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Online Privacy Law Coming, But Not This Year, Says Jules Polonetsky

Abby Johnson — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:00:06 +0000

Since online privacy is a very controversial issue, it’s not surprising that the debate is heating up again with the FTC report and Commerce Department report expected to be released in the next couple of weeks. WebProNews spoke with Jules Polonetsky, the Director of the Future of Privacy Forum, who told us that the Commerce Department’s report would be interesting since it will dictate the direction the White House takes on the matter.

While he doesn’t think the U.S. will see legislation this year, he does think we’ll have it eventually. He said that the U.S. was paying a lot of attention to Europe, especially since it is expected to change its privacy directive as well.

Polonetsky did tell us that 2012 would include even more scrutiny of companies and lots of hearings.

“I’ve never seen as much scrutiny,” he said.

For the companies that are not in favor of legislation, he recommends that they show how they are self-regulating.

Would you like to see online privacy legislation? We’d love to know your thoughts.

New Online Poker Bill Would Legalize the Game

Abby Johnson — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 15:08:37 +0000

A new online poker bill has been introduced to the House. The proposed bill would not only legalize the playing of poker online, but it would also regulate the industry by giving powers to the U.S. Department of Commerce. Individual states would also have some input since they could ban the game within their borders.

WebProNews spoke with Eli Lehrer, the Vice President of The Heartland Institute, about the legislation, and he said that it was “common sense.” The bill, called the Internet Gambling Prohibition, Poker Consumer Protection, and Strengthening UIGEA Act of 2011, or H.R. 2366, has also received bipartisan support, which Lehrer believes is significant.

Are you in favor of this new online poker bill?

"SEO" to Become a Trademark?

admin — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 18:56:28 +0000

The online community has been in an uproar since the news that someone is in the process of obtaining a trademark for the term “SEO.” Jason Gambert of Modern Consulting Solutions has gained approval from the Trademark Office and is now moving toward publication. WebProNews Reporter Abby Prince talked with Sarah Bird, Esquire, of SEOmoz, Inc., who happened upon the news as she was working on trademarks for SEOmoz.

Find out the latest in the case including Gambert’s response to the community and how you can file a Notice of Opposition, right here on WebProNews.