/PRNewswire/ -- A class action lawsuit was just filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, Central Division, alleging that Facebook is misappropriating the names and pictures of minors for profit.
David Cohen, a minor, by and through Robin Cohen as Guardian ad Litem; Shelby Orland, a minor, by and through Marcia J. Orland as Guardian ad Litem; for all others similarly situated v. Facebook, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and DOES 1 through 100, Inclusive (Case #BC444482), alleges that Facebook encourages the participation of teenagers on its social network. Without any attempt to obtain parental consent, Facebook sells the names and likenesses of those minors for use by advertisers as an endorsement of the advertisers' products or services.
"When a teenager sees that their Facebook friends 'Like' an ad, it piques their curiosity, making them more likely to click the ad or visit the page," says Los Angeles plaintiff attorney John Torjesen of John C. Torjesen & Associates. "We believe it is a clear case of exploitation of children for the sake of profits."
"The consent of the minor for this commercial use of his or her name and likeness is not obtained by Facebook," says plaintiff attorney and co-counsel Antony Stuart of Stuart Law Firm. "Under California law, the minor's consent cannot be obtained without the consent of the parent or guardian. Facebook makes no effort to obtain parental consent."
The class action lawsuit is filed on behalf of all California residents who are or were under the age of 18 and members of Facebook from Aug. 26, 2007 to Aug. 26, 2010 whose likenesses or names were used in a Facebook advertisement or landing page.
"Facebook's actions violate the inalienable right to privacy guaranteed by the California Constitution," says Torjesen. "It derives illegal profits by charging advertisers for the use of children's names and photographs. As the father of a teenager, I view this to be exploitation of children."
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Friday, August 27, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
Tech Industry Opposes Possible FM Chip Mandate for Mobile Devices
/PRNewswire/ -- A coalition of six technology industry associations sent a letter today to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the U.S. House and Senate Judiciary Committees urging them to resist efforts to include an FM technology mandate for mobile devices in any legislation addressing an unrelated conflict between the broadcast and recording industries over royalties.
"Calls for an FM chip mandate are not about public safety but are instead about propping up a business which consumers are abandoning as they avail themselves of new, more consumer-friendly options," the associations wrote. "It is simply wrong for two entrenched industries to resolve their differences by agreeing to burden a third industry - which has no relationship to or other interest in the performance royalty dispute - with a costly, ill-considered and unnecessary new mandate."
The proposed imposition of an FM chip mandate is not necessary for resolution of the dispute between performance artists and broadcasters and, if adopted, it would be bad policy for several reasons:
-- Mandating that every wireless device include an FM chip would require
consumers to pay more for a function that they may not desire or ever
use.
-- The groups that are parties to the discussions over the performance
rights royalty issue lack any expertise in the development of wireless
devices and are in no position to dictate what type of functionality
is included in a wireless device.
-- Development by the technology industry and government of a mobile
broadcast emergency alerting system makes the requirement unnecessary.
The following Presidents and Chief Executive Officers of CTIA-The Wireless Association®, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)®, the Information Technology Industry Council, the Rural Cellular Association, TechAmerica and the Telecommunications Industry Association signed the letter.
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"Calls for an FM chip mandate are not about public safety but are instead about propping up a business which consumers are abandoning as they avail themselves of new, more consumer-friendly options," the associations wrote. "It is simply wrong for two entrenched industries to resolve their differences by agreeing to burden a third industry - which has no relationship to or other interest in the performance royalty dispute - with a costly, ill-considered and unnecessary new mandate."
The proposed imposition of an FM chip mandate is not necessary for resolution of the dispute between performance artists and broadcasters and, if adopted, it would be bad policy for several reasons:
-- Mandating that every wireless device include an FM chip would require
consumers to pay more for a function that they may not desire or ever
use.
-- The groups that are parties to the discussions over the performance
rights royalty issue lack any expertise in the development of wireless
devices and are in no position to dictate what type of functionality
is included in a wireless device.
-- Development by the technology industry and government of a mobile
broadcast emergency alerting system makes the requirement unnecessary.
The following Presidents and Chief Executive Officers of CTIA-The Wireless Association®, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)®, the Information Technology Industry Council, the Rural Cellular Association, TechAmerica and the Telecommunications Industry Association signed the letter.
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Friday, August 20, 2010
EarthLink Files Reply in Comcast-NBCU Merger; Urges FCC to Require Wholesale Standalone Broadband Access Condition
/PRNewswire/-- EarthLink, Inc. (NASDAQ:ELNK) , one of the nation's leading Internet service providers, on August 18 filed at the Federal Communications Commission a response to the opposition of applicants to conditions proposed in the Comcast-NBCU merger. In June, EarthLink asked the FCC to deny the merger or adopt a condition requiring Comcast to offer wholesale standalone broadband access to independent Internet service providers.
EarthLink urged the FCC to adopt the condition to ensure the merger does not result in anti-competitive activity that will reduce consumer choice, restrict content diversity, and interfere with Internet competition. In addition to providing consumers a choice for broadband access service, the condition would allow consumers to "break the bundle" and take advantage of video programming available on the Internet without subscribing to cable television service, thereby encouraging broadband investment, competition and adoption.
"The Comcast-NBCU transaction raises the substantial risk that Comcast will use its market power to stifle competition, growth and innovation of online video and other broadband content," said EarthLink General Counsel Samuel R. DeSimone, Jr. "The access condition proposed by EarthLink is a cost-effective solution to these concerns and will benefit U.S. consumers."
