for life and liberty

Megaupload founder Kim Dotcom plans to launch new political party in New Zealand

"Dotcom said his plans were still embryonic but the yet-to-be-named party would launch on January 20, the second anniversary of an armed police raid on his Auckland mansion which resulted in him being charged with online piracy. The Internet mogul revealed few details of his platform beyond saying he wanted to improve New Zealand’s information technology infrastructure, including 'fair Internet pricing and no more data caps'. Dotcom, who denies any wrongdoing and is free on bail as he fights extradition to the United States, also took a swipe at Prime Minister Key, whom he accuses of bowing to Hollywood pressure by pursuing the case against him." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingMegaupload founder Kim Dotcom plans to launch new political party in New Zealand

Gun ownership gets easier in Texas starting Sunday

"Texas is taking steps to be even cozier for concealed handgun license holders. Texas passed its concealed handgun license law in 1995, and since then has required applicants to undergo 10 to 15 hours training minimum. That standard included classroom and shooting range instruction. But instructors said they really don’t need that much time, and lawmakers cut the training requirements in half. Other changes taking effect Sunday will allow license holders to renew online and provide easier access to obtaining fingerprints for applications. Also, license holders will be certified to carry a revolver or semi-automatic pistol, regardless of what type of gun they used in class." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingGun ownership gets easier in Texas starting Sunday

Record labels ask UK broadband providers to collect data on illegal downloads

"BT, Virgin Media, BSkyB and TalkTalk are being asked by music and film companies to sign up to a voluntary code for policing illegal downloading. Negotiations have been underway for some months with the BPI, which represents the major labels including Warner, Sony and Universal, and the British Video Association, whose members include the BBC and Hollywood studios. Measures could include throttling internet connections to slow them down, blocking users from particular sites, disconnecting offenders from broadband for a limited period, and ultimately prosecution. In order to implement these measures, broadband companies would need to keep a list of those customers." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingRecord labels ask UK broadband providers to collect data on illegal downloads

Policing Prosecutors

"A hungry man stealing a loaf of bread from a market to feed his family is treated differently than a con man bilking senior citizens for personal gain. Aaron Swartz knew he was breaking the law when he downloaded those articles. What he did not know, was that if a prosecutor wanted to make his life hell, she could credibly see to it that he was locked up until his mid 50’s. We should make sure that punishments fit crimes, and that when we collectively threaten to remove a human being from society for a generation or two, they actually did something worthy of such a profound punishment." Continue reading →

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America’s new ‘digital public library’ brings millions of documents online

"The Digital Public Library of America site dp.la will launch April 18 with more than two million objects — including digital renderings of photos, books, manuscripts and other items from places such as the Smithsonian Institution, along with museums, libraries and historical institutions around the country. Cohen said DPLA will be 'a lot more comprehensive' than Google books, with 'the full array of materials including music, photography, all kinds of art and manuscripts.' He said the material will be online 'in an open fashion, and not a gated fashion.'" Continue reading →

Continue ReadingAmerica’s new ‘digital public library’ brings millions of documents online

CEO of Danish CopyrightAlliance: “Control is Freedom!”

"Maria Fredenslund, the CEO of the Danish CopyrightAlliance, in a debate in which she argues for increased control of the Internet in the name of copyright, proclaims that 'control is freedom.' She lauds the 'highly controlled and regulated society we live in' and insists that 'control gives us freedom.' You see, 'Control and regulation creates innovation … and personal liberty.' She criticizes the Internet as being 'undemocratic' because there is not enough 'control' of it. And people say I am exaggerating when I use the term 'fascism' to describe IP." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingCEO of Danish CopyrightAlliance: “Control is Freedom!”

AT&T and T-Mobile embroiled in legal fight over the color magenta

"T-Mobile is suing AT&T for trademark infringement. To summarize a 20-page civil action suit: T-Mobile says Aio co-opted the color magenta. 'Out of all of the colors in the universe,' AT&T chose – not purple, not pink – magenta, as Aio’s company color, according to the complaint T-Mobile’s lawyers filed. 'AT&T’s subsidiary’s use of magenta to attract T-Mobile customers is likely to dilute T-Mobile’s famous magenta color trademark, and to create initial confusion as to the source or affiliation of AT&T’s subsidiary’s business,' the complaint continues." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingAT&T and T-Mobile embroiled in legal fight over the color magenta

ABA Attempts To Claim Copyright On Bank Routing Numbers

"It appears there's been a followup to our earlier story on the American Bankers Association claiming that bank routing numbers are covered by copyright, and threatening a website that had created a useful way to look up those routing numbers. The website, run by Greg Thatcher, was doing a public service, getting such info from the Federal Reserve's website, and making it much easier for people to find the numbers. Thatcher is now being represented, pro bono, by Andrew Delaney of Martin & Associates, and his response letter to Nigel Howard, the ABA's lawyer who sent the threat letter, is one of the most beautiful responses to a bogus threat letter you'll ever see." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingABA Attempts To Claim Copyright On Bank Routing Numbers