Online ads may violate privacy

The US Federal Trade Commission has been asked by consumer groups to investigate Internet companies to review whether privacy rights are being violated by online advertising, reports ITProPortal.

The complaint says ad systems are based on personalised targeting, where information is bought and sold without the user's permission and knowledge, and that offline information is being combined with online profiling, eroding privacy.

The complaint targets Google, Microsoft, Yahoo and others engaging in unfair and deceptive trade practices, as outlawed by the Federal Trade Commission Act.

UK telecoms regulator Ofcom is drawing up a new code of practice for handling claims of copyright infringement by rights holders against customers, states ISPreview UK.

Ofcom has less than eight months to complete the copyright infringement code of practice.

The measures are to be introduced and governed through a code of practice which will be approved, implemented and enforced by Ofcom. Ofcom will also establish how disputes will be resolved.

Tilly, Baily & Irvine (TBI) reveals it will stop issuing letters to Web users accused of illegal file sharing, says PC Advisor.

The letters claim the recipient has illegally shared copyright material and is required to pay a fine and sign a legal undertaking agreeing not to illegally file share in the future.

“The letters have created adverse publicity,” says John Hall, MD of TBI, adding the company is concerned it will affect other areas of the company's practice. “Following discussions with our clients, we have reluctantly agreed to cease sending out letters of claim.”