Category: Politics

Politics, usually Canadian.

An interesting idea for software security and liability

Post author By Drew
Post date September 23, 2011
No Comments on An interesting idea for software security and liability

This is an interesting article.

In summary, software companies should be limited to one of two “macro” licenses when distributing their software:

Release the source code where users can disable whatever parts of the software they want (but the developers still retain copyright, etc….) and if any damage occurs, customers are limited to a refund.
Keep source code closed and if any damage occurs, the producer is covered by the same liability laws as other products

I’m not sure how I feel about that as a developer. On one hand I see great benefit to it, but on the other hand it severely penalizes small developers and would put a chill on the whole industry.

Digital Politics

WikiLeaks and Canadian Copyright Policy

Post author By Drew
Post date April 28, 2011
No Comments on WikiLeaks and Canadian Copyright Policy

Wikileaks (via Michael Geist) provides important information regarding our government’s position and approach on copyright policy.

I can’t say I’m surprised by the contents.

Politics Privacy Security Technical

Miscellaneous Digital-Related Articles

Post author By Drew
Post date April 22, 2011
No Comments on Miscellaneous Digital-Related Articles

First, an article from the Electronic Frontier Foundation about how the music recording industry needs to change.

Then some articles and links from Michael Geist:

The Usage-Based Billing (UBB) Deception
The Gilded Age for Cable
Bell CEO admits UBB accounts for almost all internet revenue gains – If this doesn’t make your blood boil, I’m not sure what will.
Canadian Heritage Committee recommends excluding copyright from trade deals – I definitely agree with this position.
The truth about pirates and profits: A market failure, not a legal one – Interesting article and referenced study. I’m not sure how persuasive their argument ultimately is, though.
How to Vote for the Internet: Election Our Chance To Ask About Internet Policy
Cable Companies on UBB: No Link Between Cost and Price – Another thing to get your blood pressure up

Politics

Some Miscellaneous Privacy/Security stuff

Post author By Drew
Post date April 22, 2011
No Comments on Some Miscellaneous Privacy/Security stuff

First, from the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF):

Protection Data and Electronic Devices at the US Border

Some links from Bruce Schneier:

Closing the Washington Monument
Security in 2020
Recording the Police
Bruce links to a good article about the Terrorist Non-Threat
An article discussing Threats vs. Vulnerabilities
Detecting Liars
Fake SSL certificates and the problems with the current Certificate Authority setup
Counter-Terrorism cost-benefit analysis
A really neat article on detecting cheaters
Determining computer location to within 690 meters
Changing incentives creates security risks

Miscellaneous:

5 Linux Disk Encryption Tools

Politics

Election Rules Favour Parties

Post author By Drew
Post date April 22, 2011
No Comments on Election Rules Favour Parties

Although I’m sick of this election BS (I never wanted it in the first place), I did find this article interesting. I think we really need to re-think our system because having more independent MP’s is a good idea.