Section: Communications, Cellular Providers, Web, Google
Earlier this week, Julius Genachowski, the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, announced his plans for Net Neutrality rules. The new rule would make it such that all ISPs, including wireless providers will have to permit any device, service or application on their network as long as it is legal and non-harmful. Needless to say, the wireless providers weren’t very happy about the idea.
Rather than just reiterating the line that it needs to be able to have full control of its arguably broken network, AT&T decided to take a different route: attack Google. AT&T’s response to the proposed rule is that Google will need to be regulated as well, or at least Google Voice will have to be. According to AT&T, Google should be subjected to the same rules it and other phone providers are. The main issue AT&T raised is Google Voice blocks users from calling some rural areas. AT&T says this should be part of the debate because it sees the Net Neutrality rule as also applying to “application, service, and content providers.”
This argument really doesn’t seem to make much sense. It comes off as AT&T just trying to do anything it can to take a shot at Google Voice. It doesn’t make sense for Google Voice to be subjected to the same rules as major telecoms since it’s more of just a call forwarding application. Perhaps if current rules were changed Google Voice would fit into a category in which it would have to regulated. As it stands it is a different kind of service that does not make sense regulate, especially not in the current invite-only state it is in. What makes even less sense is why this issue arose from Net Neutrality, aside for the fact that it is from Google; Google Voice doesn’t seem to fit in the proposed rules.
Read [Reuters]
Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
FROM GAMERTELL - It is official - both Sony Computer Entertainment Europe and America have confirmed there will be no UMD conversion method available for people changing from a PSP to a PSPgo. Also, SCEA has shot down hopes of a US PSPgo Rewards Program.
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Full Story » | Written by NEWS for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
Section: Computers, Security, Web, Web 2.0 / Social Networking
Hackers don't just break into networks to steal. Sometimes their intent is much more sinister, as an Arizona woman found out. While Debbie Lee was camping 100 miles away from home someone hacked into her Facebook account and began flooding her status updates with suicidal comments such as "I don't want a funeral or memorial, I want it to be like I never existed. The way I wish it was." And "My only friend is the handgun in the back of my closet."
Her friends and family were understandably distraught and began posting message after message begging her not to do it. Her cell phone was flooded too but she was in a remote area with no reception. When she finally reached an area with service the phone lit up with voicemails pleading with her to not do anything drastic. Her son eventually got through, just as police were standing outside her home, preparing to kick the door in.
It's not known who hacked into the account or why but Lee believe it was politically motivated. The mother of a Navy Seal killed in Iraq, she founded a non-profit organization, America's Mighty Warriors, which remembers those killed in action and offers support to their families. She has traveled to military bases around the world and has met with high profile leaders such as President Bush. Lee said she thinks the hacker was trying to discredit her, and was shocked when the local police closed the case saying that under city and state law there was no crime committed.
“Yes, it causes grief and we do feel for her. We do take that seriously. But unfortunately, our hands are tied by the fact that we have to be out there enforcing an actual statute,” said Sgt. Mark Ortega, a public information officer with the Surprise Police Department.
Arizona, like many states, has no cyber harassment laws on its books. With online harassment and cyber bullying very real problems, one can only hope that will change soon and all states put laws in place to protect and encourage online safety.
Read [ABCNews]
Full Story » | Written by Sue Walsh for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
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