DiploNews – Issue 34 – 23 May 2001
BSA Global Software Piracy Study
Internet-related issues are becoming increasingly important for diplomats and other involved in international relations. Issues which in the past would have had little relevance for diplomacy are finding their way to the agendas of diplomatic services and international organisations. An example of such a topic is presented in the recent BSA (Business Software Alliance) study on global software piracy, published on their website on May 21, 2001. The BSA is one of the key protectors of the interests of the software industry worldwide. The survey revealed that in the year 2000, the world piracy rate increased by one percent over the previous year, to 37%. The dollar losses due to piracy declined slightly to just under $11.8 billion.
To read this article visit website.
Tension in US-China relations reflected by hackers
CNN reported on 1 May that pro-China and Pro-America hackers defaced a number of websites during the last weekend in April. During this weekend pro-Chinese hackers damaged 30 American websites, including federal government sites, some commercial sites, private organizations and public educational institutions. Pro-American hackers hit 24 Chinese sites, including 8 government sites, according to the managing editor of iDEFENSE, a leading a leading intelligence and risk management firm.
To read this article visit website.
Council of Europe treaty on cyber-crime to combat Internet racism
According to a CNN report of April 25, supporters of the Council of Europe's proposed cyber-crime treaty are pressing for provisions making it illegal to spread racist propaganda and hate messages over the Internet, due to growing pressure in Europe to combat Internet racism. There are also proposals for trafficking in human beings to be declared illegal in the pioneering treaty, which is due to be passed in June in an effort to harmonise laws on cyberspace. The first draft of the treaty was published on the Council of Europe website last year, and has since met criticism from industry and Internet groups for its efforts to define a common position on hacking, fraud, computer viruses and other Internet abuses. Internet providers argue for minimal restrictions while governments advocate clear rules on how they can fight online crime. The treaty is currently in its 25th version.
Read the entire article at website.
Thanks to Dejan Dincic for suggesting the first two articles in this newsletter.
Call for Proposals and Presentations, Georgia (USA) Political Science Association Annual Conference
Deadline for Proposals: September 14, 2001
The theme of the conference is Centralization v. De-centralization in Governmental Systems. All scholars from all disciplines worldwide are most welcome to attend and participate. Offers to serve as panel chairs and discussants are welcome.
For information about submitting proposals and presentations or on registration and lodging, contact Harold Cline at hcline@warrior.mgc.peachnet.edu.
The Georgia Political Science Association will gather for its 2002 Conference at the Mulberry Inn in historic Savannah, Georgia, on January 31-February 2, 2002. Following a 2001 meeting that drew 150 participants from 20 states of the Union and 20 countries, the GPSA is looking forward to a strong 2002 conference. The resort area of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, is only a few minutes from Savannah.
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