jejones@mcrware.UUCP (03/17/88)
I've just read something in the "Computer Communications" column of the April 1988 *Computer Shopper* that I find HIGHLY disturbing and which I think should be brought to the attention of modem users. I quote the salient portion: "In a recent issue of *Info-Mat* magazine, an online 'magazine' available on 170 selected BBSs across the country, it was reported that the feds have underwritten a BBS to monitor the BBS user community, with an eye toward taxation and regulation. The Cyber Foundation BBS describes itself and its system in a text file as 'a non-profit government-supported system run by the United States Instructional Department. [has anyone ever heard of this alleged organization?] This system is a test for the government and FCC to determine if bulletin board systems, non-paying information exchange systems, should be charged for use.' "The sysop of the Cyber Foundation BBS is Chris Regan, who has left messages to the effect that he does not work for the government, but that the government has paid for (part of?) the equipment and operating costs. An elaboration of the system's purpose as stated by sysop Regan in some online messages is, 'a test to see if bulletin boards, their phone lines, and others, should be taxed or have a tariff placed on the information.' "Other regulatory ideas discussed on the BBS by the sysop have included the licensing of modems (similar to ham radio), and the licensing of BBSs, including the segregation of BBSs by computer type, and foregoing any semblance of BBS privacy by giving a government official the right to log on and 'inspect' all messages and files at random times. "There is little justification for regulating computer communication via telephone. As a licensed ham radio operator, I understand the reasons why transmission of voice or data over the radio spectrum are regulated, but none of these reasons are applicable concerning telephone usage. When I make a call on my telephone, whether I communicate by voice or computer, it is a private matter between the party I am calling and me. The government has no more business pursuing private messages I have left on a BBS than they do voice messages I leave on a friend's answering machine. The FCC has spent the last several years reducing regulation on the radio services; there is absolutely no reason for them to set up a whole new area of regulation in the telephone service. "These ideas for bureaucratic power grabbing, invasion of privacy, limitation of free speech and government money grubbing need to be refuted before they advance any further. The Cyber Foundation BBS is located somewhere in Connecticut and the phone number is (203) 264-5463. I encourage you to call it up and let your opinions be known (courteously, of course)." [end quote] I have called the phone number, and found a BBS that does indeed go by that name, with the stated Chris Regan as sysop. Those messages I looked at didn't seem to discuss the issues mentioned in the *CS* article; however, any threat to the Constitution merits investigation. (I left a message with the sysop expressing my concern.) Does anyone out there know anything about this BBS? Are the cited issues really under discussion there? Thanks... James Jones [My opinions? Who'd want them? Certainly not some company...]