legal

How Many Domain Names Should You Protect?

Right-wing lobbyist group the Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) undoubtedly isn’t thrilled that the domain name australianchristianlobby.org has been registered by Australian Cat Ladies, a group which shares the same initials but vocally supports marriage equality, a cause the Christian ACL has repeatedly argued against. I’m very willing to enjoy any embarrassment heaped on the narrow-minded bigots at the Christian ACL, but the situation doesn’t demonstrate that all organisations need to register every possible URL associated with their cause.


Why Cyclists Ride Through Red Traffic Lights

You’ve probably seen it happen. You’re driving your car and you come to a stop at the traffic lights. You’re mindful of traffic infringement fines and public safety, then someone on a bike rides past you, unconcerned, straight through the red lights.


Will Privacy Laws Ruin Your Big Data Plans?

Big data relies on collating huge amounts of information, much of it about individuals. Does that place a huge legal roadblock, in the form of privacy laws, in the way of big data projects?


Ask LH: Should I Pay This Private Parking Ticket?

Dear Lifehacker, A couple of weeks ago I received a settlement letter from a private parking company offering a deal where I only would have to pay half a fine I apparently owe. The bill is for $44 for a supposed infringement in a private parking at a local McDonald’s four years ago. Though the parking was free the letter claims that I didn’t display the free ticket on my dash. Should I pay the fine? It was four years ago and I don’t recall having parked at that McDonald’s then, and it doesn’t have visible signage even today. Any advice? Thanks, McTicket


ACCC Needles Homeopathy Website For Anti-Vaccine Claims

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is taking a homeopathy website to court for claiming that the whooping cough vaccine is dangerous and ineffective. The consumer watchdog accuses Homeopathy Plus! of making misleading and deceptive statements that could lead to serious health risks for consumers.


What Should The ACCC Do About Woolworths And Coles?

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) announced last week that it is investigating claims that Coles and Woolworths are bullying suppliers. The issue is serious, but the ACCC investigation only treats the symptom and diverts attention away from the real cause of the problem: supermarket power.


Are Developer Program Contracts Too Complicated?

You can’t afford to skip through the terms and conditions when signing up for a developer program; no-one wants to suddenly discover that all their code belongs to someone else. But what are you supposed to do if that contract runs to hundreds of pages?


Is This The End Of Online Radio Streaming?

Online streaming of radio broadcasts may be a thing of the past after the Full Federal Court this week handed down a ruling that will result in radio stations paying higher royalties to the recording industry. What happens next?


Bikes On Footpaths: When Is It Lawful?

When it comes to lazy Sunday bike rides, the footpath can be awfully tempting: there’s less vehicular danger to worry about, fewer traffic fumes to choke on and it’s infinitely easier to stop and sniff the flowers (which is what life’s all about, right?) Unfortunately, several states in Australia have laws against this sort of thing, which can result in on-the-spot fines ranging from $50 to $200.


Helmet-Free Cyclists More Likely To Ride Drunk

The issue of compulsory cycle helmets is contentious: they improve cyclist safety, but they can also discourage casual bicycle usage. A new study by academics at the University of NSW highlights one issue that won’t be much comfort for those who want cycle helmet laws changed: people who ride without helmets are also more likely to ignore traffic rules and to ride drunk.


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