Computer makers in China have been instructed to pre-install blocking software on every PC hard drive from next month, under a government push to control access to the internet.
The new software, which has been developed by companies working with the Chinese military, is specifically aimed at restricting online pornography, but it could also be used to strengthen barriers to politically sensitive websites.
China's authorities currently block overseas-based sites they disapprove of, such as those relating to Tibetan independence, or the Falun Gong spiritual movement, with a mesh of filters and keyword restrictions, widely known as the Great Firewall.
Control over domestic servers is applied through instructions to content providers and search engines, which must self-censor to stay in business.
The new software – called Green Dam Youth Escort – potentially adds a powerful new tool at the level of the individual computer. It updates a list of forbidden sites from an online database, much as network security programs automatically download the latest defences against new worms, trojans and viruses.
The software, designed to work with the Microsoft Windows operating system, also collects private user data.
Optional programs that allow parents to restrict internet access by their children have existed for some time, but this is the first time the government has instructed that every computer be installed with a single centralised system.
China's ministry of industry and information technology issued a notice to personal computer-makers on 19 May that every machine sold from 1 July must be preloaded with the software. Last year 40m PCs were sold in China, the world's second biggest market after the US.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the notice says the move aims to "construct a green, healthy and harmonious internet environment, and prevent harmful information on the internet from influencing and poisoning young people".
PC makers and the providers of Green Dam are required to report periodically to the ministry about sales figures and the number of copies installed. For at least the first year the software will be free.
A separate instruction on the ministry's website obliged schools to install Green Dam on every computer in their institutions by the end of last month.
The software was developed by Jinhui Computer System Engineering in Henan under a 21m yuan (£2.2m) deal with the government.
Bryan Zhang, the founder of Jinhui, told reporters his company was compiling a database of forbidden sites, all related to pornography. He claimed users would have the option of uninstalling the software, or choosing to unblock sites, though they will not be permitted to see the list.
According to the company website, Jinhui has long-term working relationships with the ministry of public security and the People's Liberation Army's Information Engineering University.
The other collaborator on the project, Beijing Dazheng Human Language Technology Academy, works with the Armoured Engineering Institute of the People's Liberation Army.
China periodically launches campaigns against online porn. In the latest drive more than 1,900 websites have been shut down and search engines, such as Google and Baidu, have been castigated for failing to self-regulate. Rights groups say the same techniques, along with cruder methods, are used to stifle websites that embarrass, irritate or threaten the government.
Last week the authorities blocked Twitter and Hotmail in the run-up to the 20th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Four Real IRA leaders found liable for Omagh bombing
Four leaders of the Real IRA have been found liable for the 1998 Omagh bombing in a landmark civil case brought by the families of those killed.
The judge awarded more than £1.6m in damages to 12 relatives who pursued the case after criminal prosecutions failed.
The men found liable – Michael McKevitt, regarded as the founder of the Real IRA, Liam Campbell, Seamus Daly and Colm Murphy – were named in court as leaders of the Real IRA. A fifth man, Seamus McKenna, was cleared of any involvement.
Henry McDonald on the civil case against leaders of the Real IRA Link to this audio The Northern Ireland lord chief justice, Declan Morgan, said in his ruling that there was "overwhelming evidence" the four were connected to the explosion. He recommended that the 12 families who brought the case receive compensation ranging from £60,000 to £100,000 each. The awards will have to be pursued by the seizure of assets belonging to the four men.
Victor Barker, whose 12-year-old son James was killed, welcomed the ruling. "I am absolutely delighted that at long last we have got some justice for the Omagh families," he said. "After this judgment, now is the time for the entire republican community throughout Ireland to treat these people [the Real IRA] as pariahs."
One of those found liable today, Colm Murphy, had been found guilty in Dublin's special criminal court of conspiring to cause the Omagh bomb, but his conviction was later quashed.
The only man to face criminal charges, Sean Hoey, from Jonesborough, South Armagh, was acquitted in December 2007.
The bombing in August 1998 was the single biggest atrocity of the Northern Ireland Troubles. Twenty-nine people were killed in Omagh, a County Tyrone market town, including a woman pregnant with twins, as well as children from Northern Ireland, England and Spain.
The Omagh civil action became the first case to be heard on both sides of the Irish border after gardaí – the police of the Irish Republic – were granted special permission to give evidence about the bomb plot and the Real IRA.
Stanley McCombe, whose wife died in Omagh, said the legal fight would continue. "It is a result we hoped for but didn't expect. We didn't build our hopes up because we've been let down so many times before.
