Security Basics mailing list archives
RE: Internet Keyword System..
From: "Dan Bogda" <dan.bogda () kintera com>
Date: Fri, 31 Mar 2006 17:10:12 -0800
Edmund, If it helps, I didn't include the AOL Keywords link because I couldn't find it. 6 years ago companies bid large sums of money for specific keywords, now I can't even find the FAQ or link to purchase them. It is easier to google 'Home Depot' and get the company site, reviews and complaints, with links, all within the same search result. If the Chinese system follows that same model I can see it also slipping into obscurity against sites like Baidu, Sohu and Sogou. People will find what they are looking for, one way or another. This is just my opinion, but I really think keywords are a crutch for new users and serve a niche since you have to know what you are looking for in order to find it. Dan -----Original Message----- From: cc [mailto:cc () belfordhk com] Sent: Thursday, March 30, 2006 5:28 PM To: security-basics () securityfocus com Subject: Re: Internet Keyword System.. Dan Bogda wrote::
The Chinese mainland has been pursuing domestic technologies rather
than
automatically licensing the ISO/Western technologies available, i.e. cell phone protocols, encryption, now Keywords? This sounds like a parallel to the existing Keyword system. AOL was one the early
pioneers,
other players are iKeyword and Yahoo to name a few. Essentially these companies have a user base and they provide an alternative search
method
for a fee to participating businesses. This same practice has morphed into paid search engine results and other targeted advertising.
It's one way, AFAICS, that the Mainland government can cash into this Internet. While I doubt it's anything new, it's the way the go about in doing this that scares me.
I have included some links to the CNNIC site that detail the press announcement and the terms. Your initial instincts are not far off,
but
this is essentially what AOL did when they first debuted their
keywords.
I can't say whether this is official or not, but they are trying to create a system that sits above DNS and charges for the use of easy keywords instead of long domain names. Just like AOLs keywords, you
can
choose to ignore it and people will still find your site.
Unfortunately,
just like DNS and AOL keywords, someone else can register keywords related to your company or industry.
So basically, it still doesn't prevent any fraudulent use of any trademark/domain name. I mean, even without the keywords, people are still being phished and pharmed. Wouldn't it be easier to be phished and pharmed this way?
If you are considering writing this off as a joke, don't forget that
the
Chinese mainland has done something very similar with their patent system. They allowed foreign companies a window to patent their
Well, in a sense, it is a joke; but on who, that is the question. If I were to pay for this, I'd feel it'd be a joke on me.
technology after introducing them in China. Those who failed to
register
in time lost any patent protection since China recognizes their patent system over those of foreign countries.
Sounds exactly the same thing, which in retrospect, really makes zero difference, since piracy/bootlegs are so rampant. It's really not funny. They can take *anything* under the sun and make a fake copy. (On a side note: Ever had a 'fake' egg? or fake vermicelli?)
If you are worried about the legitimacy, I would suggest finding a
good
lawyer. If you are worried about the necessity, that is a business decision. China is your closest neighbor and I'm sure they represent a large percentage of your customer base. If you are not paying for
other
keywords though, why start now? This is just another player in a saturated market, however they do have a rather large user base.
True. That's why I'm having reservations about this. The potential user base is what's making me feel the MD will really want to go for this. But instinctively, the initial letter is unsettling, to say the least. Thank you very much, Dan for your input. As cliched as this may sound, the knowledge gained might help me understand this. Edmund ------------------------------------------------------------------------ --- EARN A MASTER OF SCIENCE IN INFORMATION ASSURANCE - ONLINE The Norwich University program offers unparalleled Infosec management education and the case study affords you unmatched consulting experience. Tailor your education to your own professional goals with degree customizations including Emergency Management, Business Continuity Planning, Computer Emergency Response Teams, and Digital Investigations. http://www.msia.norwich.edu/secfocus ------------------------------------------------------------------------ --- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- EARN A MASTER OF SCIENCE IN INFORMATION ASSURANCE - ONLINE The Norwich University program offers unparalleled Infosec management education and the case study affords you unmatched consulting experience. Tailor your education to your own professional goals with degree customizations including Emergency Management, Business Continuity Planning, Computer Emergency Response Teams, and Digital Investigations. http://www.msia.norwich.edu/secfocus ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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