The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) Stewardship Transition Coordination Group (ICG) is moving ahead with the transition’s original Sept. 30 deadline, despite Congress’ recent passage of a bicameral funding measure that would temporarily prohibit NTIA from using its funds for the transition through the stated deadline. But Rep. John Shimkus, R-Ill., told us the decision to relinquish the IANA functions rests with the U.S. government, not the ICANN community. ICANN released the ICG’s time table and “assembly” process for the transition Wednesday. Some ICANN stakeholders told us the ICG’s deadlines are likely unrealistic.

Though FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler appears headed toward proposing a Title II net neutrality approach (see 1501070054), which is expected to be adopted in a 3-2 vote (see 1501080019), details about how exactly to reclassify remain up in the air, said those on both sides of the debate, including whether to forbear from Section 222, which gives the agency authority over privacy issues.

Though FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler appears headed toward proposing a Title II net neutrality approach (see 1501070054), which is expected to be adopted in a 3-2 vote (see 1501080019), details about how exactly to reclassify remain up in the air, said those on both sides of the debate, including whether to forbear from Section 222, which gives the agency authority over privacy issues.

The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) Stewardship Transition Coordination Group (ICG) is moving ahead with the transition’s original Sept. 30 deadline, despite Congress’ recent passage of a bicameral funding measure that would temporarily prohibit NTIA from using its funds for the transition through the stated deadline. But Rep. John Shimkus, R-Ill., told us the decision to relinquish the IANA functions rests with the U.S. government, not the ICANN community. ICANN released the ICG’s time table and “assembly” process for the transition Wednesday. Some ICANN stakeholders told us the ICG’s deadlines are likely unrealistic.

A federal judge on Jan. 6 denied a motion to dismiss a class action lawsuit in Northern California U.S. District Court against a major olive oil multinational alleging fraud, false advertising, and unfair trade practices. The class action alleges Deoleo falsely labels its Bertolli and Carapelli brand olive oils are extra virgin when they are instead bottled and shipped in way that ensures the oil is degraded before it reaches the consumer. The labels also say the olive oil is “imported from Italy” when it is actually made from olives grown and pressed in several countries, it said. Deoleo filed an early motion to dismiss the case for failing to raise valid arguments, but District Judge Richard Seeborg found enough in the lawsuit to support moving the case forward.

Net neutrality controversy intensified on the second day of the 114th Congress. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune, R-S.D., suggested there may, in fact, be a split between Republicans and Democrats on a piece of net neutrality legislation he and ranking member Bill Nelson, D-Fla., have been crafting. Nelson confirmed in an interview Tuesday that such bipartisan collaboration has been underway for weeks and said to stay tuned (see 1501060051). Meanwhile, Democrats reintroduced a partisan bill that would codify strong FCC net neutrality protections, banning paid prioritization.

Net neutrality controversy intensified on the second day of the 114th Congress. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune, R-S.D., suggested there may, in fact, be a split between Republicans and Democrats on a piece of net neutrality legislation he and ranking member Bill Nelson, D-Fla., have been crafting. Nelson confirmed in an interview Tuesday that such bipartisan collaboration has been underway for weeks and said to stay tuned (see 1501060051). Meanwhile, Democrats reintroduced a partisan bill that would codify strong FCC net neutrality protections, banning paid prioritization.

Colorado Attorney General John Suthers’ office reached a $2 million settlement with Dish Network Friday, focusing on the company’s sales practices. The company will revise its sales disclosures nationwide to reflect its right to raise prices at any time, said the office in a news release. "This is going to have broader implications regarding the disclosure and consumer protection rights that we were able to establish through the agreement by the company to be a lot more forthcoming in its sales practices," said a spokeswoman for the office in an interview Monday. The AG began investigating Dish’s sales practices in 2011. Numerous consumers complained about price increases after the company promised that contract rates were “frozen” or “guaranteed” not to change. While disagreeing with the AG's allegations, Dish said it appreciates the office's "constructive feedback regarding our sales process," emailed a company spokeswoman. "We are pleased to amicably resolve this matter." The settlement was filed in Denver District Court by attorneys with the AG's Consumer Protection Section, as was a civil complaint alleging Dish's sales practices violated the Colorado Consumer Protection Act. The money will be split by the state's general fund and a special consumer protection fund in Suthers' office.

Colorado Attorney General John Suthers’ office reached a $2 million settlement with Dish Network Friday, focusing on the company’s sales practices. The company will revise its sales disclosures nationwide to reflect its right to raise prices at any time, said the office in a news release. "This is going to have broader implications regarding the disclosure and consumer protection rights that we were able to establish through the agreement by the company to be a lot more forthcoming in its sales practices," said a spokeswoman for the office in an interview Monday. The AG began investigating Dish’s sales practices in 2011. Numerous consumers complained about price increases after the company promised that contract rates were “frozen” or “guaranteed” not to change. While disagreeing with the AG's allegations, Dish said it appreciates the office's "constructive feedback regarding our sales process," emailed a company spokeswoman. "We are pleased to amicably resolve this matter." The settlement was filed in Denver District Court by attorneys with the AG's Consumer Protection Section, as was a civil complaint alleging Dish's sales practices violated the Colorado Consumer Protection Act. The money will be split by the state's general fund and a special consumer protection fund in Suthers' office.

LAS VEGAS -- Tech companies -- from Facebook to Mozilla and Google to Microsoft -- universally support strong net neutrality rules, including reclassifying broadband as a Title II Communications Act service, said Chris Riley, Mozilla senior policy engineer. The company made a hybrid net neutrality proposal last year but later supported reclassification (see 1411050042). “A lot of big companies” agree “half measures” under Title I and “soft rules” wouldn't adequately protect the Internet, Riley said Monday.