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I think the standard counter to this is that, if it can be reasonably assumed that you're not welcome to do it and if you're not being entrapped, then the ease
by gosu 14y ago
I think the standard counter to this is that, if it can be reasonably assumed that you're not welcome to do it and if you're not being entrapped, then the ease with which a crime is committed should have no bearing on the severity of the crime. Stealing someone's car doesn't become moral if the person leaves the car unlocked and running, even if it "only" involves opening a car door and driving a car. I don't see why computer systems should be different.
However, breaking into someone's car in order to roll up their windows and leave them a note telling them not to do it is perfectly good in my book. So I think it's better when people focus more on the severity of the actual crime committed, rather than on the ease of committing it.
- drcube 14y agoIt's not stealing a car if you ask for it and they give it to you. That's what typing a URL into your browser is. Asking the server for info. AT&T could have easily programmed it to say "no".
- eli 14y agoIMHO, it's more like the car was left running with the windows rolled down. The owner is an idiot, but you're still not supposed to steal the car.
- anonymous 14y agoThe windows rolled down and the key in the ignition. Also note that you can see such a car and not steal it, but if you send a GET request to a server and it responds, you've already "stolen" the data. The mere act of looking at the car and seeing the windows down is criminal now. So maybe the analogy works better like this: You're blind and walking around. Suddenly you get to some random car. Being a curious person you touch it to feel what kind of car it is and, in doing so, discover that the windows are rolled down. Reaching inside you also feel that the key is in the ignition. Then the question is, should you go to jail for attempting to steal the car (imagine that blind people are excellent drivers). You certainly did the exact same motions that a car thief would. Which are the exact same motions that a car enthusiast and curious person would do. The analogy breaks down about here, since the guy in the story copied the car by touching it, which we can't do yet.
- danielweber 14y agoIf you accidentally find out you have access to someone else's private data that you aren't supposed to have access to, there is a big distinction between your next step being 1. walking away, maybe telling someone 2. sucking up as much private data as you can
- rayiner 14y agoNo, because the server is a machine and cant give consent on att's behalf.