John Linton
......because it seems that every time I read something in the Australian media I get the uneasy feeling that it is sort of right but doesn't exactly fit my understanding of the actual facts of the subject/topic. It's almost a 'deja vu' feeling except that you don't think you've been there before but you almost think you understand what is being said but it somehow doesn't seem right. I got this feeling in reading this yesterday:
http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/333716/iia_funding_needed_isps_crack-down_unruly_spammers/
It can't just be me but this clap trap organisation and its figurehead spokesperson appear to be something out of a Hollywood horror movie franchise where Coroneos is their version of Freddie who comes lurching out of the gloom movie after movie to perpetrate some new frightfulness on the the latest batch of scantily clad co-eds and their sterotype male companions. Now, I understand that the IIA is just a Telstra puppet to promote whatever view of communications Telstra currently believes to be in their best interests but this latest crass stupidity really trumps even their "it would be ruinously expensive to comply with sending copyright infringement notices to thieves" wanking before and during the iinet trial.
Firstly I find it very funny that (Coroneos/Telstra) is now all for treating theft via the internet (spam in this case) as a serious issue that should be dealt with by ISPs in stark contrast to his view on copyright theft over the internet where he regarded that as 'unproven' - yes, I know he is a total tosser but the effrontery to present two such opposing views within months of each other is just plain stupefying. Either an ISP is responsible for the actions of their customers (to the limit of denying them access or they aren't - Coroneos can't cherry pick) and make up his personal understanding of legality as it suits Telstra's view of money making.
But what really astounded me was his casual references to "the government would need to fund the processes for an ISP complying with the requirements to stop spamming!!!!!!!!" Have I suddenly been transported, without my knowledge, to some ultra socialist State where the "government" is responsible for the running of everything? Is Coroneos just a cheap shill for some Ministry of Truth that now controls all aspects of communications in whatever this strange State is? Give me a break!
The IIA/Telstra argued against ISPs being responsible for copyright theft.
Why is it now arguing for ISPs being responsible for SPAM theft?
Why is it suggesting that the 'government' pays for this?
The reality is that responsible ISPs (like Exetel) have, since very, very early in their existence ALWAYS dealt with SPAMMERS in the same way we have dealt with copyright thieves - except at the behest of a different 'authority/authorities' (and to avoid different punishments). If we receive a notice that some IP on our network is spamming we immediately shut down that IP and email the owner of the IP and give them access to a block page only that allows them to either stop spamming if they are the perpetrator or disinfect their PC(s) if they have picked up a virus they haven't noticed.
As with copyright infringement notices the cost to Exetel is zero - a couple of hundred lines of code and some server power and storage space. What is it that a 'government' needs to fund? Why is there a need for 'legislation' or, worse, some directive from Telstra, telling an ISP what they must do? Where the f*** does the 'government', or any other half arsed entity come in to consideration in telling anyone what they must do to run their business?
Strange that the IIA/Telstra et alia have always taken action on alleged spamming (because they got summarily punished if they didn't) yet argued against taking action on alleged copyright theft because there was no way they could be immediately punished. Talk about double standards....or is it a parallel universe?
PS: If you don't think the 'gubmant' and the media deliberately lie to you:
http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/avatars-earthlings-not-nearly-as-monstrous-as-bush-20100125-mugw.html