Decline in UK female tech staff

17 June 2014 Last updated at 13:35

The UK faces a worsening gender gap in its flourishing IT industry, according to a new study.

The Women in IT scorecard looked at gender trends from secondary education through to the work place.

It indicates women account for just 16% of the UK IT workforce.

And the problem starts early - despite consistently out-performing boys in computing A-level results, girls account for just 6.5% of those taking the exam.

The study was compiled by BCS, the chartered institute for IT, and E-skills UK.

Other highlights from the report include:

• Girls account for just 13% of entries for computer science GCSEs
• The proportion of women working as self-employed IT specialists has doubled over the past decade
• Women IT specialists earn 16% less on average than their male counterparts
• IT gender imbalance is a problem across the whole of Europe, but female representation is lower in the UK

Gillian Arnold, chairwoman of BCS Women, said: "The continuing decline in women entering the IT profession is a real threat for the UK and an issue that clearly we need to address."

Karen Price, chief executive of E-skills UK, said: "Women have a significant contribution to make to the IT sector, and it is vital for the economy that we ensure they have the opportunity.

"This joint report provides the evidence we need to face the problem head-on, and to develop hard hitting and effective interventions to solve it."

There has been a glut of charities and groups set up to fight gender imbalance, determined to offer good role models to young girls and dispel the myths of an industry run by geeks.

For example, Stemettes is a group of volunteers set up to help combat the lack of girls studying so-called Stem subjects - science, technology, engineering and maths.

23.43 | 0 komentar | Read More

YouView loses court row over name

16 June 2014 Last updated at 14:25

Internet TV service YouView may have to change its name after the High Court ruled it had infringed another company's trademark.

Telecoms firm Total registered the name YourView for one of its online portal products in 2006.

A judge ruled that YouView was "confusingly similar" to YourView.

Total said it would now apply for an injunction to prevent further use of the YouView brand. YouView said it planned to appeal.

In a statement, YouView said: "We maintain there is no confusion between our consumer-facing TV service, YouView, and the business-to-business billing platform, Yourview, provided by Total Ltd."

But Total's lawyer Paul Gordon said: "Total's rights were plainly infringed and it had to stand firm against a much larger and better-funded opponent.

"The judgment of Mr Justice Sales has vindicated Total's position. It shows that the courts of this country will protect parties against businesses such as YouView who infringe intellectual property rights.

"YouView were made well aware of Total's rights before they launched the service under the infringing name yet they chose to launch it under that name regardless."

Total added it would now seek an injunction to "prevent any further use of the name YouView, together with financial payment and legal costs".

Sugar

YouView is an internet TV service launched in July 2012 as a joint venture between BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 - as well as telecoms companies BT, TalkTalk and Arqiva.

Lord Sugar was the company's non-executive chairman until he stood down in March 2013.

The company says it has more than one million users across the UK, and eventually aims to increase that number to 10 million.

The service's working title had been Project Canvas, changing to YouView in September 2010.

The name caused early concern - intellectual property lawyers warned that it could be confused with Google's video sharing site YouTube.

Legal action from Total to sue YouView was launched in November 2012.

On Monday, Mr Justice Sales ruled that the convergence of the telecoms and TV industry - as demonstrated by YouView's backers - risked a "strong likelihood of confusion on the part of the public".

23.43 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ikea makes fan site remove adverts

16 June 2014 Last updated at 14:54

Swedish giant Ikea has made a fan site featuring ideas for customising the firm's furniture remove all adverts.

The founder of IkeaHackers.net said she had been issued with a "cease and desist" letter in March, in which Ikea had said the site's name had infringed upon its intellectual property rights.

An agreement was reached in which IkeaHackers could keep its domain, "without commercial elements".

An Ikea representative said other sites using its name "creates confusion".

Jules Yap, a blogger living in Malaysia who started IkeaHackers in 2006, wrote in a blogpost: "Needless to say, I am crushed.

"I don't have an issue with them protecting their trademark but I think they could have handled it better.

"I am a person, not a corporation. A blogger who obviously is on their side. Could they not have talked to me like normal people do without issuing a C&D [cease and desist]?"

Ms Yap added that she had agreed to Ikea's demand to remove advertising because she did not have "deep enough pockets to fight a mammoth company in court".

Speaking to the BBC, an Ikea representative said: "We feel a great responsibility to our customers and that they always can trust Ikea... many people want to know what really is connected to Ikea - and what isn´t. And we think that people should have that right.

