Bell rejects call to curb traffic shaping Apr 18, 2008
University of Ottawa internet law professor Michael Geist pointed out that while Bell says onlyfive per cent of its users are using 33 per cent of its available bandwidth during peak times, that ratio is much higher in other countries. Studies have shown thatfour per cent of users in Japan are responsible for 75 per cent of traffic, while in South Koreafive per cent have accounted for 50 per cent.. (CBC.ca)
Comcast proposes file-sharing 'bill of rights' Apr 16, 2008
"It's textbook," University of Ottawa internet law professor Michael Geist said last month. "Once there's regulatory writing on the wall, there's often a move from some companies to take matters into their own hands and address some of the concern.". (CBC.ca)
Pressure growing for CRTC to deal with net neutrality Apr 9, 2008
Noted Internet law expert Michael Geist calls the CAIP application "the most significant legal development in the Canadian net neutrality debate yet, since it places the issue squarely before the commission.". "The filing provides additional insights into Bell's action the throttling has reduced speeds by as much as 90% and marks an important milestone since the outcome will provide a clear answer on whether Canadian law currently protects net neutrality or if legislative reform is needed,"... (National Union of Public and General Employees)
Parody of Wal-Mart Trumps Its Trademark Mar 26, 2008
Greenwald, Smith said, connected him to Stanford law professor Lawrence Lessig, a constitutional and Internet law expert and a proponent of reduced restrictions on copyright, trademark and other forms of intellectual property. In February 2006, Wal-Mart's outside counsel, Robert L. Raskopf of Quinn Emanuel, wrote a letter to Lessig, again demanding that Smith stop producing and selling his Wal-ocaust merchandise. (Law.com)
Online torrent Mar 26, 2008
Internet law professor Michael Geist applauds the recent use of BitTorrent by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Is BitTorrent the future of media distribution. (BBC News -- Technology)
* Online agency runs afoul of US restrictions on travel to Cuba Mar 7, 2008
Susan Crawford, a visiting law professor at Yale and a leading authority on Internet law, said the fact that many large domain name registrars are based in the US gives the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC, control "over a great deal of speech -- none of which may be actually hosted in the US, about the US or conflicting with any US rights.". "OFAC apparently has the power to order that this speech disappear," Crawford said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
U.S. pulls the plug on Europeans who want to visit Cuba Mar 5, 2008
Susan Crawford, a visiting law professor at Yale and a leading authority on Internet law, said the fact that many large domain name registrars are based in the United States gives the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC, control "over a great deal of speech - none of which may be actually hosted in the U.S., about the U.S. or conflicting with any U.S. rights.". "OFAC apparently has the power to order that this speech disappear," Crawford said. (International Herald Tribune)
Site serves up 'Haterade' Feb 29, 2008
Associate professor Edward Lee, an expert in Internet law at OSU's Moritz College of Law, said under the constitution, Web sites publishing third-party content are not liable for what is written. A Jan. 28 press release from JuicyCampus seemed to promote the mean-spirited nature of the site: "JuicyCampus.com brings the most scandalous, salacious and entertaining stories from the students themselves, and allows fellow college goers to read, post and comment.". (Ohio State University -- The Lantern, OH)
Star columnist earns digital pioneer award Feb 23, 2008
Internet law professor and Toronto Star business columnist Michael Geist has been named a digital pioneer by the highly respected Electronic Frontier Foundation, a U.S.-based advocate of civil liberties in a high-tech world. Geist, who began writing a column on Internet and technology law for the Star in 2003, is in good company. (Toronto Star)
Anti-Piracy Plan Threatens Free Speech Feb 23, 2008
"At the moment, ISPs can't distinguish between legal and illegal content on their networks," says Simon Halberstam, head of Internet law at Sprecher Grier Halberstam, a law firm in London. "If you take away that legal protection, ISP could start to stand for Internet Service Policemen.". (BusinessWeek)
Service Taps Users to Help Filter Sites Feb 21, 2008
John Palfrey, a professor of Internet law at Harvard University, said community-based filtering may prove more accurate overall, but he said users aren't always right. "And when they are wrong, the crowds can function as high-tech lynch mobs," he said. (ABC News -- Wire)