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EarthLink urged the FCC to adopt the condition to ensure the merger does not result in anti-competitive activity that will reduce consumer choice, restrict content diversity, and interfere with Internet competition. In addition to providing consumers a choice for broadband access service, the condition would allow consumers to "break the bundle" and take advantage of video programming available on the Internet without subscribing to cable television service, thereby encouraging broadband investment, competition and adoption.
"The Comcast-NBCU transaction raises the substantial risk that Comcast will use its market power to stifle competition, growth and innovation of online video and other broadband content," said EarthLink General Counsel Samuel R. DeSimone, Jr. "The access condition proposed by EarthLink is a cost-effective solution to these concerns and will benefit U.S. consumers."
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Vice President Biden Announces Recovery Act Investments in Broadband Projects to Bring Jobs, Economic Opportunity to Communities Nationwide
Vice President Biden today (August 18) announced 94 Recovery Act investments in broadband projects that will create jobs and expand economic opportunities within 37 states. These investments in high-speed Internet infrastructure will help bridge the technological divide in communities that are being left in the 20th century economy and support improvements in education, healthcare, and public safety. Today’s announcement, an investment totaling $1.8 billion, is part of a nearly $7 billion Recovery Act initiative.
“Today's (August 18) investment in broadband technology will create jobs across the country and expand opportunities for millions of Americans and American companies. In addition to bringing 21st century infrastructure to underserved communities and rural areas, these investments will begin to harness the power of broadband to improve education, health care, and public safety,” said Vice President Biden. “The awards are another great example of how the Recovery Act is creating jobs upfront, while also building a foundation for sustainable job creation and global competitiveness.”
The projects receiving funds today are part of a program – administered by the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) – to expand broadband access and adoption across the country.
“The broadband investments announced today(August 18) are going to put people to work in the near term, but they also will lay the groundwork for sustainable economic growth down the road,” U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said. “These projects will connect Americans who have for too long been without the full economic, educational and social benefits of high-speed Internet access – access central to success in the 21st Century.”
“The broadband projects announced today(August 18) will give rural Americans access to the tools they need to attract new businesses, jobs, health care and educational opportunities,” Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack said. “The Obama Administration understands that bringing broadband to rural America provides a gateway for businesses and key anchor institutions – such as libraries, schools, public safety and community centers – to provide services to thousands of Americans. These projects will create jobs building these networks, and the completed systems will provide a platform for rural economic growth for years to come.”
Today’s(August 18) announcement includes 66 grants awarded by the Commerce Department for projects to deploy broadband infrastructure and connect community anchor institutions to broadband, create and upgrade public computer centers, and encourage the sustainable adoption of broadband service. It also includes 28 awards from USDA for broadband infrastructure and satellite projects that will provide rural residents in 16 states and Native American tribal areas access to improved service.
The Department of Commerce awards also contain grants for public safety broadband networks that will improve response times and communication at the scene of emergencies. These projects constitute a critical set of demonstration projects and a head start on President Obama’s commitment to support the development of a nationwide, interoperable public safety wireless broadband network.
According to an analysis released by the National Economic Council last year, overall Recovery Act investments in broadband are expected to create tens of thousands of jobs in the near term and expand economic development and job opportunities in communities that are being left behind in the new knowledge-based economy. Recovery Act broadband projects help bring down the cost of private investment, attract Internet service providers to new areas, improve digital literacy among students and workers, and help create new opportunities in employment, education, and entrepreneurship by wiring homes and businesses. With new or increased broadband access, communities can compete on a level playing field to attract new businesses, schools can create distance learning opportunities, medical professionals can provide cost-efficient remote diagnoses and care, and business owners can expand the market for their products beyond their neighborhoods to better compete in the global economy.
Funding is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the loan, grant or loan/grant agreement. A complete list of projects receiving Recovery Act broadband grant awards today(August 18) can be viewed in full.
President Obama signed The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 into law on February 17, 2009. It is designed to jumpstart the nation’s economy, create or save millions of jobs, and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so that the country can thrive in the 21st century. The Act includes measures to modernize our nation’s infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need.
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“Today's (August 18) investment in broadband technology will create jobs across the country and expand opportunities for millions of Americans and American companies. In addition to bringing 21st century infrastructure to underserved communities and rural areas, these investments will begin to harness the power of broadband to improve education, health care, and public safety,” said Vice President Biden. “The awards are another great example of how the Recovery Act is creating jobs upfront, while also building a foundation for sustainable job creation and global competitiveness.”
The projects receiving funds today are part of a program – administered by the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) – to expand broadband access and adoption across the country.
“The broadband investments announced today(August 18) are going to put people to work in the near term, but they also will lay the groundwork for sustainable economic growth down the road,” U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said. “These projects will connect Americans who have for too long been without the full economic, educational and social benefits of high-speed Internet access – access central to success in the 21st Century.”
“The broadband projects announced today(August 18) will give rural Americans access to the tools they need to attract new businesses, jobs, health care and educational opportunities,” Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack said. “The Obama Administration understands that bringing broadband to rural America provides a gateway for businesses and key anchor institutions – such as libraries, schools, public safety and community centers – to provide services to thousands of Americans. These projects will create jobs building these networks, and the completed systems will provide a platform for rural economic growth for years to come.”
Today’s(August 18) announcement includes 66 grants awarded by the Commerce Department for projects to deploy broadband infrastructure and connect community anchor institutions to broadband, create and upgrade public computer centers, and encourage the sustainable adoption of broadband service. It also includes 28 awards from USDA for broadband infrastructure and satellite projects that will provide rural residents in 16 states and Native American tribal areas access to improved service.
The Department of Commerce awards also contain grants for public safety broadband networks that will improve response times and communication at the scene of emergencies. These projects constitute a critical set of demonstration projects and a head start on President Obama’s commitment to support the development of a nationwide, interoperable public safety wireless broadband network.
