Whoah I think I just discovered I am libertarian. I always described myself as socially liberal and fiscally conservative. Heh maybe the OP is onto something here.
I worked in a computer store for over 8 years as a technician. I sent two pedophiles to jail in that time, and I don't feel bad for having found the material. Did I deliberately look for the stuff? No. But in the process of troubleshooting I stumbled across the stuff. I never "backed up" any information from customers computers without a signed warrant.
However, here's how it was explained to me directly from the two FBI agents.
If the customer brings the item/device/car/etc and leaves it in your custody, there is no expectation of privacy, as they initiated the transaction. "Right of Discovery" dictates that if during the course of normal repair/troubleshooting or whatever you find illicit material, you cannot be held responsible if you report said material.
So basically if you leave a kilo of coke on your passenger seat and tell them you seatbelt on that side needs work, don't expect it not to be found.
That said what these numbnuts did is an entirely different matter, and as such they should be punished to the fullest. This is a deliberate act of searching out and obtaining information outside the scope needed to do the job.
Rule of thumb is don't leave something on you don't want found.
Slashdot Mirror
Uh Emusic? No DRM.. and the price is about half to a third of what the other stores charge.
Whoah I think I just discovered I am libertarian. I always described myself as socially liberal and fiscally conservative. Heh maybe the OP is onto something here.
I worked in a computer store for over 8 years as a technician. I sent two pedophiles to jail in that time, and I don't feel bad for having found the material. Did I deliberately look for the stuff? No. But in the process of troubleshooting I stumbled across the stuff. I never "backed up" any information from customers computers without a signed warrant. However, here's how it was explained to me directly from the two FBI agents. If the customer brings the item/device/car/etc and leaves it in your custody, there is no expectation of privacy, as they initiated the transaction. "Right of Discovery" dictates that if during the course of normal repair/troubleshooting or whatever you find illicit material, you cannot be held responsible if you report said material. So basically if you leave a kilo of coke on your passenger seat and tell them you seatbelt on that side needs work, don't expect it not to be found. That said what these numbnuts did is an entirely different matter, and as such they should be punished to the fullest. This is a deliberate act of searching out and obtaining information outside the scope needed to do the job. Rule of thumb is don't leave something on you don't want found.