Quote:
Originally Posted by NatCh
I think you're right that it's technologically possible ... not even difficult, really. I do see some privacy issues -- how do you get that warrant approved?...
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Good point. Actually, I was thinking it would not require a warrant: It could potentially become a fairly automated process that would spit out data type (copywritten text), sender and recipient to local law enforcement, leaving it up to the law to contact either and have them establish lawfulness, or face fines/punishment.
It's a little different from, say, child porn, because it is legal to have an e-book... but not to illicitly transmit it to others. So search and seizure isn't necessarily in order, which means a warrant is not needed.
If you think of a cable company that can determine, through their cable box, that you are illicitly sharing your cable with others, they can simply shut off your service, then send you a notice informing you of your violation of their agreement, their demand that you pay a fine, and a threat to send your case to the authorities if you refuse (and even if you don't). An ISP could use that same method to exact punishment for illegal activities.
That, I think, is where the privacy sticking point is, because it could potentially punish one person for the actions of another... and said punishment (being cut off) could happen prior to actual establishment of guilt. Still, both of those possibilities serve as good incentive for households to make sure no one in the house is participating in ilicit activities...
Edit: No, I wouldn't consider that ideal. Ideal would be the ISP getting in touch with you with the accusation that you have been disseminating copywritten works without authorization, and charging you to contact them to prove legality OR be cut off. I mean, this isn't child porn...