Google is making headlines once again, this time for fighting a U.S. Department of Justice's order to hand over a week's worth of search data.

Though the government says the data, already obtained from Yahoo, AOL and MSN is for an effort to address protection of children against pornography. While the other Search Engines claim that no personally identifiable information relating to customers has been handed over, the issue has stir up a hornet's nest of controversy.

Cached computer data and the like have successfully been used in the past to prosecute people and many fear that the Bush Administration is trying to set a precedent that will allow them to turn to search engines whenever they're on a 'fishing expedition' in the future.

One thing's for sure...the outcome of this battle is going to one that's going to affect us all!

JJ

Read one of hundred's of articles on this issue: BBC NEWS | Technology | Google data request fuels fears

tags: privacy

Advertising on Mobile Phones is headed our way! Marketers say they want to target mobile phone users with short television-style ads, possibly in exchange for reduced calling rates. This article by the New York Times reports on the issue, including serious privacy concerns.

JJ

Read the whole article here: Marketers Interested in Small Screen - New York Times

tags: marketing

Censorship in China has always been a hot, but little-debated issue, especially outside the country. This article discusses the issue..and how technology may just give censors the slip...
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Excerpt:
"It’s no secret that Western Internet companies have to hew to the party line if they want to do business in China. Google, Yahoo!, and scores of other outfits, both domestic and foreign, have made concessions to China’s censors. The latest high-profile example: In December, Microsoft’s MSN shut down a Chinese blogger’s site at the government’s request."

Read the whole story here: The Great Firewall of China

tags: IT

Sheraton (Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide) is teaming up with Yahoo to test new Yahoo Internet lounges at two Sheraton hotels. The lounges, opening at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina and the Sheraton Boston, will expand on the business center concept to be part Internet cafe, with free wireless Internet access and desktop workstations.

Sheraton, Yahoo offer free lobby Internet | CNET News.com

Press Release: Yahoo! and Sheraton Hotels & Resorts Help Guests Stay Connected with Yahoo! Link @ Sheraton

tags: hospitality

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 4 -- Microsoft Corp. Chairman Bill Gates outlined his vision for the future of consumer technology in a major speech Wednesday night at the International Consumer Electronics show in Las Vegas as he unveiled an array of new products aimed at the growing appetite for digital entertainment.

During his speech, Gates painted a picture of a digital world in which many devices, including cell phones, computers and televisions, seamlessly complement one another.

Read the original article

tags: IT

Marriott Vacation Club International (MVCI) this week admitted that data relating to 206,000 of its partners, employees and customers has disappeared. The missing tape storage holds individuals' credit card account information and Social Security numbers. The likes of Citibank, Bank of America and Time Warner all confessed this year to losing tape drives with crucial data as well.

Read the article here: Source: ehotelier.com News Archives

tags: hospitality