Friday, 27 January 2012
Facebook To Start Removal Of Online Spamming
Labels:
techwritings
Facebook is partnering with Washington state to combat a type of spam called "clickjacking" that is plaguing the social networking site, company and state officials announced Thursday.
Two separate lawsuits were filed in federal courts in California and Washington state against Delaware-based Adscend Media LLC, which officials say is behind the spamming.
"The way we think about it, security is an arms race," Facebook's general counsel, Ted Ullyot, said alongside Washington state Attorney General Rob McKenna at the social media company's Seattle offices. "It's important to stay ahead of spammers and scammers."
In "clickjacking," links on Facebook promising shocking or salacious videos have code embedded in them that spreads the link to the user's page. That makes it seem like the user "liked" the link, with the aim of attracting more clicks from the user's friends. The links eventually lead users to a survey or information from an advertiser.
Adscend Media is spreading spam through misleading and deceptive tactics and has encouraged others to do the same, McKenna's office said.
An email inquiry sent to Adscend was not immediately returned, and an attorney for the company had not yet been listed in federal court records.
Social networking sites are popular targets for spammers because people are more likely to trust and share content that comes from people they know. This makes spam, scams and viruses easy to spread.
Still, Facebook says less than 4 percent of content shared on the site is spam. By comparison, about 74 percent of email is spam, according to security company Symantec Corp., though the bulk of it gets filtered out before reaching someone's inbox.
Facebook has more than 800 million users.
Named in Washington state's lawsuit are Adscend co-owners Jeremy Bash, of West Virginia, and Fehzan Ali, of Texas. The lawsuit says Adscend violated several state laws, as well as the federal CAN-SPAM act, which makes it unlawful to procure or initiate transmission of misleading commercial communication.
McKenna said Adscend has annual revenue of $20 million.
Washington state is the only state partnering with Facebook. The company said it partnered with Washington state because of a history in the state of technology consumer protection.
The attorney general said Washington state has been a leader in technology consumer protection since his predecessor, now Gov. Chris Gregoire, began filing suits against malware and spyware users.
"As spammers adjust their tactics, we adjust ours," McKenna said.
Read More
Two separate lawsuits were filed in federal courts in California and Washington state against Delaware-based Adscend Media LLC, which officials say is behind the spamming.
"The way we think about it, security is an arms race," Facebook's general counsel, Ted Ullyot, said alongside Washington state Attorney General Rob McKenna at the social media company's Seattle offices. "It's important to stay ahead of spammers and scammers."
In "clickjacking," links on Facebook promising shocking or salacious videos have code embedded in them that spreads the link to the user's page. That makes it seem like the user "liked" the link, with the aim of attracting more clicks from the user's friends. The links eventually lead users to a survey or information from an advertiser.
Adscend Media is spreading spam through misleading and deceptive tactics and has encouraged others to do the same, McKenna's office said.
An email inquiry sent to Adscend was not immediately returned, and an attorney for the company had not yet been listed in federal court records.
Social networking sites are popular targets for spammers because people are more likely to trust and share content that comes from people they know. This makes spam, scams and viruses easy to spread.
Still, Facebook says less than 4 percent of content shared on the site is spam. By comparison, about 74 percent of email is spam, according to security company Symantec Corp., though the bulk of it gets filtered out before reaching someone's inbox.
Facebook has more than 800 million users.
Named in Washington state's lawsuit are Adscend co-owners Jeremy Bash, of West Virginia, and Fehzan Ali, of Texas. The lawsuit says Adscend violated several state laws, as well as the federal CAN-SPAM act, which makes it unlawful to procure or initiate transmission of misleading commercial communication.
McKenna said Adscend has annual revenue of $20 million.
Washington state is the only state partnering with Facebook. The company said it partnered with Washington state because of a history in the state of technology consumer protection.
The attorney general said Washington state has been a leader in technology consumer protection since his predecessor, now Gov. Chris Gregoire, began filing suits against malware and spyware users.
"As spammers adjust their tactics, we adjust ours," McKenna said.
Twitter Starts Censor of Tweets In Some Countries
Labels:
News and Gossips
Twitter, according to its official description, promises to offer up the "latest information about what you find interesting."