"It was never about money. We can stand and say that these guys are responsible for Omagh, that's what we wanted."
He said relatives were still demanding a public inquiry. "We have to carry on fighting for that. There is nobody doing time for 29 murders and we have to have a public inquiry to see where things went wrong."
The judge awarded more than £1.6m in damages to 12 relatives who pursued the case after criminal prosecutions failed.
The men found liable – Michael McKevitt, regarded as the founder of the Real IRA, Liam Campbell, Seamus Daly and Colm Murphy – were named in court as leaders of the Real IRA. A fifth man, Seamus McKenna, was cleared of any involvement.
Henry McDonald on the civil case against leaders of the Real IRA Link to this audio The Northern Ireland lord chief justice, Declan Morgan, said in his ruling that there was "overwhelming evidence" the four were connected to the explosion. He recommended that the 12 families who brought the case receive compensation ranging from £60,000 to £100,000 each. The awards will have to be pursued by the seizure of assets belonging to the four men.
Victor Barker, whose 12-year-old son James was killed, welcomed the ruling. "I am absolutely delighted that at long last we have got some justice for the Omagh families," he said. "After this judgment, now is the time for the entire republican community throughout Ireland to treat these people [the Real IRA] as pariahs."
One of those found liable today, Colm Murphy, had been found guilty in Dublin's special criminal court of conspiring to cause the Omagh bomb, but his conviction was later quashed.
The only man to face criminal charges, Sean Hoey, from Jonesborough, South Armagh, was acquitted in December 2007.
The bombing in August 1998 was the single biggest atrocity of the Northern Ireland Troubles. Twenty-nine people were killed in Omagh, a County Tyrone market town, including a woman pregnant with twins, as well as children from Northern Ireland, England and Spain.
The Omagh civil action became the first case to be heard on both sides of the Irish border after gardaí – the police of the Irish Republic – were granted special permission to give evidence about the bomb plot and the Real IRA.
Stanley McCombe, whose wife died in Omagh, said the legal fight would continue. "It is a result we hoped for but didn't expect. We didn't build our hopes up because we've been let down so many times before.
"It was never about money. We can stand and say that these guys are responsible for Omagh, that's what we wanted."
He said relatives were still demanding a public inquiry. "We have to carry on fighting for that. There is nobody doing time for 29 murders and we have to have a public inquiry to see where things went wrong."
UK's Brown wins support from Labour MPs
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown beat off a challenge to his authority on Monday, winning over Labour members of parliament after admitting mistakes and taking responsibility for a week of political turmoil.
Addressing Labour's 350 MPs a day after his party suffered a resounding defeat in European elections, Brown expressed contrition but said he was determined to fight on as leader after one of the most difficult weeks of his premiership.
"I know I need to improve," Brown told the MPs, according to a spokesman. "I have my strengths and I have my weaknesses. There are some things I can do well, some not so well.
"You solve the problem not by walking away but by facing it and doing something about it," he said, earning cheers and applause from the majority in the room, according to witnesses.
Several senior Labour members, including Charles Clarke, a former interior minister, called for Brown to step down. However, most threw their weight behind him ahead of a general election due within a year which the opposition center-right Conservatives are tipped to win.
The head of Labour's parliamentary group, Tony Lloyd, said he now saw little chance of Brown being ousted from office.
"I do not believe there will be any challenge to Gordon Brown within our party," he told Sky News.
Brown critics at the meeting said the prime minister had been "put on probation," suggesting there would be no immediate further challenge to his leadership.
EX-MINISTER CALLS FOR BROWN TO GO
Minutes later, a former Labour cabinet minister called for Brown to go.
"Now is the time for Gordon Brown to stand down as Labour leader and as prime minister," Stephen Byers, an ally of former Prime Minister Tony Blair, told a meeting of Labour activists.
Brown, in power since 2007 when he took over from Blair in mid-term, has been under pressure since a parliamentary expenses scandal caused popular disillusion with politics and, particularly, the party that has been in power for 12 years.
The unrest prompted six senior ministers to resign last week. Brown reshuffled his cabinet but Sunday's European election results -- giving Labour its smallest share of a national vote in 100 years -- dealt a new blow to his authority.
An opinion poll in Tuesday's Independent newspaper may give ammunition to those wanting a new leader.
