Legal and regulatory issues

Competition

• EU - German football: fans to benefit from broadcasting deal  +/-

  (EurActiv.com) The Commission has reached an agreement with the German football association opening up the broadcasting rights market for matches involving teams from the country's top two leagues. The move spells the end to a Commission enquiry into the way media rights are sold by the Bundesliga and will mean that broadcasting rights will no longer be sold to a single broadcaster in one package. In practical terms, as from the 2006-07 season, fans can expect to look forward to more access to football via the internet and video mobile phones.

Computer crime

• CoE - Sign the Cybercrime Convention, urge secureocrats  +/-

  (The Register) Politicians, police and representatives from business are gathering in Strasburg to push forward international efforts to combat cybercime. A key aim of the three-day conference is to encourage more countries to sign up to the Council of Europe's Cybercrime Convention, the first international treaty to address electronic crimes. Eight countries have ratified and 30 have signed the convention (list here), which came into force in July 2004. The Council of Europe wants more states (including countries outside Europe) to back the treaty."

• UK - Police arrest suspect in Cisco code theft  +/-

  (CNET News.com) British authorities have arrested a man suspected of stealing source code from Cisco Systems in May. The 20-year-old man, who has not been identified, was arrested Sept. 3, after the Metropolitan Police Computer Crime Unit searched two residences in Manchester and Darbyshire. The man is suspected of committing 'hacking offenses' under the Computer Misuse Act 1990. The suspect, who has not been charged with a crime yet, was released on bail and is scheduled to appear before authorities in a London police station in early November. Computer equipment seized in the searches is being forensically examined.

Consumer protection

• IE - Modem fraud forces Irish call ban  +/-

  (BBC) Direct dial phone calls from Ireland to 13 other countries are to be blocked because of an internet fraud. Hundreds of Irish phone users have run up large bills due to auto-dialling fraud or modem hijacking. The criminal installs software on computers without the knowledge of the user. The settings of that computer's internet dial-up are altered, so that when the internet is dialled up, it rings a foreign and highly expensive number. A portion of the cost of that call can then be siphoned off by the criminal.

Copyright, trademarks and patents

• US- Microsoft patents web link tabbing  +/-

  (out-law.com) The US Patent and Trademark Office granted Microsoft a patent for the process of tabbing through the hyperlinks on a web page ? a feature that is found on most web browsers and relied upon by many people with disabilities that prevent them using a mouse.

• AU - Nominet wins data mining case  +/-

  (out-law.com) Nominet UK, the national registry for all .uk domain names, has won an Australian court battle against two men who used information stolen from the registry's database to send misleading domain name notices to thousands of its registrants. In January 2003 Nominet discovered that its WHOIS database, which lists domain names and their owners, had been the subject of data mining attacks. Following the theft, 50,000 registrants received misleading notices from an outfit calling itself "UK Internet Registry".

• BEUC position paper on Digital Rights Management  +/-

  (INDICARE) Interview with Cornelia Kutterer, Senior Legal Advisor at BEUC (Bureau Européen des Unions de Consommateurs), on the occasion of the organisation's position paper on Digital Rights Management. Cornelia Kutterer is a German lawyer, holding a master's degree in Information technology and communication laws. The interview was conducted by Knud Böhle, ITAS. Abstract: BEUC's 10 page position paper on DRM aims to "set out a clear consumer perspective". This perspective comprises rights of consumers in a narrow sense and societal rights. While chapter one and two sets the scene presenting a general assessment of the current situation, the main part addresses seven issues of consumer acceptance: (1) recognition of consumer rights, namely the right to private copy, to fair commercial practices, and to be informed and refunded for faulty products, (2) a fair, competitive and balanced regime, (3) the right to privacy and private data protection, (4) right to free speech, (5) the Digital Divide, (6) right to maintain the integrity of private property (Trusted Computing), and (7) a chapter on the current levy system which is regarded as unfair. The paper finishes with a fourth chapter containing concluding remarks. The purpose of the interview is to better understand the motivations and arguments of BEUC, and to challenge their reasoning here and there.

• HK - Google news site hit by legal row over copyright  +/-

  (South China Morning Post) Google forged ahead with its news website despite threats of legal action and allegations by local media of copyright infringement. The controversies arose after the launch of Google's Hong Kong news. The website for Hong Kong news cites news summaries and uses photos from local Chinese language media, including newspaper, radio and television, and provides hyperlinks to their websites.

