Dave Lee
Net Neutrality Is Still Needed Despite Its Quiet Hiatus
The debate around “net neutrality” is back, only this time there is even less chance that the matter will be settled for good. Consumers’ online rights still need protection, and restoring them for an open internet is worthwhile. Those pointing to internet service providers’ (ISP) “good behavior” are being disingenuous at best. The 2018 decision to reverse the Federal Communications Commission's earlier net neutrality rule was being challenged in court until 2020, by which point several states had set up or had in motion their own net neutrality regulations in the absence of a federal one.
Apple scolded by Europe over in-app purchase protections
Apple has been criticised by the European Commission for not offering any "concrete and immediate" plans to stop users being misled by "free" apps.
The EC is now forcing Apple and Google, the biggest vendors of apps, to make the "true cost" of games clear. The EC said national authorities had the option to take legal action against companies that were deemed not to be complying with Europe's guidance on free apps.
Deal to combat piracy in UK with 'alerts' is imminent
BT, Sky, TalkTalk and Virgin Media will send "educational" letters to customers believed to be downloading illegally.
But a document seen by the BBC shows that rights holders are set to make do with considerably weaker measures than originally asked for. The first letters -- known as "alerts" -- are expected to be sent out in 2015.
The deal has been struck with the BPI, which represents the British music industry, and the Motion Picture Association (MPA), which covers film.
The bodies had originally suggested the letters should tell repeat infringers about possible punitive measures. They also wanted access to a database of known illegal downloaders, opening the possibility of further legal action against individuals. A maximum of four alerts -- by either email or physical letter - can be sent to an individual customer account. Language will "escalate in severity" - but will not contain threats or talk of consequences for the accused users. After four alerts, no further action will be taken by the ISPs.