The ComRes survey found that the Conservatives would win a big parliamentary majority if Brown leads Labour into the next election. However, if interior minister Alan Johnson replaced Brown, the Conservatives would fall six seats short of an overall majority. Johnson has pledged allegiance to Brown. Investors have been unsettled by talk of a leadership battle at a time of economic turmoil and soaring government borrowing.
The pound hit a near two-week low against the dollar on Monday after the election results raised the possibility of a Labour leadership challenge. Sterling later erased its losses.
"The election results put more pressure on Brown," said Paul Robinson, chief sterling strategist at Barclays in London.
"We don't know who will be prime minister in a month's time ... We don't know if he's going to stay, which is an uncomfortable position for an economy to be in," he said.
The collapse in the Labour vote in the European Parliament election, which followed a dismal showing in local government elections last week, helped the far-right British National Party (BNP) win its first two seats in the assembly.
Labour won 15.7 percent of the European vote, behind the anti-EU UK Independence Party with 16.5 percent and the Conservatives with 27.7 percent. Labour's vote was about seven points down from the 2004 European election.
NO VISION
Finance minister Alistair Darling was quoted as saying Labour's failure to articulate a vision was to blame for the BNP's success. "People felt disillusioned with us and didn't vote for us. That's our fault. We should be able to inspire confidence," he told The Guardian newspaper.
Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw appealed for a halt to the leadership speculation, saying Labour would not win a fourth term in government unless it ended. He urged anyone who wanted to challenge Brown to "stand up and declare themselves."
Although considered a sharp politician, Brown frequently appears dour and unable to connect with voters.
One junior minister who resigned accused him of treating her as "window dressing," while another who quit on Monday said she was tired of "threats and intimidation."
A change of leader would almost certainly precipitate an early election this year which Labour is in no shape to fight.
Brown and his leadership circle believe their best chance of winning an election rests on a strong economic turnaround.
There have been some signs that Britain may be starting to emerge from recession faster than forecast, but Bank of England policymakers have said the recovery may be slow.
Addressing Labour's 350 MPs a day after his party suffered a resounding defeat in European elections, Brown expressed contrition but said he was determined to fight on as leader after one of the most difficult weeks of his premiership.
"I know I need to improve," Brown told the MPs, according to a spokesman. "I have my strengths and I have my weaknesses. There are some things I can do well, some not so well.
"You solve the problem not by walking away but by facing it and doing something about it," he said, earning cheers and applause from the majority in the room, according to witnesses.
Several senior Labour members, including Charles Clarke, a former interior minister, called for Brown to step down. However, most threw their weight behind him ahead of a general election due within a year which the opposition center-right Conservatives are tipped to win.
The head of Labour's parliamentary group, Tony Lloyd, said he now saw little chance of Brown being ousted from office.
"I do not believe there will be any challenge to Gordon Brown within our party," he told Sky News.
Brown critics at the meeting said the prime minister had been "put on probation," suggesting there would be no immediate further challenge to his leadership.
EX-MINISTER CALLS FOR BROWN TO GO
Minutes later, a former Labour cabinet minister called for Brown to go.
"Now is the time for Gordon Brown to stand down as Labour leader and as prime minister," Stephen Byers, an ally of former Prime Minister Tony Blair, told a meeting of Labour activists.
Brown, in power since 2007 when he took over from Blair in mid-term, has been under pressure since a parliamentary expenses scandal caused popular disillusion with politics and, particularly, the party that has been in power for 12 years.
The unrest prompted six senior ministers to resign last week. Brown reshuffled his cabinet but Sunday's European election results -- giving Labour its smallest share of a national vote in 100 years -- dealt a new blow to his authority.
An opinion poll in Tuesday's Independent newspaper may give ammunition to those wanting a new leader.
The ComRes survey found that the Conservatives would win a big parliamentary majority if Brown leads Labour into the next election. However, if interior minister Alan Johnson replaced Brown, the Conservatives would fall six seats short of an overall majority. Johnson has pledged allegiance to Brown. Investors have been unsettled by talk of a leadership battle at a time of economic turmoil and soaring government borrowing.
The pound hit a near two-week low against the dollar on Monday after the election results raised the possibility of a Labour leadership challenge. Sterling later erased its losses.
"The election results put more pressure on Brown," said Paul Robinson, chief sterling strategist at Barclays in London.
"We don't know who will be prime minister in a month's time ... We don't know if he's going to stay, which is an uncomfortable position for an economy to be in," he said.
