Is Banning The Internet From Computer Criminals A Viable Punishment?
from the seems-increasingly-difficult dept
This isn't the first time this question has been raised, but with another case where someone has been banned from using the internet after being found guilty of a computer crime, is it reasonable (or even viable) to ban someone from using the internet? There's no denying that this guy did something wrong in hacking into his school's computers and taking the personal info (including social security numbers) of thousands of people. He should be punished for that. But, part of the punishment is a ban on using the internet except under approval and supervision -- and only for work and school. The reasoning makes sense. He used the internet to commit the crime, so stop him from being able to do that again. However, with the internet becoming a part of so much of our lives is it really reasonable? Will he not be allowed to buy a phone with a data connection? That's increasingly difficult these days. What about using a VoIP phone? Or signing up for an IPTV account as those become available? Lots of new consumer electronics and appliances are going to come with internet access as well. Will he not be able to use those? It just seems like the type of vague ban that sounds good in a courtroom but will be tough to enforce out in the real world.Thank you for reading this Techdirt post. With so many things competing for everyone’s attention these days, we really appreciate you giving us your time. We work hard every day to put quality content out there for our community.
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I thought this was not allowed
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Re: I thought this was not allowed
But if he does any subsequent crime which involves internet access then they can definately add a charge of violating his probation on top of any other charges that apply. That gives law enforcement and the court just a little more leverage if he ever comes back.
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No Subject Given
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Re: No Subject Given
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heh
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How About Banning Cell Phones?
The man, for whom an arrest warrant has been issued, said he was upset that train conductors did not stop people from using their cell phones on the train, and that he was inspired by the London bombings.
http://www.sanspo.com/sokuho/0908sokuho045.html
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No Subject Given
As the internet becomes an integral part of our everyday lives banning someone from it is akin to banning someone to speak, write, or read.
I think access to the internet should be right up there with the right to free speech.
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Re: No Subject Given
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That dorpus link in Googlish
Where else would you find things like: The cow rescue which in typhoon 14 is buried in the earth and sand
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