Computer Weekly – Technology A-level student numbers fall again
The number of students taking IT-related A-level subjects fell again this year. ICT student numbers fell 2.7% from 12,277 to 11,948, while the number of computing students fell 7% from 5,068 to 4,710. The gender divide in technology was also demonstrated by the figures. There were 7,339 on the ICT course, compared with 4,609 girls, and 4,256 boys took A-level computing, compared with just 454 girls.

The Guardian – Phorm’s shares dip on news of OFT inquiry
The share price of controversial behavioural targeting firm Phorm fallen by more than 20 per cent in early trading today, after the Office of Fair Trading announced an investigation into how the habits and personal information of web users are used to target internet advertising.

BBC News – Oracle gets go-ahead to buy Sun
The US Justice Department has given its approval for business software firm Oracle to take over computer hardware software maker Sun Microsystems. The £4.5bn deal was agreed by the two in April this year, but still needs approval from the European Commission before it can be concluded.

The Register – Apple applies for in-call music swapsies iPhone patent
Apple has filed a patent application that would enable iPhone users to transfer files and typed messages to others while speaking with them during a voice call.

Computing – Computer systems blamed for accounting problems at MoD
Fault-ridden computerised recording systems at the Ministry of Defence (MoD) have been blamed for “losing” £6.6bn of arms and equipment, according to a National Audit Office (NAO) report. The formal qualification to the MoD’s accounts by comptroller and auditor-general Amyas Morse also criticised net errors totalling £140m in the Joint Personnel Administration (JPA) payroll system. The failings were revealed in comments reported to Parliament explaining Morse’s refusal to sign off last year’s MoD accounts.