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Analysis Of Symantec's Stance On Censorship

Posted by timothy on from the please-register-with-the-authorities dept.

robochan writes "According to this report in the Sydney Morning Herald, Chief Operating Officer of Symantec, John Schwarz, was quoted as 'calling for laws to make it a criminal offense to share information and tools online which could be used by malicious hackers and virus writers.' This article takes a look at the negative affects and also a couple of recent examples of "censorship legislation" backed by the COO of Symantec, and what little effect it has had on criminals, while having a substantial affect on responsible citizens."

11 of 273 comments (clear)

  1. In other words by Leffe · · Score: 5, Funny

    GCC has been made illegal.

  2. Re:Well I for one.. by OverlordQ · · Score: 3, Funny

    Well I, for one, welcome our new Websters Dictionary Overlords

    --
    Your hair look like poop, Bob! - Wanker.
  3. So Symtantec's anti-virus software will be illegal by SnappingTurtle · · Score: 5, Funny
    After all, I assume every virus writer tests his/her virus by running it through anti-virus software. If we would just get rid of that virus-helping software, we'd be safer from viruses.

    Those damn virus-helpers over at Symantec, I hope the law skins them alive.

    --
    I've found that my posts don't format quite right w/o a sig.
  4. Re:Smokin' Crack by sssmashy · · Score: 4, Funny

    Just wanted to say that this is the longest run-on sentence I've ever read that includes the words "smokin' crack".

  5. anti-virus software, tool of the pirate by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    If you stick to shrinkwrapped software, and DON'T run ANY other form of executable, then you DON'T need anti-virus software.

    So what is this "Norton AntiVirus" for? To help people who download cracked software keep their computers healthy? Sounds like a shady product to me.

  6. Don't look at me by Rhinobird · · Score: 3, Funny

    Don't look at me I voted for Kodos!

    --
    If Mr. Edison had thought smarter he wouldn't sweat as much. --Nikola Tesla
  7. Re:Burglary Tools by Sonnenschein · · Score: 3, Funny

    "Even exploit code has a legit purpose. Am I going to take offline/patch every sshd in my organization because of a crappy rumor that there's a remote DOS overflow? Hells, no! "

    Mind if I ask where you're working, name/address or ip will suffice. TY.

  8. Re:It's obviously anti-First Amendment by cujo_1111 · · Score: 3, Funny

    Don't forget punch card readers for all the old-school people around here!

    --
    If I point out that you are incorrect, making me a foe does not make you any more correct.
  9. Re:It's obviously anti-First Amendment by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

    I'd like to see someone make a punchcard virus that can mutate and spread.

    no really i would

  10. Obligatory Microsoft Bashing by fydfyd · · Score: 3, Funny

    So if virus abetting tools are outlawed then I imagine that the Sale, Possesion, or Manufacture of Office would be punishable by no less than 10 years' imprisonment or fine no less than $100,000.

  11. Re:It's obviously anti-First Amendment by ATMAvatar · · Score: 3, Funny

    tools that could help virus writers? like, what? c++? visual basic? or, more realistically, nessus?

    Outlook Express

    --
    "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."