Data Protection (privacy)

• EU - Commission consultation on data retention 21.09.2004  +/-

  (EDRi) The consultation from the European Commission on new EU plans for mandatory retention of telecom traffic data resulted in 65 answers, most of them negative about any regime of mandatory data retention. Two thirds of the answers came from industry (telephony and internet providers, both individual companies as well as associations) and almost one third from civil society, including the one from Privacy International and European Digital Rights signed by 90 civil rights organisations across Europe, the United States and other countries around the world. The results were presented during an open workshop in Brussels on 21 September 2004.

• IE - Privacy guidelines for Irish web sites  +/-

  (out-law.com) Ireland's Data Protection Commissioner has published Guidelines for the content and use of privacy statements on web sites to help businesses comply with the country's rules on data protection. It appears that Irish sites may find compliance easier than UK sites.

• US - Man arrested over GPS 'stalking'  +/-

  (Guardian) A Californian man has been arrested for allegedly using global positioning system technology to stalk a former girlfriend. Ara Gabrielyan is said to have attached a mobile phone with the tracking system to the woman's car, allowing him to follow her movements.

e-Government

• Global E-Government, 2004 Full Report  +/-

  (Inside Politics) by Darrell M. West, Center for Public Policy, Brown University, Providence, RI. In this report, I present the fourth annual update on global e-government. I study what is online globally and how electronic government has changed over the past four years. Using a detailed analysis of 1,935 government websites in 198 different nations undertaken during Summer, 2004, I chart the variations that exist across regions and countries, and discuss the pace at which e-government is unfolding around the world.

Junk mail (spam)

• DE - Anti-Spam-Kongress: Minimal invasiv gegen Spam  +/- Translate

  (Heise) Minimal invasive Maßnahmen gegen Spam schlug die Anti-Spam Task Force (ASTF) des Provider-Verbandes eco beim 2. deutschen Anti-Spam-Kongress vor. Nach einem Jahr Vorarbeiten präsentierte die ASTF zwei Hauptmaßnahmen für den Kampf gegen Spam: ein Trusted Network für Provider, das vor allem für eine Vereinheitlichung der Politik gegen Missbrauch sorgen soll, und ein Projekt zu einer Positivliste, das den Direktmarketing-Unternehmen das Leben leichter machen soll. Whitepaper ASTF.

• New blow for Sender ID as AOL joins disbelievers  +/-

  (vnunet) AOL is the latest and largest company to back away from Microsoft's Sender ID software, designed to cut spam by identifying the source of the email. The move is particularly embarrassing for Redmond as AOL was the first in a list of companies it said had voiced support for the technology. AOL will continue to use the Sender Policy Framework (SPF) with which Microsoft's technology is combined in Sender ID.

Liability, jurisdiction and applicable law

• UK - 'I want to stop another murder'  +/-

  (Guardian) Jane Longhurst knew her killer - but she didn't know he was addicted to violent internet porn. Now her sister, Sue Barnett, is campaigning to close down websites that carry such material.

• UK - Keep your distance  +/-

  (Guardian) There is often a fine line between reporting crimes and encouraging criminals. Duncan Lamont explains how to stay on the right side of the law.

• US - ISPs Not Liable for Failing to Block Pornography, Rules Court  +/-

  (Harvard Law School) Berkman Center for Internet & Society. A Pennsylvania law which held ISPs liable for blocking access to child pornography was struck down by the U.S. District Court last week. The law created criminal penalties for ISPs that failed to censor child pornography on sites they hosted, but in practice, the law resulted in wider suppression of legal sites. The court declared the law unconstitutional. Center for Democracy and Technology et al. v. Pappert.

Protection of minors

• UK - Mobiles to let parents keep a track on children  +/-

  (Guardian) Parents worried about where their children are will be able to check up on them using technology that can locate their mobile phones, under new industry guidelines. The code of practice has been drawn up by the five British mobile networks in conjunction with the Home Office, police and children's charities. Under the guidelines, the phone being traced receives regular text messages reminding the user that he or she can be tracked. Unlike a similar scheme in Finland where children under the age of 14 have no right to cancel the service, British children will be able to opt out of being located by their parents. The service also stops working if the handset is switched off.

