Skype and eBay have been in a hot mess about Skype's peer-to-peer (P2P) online telephone technology for months now.  Well, they might be close to settlement according to the New York Times and other independent sources.

EBay owns Skype.  But Skype, which founded the unique technology that allows people to carry on phone conversations over the internet, claims that it retained ownership of the software code used for the technology.   

The tale of a sale.

FindLaw columnist Eric Sinrod writes regularly in this section on legal developments surrounding technology and the internet.

Like nomads searching for oases, we roam in our quest to find Wi-Fi hotspots from which to connect to the wireless world. Unfortunately, these cozy areas where everything seems so right actually can be black holes where our private data can be siphoned away.

Indeed, BBC's Watchdog reports that connections provided by three major Wi-Fi networks in the United Kingdom are susceptible to hacker attacks, making network users vulnerable to potential fraudulent activities. Watchdog, in a recent program, indicated that literally thousands of UK hotspots, in places such as airports, trains and food establishments, are not as secure as people may think.

As you explore new social media and integrate it into your online life, you may acknowledge forces threatening your communications. Unsavory schemes such as phishing, online bait-and-switch, and virtual misrepresentation can make users of social media feel uneasy and distrustful of engaging online.  So what does the social media industry do when its users' personal information is being infiltrated and usurped by spammers?  

It fights back.  And sometimes, it wins.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has set forth draft proposed rules regarding net neutrality.  But may have already read about that in our recent post on the subject of open internet.  

And now, you want to know...exactly what are potential new rules are on the table.  Wonder no more.  Below is excerpt from a recent FCC press release outlining the proposed rules.

Now, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) may not be looking to become the next viral video sensation, or be pining to find itself the subject of a social media campaign, or even long to be the most-queried term on search engines...but it definitely wants a place at the broadband table.

And it may have solidified its spot this week.

The FCC recently approved a notice of proposed rule making on net neutrality.  And whether you are new to the concept of "open internet" or are a seasoned veteran, here are the nuts and bolts on net neutrality, the FCC, and what could be in store for law firms and consumers in the future.

What is net neutrality?

FindLaw columnist Eric Sinrod writes regularly in this section on legal developments surrounding technology and the internet.

Not surprisingly, educational institutions possess all sorts of private data with respect to their students. However, a bit more surprising is how easy it is for the privacy of that data to be compromised.

Maybe it can be chalked off to an economy stung by recession.  Or the fact that more legal technology providers are crowding the same space.  But something is changing the way in-house counsel relates to outside counsel.  And the effects could trickle down to the legal tech sector.

Hildebrandt International has released its annual Hildebrandt Law Department Survey, which provides benchmarking data for U.S. and global law departments. 

Here are a few interesting findings from the Hildebrandt Survey:

Hint: it is not the US.  Our Nordic friends in Finland will have no internet connectivity excuses in responding to emails and social media musings.  And that's thanks to a national law passed in Finland this week  mandating that every Finnish citizen have access to broadband internet.

It's not a big leap for the nation with a population hovering over 5 million, a reported 95% of Finnish folks already have robust internet access.  But the law aims to ensure that even rural regions of the country gain access.

FindLaw columnist Eric Sinrod writes regularly in this section on legal developments surrounding technology and the internet.

You probably know already that Facebook is a huge social networking phenomenon here in the United States, not only for teenagers, but also for adults. However, you might not know that the Facebook rage is sweeping the globe.

For example, Facebook use way down under in Australia is a large component of online activity.

Indeed, according to recent press reports and Nielsen Online, Australians each spend 6.5 of their 26.5 weekly online hours on Facebook. That is an incredible ¼ of all online time for Australians.

Did you know that your firm is sending out a message without even realizing it.  It is through your online presence.  Whether your firm has invested heavily in building a web presence or if you are new to the scene, you can tune into this webcast to find out how to stand out from the crowd and attract qualified clients through improving online marketing and enhancing the firm's website.

When: Tuesday, October 20th 2009.  11:00AM CDT, 3:00 PM CDT

Location: Online

Length: 1 hour

Cost: Free!