Missouri Bar offers free programs to educate public Feb 20, 2008
Categories currently include issues for college students, consumer law, contracts, DWI, family law, identity theft, immigration law, accidents, Internet law, juveniles, nursing homes and law in your life. The podcasts are designed only for information, and do not serve as a substitute when legal aid is needed. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
Manatt Adds Kenneth M. Kaufman to Entertainment Practice Feb 8, 2008
Kaufmans practice focuses on entertainment law, copyright, Internet law, content licensing, and ecommerce. He represents a wide range of clients in the entertainment, computer, online and communications fields, including television networks, computer and Internet technology companies, media and technology investors, private equity funds, television producers, new media entrepreneurs, music publishers, recording artists and authors. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Stanford's Lessig tackling even bigger battle Feb 2, 2008
But the fight illustrates how the Stanford law professor has played a pivotal role in shaping Internet law and in building a new approach to copyright rules in the digital era, whose spirit, after all, is the freedom of information. For some 10 years, Lessig, 46, has spread the message that corporations such as Walt Disney Co. need to loosen their hold on popular culture. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Monitored net Jan 30, 2008
Internet law professor Michael Geist examines the shift from locking down content to locking down the network. ISPs are increasingly adding content filtering software to their networks. (BBC News -- Technology)
Alberta man charged with video piracy Jan 18, 2008
Gregory Hagen, an assistant professor of law at the University of Calgary with expertise in intellectual property and Internet law, said the changes to the Criminal Code were the result of a lobbying efforts by the association and other groups representing studios and filmmakers. "This was not so much a legal effort but a public relations effort," he said. (National Post)
Legal side of the Net Dec 24, 2007
San Antonio attorney surfing cutting edge of Internet law - San Antonio Business Journal ... San Antonio attorney surfing cutting edge of Internet law ... He adds that working with different types of technology based companies has helped him forge his career in Internet law. (San Antonio Business Journal, TX)
San Antonio attorney surfing cutting edge of Internet law Dec 24, 2007
Members: Not Registered. for free extra services. (San Antonio Business Journal, TX)
Power politics Dec 19, 2007
Internet law professor Michael Geist looks at how Facebook has the power to effect legislation. The power of Facebook, not just a social networking tool. (BBC News -- Technology)
Business data exposed on Canada Post website Dec 18, 2007
But an Internet law specialist said that even though the data made available by Canada Post show failed login attempts - incorrect combinations of usernames and passwords - this kind of information is a potential "gold mine" for those engaged in identity theft and Internet fraud. "People typically use the same username and the same password across multiple websites," said Michael Geist, a law professor at the University of Ottawa. (Globe and Mail)
How next billion will shape net Dec 18, 2007
Internet law professor Michael Geist looks at what doubling the number of users will mean to the net. China will add another 250 million users over the next decade. (BBC News -- Technology)
How Lori Drew became America's most reviled mother Dec 1, 2007
" An practitioner of internet law, Parry Aftab, says "Josh's" attack on Megan was compounded when girls who knew Megan joined in, creating a mass cyber-bullying episode. "Everyone says Megan had a crush on a boy and it broke up and she killed herself. This was a lot more than that," Aftab says. She said girls who read Josh's comments joined in the attack. Aftab says bullying comprises 80 per cent of complaints to social networking sites. "Cyber bullying follows you everywhere. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Technology)
Frail egos caught in killer net Nov 30, 2007
" An practitioner of internet law, Parry Aftab, says "Josh's" attack on Megan was compounded when girls who knew Megan joined in, creating a mass cyber-bullying episode. "Everyone says Megan had a crush on a boy and it broke up and she killed herself. This was a lot more than that," Aftab says. She said gi 00004000 rls who read Josh's comments joined in the attack. Aftab says bullying comprises 80 per cent of complaints to social networking sites. "Cyber bullying follows you everywhere. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Lis on Law: You Cant Say That on TV... or the Web Nov 28, 2007
