http://arstechnica.com/te...to-play-copyright-cop.ars
Quote
Civilizing the 'Net: ISPs told to play copyright cop
A major Internet conference ended today in Paris with the publication of an official "Communiqué on Principles for Internet Policy-Making" (PDF). A key piece of these principles involves deputizing Internet providers to become Internet cops—cops that would act on the basis of "voluntary agreements" with content owners and other groups, not on national laws.
Hey, it's voluntary!
"Civilizing" the Internet has largely been a country-by-country affair to date, but 2011 looks to be the year in which Internet "rules of the road" truly go global.
...
That voluntary cooperation should take the form of "codes of conduct" hashed out in a "multi-stakeholder process." Those codes could cover "fraudulent, malicious, misleading, and unfair practices taking place over the Internet." In return for cracking down on material passing through their pipes, ISPs would be relieved of legal liability; indeed, the limitation on their liability is actually a carrot with which to force them into participating in these "voluntary" meetings. As the communiqué puts it, offering liability limits may provide "the incentives for cooperation between stakeholders." The implied threat for ISPs who don't go along is clear.
...
Unsurprisingly, such digital rights groups have reacted strongly to the OECD proposal. Here in the US, the Electronic Frontier Foundation said the document could "encourage states to use Internet intermediaries to police online content, undermining freedom of expression, privacy and innovation across the world." It refused to sign on.
A major Internet conference ended today in Paris with the publication of an official "Communiqué on Principles for Internet Policy-Making" (PDF). A key piece of these principles involves deputizing Internet providers to become Internet cops—cops that would act on the basis of "voluntary agreements" with content owners and other groups, not on national laws.
Hey, it's voluntary!
"Civilizing" the Internet has largely been a country-by-country affair to date, but 2011 looks to be the year in which Internet "rules of the road" truly go global.
...
That voluntary cooperation should take the form of "codes of conduct" hashed out in a "multi-stakeholder process." Those codes could cover "fraudulent, malicious, misleading, and unfair practices taking place over the Internet." In return for cracking down on material passing through their pipes, ISPs would be relieved of legal liability; indeed, the limitation on their liability is actually a carrot with which to force them into participating in these "voluntary" meetings. As the communiqué puts it, offering liability limits may provide "the incentives for cooperation between stakeholders." The implied threat for ISPs who don't go along is clear.
...
Unsurprisingly, such digital rights groups have reacted strongly to the OECD proposal. Here in the US, the Electronic Frontier Foundation said the document could "encourage states to use Internet intermediaries to police online content, undermining freedom of expression, privacy and innovation across the world." It refused to sign on.
Why should ISPs take on any responsibility? Should telephone companies take on responsibility for people selling drugs or doing other illegal things over the phone? Should paper companies be responsible for people using paper in illegal activities? Should Nike be responsible for thieves running away after robbing a convenience store?
I see a very slippery slope that ends in a very dark place...
Logged
. That one should go in the quotable quotes book, Website, whatever. A most cogent observation, and applicable to most every political type I've ever met 
. (Also to most business execs/supervisors, but I won't go there - that'd require reams if in print, and way too many pages as a forum comment 
.)
.