The collapse in the Labour vote in the European Parliament election, which followed a dismal showing in local government elections last week, helped the far-right British National Party (BNP) win its first two seats in the assembly.
Labour won 15.7 percent of the European vote, behind the anti-EU UK Independence Party with 16.5 percent and the Conservatives with 27.7 percent. Labour's vote was about seven points down from the 2004 European election.
NO VISION
Finance minister Alistair Darling was quoted as saying Labour's failure to articulate a vision was to blame for the BNP's success. "People felt disillusioned with us and didn't vote for us. That's our fault. We should be able to inspire confidence," he told The Guardian newspaper.
Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw appealed for a halt to the leadership speculation, saying Labour would not win a fourth term in government unless it ended. He urged anyone who wanted to challenge Brown to "stand up and declare themselves."
Although considered a sharp politician, Brown frequently appears dour and unable to connect with voters.
One junior minister who resigned accused him of treating her as "window dressing," while another who quit on Monday said she was tired of "threats and intimidation."
A change of leader would almost certainly precipitate an early election this year which Labour is in no shape to fight.
Brown and his leadership circle believe their best chance of winning an election rests on a strong economic turnaround.
There have been some signs that Britain may be starting to emerge from recession faster than forecast, but Bank of England policymakers have said the recovery may be slow.
NY sees clean energy creating up to 50,000 jobs
New York could create as many as 50,000 jobs by converting 45 percent of its electricity needs to renewable energy sources by 2015, Governor David Paterson said on Monday as he unveiled plans to reduce the state's reliance on Wall Street.
Paterson proposed modernizing the electricity grid, making broadband technology available throughout the state and investing $600 million into stem cell research over 10 years.
New York ranks behind only California in stem cell research, thanks to $118 million of investments in the past three years or so, Paterson said in a speech to the New York Academy of Science.
The stem cell fund would have to win the legislature's approval before it adjourns in about two weeks, as would some of other initiatives, said Paterson. These include reform of Empire Zone tax credits, which critics say failed to create jobs.
Developing new batteries needed for solar and wind energy was one of Paterson's major thrusts.
"Whoever learns to store energy in this country first will replenish their economy for years to come," he said.
Paterson also announced a matching grant program that will add 10 percent to every stimulus dollar that state research centers get from the federal government.
Such grant-sweeteners have already won the state over 50 percent of federal grants for advanced batteries, he said.
New York's economy, which has relied on the financial sector to pay a fifth of its taxes, has been hurt by losses on Wall Street. New York City is also home to top teaching hospitals and state universities that Paterson hopes will join with industry via a task force.
A number of states, including New Jersey and Texas, are vying to lead stem cell research, and others are also focusing on green energy.
Though Paterson said energy is "probably the greatest job creator," he also stressed improving education, saying that once the economy revives, he will finish major investments begun a few years ago and increase college loans.
Nanotechnology and agriculture were other promising fields, he said.
Noting New York led the nation with canals, steamships, light bulbs, radio and television broadcasts and power lines, the governor called on state agencies to develop "smart grid programs," saying the current transmission system was so outdated that inventor Thomas Alva Edison would see few changes.
He urged the Public Service Commission to release $100 million by summer's end for "shovel-ready" renewable projects.
Paterson proposed modernizing the electricity grid, making broadband technology available throughout the state and investing $600 million into stem cell research over 10 years.
New York ranks behind only California in stem cell research, thanks to $118 million of investments in the past three years or so, Paterson said in a speech to the New York Academy of Science.
The stem cell fund would have to win the legislature's approval before it adjourns in about two weeks, as would some of other initiatives, said Paterson. These include reform of Empire Zone tax credits, which critics say failed to create jobs.
Developing new batteries needed for solar and wind energy was one of Paterson's major thrusts.
"Whoever learns to store energy in this country first will replenish their economy for years to come," he said.
Paterson also announced a matching grant program that will add 10 percent to every stimulus dollar that state research centers get from the federal government.
Such grant-sweeteners have already won the state over 50 percent of federal grants for advanced batteries, he said.
New York's economy, which has relied on the financial sector to pay a fifth of its taxes, has been hurt by losses on Wall Street. New York City is also home to top teaching hospitals and state universities that Paterson hopes will join with industry via a task force.
A number of states, including New Jersey and Texas, are vying to lead stem cell research, and others are also focusing on green energy.
Though Paterson said energy is "probably the greatest job creator," he also stressed improving education, saying that once the economy revives, he will finish major investments begun a few years ago and increase college loans.
