correspondence/panos-to-crocker-et-al-12apr13-en>

Fellowship Program Brings Global Voices Together at ICANN | Fellows Announced for Durban, South Africa Meeting
30 fellows from 24 countries have been selected to participate in ICANN's Fellowship program at the 47th Public Meeting in Durban, South Africa, 14-18 July 2013.
<http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-19apr13-en.htm>

ICANN 46 Beijing: Where To From Here? by Elisa Cooper
After more than a week away at the ICANN meeting in Beijing, I am back in the office, and mostly over my jetlag, mostly. Many colleagues and clients have asked, ?So, what happened?? The honest truth is, I am not really sure.
<https://www.markmonitor.com/mmblog/icann-46-beijing-where-to-from-here/>

CENTR ICANN46 Report Available
A Full report from the ICANN46 meeting in Beijing last week is available. The largest ever ICANN meeting (2600 delegates) was also one of the busiest and most revealing since the launch of the new gTLD process in Singapore. But more than ever, the divergences in opinion, scope and speed between the different stakeholder groups point out the importance of a well managed and carefully respected stakeholder model The report is split into ccNSO, GAC and gNSO activities.
<http://centr.org/news/icann/04-15-2013/2719/icann46-report-available>

Name.space sends lawsuit against ICANN over new TLDs to Court of Appeals
Name.spaceAlternative root company name.space isn?t letting its beef with ICANN die just yet. The company has filed an appeal with the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit after its suit against ICANN was tossed out by a lower court last month.
<http://domainnamewire.com/2013/04/18/name-space-sends-lawsuit-against-icann-over-new-tlds-to-court-of-appeals/>

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 - ccTLD & gTLD NEWS
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"Stat Update" - European ccTLD growth evolution
The below, charts the evolution of total domains under management aggregated over the CENTR Full Membership (representing roughly 95% of all European ccTLDs) since June 2009.
<http://centr.org/news/statistics/04-18-2013/2733/domain-stat-update-european-cctld-growth>

Czech National Domain Among the Fastest Growing in the EU
In 2012 the Czech national domain .CZ had nearly 21,000 new registrations per month and surpassed the one million domain mark overall.
<http://www.nic.cz/page/1379/czech-national-domain-among-the-fastest-growing-in-the-eu/>

HKIRC Announces Winners of Fourth Top Ten .hk Website Competition
Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Limited (HKIRC) today announced the winners of the fourth Top Ten .hk Website Competition at the Award Ceremony held at Cyberport.
<https://www2.hkirc.hk/company_info/pressrelease.jsp?item=468>

mx: Notice Privacy Modification
Dear customer: Through this medium NIC M?xico (Network Information Center M?xico), through its Akky service unit notifies of changes to its Privacy Notice which shall be published and take effect from the day April 22, 2013.
<http://www.akky.mx/jsf/news/news.jsf?id=731>

no: Changes to the domain name policy 7 May 2013
Norid is doing a minor spring cleanup in the domain name policy, effective on 7 May. Among other things, we will add a new domain into the geographical name tree, while a couple of others will be removed because the municipalities they belonged to have merged into new units. These domains will be released and may be registered on the usual first-come, first-served basis.
<http://www.norid.no/regelverk/forslag/2013-04-15/index.en.html>

The Ratings Are In: Measuring .ORG?s Trust and Success in Numbers
I recently discovered HBO?s new hit show, The Newsroom, which follows a team behind a nightly cable news program in their quest ? in the name of ethical journalism ? to deliver the best and most truthful news coverage to viewers. If you?re a fan of the show, you likely can understand how it made me think about how we consume, digest and respond to all of the information that media throws at us.
<http://pir.org/blog/2013/trustsurvey>

ru: New reporting capabilities at Russian Domains
New reporting capabilities at Russian Domains Russian Domains, a statistics portal for Russian TLDs, presents new reporting capabilities. Users are now able to see how domain age affects renewals with Renewal rates per age report.
<http://cctld.ru/en/news/news_detail.php?ID=4497>

.SE?s Head of Security named one of Sweden?s most powerful IT women
.SE?s Head of Security, Anne-Marie Eklund-L?winder, retains her position as one of Sweden?s most powerful IT women
<https://www.iis.se/english/news/ses-head-of-security-named-one-of-swedens-most-powerful-it-women/>

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 - NEW TLDS
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Lawyer asks: how the hell did Demand Media pass the new gTLD cybersquatting test?
A lawyer apparently representing a rival new gTLD applicant has questioned ICANN?s background screening processes after Demand Media managed to get a pass despite its history of cybersquatting.
<http://domainincite.com/12699-lawyer-asks-how-the-hell-did-demand-media-pass-the-new-gtld-cybersquatting-test>

