Transcript Cyberspace Programmers Confront Copywright Laws

Cyberspace Programmers
Confront Copywright Laws
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By: Thomas Hussey
Article: ”Cyberspace Programmers Confront
Copywright Laws”
Date: May 10, 2000
http://www.nytimes.com/library/tech/00/05/biztech/articles/10digital.html
Summary
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In this article copywright laws are under consideration
A program created by Ian Clarke called FREENET allows
users to exchange any kind of digital material in an
encrypted manner.
The article considers if this is ethical.
The article states that this program does not violate most
copywright laws, but that most copywright laws are out of
date.
”Although Freenet does technically violate most copyright
laws, some legal analysts contend that most intellectual
property laws are obsolete and are being used against
technologies that the laws' creators could not have
foreseen.”
Summary Cont.
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Ian Clarke an Irish programmer has the
conviction that this free sharing of digital
material and change in techonology will benefit
the creators.
”Clarke says that although it is impossible to
stop Freenet from being used, copyright holders
have adapted to and profited from technological
changes in the past, such as magnetic tape and
copy machines.”
8 Step Process
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1: Briefly describe the ethical case
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Case Previously Summarized.
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2: Who are the interested parties and what would they
like to see as an outcome?
The parties are Ian Clarke, his users, the creators of
the media being shared, and those who support
copywright laws.
Ian Clarke and his users would like FREENET to
become a popular program.
The creators and supporters of copywright laws would
like FREENET to be declared unlawful.
8 Step Process
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3: Propose three possible solutions, two extremes and
a compromise.
One extreme is to declare FREENET illegal.
Another extreme is to declare it legal and the
copywright laws ineffectual.
A compromise would be to come up with a system in
which FREENET could lawfully transmit the media
between users. Maybe on a monetary basis by the
owners of the material uploading their own copies for
sale.
The solution I choose AS MOST ETHICAL is the
compromise
8 Step Process
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4: Would you be willing for everyone to use the
solution you chose?
The solution I chose would be legal so everyone would
be able to use it.
5: Is this solution in accord with human nature?
This solution is in accord with human nature, because
it is human nature to sell and goods instead of have
goods stolen.
6: Would there be majority agreement that this method
is the most efficient means to an end?
No, because the individuals FREENET was created
for were only going to use it to obtain media for free.
8 Step Process
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7: Is this solution the one I am most committed
to my own conscience?
Yes, ethical and still allows me to easily obtain
media?, but I prefer the stealing solution.
8: Which philosophy does this solution reflect?
Realism, creators don't want their work being
stolen so there is only one way to appease
them.
Apply ACM Code of Ethics to
Freenet
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Under General Moral Imperatives violates many
aspects.
Possibly may contribute to humanities wellbeing by providing free access to digital
infromation
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Does harm creator of material who seek profit
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Is illegal therefore not honest or trustworthy
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Does not honor property rights