A quick roundup of some of the news stories you might have missed!
Be careful what you say on Twitter
Or you might find yourself heading off to court. The new boss of Twitter in Europe warned users that they would hand over information to the authorities if they were legally required to do so. They will also tell the Twitter user that they have done so.
And still on Twitter – they’ve been shopping again
And they’ve now purchased Tweetdeck, an app which allows users to manage several accounts. Tweetdeck has desktop, smartphone and browser based versions so it will be interesting to see if they incorporate any of the multi account features into Twitter’s web page.
The cookie has yet to crumble
There still isn’t any real clarity on the new European directive on the use of website cookies. The ICO has sort of agreed a delay in implementation. The problem is the lack of clarity about how you gain the permission of the user – can it be implicitly by using the website or do you have to gain explicit consent? And how will this affect ecommerce sites which need to track users if they are to have any shopping in their basket at the end of their visit?
What about removing the minimum age limit on Facebook?
Billionaire CEO of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, thinks the minimum age limit should go. To achieve this he’ll need to take on the American legal system and I should hate to sound cynical by implying that he’s just after a bit more media coverage. Or it could be that he’s looking to open up the advertising market a bit further. One of the benefits of advertising on Facebook is that you can be pretty precise about the demographic you wish to see your advert and including the under 13s would open up a lot more opportunities. Hmmm – at which point does Facebook get a bit too greedy and start losing members…?
Reduction in broadband and phone contract periods
Ofcom has decreed that broadband and phone contracts cannot be any longer than two years. In addition the suppliers must make available a twelve month contract. These changes will be a relief to those of us who like to shop around and don’t want to be tied for extended periods. The change in regulations also requires mobile providers to transfer numbers within one day – yippee!
And another one from the Guardian
Unforgettable – that’s what you are
Well, you certainly will be if you travel to the USA where they are going to be storing all passenger data for 15 years. Britain has rolled over and opted in although France and Germany are raising objections. By comparison the EU has its own system for keeping this type of data but only for 5 years. My desire to travel to the USA is dropping by the minute.
And finally…
- Instagram – 4.25m users and posting 10 photos a second via Techcrunch
- Washing machines last just as long without Calgon – via Guardian and Which
- The global peace index – somewhere out there people aren’t fighting – via Guardian
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