InternetPolicy.net

Polish cops bust 100-member computer piracy gang

Polish police have broken up a gang of more than 100 hackers who sold pirated music and films, using academic computer systems around the world to store their wares. International police and intellectual property experts say eastern European manufacturing centers are notorious for contributing to global software piracy. http://news.com.com/2100-1027_3-5322433.html

China Approves E-Signatures

China's Legislature has passed the Law on Electronic
Signature, which legalizes increasing electronic deals. The
law grants electronic signatures the same legal effect as handwritten signatures and seals in business transactions.

http://washingtontimes.com/upi-breaking/20040828-045733-4670r.htm

Sprint, SBC Forge Wi-Fi Pact

Two telecom providers have come together in the name of Wi-Fi. Sprint and SBC Communications have
signed a bi-lateral roaming agreement that will enable their customers more wireless access while on the go. The agreement will enable the companies' customers to access the Internet using their existing user ID and password while on Sprint and SBC-owned Wi-Fi networks. http://www.wirelessweek.com/index.asp?layout=document&doc_id=135368&verticalID=34&vertical=Business+and+Finance&industry=

Self-configuring multifunction mobile terminals

Software Defined Radios (SDRs) are mobile devices that can be reconfigured over the air. Users could download new services from network operators, and even have voice and email services provided by different networks. The SCOUT project has studied how SDRs will be regulated and marketed. http://istresults.cordis.lu//index.cfm?section=news&tpl=article&ID=69663

Ireland: New Rules for Telcos

ComReg (Commision for Communications Regulation) has announced plans to alter the General Authorisation framework - the code that allows telecoms companies to operate in Ireland. The proposed changes to the framework will formalise ComReg's powers in the area of overcharging. Companies in breach of the framework could be brought to court or lose their authority to operate in Ireland.

E-Indonesia strategy to get Korean help

Korea Telecom has linked up with a local consortium to develop a broadband e-government infrastructure for Indonesia.
http://www.pstm.net/article/index.php?articleid=297

ICT Toolsets Announces Winners of 2003 Grant Competition

August 23, 2004
In the fall of 2003, the ICT Toolsets initiative accepted submissions in response to an international request for proposals (RFP). More than 230 proposals were received from 44 countries.
http://www.soros.org/initiatives/information/news/ict2003proposals_20040801

Global e-government

E-government services are popping up in various places around the globe. Amongst the initiatives includes, UK government which is considering the establishment of an online marketplace that would facilitate trade in services and goods. South Korea has opted to adopt open source software for a scheme to connect schools to government offices via the internet. And now South China's Guangdong Province are now equipped to issue certificates, such as birth permits to its citizens, over the internet. http://www.enn.ie/frontpage/news-9548944.html

Internet Database To Track FCC Spectrum Proceedings

The FCC's Spectrum Policy Task Force (SPTF) has launched a new Internet tracking tool that will allow users to access information on the Commission's spectrum-related proceedings. The tracking tool is part of the SPTF's efforts to improve access to information on the Commission's ongoing spectrum-related proceedings and initiatives. The measure is aimed at providing the public, industry researchers and other interested parties with one place on the FCC's Web site where these proceedings and initiatives are listed, with one- or two-click access to public comments, Commission documents and other related materials.
To access the tracking tool, go to the link on the SPTF's homepage at http://www.fcc.gov/sptf/ and click on the "Proceedings & Initiatives" hyperlink. Currently, 30 ongoing proceedings are listed. From http://www.telecomdirectnews.com/do.php/150/9105?7649

CIO 2.0: The changing role of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) in government - From technology steward to business leader

Online book aimed at providing a conceptual framework for government leaders on the importance of the role of the Chief Information Officer. The book stresses that the CIO’s primary role is evolving and its main challenge is "to help other government leaders see what’s possible, then driving that vision of transformation through an organization where bureaucracy and culture make it difficult to change." It seeks to assist government leaders to use information and technology to "create more value—for their agencies and for the constituents those agencies serve." It also describes the top IT challenges that governments currently face and identifies key competencies required to address them. http://www.deloitte.com/dtt/cda/doc/content/dtt_public_CIObook_041004.pdf