FBI Asks ISPs to Keep Logs of Browsing History…Just in Case
February 11, 2010 – In a move that will alarm anyone who cares about privacy, the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) is once again pushing for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to maintain archived logs of internet browsing history of customers, for a period of at least two years. The FBI asserts that doing so will enhance their capability to investigate criminal activity, such as the viewing, downloading, and distribution of child pornography.
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Opera for iPhone May Be Available But Will Apple Approve It?
February 11, 2010 – As soon as next week, Opera Software could debut its mobile browser for use on the iPhone. Reported to be up to six times faster than Safari, the iPhones native browser, it also claims to reduce unnecessary bandwidth consumption by as much as 90%.
While that last statistic might sound very attractive to AT&T, the iPhone’s only approved carrier, Apple may not be as excited at the possibilities. If Apple feels Opera may ultimately pose a threat to Apple’s stronghold on the device’s platform, they may do everything possible to prevent or, at least, delay it’s approval for inclusion in the tightly controlled App Store.
Opera Software has yet to officially submit the software to Apple for review, but they do not anticipate problems, once they do. According to Reuters news sources, Opera cofounder Jon von Tetzchner is quoted as saying, “…we hope that Apple will not deny their users a choice in Web browsing experience.” Other industry insiders are not as positive. While they predict that Apple will eventually approve the application, they see it happening only after an extended and exhaustive review period.
Opera’s hopes may depend heavily upon the FCC’s ongoing review of Apple’s policies based on allegations of anti-competitive practices, brought forth by Google. Their allegations of unfair practices were based on Apple’s initial rejection of the Google Voice Application. If the FCC puts the pressure on Apple to play nicely, Opera and, ultimately, consumers may be the big winners.
(Source: Reuters International)
United States Dethroned as World’s Largest Tech User
February 11, 2010 – When people think of the United States, there is often the assumption that everything is bigger, better, and more proliferous. Such being the case, the same should apply to how much and how well technology is used by United States as well, correct? Well, up until 2009, it was. Results of an annual survey released today revealed that Sweden has taken away the number one position from the United States to become the world’s largest user of technology.
The measurement tool, known as the Connectivity Scorecard, was created in 2008 by Professor Leonard Waverman, of the London Business School. The scorecard considers factors such as the technological skills of users and their overall usage of networks, cellphones, and computers. Placing second in last year’s survey, Sweden moved into first place in 2009 and doesn’t appear to be descending any time soon. This is according to Waverman, who commented, “Sweden not only has the best current mix of attributes, but it also shows few signs of losing its lead.”
Waverman also indicated that the gap between lower ranking countries and the U.S., in terms of technology education and skills, continues to narrow. Of the developed countries list, Hungary, Greece, and Poland held the lowest positions in the survey. The survey also examines the progress of developing countries, as well. This year’s list a developing countries has Malaysia in first place and South Africa in second.
The complete list of results, as well as a very detailed explanation of what and how the survey measurements are conducted, is available on the official website for The Connectivity Scorecard.
Reference: The Official Website for the Connectivity Scorecard
(Source: Reuters Sweden)