According to an analysis released by the National Economic Council last year, overall Recovery Act investments in broadband are expected to create tens of thousands of jobs in the near term and expand economic development and job opportunities in communities that are being left behind in the new knowledge-based economy. Recovery Act broadband projects help bring down the cost of private investment, attract Internet service providers to new areas, improve digital literacy among students and workers, and help create new opportunities in employment, education, and entrepreneurship by wiring homes and businesses. With new or increased broadband access, communities can compete on a level playing field to attract new businesses, schools can create distance learning opportunities, medical professionals can provide cost-efficient remote diagnoses and care, and business owners can expand the market for their products beyond their neighborhoods to better compete in the global economy.
Funding is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the loan, grant or loan/grant agreement. A complete list of projects receiving Recovery Act broadband grant awards today(August 18) can be viewed in full.
President Obama signed The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 into law on February 17, 2009. It is designed to jumpstart the nation’s economy, create or save millions of jobs, and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so that the country can thrive in the 21st century. The Act includes measures to modernize our nation’s infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need.
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Thursday, August 12, 2010
State Legislators Oppose FCC's Plans to Re-label and Regulate Internet
/PRNewswire/ -- The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) voices its opposition to plans by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to change the status of broadband Internet Service from a lightly-regulated "information service" to a more heavily regulated "telecommunications service."
At its meeting late last week, ALEC's Telecommunications & Information Technology Task Force approved its ALEC Broadband Regulation Resolution. The Resolution declares ALEC's opposition to the FCC's controversial plan to subject broadband Internet service to a handful of older monopoly-era telephone regulations.
Today the Resolution was delivered to the FCC along with a letter by Connecticut State Representative Bill Hamzy, who serves as Public Sector Chair of ALEC's Telecom & IT Task Force. In the letter, the state legislator insists the agency should back off from its controversial plan to subject broadband Internet to heavier regulatory burdens.
"ALEC supports the continuation of federal policies that have kept the Internet free from government regulation. Marketplace freedom has encouraged the explosive growth of the Internet and e-commerce in recent years. It would be a grave mistake for the FCC to suddenly reverse course and saddle the Internet with burdensome new regulation. ALEC remains concerned that attempts by federal regulators to impose new restrictions on broadband Internet service will hurt technological innovation, deter private infrastructure investment, and threaten job growth in the states," said Representative Hamzy.
As declared in the Resolution, "ALEC urges that the FCC, Congress and state regulatory and legislative bodies refocus their efforts on specific and limited initiatives targeted at ensuring that broadband service is made universally available and affordable to consumers, rejecting overly prescriptive regulations that would harm innovation, investment, and job growth."
In January, over 90 other state legislators submitted a letter to the FCC opposing its plans to impose net neutrality regulation. In 2007, ALEC adopted a Resolution on Net Neutrality, opposing federal and state regulation of network management practices.
The American Legislative Exchange Council is the nation's largest nonpartisan, individual membership organization of state legislators.
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At its meeting late last week, ALEC's Telecommunications & Information Technology Task Force approved its ALEC Broadband Regulation Resolution. The Resolution declares ALEC's opposition to the FCC's controversial plan to subject broadband Internet service to a handful of older monopoly-era telephone regulations.
Today the Resolution was delivered to the FCC along with a letter by Connecticut State Representative Bill Hamzy, who serves as Public Sector Chair of ALEC's Telecom & IT Task Force. In the letter, the state legislator insists the agency should back off from its controversial plan to subject broadband Internet to heavier regulatory burdens.
"ALEC supports the continuation of federal policies that have kept the Internet free from government regulation. Marketplace freedom has encouraged the explosive growth of the Internet and e-commerce in recent years. It would be a grave mistake for the FCC to suddenly reverse course and saddle the Internet with burdensome new regulation. ALEC remains concerned that attempts by federal regulators to impose new restrictions on broadband Internet service will hurt technological innovation, deter private infrastructure investment, and threaten job growth in the states," said Representative Hamzy.
As declared in the Resolution, "ALEC urges that the FCC, Congress and state regulatory and legislative bodies refocus their efforts on specific and limited initiatives targeted at ensuring that broadband service is made universally available and affordable to consumers, rejecting overly prescriptive regulations that would harm innovation, investment, and job growth."
In January, over 90 other state legislators submitted a letter to the FCC opposing its plans to impose net neutrality regulation. In 2007, ALEC adopted a Resolution on Net Neutrality, opposing federal and state regulation of network management practices.
The American Legislative Exchange Council is the nation's largest nonpartisan, individual membership organization of state legislators.
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Monday, August 9, 2010
Google-Verizon Broadband Proposal Undermines Internet, Consumer Watchdog Says
/PRNewswire/ -- Google and Verizon's new joint broadband proposal pays lip service to the idea of "net neutrality," but actually would completely undermine the open and free Internet we enjoy, Consumer Watchdog said today.
There are two fundamental flaws, said John M. Simpson, consumer advocate with the nonpartisan, nonprofit public interest group:
"First, it sets up a two-tiered structure. There would be a so-called 'Public Internet,' but then the ISPs would be allowed to offer new premium services outside that basic service. How long to you think anything of interest would be available on the 'Public Internet'?
"Second, no neutrality principles would apply to the wireless world. Everyone agrees mobile is clearly the Internet's future. Allowing data discrimination in the broadband wireless world completely undermines the future of the Internet."
Essentially, this proposal is nothing more than two corporations meeting together and trying to carve up the Internet for their own advantage, Consumer Watchdog said.