Will the Trademark Clearinghouse kill off premium domains?
Rules proposed for the new Trademark Clearinghouse threaten to cut off some of new gTLD registries major sources of early revenue, according to registry providers.
<http://domainincite.com/12695-will-the-trademark-clearinghouse-kill-off-premium-domains>

ICANN starts the clock on new gTLD GAC advice
The over 500 new gTLD applicants affected by Governmental Advisory Committee advice on their bids have 21 days from today to file their responses officially with ICANN.
<http://domainincite.com/12716-icann-starts-the-clock-on-new-gtld-gac-advice>

Donuts passes background check
The largest applicant for new Internet extensions, Donuts, has successfully passed a background check, removing a question over its eligibility.
<http://news.dot-nxt.com/2013/04/19/donuts-passes-gtld-background>

China predicted to be fastest growing market for take-up of IDN gTLDs
Following the ICANN meeting in Beijing last week, the outlook for gTLDs from a purely Asian perspective is worth further examination, particularly for trademark counsel seeking to direct policing activities in the new online space. The CEO of the single largest gTLD applicant from China, has told WTR that he expects the country to adopt internationalised domain names faster than any other market in Asia, making it the one to watch.
<http://www.worldtrademarkreview.com/daily/detail.aspx?g=b107b1ce-56f4-4a58-be41-8eeb3e7b6315>

ICANN selects second URS provider
ICANN has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Asian Domain Name Dispute Resolution Centre (ADNDRC) to be a provider under Uniform Rapid Suspension (URS).
<http://domainnamewire.com/2013/04/20/icann-selects-second-urs-provider/>

Welcome to (dot) brand
As hundreds of new internet domain names prepare to roll out across the world, a handful of Aussie brands are waiting to see theirs go live. Lucy Clark discovers what it means ? and the implications for brands that did not apply.
<http://www.bandt.com.au/features/welcome-to-dot-brand>

Plural TLDs: Let's Stop Throwing Spanners in the Works! by St?phane Van Gelder
I don't have strong religion on plural TLDs. For that matter, I don't have strong feelings for or against closed generics either, an other new gTLD issue that has recently been discussed even though it is not mentioned in the rules new gTLD applicants had to rely on. What I do care about is predictability of process. Yet, as Beijing showed, the ICANN community has an uncanny ability to throw last-minute wrenches at its own Great Matter, as Cardinal Wolsey called Henry VIII's plan to divorce Catherine of Aragon.
<http://www.circleid.com/posts/20130419_plural_tlds_lets_stop_throwing_spanners_in_the_works/>

The Big Screen and Your Computer Screen: New gTLDS could boost Hollywood movie promotion/marketing
This past weekend I took my children to see DreamWorks' The Croods and among the endless previews I focused my domain name radar on an ad for the upcoming sequel to Despicable Me and its advertised URL, Despicable.me.
<http://www.domainnamestrategy.com/2013/04/18/big-screen-and-your-computer-screen-new-gtlds-could-boost-hollywood-movie-promotionmarket>

What May Happen to GAC Advice? 3 Fearless Predictions by Dirk Krischenowski
Many TLD applicants are likely to respond to the GAC Advice in a manner that is like story telling: Based on a mixture of fiction garnished with some facts from their applications, applicants will write savvy responses with only one aim -- to calm down the GAC's concerns and survive the GAC Advice storm. The "duck and cover" strategy... According to the Applicant Guidebook, material changes to applications need to go through a Change Request process.
<http://www.circleid.com/posts/20130421_what_may_happen_to_gac_advice_3_fearless_predictions/>

ICANN Reveals Evaluation Timing for New gTLDs
Having now consigned to oblivion the unpopular ?digital archery? method of determining who goes first in the new gTLD round, ICANN yesterday announced that it was going to evaluate all new gTLD applications concurrently (the ?single batch?), and release all results simultaneously.
<http://www.mindsandmachines.com/blog/>

TLDH Corporate Update and Board Change
Following a review of the progress made at the ICANN 45th conference held in Toronto this month, the Board of TLDH believes that a turning point has been reached for the timetable for the implementation of the new gTLD programme.
<http://www.mindsandmachines.com/blog/>

How to Register Your Trademark in the Trademark Clearinghouse (and Why You Should)
The Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH) has opened for business. Queue ?Eye of the Tiger,? put on your sweatbands, and start jogging in place, because for all you trademark and brand owners out there, now is the perfect time to register your trademark and start protecting yourself.
<http://www.name.com/blog/ntlds/2013/04/how-to-register-your-trademark-in-the-trademark-clearinghouse-and-why-you-should/>

