cirby@vaxb.acs.unt.edu (((((C.Irby))))) (03/11/91)
With all of the talk about the net and censorship, a couple of questions have popped into my mind. Since all of the computer "big guns" (Apple, etc.) have decided to get into wireless networking, the door has opened for some interesting legal questions: (note: most of this is U.S. specific) Since the Federal Communications Commission has control over broadcasting, that means they have some jurisdiction over the material that goes over wireless networks. Does that mean I could be arrested (and my network shut down) for 'letting' some user transfer a 'sex.gif' to another user? Think about those packet radio operators who are fighting the FCC over the issue of the transfer of a 900 number (packet radio can't be used for profit, and someone put an 'ad' for a 900 number into the system- some sysop got fined for 'allowing' the automatic transfer of this information). Add that to the lack of First Amendment protection for broadcasting. This could mean that the FCC can monitor your network and decide to shut you down- and they have the precedents for it. They might even try to nail someone for transferring 'adult' pictures during the family hour... ;-) Do we have a problem here? Should we try to narrow the powers of the FCC in this regard? Do other countries have similar situations looming on the horizon? -- |////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////| |\\\\\\| C Irby cirby@untvax cirby@vaxa.acs.unt.edu |\\\\\\| |//////| He frowns thoughtfully. "I wonder why the |//////| |\\\\\\| Fascists always have the best uniforms." |\\\\\\| |////////////////////////-Spy Magazine-//////////////////////////|