Ars Technica has an excellent analysis of a new U.S. government report that has been trumpeted by the movie and music industries as evidence of the importance of the IP economy. Upon closer inspection, the vast majority of the “IP economy” refers to trademark rights including residential construction and grocery […]
Latest Posts
Ontario Government Plans Consumer Protection Law for Wireless Services
The Ontario Government has announced plans to introduce new consumer protection legislation to increase transparency on wireless plans and to establish some contractual limitations. The wireless industry has indicated it would prefer a national code of practice. I wrote about the issue last year during the provincial election campaign.
Socialists & Democrats Group at European Parliament to Reject ACTA
The Socialists and Democrats Group at the European Parliament, the second largest bloc of MEPs, has announced that it plans vote against the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement, yet another indication that ACTA is likely to be defeated later this spring at the EP.
Broadcast Coalition Targets CBC’s Free Music Streaming Site
A coalition of radio broadcasters have targeted CBC and its free music streaming site with a complaint to the federal government and the prospect of a further complaint to the CRTC.
Telcos on Lawful Access: Primary Concern is Who Pays
“Our primary concern in this area has always been the capacity of industry to implement any new requirements and who bears the cost.”
The message from Bell that it prioritizes cost on the lawful access issue should not come as a surprise. For years, the telecom and Internet provider community have focused most of their attention on the costs associated with divulging subscriber information or responding to other law enforcement requests. While recouping the costs associated with installing new surveillance-capable equipment is an obvious issue, the potential to turn subscriber information disclosures into a new revenue source is particularly troubling.
Recent Posts
Canada’s DST Debacle a Case Study of Digital Strategy Trouble 
Canadian Government Caves on Digital Services Tax After Years of Dismissing the Risks of Trade Retaliation 
The Law Bytes Podcast, Episode 238: David Fraser on Why Bill C-2’s Lawful Access Powers May Put Canadians’ Digital Security At Risk 
Ignoring the Warning Signs: Why Did the Canadian Government Dismiss the Trade Risks of a Digital Services Tax? 
Why Bill C-2 Faces a Likely Constitutional Challenge By Placing Solicitor-Client Privilege at Risk
