New EU Data Protection Rules Talk Tough

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25 January 2012 | By Deutsche Welle | 1399

The EU plans sweeping changes to its dated data rotection law, including the "right to be forgotten" and 24-hour breach notification. The changes could have far-reaching implications for the Net industry. Tougher rules on data protection are coming to the European Union with far-reaching implications for Web giants like Google and Facebook. On Wednesday, the European Commission will propose sweeping changes to its 1995 Data Protection Directive, including the "right to be forgotten" and 24-hour breach notification. Read More

Statement by the Honourable Joe Oliver, Minister of Natural Resources, On The Keystone XL Pipeline

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19 January 2012 | By Gov Canada | 1255

“We are obviously disappointed with today's announcement regarding the Keystone XL pipeline. This project would create thousands upon thousands of jobs both in the US and Canada and would contribute to energy security in the US. We continue to believe this project is in the best interests of both countries. Our Government respects the right of the United States to make its own decisions.  However, it is clear that the process is not yet over and we are hopeful that this project will be approved in the future based on its merits.

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Expanding Usefulness of Geospatial Data Standards

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19 January 2012 | By ZekiahTech | 1295

While many organizations see the clear advantages of establishing and using geospatial data standards, obtaining compliance from constituents continues to be a frustrating, and costly, problem.  Users are frequently reluctant to adopt a new standard given the potential cost of modifying applications that use an existing, custom schema or simply having a 'not invented here' mentality.  This was true within the Department of Defense (DoD) Installation Geospatial Information and Services (IGI&S) community, even though a standard had existed from more than 10 years.  As a part of 2006 Spatial Data Standards for Facilities, Infrastructure, and Environment (SDSFIE) initiative, Zekiah developed a data standardization concept intended to provide flexibility in schema naming conventions and organization without compromising ease of data sharing, conversion, and information understanding. Read More

New JPAC Chair Calls for Greater Public Involvement In Environmental Issues

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17 January 2012 | By JPAC | 1418

“We face new challenges every day: climate change, the loss of ecosystems, pollution, the flow of trade and all of their environmental impacts,” said Martín Gutiérrez Lacayo, 2012 chairman of the Joint Public Advisory Committee (JPAC) of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC), as part of a video message to the citizens of Canada, Mexico and the United States. Gutiérrez Lacayo, who heads Pronatura México, A.C., a major environmental organization in Mexico, added, “JPAC provides an opportunity for citizens throughout North America to make their voices heard. Our unique mandate to engage with interested citizens and communities and to advise the top environmental authorities in our three countries—the CEC Council—means public participation in JPAC events and activities can be an effective tool for the protection of natural resources and our environment.” Read More