Judge: An IP Address Is NOT A Person

I've read stories of people being charged with downloading child pornography because someone else was apparently using their open WiFi router. This ruling sounds like a move in the right direction.

i an many of our family use each others pc when we are bored at there houses ,not to mention babysitters get to go on my pc and anyone who wants to borrow it,what,s the big deal ,u gotta trust people ,i got neighbours who dont have internet they ask for stuff sometimes mostly checking stuff or what pills side effects n # ,who won such a thing what year after an argument with someone in the pub,yeah just sit down mate use it ,i got to nip out .,down side the younger ones have screwed my laptop up a few times .i have to restore and lose data..i dont even bother with guest acount

Originally posted by macman
reply to post by bigfatfurrytexan

 

Sounds like is spoofing your MAC and IP address.

I live in a neighborhood of about 5 houses on a hidden road. When i order pizza, i have to call a specific person and see if they are working. My house isn't on TomTom. My neighbors are all retiree's. The guy with the other router is 3 yrs from retiring from the railroad. He has the connection to use his netbook while he sits on his front porch and drinks beer on his days off. his wife is an RN that works with my wife. If you use a word like "spoof" with them, their eyes will cross. LOL.

Originally posted by thisguyrighthere
He's right.

At most an IP address is just an access point.

Even going so far to identify the machine used doesnt necessarily identify the person who used it.

Even with specific accounts and log-in information it isnt possible to determine without any doubt the individual who is at the other end of that computer. Even allegedy live webcam footage can be a recording.

Something internet daters and cop seducing weirdos have known for years.

Just because my car is registered to me and theoretically I'm the only one with the keys doesnt mean that I drove it over the sidewalk striking 10 people.

But apparently until this ruling that has been plenty to send swat teams kicking in doors.

I wonder if this will stand as is, be struck down, or be used to usher in a new era of internet ID.

I totally agree and with the plethora of free anonymous surfing sites, free VPN and free proxies, what use is the info when one could easily hide, just by reading up a bit. Honestly, I really have no idea what's private anymore, you hear of violations so often... what are we just property for big business to use now? grr

I vote for the new era of internet ID as Obama has already proposed, but was apparently met with opposition... Source, Cnet news

One for the good guys!