CyberLaw Blog

Archive for June 21st, 2008

OECD - Cybercrime risk to the internet economy: “(vnuent.com)
Government ministers from across the world have issued a call for greater vigilance against cybercrime at a meeting on the future of the internet economy. The Seoul Declaration came at the end of a two day ministerial conference on the future of the web in the South Korean capital hosted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). OECD member countries, the European Community and ministers from Chile, Egypt, Estonia, India, Indonesia, Israel, Latvia, Senegal and Slovenia affirmed the declaration. Participants agreed on the need for governments to work closely with business, civil society and technical experts on policies that promote competition, empower and protect consumers, and expand internet access and use worldwide. See also Chair’s Summary, Shaping policies for the future of the Internet economy and Annexes.”

(Via QuickLinks Update.)

EU - Public consultation on Age Verification, Cross Media Rating and Classification, and Online Social Networking: “(Europa)
The European Commission has launched a public consultation on age verification, cross media rating and classification, and online social networking. The purpose of the public consultation is to gather the knowledge and views of all relevant stakeholders (including public bodies, child safety and consumer organisations, industry). The gathered information will be fed into this year’s Safer Internet Forum 2008, which will be dedicated to the above mentioned topics. The consultation will be open until 31 July 2008.”

(Via QuickLinks Update.)

EU - Brussels eyes internet retailing: “(FT)
Moves to break down national borders in internet retailing so that customers can take advantage of prices offered by companies in different countries are to be championed by the EU’s consumer protection commissioner. Meglena Kuneva plans an assault on companies which vary their online prices across the European Union but restrict customers to making purchases only on their own national website. Ms Kuneva will make the pledge as she announces plans for separate legislation for creating an EU-wide simplified set of rights governing online and High Street transactions. see Key Challenges for Consumer Policy in the Digital Age Speech by Meglena Kuneva, European Consumer Commissioner, Roundtable on Digital Issues, London, 20 June 2008. See also Commission sets out 5 priorities for consumer policy in a digital age and Gap between domestic and cross-border e-commerce grows wider, says EU report (Press Releases). Frequently Asked Questions on E-commerce in the European Union ? Eurobarometer results.”

(Via QuickLinks Update.)

US lawmakers pass wiretaps bill: “US lawmakers pass a bill shielding telephone companies who helped in the White House’s controversial warrantless wiretap programme.”

(Via BBC News.)

MPAA Says No Proof Needed in Copyright Infringement Lawsuits: “The Motion Picture Association of America says intellectual-property holders should have the right to collect damages, perhaps as much as $150,000 per copyright violation, without having to prove infringement. Having to prove violations, which are nearly impossible on peer-to-peer networks, would deprive copyright owners of a practical remedy against massive copyright infringement in many instances, the group tells a federal judge in a case brought by the Recording Industry Association of America.

(Via Wired News.)