Mike Riddle <Mike.Riddle@f27.n285.z1.fidonet.org> (06/24/90)
Whether or not "theft" is the correct term to use when discussing unauthorized acquisition of a computer program or data is an interesting question. While I recognize the semantic difficulties, it seems to me that "theft" is as good a term as any. There are also parallels in older, more established law. Compare the computer programs involved to copyrighted material or to trade secrets. The law is reasonably well-settled in both of those areas. The company owning the copyright or trade secret is entitled to control the distribution, as long as it takes reasonable measures to secure it. If someone gains access and uses the copyrighted material or trade secret without permission, when a reasonable person should know the information is confidential or distribution is restricted, then that person has taken something of value from the orignal owner. I submit that "theft" is the unauthorized taking of something of value -- so the term fits to folks who access computers without authorization and make personal copies of the contents. While there are many more difficult issues involved with the technological revolution (witness Caller-ID), we still ought to be able to recognize a taking for what it is and label it as such. Since more and more of us store valuable information in our computers, and those computers are connected to networks, we all have an interest in preventing our valuable commodities from being stolen. Ybbat (DRBBS) 8.9 v. 3.11 r.3 [1:285/27@fidonet] The Inns of Court 402/593-1192 (1:285/27.0) --- Through FidoNet gateway node 1:16/390 Mike.Riddle@f27.n285.z1.fidonet.org