underpop

http://underpop.online.fr 2001-08-31  
Of Net Control, Punishments and Rewards



Taming the Web by Charles Mann, Tech Review

Mann presents some good arguments for how control and censorship of the Internet is actually possible. Some are flawed (especially the arguments against Gnutella), but I agree that the belief that the Net itself will solve all problems of censorship and "route around them" is a false one, even though more censorship and control requires more centralization of information. I agree with him that activism is therefore necessary, and while the saying "information wants to be free" (as in, it will gradually become less controlled) may be wrong, I would say that "information needs to be free" instead.



Cyber Citizen Lands Felony Charges (LinuxFreak)

A typical case of a user who discovered a security bug on a website, reported it and was subsequently charged as a "cybercriminal". Moral: If you find a security flaw, post it anonymously somewhere, but don't tell the company about it. Also see follow-up.



WMA Decoder Removed from CNET Because of DMCA "Violation"

A little shareware program that can play Windows Media files has apparently been removed from CNET's Download.com site because it "violates the DMCA". The company claims that the decoder respects the copyright flags in WMA files. The DMCA proves to be a very powerful tool for instant censorship.



Write Against the DMCA, Win $250

Boycott RIAA has a small contest for good editorials against the DMCA. It runs until August 31.



Dmitry's DEF CON Nine presentation available on videotape (Planet PDF)

Planet PDF has a description of Dmitry Sklyarov's presentation, and you can also order a videotape of his talk from TSOK (computers|defcon).



WATCH OUT FOR THIS LOGO AND TELL MANUFACTURERS TO USE IT.

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postado por mikhail  # 8/31/2001 06:33:00 AM