There's now a caveat to that, however: The social media service will offer up the latest information about what you find interesting -- and what your government deems acceptable.
Twitter announced Thursday that the company now has the ability to censor tweets on a country-by-country basis, allowing the popular microblogging site to comply with local governments' request to remove or block certain content.
"Until now, the only way we could take account of those countries' limits was to remove content globally. Starting today, we give ourselves the ability to reactively withhold content from users in a specific country -- while keeping it available in the rest of the world," Twitter wrote in a blog post. "We have also built in a way to communicate transparently to users when content is withheld, and why."
The company noted that it has not yet exercised the option to withhold content from users in specific countries.
Once it does, it will alert its users to censored tweets by replacing the text of the post with a grayed-out tweet that reads, "This Tweet from @username has been withheld in: Country. Lean more." (See screenshot below.)
In its blog post announcing the changes, Twitter focused on its new ability to remove some tweets. Yet a Twitter Help Center post expanding on this tool noted that the site could also block access to entire accounts. "[I]f you see a grayed-out user in your timeline [...] or elsewhere on Twitter [...] access to that particular account has been withheld in your country," Twitter wrote. (See below.)
We've reached out to Twitter to clarify whether the company previously had the ability to block individual accounts in specific countries.
Twitter maintained that "one of our core values as a company is to defend and respect each user's voice," and the company noted that it has partnered with Chilling Effects to create a site, http://chillingeffects.org/twitter, where it will alert its community when tweets have been blocked.
The company also said it will "attempt to notify" users whose content countries have requested withheld.
Alternately, users could just bypass the restrictions altogether: The Next Web has posted instructions for how to subvert the censorship.
Twitter users have been up in arms about the change, which many see as incompatible with Twitter's professed commitment to openness and a policy that has the potential to undermine Twitter's role in political movements, such as the pro-democracy protests that rocked Egypt last year.
"It's an affront on a free society & could be a PR disaster for Twitter after it's [sic] much praised role in the #Arabspring," tweeted @globalvybe.
Some users are attempting to organize a "#TwitterBlackout" on January 28 and intend to boycott Twitter in protest of the changes.
Others, most notably the director of international freedom of expression at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, have come to Twitter's defense.
"Let's be clear: This is censorship. There's no way around that. But alas, Twitter is not above the law," wrote the EFF's Jillian York. "I understand why people are angry, but this does not, in my view, represent a sea change in Twitter's policies. Twitter has previously taken down content-for DMCA requests, at least-and will no doubt continue to face requests in the future. I believe that the company is doing its best in a tough situation...and I'll be the first to raise hell if they screw up.
Read More
There's now a caveat to that, however: The social media service will offer up the latest information about what you find interesting -- and what your government deems acceptable.
Twitter announced Thursday that the company now has the ability to censor tweets on a country-by-country basis, allowing the popular microblogging site to comply with local governments' request to remove or block certain content.
"Until now, the only way we could take account of those countries' limits was to remove content globally. Starting today, we give ourselves the ability to reactively withhold content from users in a specific country -- while keeping it available in the rest of the world," Twitter wrote in a blog post. "We have also built in a way to communicate transparently to users when content is withheld, and why."
The company noted that it has not yet exercised the option to withhold content from users in specific countries.
Once it does, it will alert its users to censored tweets by replacing the text of the post with a grayed-out tweet that reads, "This Tweet from @username has been withheld in: Country. Lean more." (See screenshot below.)
In its blog post announcing the changes, Twitter focused on its new ability to remove some tweets. Yet a Twitter Help Center post expanding on this tool noted that the site could also block access to entire accounts. "[I]f you see a grayed-out user in your timeline [...] or elsewhere on Twitter [...] access to that particular account has been withheld in your country," Twitter wrote. (See below.)
We've reached out to Twitter to clarify whether the company previously had the ability to block individual accounts in specific countries.
Twitter maintained that "one of our core values as a company is to defend and respect each user's voice," and the company noted that it has partnered with Chilling Effects to create a site, http://chillingeffects.org/twitter, where it will alert its community when tweets have been blocked.
