File Sharing Ethics

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for entering computers of other people who wish to share files

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The key point is people who "wish to share files". That is why thigs like annonomous ftp were created also. They are giving everyone permission to see their files. But if I have a lan, and need file sharing for it, that doesn't give you (outside of my lan) permission to see what is on my machine.

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In this age of filesharing with Napster Kazaa GNUtella and all the rest, I would not agree to it being illegal.

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If I want you to access my files, I will install Napster, Kazaa, or GNUtella. Otherwise, stay out. Those programs explicitly give permission.

Ok, here is an example for you. I run a server that holds police records for EVERY criminal in the state of michigan, so that the police departments have simplified access to criminals from other counties. I am running a default RedHat 6.2 install. I have NEVER done a single update on this system. Obviously, a default install of Redhat 6.2 is about as secure as a piece of paper in a wind storm. Everyone knows what this machine is. Is it legal for you to take root access of that machine? Is it ethical?

And i agree Souleman. You just stated that you don't wish to have your files viewed. Although, there is no sign saying that when someone sees that file sharing is enabled on someone's computer unless they issue a password that will block unwanted people from viewing those resources. In my opinion, that password is the sign saying, "Authorized Users Only".

I use file sharing on my network. I do not use passwords on shares that are used by all other users on the network. Obviously, I am connected to the internet. So..if you found my compuer, you would see that 137 to 139 are all open and listening. Does that mean that I have givin you permission, even though in my last post, I told you that you do NOT have permission?

The key point in this issue is "Permission". The way you (Resolution) are looking at it, is if I have not told you 'you can't, you assume 'you can'. As for me, (and the vast majority within this thread) we look at it in the reverse, if I haven't said 'you can', then you must assume, 'you can't.

DjM

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Originally posted here by souleman

Is it legal for you to walk in my house even though I left the screen door and the main door wide open? The doors can be closed, but they can also remain open. Either way, without my permission, you are breaking the by entering my house.

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Souleman, You hit the nail on the head. If I could give you positive points, I would, but I don't yet have enough posts. The thought is there.

P.S. Resolution - Speaking of ethics, you should quote Neil Yong with your signature line.

Saying you don't have persmission and enforcing that rule are two different things. It would be the fault of the admin of the computer for not securing his system properly against unwelcomed people online. It is called shared resources because you are sharing certain accessible areas of your computer with anyone connecting to the network. As for the house analogies, would you share your personal belongings with outsiders just because the door is open? No. That's because those items are meant for you and you alone. You only share them with the people who live in your house (the people who have local access to your computer).

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As for the house analogies, would you share your personal belongings with outsiders just because the door is open? No. That's because those items are meant for you and you alone. You only share them with the people who live in your house (the people who have local access to your computer).

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We store food in our freezer for the guy that lives next door, because his freezer is not large enough. Therefore, we leave 1 door open during the day, so he can get in, even if we are not home. Does that mean that I am giving everyone in the neighborhood permission?

You REALLY need to read the book @large (I think). Its about a kid that kept hacking into a school system. He was mentally challanged, so he didn't have a concept of it being wrong. Well, he ended up only loosing his computer for a few years, but thats beside the point. With your point of view, you are going to end up doing some serious time.

So if you are at a party and a girl passes out, does that mean it is ok to have sex with her, since she never told you no?

I just want to say that this isn't my way of thinking. I just wanted to probe the question from both sides to see other people's points-of-view. So, not to start any arguments over this, I'll just yield right here. :-)

Woohoo, we won ;)

All things considered, good post Resolution. It did spark some good discussion.

DjM