Lack of Openness on New Devices Concerning
I have been noticing recently that there have been decisive steps taken against openness when it comes to new devices, and it bothers me. Before I go into this further, let me explain what I…
Articles by V B
Have a Wi-Fi Device in Your Pocket? You Can Be Tracked!
Introduction (Surprise!) I got a new iPod Touch today and one of the first things I did was fire up wi-fi and launch google maps. I noticed a button that allowed the system to automatically…
Differing Views on Healthcare from an Economics Perspective
I have heard, seen and read the debate among pundits in regard to healthcare reform south of the border. Cutting through the misinformation, spin, rhetoric and outright bull, there is a somewhat trivial economic explanation…
Facebook Agrees to Comply with Canada’s Privacy Laws
A triumphant Jennifer Stoddart, Canada’s Privacy Commissioner came out this morning and said that Facebook agreed to make changes to its privacy policy within a year. The following changes are being touted: Denying third-party application…
Don’t upload videos of yourself when you’re doing illegal stuff!!!
This should go without saying, but there are people that still don’t quite get it. So let’s be perfectly clear: Do not post videos of yourself growing marijuana Do not post videos of your seven…
Legitimate-Content Bay?
I was surprised to see in numerous newspaper (here, here, etc.) that a Swedish firm called Global Gaming Factory signed an agreement to buy the Pirate Bay. For those unaware, the Pirate Bay, also based…
French Court Over-Rules Three Strike Policy
This entry is meant to act as a follow-up to my February article discussing the three-strike policy, but for those who need to refresh their memories, the three-strike policy refers to a propsal supported by…
Facebook and Expectations of Privacy
Omar posted a story on Slaw about a woman who called in sick (and apparently had to stay in the dark and couldn’t work on the computer) and was terminated after someone at her work…
Facebook: Internet’s Link Police
Recently, our beloved facebook has decided to start policing the links that are posted to its members’ profiles. Citing “controversies” and “ongoing lawsuits”, facebooks has unilaterally decided that links to The Pirate Bay are now…
AIG Bonus Fiasco and Congress Response
I’m sure that by now everyone is aware of the scandal about bailout recipient American International Group (AIG) paying out more than $165M (some have put the figure at over $200M) in bonuses to its…
Collective Licensing – a Solution to Copyright Lawsuits?
An analysis of some actions content owners can take to generate profits in the face of changing economic conditions.
Canadian ISP Considers Three Strike Policy
As reported on Michael Geist’s blog, a Canadian ISP is actively considering and promoting a three strike policy against its own users. For those who are unfamiliar with the three-strike policy that Quebecor is suggesting…