38 More New gTLD Pass IE: .Hiv. .Eco, .Green. .Wiki, .Coupon
38 more new gTLD applications passed Initial Evaluation (IE) today in results released by ICANN.
<http://www.thedomains.com/2013/04/19/38-more-new-gtld-pass-ie-hiv-eco-green-wiki-coupon/>

New local domains see breakthrough
The launch of new local domain names ? including the long-awaited .africa domain ? is finally approaching, following headway made at a recent public meeting held by ICANN, in Beijing.
<http://www.itweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=63397>

New local domains to launch soon
The ZA Central Registry says it expects the three new South African city domains and .africa to be available in September.
<http://www.techcentral.co.za/new-local-domains-to-launch-soon/39686/>

Horse's Head in a Trademark Owner's Bed by James Delaney
Recently, ICANN unveiled its Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH), a tool it proposes will help fight trademark infringement relating to another of its new programs - gTLD. As Lafeber describes, criticism of ICANN's gTLD program and subsequent TMCH database is mounting. Skeptics have noted that given the significant cost of registering a gTLD - the application fee is $185,000 and subsequent annual fees are $25,000 - the program appears to be solely a cash cow, without adding much value to Internet users.
<http://www.circleid.com/posts/20130418_horses_head_in_a_trademark_owners_bed/>

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 - DNS SECURITY
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Cispa bill on cyber security passed by the US House
The US House of Representatives has passed the controversial Cyber Information Sharing and Protection Act.
<http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-22213379>

U.S. House of Representatives Shamefully Passes CISPA; Internet Freedom Advocates Prepare for a Battle in the Senate
Today, Internet freedom advocates everywhere turned their eyes to the U.S. House of Representatives as that legislative body considered the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act.
<https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2013/04/us-house-representatives-shamefully-passes-cispa-internet-freedom-advocates>

CISPA plan to let feds receive confidential data wins big House vote
The odds of a Democrat-controlled Senate approving legislation opposed by President Obama are slim, but today's vote could increase pressure for some sort of legislation this year.
<http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-57580275-38/cispa-plan-to-let-feds-receive-confidential-data-wins-big-house-vote/>

us: House approves CISPA despite privacy objections [IDG]
The U.S. House of Representatives has voted to approve a controversial cyberthreat information-sharing bill, despite opposition from the White House and several privacy and digital rights groups.
<http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9238493/House_approves_CISPA_despite_privacy_objections>

us: Civil Liberties Fears Doom House Cybersecurity Bill
The White House on Tuesday threatened to veto a House bill that would allow private companies to share information about computer security threats with government agencies, signaling once again how difficult it is to balance civil liberties and security interests in the digital era.
<http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/04/16/civil-liberties-fears-dooms-house-cybersecurity-bill/>

>From SOPA to CISPA: A controversial cyber-bill sparks a heated debate about online privacy
When a coalition of internet activists and web companies scuppered the Hollywood-sponsored Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) last year, they warned Congress that future attempts to push through legislation that threatened digital freedoms would be met with a similar response. Now some of them are up in virtual arms again, this time against the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act (CISPA). This is one of several bills designed to reinforce America?s cyber-defences that were being discussed by the House of Representatives as The Economist went to press this week.
<http://www.economist.com/news/united-states/21576425-controversial-cyber-bill-sparks-heated-debate-about-online-privacy-sopa-cispa>

Cyberattacks a Huge Threat to Start-Ups, and Their Investors
Recent news coverage of cybercrime reads like a modern spy novel, centered on antiestablishment hackers, sophisticated foreign espionage and threats of retaliation. While the intrigue continues, the endless news of cyberattacks has been greeted with not much more than a shrug by investors.
<http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2013/04/19/cyberattacks-a-huge-threat-to-start-ups-and-their-investors/>

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 - DOMAIN DISPUTES
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Decisions: Hand in Hand
Politics and domain names often walk hand in hand these days. Organizing for America, a non-profit organization aligned with the Democratic Party, was recently unsuccessful in recovering two domain names containing its name: organizingforaction.com and organizingforaction.org. In addition, the domain name organizingforaction.net was registered by a third party who indicated that he would refuse to sell or transfer the domain to the organization. Initially, the domain pointed to the home page for the National Rifle Association ("NRA") and now points to a YouTube video of Ben Carson's speech at the National Prayer Breakfast.
<http://www.domainnamestrategy.com/2013/04/19/decisions-hand-hand>

