The BBC reports that Electronic Arts has confirmed that its next version of The Sims will be DRM-free.
News
The ACTA Timeline (or Everything You Need To Know About ACTA But Your Government Won’t Tell You)
Following yesterday's column/post on ACTA, I thought it be useful to develop an ACTA timeline so that the progression of the still-secret treaty can be more easily understood. This lengthy post builds on a range of articles, blog postings, official documents released under Access to Information, and well-publicized leaks. While the starting point is October 2007, when there was a coordinated announcement from participating countries, Mark Harris has an insightful post tracing ACTA lobbying to 2004 and the first Global Congress on Combating Counterfeiting. Further, I've uncovered Canadian documents as early as January 2007 that discuss ACTA.
Assuming October 2007, however, the chronology looks something like this:
Canadian MP Seeks Hearings on Google Street View
The Ottawa Citizen reports that Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre is putting forward a motion to the Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics Committee for hearings into Google Street View.
Australia Consults on IP Again
Kim Weatherall notes that Australia has launched another intellectual property consultation, with comments due in early May. While some criticize the failure to enact Canadian IP reforms, it is the failure to consult Canadians – while countries like Australia repeatedly ask for public views – that is particularly discouraging.
GhostNet Garners Global Headlines
Congratulations to Ron Deibert, Greg Walton, and Nart Villeneuve for their research into a global cyber-spy network that may originate out of China. The Globe and Mail has audio interviews and further coverage.
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Let Competition Be the Guide: Why the Government and CRTC Got It Right on Wholesale Fibre Broadband Access