These incidents reflect a critical issue in Internet law: how much free expression can we tolerate on the Internet. The claim involves such issues as defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, infliction of emotional distress, privacy, misappropriation of name or likeness, and violation of copyright. (Fox News)
Content carve up of net begins Nov 15, 2007
Internet law professor Michael Geist looks at the way that cable firms are starting to shackle the net access they offer. Some cable firms are treating net access like they do TV scheduling. (BBC News -- Technology)
ICANN taps New Zealand lawyer to replace Cerf Nov 6, 2007
ICANN, the not-for-profit organization that governs the Internet's domain name system, has elected , a specialist in intellectual property and Internet law, in a unanimous decision to replace. "ICANN has moved from a foundation state to a steady state," Cerf said in a statement. (CNET News.com)
Low notesWhy a wrangle over sheet music site could hit web trade Nov 3, 2007
Internet law professor Michael Geist examines a legal row which could have grave implications for anyone and everyone serving an online audience. The website gathered out of copyright musical scores. (BBC News -- Technology)
OiNK Raid Raises The Question: What Risks Are You Really Taking When Downloading Music? Oct 25, 2007
However, a more serious take came from John Palfrey, the executive director of the Berkman Center for Internet and Society at Harvard Law School and a clinical professor of Internet law. He noted that people are never as anonymous as they think when they hop online. (VHI.com -- Music News)
Rebel rockersWhy musicians are singing their own digital tune Oct 19, 2007
Internet law professor Michael Geist examines how musicians are taking the issue of copy controls into their own hands. Artists, including Avril Lavigne, have spoken out about suing fans. (BBC News -- Technology)
Web domains get language lesson Oct 15, 2007
The CIRA has talked about creating a multilingual domain name system in Canada, but has been slow to push forward on the issue, University of Ottawa Internet law professor Michael Geist said. I think it's a positive step, he said. (Globe and Mail -- Technology)
Google feature takes a closer look at Chicago Oct 10, 2007
But Michael Overing, who teaches Internet law at the University of Southern California, said this "seems like an intrusion we should all be against.". "I appreciate that the technology is cool," he said, "but whether it is the government or a private company that has access to those images and can do something with them based on their definitions" of what's right and wrong is "a fundamental risk.". (Chicago Tribune)
Privacy challengeUS official offers 'chilling' vision of surveillance society Oct 5, 2007
Internet law professor Michael Geist wonders whether technology threatens the legal foundations of privacy law. A single fingerprint caused the biggest buzz at the meeting. (BBC News -- Science)
Google Proposes International Privacy Standard Sep 15, 2007
An Internet law created by lawmakers just 10 years ago cannot fairly be used today. . (DailyTech)
To unlock or not?The rights and wrongs of tinkering with your mobile phone Sep 5, 2007
Internet law professor Michael Geist gets to grips with the legal implications of unlocking the iPhone. From the moment of its debut, the Apple iPhone has attracted enormous attention. (BBC News -- Science)
American Airlines Files Trademark Infringement Case Against Google Aug 20, 2007
Yet Santa Clara University Assistant Professor Eric Goldman, an attorney with expertise in Internet law, said those suits have yielded a mish-mash of rulings that leave search advertisers and trademark-owners with no clear guidance. "There have been dozens of keyword advertising cases that have reached a variety of resolutions all the way from emphatic wins for the defendants to cases, like the American Blinds case [against Google], where they are going to a jury in November," said Goldman. (ClickZ News)
Walled gardensInternet law professor Michael Geist on closed social networks Aug 16, 2007
Internet law professor Michael Geist says the walled gardens of social networks should be pulled down. Social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace have become part of the daily routine for millions of internet users. (BBC News -- Technology)
NFL limits Web Aug 4, 2007
Even though many NFL stadiums are publicly financed, the NFL appears to be acting within its legal rights in imposing the 45-second restrictions, according to Seltzer, who specializes in intellectual property and Internet law. But she said she found the policy otherwise hard to defend. (Boston Globe)
Group seeks revised copyright warnings Aug 3, 2007
- Serving York, Chester, and Lancaster Counties. Friday, August 3, 2007. (Herald Online, SC -- Technology)
Copyright quibbles Aug 3, 2007
Group seeks revised copyright warnings - Yahoo. Secondary Navigation. (Yahoo News -- Technology)