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 - IPv4/IPv6
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Why the Internet of Things Needs IPv6
The transition to IPv6 is important not only because the 4.3 billion IPv4 addresses are running out, but also because the proliferation of Internet-connected devices is creating a new environment of information. ?The Internet of Things is very much upon on us,? said Vint Cerf, Google?s chief Internet evangelist, at the Rocky Mountain IPv6 Summit on Thursday, April 18, in Denver.
<http://www.govtech.com/policy-management/Why-the-Internet-of-Things-Needs-IPv6.html>

A Primer on IPv4, IPv6 and Transition by Geoff Huston
There is something badly broken in today's Internet. At first blush that may sound like a contradiction in terms. After all, the Internet is a modern day technical marvel. In just a couple of decades the Internet has not only transformed the global communications sector, but its reach has extended far further into our society, and it has fundamentally changed the way we do business, the nature of entertainment, the way we buy and sell, and even the structures of government and their engagement with citizens.
<http://www.potaroo.net/ispcol/2013-04/primer.html>

Literally IPv6 by Geoff Huston
As many who have worked with computer software would attest, software bugs come in many strange forms. This month I'd like to relate a recent experience I?ve had with one such bug that pulls together aspects of IPv6 standard specifications and interoperability.
<http://www.potaroo.net/ispcol/2013-03/literals.html>

INET Denver considers Internet life without IPv4 addresses
On Wednesday, the Internet Society, the Rocky Mountain IPv6 Task Force, and others organized "INET Denver: IPv4 Exhaustion and the Path to IPv6."
<http://arstechnica.com/business/2013/04/inet-denver-considers-internet-life-without-ipv4-addresses/>

IPv6 gets certified in Latin America and Caribbean
LACNIX, the registration body of internet addresses for Latin America and the Caribbean, has launched a protocol in Montevideo that allows the adaptation of computer applications to IPv6, in force since last year.
<http://www.telecompaper.com/news/ipv6-gets-certified-in-latin-america-and-caribbean--938545>

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 - MISCELLANEOUS
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The IETF between open innovation and network load limiters
On Wednesday, the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) held a conference?German language link to discuss open standards and the question "Who makes the internet?" in preparation for its annual meeting in Berlin at the end of July. Hans-Joachim Otto, parliamentary state secretary of the German Federal Ministry of Economics, took this occasion in the German capital to reassure the internet standards committee that it has a firm ally in the German government. "We keep having to promote the freedom of the internet on an international level", said the FDP (Liberal) politician. "This is by no means a given."
<http://www.h-online.com/open/news/item/The-IETF-between-open-innovation-and-network-load-limiters-1844963.html>

Beware Boston Marathon bombing scams
... The Boston Marathon bombing is no different. More than 125 domain names were registered immediately after the bombing.
<http://www.boston.com/business/personalfinance/consumeralert/2013/04/beware_boston_marathon_bombing.html>

Here We Go Again: Texas Fertilizer Plant Explodes; Domains Registered
Again we have another tragic situation in west Texas near Waco where a fertilizer plant exploded causing many death and injuries in and around the plant.
<http://www.thedomains.com/2013/04/18/here-we-go-again-texas-fertilizer-plant-explodes-domains-registered/>

Profiteers snap up Boston Marathon, Waco domain names
Australia?s relatively tight domain name policies may have prevented opportunistic cybersquatters from cashing in on local disasters, but this week?s Boston Marathon bombing and Waco fertiliser explosion have had less luck avoiding cyber-squatters, analysis by a local domain-name specialist has revealed.
<http://delimiter.com.au/2013/04/19/profiteers-snap-up-boston-marathon-waco-domain-names/>

People Are Buying Boston Marathon Bombing Domain Names and Putting Them Up for Auction
When a high-profile act of violence occurs, certain reactions are predictable. The White House will respond with a sober statement. Reporters will throw themselves into hyperdrive. And people will start buying up domain names.
<http://techland.time.com/2013/04/19/people-are-buying-boston-marathon-bombing-domain-names-and-putting-them-up-for-auction/>

RIPE NCC Annual Report 2012
The RIPE NCC Annual Report 2012, including the Financial Report 2012, is now published. The Annual Report 2012 documents the activities of the RIPE NCC in its 20th year of operation. Some of the highlights of the Annual Report include:
<http://www.ripe.net/internet-coordination/news/ripe-ncc-annual-report-2012>

RIPE NCC Charging Scheme 2014
The RIPE NCC Charging Scheme 2014 is now available online. The RIPE NCC Executive Board is proposing this Charging Scheme for the membership to vote on at the RIPE NCC General Meeting (GM) on 15 May 2013.
<http://www.ripe.net/internet-coordination/news/ripe-ncc-charging-scheme-2014>

