On the directions of the government of India, Indian ISPs have started censoring and blocking web properties. This was first noticed by Indian bloggers and upon inquiring with their respective ISPs, the actions are confirmed. Unfortunately, Blogspot and TypePad are the targets until now — via Slashdot
European regulators have hit Microsoft with a $357.3 million fine, citing the software giant’s continued noncompliance with its landmark 2004 antitrust ruling
China launched a Web site, www.linese.com, offering free Chinese lessons and materials to promote the study and use of the language abroad
Dr Patrick Power SC, a NSW deputy senior crown prosecutor, has stood down after being charged with child pornography offences
Paris wants blanket wireless internet cover by the end of 2007, helping to make it the most connected capital city in the world. Under a new plan, the city hopes to set up 400 free Wi-Fi access points next year and allow internet service providers to install antennae on strategically-located public property
Award-winning photojournalist Martin Adler was killed in Mogadishu this week while filming a political demonstration. He was shot at close range by a single, hooded gunman. Mr Adler often covered conflict zones alone, filling the multiple roles roles of writer, cameraman, producer and correspondent — via Boing Boing
Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Saturday signs into law a bill to abolish the death penalty in the country — via Meta-Roj Blog
France has given the thumbs-up to the defanged version of a controversial law that would have forced Apple Computer to open up its iTunes digital rights management to players other than its iPod
Apple’s iPods are made by mainly female workers who earn as little as £27 per month, according to a report in the Mail on Sunday. The report claims Longhua’s workers live in dormitories that house 100 people, and that visitors from the outside world are not permitted. Workers toil for 15-hours a day to make the iconic music player and the iPod nano is made in a five-storey factory (E3) that is secured by police officers. Apple is currently investigating the sweatshop allegations. [Update: Apple has published their findings]
UK music fans no longer face the threat of prosecution for copying their own CDs on to PCs or MP3 players, as long as the songs are only for personal use. Peter Jamieson, chairman of the British Phonographic Industry, said consumers would only be penalised if they made duplicates of songs for other people. Mr Jamieson also called for Apple – which makes the popular iPod portable music player — to open up its iTunes software so it is compatible with the technology of other manufacturers
iTunes facing fresh legal attacks in several European countries. Government consumer protection agencies in Norway, Denmark and Sweden want Apple to lift restrictions that prevent customers from playing music they bought through iTunes on devices made by Apple’s rivals.
American trade negotiators have threatened to scuttle Russia’s entry into the World Trade Organisation unless the country shuts down the AllOfMP3.com website, which sells music under Russian copyright law, despite the ire of the RIAA and its international puppet organisation, IFPI — via Boing Boing
In yet another blow against free speech rights, the Supreme Court decided that government employees who report wrongdoing do not enjoy 1st Amendment rights while on the job
France is contemplating legislation designed to to force compatibility between digital songs and the different machines that play them
. Known colloquially as the iPod bill, it is opposed by Apple, the Business Software Alliance, and others who refer to it as state-sponsored piracy
. Two versions of the bill have already passed France’s Senate and National Assembly. Under the proposed law companies could have to reveal trade secrets of their software so that their songs can play on competitors’ devices
John Howard’s junket to Ireland has allowed him to show the world his true colours. A talk at University College Dublin saw Howard out himself as rampant homophobe by claiming that it is not discrimination to deny gay men and lesbians equal marriage status with heterosexual couples and that most Australians do not want gay couples to have equivalent status. Howard’s warmongering, racism and dodgy dealings in East Timor have seen several TDs plan to boycott his address to the Dáil — via The Pagan Prattle Online
Google has snuck out the much anticipated street mapping data for Australia and New Zealand cities within Google Maps
Bonza
, sanga
, and bogan
are just some examples of the Australian vernacular being considered for inclusion in the next version of Microsoft Office 2007
New Zealand is not for sale, despite somebody in Australia trying to offload the nation of 4 million to the highest online bidder. With a starting offer of just one cent, brisk bidding for the prime chunk of South Pacific real estate quickly boosted the price to AU$3,000 before eBay pulled the plug on the auction this week
The government has abruptly ended an inquiry into the warrantless eavesdropping programme because the National Security Agency refused to grant Justice Department lawyers security clearance
Shoppers in the British city of Nottingham are being kept in line by a team of former Ghurkas hired to patrol Ikea. Since the team took over three weeks ago, not a single crime has been reported — via SBS News
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