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>Why are people expecting the output of an IP mapping database to be precise enough to send law enforcement to that physical location? The everyday layperson d

>Why are people expecting the output of an IP mapping database to be precise enough to send law enforcement to that physical location? The everyday layperson doesn't understand technology as well as we'd like them to. A common analogy is comparing an IP address to a mailing address or phone number for computers. For most purposes, this analogy is good enough. When we start trying to pinpoint people for crimes, the analogy is no longer perfect.

syshum 10y ago
>A common analogy is comparing an IP address to a mailing address or phone number for computers. For most purposes, this analogy is good enough While it is a common analogy, is not "good enough" because it is incorrect, inaccurate, and has lead to a host of problems far removed from this current GeoIP issue. RIAA/MPAA is one of the worst offenders at attempting to equate an IP address to a Physical Address/person for the purpose of civil and legal liability. I believe they are the ones that cemented this very very flawed and incorrect analogy in to the minds of the less technical minded persons
- noxToken 10y ago
  I think we have to take the analogies for what they are: a simple comparison to break down a complex topic into familiar terms. Once you move from informational purposes to application, a simple analogy isn't good enough. You have to start learning the limitations of whatever you're using. Case in point: the RIAA/MPAA. They took the analogy and ran with it just as you said. That's not the fault of the analogy or the people who first used it.
  - d0lph 10y ago
    "All metaphors are wrong, but some metaphors are useful"
alistairSH 10y ago
Wouldn't a better analogy be comparing to a cell phone? Yes, we know the "owner" of the number. And we might know roughly where they were a short time ago. But, we can't, with any certainty, tell you where they'll be tomorrow, because cell phones are portable.
- gtk40 10y ago
  Large numbers of people (such as a family, office, neighborhood[1], or even country[2]), don't use the same cell phone number at the same time. [1] I saw an apartment community in a less desirable part of town that advertised free Wi-Fi for the entire community. [2] Qatar

syshum 10y ago

>A common analogy is comparing an IP address to a mailing address or phone number for computers. For most purposes, this analogy is good enough While it is a common analogy, is not "good enough" because it is incorrect, inaccurate, and has lead to a host of problems far removed from this current GeoIP issue. RIAA/MPAA is one of the worst offenders at attempting to equate an IP address to a Physical Address/person for the purpose of civil and legal liability. I believe they are the ones that cemented this very very flawed and incorrect analogy in to the minds of the less technical minded persons

noxToken 10y ago
I think we have to take the analogies for what they are: a simple comparison to break down a complex topic into familiar terms. Once you move from informational purposes to application, a simple analogy isn't good enough. You have to start learning the limitations of whatever you're using. Case in point: the RIAA/MPAA. They took the analogy and ran with it just as you said. That's not the fault of the analogy or the people who first used it.
- d0lph 10y ago
  "All metaphors are wrong, but some metaphors are useful"

alistairSH 10y ago

Wouldn't a better analogy be comparing to a cell phone? Yes, we know the "owner" of the number. And we might know roughly where they were a short time ago. But, we can't, with any certainty, tell you where they'll be tomorrow, because cell phones are portable.

gtk40 10y ago
Large numbers of people (such as a family, office, neighborhood[1], or even country[2]), don't use the same cell phone number at the same time. [1] I saw an apartment community in a less desirable part of town that advertised free Wi-Fi for the entire community. [2] Qatar