Publishing & social media

Towards an (Electronic) Communications Act 2011

January 27, 2009

Jean-Jacques Sahel, writing purely in a personal capacity, considers the approach which should underpin any legislation on electronic communications and argues that the extraordinary nature of the Internet requires a principles-based approach to inform legislation rather than narrow sectoral regulation. This article arises from a presentation at the SCL Forum held in September 2008 ‘Legislating for Web 2.0 – Preparing for the Communications Act?’…

A Converged Regulatory Model for Search Engines?

January 27, 2009

With search engines being such a vital part of the consumer experience of the Internet, Nico van Eijk asks if there is room for a regulatory regime which covers them. This article arises from a presentation at the SCL Forum held in September 2008 ‘Legislating for Web 2.0 – Preparing for the Communications Act?…

An Un-governating Principle for the Internet

January 27, 2009

Taking an expert technical perspective, Jon Crowcroft thinks much of the debate about Internet governance can be denuded of meaning by technical solutions. This article arises from a presentation at the SCL Forum held in September 2008 ‘Legislating for Web 2.0 – Preparing for the Communications Act?’…

Behavioural Targeting of Online Advertisements and the Future of Data Protection

January 27, 2009

Andrea M. Matwyshyn covers the issues surrounding behavioural targeting, such as offered by Neubad in the USA and Phorm in the UK. The requirement for consent in data protection terms and the possible need for international harmonization are among the topics she discusses. This article arises from a presentation at the SCL Forum held in September 2008 ‘Legislating for Web 2.0 – Preparing for the Communications Act?’…

Competition and Web 2.0

January 27, 2009

Herbert Ungerer offers his personal views on the interplay between EU competition regulation and the development of Web 2.0, and beyond. This article arises from a presentation at the SCL Forum held in September 2008 ‘Legislating for Web 2.0 – Preparing for the Communications Act?…

Read More… from Competition and Web 2.0

Predictions 2009: IT & Social Trends

January 5, 2009

This is a selection of the predictions on the SCL Web site. These predictions cover developments in IT law and expected changes in social trends that have an impact on IT law….

Editorial

January 5, 2009

This issue is dominated by expert predictions on IT law, IT applications for lawyers and all manner of related issues. I am refraining from including my predictions (which can be read online) simply because we have an abundance of riches here. I am absolutely delighted with the level and the quality of the response to…

Web Site Operators & Liability for UGC – Facing up to Reality?

December 31, 2008

Social networking and other Web sites that enable user-generated content (known as UGC) to be uploaded and viewed by users are big news and big business. Robert Goldstone and James Gill review the dangers that arise in relation to copyright infringement….

Tiscali v BT: ISPs Competing for Customers and Unlawful Means

December 18, 2008

An interesting judgment in Tiscali UK Ltd v British Telecommunications Plc [2008] EWHC 3129 (QB) sheds some startling light on what standards may be expected of ISPs when competing for customers. Tiscali and BT are in dispute over approaches made by BT to Tiscali customers. In his second judgment concerning the case, Mr Justice Eady…

Tiscali v BT: ISPs Competing for Customers and ‘Unlawful Means’

December 18, 2008

A novel use of the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and the Business Protection from Misleading Marketing Regulations 2008 has received an important, albeit partial, endorsement in the High Court. Tiscali is suing BT for interference with its business by unlawful means….