Nanotechnology and agriculture were other promising fields, he said.
Noting New York led the nation with canals, steamships, light bulbs, radio and television broadcasts and power lines, the governor called on state agencies to develop "smart grid programs," saying the current transmission system was so outdated that inventor Thomas Alva Edison would see few changes.
He urged the Public Service Commission to release $100 million by summer's end for "shovel-ready" renewable projects.
Mobile scanner could detect guns
British scientists have developed a portable microwave scanner to help police identify individuals carrying concealed guns and knives.
It is small enough to be used covertly, at some distance from the subject.
The device is based around microwave radar technology and is designed to pick up the "reflections" of weapons concealed beneath clothing.
Some officials believe technology like this could help increase the effectiveness of stop-and-search.
The existing prototype is suitable for the detection of guns, but researchers say subsequent versions of the technology will be able to identify concealed knives as well.
The new device employs low-power microwaves to identify weapons, using similar wavelengths as the body scanners currently in use at a number of airports.
However, Professor Nick Bowring from Manchester Metropolitan University, who led the development of the new device, said it worked on a different principle.
Unlike airport scanners, the portable machine does not produce an image of the subject, it only analyses signals.
"It is designed to work out on the streets and is not (restricted) to a closed, controlled environment," Professor Bowring told BBC News.
A human operator will transport the device, using it to direct microwave emission at a person of interest.
Return signals - microwaves reflected back towards the device - are picked up, sensed and analysed.
Weapon signature
"[The scanner] does a lot of computing and processing of the signals it acquires. It puts them all together, analyses them over a short period and makes a decision," said Professor Bowring.
"It works on the principle that the radar returns from people, when they are carrying a gun or a knife, look different. And we pick up on those small differences."
So-called neural network technology is employed to identify signals from concealed weapons and to ignore those from everyday items. Similar technology is used in the automatic recognition of car number plates.
Professor Bowring said he and his team had found ways to reduce the numbers of "false positive" readings to a "very low level".
Because of sensitivities surrounding its use, he could not say what distance the device worked over, but explained it was a "useful stand-off range". Researchers are reluctant to release pictures of the experimental set-up for similar reasons.
Tests are currently being carried out by the Metropolitan Police's operational technology department to see how the scanner could work in practice.
If those trials are successful, a device could become available to police forces within two years.
Catherine Coates, head of innovation at the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), said: "This device could save lives and free up valuable policing time currently taken up with gun and knife detection."
'Public scrutiny'
Anita Coles, policy officer for Liberty, told BBC News: "We welcome scientific innovation in the fight against crime but this kind of technology needs public scrutiny and foundation in law.
"The causes of violence also need attention. You will never eliminate all the guns, knives, bottles and glasses so it's important to consider other conditions that foster conflict."
In a statement, Stuart Ibbotson, head of engineering for the Metropolitan Police, said: "We are still at early stages and a way off deploying operational capability yet, but so far, results are very encouraging.
"This kind of device would be of great service to officers, helping them to catch people carrying guns and knives without putting themselves in increased danger. It could also help to target stop and search to further increase its effectiveness."
The number of firearms operations rose by almost a fifth last year in police forces in England and Wales.
Officers fired weapons seven times - up from three incidents the year before, but still fewer times than in 2001.
The Home Office figures showed a drop in firearms operations in some police areas commonly believed to have significant gun crime problems.
Professor Bowring said the scanner had been developed relatively cheaply, at a cost of only a few hundred thousand pounds.
The project involved researchers from MMU, Manchester University, Newcastle University and Queen Mary University of London.
It was funded by the EPSRC, supported by the Metropolitan Police and the Home Office Scientific Development Branch.
It is small enough to be used covertly, at some distance from the subject.
The device is based around microwave radar technology and is designed to pick up the "reflections" of weapons concealed beneath clothing.
Some officials believe technology like this could help increase the effectiveness of stop-and-search.
The existing prototype is suitable for the detection of guns, but researchers say subsequent versions of the technology will be able to identify concealed knives as well.
The new device employs low-power microwaves to identify weapons, using similar wavelengths as the body scanners currently in use at a number of airports.
However, Professor Nick Bowring from Manchester Metropolitan University, who led the development of the new device, said it worked on a different principle.
Unlike airport scanners, the portable machine does not produce an image of the subject, it only analyses signals.
"It is designed to work out on the streets and is not (restricted) to a closed, controlled environment," Professor Bowring told BBC News.
