Industry-backed copy control body opens copy and burn media options

Hollywood is poised to give the go-ahead for the widespread downloading and burning of movies after the DVD Copy Control Association (DVD CCA) announced that it is prepared to license the Content Scramble System (CSS) used to encrypt DVD content. Downloads services such as Apple's iTunes Music Store, would be permitted to let users burn downloads to DVD, provided the discs are encrypted with CSS to prevent duplication. As this would require the production of compatible media, the association is working with disc manufacturers to ensure a supply. ...more

MySpace founder charges News Corp with undervaluing social networking giant

The founder of MySpace has called for an enquiry into the social networking site's sale to News Corp., labelling it 'one of the largest mergers and acquisitions scandals in US history'. Brad Greenspan, who made $47 million from the 2005 deal, claims on his Free MySpace website that Rupert Murdoch's media company paid much less then they knew MySpace was worth. ...more

UPDATED: SCO's investors grab the helm off legals

SCO has announced a new agreement which gives its investors effective control of the company's legal efforts. The agreement, issued today in an SEC filing, also means that SCO must seek prior approval from the investors before embarking on any action that would result in SCO's legal firms receiving its 20 per cent contingency fee. This agreement will remain for as long as BayStar Capital and RBC remain with two thirds of outstanding Series A Convertible common stock and that that stock continues to be vaued at five per cent or more of common stock (on conversion). ...more

Battle for .xxx reignites

The battle for the .xxx domain has been reopened. The ICM Registry, set up specifically to campaign for the adoption of an 'adult' top level domain, has asked ICANN (the body governing the use of the Internet naming conventions) to reconsider its rejection of the . ...more

Oracle9i database launched

Among the tech giants that roam the corporate world, Oracle is one of the biggest. And its just updated its main database - Oracle9i has been launched. IBM and even Microsoft are eating into Oracle's share of the heavy-duty database market, but Oracle has grown to incorporate all manner of e-business related offerings, from JDeveloper for Java programming to Oracle Portal for customisable Web presences. ...more