"When other companies use the Ikea name for economic gain, it creates confusion and rights are lost."

Fans of the site, which Ms Yap says attracts about 180,000 visitors per week, expressed their outrage at the decision on social media sites.

Don Krypton posted on Google Plus: "This is just... I never would have thought Ikea would do this! You've created a real fan site for that company and they should be thankful."

Ms Yap told the BBC she had been "overwhelmed" by support from members of the IkeaHackers community.

23.43 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sharper satellite images now allowed

16 June 2014 Last updated at 13:26

Sites like Google and Bing Maps will be able to use higher-quality satellite images, thanks to US government restrictions being lifted.

Companies had not been allowed to make use of images where features smaller than 50cm were visible.

But one imaging firm, Digital Globe, said it would be able to sell images that showed features as small as 31cm.

One lawyer told the BBC he expected "repercussions" from people worried about their privacy.

Marc Dautlich, from Pinsent Masons, said there may be "national security considerations" to address as well.

Currently, some sensitive locations around the world are obscured or blurred on mapping websites.

The decision was made after Digital Globe applied to the US Department of Commerce asking for restrictions to be lifted.

'Manholes and mailboxes'

Digital Globe said new satellites would be launched to take advantage of the ruling.

The company's Worldview-3 satellite is due to launch in August and will be able to show "key features such as manholes and mailboxes".

"In the past, collecting sub-50cm resolution required chartering and flying aircraft," the company said.

"This is expensive, time-consuming, and can be limited by denied airspace or dangerous conditions."

Jeffrey Tarr, Digital Globe's chief executive, said: "We are very pleased and appreciative that the US Department of Commerce has made this forward-leaning change to our nation's policy that will fuel innovation, create new high-tech jobs, and advance the nation's commanding lead in this strategically important industry.

"Our customers will immediately realise the benefits of this updated regulation, as for the first time, we will be able to make our very best imagery available to the commercial market."

As well as for general public use, the higher-quality images can have other uses, the company said, such as aiding agriculture efforts and disaster relief.

Google recently announced it was planning to purchase an alternative satellite imaging company, Skybox, for $500m (£295m). The company currently has one satellite in orbit - SkySat-1 - but hopes to eventually launch a total of 24.

The satellites may also be used to provide internet access to currently unconnected or restricted parts of the world.

23.43 | 0 komentar | Read More

Iraq blocks social media sites

16 June 2014 Last updated at 15:35 By Joe Miller Technology Reporter

The Iraqi government appears to have blocked Facebook, Twitter and other social media, amid escalating combat.

Users in the country attempting to visit these sites are greeted by a message saying the Ministry of Communications has barred access.

The move comes after Islamist insurgents used Twitter to post a graphic image of a beheaded man, and to spread propaganda messages.

A Facebook spokesperson said the block was "a matter of concern".

One source in Iraq told the BBC that access to the internet was entirely restricted in some provinces.

Continue reading the main story

They're cutting off a lifeline for activists and others to the outside world"

End Quote Jillian York Electronic Frontier Foundation

Psiphon, a system which allows users to circumvent internet censorship, told the BBC it had seen a "huge influx" in the numbers of those using its service in Iraq.

On Sunday, more than 550,000 used Psiphon, up from about 8,000 on a normal day.

Cutting a 'lifeline'

Anti-censorship organisations have reacted angrily to the block, saying it harmed those using the sites for legitimate purposes.

Jillian York, director for international freedom of expression at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, which campaigns for civil liberties on the internet, told the BBC: "The Iraqi government will not achieve anything by blocking social media websites, rather, in doing so, they're cutting off a lifeline for activists and others to the outside world."

Commenting on the developments, a YouTube spokesperson said: "We're seeing reports that some users are not able to access YouTube in Iraq. There is no technical issue on our side and we're looking into the situation."

On Friday, Twitter's public policy unit tweeted: "Users in #Iraq are reporting issues accessing our service. We're investigating their reports and we hope service will be restored quickly."

A Facebook spokesperson said: "We are disturbed by reports of access issues in Iraq and are investigating. Limiting access to internet services - essential for communication and commerce for millions of people - is a matter of concern for the global community."

Although internet use was heavily controlled during Saddam Hussein's presidency, Iraqis have since enjoyed open access to the net.