High tech group: Change copyright warnings Aug 2, 2007
Lengthy statements discourage legal use of DVDs, sports broadcasts. MSN Tech and Gadgets. (MSNBC -- Technology)
you’re not in mayberry anymore Jul 29, 2007
I don t have a fancy Internet law degree, but Mayor Fife s motive for tilting at Constitutional windmills was transparent from the start. The Mayor of La Mancha wants to be a congressman. (Scranton Times, PA)
Gossip Web site debuts in Wilmington, legal questions surface Jul 17, 2007
Still, interpretation of the law so far makes it easy to anonymously make a nasty post about someone, said David Fish, a lawyer in Illinois who deals with Internet law. "The big Internet publishing lobby has really given itself immunity here," he said. (The Daily Reflector)
Police impersonators preying with ease Jul 13, 2007
Today's Globe Local Politics Opinion Magazine Education NECN Special reports Obituaries. Officers' tools available online. (Boston Globe -- Local)
Google pushes court on MS search Jun 26, 2007
Chris Wolf, an attorney who chairs the Internet law practice of Proskauer Rose in Washington, said he sees no chance that the judge will start now. "There's no reason why she would change her practice of the past, especially with a brief filed by one who is so obviously a competitor of Microsoft and thus has an ax to grind. "It would be very different if one of the plaintiffs made these arguments," Wolf said. "But Google's certainly not bashful. (InfoWorld)
Job recruiters go online for personal info Jun 19, 2007
"One big issue is employment discrimination and using these Web sites and blogs to potentially exclude people based upon race, gender, etc." said Danielle Conway-Jones, a UH law school professor specializing in Internet law. As for candidates, they may not ever learn that an online posting has cost them a job. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Internet law leaves shoppers confused Jun 19, 2007
By Richard Tyler and Harry WallopLast Updated: 2:28am BST 19/06/2007. The millions of shoppers who buy from auction websites such as eBay suffer from inconsistent laws that fail to protect their rights fully, a Government consumer watchdog warns today. (Telegraph.co.uk)
Multilingual netWhy domain name system needs a linguistic overhaul Jun 8, 2007
Internet law professor Michael Geist argues that delays to multilingual domain names are holding back internet diversity. Multilingual domains stymied by lobby groups within ICANN. (BBC News -- Technology)
Can Google Get Any Bigger? Jun 7, 2007
Google, the #1 search engine, seems to defy every Internet law of gravity. But one question arises with each subsequent record-high share price: is it possible for Google to get any bigger. (Time.com)
Juror Blogs Catching Court's Eye Jun 3, 2007
" If a jury convicted one of Bodiford's clients and then Bodiford found that one of the jurors had posted a comment like this, Bodiford said he would immediately file an appeal. Still, he said, he wouldn't expect it to work. Defense attorneys, he said, have to try everything they can to help their clients. As more jurors blog about their deepest feelings and as more post information about themselves on MySpace and Facebook, more defense attorneys are going to file motions based on what they see... (Tampa Bay Online, FL -- News)
Canada Plans to Make Camcording Movies at a Theater a Criminal Offense Jun 2, 2007
Geist, who operates a Web site devoted to copyright and Internet law, has a video history of the bill and its origins posted there. To contact the reporter on this story: Alexandre Deslongchamps in Ottawa at. (Bloomberg -- Canada)
MySpace vs. Workplace May 29, 2007
"Employees, meanwhile, have their own set of concerns. Some wonder whether employers are using MySpace profiles to violate the privacy of employees or applicants and obtain personal information to which they are not entitled. Warren Agin, a Boston attorney who specializes in Internet law, says employers would run afoul of antidiscrimination laws if they use a MySpace page to learn, say, that a job applicant is gay, and decide not hire him or her on that basis."There are many aspects of MySpace... (Boston Globe)
Facebook fearsLaw professor Michael Geist on why social site bans are wrong May 10, 2007
Internet law professor Michael Geist says attempts to block social media sites such as Facebook are misguided. Facebook has seen rapid growth. (BBC News -- Technology)
DRM group pledges to fight Digg rebels May 5, 2007
Jonathan Zittrain, a professor of internet law at Harvard Law School, said that assuming the key could break a DVD, it's distribution would infringe the provisions of the Digital Millenium Copyright Act (DCMA). "If a site isn't policing the distribution of the code, and a publisher has issued a takedown notice, which is then not obeyed, they would likely reserve their right to sue," he said. (Times Online)
