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Newsletter:
September 2011
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Legal Guidance for ICT Use in Education, Research and External Engagement
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JISC Legal Newsletter: September 2011
Legal Guidance for ICT Use in Education, Research and External Engagement
In this Newsletter:
Latest News
Our Training
Our Publications
Latest Events
Contact Details
Subscription Details
Welcome to the September 2011 JISC Legal Monthly Newsletter. We have been busy producing the JISC Legal Cloud Computing Toolkit which I hope you have all had a chance to have a look at. We do value your input so please let us know if the toolkit is useful to you. A new academic year presents new challenges. Please let us know if you have ideas to improve in any way how JISC Legal can assist you in your work. Please use our Feedback form online.
Latest News
Your round-up of the latest news stories...
User Consent Required for Cookies...
A user's consent is required before it is lawful to store and access information on their computer. Such consent must be preceded by the user having been provided with clear and comprehensive information about the purposes of the proposed processing. A mechanism where users are provided with the opportunity to object is not the same as consent. See the JISC Legal background information on what the new Cookie legislation requires FE and HE institutions to do at - http://www.jisclegal.ac.uk/cookies.
Surge in Online Defamation Cases...
Online defamation cases in England and Wales have more than doubled in the last year, according to new research. This highlights some of the key legal issues affecting social networking and reminds institutions that Web 2.0 publication platforms are not free from legal risks. Institutions are also reminded of the proposals for new laws on defamation affecting England and Wales. JISC Legal provides free guidance on Hosting Liability.
ICO Finds Improvements in Google's Privacy Standards...
A recent ICO audit of Google has found improvements in its privacy standards. Google, which was found to have breached UK data protection legislation, signed an undertaking with the ICO in November 2010 to take various steps to improve compliance. This highlights the importance of colleges and universities raising staff awareness of privacy and data protection obligations. For the full story and links to the undertaking, please see the ICO press release.
JISC Legal Plus offers practical, relevant, in-house staff development training on ICT law, including data protection.
35% of Universities Now Using Free Email Service...
Over one third of UK universities now use an externally hosted email and collaboration service. In terms of legalities, UK data protection law requires that information should not be transferred beyond the EEA unless adequate data protection measures are in place. As with all outsourcing, it still remains for institutions to satisfy themselves with regard to compliance with the other principles and conditions (including the relevancy and purpose of the processing, and the fairness to the data user). The full article is available from the Computing.co.uk website. JISC Legal provides free guidance on data protection.
Increase in Prosecutions for Copyright Infringement...
The number of successful prosecutions for infringement of UK copyright laws has increased, according to a report into intellectual property crime published this week by the Intellectual Property Crime Group. The report, which found that 75 percent of all criminal copyright cases end in a positive conviction, highlights the serious consequences of copyright infringement and is a reminder to colleges and universities of the importance of making staff and learners aware of copyright. A statement from the IPO and a downloadable pdf of the 70 page report are accessible from the Intellectual Property Office website. JISC Legal provides free guidance on copyright.
Solicitors Fined £20,000 for Intimidating Letters...
Two solicitors were each fined £20,000 and suspended from practising for three months by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) for sending intimidating letters to individuals they accused of illegal filesharing. The solicitors when acting on behalf of various copyright holders sent thousands of letters to individuals claimed to have been involved in unlawful file sharing in breach of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. The letters demanded compensation and costs and warned that recipients faced further action plus increased costs if the issue was not settled as a matter of urgency. Read the full story on the Solicitors Regulation Authority website. JISC Legal provides free guidance on copyright.
Government Launches Open Data Consultation...
The Government has launched a consultation on Open Data. The Open Data consultation paper sets out the government's proposed approach for transparency and open data strategy which is aimed at establishing a culture of openness and transparency in public services. The consultation paper invites views from the public and public service providers including colleges and universities on aspects of data policy, such as charging, licensing and regulation of public sector information. The deadline for responses is 27 October 2011. JISC Legal provides free guidance on Freedom of Information (FOI).
Our Training
JISC Legal Plus - Expert training in ICT law delivered direct to you
Did you know that we offer in-house training in ICT law? Our JISC Legal Plus trainers deliver staff development packages designed to bring you up-to-speed with the digital age. Visit the training section of our website for more information.
Contact Details
JISC Legal
Information Services Directorate
University of Strathclyde
Alexander Turnbull Building
155 George Street
Glasgow G1 1RD
0141 548 4939
feedback@jisclegal.ac.uk
www.jisclegal.ac.uk
Our Publications
The latest guidance from JISC Legal...
JISC Legal Cloud Computing and the Law Toolkit (31/08/2011).
Business & Community Engagement: Prepare to Engage (update - 18/08/2011).
Latest Events
Events that might be of interest to you...
JISC Research Integrity Conference (13/09/11, London)
JISC Legal as part of JISC Advance will be participating in the JISC Research Integrity Conference (London) on 13 September. The conference will consider the role of universities in safeguarding research integrity and will look into the real issues being faced by universities from a strategic and technical perspective. Further details on the JISC website.
The Future of Copyright in the Digital Age and What it Means for You (London, 15/11/2011)
This one-day seminar, featuring Professor Charles Oppenheim and Emily Goodhand, will bring attendees up-to-date on recent developments in UK copyright law.
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