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There are two fundamental flaws, said John M. Simpson, consumer advocate with the nonpartisan, nonprofit public interest group:
"First, it sets up a two-tiered structure. There would be a so-called 'Public Internet,' but then the ISPs would be allowed to offer new premium services outside that basic service. How long to you think anything of interest would be available on the 'Public Internet'?
"Second, no neutrality principles would apply to the wireless world. Everyone agrees mobile is clearly the Internet's future. Allowing data discrimination in the broadband wireless world completely undermines the future of the Internet."
Essentially, this proposal is nothing more than two corporations meeting together and trying to carve up the Internet for their own advantage, Consumer Watchdog said.
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Friday, August 6, 2010
The Real Estate Book Introduces Powerful Search Tool for House Hunters on the Go, Launches App for iPhone, iTouch, iPad
(BUSINESS WIRE)--More Americans are relying on their mobile devices to access information, quickly and easily. The number of people who sought local information on their smart phones grew 51% last year, with the fastest growing method of accessing this info through downloaded apps.*
For on-the-go home buyers, The Real Estate Book / RealEstateBook.com, the leading publisher of real estate information online and in print in North America, launches a new application that provides iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad users with access to all its listings – millions of homes for sale across the U.S. and around the world. With its latest offering, The Real Estate Book delivers a one-stop marketing solution for agents and brokers to reach home buyers and sellers through their local The Real Estate Book, a network of online listing sites, social media tools, direct mail and now an iPhone app.
“We’re always looking to expand our media offerings for real estate agents and brokers to give them a competitive edge”
“We’re always looking to expand our media offerings for real estate agents and brokers to give them a competitive edge,” says Todd Walker, senior vice president of sales and operations. “With our multi-channel marketing solution, they can go into a listing presentation and show the seller how by advertising with The Real Estate Book, they are reaching more prospective buyers than agents who just use an online-only, one-dimensional, channel to market their home.”
The Real Estate Book iPhone app features the millions of property listings for sale across the U.S. and the world available on RealEstateBook.com. The application, available as a free download from Apple’s online App Store, enhances the user experience, offering a suite of features including:
* Search for home listings by city and state/province or zip/postal code
* Map and receive directions to property listings from current location
* View property details and photos of home listings
* Save favorites and share or write notes and attach photos about properties that can be emailed or viewed later
* Email or call the Real Estate Agent directly from the listing
* View past searches and perform advanced searching by bedroom/bath, price, MLS #, or property type
Scott Dixon, president of Network Communication Inc.’s Real Estate Division adds, “Agents today are inundated with marketing options and can spend enormous amounts of time sifting through them. We seek to make it easy and efficient for them to gain the most exposure for their listings. Our new iPhone app delivers on our commitment to drive more leads and the best value to our advertisers.”
To download the The Real Estate Book iPhone application, visit: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-real-estate-book/id379869228?mt=8
The Real Estate Book has been helping real estate professionals connect with buyers and sellers for over 30 years. Available in print and online in over 400 markets across the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean, The Real Estate Book delivers credible, proven results to its advertisers who benefit from a wealth of experience and an integrated media platform that showcases their listings in a variety of ways. With 8 million magazines in print every 4 weeks, The Real Estate Book gets nearly 2 million unique visitors on its Web site, www.RealEstateBook.com, and features thousands of homes for sale, new home communities, and local information.
* comScore, June 2009
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For on-the-go home buyers, The Real Estate Book / RealEstateBook.com, the leading publisher of real estate information online and in print in North America, launches a new application that provides iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad users with access to all its listings – millions of homes for sale across the U.S. and around the world. With its latest offering, The Real Estate Book delivers a one-stop marketing solution for agents and brokers to reach home buyers and sellers through their local The Real Estate Book, a network of online listing sites, social media tools, direct mail and now an iPhone app.
“We’re always looking to expand our media offerings for real estate agents and brokers to give them a competitive edge”
“We’re always looking to expand our media offerings for real estate agents and brokers to give them a competitive edge,” says Todd Walker, senior vice president of sales and operations. “With our multi-channel marketing solution, they can go into a listing presentation and show the seller how by advertising with The Real Estate Book, they are reaching more prospective buyers than agents who just use an online-only, one-dimensional, channel to market their home.”
The Real Estate Book iPhone app features the millions of property listings for sale across the U.S. and the world available on RealEstateBook.com. The application, available as a free download from Apple’s online App Store, enhances the user experience, offering a suite of features including:
* Search for home listings by city and state/province or zip/postal code
* Map and receive directions to property listings from current location
* View property details and photos of home listings
* Save favorites and share or write notes and attach photos about properties that can be emailed or viewed later
* Email or call the Real Estate Agent directly from the listing
* View past searches and perform advanced searching by bedroom/bath, price, MLS #, or property type
Scott Dixon, president of Network Communication Inc.’s Real Estate Division adds, “Agents today are inundated with marketing options and can spend enormous amounts of time sifting through them. We seek to make it easy and efficient for them to gain the most exposure for their listings. Our new iPhone app delivers on our commitment to drive more leads and the best value to our advertisers.”
To download the The Real Estate Book iPhone application, visit: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-real-estate-book/id379869228?mt=8
The Real Estate Book has been helping real estate professionals connect with buyers and sellers for over 30 years. Available in print and online in over 400 markets across the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean, The Real Estate Book delivers credible, proven results to its advertisers who benefit from a wealth of experience and an integrated media platform that showcases their listings in a variety of ways. With 8 million magazines in print every 4 weeks, The Real Estate Book gets nearly 2 million unique visitors on its Web site, www.RealEstateBook.com, and features thousands of homes for sale, new home communities, and local information.