$1bn lawsuit takes novel approach in fighting spam Apr 29, 2007
PHP is being represented by Jon Praed of the Internet Law Group, who has successfully represented AOL and Verizon against spammers. From our perch at Vulture Central, we're somewhat skeptical about the lawsuit's chances of success. (Register)
Huge anti-spam suit targets email harvesters Apr 27, 2007
Unspam Technologies, a company that consults with government agencies and private companies, and with users in 100 countries, filed suit today seeking the identity of those who have harvested millions of emails on behalf of spammers, Attorney Jon Praed of the Internet Law Group said Project Honey Pot, a project of Unspam, said the suit is designed to get at the identities of the actual spammers. "It is clear that the key to stopping spam is identifying those responsible for it, and getting that... (ZDNet)
Lawsuit Targets 'Spam Harvesters' Apr 27, 2007
The lawsuit names a variety of John Does as defendants, and the plaintiffs hope that the legal process will allow them to track the actual people who are harvesting the e-mail addresses, said lead attorney Jon Praed with the Arlington-based Internet Law Group. Collecting e-mail addresses is not by itself illegal, but Praed said the plaintiffs will be able to link the harvesting to spam e-mails, which are illegal under federal and state laws. (ABC News -- Wire)
'Ignore the US copyright bullies' Apr 27, 2007
Internet law professor Michael Geist says countries should resist US bullying tactics over copyright and intellectual property. Night vision goggles are used to detect film pirates. (BBC News -- Technology)
Lawsuit Targets Those Who Collect e-Mail Addresses Apr 27, 2007
The lawsuit names a variety of John Does as defendants, and lead attorney Jon Praed with the Internet Law Group says plaintiffs hope that the legal process will allow them to track the actual people who are harvesting the e-mail addresses. Collecting e-mail addresses is not by itself illegal, but Praed said the plaintiffs will be able to link the harvesting to spam e-mails, which are illegal under federal and state law. (ABC 7 News, DC)
As Cathy Seipp Lay Dying, Her Nemesis Took His Parting Shot on the Web Mar 29, 2007
The expectation of privacy on the Internet is ludicrous from one point of view, but I don't think there's any bright-line rule about what you can and cannot say in a blog, said Richard Idell, of Idell & Seitel, a San Francisco firm specializing in media and Internet law. Whatever socially acceptable rules that may exist are still developing. (Fox News -- Views)
Food bloggers dish up plates of spicy criticism Mar 26, 2007
Fat chance of that being successful, says Palo Alto lawyer Ian Ballon, author of "E-commerce and Internet Law," who says bloggers and message board posters have wide latitude in expressing their opinions. "The First Amendment extends exceptionally broad protection," he said. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Scotsman wins spam compensation Mar 11, 2007
The judgment could make it prohibitively expensive for British-based companies -- or individuals -- to send spam, said Nick Lockett, a London-based lawyer who specializes in Internet law. He said companies could base damages on the money they spend on spam filtering software and server space needed to the handle unwanted bulk advertising. (CNN -- Tech)
Web surfer gets laptop back from police Mar 9, 2007
An expert in Internet law disagrees. An administrative search or inventory for child porn is simply an excuse to sidestep the warrant requirement, said Jennifer Granick, an attorney and executive director of the Center for Internet and Society at the Stanford Law School in California. (Anchorage Daily News)
Scottish man gets revenge on spammers Mar 8, 2007
Nick Lockett, a London attorney who specializes in Internet law, said the ruling could prompt other cases in which spam recipients seek damages to cover the costs of e-mail filtering software and server space. Indeed, Dick has set up a website offering advice on how to fight spammers in court. (USA Today -- Tech)
Court decision prompts Turk Telekom to deny YouTube access Mar 8, 2007
She added that in order to overcome these problems, Turkey needs an Internet law after discussing what appropriate censorship would be and how violations should be punished. Krat etinkoz, head of the Liberal Office, an organization for freedoms, said it was a case of censorship and not acceptable. (Today's Zaman)
Warning: Don't spam this Scot Mar 7, 2007
Nick Lockett, a London attorney who specializes in Internet law, said the ruling could prompt other cases in which spam recipients seek damages to cover the costs of e-mail filtering software and server space. Indeed, Dick has set up a Web site offering advice on how to fight spammers in court. (Bakersfield Californian -- Technology)
