New treaties on copyright spur debate
Article Abstract:
The US Patent and Trademark Office is representing the US in Geneva as delegates to the World Intellectual Property Organization of the UN meet to discuss ratifying controversial changes to international copyright treaties for data networks. The two treaties introduced by the US Patent and Trademark Office regarding literary and artistic works, and music recordings are being met with strong opposition. The Patent Office claims that its proposals will protect information provider's financial assets over the Internet. Critics worry that if these treaties are adopted, network service providers will be accountable for all electronic communications passing through their systems. Despite the failure of its similar legislation attempt with the Infrastructure Copyright Protection Act of 1995, the Patent Office hopes that international attention will persuade Congress to vote in its favor if the treaties are ratified in Geneva.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1996
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Digital commerce: in the quest to sort through a sea of Web data, a sudden flash of light
Article Abstract:
Agent-based online services promising to filter the masses of information on the World Wide Web to locate only the products, information and services desired are beginning to appear. Agents Inc will introduce its Firefly consumer service, which is based on the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's agent technology. Music will be Firefly's initial debut category. Users will rank their preferences by artist and Firefly will compare data from over 30,000 other people in an effort to form a group profile. Firefly will use the constantly changing data to make recommendations. Beyond preference matching, Firefly users gain access to personalized home pages and can find individuals with similar taste in music. Reason Line is also introducing a service that will assist users in narrowing the scope of information. In addition, General Magic plans to release its Active Web Tools for developing agent-based network services.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1996
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New Microsoft network will offer a wealth of privacy
Article Abstract:
Microsoft is planning to use the same privacy guidelines for its forthcoming Microsoft Network online information service as have been dictated by the European Union. These guidelines are far more strict than those in the US,and Microsoft plans to enforce the guidelines not only in Europe but in the US. The guidelines include strict rules about consumer consent, confidentiality and notification for data gathering, security, and the transfer of data across borders. Currently, there are very few restrictions in the US where marketeers collect, gather and sell personal information about online information service users. America Online and Compuserve offer some capability for users to block out unwanted marketing when using their names and addresses online.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1995
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