• UK - PM backs violent game inquiry  +/-

  (BBC) The prime minister has told parliament a violent video game - blamed by some for the death of a Leicester boy - should not be used by children. Mr Blair said responsible adults had the right to choose what they watched, but children needed to be protected. He agreed to discuss with Home Secretary David Blunkett what action could be taken to combat the problem.

Rating and filtering

• NO - Norwegische Polizei und Telenor entwickelten Kinderpornofilter  +/- Translate

  (Heise) Norwegens größter Internetprovider Telenor sperrt in Zusammenarbeit mit der Kriminalpolizei Kinderpornoseiten. Am Dienstag hat das Unternehmen einen neu entwickelten Filter vorgestellt, der die Benutzer daran hindern soll, auf entsprechende Seiten zuzugreifen.

• Nokia lets parents filter out mobile smut  +/-

  (CNET News.com) Nokia has announced plans for new software that will allow customers to have more control over access to mobile content. The company said the product allows mobile service operators to offer control features that are based on subscriber recognition and user information. For instance, parents can indicate service categories to be barred in order to prevent their children from visiting questionable Web sites. The product is likely to be available during the last quarter of this year.

Safer Internet awareness

• UK - Government seeks safer web for kids  +/-

  (The Register) Home Office minister Paul Goggins wants to make Britain the safest place for kids to be, online and offline, and announced a new campaign to promote online child safety. Speaking at the Promoting Mobile and Internet Safety Conference, Goggins said that although technology offered many valuable services, it still carries many risks. He argued that organisations should work together to better understand the challenges that need to be addressed to make the internet a safer place for children. See Press Release (Home Office).

• UK - Govt Campaign to Warn of Internet Dangers  +/-

  (eGov monitor Weekly) The Government is planning to mount a major new campaign to raise public awareness of computer security and internet safety risks. Officials from the Home Office and other government departments are currently engaged in talks with the computer and internet industry and law enforcement agencies on a possible joint information initiative. The discussions have been ongoing under the codename 'Project Endurance'.

• UK - Wales - New Pilot Scheme for Internet Safety  +/-

  (Press Release) WISE KIDS is working in partnership with the Welsh Assembly Government and the Wales Youth Agency to develop and deliver a pilot, innovative "Internet WISE" peer mentoring programme for young people. The programme, which is aimed at 14-19 year olds, can be delivered by youth workers, teachers, librarians, in fact any learning providers who work with young people. WISE KIDS is a Wales based organisation promoting positive and safe Internet use.

• US - Digital Divide: Where To Go From Here  +/-

  (Kaiser Family Foundation) This issue brief, Children, The Digital Divide, and Federal Policy, includes new research findings and reviews the latest information on wiring the nation's schools and libraries, including points of access, the speed of connection, and what children are doing online. The report also examines current Federal policies and policy ideas that could address the new digital divide. This is the tenth in a series of reports and fact sheets on topics related to children, media and health that pull together the most relevant research on such issues as TV violence, teens online, media ratings, and children and video games.

Security and encryption

• European Network and Information Security Agency up and running  +/-

  (Europa) The European Network Information and Security Agency (ENISA), now has its Executive Director, internal rules of procedure are in place, and a drive to recruit technical experts has just begun. Technical experts will be appointed by Executive Director Mr Andrea Pirotti, in accordance with rules set out on the ENISA web site. The Management Board has also elected a Finn, Ms Kristiina Pietikainen, as its Chairperson, and a Hungarian, Mr Ferenc Suba, as its Vice-Chairperson. Recruitment of technical experts for ENISA?s operational tasks begins now, and the staff should be completed in the course of next year. After an initial setting-up period in Brussels, ENISA?s permanent seat will be in Heraklion (Greece).

Self-regulation / codes of conduct

• PayPal to levy fines for gambling, porn  +/-

  (Reuters) PayPal, the online payments arm of eBay, will soon fine people up to $500 for uses related to gambling, adult content or services, and buying or selling prescription drugs from noncertified sellers. The new policy, which takes effect Sept. 24 and applies to both buyers and sellers, marks the first time PayPal has imposed fines for violations of its use policy.

Market & Technology

Market

• Laptop D.J.'s Have a Feast  +/-

  (The New York Times) Plenty of music available online is not just free but also easily available, legal and - most important - worth hearing.

