WebProNews

Internet OK for Some Courts (In Some Cases)

Update: According to FOX News, the Federal Court in Australia will leave it up to individual judges to decide if court cases can be covered live on Twitter. Original Article: A California court is making jurors sign a declaration that they will not use the Internet to look up details about facts related to cases. This comes apparently at the request of a San Diego lawyer.

FTC Stops U.S. Online Retailer From Posing As A UK-Based Site

The Federal Trade Commission has cracked down on a California based online electronics retailer for allegedly posing as it was based in the U.K. so it could deceive residents there into thinking they had stronger consumer protections. When U.K. consumers received the cameras, video games and other electronic items, they discovered they had been charged unexpected import duties, were left with invalid warranties, and would be charged hefty cancellation and refund fees if they tried to send the items back.

Hawaii Governor Vetoes Amazon Tax Law

Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle has vetoed a bill that would have required online retailers such as Amazon.com and Overstock.com to collect and pay sales tax on their affiliate programs within the state. Earlier this week both Amazon and Overstock had notified affiliates in the state that they would be ending their programs there due to the new tax requirements.

Former eBay CEO Wants to Be Next California Governor

Everybody knew it was coming, but today, former eBay CEO Meg Whitman announced her announced she has formed an exploratory committee that will see her running for Governor of California in 2010. Whitman is a fifty-two year old Republican, and aims to replace John Matrix himself - Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Governator Terminates Texting While Driving

Ten bucks says in a hundred years this law is going to make as much sense as Kentucky’s anti-carrying-an-ice-cream-cone-in-your-back-pocket law.* California governor Arnold Swartzenegger signed legislation outlawing texting while driving, at least until cars drive themselves.

California Sues Online Travel Company

California Attorney General Jerry Brown is suing an online travel business for operating a "gigantic pyramid scheme" that recruited thousands of members with misleading claims that they could earn huge sums of money through its online travel agencies.

New California Law Bans Mobile Phones While Driving

Beginning on July 1 a new hands free mobile phone law goes into effect in California.Motorists face a $20 fine plus fees for a first offense and a $50 fine plus fees for a second violation. Drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using a mobile phone or a hands free device while operating a motor vehicle.Drivers will be allowed to use a mobile phone while driving to make emergency calls to a law enforcement agency, a medical provider, the fire department or other emergency agencies.

Court Rules Workers Texts Are Private

Employees have a "reasonable expectation of privacy" for text messages under the U.S. constitution, a federal appeals court in California ruled Wednesday.

California To Launch Online Drug Database

California Attorney General Jerry Brown has introduced a plan to create an online prescription drug database so that doctors and pharmacies can reduce prescription drug abuse."Every year thousands of doctors try to check their patient's prescription history information but California's current database is difficult to access," Brown said."If California puts this information online, with real-time access, it will give authorized doctors and pharmacies the technology they need to fight prescription drug abuse which is burdening our healthcare system."

California Bill To Tax Downloads Rejected

A proposal to tax Internet downloads in the state of California has been defeated by an Assembly panel after strong opposition from companies that do business in Silicon Valley.The bill sought to reclassify digital downloads as "tangible personal property." It would have required companies doing business in California to charge sales tax to residents who purchased their downloads.Author of the bill, Assemblyman Charles Calderon (D-City of Industry), plans to seek a reconsideration vote as early as next week.