Radar: Technology & Communications Update - May 2011

Radar covers a wide range of subjects relevant to technology and communications law, from matters of general interest and industry developments, to more specific issues, perhaps new legislation or case law. We aim to help keep you informed by reporting on new developments in a brief and easily digestible form. Where we think something is particularly important, we will include more detailed analysis and of course, if you would like more information on anything in this update, please let us know.

This month we look at:

• Government publishes plans for implementing e-Privacy Directive and the Information Commissioner's Office publishes guidance on the new cookie rules
  The Government has published the amendments to the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations which come into force on 26 May 2011. In addition, the promised guidance on how to deal with changes to the law in relation to cookies has now been published by the Information Commissioner.
• Full steam ahead for anti-piracy law
  The High Court has dismissed the application for judicial review of the Digital Economy Act 2010.
• Fines of up to £500,000 introduced for unwanted marketing phone calls and emails
  Amendments to the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations which come into force on 26 May 2011, give the Information Commissioner extended powers in relation to unwanted marketing phone calls and emails.
• Where does online publishing take place?
  The Court of Appeal has asked the ECJ to consider whether online infringement of data takes place where the information is hosted, where it is accessed, or both.

Lawyers Graham Hann, Glyn Morgan, Christopher Jeffery, Patrick Clark, Robert Vidal