Home > The Federation Against Software Theft

The Federation Against Software Theft

York House
18 York Road
Maidenhead
SL6 1SF
UK
[t] 01628 622121
[f] 01628 760338

Originally set up in the early 1980’s by the British Computer Society, the remit of FAST was t o lobby parliament for changes to the outdated copyright legislation to make it more applicable to software publishers.

Having succeeded in that aim, the purpose of the federation is now to assist users in copyright compliance, provide expertise in licensing and enforce software copyright legislation. The Federation is happy to assist companies who are unsure of their compliance levels or to advise them on becoming compliant.

The Federation has also issued a standard (FSSC1-2004) on software compliance

 

Cloud Providers Urged to Develop Trust in Potential User Community

With concerns over Cloud Security remaining the largest detractor to it’s implementation, the Cloud Industry Forum is calling on service providers to demonstrate their adoption of good practices in order to re-assure the user community

27 January 2010

 

No commercial link between the Federation and FAST Ltd

The Federation Against Software Theft has made a statement to clear the confusion surrounding the organisation and the similarly named FAST Ltd which offers licence management consultancy

25 January 2010

 

FAST backs the “Future-Proofing” clause in the Digital Economy Bill

Copyright law is being discussed in the law-making bodies of the UK Government with contention having arisen over the controversial clause 17 designed to enable the bill to be amended at the same pace as the technology it is protecting, a principal supported by the Federation Against Software Theft

19 January 2010

 

FAST comments on litigation risk for companies ignoring employee download activity

With ScanSafe research indicating large growth in the use of employee workstations for the illegal downloading of software and other materials, The Federation Against Software Theft is advising companies that they face prosecution for allowing this to take place on work premises

18 January 2010

 

Legal group created at FAST for assistance on digital rights

FLAG Digital Group at the Federation Against Software Theft has been created to focus on the legal issues surrounding digital rights and software licensing

08 January 2010

 

Code of Conduct work begins for Cloud Computing

FAST’s Cloud Industry Forum has commenced its activities on a code of conduct for the industry to assist users in understanding what to expect from cloud computing providers

18 December 2009

 

Cloud explosion prediction backed up by CIF

The Cloud Industry Forum supports the prediction made by IDC that the expansion of cloud computing during 2010 will increase at a rapid rate

17 December 2009

 

UK IT users demonstrate lack of data protection awareness

The Federation Against Software Theft comments on the recent BCS finding that a mere 20% of citizens in the UK have any idea about how to protect their online data despite the proliferation of on-line shopping and the popularity of social networking in the country

14 December 2009

 

The SIRB join FAST IiS to organise software licensing event

The UK Software Management and Licensing Conference will take place in Reading in April for providing guidance on licence management

10 December 2009

 

EU and UK laws in conflict on copyright

With the UK’s anti-piracy law about to come into effect, European Union legislation vote looks set to founder it whilst still in dock

01 December 2009

 

Digital Economy Bill brings action against illegal file sharing

The Federation Against Software Theft applauds the move by the British Government to bring tougher actions against illegal file sharing activities

19 November 2009

 

Copyright enforcement funding under threat

The Federation Against Software Theft expresses concern over the re-allocation of funding originally destined for Trading Standards in support of copyright protection

06 November 2009

 

FAST spins off Cloud computing self regulatory body

The Cloud Industry Forum has been created as part of the Federation Against Software Theft for standardizing codes of conduct in the software as a service industry

05 November 2009

 

Confusing Government messages over IP infringement policies

The Federation Against Software Theft highlights the contradictory messages coming from the Government regarding intellectual property infringements

02 November 2009

 

Free ROI tool helps demonstrate benefits of SAM

The Software Industry Research Board has made a free tool available for download which calculates return on investment for Software Asset Management

23 October 2009

 

Three new members join FAST Board

The Federation Against Software Theft gains three new board members to strengthen the legal expertise on its team

21 October 2009

 

Open Source Licensing conference to be held in London

The Federation Against Software Theft is supporting a conference being held in London this week to raise awareness of open source licensing

16 September 2009

 

FAST backs new law proposals on illegal file sharing

UK Government plans for cutting bandwidth for persistent illegal file sharing offenders seen as a positive step by the Federation Against Software Theft

