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France consideres tax for Google, Yahoo and Facebook

Google and other net firms could be taxed under plans being considered by the French government.

France ponders right-to-forget law

Social networking websites have ensured that everyone who has an opinion can put it out in the public domain

Online dating soars as temperatures plunge

As the UK's big chill shows no sign of ending, people appear to be seeking to raise the temperature with a bit of online romance.

How online life distorts privacy rights for all

People who post intimate details about their lives on the internet undermine everybody else's right to privacy, claims an academic.

3D TV to be 'saviour' of industry

TV manufacturers hammered by the recession pin their hopes on 3D TV as a way to boost sales

Oink music sharing website was 'large-scale rip off'

A music sharing website run by a Teesside man was a case of "large-scale, professional, ripping off", a court has heard.

Microsoft launches Project Natal and new games for Xbox

Project Natal will go on sale in November 2010, Microsoft has announced. The system allows users to play games controlled by body movements and speech rather than a handheld device.

Downloads up as album sales drop

Album sales continued to fall last year, despite being boosted by a growth in digital downloads, figures show.

London unveils digital datastore

More than 200 data sets detailing life in London are to be put online by the capital's governing body

Decisions loom on rural broadband

The UK government wants advice on how to spend the cash being raised for next generation broadband in rural areas.

Microsoft and HP show off 'slate' PC

Microsoft and HP have teamed up to introduce a slate computer ahead of Apple's much rumoured device launch.

Bigger Amazon Kindle DX lays down gauntlet to rivals

As the e-reader market heats up, Amazon is trying to stay ahead of the competition with the international launch of its bigger Kindle DX.

Mobile phone radiation 'protects' against Alzheimers

After all the concern over possible damage to health from using mobile phones, scientists have found a potential benefit from radiation.

Facebook blocks social network profile removal service

Social network giant Facebook has blocked a website from accessing people's profiles in order to delete their online presence.

File-sharing student fights fine

A US student who was fined $675,000 (£421,000) for illegally downloading music has asked a judge to reduce the damages or offer him a retrial.

3D TV, e-readers and tablet PCs to debut at CES show

Connectivity, 3D, e-readers and tablet computers are the trends to watch at the world's biggest technology conference in Las Vegas this week.

US company sues China for Green Dam 'code theft'

An American company has filed a $2.2bn (£1.4bn) lawsuit in the US accusing Beijing of stealing lines of code from its internet filtering software.

Pupils use Facebook to keep head teacher

Pupils at a Derby school have opened a Facebook page in an attempt to persuade their head teacher to stay.

Airport body scanners 'unlikely' to foil al-Qaeda - MP

Airport body scanners would be "unlikely" to detect many of the explosive devices used by terrorist groups, a Tory MP has warned.

Airport body scanners to get code of conduct

A code of practice is being developed for airport body scanners in response to fears their images could break child pornography laws and privacy rights.

Mr Bean replaces Spanish PM on EU presidency site

Visitors to Spain's EU presidency website have been greeted by an image of hapless fictional character Mr Bean instead of Spain's Socialist leader.

Avatar smashes $1bn box office speed record

Avatar has become the fastest movie ever to achieve $1bn (£625.6m) in ticket sales around the world.

BeautifulPeople.com axes holiday weight gain members

Dating and social network site BeautifulPeople.com has axed some 5,000 members following complaints that they had gained weight.

Speculation rife on Google phone

The web is awash with gossip and rumour about the imminent arrival of a Google-branded phone.

Bono net policing idea draws fire

Bono, frontman of rock band U2, has warned the film industry not to make the same mistakes with file-sharing that have dogged the music industry.