The IETF between open innovation and network load limiters
The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) has held a conference to prepare for its annual meeting in Berlin at the end of July. Among the topics discussed were open standards as well as potential network traffic control measures
<http://www.h-online.com/open/news/item/The-IETF-between-open-innovation-and-network-load-limiters-1844963.html>

Ten Essential Bookmarks for Understanding Domain Name Law
Keeping up with domain name law and news is a challenging task, but after nearly 17 years of legal practice in this area, I?ve compiled a short list of ?go-to? websites that keep me informed and educated. Here, then, are the best and most important sites I visit on a regular basis (some, daily), which should be of help to anyone interested in this area of law:
<http://isenbergondomains.com/2013/04/15/ten-essential-bookmarks-for-understanding-domain-name-law/>

Bank Pays Price for Failing to Renew Domain Name
Remembering to renew any sort of membership or subscription can be a pain, but it?s really a problem when your business model relies upon a specific and secure Internet address.
<http://www.domainnamestrategy.com/2013/04/19/bank-pays-price-failing-renew-domain-name>
<http://www.gtldstrategy.com/marketing-strategies/bank-pays-price-for-failing-to-renew-domain-name>

My Cannes Moment: Why I?m Leaving My Dream Job at Tucows by Bill Sweetman
It?s official. Next Friday, April 26, is my last day at Tucows. That?s the what, and it?s pretty straightforward. Perhaps you already knew.
<http://www.sweetmantra.com/2013/04/my-cannes-moment-why-im-leaving-my-dream-job-at-tucows.html>

Internet Society Canada Chapter Launched to Advance Issues of Internet Governance and Accessibility
Internet end-users in Canada who are concerned with issues of Internet governance, rural accessibility and technical advancements now have a national organization to address their interests.
<http://www.internetsociety.org/news/internet-society-canada-chapter-launched-advance-issues-internet-governance-and-accessibility>

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INTERNET USE
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Internet Users Like Targeted Ads, Free Content [IDG]
Internet users overwhelmingly enjoy free Web content supported by advertising, and they'd rather see advertisements targeted toward their interests than random ads, according to a survey released this week by the Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA).
<http://www.networkworld.com/news/2013/041913-survey-internet-users-like-targeted-268932.html>
<http://www.cio.com/article/732077/Internet_Users_Like_Targeted_Ads_Free_Content>

The end of privacy? Everyone worries about data leaks, but shares everything anyway
Businesses are not transparent enough about how they use customers' personal data and regulation preventing misuse of such information is weak, research has found ? but that doesn't mean consumers will stop sharing their details.
<http://www.zdnet.com/the-end-of-privacy-everyone-worries-about-data-leaks-but-shares-everything-anyway-7000014274/>

Delivery the key to growing online retail
As internet shopping continues to grow ? UK customers are expected to spend ?87bn online in 2013 ? retailers and logistics firms are having to up their game in order to meet high customer expectations.
<http://www.guardian.co.uk/sustainable-business/delivery-key-growing-online-retail>

Australians spending less time social networking
The amount of time Australians spend on social media sites is declining, new research involving three million internet users has revealed.
<http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/australians-spending-less-time-social-networking-20130418-2i31a.html>
<http://www.theage.com.au/technology/technology-news/australians-spending-less-time-social-networking-20130418-2i31a.html>

Half of kiwis now shop online - Stats NZ
New Zealanders' use of the internet has "evolved considerably" to a point where more than half the population is now shopping online, according to Statistics New Zealand.
<http://www.nzherald.co.nz/technology/news/article.cfm?c_id=5&objectid=10879010>

nz: Number of homes with internet increases
Four out of five New Zealand homes has access to the internet, and more than half of us have shopped online, according to Statistics New Zealand.
<http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/digital-living/8581646/Number-of-homes-with-internet-increases>

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SOCIAL MEDIA
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Facebook folly: what if social networks don't understand estrangement needs?
My mother popped up on Facebook a few months ago as a "suggested friend". Her smile came up on the side of my screen, and I couldn't help but let my mouse gravitate to her name and linger over it.
<http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2013/apr/18/facebook-social-networking-estrangement-needs-friends>

