Whois

To break privacy deadlock, some seek to scrap Whois databases on domain name registrations

Associated Press

Article Launched: 10/29/2007 01:51:22 PM PDT

The Whois database is a free database that relays the information of the creater/owner of a domain name for a website. Many people use this database especially those that combat fraud and theft. Without this database, people that wanted to find out who the owner of a website is would most likely have to get a subpoena which would be costly and time consuming.

This database is getting a lot of speculation from privacy advocate groups. They believe that domain name owners should not have to disclose their information to the general public. This does make sense, however I don't believe it is necessary to eliminate this database in order to protect people that want to keep their information private. It is possible to register domain names through third parties who give you the option to keep your info private, for a price. I think this is a fine solution for the privacy problem.

File sharing Hindered by Comcast

Some file-sharing being hindered by Comcast
The Associated Press
Article Launched: 10/20/2007 01:36:21 AM PDT

So apparently Comcast is using a new technology that interferes with some high speed internet users from sharing files. This article brings up that Comcast, goes against "net neutrality", the equal treatment of internet traffic, which isn't enforced by the law, however some regulations regulations do support net neutrality.

So here's the big question: Is what Comcast is doing right or wrong? Well, it seems as though Comcast may have the right to do this. I beleive that in their terms of use, they have created a stipulation that allows them to monitor and control te level of traffic a customer uses. However, is the reason that they are doing this right?

It seems as though Comcast is simply doing this to save bandwidth. If this is the case then they should be treating all users of the service equally, and start kicking off obsessive World of Warcraft players too. Of course, Comcast could always argue that they are targeting filesharers, who mostly violate c9opyright laws. It doesn't seem as though Comcast is taking this arguement though.

Conduit for Cybercrime

Shadowy Russian Firm Seen as Conduit for Cybercrime

By Brian Krebs

washingtonpost.com Staff Writer
Saturday, October 13, 2007; Page A15

This article talks about a Russian based internet service provider called Russian Business Network that provides website hosting for to many cyber-criminals including phishers and child pornography posters. They provide these services at a much higher charge than normal service providers but they have a "bulletproof" system that makes it nearly impossible for an outsider to shut down these websites. The Russian government has not made any attempts to go after this business or shut down the sites. This business brings up a few interesting points regarding cyberlaw.

First off, since this business is located in Russia, other governments can not go after them. This is sort of a weird concept considering that it is affecting people all over the world. This raises a great question of whether or not we need an international agreement to set up an independent committee/ international cyber court to regulate the internet.

Another issue that this raises is whether or not the company is even performing an illegal act. They are simply providing a web hosting service, they are not the ones are doing the phishing and illegal acts. Certainly, if this company was in the US it would either be shut down or it would be forced to shut down the illegal sites, even though the business is most likely clean from violating the law.

Record Companies Win Music Sharing Trial

By JOSHUA FREED

The Associated Press
Friday, October 5, 2007;

Wow, so this is a good one. A thirty year old woman was sued by six large record companies for a total of $220,000. They claimed that she had over 1000 songs that she downloaded through Kaaza and allowed others to upload. The real kick in the but though, the record companies were willing to settle out of court for a few grand. This woman however insisted that she did not download the songs or have a Kaaza account. This of course is unlikely, especially since they were able to link back to her IP address and find out what computer she was using. Furthermore, one of the record companies sent her a message saying that she was violating copyright law. Shortly after she replaced her hard drive, probably hoping that they would no longer be able to link back to her. Apparently it didn't work. Well, hopefully she learned her lesson and others can take this example into consideration. If you decide to download music illegally and violate copyright laws, be prepared to pay the price, and if you do get caught, don't fight the large record companies. Instead, settle outside of court and avoid a huge catastrophe like this one.