MPs call for better labelling of digital content

MPs have called for new labelling regulations for digital content, so that consumers know exactly what they can and cannot do with their downloads. The recommendation comes in the All Parliamentary Internet Group's (APIG) report on copy protection (DRM) systems, which is published today. The report also calls for an inquiry into digital music pricing and warns makers of DRM systems to learn from the experience of Sony BMG in the US and avoid DRM technologies that install hidden, virus-like files on users' computers. ...more

Microsoft floats new extensions to RSS

Software giant Microsoft is working on an extension to the popular RSS feed, it has been revealed. The new format, which the company dubs 'Simple Sharing Extensions', is intended to extend the standard to enable the sharing of such things as calendaring and contact lists between individuals. The idea has been floated by Microsoft Chief Technology Officer Ray Ozzie in his blog. ...more

Consumers' Association accuses UK iTunes of overcharging

The Consumers' Association has asked the Office of Fair Trading to investigate whether Apple may be guilty of anti-competitive practices with the UK prices on the iTunes Music Store. In the UK iTunes charges 79p which corresponds to around €1.20. ...more

Universal targets YouTube

Universal Music appears to be sharpening its lawyers for a possible legal battle with the social networking sites YouTube and MySpace. Universal, which is also the world's largest music publisher, is reportedly concerned about its promotional music videos appearing on the sites. 'We believe these new businesses are copyright infringers and owe us tens of millions of dollars,' Universal Music CEO Doug Morris is reported to have told investors Wednesday. ...more

SubSeven Trojan hits Mac

One of the most popular and potentially damaging computer viruses has been converted to infect the Mac. Previously only the client part of the SubSeven Trojan had been available, allowing Mac users to gain control of infected PCs running the SubSeven server. However, a self-acknowledged underground programmer known as Agent OJ now claims to have ported the server to run on the Mac, and needs only 2 months before releasing the full version onto the Internet. ...more