Kiddie Porn - The Virus Did It

The New York Times reports on a British man who was accused of downloading child pornography, and who successfully convinced the court that a virus did it. This is at least the second time this has happened. These cases are extremely interesting since they bring together all sorts of issues of computerized agents - who is actually responsible when your computer does something?

Comments

Re:Virus?

[AKnightCowboy]

Yes, but common knowledge tells everyone what the brakes do in a car. You do a driving test that requires the use of the brake.

You also need to pass a test to get an amateur radio license and are restricted in your privileges based on the skill level you have achieved. You can't kill anyone by using a radio, but it's strictly regulated. Why can't we do the same for the Internet? That was the biggest mistake in history: allowing Joe user unrestricted access to the Internet without a license.

Who here hasn't been asked to help a friend with a troublesome system, that was found to contain all maner of trojans and ad-ware?

Yes, those same people should not have been allowed near an Internet connection. If you want to own a standalone computer and infect yourself, so be it. Don't bring it on the net.