* comScore, June 2009
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Thursday, August 5, 2010
Google Betrays Internet Principle to Fatten Bottom Line, Consumer Watchdog Says
/PRNewswire/ -- Google is compromising a long standing principle it claimed to support in an effort to boost profits as it backs away from a key premise of an open Internet -- "net neutrality," Consumer Watchdog said today.
Net neutrality -- the idea that all data is treated equally by Internet service providers -- is a key principle of the Internet. Google has long claimed to be an advocate of the principle. Today, both the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times reported that Google and Verizon are close to a deal that would let Verizon speed some online content more quickly to Internet users if content providers paid for the privilege.
Wednesday, Google Chairman offered a new definition of net neutrality. Speaking at a technology symposium in Lake Tahoe, he said: "I want to make sure that everybody understands what we mean about it. What we mean is that if you have one data type, like video, you don't discriminate against one person's video in favor of another. It's OK to discriminate across different types..."
"Apparently Google redefines principles to suit the business need of the moment," said John M. Simpson, consumer advocate with the nonpartisan, nonprofit group. "Google and Verizon have great incentive to cut deals because of the relationship between their rivals, Apple and AT&T. What Google and Verizon are trying to do is carve up the Internet behind closed doors for their own benefit."
Consumer Watchdog said that net neutrality has always meant that all types of data are treated equally by an Internet service provider. Net neutrality should apply to both the wired and wireless Internet, the nonprofit, nonpartisan group said.
Meanwhile, a national poll released by Consumer Watchdog found that a significant majority of Americans are troubled by recent revelations that Google's Street View cars gathered communications from home WiFi networks, and they want stronger legal protection to preserve their online privacy.
While Google received an overall 74% favorable rating, nearly two-thirds of those polled (65%) say the Wi-Spy scandal is one of the things that "worries them most" or a "great deal" with another 20% saying it "raises some concern" when considering Internet issues.
The poll, conducted for Consumer Watchdog by Grove Insight, Ltd., found a solid majority (55%) is also bothered ("one of the most" or "great deal") by Google's cooperation with the National Security Agency without saying what information is being shared. Even more voters call for Congressional hearings on "Google's gathering data from home WiFi networks and its sharing of information with U.S. spy agencies like the National Security Administration, the NSA" (69% favor, 19% oppose).
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Net neutrality -- the idea that all data is treated equally by Internet service providers -- is a key principle of the Internet. Google has long claimed to be an advocate of the principle. Today, both the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times reported that Google and Verizon are close to a deal that would let Verizon speed some online content more quickly to Internet users if content providers paid for the privilege.
Wednesday, Google Chairman offered a new definition of net neutrality. Speaking at a technology symposium in Lake Tahoe, he said: "I want to make sure that everybody understands what we mean about it. What we mean is that if you have one data type, like video, you don't discriminate against one person's video in favor of another. It's OK to discriminate across different types..."
"Apparently Google redefines principles to suit the business need of the moment," said John M. Simpson, consumer advocate with the nonpartisan, nonprofit group. "Google and Verizon have great incentive to cut deals because of the relationship between their rivals, Apple and AT&T. What Google and Verizon are trying to do is carve up the Internet behind closed doors for their own benefit."
Consumer Watchdog said that net neutrality has always meant that all types of data are treated equally by an Internet service provider. Net neutrality should apply to both the wired and wireless Internet, the nonprofit, nonpartisan group said.
Meanwhile, a national poll released by Consumer Watchdog found that a significant majority of Americans are troubled by recent revelations that Google's Street View cars gathered communications from home WiFi networks, and they want stronger legal protection to preserve their online privacy.
While Google received an overall 74% favorable rating, nearly two-thirds of those polled (65%) say the Wi-Spy scandal is one of the things that "worries them most" or a "great deal" with another 20% saying it "raises some concern" when considering Internet issues.
The poll, conducted for Consumer Watchdog by Grove Insight, Ltd., found a solid majority (55%) is also bothered ("one of the most" or "great deal") by Google's cooperation with the National Security Agency without saying what information is being shared. Even more voters call for Congressional hearings on "Google's gathering data from home WiFi networks and its sharing of information with U.S. spy agencies like the National Security Administration, the NSA" (69% favor, 19% oppose).
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Wednesday, August 4, 2010
FTC Settles Charges of Anticompetitive Conduct Against Intel
/PRNewswire/ -- The Federal Trade Commission approved a settlement with Intel Corp. that resolves charges the company illegally stifled competition in the market for computer chips. Intel has agreed to provisions that will open the door to renewed competition and prevent Intel from suppressing competition in the future.
The settlement goes beyond the terms applied to Intel in previous actions against the company and will help restore competition that was lost as a result of Intel's alleged past anticompetitive tactics. At the same time, the settlement will leave the company room to innovate and offer competitive pricing.
"This case demonstrates that the FTC is willing to challenge anticompetitive conduct by even the most powerful companies in the fastest-moving industries," said Chairman Jon Leibowitz. "By accepting this settlement, we open the door to competition today and address Intel's anticompetitive conduct in a way that may not have been available in a final judgment years from now. Everyone, including Intel, gets a greater degree of certainty about the rules of the road going forward, which allows all the companies in this dynamic industry to move ahead and build better, more innovative products."
The FTC settlement applies to Central Processing Units, Graphics Processing Units and chipsets and prohibits Intel from using threats, bundled prices, or other offers to exclude or hamper competition or otherwise unreasonably inhibit the sale of competitive CPUs or GPUs. The settlement also prohibits Intel from deceiving computer manufacturers about the performance of non-Intel CPUs or GPUs.