A human operator will transport the device, using it to direct microwave emission at a person of interest.
Return signals - microwaves reflected back towards the device - are picked up, sensed and analysed.
Weapon signature
"[The scanner] does a lot of computing and processing of the signals it acquires. It puts them all together, analyses them over a short period and makes a decision," said Professor Bowring.
"It works on the principle that the radar returns from people, when they are carrying a gun or a knife, look different. And we pick up on those small differences."
So-called neural network technology is employed to identify signals from concealed weapons and to ignore those from everyday items. Similar technology is used in the automatic recognition of car number plates.
Professor Bowring said he and his team had found ways to reduce the numbers of "false positive" readings to a "very low level".
Because of sensitivities surrounding its use, he could not say what distance the device worked over, but explained it was a "useful stand-off range". Researchers are reluctant to release pictures of the experimental set-up for similar reasons.
Tests are currently being carried out by the Metropolitan Police's operational technology department to see how the scanner could work in practice.
If those trials are successful, a device could become available to police forces within two years.
Catherine Coates, head of innovation at the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), said: "This device could save lives and free up valuable policing time currently taken up with gun and knife detection."
'Public scrutiny'
Anita Coles, policy officer for Liberty, told BBC News: "We welcome scientific innovation in the fight against crime but this kind of technology needs public scrutiny and foundation in law.
"The causes of violence also need attention. You will never eliminate all the guns, knives, bottles and glasses so it's important to consider other conditions that foster conflict."
In a statement, Stuart Ibbotson, head of engineering for the Metropolitan Police, said: "We are still at early stages and a way off deploying operational capability yet, but so far, results are very encouraging.
"This kind of device would be of great service to officers, helping them to catch people carrying guns and knives without putting themselves in increased danger. It could also help to target stop and search to further increase its effectiveness."
The number of firearms operations rose by almost a fifth last year in police forces in England and Wales.
Officers fired weapons seven times - up from three incidents the year before, but still fewer times than in 2001.
The Home Office figures showed a drop in firearms operations in some police areas commonly believed to have significant gun crime problems.
Professor Bowring said the scanner had been developed relatively cheaply, at a cost of only a few hundred thousand pounds.
The project involved researchers from MMU, Manchester University, Newcastle University and Queen Mary University of London.
It was funded by the EPSRC, supported by the Metropolitan Police and the Home Office Scientific Development Branch.
Shell settles Nigeria deaths case
Royal Dutch Shell has agreed to pay $15.5m to settle a lawsuit which accused the oil firm of complicity in rights abuses in Nigeria.
The case, due for trial in the US next week, was brought by relatives of a group of anti-Shell activists executed in 1995 by Nigeria's military rulers.
The families say Shell helped the government to punish the campaigners.
But the company insists it did nothing wrong and said the payment was part of a "process of reconciliation".
Shell official Malcolm Brinded said: "This gesture also acknowledges that, even though Shell had no part in the violence that took place, the plaintiffs and others have suffered."
'Victory' for campaigners
Among those executed was Ken Saro-Wiwa, a prominent writer.
He and other activists had formed a group in 1990 aimed at showing the world the environmental damage they said Shell's drilling was causing in the Niger Delta.
But the campaigners were jailed on charges of ordering the 1994 murder of four local leaders.
After a trial, Mr Saro-Wiwa and eight others were hanged.
Their relatives have pursued Shell through the courts ever since.
Ken Saro-Wiwa's 40-year-old son, Ken Saro-Wiwa Jr, said his father would have been happy with the result.
He told the Associated Press that Shell's settlement represented a "victory for us".
Paul Hoffman, one of the lawyers for the Nigerian families, also expressed his satisfaction with the outcome.
"We litigated with Shell for 13 years and, at the end of the day, the plaintiffs are going to be compensated for the human-rights violations they suffered," he said.
"Had we tried the case and won, the plaintiffs were still looking at years of appeals," he said.
The lawyers said a large chunk of the money would be put into a trust to benefit the people of Ogoniland - the area Mr Saro-Wiwa was seeking to protect.
Weapons allegations
The case was first filed in the US in 1996 under a 200-year-old statute allowing people to bring rights abuse cases in US courts even when the alleged crimes took place outside the US.
The lawsuit alleged that Shell officials helped to supply Nigerian police with weapons during the 1990s.
It claimed that Shell participated in security sweeps in parts of Ogoniland and hired government troops that shot at villagers who protested against a pipeline.
