Parliament Is In Session
So, Parliament is now in session and several issues are back on the table.
Quite a few of the more controversial bills have passed through, some changed slightly like the Copyright Modernization Act. But the primary issue I’m having now is related to privacy in the internet.
We have progressed, the Office Of The Privacy Commissioner of Canada offering an online form for complaints. And the debate persists in the media, as it’s been since Bill C-12 was introduced in September 2011 by the Minister of Industry and Ministry of State (Agriculture).
The issue of course is the wording of the proposed amendments to Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act in Bill C-12 and other documents, which could cause problems later on in its interpretation and enforcement.
At the moment the member of parliament are concentrating on the budget, which will be tabled next week. But quite a few citizens are also wondering if they will be required to pay for technology to spy on every day citizens through their internet providers. And others wonder what will qualify as “probable cause” to start an investigation of an individual.
For example, will the past downloading of files from services like Megaupload result in an investigation in regards to piracy because of the accusations made against the service by the United States ? Will the viewing of a fundamentalist video on Youtube result in an investigation related to terrorism ?
Some people assume that they will be determined innocent with little to no effort if they were ever exposed to these issues. But what will be the due processes and how inconvenient will they be to the accused and the system ?
I am concerned about the mass prosecution of people and financial toll this will take on our internet providers and legal system. And having avoided the use of peer to peer transfer programs because of malware and spyware, I do not appreciate being exposed to the possibility of security issues through the implementation of a system that could have security issues of its own.
“Haste makes waste”. We need to tread slowly and thoughtfully through the process.
A Big Year For Heart
A Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame nomination and exhibit, a new auto-biography, a new boxed set, a new album and now a new star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame in front of The Musician’s Institute !
The presentation ceremony for the new star will be streamed online from the official Walk Of Fame web site at 11:30 am Pacific time on the 23rd of September, 2012.
If you happen to be in Los Angeles on that day it will be at 6752 Hollywood Boulevard, at the corner of North Highland Avenue near the Hollywood/Highland Subway Station.
The Musical Institute is located next to the Guinness World Records Museum and The Green Room. It almost faces Fredericks of Hollywood.
Live Music Festival
A nightly music festival is being held through-out the month of September on iTunes which will feature numerous acts from various genres.
I personally will be tuning into P!nk’s performance at 4pm on the 13th, Andrea Bocelli’s performance at 4pm on the 18th and Muse’s performance at 4pm on the 30th.
An iPhone/iPad App is available to watch the whole festival.
Music Unlimited Adds Another Tier
Sony’s Music Unlimited has added a more affordable tier to their music streaming service today.
The “Access” plan costs $4.99/month and was created for individuals who only use the service at home, via their MAC, PC or Playstation 3.
Click here for the August 29th, 2012 press release.
Spotify To Expand Into Canada
The Wall Street Journal reported yesterday that Spotify may expand their music streaming services into Canada soon.
A Canadian subsidiary had been established last year for this expansion.
Universal EMI Merger Approved In Canada
The Competition Bureau approved the Universal and EMI merger proposal last Friday, with no objections.
The merger proposal has cleared regulators in Japan and New Zealand but is still under review in Europe and the United States, where decisions are expected in September.