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[APPLe list] general internet news - August 13
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Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
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Is Google a Media Company?
http://nytimes.com/2008/08/11/technology/11google.html
Google Says Infected Spam Is Getting Worse
http://www.informationweek.com/news/internet/security/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=210002878
'Pump and Dump' conmen targeted
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7552009.stm
Cyber attacks knock out Georgia's Internet presence
http://computerworld.com.au/index.php/id;1528065017
US internet fraud: many complaints, few repercussions [IDG]
http://www.infoworld.com/article/08/08/12/Internet_fraud_many_complaints_few_repercussions_1.html
Belgian court dismisses L'Oreal claims against eBay
http://uk.reuters.com/article/internetNews/idUKLC68743420080812
Tiffany appeals US court's eBay ruling
http://out-law.com/page-9340
Yahoo to Make Targeted Ads Optional-Lawmakers Scrutinize Impact of Data Collection on Privacy
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/07/AR2008080703104.html
us: Some Web Firms Say They Track Behavior Without Explicit Consent
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/11/AR2008081102270.html
Web Privacy on the Radar in US Congress
http://nytimes.com/2008/08/11/technology/11privacy.html
Australian ISPs join the copyright fight
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2008/08/06/1217702054216.html
Italian authorities attempt to take on Pirate Bay
http://out-law.com/page-9336
nz: Students take online revenge on teachers
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/topic/story.cfm?c_id=137&objectid=10526073
UK mobile firms urged to improve age filtering
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/aug/12/telecoms.internetphonesbroadband
EC readies European satellite wireless spectrum
http://news.zdnet.co.uk/communications/0,1000000085,39458727,00.htm
Aust Govt blitz on roaming bill shock
http://www.australianit.news.com.au/story/0,24897,24168118-15306,00.html
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INTERNET USE
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Is Google a Media Company?
Type “buttermilk pancakes” into Google, and among the top three or four search results you will find a link to a detailed recipe complete with a photo of a scrumptious stack from a site called Knol, which is owned by Google.
http://nytimes.com/2008/08/11/technology/11google.html
eBay traders accuse site of selling out
Going, going, gone? Furious fans have accused eBay, the website that brought auctions to the internet, of betrayal. They are upset by a decision to lurch away from the website's original format and instead allow major retailers to list thousands of products at fixed prices. The trend, they warn, marks the beginning of the end for the online auction - leaving eBay looking less like a car-boot sale and more like a shopping mall.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/aug/10/ebay.efinance
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SPAM
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Google Says Infected Spam Is Getting Worse
On its enterprise blog on Tuesday, Google plans to report that it saw more infectious spam messages in July than any month so far this year. According to data gathered by Google's Postini corporate e-mail security service, the volume of e-mail virus attacks peaked at almost 10 million on a single day, July 24.
http://www.informationweek.com/news/internet/security/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=210002878
'Pump and Dump' conmen targeted
Scammers using the net to hype stocks are being targeted with software that can spot fraudulent trading patterns. Many hi-tech conmen use junk mail to hype stocks so they can sell shares they own in the companies at a profit.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7552009.stm
VeriSign releases stock fraud protection service
VeriSign has adapted its fraud protection service to help safeguard against a common form of stock trading fraud. The new module for the VeriSign Identity Protection (VIP) Fraud Detection Service, the Stock Trading Module, uses a self-learning behavioural engine to spot a form of trading fraud known as 'pump-and-dump' fraud.
http://computerworld.com.au/index.php/id;1704251297
Hi-tech thieves target Olympics
The start of the Olympics has proved irresistible to cyber criminals, say security firms. The volume of junk e-mail messages with an Olympic theme spiked prior to the opening ceremony, said Symantec.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7548870.stm
Obama, Olympics spam popular as year-over-year volume grows
The most important way for a spam message to be successful is to catch the user's eye and overcome initial skepticism. That means, regardless of how the e-mail is flagged, the user is attracted by the e-mail title, body, and ultimately ends up clicking the included link that either sends in malware or tries to sell a crap product.
http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20080812-obama-olympics-spam-popular-as-year-over-year-volume-grows.html
Twitter tries 'following' limits to curb spam
Did you know that you can only follow 2,000 people on Twitter--unless there are at least 2,000 people who have opted to follow you? This was one of the measures that the microblogging service formally announced Thursday as part of a new system to cut down on spam. The company acknowledged it only obliquely, but bloggers like David Risley picked up on the news and spread the word.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13577_3-10015151-36.html
http://blogs.zdnet.com/social/?p=566
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ONLINE CRIME, SECURITY & LEGAL
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Cyberspace Barrage Preceded Russian Invasion of Georgia
Weeks before physical bombs started falling on Georgia, a security researcher in suburban Massachusetts was watching an attack against the country in cyberspace.