• Tracking device  +/-

  (Guardian) Rip&Burn magazine that not only reviews albums but also tells readers which tracks are worth downloading so they don't need to buy the entire album. The magazine's editor Tom Dunmore is convinced the 16 to 30-year-old 'iPod generation' will push the 'stagnant' album market into irretrievable decline while reinvigorating the single track market, albeit through MP3 files rather than CDs.

Security and encryption

• IT security culture must start from the top  +/-

  (vnunet.com) Senior executives need to help companies build an IT security-conscious culture from the top down, according to new research by Ernst & Young.Respondents to its Global Information Security Survey 2004 named lack of security awareness by users as the top obstacle to information security. But only 28 per cent of them listed raising employee information security awareness as a top initiative in 2004.

Statistics

• UK - Broadband starts to rival dial-up  +/-

  (BBC) Broadband has out-stripped unmetered dial-up connections in the UK for the first time, official figures show. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the number of always-on connections reached 31% in July, compared with 29% for unmetered access.

Technology

• UK - Web tool may banish broken links  +/-

  (BBC) Students have developed a tool which could mean broken weblinks are history. Peridot, developed by UK intern students at IBM, scans company weblinks and replaces outdated information with other relevant documents and links. It works by automatically mapping and storing key features of webpages, so it can detect significant content changes. The students said Peridot could protect companies by spotting links to sites that have been removed, or which point to wholly unsuitable content.

Events

• 2004-09-13 OSCE, Brussels - Conference on Tolerance and the Fight against Racism, Xenophobia and Discrimination  +/-

  (OSCE) 13 - 14 September 2004 Brussels, Belgium. In the Decision on Tolerance and Non-Discrimination, Ministers in Maastricht reaffirmed their commitment to promote tolerance and non-discrimination. They decided to follow up the work started at the OSCE Conference on Racism, Xenophobia and Discrimination, held in Vienna on 4 and 5 September 2003, and welcomed the offer by Belgium to host a second OSCE conference on this subject in Brussels. This Conference aims to build upon the general and specific discussions within the OSCE on racism, xenophobia, discrimination and anti-Semitism that have taken place since the Porto Ministerial Council Meeting in 2002.

• 2004-09-14 UK, London - Promoting Mobile and Internet Safety  +/-

  (Neil Stewart Associates) Meeting the Responsibility to Protect Children and Young People. Tuesday 14th September 2004. Mayfair Conference Centre, London W12 2EL

• 2004-09-15 CoE, Strasbourg - High-Level Conference on the Challenge of Cybercrime  +/-

  (CoE) World-wide action against cybercrime is the aim of a Council of Europe conference, to be held in Strasbourg from 15 to 17 September.

• 2004-10-28 US, New York - State of Play: Reloaded  +/-

  (NYLS) State of Play will be held this year at New York Law School, Tribeca, New York City from Oct 28-30, 2004. The State of Play, an annual conference sponsored by New York Law School and Yale Law School, explores the next frontier in the evolution of cyberspace: virtual worlds. "State of Play: Reloaded" highlights two themes: the role of intellectual property and governance in virtual worlds. Should we import copyright and trademark into virtual spaces? Can we exclude them? What should be the relationship between real and virtual world economies? Should legislatures protect virtual world property? What are the possibilities for using virtual spaces to practice the activities of real world democracy? Should virtual worlds be treated as separate jurisdictions with their own evolving norms and forms of dispute resolution? What is the potential for using virtual worlds to promote democracy and self-governance?

Useful addresses

• UK - eGov monitor  +/-

  (eGov monitor Weekly) A free email publication providing a comprehensive round-up of the latest developments in electronic government and public sector ICT. The Weekly supplements the eGov monitor Corporate Service. When you subscribe to eGov monitor Weekly, you will also receive eGov monitor Events Express, a free fortnightly update on the most interesting events related to eGovernment and public sector ICT.

QuickLinks consists of

• a free newsletter appearing approximately once a week. The newsletter is distributed by electronic mail through an "announcement only" mailing list. To be included on the mailing list, send a blank email to quicklinkshtml-subscribe@yahoogroups.com (HTML) or quicklinks-subscribe@yahoogroups.com (Text)
• a Web site with frequent updates, an events page, news items organised by category as well as chronologically by issue and full text search.