Information Policy

Wi-Fi around the world

Over the last few years, wireless Internet access, known as Wi-Fi, has become more and more widespread. Various cities, ranging from Philadelphia to Paris are currently building citywide WiFi networks. There are other efforts to wirelessly connect whole countries as well, like in Macedonia and Estonia. But each country's path is different.

http://muniwireless.com/municipal/1161/

Internet: Commission seeks global partnership on Internet governance, freedom of expression and the combat against cyber-repression

To keep up the momentum of the successful World Summit on Information Society (Tunis, 16-18 November 2005), the European Commission has set out today its priorities for implementing the international policy commitments made at the Summit. These priorities include safeguarding and strengthening human rights, in particular the freedom to receive and access information. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) should be used to contribute to open democratic societies and to economic and social progress worldwide. The Commission calls for continuing international talks to improve Internet governance through the two new processes created by the Summit: the multi-stakeholder Internet Governance Forum and the mechanism of enhanced cooperation that will involve all governments on an equal footing.

http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/06/542&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

World's Digital Divide Is Narrowing

A study published by IBM and the intelligence unit of British magazine The Economist found that the digital divide is narrowing as citizens in emerging markets get online via computers and mobile phones. The study also found that some regions are now on a par with developed nations.

http://news.com.com/2100-1034_3-6065240.html

BBC Is CriticizedOver Web Site Plans

Rupert Murdoch's media conglomerate has accused the BBC of using taxpayers' money to build a "digital empire" that would compete with commercial rivals. The BBC, which receives about 3 billion pounds a year in public funding, has announced plans to relaunch its Web site. Rival broadcasters have long complained that the BBC uses public money to fund types of programs supplied by commercial operators, abandoning a public service remit in a chase for viewers.

http://www.siliconvalley.com/mld/siliconvalley/news/editorial/14432614.htm

Networking: Content filtering grows

A gullible young employee sends out a confidential document -- over the Internet -- that should have been sent only by overnight courier. A spy, hired by a rival firm, snags the file, with a packet-sniffing device, as it transitions from the corporate network to the Internet. Trade secrets are divulged, and the company is ruined. Experts tell United Press International's Networking column that corporations, both large and small, are seeking to stop "information leaks," like that, with outbound content filtering software.

http://www.physorg.com/news65105669.html