DIGITAL DIVIDE
China Dissidents Thwarted on Net
Intel Chief, in Vietnam, Says Everyone Should Have Right To
Information
Beyond Access Lies a Passion for Technology
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Gateway Campaign Champions Music Downloads
DIGITAL DIVIDE
CHINA DISSIDENTS THWARTED ON NET
As Chinese dissidents attempt to use the Internet to bring democratic change
to their society, a recent study concludes that strict government control
and limited access are significant barriers. The RAND report, "You've Got
Dissent," said there is a significant Chinese "digital divide," with only 33
million of China's population of 1.2 billion online. The authors also
observed that the Chinese government uses the Internet to keep an eye on
activists. Chinese dissidents, including Tibetan exiles, democracy activists
and members of the banned Falun Gong meditation sect, use many different
methods to spread their messages. But using the Web has become more
difficult due to government measures, including a crack down on unlicensed
Internet cafes. According to the report, at least 25 Chinese have been
arrested in the past two years due to their online activities.
[SOURCE: Wired, AUTHOR: Associated Press]
(http://www.wired.com/news/politics/0,1283,54789,00.html)
INTEL CHIEF, IN VIETNAM, SAYS EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO INFORMATION
Intel CEO Craig Barrett discussed the value of an open Internet with
students at Vietnam's top technology university. "One thing that's important
in the world today is the right of each citizen to information," he said.
"That aspect of the Internet probably far outweighs any negative aspect." In
Vietnam, the government controls all media. It recently laid down new
restrictions that include hefty penalties for Internet cafe owners who do
not block anti-government Web sites. The Ministry of Post and
Telecommunications shut down an Internet site early this month for posting
anti-government opinions.
[SOURCE: San Jose Mercury News, AUTHOR: Associated Press]
(http://www.siliconvalley.com/mld/siliconvalley/news/3954194.htm)
BEYOND ACCESS LIES A PASSION FOR TECHNOLOGY
Founded in 2000, WiredWoods, a Massachusetts nonprofit, has found ways to
bridge the digital divide in the relaxed environment of a traditional summer
camp. The program services middle school children from inner-city Boston and
New York and their surrounding low-income suburbs. In addition to
traditional camp activities, campers are offered a project-based, technology
curriculum to give them a fresh perspective about computers and technology
careers. After the summer camp, WiredWoods works to steer the kids toward
continuing to use technology in their home communities. "I believe that
sparking a passion for creating with-not just consuming-technology is the
key to helping underserved youth succeed in the digital age," said Paul
Deninger, founder of Wired Woods. "If we move beyond access and give all
children the opportunity to communicate creatively with computers, we truly
unleash the power of technology and begin to address the issue of digital
inequality."
[SOURCE: Digital Divide Network, AUTHOR: Dana White]
(http://www.digitaldividenetwork.org/content/stories/index.cfm?key=255)
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
GATEWAY CAMPAIGN CHAMPIONS MUSIC DOWNLOADS
Gateway has launched a U.S. campaign advocating for the freedom to download
digital music. The campaign includes TV commercials, Web sites and free
computer training at 100 Gateway stores. While Compaq, Dell and Apple have
been promoting CD-burners to boost their business, none are pushing for
consumer rights in their ad campaigns. Recording Industry Association of
America President Hilary Rosen has accused Gateway of attempting to profit
from digital piracy. "If only they would devote a little bit of the millions
of the dollars they are spending on this ad campaign to stop illegal
downloading.... But that wouldn't help them sell more CD burners, would it?"
Gateway spokesman Greg Lund responded, "We feel we are taking a firm step
toward allowing people to really use the music that they purchase." The
Gateway classes teach consumers how to download music legally, cover
copyright law and how teach users how to access subscription MP3 Web sites.
In contrast to the RIAA's claims that music downloads have resulted in
declining sales, a recent study by Gateway said that nearly three-fourths of
consumers who download music say they spend the same amount or more on music
purchases.
[SOURCE: USA Today, AUTHOR: Katie Nelson]
(http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/techpolicy/2002-08-27-gateway-music_x.htm
)
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