The company also said it will "attempt to notify" users whose content countries have requested withheld.
Alternately, users could just bypass the restrictions altogether: The Next Web has posted instructions for how to subvert the censorship.
Twitter users have been up in arms about the change, which many see as incompatible with Twitter's professed commitment to openness and a policy that has the potential to undermine Twitter's role in political movements, such as the pro-democracy protests that rocked Egypt last year.
"It's an affront on a free society & could be a PR disaster for Twitter after it's [sic] much praised role in the #Arabspring," tweeted @globalvybe.
Some users are attempting to organize a "#TwitterBlackout" on January 28 and intend to boycott Twitter in protest of the changes.
Others, most notably the director of international freedom of expression at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, have come to Twitter's defense.
"Let's be clear: This is censorship. There's no way around that. But alas, Twitter is not above the law," wrote the EFF's Jillian York. "I understand why people are angry, but this does not, in my view, represent a sea change in Twitter's policies. Twitter has previously taken down content-for DMCA requests, at least-and will no doubt continue to face requests in the future. I believe that the company is doing its best in a tough situation...and I'll be the first to raise hell if they screw up.
Justin Bieber Honors King Of Pop" Michael Jackson" at Hollywood Ceremony
Labels:
News and Gossips
A young, burgeoning music icon paid tribute to a late legend for the ages yesterday.
Justin Bieber came out for a special ceremony at Grauman's Chinese Theater in Los Angeles, where Michael Jackson's children helped immortalize their father via that locale's famous hand and footprint ceremony. And he was brought to the stage by a major fan.
"I want to introduce you all to a performer who also found stardom at a very young age, just like my dad," Paris Jackson told the crowd. "My father would have been proud to mentor to someone like him and would be very proud that he came to today's celebration. We are all very big fans of him, and his music. I know I am."
Bieber proceeded to send his best wishes to the family and then perform a cover of MJ's "Rockin Robin," as seen here:
"Michael meant so much to me," Justin said. "I know he meant a lot to you guys as well. He was more than entertainer. He was an inspiration. He was kind, gentle and very charitable. People are going to remember him for his dancing and singing, but people have to remember him for being the man he was.
“Thank you so much. Have a blessed day. Michael, I love you!”
Read More
Justin Bieber came out for a special ceremony at Grauman's Chinese Theater in Los Angeles, where Michael Jackson's children helped immortalize their father via that locale's famous hand and footprint ceremony. And he was brought to the stage by a major fan.
"I want to introduce you all to a performer who also found stardom at a very young age, just like my dad," Paris Jackson told the crowd. "My father would have been proud to mentor to someone like him and would be very proud that he came to today's celebration. We are all very big fans of him, and his music. I know I am."
Bieber proceeded to send his best wishes to the family and then perform a cover of MJ's "Rockin Robin," as seen here:
"Michael meant so much to me," Justin said. "I know he meant a lot to you guys as well. He was more than entertainer. He was an inspiration. He was kind, gentle and very charitable. People are going to remember him for his dancing and singing, but people have to remember him for being the man he was.
“Thank you so much. Have a blessed day. Michael, I love you!”
Amitabh Bachan And Rajini Kanth To Do Movie With Puri Jaganadh Jointly
Labels:
Bollywood Movies,
MovieNews and Reviews
Yes, you read it right! The titans of cinema Amitabh Bachchan and Rajinikanth will be seen on one screen, if all goes well as planned...
Talks are that the screen legends have given their nods for director Puri Jagannath's forthcoming venture. It is said that the helmer approached Rajini in Chennai to narrate the script and the Superstar was more than willing to share the screen space with his close buddy Bachchan.
It can be noted that it's been nearly 28 years since Big B and Rajini acted together in T Rama Rao's 'Andha Kanoon'.
For Jagannath, who worked with Sr. Bachchan in 'Buddah Hoga Tera Baap', wanted to work with Rajini as well for a long time. "So far I hadn't dared to approach him because I could not think of a role that would do him justice. It's been my life-long dream to direct Amitji and Rajini Sir," quoted the filmmaker in an interview, who also considers it as a challenge to bring together two such megastars.
