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Headlines 03/03/06
- TERRORISM BILL UPDATE
- OFCOM LETTER TO INDUSTRY
- LAST CHANCE TO SIGN UP FOR SPA's NEXT LEGAL FORUM
THE IMPACT OF THE DATA RETENTION DIRECTIVE
- HOME OFFICE TASKFORCE FOR CHILD PROTECTION PRODUCES SEARCH AND MODERATION GUIDELINES FOR ISPs
- OTA PUBLISHES FEBRUARY UPDATE
Articles 03/03/06
TERRORISM BILL UPDATE
The House of Lords rejected plans to outlaw the glorification of terror in a debate in the Lords on Tuesday (28th February) evening. Peers voted by 160 to 156 to remove references in the Terrorism Bill. This the second time the Lords have voted against keeping the term in the Terrorism Bill. MPs reinstated it two weeks ago after the first Lords defeat.
A new Commons vote will probably take place within the next two weeks. We expect that this decision will again be reversed when the vote returns to the Commons.
However the Government defeated the independent Lords by 165 votes to 79 on the question of whether to require prior judicial approval of notices requiring removal of content from the Internet.
The full debate can be found here.
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OFCOM LETTER TO INDUSTRY
On 22 February 2006, Ofcom published a consultation on Regulation of VoIP Services which proposes changes to the way VoIP services are regulated.
These proposals are designed to allow innovation in VoIP services and protect consumers' interests within the constraints of relevant UK law and European Directives.
Ofcom has written an open letter to voice providers which can be accessed via their website or CLICK HERE.
If you require more information from Ofcom please contact Robindhra Mangtani (Robindhra.Mangtani@ofcom.org.uk).
LAST CHANCE TO SIGN-UP FOR ISPA's NEXT LEGAL FORUM
THE IMPACT OF THE DATA RETENTION DIRECTIVE
Host -CAMERON MCKENNA
Speakers to include:
- John Armstrong, Partner, Cameron McKenna
- Simon Watkin, the policy lead on Data Retention at the Home Office
- ISP speaker tbc
Chair - Clive Gringras, Partner, Olswang
DATE: Thursday 9th March 2006
VENUE: Cameron McKenna London Office
TIME: 2.30pm registration for a prompt 3pm start– 5.45pm
Come and find out more, share your experience and also gain some new insight in this area.
The presentations and q & a session will be followed by the opportunity to network and discuss informally, and meet fellow members of ISPA over a drink.
To register for a place at the Legal Forum please email admin@ispa.org.uk
HOME OFFICE TASKFORCE FOR CHILD PROTECTION PRODUCES SEARCH AND MODERATION GUIDELINES FOR ISPs
Paul Goggins MP, Home Office Minister and Chair of the Home Office's Taskforce for Child Protection on the Internet, has launched two good practice Guides for ISPs.
They are aimed at industry and consumers, and will help in the provision of safer search services, especially for children.
ISPA advises its members to read them carefully and use them, encouraging their customers to do so too.
Links to Home Office Guidelines:
"Good practice guidance for search service providers and advice to the public on how to search safely."
"Good practice guidance for the moderation of interactive services for children."
Please click here to view the Home Office Task Force's website, where all Home Office documents are available.
OTA PUBLISHES FEBRUARY UPDATE
The OTA have published their February update, announcing that the number of lines unbundled has now exceeded 300,000, and that the weekly throughput of lines continues to exceed 15,000, meaning that industry vision of the delivery one million lines this year is still achievable.
However OTA report that there are significant concerns in two areas. The delivery of Backhaul for PoPs in exchanges has been an outstanding issue for some time and there is an urgent need for rapid improvement in the quality and timeliness of delivery. Secondly, the delivery of Phase 1 of the Strategic Systems for LLU is slipping currently on a week by week basis. OTA think that this is likely to increase the complexity of testing and integration for the LLUOs and the delay could have a knock on effect on the implementation of some key functionality in subsequent phases.
However, OTA confirms that they are working closely with Openreach who have made commitments in both these areas to resolve the outstanding issues.
The full report can be found here.