March 30, 2009

• India Requires Proof of Innocence for Cyber Crimes

  David Seltzer highlights a disturbing development in international computer crime law and is concerned that the United States may be going that way, too.  In India an individual charged with a cyber crime now has to prove their innocence.  Read more . . .
  I think there is some concern over the way ISP's and [...]

September 17, 2008

• Court Overturns Conviction of Spammer

  The Virginia Supreme Court has overturned a state antispam law and the 2004 conviction of long-time spammer Jeremy Jaynes, saying the law is an overly broad prohibition on anonymous free speech.
  The Supreme Court, in a decision released Friday, said the 2003 Virginia spam law didn't distinguish between commercial e-mails and those with political messages, and [...]

September 16, 2008

• Google Ahoy! Takes Over the High Seas for Data Havens

  Not quite yet- but Google just filed a patent to create data centers on barges located in the middle of the ocean.  These barges would be powered by the movement of the seas. Although Google cites a practical justification for these floating data centers:
  "For example, a military presence may be needed in an area, a [...]

May 8, 2008

• Can you delete a text message–forever?

  In a
  Slate Magazine
  article, the above question is addressed, as it has been on this blog before. The article focuses on the continuing trouble text messages are causing Detroit’s mayor, as well as the big picture of the title of this post.
  Slate gives a maybe type answer. If you’re smart, you’ll take my [...]

• Legal Pitfalls of Social Network Marketing

  The Lure of Social Media Social networking is all the rage amongst cutting edge marketing gurus. Rather than force your message down the throats of random unreceptive consumers, social networking provides a platform whereby your best customers proselytize your message for you. Not only is having customers doing the heavy lifting … Read more [...]

April 30, 2008

• FBI Alert on Scam Subpoena Email

  The Federal Bureau of Investigation is alerting computer users about a new scam email that contains a fraudulent "court subpoena" purportedly from a federal district court in California, and instructs recipients that they are to appear and testify before a grand jury.
  The New York Times reports that thousands of company executives nationwide have received the [...]

April 15, 2008

• Felony Email Spam Conviction Upheld

  Jeremy Jaynes lost his appeal of his felony conviction of sending spam emails, which violated the Virginia Computer Crimes Act.  Click here to read the full opinion.
  Jonathan Frieden had a good post on this, concluding that:

  Legally, the opinion of the Virginia Court of Appeals is not surprising but the case is newsworthy because it is [...]

March 28, 2008

• Web Site Design Copyright

  Do You Own Your Web Site Design?
  by Richard A. Chapo
  Your web site has been up for a few months and you are making money hand over foot. While surfing sites one evening, you are shocked to find a competitor using your design. You find out your designer sold them the same design. They must [...]

June 19, 2007

• How to Safely Use Online Payments

  The Internet has taken its place beside the telephone and television as an important part of people's lives. Consumers use the Internet to shop, bank and invest online. Most consumers use credit or debit cards to pay for online purchases, but other payment methods, like "e-wallets," are becoming more common.
  The following information will show you [...]