On Thursday, 28 Jul 05 18:08:32 GMT, Mike
<mike@kempston.net> wrote:

> blah wrote:
>
>| >I know of several people who not only are aware that their broadband
>| >connections are being piggy backed, but actually encourage it. This
>| >guy does exactly the same thing
>| >
>| >http://tinyurl.com/a7rsq
>|
>| Surely he is mad? The threat to his liberty from people using his
>| connection for copyright/illegal porn is a real one.
>
> Why? He's no more liable for the actions of people who use his WiFi node
> than an ISP is liable for the actions of its customers.

See Godfrey vs. Demon. Plus an ISP has customers and contracts with
them which forbid the use of the connection for illegal purposes and
state that any such use is the customer's responsibility (hire car
companies do the same).

> Indeed, he's acting as an ISP himself.

But without anyone to pass the blame onto, no proof that it wasn't
himself who acted illegally.

> I suppose that wouldn't stop plod from breaking his door down at four in
> the morning in the mistaken belief that it was him doing these things. That
> would cause some inconvenience but the case wouldn't reach court.

Really? Oh well, he'll find out. Think of it as evolution in action...

Chris C