Re: ranting.. was Re: (no subject) PS

["Euan Briggs" <euan_briggs () btinternet com>]

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> None of the above dictates that user freedom is defined by
> disclosure in and all by itself.  It is again, always a personal
> choice (and often dictated by our employers - another story), but
> it is certainly defined that the freedom for the users of software
> are taken away, when they, when we, are required _not_ to disclose.
>
> </rant>
>
> --
> Silvio


I wasn't actually referring to the full-disclosure issue here when I
talked about PHC adding nails to the coffin of internet freedom.
However I completely agree with you in that the form disclosure takes
is a free choice, its not down to governments to interfere in this.
Its the kind of thing where industry standard ethical guidelines,
agreed by general concensus are more appropriate than legislative
controls, and this is more in the spirit of the internet. I think
rather than having governments formalise the disclosure process
itself, their idea of criminalising the release of functional
ready-to-go ./hack tools is not over the top and could actually
protect against the dangers of that form of disclosure, without
limiting the individual or the business's freedom to disclose in a
way which has maximum benefit for all. Nobody but blackhats disclose
functional "proof of concept" (what a misnomer) code, so nobody but
blackhats have anything to fear from laws which attempt to regulate
such releases. I would be happy to see that happen, as long as it is
done in such a way that it doesnt stifle or outlaw legitemate
research, as the DMCA attempts to do, which is in the interests of
business rather than the interests of security. Personally I think
the language in the DMCA should be changed, as the bits about reverse
engineering etc look like they can be applied in ways that exceed the
intended scope of the legislation.

Euan

PHC analogy number 398434:   "PHC is like the mouse saying to the
vermin hunting cat 'hey, you shouldnt eat mice, and besides, I can't
be bothered running away from you'

 

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