http://nytimes.com/2008/08/13/technology/13cyber.html
http://iht.com/articles/2008/08/12/technology/webcyber.php
Georgia Takes a Beating in the Cyberwar With Russia
Besides the bloody shooting war going on between Georgia and Russia, there’s another, quieter battle going on in cyberspace. The Georgian government is accusing Russia of disabling Georgian Web sites, including the site for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/08/11/georgia-takes-a-beating-in-the-cyberwar-with-russia/
Georgia accuses Russia of waging 'cyber-war'
Georgia today accused Russia of waging a parallel ‘cyber-war’, using hacking techniques to block key Georgian government websites.
http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/article4508546.ece
Estonia, Poland help Georgia fight cyberattacks [IDG]
In an intriguing cyberalliance, two Estonian computer experts are scheduled to arrive in Georgia by evening to keep the country's networks running amid an intense military confrontation with Russia.
http://computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9112399
http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/scrt/BEA47151896EBCEFCC2574A300717880
Russia and Georgia continue attacks--online
Researchers studying botnets have reported an increase in attacks on Georgian Web sites, including that of the country's president, within the last two weeks. While the attacks--Web site defacement and denial-of-service packet floods--are reminiscent of the Internet attacks waged against Estonia in May 2007, Jose Nazario, security researcher for Arbor Networks, told CNET News that he's seeing evidence that Georgia is apparently fighting back, attacking at least one Moscow-based newspaper site.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-10015657-83.html
Georgian Government, News Sites Under Cyber Attack
The fierce fighting that began last week between Russia and the former Soviet republic of Georgia is being mirrored in a fierce cyber battle between the two countries, according to Georgian officials and third-party observers.
http://www.darkreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=161293
Russian hacker 'militia' mobilizes to attack Georgia
Security researchers on Tuesday disputed claims that a well-known Russian hacker-hosting network is responsible for cyberattacks against sites belonging to Georgia, the former Soviet republic that has been battling Russian military forces since Friday.
http://computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9112443
http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/scrt/076B601C9F5F88B4CC2574A30070B0A3
Cyber attacks knock out Georgia's Internet presence
Hackers, perhaps affiliated with a well-known Russian criminal network, have attacked and hijacked Web sites belonging to Georgia, the former Soviet republic now in the fourth day of war with Russia, a security researcher claimed Sunday.
http://computerworld.com.au/index.php/id;1528065017
http://computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9112201
http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/scrt/6F9AC917A2298DF7CC2574A200715DAC
Global Trail of an Online Crime Ring
US prosecutors say their own informant stole millions of credit card numbers in a case that reveals how the Internet is enabling new crimes on a vast scale.
http://nytimes.com/2008/08/12/technology/12theft.html
http://iht.com/articles/2008/08/11/business/theft.php
Reporters booted from Black Hat conference for hacking
With thousands of hackers milling around the Black Hat convention here, and widespread snooping on the public WiFi network, one place was supposed to be off limits: the press room.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/08/AR2008080800003.html
US internet fraud: many complaints, few repercussions [IDG]
Despite receiving tens of thousands of online fraud complaints from consumers every year, U.S. states bring only a small number of Internet-related cases to court, according to research released on Tuesday.
http://www.infoworld.com/article/08/08/12/Internet_fraud_many_complaints_few_repercussions_1.html
http://www.itworld.com/legal/54215/internet-fraud-many-complaints-few-repercussions
http://computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9112448
http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/081208-internet-fraud-many-complaints-few.html
U.S. Fails To Prosecute Internet Fraud Cases [Reuters]
While Web users drown in spam and fend off scams aimed at stealing their money, U.S. federal and state law enforcement authorities are doing little to resolve what has become a multi-billion-dollar problem, a think tank said Monday.
http://www.informationweek.com/news/internet/security/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=210002949
Belgian court dismisses L'Oreal claims against eBay
A Belgian court on Tuesday dismissed all of the claims of cosmetics maker L'Oreal brought against eBay over the sale of fake fragrances and cosmetic products on online auction sites, eBay said in a statement.
http://in.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idINIndia-34976920080812
http://uk.reuters.com/article/internetNews/idUKLC68743420080812
Tiffany appeals eBay counterfeit ruling
Tiffany & Co. has appealed a U.S. district court ruling that says eBay Inc. is not responsible for counterfeit goods sold on its Web site.