27 August 2009

 

Illegal file downloaders unaffected by threats of prosecution

FAST IiS research indicates that those who download illegal files from sharing sites are undeterred by official warnings not to do so

15 June 2009

 

Intellectual property advisory board release software piracy report

Report from advisory group details industry losses of £12 billion per year through illegal digital content downloads

12 June 2009

 

Second phase of compliance raids conducted in Wales

Trading Standards and FAST continue to work together in Wales to combat the use of unlicensed software in business premises with the second phase of inspections complete and more to follow

13 March 2009

 

FAST calls on entertainment industry to adapt to the new world

Licensing, pay per view and software distribution methods suggested as alternative approach for entertainment industry to adopt in effort to reduce piracy as an alternative to broadband tax which punishes the many for the crimes of the few

12 February 2009

 

Conference on software as a service arranged by FAST

The rise in popularity of SaaS models have given rise to a number of myths and inaccuracies to be addressed at conference on the subject in March

05 February 2009

 

Advice available to merging companies on software licensing

The Federation Against Software Theft combines with ManageSoft to offer advice to companies undergoing merger to avoid legal problems with software licensing.

05 February 2009

 

Government forestalls implementation of file-sharing legislation

Interim Digital Britain Report precipitates further consultation delaying the full implementation of legislation against illicit file sharing

05 February 2009

 

Survey reveals 20% of managers not controlling software legitimacy

IPO report shows extent of intellectual property infringement problem with as many as 20% of company managers displaying poor control over software inventories

05 January 2009

 

Trading Standards software licensing audit carried out in Cardiff

The Federation Against Software Theft has begun its campaign with the Trading Standards Agency to perform forensic audits of companies in South Wales in relation to software licensing

12 December 2008

 

Sentence equity section of Gowers Review not taken up

FAST is calling for harsher sanctions against copyright thieves as recommended in the Gowers Review of Intellectual Property

18 November 2008

 

US IP Czar ruling endorsed by FAST

The Federation against software theft believes that the recent US legislation into intelligent property protection is a model which other countries could follow

16 October 2008

 

Licence compliance seminars scheduled for the UK

The Federation Against Software Theft’s corporate services division is holding two seminars aimed at assisting corporate managers in achieving licence compliance.

06 October 2008

 

First raid takes place under new copyright powers

Federation Against Software Theft instigation of changes in copyright powers leads to first software raid under section 107A of the copyright, designs and patents act

18 September 2008

 

Licensing battle strengthened by merger of independent agencies

FAST and IiS join forces to strengthen their presence in combating software licensing fraud

02 September 2008

 

FAST urges ISPs to do more to prevent illegal file sharing

Letters from ISPs to users warning them of illegal file sharing activities is only the first step in preventing copyright infringements explains the Federation Against Software Theft

31 July 2008

 

Software pirating likely to increase during economic downturn

FAST survey reveals that the majority of directors were more likely to consider allowing licenses to lapse during difficult financial periods

14 July 2008

 

FAST joins trading standards campaign in Wales

By joining Trading Standards Officers, the Federation against Software Theft is embarking on an awareness campaign aimed at Welsh businesses

14 July 2008

 

Consultancy wing of FAST qualified to perform MS license reviews

In partnership with Microsoft, FAST consultancy can now deliver organisational license reviews for Microsoft product range to ensure software asset compliance

09 July 2008

 

Anti-tampering software supplier joins FAST

Arxan Technologies joins the Federation Against Software Theft as it drives into the European market with its anti-tampering products

08 July 2008

 

eBay fine a signal to step up activity against software theft

FAST backs working with online auctions to prevent the elicit sale of counterfeit software which costs jobs for smaller software houses

02 July 2008

 

Software Industry Research Board to assist enterprises in license management

FAST sets up industry initiative to simplify the task of end users in ensuring compliance to software license management

19 May 2008

 

FAST calls on ISP’s to step up to their responsibilities for illegal file shares.

The Federation Against Software Theft re-inforces its demands for self regulation in the internet service provision industry by taking more responsibility for acting against users breaking copyright laws.

18 April 2008

 

MEP rejection of anti-piracy measures criticized by FAST

Proposal to ban file sharing software pirates from the internet has been rejected in the European Parliament as being in conflict with civil liberties.

