CNET News - Politics and Law

Microsoft cleared in Xbox patent spat with Google

Josh Lowensohn — Thu, 23 May 2013 15:58:50 PDT

The U.S. International Trade Commission on Thursday reaffirmed an earlier ruling, saying Microsoft did not infringe on patents owned by Google.

Originally posted at News - Microsoft

SoftBank gives U.S. right to OK Sprint board member -- report

Edward Moyer — Wed, 22 May 2013 22:12:11 PDT

The Japan-based firm would allow the U.S. to approve a Sprint board member who would oversee compliance with national security rules.

Twitter granted 'refresh' patent, vows to use it only defensively

Lance Whitney — Tue, 21 May 2013 09:34:29 PDT

The microblogging company has received a patent for a "pull down to refresh" feature, which it says it will use only if sued by another company.

Originally posted at News - Internet & Media

Winklevoss twins on Bitcoin: Time to work with the Feds

Declan McCullagh — Sat, 18 May 2013 04:00:00 PDT

Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, who parlayed Facebook cash into a multimillion dollar Bitcoin stake, say making money means working with the Feds. Meanwhile, the Bitcoin Foundation is about to hire its first D.C. lobbyist.

Tim Cook to propose tax overhaul before Congress

Michelle Meyers — Thu, 16 May 2013 14:46:19 PDT

Amid scrutiny over his company's own offshore tax practices, Apple CEO tells Washington reporters about his plan to simplify corporate tax laws. This from the company that's always shied away from politics.

Originally posted at News - Apple

Eric Holder: Government should get warrants to search e-mail

Zack Whittaker — Thu, 16 May 2013 09:05:46 PDT

The U.S. attorney general supports changes to existing e-mail and online storage snooping laws, which are currently under scrutiny in the House.

Apple sees way to use multiple iPhones as camera flashes

Lance Whitney — Thu, 16 May 2013 06:45:04 PDT

A collection of mobile devices could illuminate a scene, as described in a newly published Apple patent application.

Originally posted at News - Apple

Syria hit by yet another Internet outage

Lance Whitney — Wed, 15 May 2013 05:13:02 PDT

The country lost online access on Wednesday, according to Internet monitoring company Renesys.

Originally posted at News - Internet & Media

Homeland Security cuts off Dwolla bitcoin transfers

Declan McCullagh — Tue, 14 May 2013 16:47:44 PDT

Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirms an "ongoing investigation" that led to Dwolla cutting off bitcoin transfers to Mt. Gox.

FCC again balks on telephone network shutdown

Larry Downes — Tue, 14 May 2013 05:18:08 PDT

commentary The remaining wireline carriers want to speed up the transition to native IP networks, an investment that has the added bonus of ending the digital divide once and for all. So why won't the FCC let them do it?

Originally posted at News - Internet & Media