NNSquad - Network Neutrality Squad
[ NNSquad ] Re: Comments on NNSquad Purpose
On Sunday 11 November 2007 12:46, Robb Topolski wrote:
> I reject, wholesale, that the ISP has to play 'censor' for the end-users.
> That doesn't work. I might create copyrightable content, or might have
> rights to access under "fair-use" or other exceptions, or I might have
> explicit permission to access or distribute the material (in my case, all
> of the above have been true). The ISP cannot and should not know what I am
> entitled to download or upload as I do it.
Indeed.
I recall an article or two in Boardwatch magazine back when, that discussed
this very issue. Basically there were two approaches taken to things, and
both had come to court cases. One was _Compuserve vs. Cubby_, I can't
recall the name of the other one offhand. One of these days I should
probably dig out that old magazine and get some more details...
The two approaches to things were this: Either the ISP ("online service" back
in those days) is providing conectivity, which puts them in one legal
position, or they're a "publisher", which makes them responsible for _all_
content. And it seems to me that any efforts to exercise control over
content is moving a company toward that second position. If you're an ISP
and doing so, you might have a good hard look at your legal liabilities
there.
As a user of Verizon's services, I'm interested in just what it is that
they've been doing in terms of concerns to this list. Can you folks point me
toward some info on the subject?
--
Member of the toughest, meanest, deadliest, most unrelenting -- and
ablest -- form of life in this section of space, a critter that can
be killed but can't be tamed. --Robert A. Heinlein, "The Puppet Masters"
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Information is more dangerous than cannon to a society ruled by lies. --James
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