Amnesty International calls for imroved human rights on the internet

Amnesty International believes that numerous allegations of corporate involvement in suppression of human rights necessitates both companies and governments taking their responsibilities more seriously. The organisation is calling on governments to halt prosecution and legislation aimed at limiting freedom of expression online and to release prisoners held on the basis of their online political expression. Amnesty also calls on governments to commit collectively to human rights standards as the essential basis to prevent violations online.

More information can by found at Amnesty International.

'Gimmie' the interface I want!

Many Operating Systems have been losing their cohesiveness and continuity over the last few years. Ubuntu, for example, has a number of redundant links in its menus and an inconsistent feel to its many applications.

Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of open-source/free software and use Ubuntu as my operating system of choice, but when that software no longer adheres to its founding tenets, something needs to change.

Architect Fantasy has a critique on Ubuntu's visuals and behaviour and mentions a project that may help the problem of menu redundancy, at least: Gimmie (worth a look).

Google's OpenSocialFacebookMySpace Project

Most social networking sites are closed, locked-up enclosures for your information.

Google plans to create an Open Source API that would allow developers to access the myriad networks using one, straightforward tool; improving compatibility and creating new possibilities for your data.

Wired has more information on Google's OpenSocial.

Web Apps, but not on the web, but….

Mozilla Labs have been busy with their latest development:

Mozilla Labs is launching a series of experiments to bridge the divide in the user experience between web applications and desktop apps and to explore new usability models as the line between traditional desktop and new web applications continues to blur.

Called “Prism”, the new development makes it look like the days of application dependencies are over.

Take a look at Prism