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CHILD PROTECTION & ONLINE SAFETY
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Dutch, Indonesian, Korean national police forces join Virtual Global Taskforce at European Cybercrime Centre [news release]
Three new member countries have joined the Virtual Global Taskforce (VGT), an international alliance of law enforcement and private sector agencies dedicated to combating online child sexual abuse.
<http://ceop.police.uk/Media-Centre/Press-releases/2013/Dutch-Indonesian-Korean-national-police-forces-join-Virtual-Global-Taskforce-at-European-Cybercrime-Centre/>

ca: New site helps teens deal with cyberbullying
Teens who are sexually harassed, threatened or targetted online have a new way to help them regain control over their lives.
<http://www.torontosun.com/2013/04/21/new-site-helps-teens-deal-with-cyberbullying>

ca: New website aims to help victims of cyberbullying
In the wake of the suicide of Nova Scotia teen Rehtaeh Parsons, a Winnipeg-based advocacy group is launching a new website aimed at preventing similar tragedies.
<http://globalnews.ca/news/499306/new-website-aims-to-help-victims-of-cyberbullying/>

ca: Rehtaeh Parsons Case: Canadian Minister Seeks To Outlaw 'Malicious' Images In Wake Of Teen's Death
A proposed federal law in Canada could make certain types of cyberbullying as illegal as distributing child pornography.
<http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/19/rehtaeh-parsons-case-outlaw-malicious-images_n_3118554.html>

uk: ISPA Policy Forum - Child Protection
Online child safety has continued to be one of the key internet policy debates in recent years. The Bailey Review, a campaign to make parental controls more readily available and a Government consultation have tried to set goal posts for the industry. Access providers have been the focus of the debate but device and software manufactures as well as retailers have also been asked to do more.
<http://www.ispa.org.uk/events/event_subject/?event=62>

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ONLINE TV, MUSIC & PIRACY
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uk: Internet users unaware of illegal downloading
Internet users are unwittingly turning into online pirates over confusion about what constitutes illegal downloading.
<http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2013/apr/22/internet-users-unaware-illegal-downloading>

jp: NPA to urge Internet providers to block users of hijacking software
The National Police Agency (NPA) is poised to urge Internet service providers to voluntarily block communications if an anonymous software system called "Tor" -- short for "The onion router" -- is found abused online.
<http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20130418p2a00m0na013000c.html>

Japanese police ask ISPs to start blocking Tor
Authorities in Japan are so worried about their inability to tackle cybercrime that they are asking the country's ISPs to block the use of Tor.
<http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2013/04/japanese-police-ask-isps-to-start-blocking-tor/>

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MOBILE/WIRELESS
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Mobile apps: A spat between Apple and a popular French start-up causes a furore
The French have always loved Apple. Its elegant products and nimble operating systems, and its underdog struggles against IBM and Microsoft in the 1980s, are especially appealing in a country that prides itself on being chic, clever and revolutionary. Apple?s two stores in central Paris nestle in locations that are dear to French hearts?under the Louvre and directly opposite the Op?ra.
<http://www.economist.com/news/business/21576406-spat-between-apple-and-popular-french-start-up-causes-furore-paris-cest-fini>

Going over the top: Who is going to profit from the rise of WhatsApp and Viber?
Smartphone owners now have so many apps at their disposal for communicating with friends across the internet for free, it's like they're confronted with a selection box of assorted digital chocolates. Dozens of companies are jostling for their attention, waving about treats such as voice calling, supersized emoticons (or stickers), gaming and more.
<http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/features/going-over-the-top-who-is-going-to-profit-from-the-rise-of-whatsapp-and-viber-8577422.html>

U.S. Accuses Company of Adding Mobile Fees
Those surreptitious charges for flirting tips, yoga lessons and psychic services, long a problem on landlines, have become a costly nuisance for mobile phone users ? and a new focus for regulators.
<http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/18/business/ftc-takes-aim-at-unwarranted-cellphone-charges.html>

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ONLINE CRIME & LEGAL
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Internet drug dealing on the rise, survey finds
The internet is starting to rival the backstreets as a place to buy illicit drugs, according to findings from the 2013 Global Drug Survey, with 22% of users reporting they had bought drugs online.
<http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/apr/18/internet-drug-dealing-survey>

uk: Girlfriend of rapist jailed after using Facebook to frame victims
The girlfriend of a convicted rapist has been jailed after trying to clear his name by framing two of his victims with fake Facebook profiles.
<http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/10005195/Girlfriend-of-rapist-jailed-after-using-Facebook-to-frame-victims.html>

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SECURITY
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Cispa bill on cyber security passed by the US House
The US House of Representatives has passed the controversial Cyber Information Sharing and Protection Act.
<http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-22213379>

U.S. House of Representatives Shamefully Passes CISPA; Internet Freedom Advocates Prepare for a Battle in the Senate
Today, Internet freedom advocates everywhere turned their eyes to the U.S. House of Representatives as that legislative body considered the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act.
<https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2013/04/us-house-representatives-shamefully-passes-cispa-internet-freedom-advocates>

