Well, it looks like most of you are leaning in the "yes" direction, albeit with a few qualifications.
Most agreed that in circumstances where the
effect of the software was the inoperability of the device (or the introduction of meaningful inconvenience into the operation) -- and therefore
HARM -- you'd condemn it.
But many of you focused on the manner of distribution and the intentions of the distributors as differentiating factors. I think you missed the point of the poll. Let me ask the question another way: Do you think that the questionable ethics and inarguably harmful effects of Spyware should be dealt with (by the Law) in a manner similar to the treatment to Virus Makers?
EroticySteve raises a good point:
Quote:
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Originally Posted by EroticySteve
If it's malicious, invasive, difficult or impossible to remove I hate it. However, if to use FREE smileys you must have a piece of software on your computer I have no problem with it. I guess it comes down to knowledge and ease of removal and non-invasive practices by the supporting company.
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Agreed. If you want something for free (like broadcast TV), you should expect to allow for the subsidy of that value by parties interested in selling you things.
The problem is, the disclosure is terrible and the understanding of the average user of what will
actually happen on their computer after they check the "Accept" box is very low.
Clearly, we're dealing with a broad spectrum of activities here -- that includes certain practices, it seems, we're all agreed are BAD, but, more disturbingly, that also includes a
fuzzy area in the middle, where we're not so sure...
Follow me here:
1. You blow up a bank, you go to jail.
2. You stick-up a bank, you go to jail.
3. You embezzle money electronically from a bank, you go to jail.
4. You stand in front of a bank (ostensibly giving away lemonade samples), but then harass customers as they enter, stuff business cards in their pockets they don't want, follow them home, take over the TV remote control, tell them who they can talk to on the phone and who they can't, invite your friends over and make a mess...
Disclosure ethics and effect of harm.
j-