Articles by: Michael Geist

FCC Takes Stand For Net Neutrality

FCC Chair Julius Genachowski is delivering a speech this morning that takes a strong stand for a free and open Internet (the U.S. regulator has also launched OpenInternet.gov as a site to debate the issue). A transcript of the prepared remarks indicates that the FCC Chair wants to formally establish six principles as Commission rules related to net neutrality.  The FCC is focusing on non-discrimination and tranparency as well as making it clear that the rules should apply across platforms – broadband, mobile, and satellite.  Key quotes:

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September 21, 2009 — 7 comments — News

Government Directs CRTC To Consider Fee-For-Carriage

Following on yesterday's post on how Conservative MPs submitted comments to the CRTC in support of fee-for-carriage, this morning Canadian Heritage Minister James Moore announced an Order-in-Council directing the CRTC to hold hearings and report back on a fee-for-carriage system in Canada.  The challenge, as noted yesterday, is the possibility […]

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September 17, 2009 — 10 comments — News

Privacy Law Emerges as Latest Canadian Export

The recent Canadian privacy case involving Facebook attracted international attention as the world's leading social networking site agreed to implement a series of changes that will affect 250 million users.  While the case is widely viewed as a significant victory for Canadian privacy, my weekly technology law column (Toronto Star version, homepage version) notes the issue might never have been addressed but for a second, little-noticed privacy decision released two weeks later.

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September 17, 2009 — 2 comments — Columns

City of Vancouver Launches Open Data Portal

David Eaves reports that the City of Vancouver has launched its open data portal.

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September 17, 2009 — Comments are Disabled — News

UK Music Industry Preparing To Backdown on Three Strikes Proposals

The Times reports that the UK music industry is preparing to backdown from demands for a three-strikes and you're out system in the face of opposition from artists.  The Featured Artists Coalition calls the approach "grossly disproportionate."

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September 16, 2009 — 1 comment — News