Slashdot Mirror


Online Journalists are ISPs?

MFS! writes "Long-time C|Net reporter and Politech operator Declan McCullagh has been contacted by the FBI, according to his most recent article. The FBI requests that he retain all records regarding his talks with Adrian Lamo. The problem? The FBI's letter was sent under the auspices of a law which applies only to internet service providers. Says Declan, "Perhaps I'd be immune from the FBI's demands if I used an Underwood No. 5 typewriter instead." Does writing online now qualify one as an ISP?"

3 of 196 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Define "Service" by VEGx · · Score: 2, Funny

    So, if I talk to people on IRC and correct their grammar... I provide a service [though it's free] and makes me too ISP???

  2. Worth it by isorox · · Score: 2, Funny

    Surely a little onconvienence and loss of a tiny it of liberty for a few people is worth it is we can stop terrorists. Wont somebody think of the children?

  3. Re:Land of the Free... NOT! by xA40D · · Score: 2, Funny

    Is it just me, or is the claim: "Land of the Free" becoming more and more ironic as time goes by?

    Or am I using the wrong definition of the world "free"?

    Or, perhaps it only applies to the FBI:

    Free to bend the law...
    Free to ignore official guidelines...
    Free to act in a heavy handed manner...
    Free to trample all over the public...
    Free to revoke personal freedom on a whim...
    Free to do whatever we see fit..

    Ah yes, that works... Still the land of the free.


    Ah yes, sarcasm. Guess you're not American then?

    --
    Do you mind, your karma has just run over my dogma.