http://computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9112319
Tiffany appeals US court's eBay ruling
Jeweller Tiffany has lodged an appeal against a US court ruling that said that eBay is not responsible for the sale of fakes on its auction site.
http://out-law.com/page-9340
Tiffany Keeps Hammering at eBay Lawsuit
Luxury-goods retailer Tiffany is keeping its battle with eBay alive, appealing a judge's ruling that Tiffany, not eBay, is responsible for protecting its brand on the auction site. The judge failed to account for the basic premise of trademark law in making his ruling, Tiffany's lawyers argue.
http://ecommercetimes.com/story/Tiffany-Keeps-Hammering-at-eBay-Lawsuit-64131.html
Tiffany appeals ruling in eBay counterfeit listings case
Tiffany & Co. announced on Monday that it is appealing a recent federal court decision that said eBay is not responsible for policing counterfeit listings on its auction site.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-10013681-38.html
Tiffany appeals eBay counterfeiting decision [AP]
Tiffany & Co. challenged Monday a federal ruling that largely absolved eBay Inc. of policing its auction site for counterfeit items, saying the judge was wrong to leave the primary burden to the jewelry maker.
http://nytimes.com/aponline/business/AP-Tiffany-Appeal.html
http://news.theage.com.au/technology/tiffany-appeals-ebay-counterfeiting-decision-20080812-3tpq.html
http://news.smh.com.au/technology/tiffany-appeals-ebay-counterfeiting-decision-20080812-3tpq.html
Tiffany appeals eBay Internet ruling
U.S. jeweller Tiffany on Monday said it appealed a recent court ruling that found eBay was not responsible for policing fake Tiffany jewellery sold on its website.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/internetNews/idUKMOL16800620080811
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PRIVACY
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Yahoo to Make Targeted Ads Optional-Lawmakers Scrutinize Impact of Data Collection on Privacy
Internet giant Yahoo is set to announce today that it will allow users to shut off targeted advertising on its Web sites, a move that comes as a congressional committee continues to air concerns about consumer privacy.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/07/AR2008080703104.html
us: Some Web Firms Say They Track Behavior Without Explicit Consent
Several Internet and broadband companies have acknowledged using targeted-advertising technology without explicitly informing customers, according to letters released yesterday by the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/11/AR2008081102270.html
Web Privacy on the Radar in US Congress
... “I’m pretty aware of the fact that anything you do on the Internet pretty much should just be considered public,” Mr. Martinez said. While he knows that companies are collecting his data and often tracking his online habits so they can show him more relevant ads, he said, he would like to see more transparency “about what the company intends to do with your data and your information.” “Like all privacy matters, it’s something that people need to be informed on,” Mr. Martinez said.
http://nytimes.com/2008/08/11/technology/11privacy.html
au: Online ticketing blunder puts thousands at risk
Privacy groups say thousands of people could be targeted by online fraudsters because of a mistake by an online ticketing agency.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/08/12/2332436.htm
au: Ticketek bungle prompts internet privacy debate
An email sent by concert marketing group Ticketek to its customers has sparked new debate about internet privacy.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/08/12/2332367.htm
Ticketek apologises for not-so-Dandy mailout 12/08/2008 17:30:36
CEO Geoff Jones says sorry for mistake that exposed 13,000 email addresses.
http://computerworld.com.au/index.php/id;1218267490
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ONLINE TV & MUSIC
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Australian ISPs join the copyright fight
Australian internet users could have their online access curbed if a new trial launched in Britain last month takes hold here. The Australian entertainment industry wants internet service providers to act as file-sharing police and caution people who download illegal copies of films, TV shows and music via peer-to-peer networks.
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2008/08/06/1217702054216.html
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2008/08/06/1217702054216.html
Italian authorities attempt to take on Pirate Bay
Italian internet service providers have attempted to block access to peer-to-peer (P2P) link-sharing site The Pirate Bay. The Pirate Bay claims that the action was taken on the orders of Italian prosecutor Giancarlo Mancusi.
http://out-law.com/page-9336
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CENSORSHIP
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Website blocking for your own good, Games chiefs tell Chinese [AFP]
Olympic Games organisers say their controversial decision to block internet sites was taken to protect Chinese youngsters. Asked why sites such as Free Tibet and those covering the Tiananmen Square massacre were not accessible, Wang Wei, the vice-president of organising committee BOCOG, said: "We (BOCOG) promised free access except for a few websites that jeopardise our security and the healthy growth of our youth."