14 April 2008

 

Illegal file sharing culprits believe they won’t be caught.

Survey into digital entertainment highlights behaviour of illegal downloaders, many of whom don’t consider current regulatory measures as being a challenge.

04 April 2008

 

FAST clamps down on online auction sales of illegal software.

The Federation Against Software Theft is targeting the illegal sale of bootleg software on auction sites and taking action on behalf of its members.

27 March 2008

 

Japanese ISPs form anti-piracy alliance.

Japan’s major Internet Service Providers are joining forces in an anti-piracy alliance to terminate the contracts of users who are repeatedly engaging in piracy.

20 March 2008

 

FAST appoints additional legal weight.

General Counsel at the Federation Against Software Theft to lead the campaign for intellectual property rights in the UK.

29 February 2008

 

Intellectual property theft targeted in Government paper.

The Federation Against Software Theft welcomes action by the British Government to introduce new legislation to clamp down on the theft of intellectual property.

22 February 2008

 

China steps up action against software pirates.

80% pirate software use in China drops as government clamps down on organisations which use unlicensed products.

21 February 2008

 

Standard terms for software licenses in the pipeline.

Having a standard kite mark set of terms and conditions for software licenses considered by the Federation Against Software Theft as a considerable step forward.

21 February 2008

 

File sharing legislation welcomed by FAST.

The Federation Against Software Theft applauds the Government for moves to legislate against copyright infringing file shares.

13 February 2008

 

Illegal download tracker used by FAST

The Federation Against Software Theft warns that they can now track illegal software downloads from selected sites which are being monitored.

28 January 2008

 

UK Government intensifies battle against illegal file sharing.

ISP companies are likely to feel the brunt of tighter enforcement on illegal file sharing according to the Federation Against Software Theft.

24 January 2008

 

Communication Director appointed at FAST.

The Federation Against Software Theft has created the role of Communications Director to deliver FAST’s software protection message.

14 January 2008

 

Working group on implications of virtualisation formed by FAST.

Licensing problems and improved deployment opportunities using virtualisation form the dilemma facing the software industry as discussed in the virtualisation working group headed by the Federation Against Software Theft.

29 November 2007

 

French laws crack down on illegal internet file sharing.

The Federation Against Software Theft supports latest moves by the French Government to get tough on copyright laws using the internet as a media for file sharing.

27 November 2007

 

FAST strengthens legal weight against software theft.

Legal affairs officer at the Federation Against Software Theft has been called to the bar reinforcing the substantial legal weight of the organisation in the fight against software crime.

22 November 2007

 

Illegal online sales of counterfeit software stopped by FAST.

The Federation Against Software Theft has penetrated a software counterfeiting ring in Cornwall by purchasing illegal software and trapping the vendors

12 November 2007

 

Cold call retail audit to unveil counterfeit software.

The Federation Against Software Theft to check on retailers in Cardiff for contraventions of software copyright.

08 November 2007

 

Corporate compliance and IP theft to be the focus of new CEO.

New CEO at the Federation Against Software Theft pledges to keep the Federation abreast of asset management standards and continue lobbying for improved enforcement of copyright laws.

05 November 2007

 

Government to step in if ISPs don’t embrace self regulation.

The British Government is considering enforcement regulations if ISPs don’t regulate themselves in terms of identifying and preventing software rights management infringements.

29 October 2007

 

Government crackdown on peer-to-peer software sharing welcomed

The Federation Against Software Theft applauds the UK Government’s firm stance on IP infringements of software protection rights through file sharing.

25 October 2007

 

Information disclosure legal loophole now closed.

IP theft of software rights now made more difficult through revision in UK laws on information disclosure.

10 October 2007

 

Downloading illegal software opens up users to malware vulnerability

The Federation Against Software Theft has issued a warning against downloading illegal software as this often opens the gate for a variety of malicious software products that could harm the victim’s computer.

04 October 2007

 

South Eastern England targetted by FAST campaign.

The Federation Against Software Theft is concentrating on raising awareness to the perils to businesses of software theft in the South East of England which is home to some of the largest software corporations in the world.

28 August 2007

 
 

 

© 2010 ProSecurityZone.com