In recent news ...
Tougher Internet Regulations Requested By Popular Demand
On Sept. 10 consumer activists Fight for the Future led Internet Slowdown Day, a national day of activism urging consumers to comment on the Federal Communications Commission's open Internet docket, which closes Sept. 15. Promoters claim the event drew nearly 1.5 million social comments breaking the record for FCC comments established by Janet Jackson's 2004 wardrobe malfunction during her Super Bowl halftime performance. Politicians joining the popular outcry for tougher Internet regulations, specifically reclassifying the Internet as a public utility, include Rep. Mike Honda (D-Calif.) and Sens. Angus King (I-Maine), Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). Comcast and the National Cable & Telecommunications Association were among the voices taking the other side of the argument, opposing a new regulatory approach. "Internet Slowdown Day is sure to make a splash," wrote the NCTA in a blog. "Before buying into the hype, ask yourself: … Would an industry that has invested over $200 billion into creating one of the largest, fastest, most comprehensive broadband networks on earth, really be trying to 'destroy the Internet?'" While the FCC has invited wide-ranging comments, Chairman Tom Wheeler has favored a more cautious approach to Internet regulation, based on guidance from the appeals court that twice struck down FCC open Internet regulations in the past.
Apple And U2 Join For Massive Music Giveaway
Multiple GRAMMY-winning band U2 headlined Apple's Sept. 9 unveiling of new iPhones and the Apple Watch. Demonstrating the power of scale in today's digital environment, Apple distributed the band's new Songs Of Innocence album for free to all 500 million registered iTunes users during the event. "It makes music history because it's the largest album release of all time," Apple CEO Tim Cook said.
European Court Permits Libraries To Digitize Books Without Permission
On Sept. 11 the European Court of Justice ruled on a case elevated from Germany's Federal Court of Justice considering whether a university library may scan physical books in its collection and make them available digitally to onsite users at "dedicated terminals." German legislation permits libraries an exception for making electronic content available on dedicated terminals, and the court held that digitization was an implied ancillary right. Constraints include the legislation's restriction that the number of electronic copies cannot exceed the number of physical copies. Absent new legislation to compensate copyright owners, terminal users at the library are not permitted to print the books or store them on a portable memory device.
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