BENTON'S COMMUNICATIONS-RELATED HEADLINES for TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2012
The FirstNet board is on today’s agenda http://benton.org/calendar/2012-12-11/
INTERNET/BROADBAND
Russia backs down on proposals to regulate the Internet
Ambassador Kramer: Reports of WCIT Walkout Threat Untrue
United Behind the Free Flow of Information - press release
Keep Internet Free From Public and Private Meddling - op-ed
FCC Announces Formation of 'Technology Transitions Policy Task Force' - press release
OWNERSHIP
Media Ownership Decision Delayed - What Issues Are Being Debated? - analysis
Seize the Airways! - op-ed [links to web]
The People Have Spoken - op-ed [links to web]
Will The FCC’s Chairman Give Rupert Murdoch A Holiday Gift In 2013? [links to web]
Facebook polls close: Facebook wins privacy vote by a landslide
Facebook’s chief privacy officer works to keep 1 billion friends in the loop [links to web]
Bloomberg Weighs Making Bid for The Financial Times
Should Mike Bloomberg Buy the Financial Times? - analysis [links to web]
The end of Trib's bankruptcy means new legal pain for shareholders [links to web]
CONTENT
DirecTV Imposes Sports Fee on Some Customers [links to web]
Netflix Is Doing It for the Kids [links to web]
PATENTS
Judge to Apple and Samsung: So How Does All This End? [links to web]
Tech Companies Including Google, Facebook, And Zynga Unite Against The Patenting Of Abstract Ideas [links to web]
SPECTRUM/WIRELESS
House Republicans Slam Unlicensed 'Giveaway'
FCC Approves "White Space" Devices in Eastern US
Apple Drives Half Of Mobile Messages [links to web]
IDC: Samsung and Apple are driving holiday sales [links to web]
4 obstacles to mobile world domination [links to web]
PRIVACY
FTC's Second Kids' App Report Finds Little Progress in Addressing Privacy Concerns Surrounding Mobile Applications for Children - press release
CDD Charges Mobile Game Company with Violation of COPPA - press release [links to web]
Facebook’s chief privacy officer works to keep 1 billion friends in the loop [links to web]
RESEARCH
Study Predicts Future for U.S. as No. 2 Economy, but Energy Independent
Competitors Still Beat U.S. in Tests
The Demographics of Mobile News - research
POLICYMAKERS
Verizon names new head of Washington operations [links to web]
Facebook’s chief privacy officer works to keep 1 billion friends in the loop [links to web]
STORIES FROM ABROAD
Clegg orders Internet monitoring rethink [links to web]
Europe wants to smash ‘barriers’ to digital health [links to web]
European rights holders want levies on Dropbox, Google Drive [links to web]
Apple Maps “Life Threatening,” Say Australian Police [links to web]
MORE ONLINE
Google provides teachers $99 Chromebooks through charity [links to web]
Media Bureau Releases Updated Low Power FM Spectrum Availability Data Files [links to web]
INTERNET/BROADBAND
RUSSIA BACKS DOWN ON INTERNET PROPOSAL
[SOURCE: Reuters, AUTHOR: Matt Smith]
A Russia-led coalition withdrew a proposal to give governments new powers over the Internet, a plan opposed by Western countries in talks on a new global telecom treaty.
Negotiations on the treaty mark the most sustained effort so far by governments from around the world to agree on how - or whether - to regulate cyberspace. The United States, Europe, Canada and other advocates of a hands-off approach to Internet regulation want to limit the new treaty's scope to telecom companies. US ambassador Terry Kramer welcomed the decision to withdraw the Russia-led plan. But he also said: "These issues will continue to be on the table for discussion in other forms during the remainder of the conference." China, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Sudan and the United Arab Emirates had co-signed the aborted proposal. The UAE insisted the document had not been withdrawn.
benton.org/node/141279 | Reuters
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WALKOUT THREAT
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: John Eggerton]
Ambassador Terry Kramer, head of the U.S. delegation to the World Conference on International Telecommunications in Dubai, said in a statement that reports the US may pull out of the conference were not true, but according to a press conference with ITU representatives, there has been little consensus on the issues that the U.S. has suggested were nonnegotiable from its side, which are primarily ones that would introduce Internet governance and security and sender-pays models to the treaties being discussed. "In the past few days, a small number of media reports have characterized the United States as 'threatening' to withdraw from the WCIT negotiations," he said. "These speculative reports are inaccurate and unhelpful to the Conference," Kramer said. "The United States has made no such threat, and it remains fully committed to achieving a successful conclusion to the WCIT. The U.S. Delegation will continue to provide information to the media as negotiations continue throughout this week."
