more on MIT says it won't admit hackers

["Dave Farber" <dave () farber net>]

_______________ Original message _______________
Subject:        Re: [IP] more on MIT says it won't admit hackers
Author: John David Galt <jdg () diogenes sacramento ca us>
Date:           12th March 2005 1:34:4  PM

Kenneth Martinian <kjmartinian () yahoo com> writes:
> Just because the activity is easy (e.g., only requires
> changing the URL), does not take away from the fact
> that these applicants knew they were attempting to
> view something they would not be permitted to see.

In a word: Hogwash.

Putting a file on a web site -- even unlinked -- is not comparable to
leaving your front door unlocked.  It is more like posting it on the
community bulletin board in front of City Hall, or publishing it in
the newspaper.  People have every right to browse through any file or
directory that's available on the Web; that's what Web sites are for.

If someone you trust with your private information puts it up on a web
site because he's too incompetent to know any better, it's his fault
(negligence) and possibly yours, for trusting him.  But members of the
public who view the site have done no wrong.

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