Latest Posts

Ten Players Who Will Shape Tech Law and Policy in 2010

Predictions about future technology law and policy developments are always fraught with uncertainty, yet identifying the key players is a somewhat easier chore.  Although Parliament is not scheduled to resume until March, my weekly technology law column (Toronto Star version, homepage version) tracks ten who are likely to lead the way in Canada in the coming year.

Tony Clement, federal Industry Minister.  From anti-spam legislation to the national copyright consultation, Clement demonstrated a keen interest in technology issues during his first year as industry minister.  2010 should be no different, with privacy reform legislation, a new copyright bill, and rules for another wireless spectrum auction all on the agenda.  To top it off, Clement has sent strong signals that he wants to forge ahead with a long-overdue national digital strategy.

Read more ›

January 4, 2010 6 comments Columns

UK Gov’t On ACTA: Lack of Transparency Not In the Public Interest

The UK Government discusses the lack of transparency in an EU access to information request: "More broadly with respect to ACTA the UK considers that transparency is crucial to ensure the legitimacy of the agreement and to stop the spread of rumours. We believe the lack of transparency is unhelpful […]

Read more ›

January 4, 2010 3 comments News

Clement’s 2010 Priorities: Privacy and Copyright

Canwest features an interview with Industry Minister Tony Clement in which he sets out priorities for 2010: modernizing Canadian privacy law and introducing a new copyright bill.

Read more ›

January 4, 2010 5 comments News

Public Domain Day 2010

Wallace McLean posts his annual list of authors whose works enter into the public domain in Canada this year.  There is additional coverage of public domain day here and here.  The issue should resonate particularly strongly this year, given the news that the European Union is demanding that Canada extend […]

Read more ›

January 1, 2010 Comments are Disabled News

Three Strikes Law Takes Effect in France

Hadopi, the French three-strikes and you're out law, takes effect today. The law establishes a new state agency – the Higher Authority for the Distribution of Works and the Protection of Copyright on the Internet. Update: Several people have written to report that the law has been delayed by the […]

Read more ›

January 1, 2010 Comments are Disabled News