Archive for the ‘controversy’ Category

Tech giants face new lawsuits

Thursday, August 5th, 2010

Sydney Morning Herald reports today that Ric Richardson, owner of Uniloc, who won a multimillion dollar lawsuit against Microsoft for the use of his patent, only to face the horror of having the decision overturned, is launching further lawsuits against Sony America, McAfee Security, Activision (maker of video games), and Quark, Borland Software and Aspyr Media (software makers).

Mr Richardson contends that his patent has stood up to legal scrutiny, so he is taking these new lawsuits on principle.  However, if succesful, the damages awarded will be given to charity.

Richardson, patented the technology designed to deter software piracy in the early 1990′s, and the proceedings against Microsoft have been ongoing since 2003. And yes, Uniloc is appealing the Microsoft decision to overthrow its lawsuit, by alleging bias from the Judge.

Stay tuned, this saga will be interesting…..

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Internet sales of illicit substances circumvent Australian Customs

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010

The internet has allowed makers and suppliers of ‘legal highs’ which may contain illicit substances, to sell their goods directly to the public online.

Sydney Morning Herald today reports that Australian Customs faces new problems with emerging technology, as it is difficult to monitor, and exposes a potentially wider section of the public to drugs.  Some of the pills are simply caffeine-based, whereas others contain ingredients such as ephedrine, one of the precursors of methamphetamine. They are sent through the post and Customs said “many packages are opened and assessed each day”, but not every package can be opened.

Customs does not have the legal authority to shut down online sites selling the drugs but has forced some of the websites to include import restrictions warnings.

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PM Gillard to keep up web filter plans

Friday, July 9th, 2010

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has no plans to back down from the plans to develop the controversial web filter in Australia.

However, there may be some modifications to the original proposal by  the Communications Minister, Stephen Conroy.

”I understand that there’s a set of…technical concerns about internet speed, and also concerns that somehow this accidentally doesn’t move into taking away legitimate use of the internet,” said Ms Gillard.

The legislation to introduce the web filter is unlikely to be introduced before the election.

To view the full article, click here.

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