CyberLaw Blog

Archive for May 20th, 2009

Bates: Cops to defy courts over return of indecent material: “

Who really defines ‘public interest’?

A police chief would rather face the prospect of jail than obey a court order requiring his force to return computer hard drives to their owner. At issue is the big question of who ultimately makes the law in the UK: the police or the courts.…

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(Via The Register – Public Sector.)

Retailers want to retain consumers’ right to reject faulty goods, say law commissions: “Businesses as well as consumers have backed the UK Government’s attempts to retain shoppers’ right to return faulty goods for an immediate refund. A consultation has found that retailers as well as shoppers back the stance.”

(Via OUT-LAW News.)

Harvard professor says downloading is ‘fair use’: “Downloading music without the permission of the copyright holder should qualify for copyright laws’ exemptions for ‘fair use’, a Harvard academic has said. Partial responsibility lies with the music industry itself for failing to adapt, he said.”

(Via OUT-LAW News.)

Government rejects Lords’ surveillance criticism: “The Government has rejected claims that it is conducting too much surveillance on citizens and has said that it has got the balance between surveillance and liberty right. It has rejected many recommendations recently made by the House of Lords.”

(Via OUT-LAW News.)

Billy Bragg calls three-strikes lobbying ’shameful’: “Record labels have given up on copyright law and are trying to make internet service providers (ISPs) fight their battles for them in a ’shameful attempt to pass [on] responsibility’, singer songwriter Billy Bragg has said.”

(Via OUT-LAW News.)

ITU – Guidelines proposed for Child Online Protection (COP) initiative: “(ITU)
Guidelines for the protection of children in cyberspace were presented as drafts for discussion on 18 May in connection with the theme for the 2009 World Telecommunication and Information Society Day. The draft guidelines will be reviewed at the Strategic Dialogue on Safer internet Environment for Children in Tokyo, 2?3 June. The final Guidelines on Child Online Protection will be issued at ITU TELECOM WORLD, 5-9 October 2009 in Geneva, Switzerland. Comments will be accepted until 30 June 2009. see Draft Guidelines for Children; Draft Guidelines for Parents, Guardians and Educators; Draft Guidelines for Industry; Draft Guidelines for Policy Makers. See also ITU Press Release.

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(Via QuickLinks Update.)

ITU – Understanding Cybercrime: A Guide for Developing Countries: “(ITU)
The ITU Understanding Cybercrime Guide aims to help developing countries better understand the national and international implications of growing cyber-threats, assess the requirements of existing national regional and international instruments, and assist countries in establishing a sound legal foundation. The Guide provides a comprehensive overview of the most relevant topics linked to the legal aspects of cybercrime.

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(Via QuickLinks Update.)

ITU – Toolkit for Cybercrime Legislation: “(ITU)
The ITU Toolkit for Cybercrime Legislation aims to provide countries with sample legislative language and reference material that can assist in the establishment of harmonized cybercrime laws and procedural rules. The Toolkit is a practical instrument that countries can use for the elaboration of a cybersecurity legal framework and related laws. The development of the ITU Toolkit for Cybercrime Legislation was undertaken by a multidisciplinary international group of experts.

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(Via QuickLinks Update.)