In The News

Fragile Yet Indispensable

Nayan Chanda January 5, 2009
Damaged fiber-optic cables along the Mediterranean seabed cut internet access for almost 100 million users, and the sudden absence highlighted the service’s importance in the modern world, explains Nayan Chanda, YaleGlobal editor, in his regular column for Businessworld. Modern business increasingly relies on exponential speed and volume of communications, and Chanda explains that “all aspects of...

Microsoft Described as “Biggest Hacker in China”

Tania Branigan October 23, 2008
In demonstrating a prowess in combating online piracy, Microsoft has infuriated Chinese internet users. “The new version of its Windows Genuine Advantage anti-piracy programme turns the on-screen background black every hour if the installed software fails a validation test,” reports Tania Branigan for the Guardian. Chinese internet users argue the company should target producers who violate...

Internet Traffic Begins to Bypass the US

John Markoff September 4, 2008
The internet, invented by US scientists, has no central point of control. More users are emerging beyond US borders and shaping the system: The US has less than 5 percent of the world’s population, but is responsible for about 25 percent of all internet traffic while Asia represents about 40 percent of all internet traffic. As a result, more internet data flow outside the US, explains John...

American Tech Companies in China: Damned If You Do, Damned If You Don't

August 12, 2008
: A US senator convinced US technology firms to agree on an internet freedom code of conduct. But companies like Google, Yahoo! And Microsoft have not made great strides in China while Chinese internet firms flourish. The number of internet users in China now exceeds the US total. “If they left China, these American technology companies would have fewer market entry headaches, but the...

Neo-Nazis Using Web Sites to Threaten Opponents

Guido Kleinhubbert August 1, 2008
Neo-Nazis use the internet to their advantage. To intimidate left-leaning politicians and activists, the Nazis publish names, family information, photos and threats. Followers then use that information to damage cars, fire shots near politician’s homes or deface property. Germany tightly restricts Nazi symbols, but has discovered that it’s near impossible to stop the practice of using the...

Angry Youth

Evan Osnos July 24, 2008
Chinese youth study global news reports about emerging problems in the US and Europe, along with growing concerns in the West about China’s growing clout. Demonstrating nationalism and extreme patriotism, the youth lash out at any who dare to criticize China or suggest that the country needs to be “contained, explains Evan Osnos for the New Yorker. Polls suggest that nine out of ten Chinese...

Privacy on the Web: Is It a Losing Battle?

July 14, 2008
The internet was conceived and designed to securely convey military secrets. But it has since evolved into a treasure chest of information – unlocked and open to all. Now an inexpensive way to store loads of data, the internet is easily tapped by consumers, businesses and even thieves. Businesses track consumer concerns for marketing purposes, and some consumers are disturbed to learn just how...