23.43 | 0 komentar | Read More

Twitter hate for wrong Phil Neville

16 June 2014 Last updated at 16:19

A radiator salesman called Phil Neville has received hundreds of abusive tweets intended for his footballing namesake.

Mr Neville, from Suffolk, was bombarded with Twitter messages to his account @philneville by fans who were unhappy with the ex-England star's World Cup TV commentary for the BBC on Saturday.

The former Manchester United utility player's punditry was widely criticised for being dully delivered and boring.

The other Phil Neville, aged 60, said he felt sorry for his famous namesake.

Mr Neville, from Hadleigh, said upon returning home from watching England's 2-1 defeat against Italy with friends, he noticed his phone was constantly buzzing.

Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play.

'I hope you die'

The former referee, who was a fourth official during some Premier League games in the 1990s, said he was used to insults from football fans, but could not believe the content of some of the messages.

"Some were very abusive. One person said 'I hope you die'.

"Working in the sales industry, my name has been a benefit - people do remember me.

"With Twitter there are some real positives, but there are downsides - particularly if you're famous.

"Some comments were comical and I've seen the funny side, but there are some sad people out there."

Mr Neville said he would not be contacting the police over the messages, but had tweeted the former footballer to wish him "good luck".

The ex-Everton captain, who made his commentary debut for the BBC during the England game, tweeted: "1st live co-comm last night-sometimes u have to take the criticism - it will only make me better- thanks for the feedback(ahhahaha)!"

The BBC confirmed it had received 445 complaints about Neville's commentary on Saturday, but added he would continue to play "a key role throughout the tournament".

23.43 | 0 komentar | Read More

Trial over 'revenge porn' website

17 June 2014 Last updated at 11:58

There is enough evidence for a man accused of running a website showing thousands of images of naked women without their consent to be put on trial, a San Diego judge has ruled.

Kevin Bollaert is accused of running so-called revenge porn website UGotPosted and changemyreputation.com, a second site which offered to remove the images for about $300 (£176) each.

He faces identity theft charges as UGotPosted included victims' locations, names and links to Facebook profiles.

The 27-year-old has pleaded not guilty.

He is also charged with obtaining identifying information with the intent to annoy or harass.

The term revenge porn refers to websites that allow people to post explicit images of former partners, either obtained consensually or stolen from online accounts.

Crack down

According to court documents, Mr Bollaert told investigators he had made "around $900 per month" from advertising on UGotPosted but records obtained from his PayPal account indicate he received payments totalling tens of thousands of dollars.

Law makers around the world are looking at ways to crack down on the practice of posting explicit images of former lovers, either obtained consensually during a relationship or stolen from online accounts.

The court case, set for 16 July, is the first against an alleged operator of a revenge porn website, according to a spokesman for California Attorney General Kamala Harris.

In October, California made posting explicit images of someone without permission punishable with six months in prison.

Texas and Utah have also passed laws aimed at halting the practice.

23.43 | 0 komentar | Read More

Apple settles e-book price-fix case

17 June 2014 Last updated at 13:11

Apple has agreed an out-of-court settlement in a case in which it was being sued by consumers who overpaid for e-books due to price-fixing between the tech giant and publishers.

A court document filed in New York says a "binding agreement" has been reached.

The amount of compensation offered by Apple is not revealed, but the litigants were thought to have been seeking up to $840m (£495m).

Apple has consistently denied any wrongdoing over e-book pricing.

The impending trial, in which 33 US states and territories were seeking reparations from Apple on behalf of their citizens, was linked to a separate ruling last year, where a judge said Apple had violated anti-trust laws by striking deals to enable them to charge a higher price for some e-books in its online store.

As well as the authorities taking action, several individuals from across the US were also seeking compensation for overpaying in their e-book purchases.

The allegation was that Apple, a distributor of e-books, had illegally conspired with five of the biggest publishers to stop Amazon - a dominant force in the market - selling titles at a loss.

Previously, publishers had sold e-books to distributors at a wholesale price, with retailers such as Amazon and Apple able to set their own sale prices.

But the court case heard that the publishers (Hachette Book Group, HarperCollins Publishers, Penguin Group (USA) Inc, Macmillan and Simon & Schuster Inc) had agreed with Apple to move to an "agency model," in which the publishers agree a minimum retail price with distributors, thus preventing them from offering titles at a loss.

However Apple denied that it was involved in price-fixing, accusing plaintiffs of "false accusations", and is in the process of challenging last July's ruling.

The publishers agreed to pay more than $166m to settle charges brought against them.