CISPA plan to let feds receive confidential data wins big House vote
The odds of a Democrat-controlled Senate approving legislation opposed by President Obama are slim, but today's vote could increase pressure for some sort of legislation this year.
<http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-57580275-38/cispa-plan-to-let-feds-receive-confidential-data-wins-big-house-vote/>

us: House approves CISPA despite privacy objections [IDG]
The U.S. House of Representatives has voted to approve a controversial cyberthreat information-sharing bill, despite opposition from the White House and several privacy and digital rights groups.
<http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9238493/House_approves_CISPA_despite_privacy_objections>

us: Civil Liberties Fears Doom House Cybersecurity Bill
The White House on Tuesday threatened to veto a House bill that would allow private companies to share information about computer security threats with government agencies, signaling once again how difficult it is to balance civil liberties and security interests in the digital era.
<http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/04/16/civil-liberties-fears-dooms-house-cybersecurity-bill/>

>From SOPA to CISPA: A controversial cyber-bill sparks a heated debate about online privacy
When a coalition of internet activists and web companies scuppered the Hollywood-sponsored Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) last year, they warned Congress that future attempts to push through legislation that threatened digital freedoms would be met with a similar response. Now some of them are up in virtual arms again, this time against the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act (CISPA). This is one of several bills designed to reinforce America?s cyber-defences that were being discussed by the House of Representatives as The Economist went to press this week.
<http://www.economist.com/news/united-states/21576425-controversial-cyber-bill-sparks-heated-debate-about-online-privacy-sopa-cispa>

Cyberattacks a Huge Threat to Start-Ups, and Their Investors
Recent news coverage of cybercrime reads like a modern spy novel, centered on antiestablishment hackers, sophisticated foreign espionage and threats of retaliation. While the intrigue continues, the endless news of cyberattacks has been greeted with not much more than a shrug by investors.
<http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2013/04/19/cyberattacks-a-huge-threat-to-start-ups-and-their-investors/>

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CENSORSHIP
**********************
Fears of Russian internet crackdown as investigators search social network HQ
The Russian version of Facebook has had its offices searched and its ownership structure shaken amid fears the Kremlin is looking to tighten its grip on the internet.
<http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/apr/18/russian-internet-social-media-network>

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GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC POLICY
**************************
ITU report confirms: dramatic growth in data volumes and globalized services create new ICT regulatory challenges [news release]
The 2013 edition of ITU?s flagship regulatory report ?Trends in Telecommunication Reform?, released today, highlights the increasingly global nature of information and communication technology (ICT) regulation and the crucial link between effective regulation of the ICT sector and the range, quality and affordability of ICT services available to consumers and business users alike.
<http://www.itu.int/net/pressoffice/press_releases/2013/14.aspx>

Google and antitrust: A settlement between the search firm and the European Union takes shape
Within a few days the future of Google has come into slightly sharper focus. In one respect, almost literally so: on April 15th the search giant said that it was about to start sending Google Glass?a computer resembling spectacles, with a display before the user?s eyes?to developers eager to create applications for it. The firm has also published Glass?s technical specifications and the rules for developers. Among other things, Glass apps must be free of advertising. Nor may data from them be used for advertisements.
<http://www.economist.com/news/business/21576386-settlement-between-search-firm-and-european-union-takes-shape-try-it-and-see>

Report Calls for German Internet Commissioner
A special Internet and Digital Society Commission convened by parliament has released several hundred recommendations for addressing data protection and other Internet-related issues in Germany. Chief among them: establishing a permanent Internet commissioner.
<http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/special-commission-calls-for-internet-commissioner-in-germany-a-895412.html>

uk: Snoopers' laws could be used to 'oppress us', says David Cameron technology adviser
The Coalition's new internet surveillance laws are "disastrous" and could be "used to oppress us", one of David Cameron's technology advisers has said.
<http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/10003999/Snoopers-laws-could-be-used-to-oppress-us-says-David-Cameron-technology-adviser.html>

us: An Internet ?free from Government Control:? A worthy principle by Milton Mueller
On Wednesday, April 10, a bill ?to Affirm the Policy of the United States Regarding Internet Governance? was marked up in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill is an attempt to put a formal policy statement into statute law. The effective part says simply:
<http://www.internetgovernance.org/2013/04/14/an-internet-free-from-government-control-a-worthy-principle/>

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MISCELLANEOUS
**********************
Why big IT projects always go wrong
Fred Brooks's 1975 book The Mythical Man-Month is essential reading for any company boss about to embark upon a costly software project
<http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2013/apr/21/fred-brooks-complex-software-projects>