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/08/09/2329896.htm?site=olympics/2008
Rumor Control: Why I Can’t Put ‘Tibet’ in My Hotmail Address
A reader wrote in to say he had heard that Microsoft was not letting people choose usernames with the word “Tibet” in them when signing up for its online services. This turns out to be true, technically speaking. If you try to select such a name you get an error message:
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/08/07/rumor-control-why-i-cant-put-tibet-in-my-hotmail-address/
Web users beat censors to attack ‘authoritarian’ opening ceremony
While the world marvelled at the spectacular opening ceremony in Beijing, a surprising backlash was materialising this weekend among Chinese internet users.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/olympics/article4493484.ece
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CHILD PROTECTION, FILTERING & CONTENT REGULATION
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A Children Based Browser For Children Offering A Plethora Of Benefits
Children’s Educational Network, a leader in the software developing industry has launched a fully integrated suite of internet software products that offer safer platforms for children online.
http://www.1888pressrelease.com/a-children-based-browser-for-children-offering-a-plethora-of-pr-66669.html
nz: Students take online revenge on teachers
Students are taking a high-tech approach to revenge on teachers - assuming their identities in fake online profiles and putting doctored photographs of them on the internet.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/topic/story.cfm?c_id=137&objectid=10526073
UK mobile firms urged to improve age filtering
The mobile phone industry is considering introducing cinema-style classifications for mobile phone content, to prevent children using the latest internet-enabled handsets to access websites that contain unsuitable material.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/aug/12/telecoms.internetphonesbroadband
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GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC POLICY
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us: Study: State AGs Fail to Adequately Protect Online Consumers
State attorneys general received thousands of complaints about online fraud and abuse in 2006 and 2007. Yet, with the exception of several notable standouts, few states brought significant cases in response to those complaints, according to a report released today from the Center for American Progress and the Center for Democracy and Technology. The study finds online fraud and abuse aren't given a high priority by most attorneys general. The report recommends several steps state attorneys general can take to protect online consumers, such as: assess the applicability and adequacy of state laws; develop computer forensic capabilities; train investigators and prosecutors to identify Internet fraud; and devote greater resources to enforcement efforts. August 12, 2008 Study: Online Consumers at Risk and the Role of State Attorneys General:
http://www.cdt.org/privacy/20080812_ag_consumer_risk.pdf
au: New technology pushes privacy law change
Advancements in information technology warrant changes in privacy laws, said the Australian Law Reform Commission. Today it launched a new report that recommends 295 changes to privacy laws and practices for government agencies, businesses, and the private sector.
http://www.itnews.com.au/News/82268,new-technology-pushes-privacy-law-change.aspx
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TELECOMMUNICATIONS
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EC readies European satellite wireless spectrum
Companies that offer satellite-based services including mobile data, mobile TV, disaster relief and remote medical services will soon be able to do so across the whole of Europe, after the European Commission announced it was harmonizing radio spectrum throughout the continent for this purpose.
http://www.zdnetasia.com/news/communications/0,39044192,62044744,00.htm
http://news.zdnet.co.uk/communications/0,1000000085,39458727,00.htm
Telstra, Optus experts clash on broadband build
A regulatory expert on Telstra's payroll says the National Broadband Network's focus on a single ubiquitous build will drive down competitive investment in telecoms. Optus's regulatory expert, however, says Telstra has the story wrong.
http://www.australianit.news.com.au/story/0,24897,24164965-5013041,00.html?referrer=email
Aust Govt blitz on roaming bill shock
The Rudd Government has sent a clear warning it wants mobile carriers to ease charges Australian consumers face when using their mobiles overseas.
http://www.australianit.news.com.au/story/0,24897,24168118-15306,00.html
Virgin Media aims for 40 times faster broadband in UK
Virgin Media could be offering customers broadband at up to 200Mb per second by 2012, roughly 40 times faster than the average speed currently enjoyed by British web surfers, according to the cable company's chief executive, Neil Berkett.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/aug/08/virginmedia.internet
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MOBILE/WIRELESS
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WiMAX Forum Applauds India
The WiMAX Forum today commended the Department of Telecommunications of India for the allocation and upcoming auction relating to the 2.3 and 2.5 GHz frequency bands. The availability of these key bands for WiMAX™ technology in India will provide its consumers with much needed broadband connectivity across the diverse economic and social needs of the entire population.
http://www.unstrung.com/document.asp?doc_id=161094
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ARRESTS/COURT CASES FOR CHILD PORN
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au: Child-pornography teacher 'a broken man'
A FORMER Brighton Grammar teacher who used words such as "pre-teen Lolita" to scour the internet for child pornography was a broken man whose reputation was in tatters, the County Court has heard.
http://www.theage.com.au/national/childpornography-teacher-a-broken-man-20080811-3tn2.html
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(c) David Goldstein 2008
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David Goldstein
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