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Do Not Track privacy bill reintroduced in Senate

A new bill intended to grant more privacy protections to Internet users was introduced today by U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller.

Dubbed "Do-Not-Track Online Act of 2013," the bill would make it law for all Web browsers, online companies, and app makers to give users a choice of opting out of being tracked online, according to The New York Times. Advertisers and data brokers commonly track users to collect information on sites visited, search queries, purchasing patterns, and more.

"The privacy of Americans is increasingly under assault as more and more of their daily lives are conducted … Read more

Facebook snags Microsoft's Atlas to boost ad sales

After months of speculation, Facebook today agreed to buy Microsoft's Atlas online-advertising platform, boosting the social-networking giant's ability to compete against Google in the display ad business.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The companies also didn't disclose the number of employees the deal affects, but Facebook noted that Atlas' employees will remain in Seattle.

Facebook and Microsoft, already partners in several businesses, began talking about a deal for Atlas, which helps advertisers buy and manage ads, late last year. The deal could help Facebook develop its own one-stop shop for advertisers and agencies to buy, … Read more

Facebook set to close deal for Microsoft's Atlas tomorrow?

The long-rumored sale of Microsoft's Atlas online advertising platform to Facebook is scheduled to close tomorrow, according to AdAge.

The trade publication reported on its Web site that "two people briefed on the plans" said the companies will likely announce the deal tomorrow, though it acknowledged some chance for delay.

Microsoft and Facebook both declined to comment on the report.

Microsoft acquired Atlas as part of its $6 billion acquisition of aQuantive in 2007. The software giant wrote off most of the costs of that deal last July. And it's reportedly been trying to sell Atlas … Read more

Oscar awards show can now be seen online via ABC, Hulu

Those of you who missed the Oscars on TV last night can catch the entire show online.

As of 3 a.m. PT this morning, the full awards ceremony has been available for streaming through several outlets, including ABC.com, the ABC Player app for iOS, the free Hulu site, Hulu Plus, and ABC On Demand.

The streaming Oscars will be available only until this Wednesday at 9 p.m. PT. The online version will also offer its fair share of commercials. But the ads will be short and sweet -- 15 to 30 seconds in length.

"Tonight's … Read more

Google Glass expected to arrive in 2013

CNET Update is listening to songs for tech reporting:

Before Mobile World Congress bombards us with new smartphone announcements, we take a look at Friday's tech headlines:

- Sources tell CNET that Google Glass will go on sale in 2013

- HTC offers $100 credit for old phones, if you purchase a new HTC One

- To beat the MWC rush, LG announces Optimus F5 and F7 mid-range smartphones

- Nevada becomes the first state to allow online gambling

- Billboard Charts now include YouTube views in song rankings

- Songza finds the music to fit your mood, activity … Read more

Nevada becomes first state to allow online gambling

The state known for its lady luck has become the first in the nation to forge into the online gambling world.

Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval signed an online gambling bill today that legalizes Internet gaming, according to the Associated Press.

"This is an historic day for the great state of Nevada," Sandoval said, according to the Associated Press. "Today I sign into law the framework that will usher in the next frontier of gaming in Nevada."

For years, the U.S. has maintained strict laws against online gambling and went after any sites providing Internet poker … Read more

Apple's iPad Mini 'in stock' in several countries' online stores

Supply has finally caught up with demand for Apple's iPad Mini.

Rather than days long lag time for the device, the company's online stores in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and other countries are now showing that all models of the iPad Mini are "in stock" and ready to ship.

Apple's 7-inch tablet went on sale last fall. Its thin and light design is more book-like than the larger iPad, while its cameras, storage capacities, optional LTE antenna, and general functionality are said to offer a full iPad experience.

Since the tablet's launch, the … Read more

Politicians push bill to help states collect online sales tax

A group of Republicans and Democrats yesterday reintroduced a federal bill that could cost online retailers and customers more money.

The Marketplace Fairness Act would allow states to require online vendors to collect sales and use tax on certain out-of-state purchases. Only businesses with less than $1 million dollars in annual U.S. sales would be exempt.

The bill was debated by the Senate last year but went nowhere. Now a group of 35 House members and 18 senators are trying again. And they're optimistic the bill will pass this time, according to The Hill.

The bill's top … Read more

Iceland works to block Internet porn

If Iceland's Interior minister gets enough support, his country could be the first in the West to ban all Internet pornography. Ogmundur Jonasson is working on new legal measures that could make access to online porn nearly impossible, according to the Daily Mail.

"We have to be able to discuss a ban on violent pornography, which we all agree has a very harmful effects on young people and can have a clear link to incidences of violent crime," Jonasson told the Daily Mail. He added that the move isn't about censorship but rather the safety of … Read more