Web to run out of IP addresses

The world will run out of Internet addresses “within weeks”, one of the founding fathers of the Web said on Friday.

Mr Vint Cerf, Google’s vice-president, who helped create the Web by connecting computers, using Internet Protocol addresses, said it was his “fault” that the 4.3 billion addresses created were running out, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

“I thought it was an experiment and I thought that 4.3 billion would be enough to do an experiment,” Mr Cerf, the “Chief Internet Evangelist”, was quoted as saying in an interview.

In 1977, Mr Cerf created the web protocol, IPv4, which connects computers globally, as part of an experiment, while working with the US Department of Defense. He said he never expected his experiment “wouldn’t end”.
IP addresses are the unique sequence of numbers assigned to each computer, website or other internet-connected devices. They are not the same as website domain names.

To resolve the crisis, an updated protocol for the Internet, IPv6, currently being planned by the industry, will create trillions of addresses.

via deccanchronicle

Saudi Arabia announce new Web publishing Law

Online newspapers and blogs will now need to register with the Saudi Ministry of Culture and Information to operate.

The new guidelines and rules will be added to the current publishing and printing law.

Abdul Aziz Khaja, Minister of Information and Culture, assured that the list is a tool of regulation – rather than restricting freedom of speech, it is inline with the development moves that the media sector is witnessing in Saudi Arabia. He added that the rule is open to amendments and improvements.

The Ministry of Culture and Information has made the new law available for download on their website. Part of it details the forms of electronic publishing that the law applies to, which include electronic journalism, forums, blogs, broadcasts via mobile, mail lists, chat rooms.

Turki Al Rougi, editor-in-chief of Al-Wiam online, in an interview with Arabnews.com, said that the fines can be as high as 100,000 Saudi riyal, which websites owners simply cannot afford as they are mostly individuals, unlike print publications which are owned by big establishments and publishing houses.

Via SahiOnline