Wow! We are eagerly waiting for this one.... And hope the project successfully takes shape soon....
Read More
Talks are that the screen legends have given their nods for director Puri Jagannath's forthcoming venture. It is said that the helmer approached Rajini in Chennai to narrate the script and the Superstar was more than willing to share the screen space with his close buddy Bachchan.
It can be noted that it's been nearly 28 years since Big B and Rajini acted together in T Rama Rao's 'Andha Kanoon'.
For Jagannath, who worked with Sr. Bachchan in 'Buddah Hoga Tera Baap', wanted to work with Rajini as well for a long time. "So far I hadn't dared to approach him because I could not think of a role that would do him justice. It's been my life-long dream to direct Amitji and Rajini Sir," quoted the filmmaker in an interview, who also considers it as a challenge to bring together two such megastars.
Wow! We are eagerly waiting for this one.... And hope the project successfully takes shape soon....
Man Of Midas Shankar To Direct Mega Star Chiranjeevi
Labels:
Kollywood movies,
MovieNews and Reviews
The T-Town is agog with a talk that Shankar, whose 'Nanban' is running to packed houses, will direct the 150th film of Tollywood Megastar Chiranjeevi, which would hit the floors very soon.
"Chiranjeevi, who is now a full fledged politician in Andhra Pradesh, wants to bid adieu to acting with his 150th film. He will soon join hands with director Shankar," say sources.
Recently, Chiranjeevi's son and rising star of Tollywood Ram Charan Teja was the chief guest at the audio launch function of 'Snehitudu' (Telugu dubbing version of 'Nanban') in Hyderabad. The event was attended by Shankar, Vijay and others.
"It's Ram Charan who is going to produce his dad's 150th film. Shankar, who is currently on a break, will complete the script work soon and will go to the sets with Chiranjeevi. The movie is an action adventure, which would talk against corruption," add sources.
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"Chiranjeevi, who is now a full fledged politician in Andhra Pradesh, wants to bid adieu to acting with his 150th film. He will soon join hands with director Shankar," say sources.
Recently, Chiranjeevi's son and rising star of Tollywood Ram Charan Teja was the chief guest at the audio launch function of 'Snehitudu' (Telugu dubbing version of 'Nanban') in Hyderabad. The event was attended by Shankar, Vijay and others.
"It's Ram Charan who is going to produce his dad's 150th film. Shankar, who is currently on a break, will complete the script work soon and will go to the sets with Chiranjeevi. The movie is an action adventure, which would talk against corruption," add sources.
Agneepath Movie Crossed Bodyguard Records in Its Opening day
Labels:
Bollywood Movies,
MovieNews and Reviews
With a mind blowing 25 crore net collection on first day, Hrithik Roshan has broken Salman Khan's record.
'Agneepath', Dharma productions tribute to the cult of 1990 starring the magnificent Big B, has broken all opening day records at Indian Box Office and written a new history... The Hrithik Roshan, Sanjay Dutt, Priyanka Chopra and Rishi Kapoor, made Rs. 25 crore (all-India net collection) on its first day at the box-office, January 26, 2012.
'Bodyguard' scored 21 crores net when it was released last year at the end of August.
Figures are still flowing in and Hrithik has already registered his biggest opening of his career. It is to seen in how many days 'Agneepath' reaches the 100 core. ('Bodyguard' scored 100 crores in 8 days).
It's a definitely a big hit now it only needs to be seen how bigger it is.
Read More
'Agneepath', Dharma productions tribute to the cult of 1990 starring the magnificent Big B, has broken all opening day records at Indian Box Office and written a new history... The Hrithik Roshan, Sanjay Dutt, Priyanka Chopra and Rishi Kapoor, made Rs. 25 crore (all-India net collection) on its first day at the box-office, January 26, 2012.
'Bodyguard' scored 21 crores net when it was released last year at the end of August.
Figures are still flowing in and Hrithik has already registered his biggest opening of his career. It is to seen in how many days 'Agneepath' reaches the 100 core. ('Bodyguard' scored 100 crores in 8 days).
It's a definitely a big hit now it only needs to be seen how bigger it is.
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