And the papers also alleged that Shell helped the government capture and hang Mr Saro-Wiwa and several of his colleagues.
"Shell has always maintained the allegations were false," said Mr Brinded.
"While we were prepared to go to court to clear our name, we believe the right way forward is to focus on the future for Ogoni people, which is important for peace and stability in the region."
The case, due for trial in the US next week, was brought by relatives of a group of anti-Shell activists executed in 1995 by Nigeria's military rulers.
The families say Shell helped the government to punish the campaigners.
But the company insists it did nothing wrong and said the payment was part of a "process of reconciliation".
Shell official Malcolm Brinded said: "This gesture also acknowledges that, even though Shell had no part in the violence that took place, the plaintiffs and others have suffered."
'Victory' for campaigners
Among those executed was Ken Saro-Wiwa, a prominent writer.
He and other activists had formed a group in 1990 aimed at showing the world the environmental damage they said Shell's drilling was causing in the Niger Delta.
But the campaigners were jailed on charges of ordering the 1994 murder of four local leaders.
After a trial, Mr Saro-Wiwa and eight others were hanged.
Their relatives have pursued Shell through the courts ever since.
Ken Saro-Wiwa's 40-year-old son, Ken Saro-Wiwa Jr, said his father would have been happy with the result.
He told the Associated Press that Shell's settlement represented a "victory for us".
Paul Hoffman, one of the lawyers for the Nigerian families, also expressed his satisfaction with the outcome.
"We litigated with Shell for 13 years and, at the end of the day, the plaintiffs are going to be compensated for the human-rights violations they suffered," he said.
"Had we tried the case and won, the plaintiffs were still looking at years of appeals," he said.
The lawyers said a large chunk of the money would be put into a trust to benefit the people of Ogoniland - the area Mr Saro-Wiwa was seeking to protect.
Weapons allegations
The case was first filed in the US in 1996 under a 200-year-old statute allowing people to bring rights abuse cases in US courts even when the alleged crimes took place outside the US.
The lawsuit alleged that Shell officials helped to supply Nigerian police with weapons during the 1990s.
It claimed that Shell participated in security sweeps in parts of Ogoniland and hired government troops that shot at villagers who protested against a pipeline.
And the papers also alleged that Shell helped the government capture and hang Mr Saro-Wiwa and several of his colleagues.
"Shell has always maintained the allegations were false," said Mr Brinded.
"While we were prepared to go to court to clear our name, we believe the right way forward is to focus on the future for Ogoni people, which is important for peace and stability in the region."
Lebanon confirms Hariri election win
Interior Minister Ziad Baroud confirmed the 14 March coalition of Saad Hariri had won 71 seats in the 128-member body, one more than four years ago.
Hassan Nasrallah, head of militant movement Hezbollah, which won 57 seats, said he accepted the outcome.
US President Barack Obama praised the election and welcomed the result.
Mr Baroud said voting passed off satisfactorily, despite some organisational problems.
Security has been tightened and political leaders appealed for calm throughout Lebanon, which last year witnessed pitched battles between rival factions.
A possible victory for Hezbollah, which is supported by Syria and Iran, had caused jitters among Western governments, and the US was threatening to withdraw its aid package to Lebanon.
But Hassan Nasrallah said he accepted the outcome.
"I would like to congratulate all those who won, those in the majority and those in the opposition," he said.
Mr Obama said in a statement: "It is our sincere hope that the next government will continue along the path towards building a sovereign, independent and stable Lebanon
He went on the warn: "Government of the people and by the people sets a single standard for all who hold power: you must maintain your power through consent, not coercion."
The turnout was 54%, Mr Baroud said, the highest percentage among Lebanon's three million voters since the 1975-91 civil war.
The campaign was marred by mud-slinging and accusations that large numbers of expatriate Lebanese were flown home for free to cast votes.
But former US President Jimmy Carter, who lead a team of international observers, said he was encouraged by the way the election was conducted and the response of politicians from all sides.
"The most important thing is to commend the people of Lebanon and the election authorities for a successful demonstration of the right of the people to express their will. They did it legally and properly, and one of the tests of a successful election is a rapid acceptance of the results," Mr Carter said.
Lebanon is a country of deeply-fragmented religious sects, and this election broadly pitted Shia Muslim supporters of Hezbollah against Sunni Muslims and Druze supporting the 14 March coalition.
The crucial electoral showdown had been between Christian rivals, who although they make up only one-third of the population are constitutionally guaranteed an equal half share of parliamentary seats.
