Onthe Worldwide Web
On The WorldwideWeb
By Chris H. Sieroty,
UPI Technology News
Internet Royalty RatesRejected
The Librarian of Congresshas rejected proposed royalty rates that would have charged Internetmusic broadcasters for each song they deliver online. LibrarianJames H. Billington, who oversees the U.S. Copyright Office, offeredno explanation for rejecting the rates, but will issue a finaldecision by June 20 laying out royalty fees to be imposed on Internetbroadcasts. "(The) decision by the Librarian offers hopethat the final royalty will be more in line with marketplace economicsthan was the arbitrators' proposal," said Jonathan Potter,executive director of Digital Media Association. The proposalby the Copyright Arbitration Royalty Panel would have requirede-broadcasters to pay 0.14 cent for each song streamed to eachonline listener. Cary Sherman, president of the Recording IndustryAssociation of America, said, "We look forward to the conclusionof this process ... and to the day when artists and labels finallyget paid for the use of their music."
House Approves Wiretap Bill
The House of Representativeshas voted to expand wiretap authority to target molesters whofind their victims online. The wiretap measure, approved Tuesday386-11, would allow investigators to seek wiretaps for suspectedsexual predators to help block in-person meetings between childmolesters and kids they meet online. According to the legislation,wiretaps could be authorized for people suspected of engagingin child pornography, trying to get children to perform sexualacts for money, or trying to meet or bribing children for sexualactivity.
AOL Releases New Netscape Browser
AOL Time Warner's NetscapeCommunications has introduced a new preview version of its Netscapebrowser. New features include tabs that let users surf multiplesites simultaneously. The company also said it redesigned theNetscape.com Web site to showcase content from AOL Time Warneronline properties. "Netscape 7.0 enables consumers to getthe most from their time online with new features that let themmanage the breadth of their activities on the Web," saidLaura Yecies, vice president of Netscape's Client Product Division.Netscape.com currently attracts 20 million unique visitors a month.
Theglobe.Com Ceo Leaves
Charles Peck, chief executiveofficer of TheGlobe.com Inc., is scheduled to leave the companyafter May 31, the company's quarterly report reveals. Based inNew York, TheGlobe.com said Peck will be paid $625,000 under theterms of his severance package. Effective June 1, Chairman MichaelEagan will assume the role of CEO, while director Edward Cespedeswill become the president. Both of them will retain their originalpositions. Robin Segaul, a company director, will be appointedtreasurer and secretary, according to the company's filing withthe Securities and Exchange Commission.