The FTC settlement goes beyond those reached in previous antitrust cases against Intel in a number of ways. For example, the FTC settlement order protects competition and not any single competitor in the CPU, graphics, and chipset markets. It also addresses Intel's disclosures related to its compiler - a product that plays an important role in CPU performance. The settlement order also ensures that manufacturers of complementary products such as discrete GPUs will be assured access to Intel's CPU for the next six years.
The FTC sued Intel in December 2009 alleging that the company used anticompetitive tactics to cut off rivals' access to the marketplace and deprive consumers of choice and innovation in the microchips that comprise computers' central processing unit, or CPU. These chips are critical components that often are referred to as the "brains" of a computer. The action also challenged Intel's conduct in markets for graphics processing units and other chips.
The FTC alleged that Intel's anticompetitive practices violated Section 5 of the FTC Act, which is broader than the antitrust laws and prohibits unfair methods of competition and deceptive acts and practices in commerce. Unlike an antitrust violation, a violation of Section 5 cannot be used to establish liability for plaintiffs to seek triple damages in private litigation against the same defendant.
Under the settlement, Intel will be prohibited from:
-- conditioning benefits to computer makers in exchange for their promise
to buy chips from Intel exclusively or to refuse to buy chips from
others; and
-- retaliating against computer makers if they do business with non-Intel
suppliers by withholding benefits from them.
In addition, the FTC settlement order will require Intel to:
-- modify its intellectual property agreements with AMD, Nvidia, and Via
so that those companies have more freedom to consider mergers or joint
ventures with other companies, without the threat of being sued by
Intel for patent infringement;
-- offer to extend Via's x86 licensing agreement for five years beyond
the current agreement, which expires in 2013;
-- maintain a key interface, known as the PCI Express Bus, for at least
six years in a way that will not limit the performance of graphics
processing chips. These assurances will provide incentives to
manufacturers of complementary, and potentially competitive, products
to Intel's CPUs to continue to innovate; and
-- disclose to software developers that Intel computer compilers
discriminate between Intel chips and non-Intel chips, and that they
may not register all the features of non-Intel chips. Intel also will
have to reimburse all software vendors who want to recompile their
software using a non-Intel compiler.
The FTC vote approving the proposed settlement order was 4-0, with Commissioner William E. Kovacic recused. The order will be subject to public comment for 30 days, until September 7, 2010, after which the Commission will decide whether to make it final. Comments should be sent to: FTC, Office of the Secretary, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20580. To submit a comment electronically, please click on: https://ftcpublic.commentworks.com/ftc/intel/.
-----
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The settlement goes beyond the terms applied to Intel in previous actions against the company and will help restore competition that was lost as a result of Intel's alleged past anticompetitive tactics. At the same time, the settlement will leave the company room to innovate and offer competitive pricing.
"This case demonstrates that the FTC is willing to challenge anticompetitive conduct by even the most powerful companies in the fastest-moving industries," said Chairman Jon Leibowitz. "By accepting this settlement, we open the door to competition today and address Intel's anticompetitive conduct in a way that may not have been available in a final judgment years from now. Everyone, including Intel, gets a greater degree of certainty about the rules of the road going forward, which allows all the companies in this dynamic industry to move ahead and build better, more innovative products."
The FTC settlement applies to Central Processing Units, Graphics Processing Units and chipsets and prohibits Intel from using threats, bundled prices, or other offers to exclude or hamper competition or otherwise unreasonably inhibit the sale of competitive CPUs or GPUs. The settlement also prohibits Intel from deceiving computer manufacturers about the performance of non-Intel CPUs or GPUs.
The FTC settlement goes beyond those reached in previous antitrust cases against Intel in a number of ways. For example, the FTC settlement order protects competition and not any single competitor in the CPU, graphics, and chipset markets. It also addresses Intel's disclosures related to its compiler - a product that plays an important role in CPU performance. The settlement order also ensures that manufacturers of complementary products such as discrete GPUs will be assured access to Intel's CPU for the next six years.
The FTC sued Intel in December 2009 alleging that the company used anticompetitive tactics to cut off rivals' access to the marketplace and deprive consumers of choice and innovation in the microchips that comprise computers' central processing unit, or CPU. These chips are critical components that often are referred to as the "brains" of a computer. The action also challenged Intel's conduct in markets for graphics processing units and other chips.
The FTC alleged that Intel's anticompetitive practices violated Section 5 of the FTC Act, which is broader than the antitrust laws and prohibits unfair methods of competition and deceptive acts and practices in commerce. Unlike an antitrust violation, a violation of Section 5 cannot be used to establish liability for plaintiffs to seek triple damages in private litigation against the same defendant.
Under the settlement, Intel will be prohibited from:
-- conditioning benefits to computer makers in exchange for their promise
to buy chips from Intel exclusively or to refuse to buy chips from
others; and
-- retaliating against computer makers if they do business with non-Intel
suppliers by withholding benefits from them.
In addition, the FTC settlement order will require Intel to:
-- modify its intellectual property agreements with AMD, Nvidia, and Via
so that those companies have more freedom to consider mergers or joint
ventures with other companies, without the threat of being sued by
Intel for patent infringement;
-- offer to extend Via's x86 licensing agreement for five years beyond
the current agreement, which expires in 2013;
-- maintain a key interface, known as the PCI Express Bus, for at least
six years in a way that will not limit the performance of graphics
processing chips. These assurances will provide incentives to
manufacturers of complementary, and potentially competitive, products
to Intel's CPUs to continue to innovate; and
-- disclose to software developers that Intel computer compilers
discriminate between Intel chips and non-Intel chips, and that they
may not register all the features of non-Intel chips. Intel also will
have to reimburse all software vendors who want to recompile their
software using a non-Intel compiler.