benton.org/node/141277 | Broadcasting&Cable
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FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION
[SOURCE: The White House AUTHOR: Michael Daniel, R David Edelman, Tom Power]
Across his Administration, President Obama has taken bold steps advancing a digital environment that rewards innovation and empowers individuals the world over. This is why the United States is strongly represented at the World Conference on International Telecommunications (WCIT) treaty conference in Dubai this month, where over 100 delegates from the public sector, private sector, and civil society are joining with our international partners to ensure the future of global, interoperable telecommunications networks. From the start, the U.S. position has been clear: the WCIT should be about updating a public telecommunications treaty to reflect today’s market-based realities — not a new venue to create regulations on the Internet, private networks, or the data flowing across them. Today, over 85 percent of the world has access to mobile phones because of modern, competitive marketplaces. And while much is left to be done connecting more to this digital future, the solution is not counterproductive regulation at the national or international level. By supporting principles that expand telecommunications infrastructure to underserved and developing populations, the WCIT can play a valuable role in ensuring technological innovation continues for the benefit of all. But we should not confuse telecommunications infrastructure with the information that traverses it. The global consensus for a free and open Internet is overwhelming. Millions in the United States and around the world have already added their voices to this conversation, and their position is clear: they do not want the WCIT to govern the Internet or legitimize more state control over online content. Our Administration could not agree more – and will not support a treaty that sets that kind of precedent.
benton.org/node/141296 | White House AUTHOR: Michael Daniel, The
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KEEP INTERNET FREE
[SOURCE: Bloomberg, AUTHOR: Susan Crawford]
[Commentary] In an age when global networks are used increasingly for important purposes such as electronic health record-keeping and long-distance education, it is essential that ITU governments continue to say no to tollgates and monitoring of all kinds -- and preserve the open Internet we have had since its inception. The World Conference on International Telecommunications is being held in Dubai to update the treaty that governs how communications networks connect to one another around the world -- regulations that have existed since the 19th century but haven’t been revised since 1988, before the Internet became what it is today. The outcome of the Dubai meeting, standing alone, is not likely to change the Internet used by people in the US. Congress would have to adopt any treaty amendments before they could be effective in the US. What’s at stake, however, is the free global Internet pathway. If any one country erected a toll system by itself, it would probably lose its connection to the rest of the Web and become an unpopular and isolated island. But if a large group of countries collectively agreed that such toll-taking makes sense, the decision could change the architecture and generative nature of the Internet for everyone.
benton.org/node/141275 | Bloomberg
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FCC ANNOUNCES FORMATION OF ‘TECHNOLOGY TRANSITIONS POLICY TASK FORCE’
[SOURCE: Federal Communications Commission, AUTHOR: Press release]
Federal Communications Commission Julius Genachowski announced the formation of an agency-wide Technology Transitions Policy Task Force under the leadership of Sean Lev, the Commission’s General Counsel, who will serve as Interim Director, and Rebekah Goodheart, Associate Chief of the Wireline Competition Bureau, who will serve as Deputy Director. Chairman Genachowski said, “The Technology Transitions Policy Task Force will play a critical role in answering the fundamental policy question for communications in the 21st century: In a broadband world, how can we best ensure that our nation’s communications policies continue to drive a virtuous cycle of innovation and investment, promote competition, and protect consumers?” The nation’s broadband transition means that communications networks are increasingly migrating from special purpose to general purpose, from circuit-switched to packet-switched, and from copper to fiber and wireless-based networks. Among other issues, the Task Force will coordinate the Commission’s efforts on IP interconnection, resiliency of 21st century communications networks, business broadband competition, and consumer protection with a particular focus on voice services. The Task Force will also consider recommendations from the Technological Advisory Committee on the PSTN Transition, coordinate with the NARUC Presidential Task Force on Federalism and Telecommunications, and evaluate the feedback from the FCC’s pending field hearings on Superstorm Sandy. The Task Force will conduct a data-driven review and provide recommendations to modernize the Commission’s policies in a process that encourages the technological transition, empowers and protects consumers, promotes competition, and ensures network resiliency and reliability.
benton.org/node/141253 | Federal Communications Commission | Commissioner Pai | B&C | Chairman Walden | AT&T | The Hill
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OWNERSHIP
MEDIA OWNERSHIP DECISION DELAYED
[SOURCE: Broadcast Law Blog , AUTHOR: David Oxenford]
The Federal Communications Commission's media ownership proceeding was going to be decided, at last, before Christmas, or, at least, that was what was suggested by many news reports as recently as early last week. Published reports suggested that a draft proposal was circulating at the FCC, and that it was expected to be acted on in December – perhaps at or before next week's open meeting. That timetable now seems to be out the window, as the FCC has asked for additional comments on the summaries of the information gleaned from the FCC Form 323 Ownership Reports as to minority and female ownership of broadcast stations released late last month. The summary of those reports showed low levels of minority ownership in many parts of the broadcasting world. As the Third Circuit's remand of the last multiple ownership order (which we summarized here) was based in part on the Commission's failure to address the impact that its minor liberalization of the newspaper-broadcast cross-ownership rules would have on minority ownership, this request for additional comments seems addressed, at least in part, to addressing that perceived deficiency.
