Jail Time For P2P Developers?

Kjella writes "A Califorian bill introduced last week would, if passed, expose file-swapping software developers to fines of up to $2,500 per charge, or a year in jail, if they don't take 'reasonable care' to prevent their software from being used to commit crime. C|Net has the story, as well as a link to the actual bill. By the overly broad definition of P2P software, almost any piece of internet software could be liable. This browser is certainly able to download and upload files ('Save as ...' and upload forms). Are Microsoft, Opera and Mozilla.org taking 'reasonable care' to prevent me from exchanging anything illegal? Of course, I never go there, but a friend of my uncle's third cousin's brother told me warez download sites work just fine ..."

Comments

While we're at it..

[maskedbishounen]

Let's ban cars while we're at it. They can be used to kill! Clearly they're a threat to society. Along with scissors, paper, pens, PHB, and people in general.

Let's ban reproduction, because people are clearly capable of violating the law! *cough*China anyone?*cough*

Or so this mindset of insanity would lead you. The moral of the story is to not blame the technology, and especially the folks behind it, but the individual who is actually committing the crime with the said tool. *gasp* Such a novel concept..

Now go ahead and mod me down to -1 Redunant. You know you want to. :)

Re:Representatives of the People, Indeed

[Phisbut]

Your invention would have to read the user's mind - what if I want to shoot that mugger coming at me with a lead pipe?

Then the lead-pipe-company should be held responsible for not taking reasonable care that their lead pipe wouldn't be used to harm somebody...