Slashdot Mirror
Draconian Australian Research Law Hits Scientists
An anonymous reader writes: The Australian government is pushing ahead with a draconian law placing "dual use" science (e.g. encryption, biotechnology) under the control of the Department of Defence. The Australian ACLU, Civil Liberties Australia, warns the law punishes scientists with $400,000 fines, 10 years in jail and forfeiture of their work, just for sending an "inappropriate" e-mail.
Scientists — including the academics union — warn the laws are unworkable despite attempted improvements, and will drive researchers offshore (paywalled: mirror here).
Scientists — including the academics union — warn the laws are unworkable despite attempted improvements, and will drive researchers offshore (paywalled: mirror here).
Forfeiture of their work is worse than a death sentence! Scientists live for fame. Whoever wrote this law is an uber-genius.
Resign from research and go back to the garage, where you can do as much science as you want. Sorry, no, there won't be any more students lining up at your door to suck you off for a better grade or a letter of recommendation. Too bad that's what professional science is all about, isn't it.