China Clamps Down On Internet Access
The Chinese government has issued new Internet regulations that call for the banning of any content deemed unacceptable, including Internet gambling, pornography, and subversive materials. Under these new regulations, Internet content and service providers would be required to keep track of all information published on their sites for a 60-day period as well as a list of users who access the information during that time. Additionally, online content providers must explain the nature of their companies' businesses to receive an operating license from the Ministry of Information Industry. Companies operating without a license would face fines and/or closure. Internet companies also need the Ministry's approval before seeking foreign capital, a foreign or domestic stock listing, or a working relationship with foreign companies.
Another Top-Level Domain Developed
Group One Registry is proposing ".one" as the newest top-level domain. "Through .one, we are opening the way for every Internet user and device to have an easily accessible, individual domain name," explained Group One co-founder Paul Kane. "By emphasizing numerical domain names, we can enable the Internet to expand much more easily, far beyond the bounds of current language-based domains." The company foresees .one being widely used by devices needing instant, direct connection through the Internet, including wireless Internet tools, personal digital assistants, automobiles, and household appliances.
C&W Proposes Moving Voice Traffic Onto Internet
Within the next three years, U.K. telecommunications company Cable and Wireless (C&W) wants to move all voice traffic onto its new Internet network, according to the Financial Times. The move would be part of a larger 10 year, $1.4 billion project through which Nortel Networks will build and manage a new network extending throughout Europe and North America. While other major operators are expected to make the switch also, C&W is likely to be the first to move over its entire load of voice traffic.
New Crime Fighting Tool Available
Officers with the Highland Park, Texas police department can now use PocketCopTM to fight crime. The new product, a Palm-type device, provides secure e-mailing and messaging capabilities and instant access to state and federal databases, which can be used by officers on bike patrol or working undercover. More information on the product is available at www.psginc.cc.
Privacy Standards Proposed by Online Marketers
Members of the Responsible Electronic Communications Alliance (RECA), a 16-member organization of online marketers, have introduced the first steps to enforce Internet privacy standards. These standards would limit or control the amount of junk e-mail or spam sent to consumers. Additionally, companies would be required to clearly explain about any marketing or e-mail lists that consumers are asked to join and must give consumers an opt-out clause, CNET reported.
Fraud Fighting Industry Group Formed
A group of e-commerce and payment services companies, including American Express, First Data, Buy.com and Expedia, have created the Worldwide E-Commerce Fraud Prevention Network to fight online credit card fraud, according to a report on CNET. "The (network) has the potential to do what no other fraud-prevention group is doing: prioritize merchant concerns and identify specific solutions for resolving those issues," an American Express spokesman explained. American Express has agreed to fund the group's initial efforts, while opening charter memberships to companies of all sizes.