Technology & Media update - Enews - September 2011

September 2011

Data Protection, privacy and information

ICO publishes guidance on accessing research information (Information Commissioner’s Office)

The ICO has issued guidance aimed at higher education institutions to help them comply with their obligations under the Freedom of Information Act and specifically to highlight when important research information has to be disclosed under the Act.

Lib Dems call for Government to deal with security implications of cloud computing (Computing.co.uk)

The Liberal Democrat party has issued a report which backs Government plans to explore the possible advantages of cloud computing but highlights the potential security and data protection risks. The report also asks the Government to consider setting up a watchdog to monitor cloud computing services.

Intellectual Property

Government calls on designers to help improve UK design industry (IPO)

In response to the lack of evidence available on design in the recent Hargreaves report, the Government has commenced an investigation into how the intellectual property system can better assist the UK design industry. Designers have been asked to submit evidence to help the Government understand what more can be done to support innovation and growth in the industry.

Copyright term in sound recordings extended to 70 years (The Guardian)

The European Council has adopted a directive which will extend the term of copyright protection for performers and sound recordings from 50 to 70 years. The extension has been embraced by high profile members of the UK music industry who have long fought for the change.

Ecommerce & information technology

Sony asks gamers to waive rights (BBC News)

In response to its mass security breach and the resulting litigation earlier this year, Sony has amended the terms and conditions of its PlayStation Network to prevent users signing in unless they waive their right to join any future class action against the company.

UK capital to get domain name (Silicon.com)

London is interested in applying for its own domain name as London & Partners, the official promotional agency for the city, consults with organisations from the city and the London Mayor to establish the benefits of having a '.london' domain name. This follows other big cities worldwide such as Paris, New York and Rome which are also interested in applying for their own domain names.

Technology and Media Litigation

The start of holistic arbitration (International Chamber of Commerce)

Revised Rules of Arbitration which adopt a more holistic approach to dispute resolution techniques will come into effect on 1 January 2012. The new additions allow for disputes involving multiple contracts and changes which update case management procedures. It is hoped that the revisions will promote efficiency whilst achieving a just and fair result via a process which better reflects modern approaches to dispute resolution in a changing financial climate.

Paranoid Android – Global smartphone giants go head-to-head over patent infringement claim (Silicon.com)

HTC is pursuing new patent infringements claims against Apple using nine patents bought from Google. The patents were sold to HTC in a deal demonstrating the strong support Google is throwing behind its partner in its fight against copycat operating systems.

Communications

TalkTalk tops Ofcom complaints list (Ofcom)

Ofcom has produced its second report in relation to complaints made about telecoms providers. The report, which deals with complaints regarding landline, broadband and mobile services aims to give consumers more information about their providers and also encourages providers to improve their performance.

ASA to publish report on misleading broadband speed claims (The Independent)

The advertising watchdog is to force broadband providers to produce less misleading adverts regarding broadband speeds following criticism by Ofcom of the broadband speeds advertised by internet service providers and those that consumers actually receive.

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