benton.org/node/141273 | Broadcast Law Blog
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FACEBOOK POLLS CLOSE
[SOURCE: Los Angeles Times, AUTHOR: Jessica Guynn]
The Facebook polls have closed and, even though the social network had its biggest turnout ever, too few users cast ballots to have a say in the company's proposed policy changes. Nearly 9 in 10 of those who voted were against the proposed changes, but only about 668,000 people cast ballots. That's an infinitesimal percentage of Facebook's 1 billion plus users. Facebook requires that 30% of Facebook users participate for a vote to count. Facebook has held two earlier elections and neither met that threshold. One of the proposed changes: Taking away Facebook users' right to vote on future changes. Facebook said it plans to give users other ways to weigh in on policy changes such as an "Ask the Chief Privacy Officer" question-and-answer forum on its website. Among the other proposals that users voted on: whether Facebook can loosen restrictions on who can message you on Facebook and whether it can share information with its affiliates, including popular photo-sharing service Instagram. The next step will be a review of the Facebook vote by an outside auditor.
benton.org/node/141264 | Los Angeles Times | ars technica
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BLOOMBERG AND FT
[SOURCE: New York Times, AUTHOR: Amy Chozick, Michael Barbaro]
Not long ago, The Financial Times would have been the crown jewel of any media company, instantly conferring prestige and influence on its owner. Now, given the likely bidders, one of the world’s most respected and distinctive financial newspapers could end up as a trophy to help sell more computer terminals. Michael R. Bloomberg is weighing the wisdom of buying The Financial Times Group, which includes the paper and a half interest in The Economist, according to three people close to Bloomberg who spoke on the condition of anonymity to divulge private conversations. Bloomberg has long adored The Economist, and his affinity for The Financial Times, at least as a reader, has deepened lately. Its bisque-colored pages, once rarely seen in the thick stack of newspapers Bloomberg carries under his arm all day, have become a mainstay. Friends say he favors its generally short, punchy and to-the-point articles, which match his temperament. He has spoken openly with friends and aides about the potential benefits and pitfalls of making such a costly acquisition in an industry he admires deeply as a reader but sneers at as a businessman, these same people said. And he has recently taken to rattling off circulation figures and “penetration” rates for the paper.
benton.org/node/141261 | New York Times
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SPECTRUM/WIRELESS
SPECTRUM HEARING PREP
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: John Eggerton]
According to a staff memo for the Dec. 12 hearing on incentive auctions in the House Communication Subcommittee, House Republicans aren't happy with the Federal Communications Commission’s proposal to "give away" spectrum for unlicensed use a part of the incentive auctions, saying it risks "short-changing First Responders, squandering much of the legislation's potential, and violating the act." They also argue that limiting who can bid at the auction could violate the law. The Republicans are also not happy with the FCC's proposal seeking comment on spectrum aggregation and whether it should restrict the amount of spectrum entities could bid for at auction. The Republicans see that as a way to limit the participation of larger carriers. "Excluding parties from the auction, as the FCC's aggregation NPRM contemplates, would likely hinder the broadband objectives of the act as well as reduce auction proceeds."
benton.org/node/141257 | Broadcasting&Cable
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WHITE SPACES OK
[SOURCE: CommLawBlog, AUTHOR: Mitchell Lazarus]
Fully four years after adopting rules for unlicensed TV Band Devices (TVBDs), also called “white space” systems, the Federal Communications Commission has authorized roll-out beyond the two small test areas previously approved. Touted by advocates as “Wi-Fi on steroids,” TVBDs can now boot up in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, and North Carolina. The FCC expects to extend authorization nationwide by mid-January.
benton.org/node/141244 | CommLawBlog
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PRIVACY
FTC CHILD PRIVACY REPORT
[SOURCE: Federal Trade Commission, AUTHOR: Press release]
The Federal Trade Commission issued a new staff report, “Mobile Apps for Kids: Disclosures Still Not Making the Grade,” examining the privacy disclosures and practices of apps offered for children in the Google Play and Apple App stores. The report details the results of the FTC’s second survey of kids’ mobile apps. FTC staff found little progress toward giving parents the information they need to determine what data is being collected from their children, how it is being shared, or who will have access to it. The report also finds that many of the apps surveyed included interactive features, such as connecting to social media, and sent information from the mobile device to ad networks, analytics companies, or other third parties, without disclosing these practices to parents. The survey found that:
Parents are not being provided with information about what data an app collects, who will have access to that data, and how it will be used. Only 20 percent of the apps staff reviewed disclosed any information about the app’s privacy practices.
