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Monthly Archives: October 2003
Challenge to Browser Patent by Web Consortium
From the World Wide Web Consortium: “Acting on the advice of the W3C HTML Patent Advisory Group, W3C has presented the United States Patent and Trademark Office with prior art establishing that US Patent No. 5,838,906 (the ‘906 patent) is invalid. W3C Director Tim Berners-Lee has written an unprecedented request to US Under Secretary of… Continue Reading
Google’s IPO and Talks With Microsoft
Today’s New York Times reported that Google seems intent on pursuing an IPO in early 2004 (with an offering of 10-15% of the company’s stock), and that talks with Microsoft have not resulted in any form of agreement. Continue Reading
AALL Comments on DMCA Ruling
New Copyright Rules Fail to Provide Fair Access in the Digital World: “In his second triennial rulemaking under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), the Librarian of Congress James Billington has again issued narrow exceptions to the law’s prohibition on circumventing technological locks intended to prevent access to copyrighted digital works. Libraries expressed disappointment that… Continue Reading
Report Reviews Diminished Access to Gov’t Docs On the Web
Ths new report, by Stephen Pizzo, chronicles some of the most significant examples of how the current administration has curtailed public access to critical government documents. From the report: ““Gary Bass, executive director of OMB Watch, an independent public advocacy group, says that the United States, is moving from a society based on the right… Continue Reading
Fires in California Close Many Libriaries
“Multiple fires in southern California have affected library services and wreaked havoc on staff. No facilities have been damaged, though sporadic closings of public and academic libraries have been reported due to dangerous high winds, approaching fires, and dangerous air quality.” [Link] Continue Reading
Compliance With New EU Data Privacy Rules Begins Today
“As from today EU Member States must comply with the Directive on Privacy and Electronic Communications, which sets EU standards for the protection of privacy and personal data in electronic communications. The Directive includes basic obligations to ensure the security and confidentiality of communications over EU electronic networks, including internet and mobile services. It sets… Continue Reading
Is Google Toolbar Blocking Legitimate Content?
According to this New York Times article, the Google toolbar is so effective in blocking unwanted pop-up ads that millions use it daily. However, website designers point out that along with blocking ads, the toolbar has the unintended consequence of blocking legitimate website content that is delivered via pop-up windows. Continue Reading
UK Database of Personal Data Expands to Collect More Info
The UK Office of National Statistics plans to expand their collection of personal data on citizens for a new electronic dossier that will include information on births, deaths and marriages. [Link] See also this response from the Foundation for Information Policy Research on the proposed database. Continue Reading
Issue Brief on MATRIX and State Data Mining
ACLU’s Feature on MATRIX, the multi-state data mining program. The MATRIX: Total Information Awareness Reloaded – Data Mining Moves Into the States. Defunct Big Brother Spying Program Resurfaces as “Little Brother” in Seven States See my previous postings on MATRIX here and here. Continue Reading
Advocacy Group Responds to Copyright Ruling
Press release from IP Justice: Consumers Still Unable to Make Lawful Use of Digital Media: “Its disappointing that the US Copyright Office and Librarian continue to relinquish their power to protect the rights of American consumers to lawfully use their own property as Congress had intended when it created this rulemaking proceeding in 1998.” Please… Continue Reading
Are KM Portals Losing Ground to Customized Solutions?
Deconstructing Knowledge by Nicholas Carroll, a project manager with Hastings Research, comments on the recent KM World-Intranets Convention, and “the disappearance of total end-to-end solutions.” Links to over 2 dozen presentations from the conference are here. If you are interested in intranets, portal, and KM, these materials are worth your review. In addition, see Catherine… Continue Reading