The FTC vote approving the proposed settlement order was 4-0, with Commissioner William E. Kovacic recused. The order will be subject to public comment for 30 days, until September 7, 2010, after which the Commission will decide whether to make it final. Comments should be sent to: FTC, Office of the Secretary, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20580. To submit a comment electronically, please click on: https://ftcpublic.commentworks.com/ftc/intel/.
-----
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www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
How to Keep Jailbroken iPhones off Corporate Networks
/PRNewswire/ -- Now that jailbreaking the iPhone and iPad is legal, corporate enterprises have even more to worry about.
Until 26 July 2010, corporate IT and security managers only had to worry about keeping rogue iPhones and their associated security and compliance holes in check. With the latest government ruling, however, jailbroken iPhones and iPads present even greater threats to the privacy and security of corporate networks.
Winn Schwartau, Chairman of M.A.D. Partners, LLC, the smartphone security company said, "iPhone users can now download apps from anywhere they choose, not just the iTunes store. This signifies a far greater risk to companies who are trying to leverage the unique capabilities of the Apple platform. But Mobile Active Defense provides a strong, workable and automatic solution that solves the jailbreaking problem on corporate networks."
To maintain high levels of security, privacy and compliance across the enterprise, IT administrators must have complete control over devices that connect to the company network, use company resources and store or process sensitive data. They must meet HIPAA, GLBA, PCI, SOX and myriad other compliance guidelines, especially in the mobile arena.
With M.A.D.'s powerful Mobile Enterprise Compliance and Security (MECS) Server, says Schwartau, "we can detect jailbreaking within one minute. That's pretty cool. Once this clear violation of security policy is discovered, the MECS managed firewall issues immediate remediation options to the administrator."
With Mobile Active Defense, the iPhone stays in communication with the MECS Server. If any company-defined "out of compliance" or "out of policy" conditions are detected on any of the organization's iPhones, an immediate alert is generated.
According to M.A.D. Partners' CTO, Rob Smith, "The administrator configures the MECS Server to inspect the security state of the iPhone. How do we do it? That's our secret sauce. How quickly the administrator responds to a remediation request from the MECS Server is what is really important. We give him all the tools he needs."
The remediation response taken by the company is policy driven and enforced through the MECS Server. The administrator can choose to isolate the offending iPhone/iPad from connecting to anything, pending further investigation. Or he can choose to wipe the entire device with no notification to the user. Lastly, the administrator can choose to be notified by email, SMS or MECS Server console popup, allowing him to individually choose the remediation response.
The M.A.D. Mobile Enterprise Compliance and Security (MECS) Server supports the U.S. Government's NIST 800-53 critical guidance for mobile device access control and media storage, as well as those for ISO 27001 that map directly to HIPAA, GLBA, PCI and SOX.
Adding MECS Servers to any enterprise does not require any changes to existing security or IT infrastructures and can be up and running within one day.
------
Community News You Can Use
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage
Until 26 July 2010, corporate IT and security managers only had to worry about keeping rogue iPhones and their associated security and compliance holes in check. With the latest government ruling, however, jailbroken iPhones and iPads present even greater threats to the privacy and security of corporate networks.
Winn Schwartau, Chairman of M.A.D. Partners, LLC, the smartphone security company said, "iPhone users can now download apps from anywhere they choose, not just the iTunes store. This signifies a far greater risk to companies who are trying to leverage the unique capabilities of the Apple platform. But Mobile Active Defense provides a strong, workable and automatic solution that solves the jailbreaking problem on corporate networks."
To maintain high levels of security, privacy and compliance across the enterprise, IT administrators must have complete control over devices that connect to the company network, use company resources and store or process sensitive data. They must meet HIPAA, GLBA, PCI, SOX and myriad other compliance guidelines, especially in the mobile arena.
With M.A.D.'s powerful Mobile Enterprise Compliance and Security (MECS) Server, says Schwartau, "we can detect jailbreaking within one minute. That's pretty cool. Once this clear violation of security policy is discovered, the MECS managed firewall issues immediate remediation options to the administrator."
With Mobile Active Defense, the iPhone stays in communication with the MECS Server. If any company-defined "out of compliance" or "out of policy" conditions are detected on any of the organization's iPhones, an immediate alert is generated.
According to M.A.D. Partners' CTO, Rob Smith, "The administrator configures the MECS Server to inspect the security state of the iPhone. How do we do it? That's our secret sauce. How quickly the administrator responds to a remediation request from the MECS Server is what is really important. We give him all the tools he needs."
The remediation response taken by the company is policy driven and enforced through the MECS Server. The administrator can choose to isolate the offending iPhone/iPad from connecting to anything, pending further investigation. Or he can choose to wipe the entire device with no notification to the user. Lastly, the administrator can choose to be notified by email, SMS or MECS Server console popup, allowing him to individually choose the remediation response.
The M.A.D. Mobile Enterprise Compliance and Security (MECS) Server supports the U.S. Government's NIST 800-53 critical guidance for mobile device access control and media storage, as well as those for ISO 27001 that map directly to HIPAA, GLBA, PCI and SOX.
Adding MECS Servers to any enterprise does not require any changes to existing security or IT infrastructures and can be up and running within one day.
------
Community News You Can Use
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage
Apple iPad to Aid in Construction of Hospitals
(BUSINESS WIRE)--The NoliWhite Group, Brentwood-based healthcare facility developers, launched an innovative process that will incorporate the use of Apple’s iPad on hospital and other healthcare-related construction sites, officials announced today. The initiative, Project Information Integration, or PI2, is being piloted on the construction of John D. Archbold Memorial Hospital’s new North Tower in Thomasville, GA.
“We are thrilled to be part of this new program.”
