Bitcoin passes the $1,000 mark for first time
The Bitcoin virtual currency has passed the $1,000 mark fir the first time since it was introduced in 2009.
The price of a single Bitcoin has nearly quadrupled in less than three weeks, when its previous record high was $267.
The digital currency is constantly increasing in value as more vendors and investors come to trust it and drive it into the mainstream. Some investors are even using it to hedge against currency fluctuations.
Microsoft lifts censorship of Skype in China
Microsoft has lifted censorship restrictions on the Chinese Skype.
According to a freedom of expression advocacy group, the computer company has made it harder to monitor calls and chats over its Skype phone service in China.
All user calls, chats and login information is now encrypted and communicated directly to Microsoft via HTTPS. Previously, the information was processed and stored by TOM on servers located in China with no privacy controls in place.
Skype said on Monday it had ended an eight-year joint-venture with Hong Kong-based TOM Group and found a new partner in China, allowing the data change.
EU to stay in data pact with US
The European Commission has decided not to withdraw from the Safe Harbour agreement between the EU and the US, however the commission wants to see the treaty reformed.
Safe Harbour protects US companies from being sued in Europe, and vice versa, under the data protection directive.
The agreement has been under review in Brussels for several months following the NSA controversy involving Edward Snowden.
The EU looks to discuss the shortcomings of the pact with the US to reach an agreement to enable both sides to continue the agreement.