The out-of-court settlement marks an about-turn from Apple, whose chief executive, Tim Cook, had previously dismissed the idea of reaching an agreement.

The firm declined to comment on the decision.

Any deal is subject to the outcome of Apple's appeal of last year's case.

23.43 | 0 komentar | Read More

YouTube to block indie music labels

17 June 2014 Last updated at 16:04

YouTube will remove music videos by artists such as Adele, Arctic Monkeys and Radiohead, because the independent labels to which they belong have refused to agree terms with the site.

Google, which owns YouTube, has been renegotiating contracts with record companies, as it prepares to launch a music subscription service.

Some independents say they are being offered "highly unfavourable terms".

YouTube says it is bringing its music partners "new revenue streams".

Speaking to the Financial Times, Robert Kyncl, YouTube's head of content and business operations, said videos from independents could be blocked "in a matter of days".

The three major labels - Universal, Sony and Warner - have all agreed terms with the site, but smaller independents are holding out.

Singer Billy Bragg and Radiohead guitarist Ed O'Brien have accused Google of trying to "strong-arm" labels into accepting low fees.

Impala, a body which represents the labels - including XL Recordings, 4AD, Cooking Vinyl and Domino - has appealed to the European Commission for help with its battle against YouTube.

Mr O'Brien, who co-chairs musicians' rights campaign group the Featured Artists Coalition, said YouTube is at risk of "creating an internet just for the superstars and big businesses" with this move.

The BBC understands that even if blocks do go ahead, content from artists signed to independent labels will remain available on YouTube via channels such as Vevo.

A YouTube spokesman told the BBC: "Our goal is to continue making YouTube an amazing music experience, both as a global platform for fans and artists to connect, and as a revenue source for the music industry.

"We're adding subscription-based features for music on YouTube with this in mind - to bring our music partners new revenue streams in addition to the hundreds of millions of dollars YouTube already generates for them each year.

"We are excited that hundreds of major and independent labels are already partnering with us."

YouTube's entry into the music subscription market comes after Amazon launched a similar service for its Prime members, and Apple bought online music service Beats Music.

23.43 | 0 komentar | Read More

Google 'legally' intercepted in UK

17 June 2014 Last updated at 16:14

The UK government has revealed that intelligence service GCHQ can snoop on British citizens' use of Facebook and Google without an individual warrant because the firms are based overseas.

UK spy boss Charles Farr said that the services are classified as external communications.

The policy was revealed as part of an ongoing legal battle with campaign group Privacy International (PI).

PI said the interpretation of the law "patronises the British people".

It is the first time that the UK has commented on how the UK's legal framework allows the mass interception of communications as outlined by US whistleblower Edward Snowden in his leaks about global government surveillance.

The ex-National Security Agency contractor revealed extensive details of internet and phone snooping and has since fled the US and sought temporary asylum in Russia.

Charles Farr, director general of the Office of Security and Counter-Terrorism told PI that Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and web searches on Google - as well as webmail services such as Hotmail and Yahoo - are classified as "external communications", which means that they can be intercepted without the need for additional legal clearance.

When someone searches for something on Google or posts on Facebook they are sending information overseas - constituting an act of external communication which could be collected under a broader warrant, explained Mr Farr in a 48 page written statement.

Under British law the internal communications between citizens can only be intercepted when a warrant is issued. Warrants can only be issued when there is suspicion of illegal activity.

Mr Farr did not reveal the extent to which GCHQ uses its power to intercept external communications.

In a statement, GCHQ said all of its work "is carried out in accordance with a strict legal and policy framework which ensures that our activities are authorised, necessary and proportionate".

'Byzantine' laws

But civil liberty groups were outraged by the revelations.

James Welch, legal director of human rights group Liberty, said: "The security services consider that they're entitled to read, listen and analyse all our communications on Facebook, Google and other US-based platforms.

"If there was any remaining doubt that our snooping laws need a radical overhaul there can be no longer."

Meanwhile Eric King, deputy director of Privacy International said the revelation showed that spy agencies operated under their own laws.

"Intelligence agencies cannot be considered accountable to parliament and to the public they serve when their actions are obfuscated through secret interpretations of Byzantine laws."

The legal challenge, brought by PI, Amnesty, the American Civil Liberties Union and six other national civil liberties organisations, was a direct response to the revelations made by Edward Snowden about the UK's global digital surveillance.

23.43 | 0 komentar | Read More