** – PROPOSED ICANN BOARD OF DIRECTOR’S CODE OF CONDUCT
The proposed ICANN Board of Directors' Code of Conduct is being published for public comments.   The code seeks to provide the Board with guiding principles for conducting themselves in an ethical manner.  See press release.  <more>  Contact: Editor Alert Date: 7/21/2008

AU – ACMA APPROVES INDUSTRY CODE OF PRACTICE TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM UNSUITABLE ONLINE AND MOBILE PHONE CONTENT
The ACMA approved the Content Services Code, an industry code of practice for providers of online and mobile phone content developed by the Internet Industry Association (IIA).  The code says that all content likely to be MA15+ or above must be assessed and classified by trained content assessors, hired by providers of online and mobile content.  See press releases 1, 2. <more>  Contact: Editor Alert Date: 7/21/2008

CA – TELUS ANNOUNCES NO FEES FOR SPAM TEXT MESSAGES
TELUS announced that it will not charge fees for incoming text messages which turn out to be spam.   TELUS said its policy has always been to credit customers for spam text messages they receive and that policy will continue. Recently, both TELUS and Bell Mobility revealed plans to charge 15 cents for all incoming messages starting in August. Under current wireless plans, pay-per-use customers are charged for outgoing messages only. The charges in part respond to concerns expressed by federal Industry Minister Jim Prentice, who called on the CEOs of both companies to meet with him by Aug. 8, 2008 to explain the new pricing "with a view to finding a solution that provides the best service to consumers at the best price." As of August 24, wireless customers using TELUS and Bell -- but without prepaid text packages -- will become subject to the new fees. In Canada, TELUS and Bell account for nearly 12 million of the nation's 20 million wireless subscribers. See: Press Release, Financial Post.  <more>  Contact: Theo Ling Alert Date: 7/21/2008

NZ – PATENTS BILL INTRODUCED
A Patents Bill intended to replace the current Patents Act 1953 has been introduced in the House, and awaits first reading.   The Bill proposes to update the patent regime to ensure that it continues to provide an appropriate balance between providing adequate incentives for innovation and technology transfer, while ensuring the interests of the public and the interests of Maori in their traditional knowledge and indigenous plants and animals are protected.  <more>  Contact: Karen Ngan Alert Date: 7/21/2008

US – YOUTUBE ALLOWED TO MASK IMPORTANT USER INFORMATION IN VIACOM CASE
YouTube will be allowed to mask important user information from records it must turn over to Viacom (see 7/14/2008 Alert) in the ongoing copyright case.   The agreement appears to make everyone a winner with Viacom looking like a responsible Internet citizen, Google being credited for standing up for Internet rights, and most importantly, YouTube users no longer fearing for their privacy.  See News.com.  <more>  Contact: Ruth Hill Bro, Brian Hengesbaugh Alert Date: 7/21/2008

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