Slashdot is currently linking to a Salon article (to skip force-fed ads, first grab the daily cookie: http://www.salon.com/news/cookie.html) about non-security. The best security, the author writes, is none at all. If he opens his wireless up to everyone, then he’s not responsible for any of the activity, and in fact, implies that he could hide his own illegal (don’t confuse with immoral) activities under this cover. The idea being that his actions are covered under the common carrier law and he’s therefore not liable for the data his network is transporting.
There’s a number of interesting issues involved in this, and normally this is something I’d be very interested to discuss. Except for one thing… I got sidetracked with a comment on a related issue in the story on another topic I am even more passionate about and have been thinking about posting on for a few days now.
Comcast is protected by “Common Carrier” provisions — “the law”. You and I are not. As you would be acting with wreckless disreguard, the courts could very well hold you legally responsible for what goes on by way of your intentionally unsecured wireless network. And Comcast and all the others under the common carrier umbrella won’t give a single damn. (In fact, most would simply terminate your account for various TOS violations.)
In a civilized society, you are responsible for your actions.
I’d like to think that was the case, but there are unfortunately too many examples to the contrary. At least, there are if we assume that we live in a civilized society.
Ironically, while we (Americans mainly, I think) don’t feel responsible, we do feel entitled. What strange twist of logic allows someone to have both perspectives? And yet, both are more and more obvious in the inane perspectives and attitudes that pervade our culture. Or maybe I’m just taking the usual alarmist approach and finally noticing something that has been a trait of mankind since the beginning. I’m guessing this is indeed a relatively new trend, at least as evidenced in the laws and courts. (Let’s hear it for tort reform). Either way, I’ve decided to label entitlement and not-my-fault snydrome as my #1 and #2 pet peeve.
It’s the same mentality that blames dysfunctional children that kill people on violence on television, movies, and video games.
Left by Eric on May 19th, 2004
I thought those were all names of recent viruses or worms.
Left by Matt on May 19th, 2004