Author Archives: Dan Gillmor

The Microsoft settlement is a complete sellout. Here’s my column explaining why I think so. Comments

Mercury News: Half the states agree to revised settlement with Microsoft. “Every judge who has heard the case agrees that Microsoft engaged in illegal business practices,” California Attorney General Bill Lockyer said. “While the settlement proposals are a step forward, … Continue reading →

The anthrax killings are opening another kind of wound in society. Pharmaceutical companies are being asked if the public good has any relationship to the policies that award monopolies for discoveries of new drugs. It’s not a simple question. More … Continue reading →

The Microsoft settlement is a complete sellout. Here’s my column explaining why I think so. Comments

Frank McPherson, who writes an interesting weblog, says he’s stopped reading me due to boredom with my “constant Microsoft bashing.” Sorry hear that, but his reaction is exactly what Microsoft wants. Frank may be bored, but the facts are still … Continue reading →

“Sellout” isn’t too strong a word to describe the U.S. Justice Department’s settlement (press release) with Microsoft. Neither is “dangerous.” (Here’s the full text.) This deal, assuming it takes hold, is not even a wrist slap. It’s a love letter … Continue reading →

It’s good to be back here. I’m teaching for the third year in a row at the University of Hong Kong. The first class was yesterday, and I have an excellent group of students. They’re studying for Master’s degrees. We … Continue reading →

Mercury News: Movie industry dealt DVD-cracking blow. Ruling that free speech deserves more protection than trade secrets in cyberspace, a state appeals court dealt a blow Thursday to the DVD industry in its legal fight to prevent Web sites from … Continue reading →

Dave Farber has written an essay (PDF, 400k) for IEEE. The title is “Balancing Security and Liberty.” Worthwhile reading. Comments

Cartels and monopolies are the bane of competitive markets. We’re seeing an attempt to consolidate far more than is warranted in a key market — direct satellite broadcast. How this merger goes through the regulatory system will determine a lot … Continue reading →