Many apps (nearly 60 percent of the apps surveyed) are transmitting information from a users’ device back to the app developer or, more commonly, to an advertising network, analytics company, or other third party.
A relatively small number of third parties received information from a large number of apps. This means the third parties that receive information from multiple apps could potentially develop detailed profiles of the children based on their behavior in different apps.
Many apps contain interactive features – such as advertising, links to social media, or the ability to purchase goods within an app – without disclosing those features to parents prior to download.
Fifty-eight percent of the apps reviewed contained advertising within the app, while only 15 percent disclosed the presence of advertising prior to download.
Twenty-two percent of the apps contained links to social networking services, while only nine percent disclosed that fact.
Seventeen percent of the apps reviewed allow kids to make purchases for virtual goods within the app, with prices ranging from 99 cents to $29.99. Although both stores provided certain indicators when an app contained in-app purchasing capabilities, these indicators were not always prominent and, even if noticed, could be difficult for many parents to understand.
benton.org/node/141251 | Federal Trade Commission | FTC blog | LATimes | Washington Post | AdWeek | ars technica
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RESEARCH
THE GLOBAL MIDDLE CLASS
[SOURCE: New York Times, AUTHOR: Thom Shanker]
A new intelligence assessment of global trends projects that China will outstrip the United States as the leading economic power before 2030, but that America will remain an indispensable world leader, bolstered in part by an era of energy independence. Russia’s clout will wane, as will the economic strength of other countries reliant on oil for revenues, the assessment says. “There will not be any hegemonic power,” the 166-page report says. “Power will shift to networks and coalitions in a multipolar world.” The product of four years of intelligence-gathering and analysis, the study, by the National Intelligence Council, presents grounds for optimism and pessimism in nearly equal measure. The council reports to the director of national intelligence and has responsibilities for long-term strategic analysis. One remarkable development it anticipates is a spreading affluence that leads to a larger global middle class that is better educated and has wider access to health care and communications technologies like the Internet and smartphones. “The growth of the global middle class constitutes a tectonic shift,” the study says, adding that billions of people will gain new individual power as they climb out of poverty. “For the first time, a majority of the world’s population will not be impoverished, and the middle classes will be the most important social and economic sector in the vast majority of countries around the world.” At the same time, it warns, half of the world’s population will probably be living in areas that suffer from severe shortages of fresh water, meaning that management of natural resources will be a crucial component of global national security efforts.
benton.org/node/141300 | New York Times | FT | WSJ
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MATH AND SCIENCE EXAMS
[SOURCE: Wall Street Journal, AUTHOR: Stephanie Banchero]
American schoolchildren continue to lag behind those of major competitors in math and science exams given globally, despite progress on some of those tests, according to results from international achievement exams. Students in Singapore, South Korea, Japan and Finland, among others nations, bested U.S. fourth- and eighth-grade students on the 2011 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study, known as TIMSS. The nation's fourth-graders made some progress on the math exam since it last was given in 2007, but U.S. scores on the other exams were statistically unchanged. Despite that, U.S. students still outperformed the international averages and were among the top performers compared with the 60 countries and educational systems that administered the fourth-grade math and science tests and the 59 systems that gave the eighth-grade exams. U.S. students either placed in, or tied for, the top 13 spots on all those exams.
benton.org/node/141297 | Wall Street Journal
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THE DEMOGRAPHICS OF MOBILE NEWS
[SOURCE: Project for Excellence in Journalism, AUTHOR:]
In the growing realm of mobile news, men and the more highly educated emerge as more engaged news consumers, according to a new study by the Pew Research Center's Project for Excellence in Journalism, in collaboration with The Economist Group. These findings parallel, for the most part, demographic patterns of general news consumption. But there are some important areas of difference between mobile and general news habits-particularly among young people. While they are much lighter news consumers generally and have largely abandoned the print news product, young people get news on mobile devices to similar degrees as older users. And, when getting news through apps, young people say they prefer a print-like experience over one with high-tech or multi-media features. These are key findings of an analysis of mobile news habits across a variety of demographic groups. This report builds off an earlier PEJ and The Economist Group report, The Future of Mobile News, which found that half of U.S. adults now own mobile devices and a majority use them for news. Both reports are based on a survey of 9,513 U.S. adults conducted from June-August 2012 (including 4,638 mobile device owners). Men, especially young men, are heavier mobile news consumers than women. More than 40% of men get news daily on either their smartphone and/or tablet, compared with roughly 30% of women. On the tablet specifically, men check in for news more frequently and are more apt to read in-depth news articles and to watch news videos. Women, on the other hand, are more likely than men to use social networks as a way to get news.
benton.org/node/141293 | Project for Excellence in Journalism
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