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CA Court Rules Cyber Cafe Cameras Constitutional
mbstone writes: "A California appellate court has upheld [PDF link], 2-1, a Garden Grove, California ordinance requiring so-called 'cyber cafes' to impose a curfew, hire security guards, and install video surveillance cameras capable of identifying patrons. The opinion is a must-read; the dissenting judge called the law 'Orwellian,' and pointed out that 'even the government of Malaysia' was 'too ashamed to enforce' a similar proposal." It appears that the ordinances were enacted in part due to crime involving "gang activity" and to curtail school-children from using the facilities during school hours (unless accompanied by a guardian).
Ever been to a LAN center?
While I don't neccessarily agree with the legislation, giving kids competition where they play with guns and killing each other and make "clans" which have battles doesn't sound great to your average 40-60 something lawmaker.
It doesn't sound that great to me, either.
Games and LAN centers were fun at one point, and then they became this strange culture where everything which isn't "leet" is "gay".
I used to HATE this shit. When I was a kid and would go to the mall, video arcade or movie theater, adults (especially security) would harass me about not being in school.
Of course, I was like "fuck you - I go to a private year-round school and we get a week off every other month you stupid shit".
People really need to be responsible for THEMSELVES and stop trying to be fucking mommy/daddy/big brother.