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Mike Pearson

UK taken to court over web ’secret surveillence’

Should people give informed, specific consent to their communications being intercepted for purposes such as behavioural advertising?

Should they be able to revoke their consent?

I don’t think ISPs would be able to determine how the information might be used. Intelligence gathering, stalking, marketing are all possible uses.

Amplify’d from www.nzherald.co.nz

UK taken to court over web ’secret surveillence’

British ministers face an embarrassing showdown in court after the European Commission accused Britain of failing to protect its citizens from secret surveillance on the internet.

The legal action is being brought over the use of controversial behavioural advertising services which were tested on British Telecom’s internet customers without their consent to gather commercial information about their web-shopping habits.

Under the programme, the UK-listed company Phorm has developed technology that allows internet service providers (ISPs) to track what their users are doing online.

ISPs can then sell that information to media companies and advertisers, who can use it to place more relevant advertisements on websites the user subsequently visits. The EU has accused Britain of turning a blind eye to the growth in this kind of internet marketing.

Read more at www.nzherald.co.nz
 

Crown Law to review internet publishing laws

Amplify’d from www.nzherald.co.nz

Crown Law to review internet publishing laws

The Crown Law Office is conducting a review of internet publication, after recent cases raised questions over contempt of court and suppression order breaches.

Debate was sparked during Clayton Weatherston’s murder trial this year when social networking websites posted comments from people assuming his guilt.

University of Canterbury law faculty associate professor Ursula Cheer told Law News magazine the Weatherston, Berryman and Rickards cases were an example of a growing internet trend.

More people were blogging and placing information on the internet, either without considering the legal implications, or in contravention of legal rulings because they felt strongly about an issue, she said.

Read more at www.nzherald.co.nz
 

Preparing for the digital afterlife

Another article about the difficulties you leave behind, if you don’t have your Internet affairs sorted.  Obviously this will be an increasing issue, as more content is moved online.

Amplify’d from www.guardian.co.uk

Preparing for the digital afterlife

How should we deal with web users’ Facebook, PayPal and other accounts when they log off for good?

Although people increasingly live their lives online, few bother to specify what should happen to their digital assets once they log off for good. But failure to plan for the digital afterlife can cause problems for those left to sort out the affairs of the deceased. Without a username and password family members can struggle to access valuable web domains, online accounts – even photographs and documents on a PC.

“People aren’t very aware of what you might call their living online legacy – potential employers looking at their Facebook accounts, for example. The issue of what happens to that information after their death is an extension of that,” says Yorick Wilks, a senior research fellow at the Oxford Internet Institute.

Read more at www.guardian.co.uk
 

US principles for a Free and Open Internet

FCC adds 2 new principles for Open Internet - includes wireless.

Amplify’d from www.openinternet.gov

“Preserving a Free and Open Internet: A Platform for Innovation, Opportunity, and Prosperity”

four Internet principles that guide our case-by-case enforcement of the communications laws. These principles can be summarized as: Network operators cannot prevent users from accessing the lawful Internet content, applications, and services of their choice, nor can they prohibit users from attaching non-harmful devices to the network.
The fifth principle is one of non-discrimination — stating that broadband providers cannot discriminate against particular Internet content or applications.
The sixth principle is a transparency principle — stating that providers of broadband Internet access must be transparent about their network management practices.
Read more at www.openinternet.gov
 

Legislation Is Restricting Community Internet Access

New UK research shows that laws tackling illegal use of open wireless Internet connections also restrict community attempts to share wireless.

Amplify’d from www.sciencedaily.com

Legislation Is Restricting Internet Access, Expert Warns

ScienceDaily (Aug. 14, 2009) — Laws aimed at tackling illegal use of wireless Internet connections are restricting attempts to increase broadband access, according to newly published research.

“Shared Internet access has potential social benefits, but it’s harder to encourage people to take part if the legalities are unclear. Furthermore, local communities trying to use wireless access to extend connectivity have faced objections from established industries that this is anti-competitive or a breach of contract.
“Malicious hacking and phone fraud should of course continue to be crimes but if wifi sharing is to be encouraged and properly regulated this is an inappropriate use of the law. Read more at www.sciencedaily.com
 

Aussie cops target free wifi

No Commentary

Amplify’d from www.stuff.co.nz

Aussie cops targets wifi crims

The Queensland Police fraud squad says it will be the first police force in the world to go on “wardriving” missions to warn homes and businesses if their wireless networks are not secure.

Detective Superintendent Brian Hay said criminals were piggy-backing on the WiFi connections of ordinary computer users and using them to anonymously commit crimes such as fraud and identity theft.

The Queensland operation could attract criticism from those who believe police time would be better spent seeking out drug dealers and robbers, but Detective Superintendent Hay said the issue was just as important as any other.

Read more at www.stuff.co.nz