The future according to Mr Google
I am face to face with the man who knows everything about me. He knows where I've been, who I know and what I think. He knows what I do and when I do it; who I talk to and what I want to do next. He knows about my health, my work, my home, my finances, my dreams.
<http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2013/apr/20/eric-schmidt-google-alan-rusbridger>

Inside the mind of Eric Schmidt: thoughts on North Korea, Julian Assange, privacy and revolution from Alan Rusbridger's interview with Google's Eric Schmidt
I would argue that Google and the internet enable people to move up the supply chain. So people, instead of doing rote work, can do more creative work. More creative work requires more jobs, more fees, and so forth. Agriculture is getting mechanised, which has been true for hundreds of years; people are moving to cities. Cities are more productive than rural farming anyway; they are more connected.
<http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2013/apr/20/eric-schmidt-google>

Snapchat processes 150 million images per day
Snapchat, the real-time photo-sharing service has seen a three-fold increase in just four months, according to co-founder and chief executive officer Evan Spiegel.
<http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/technology/snapchat-sees-threefold-jump-to-150-images-a-day-since-december/2013/04/16/6732c3f0-a69f-11e2-8302-3c7e0ea97057_story.html>

After Apple?s Rise, a Bruising Fall
Wall Street has turned viciously on its one-time iDarling. The rout in Apple?s share price ? it fell nearly 2.7 percent on Thursday, bringing the damage since late September to 44 percent ? has many wondering when, and where, all of this will end.
<http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/19/technology/after-apples-rise-a-bruising-fall.html>

Software Sales Bolster Microsoft, Leading to a 19% Rise in Profit
Despite a brutal slump in global sales of personal computers, Microsoft said on Thursday that its third-quarter profit rose 19 percent, driven by rising sales from its Windows and Office software products.
<http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/19/technology/microsoft-profit-rises-19.html>

Google, Soothing Investors, Plays Up Its Innovations
Google?s core search business is under threat. But not to worry, its executives told shareholders on Thursday. It has its eye on a future with computers that talk to users, drive our cars and send information before we ask for it.
<http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/19/technology/googles-earnings-beat-expections-but-revenue-does-not.html>

Google gets consumer service ultimatum from German consumer groups [IDG]
Google received an ultimatum Thursday from German consumer organizations that want it to start answering questions from its users via email.
<http://www.pcworld.com/article/2035665/google-gets-consumer-service-ultimatum-from-german-consumer-groups.html>

AOL?s second life: Back from the dead, AOL is reinventing itself as a media company
MOST Thursday afternoons at AOL?s New York headquarters a bell rings to announce ?happy hour?, and staff flock to a keg in a meeting room. They hope they at last have cause to celebrate. ?If you look at the analyst models, they had AOL never getting back to growth,? says Tim Armstrong, the firm?s boss. But in the fourth quarter of 2012, AOL?s revenue rose for the first time in eight years. Its share price has surged by more than 50% in the past year.
<http://www.economist.com/news/business/21576422-back-dead-aol-reinventing-itself-media-company-aols-second-life>

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TELECOMMUNICATIONS
**********************
au: NBN Co hastens 1000Mbps internet speed launch
NBN Co has accelerated plans to offer gigabit broadband speeds to homes and businesses ? 10 times faster than those it offers users today ? as it seeks to prove the technological superiority of Labor?s $37.4 billion national broadband network.
<http://www.afr.com/p/technology/nbn_co_hastens_mbps_internet_speed_2jDgGQdxO7HBOaOeC71mYM>

au: NBN customers set for world-leading download speeds to happen by end of the year
Australians linked to the national broadband network will be able to get world-leading internet download speeds of one gigabit per second by the end of this year, the company building the network will announce on Friday.
<http://www.theage.com.au/it-pro/government-it/nbn-customers-set-for-worldleading-download-speeds-to-happen-by-end-of-the-year-20130418-2i32b.html>
<http://www.smh.com.au/it-pro/government-it/nbn-customers-set-for-worldleading-download-speeds-to-happen-by-end-of-the-year-20130418-2i32b.html>

Most Australians prefer Labor's faster yet pricier NBN plan to Opposition's policy [News Limited Network]
A majority of Australians prefer Labor's faster and more expensive National Broadband Network to the Coalition's cheaper and slower alternative.
<http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/technology/most-australians-prefer-labors-faster-yet-pricier-nbn-plan-to-oppositions-policy/story-fn7bsi21-1226625363889>

------
David Goldstein

 email: david at goldsteinreport.com

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

"Every time you use fossil fuels, you're adding to the problem. Every time you forgo fossil fuels, you're being part of the solution" - Dr Tim Flannery
Received on Mon Apr 22 2013 - 03:27:20 UTC

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