The NoliWhite Group is the first healthcare program manager company to embrace the latest technology from Apple. PI2 will deploy the use of the iPad to craftsmen and supervisors on construction sites so that they will have a constant link to virtual plan rooms.
Utilizing Nashville based Lellyett & Rodgers PDM document access system, the entire project development team can easily access all project documents in real time. Having the 3G or internet access in the field through the iPads will allow craftsmen and project managers to link to the virtual plan room through the web almost anywhere at any time, which is a huge advantage according to The NoliWhite Group.
“With everyone involved in the construction process having access to an iPad on site, we will ultimately eliminate the need to carry hundreds of sheets of drawings and thousands of pages of specifications,” says Mike Noli, partner with The NoliWhite Group. “The increased productivity level from our craftsmen and supervisors not having to carry around these massive documents alone makes this a worthwhile initiative.”
However, it is not just productivity levels that will contribute to the overall benefits hospital administrators will see as a result of the firm embracing the technology. According to Noli, using the iPads on the first pilot project has resulted in an estimated cost savings of $179,000 in printing alone.
“When The NoliWhite Group approached us about piloting PI2 for our facility, we were blown away by the ‘real dollar’ savings it will ultimately bring,” says Perry Mustian, President & CEO of John D. Archbold Memorial Hospital. “We are thrilled to be part of this new program.”
CRAFTSMEN EMBRACEMENT OF iPad
Craftsmen already using the iPad at the Archbold construction site agree that this is a positive move for their industry.
One such craftsman said: “I don’t own a computer or have an email address, but the iPad is changing the way I do my work and for the better. It just makes everything so easy and fast, and I really think that it is making me better at what I do every day.”
On site craftsmen and supervisors benefit from the ease of use of the iPad as opposed to standard laptop computers. The iPad’s simplicity makes it easy for everyone to use. Having direct access to the most current design drawings, specifications, medical equipment information, and other project information in an easy to use device will significantly improve the construction process from the design team right on down to the implementing contractors.
GREEN INITIATIVE
In addition to the cost savings PI2 will bring to clients, the firm is also excited about the benefits using iPads will have on the environment.
“We are always thinking outside the box for ways we can improve how we work and provide better customer service for our clients,” says Drew White, partner with The NoliWhite Group. “And PI2 does just that as well as give us an opportunity to launch a green initiative at our company which is something we have always wanted to do.”
-----
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www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
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“We are thrilled to be part of this new program.”
The NoliWhite Group is the first healthcare program manager company to embrace the latest technology from Apple. PI2 will deploy the use of the iPad to craftsmen and supervisors on construction sites so that they will have a constant link to virtual plan rooms.
Utilizing Nashville based Lellyett & Rodgers PDM document access system, the entire project development team can easily access all project documents in real time. Having the 3G or internet access in the field through the iPads will allow craftsmen and project managers to link to the virtual plan room through the web almost anywhere at any time, which is a huge advantage according to The NoliWhite Group.
“With everyone involved in the construction process having access to an iPad on site, we will ultimately eliminate the need to carry hundreds of sheets of drawings and thousands of pages of specifications,” says Mike Noli, partner with The NoliWhite Group. “The increased productivity level from our craftsmen and supervisors not having to carry around these massive documents alone makes this a worthwhile initiative.”
However, it is not just productivity levels that will contribute to the overall benefits hospital administrators will see as a result of the firm embracing the technology. According to Noli, using the iPads on the first pilot project has resulted in an estimated cost savings of $179,000 in printing alone.
“When The NoliWhite Group approached us about piloting PI2 for our facility, we were blown away by the ‘real dollar’ savings it will ultimately bring,” says Perry Mustian, President & CEO of John D. Archbold Memorial Hospital. “We are thrilled to be part of this new program.”
CRAFTSMEN EMBRACEMENT OF iPad
Craftsmen already using the iPad at the Archbold construction site agree that this is a positive move for their industry.
One such craftsman said: “I don’t own a computer or have an email address, but the iPad is changing the way I do my work and for the better. It just makes everything so easy and fast, and I really think that it is making me better at what I do every day.”
On site craftsmen and supervisors benefit from the ease of use of the iPad as opposed to standard laptop computers. The iPad’s simplicity makes it easy for everyone to use. Having direct access to the most current design drawings, specifications, medical equipment information, and other project information in an easy to use device will significantly improve the construction process from the design team right on down to the implementing contractors.
GREEN INITIATIVE
In addition to the cost savings PI2 will bring to clients, the firm is also excited about the benefits using iPads will have on the environment.
“We are always thinking outside the box for ways we can improve how we work and provide better customer service for our clients,” says Drew White, partner with The NoliWhite Group. “And PI2 does just that as well as give us an opportunity to launch a green initiative at our company which is something we have always wanted to do.”
-----
Community News You Can Use
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage
Monday, August 2, 2010
Stealthy Government Contractor Monitors U.S. Internet Providers, Worked With Wikileaks Informant
A semi-secret government contractor that calls itself Project Vigilant surfaced at the Defcon security conference Sunday with a series of revelations: that it monitors the traffic of 12 regional Internet service providers, hands much of that information to federal agencies, and encouraged one of its "volunteers," researcher Adrian Lamo, to inform the federal government about the alleged source of a controversial video of civilian deaths in Iraq leaked to whistle-blower site Wikileaks in April.
http://blogs.forbes.com/firewall/2010/08/01/stealthy-government-contractor-monitors-u-s-internet-providers-says-it-employed-wikileaks-informant/
http://blogs.forbes.com/firewall/2010/08/01/stealthy-government-contractor-monitors-u-s-internet-providers-says-it-employed-wikileaks-informant/
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