The influential Christian Maronite community was split between established Western-orientated factions and the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) of former army chief Michel Aoun, which joined the pro-Syria faction in 2006.
As predicted, Hezbollah and its smaller Shia ally Amal swept the vote in Lebanon's mainly Shia areas, but the FPM lost in the key districts of Zahleh and Beirut First.
Deadlock
After years of Syrian domination of its small neighbour, underpinned by a large military presence, the pro-Western bloc was swept to power in 2005, following the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in a car bombing in Beirut.
Popular discontent after that attack had forced Syria to withdraw its troops amid accusations of its involvement in the killing. The government in Damascus has strongly denied the claims.
A post-2005 unity coalition collapsed in November 2006, with the resignation of all six of its pro-Syrian ministers, stripping it of representation by Lebanon's largest confessional group, the Shia Muslims.
The following year parliament became deadlocked over filling the vacant presidency - and a unity government was only re-formed after the country teetered on the brink of full-scale civil war in May 2008.
Analysts say another fragile unity government is likely from this result.
A major division looks set to remain over Hezbollah's powerful guerrilla army, which pro-Western elements accuse of disrupting Lebanese stability but which Hezbollah supporters say is vital to resist the threat from Israel.
Hezbollah will demand that it retain a veto-wielding share of cabinet seats which it secured in last year's unity talks.
Hassan Nasrallah, head of militant movement Hezbollah, which won 57 seats, said he accepted the outcome.
US President Barack Obama praised the election and welcomed the result.
Mr Baroud said voting passed off satisfactorily, despite some organisational problems.
Security has been tightened and political leaders appealed for calm throughout Lebanon, which last year witnessed pitched battles between rival factions.
A possible victory for Hezbollah, which is supported by Syria and Iran, had caused jitters among Western governments, and the US was threatening to withdraw its aid package to Lebanon.
But Hassan Nasrallah said he accepted the outcome.
"I would like to congratulate all those who won, those in the majority and those in the opposition," he said.
Mr Obama said in a statement: "It is our sincere hope that the next government will continue along the path towards building a sovereign, independent and stable Lebanon
He went on the warn: "Government of the people and by the people sets a single standard for all who hold power: you must maintain your power through consent, not coercion."
The turnout was 54%, Mr Baroud said, the highest percentage among Lebanon's three million voters since the 1975-91 civil war.
The campaign was marred by mud-slinging and accusations that large numbers of expatriate Lebanese were flown home for free to cast votes.
But former US President Jimmy Carter, who lead a team of international observers, said he was encouraged by the way the election was conducted and the response of politicians from all sides.
"The most important thing is to commend the people of Lebanon and the election authorities for a successful demonstration of the right of the people to express their will. They did it legally and properly, and one of the tests of a successful election is a rapid acceptance of the results," Mr Carter said.
Lebanon is a country of deeply-fragmented religious sects, and this election broadly pitted Shia Muslim supporters of Hezbollah against Sunni Muslims and Druze supporting the 14 March coalition.
The crucial electoral showdown had been between Christian rivals, who although they make up only one-third of the population are constitutionally guaranteed an equal half share of parliamentary seats.
The influential Christian Maronite community was split between established Western-orientated factions and the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) of former army chief Michel Aoun, which joined the pro-Syria faction in 2006.
As predicted, Hezbollah and its smaller Shia ally Amal swept the vote in Lebanon's mainly Shia areas, but the FPM lost in the key districts of Zahleh and Beirut First.
Deadlock
After years of Syrian domination of its small neighbour, underpinned by a large military presence, the pro-Western bloc was swept to power in 2005, following the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in a car bombing in Beirut.
Popular discontent after that attack had forced Syria to withdraw its troops amid accusations of its involvement in the killing. The government in Damascus has strongly denied the claims.
A post-2005 unity coalition collapsed in November 2006, with the resignation of all six of its pro-Syrian ministers, stripping it of representation by Lebanon's largest confessional group, the Shia Muslims.
The following year parliament became deadlocked over filling the vacant presidency - and a unity government was only re-formed after the country teetered on the brink of full-scale civil war in May 2008.
Analysts say another fragile unity government is likely from this result.
A major division looks set to remain over Hezbollah's powerful guerrilla army, which pro-Western elements accuse of disrupting Lebanese stability but which Hezbollah supporters say is vital to resist the threat from Israel.
Hezbollah will demand that it retain a veto-wielding share of cabinet seats which it secured in last year's unity talks.
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