4 ms·

The barrier to entry for programming is just so low. Oaths and certifications for the general programming population will not prevent bad people from learning

by gills 17y ago

The barrier to entry for programming is just so low. Oaths and certifications for the general programming population will not prevent bad people from learning to program and expressing malice algorithmically; but it may hinder good programmers from releasing new software. I agree there are problems when a company which should be trustworthy, such as Sony (cited in the post), will act maliciously towards their customers. But at some point consumers must take responsibility for their choices and consider their rights and personal safety ahead of their wants. If you know that Sony installs a rootkit, then don't buy Sony media. Instead, write a letter or even a blog explaining why you won't buy their product. If you're just too weak and really want that DVD, then live with your decision and don't try to pawn off the consequences on "those shady programmers".

asciilifeform 17y ago
> at some point consumers must take responsibility for their choices... If you know that Sony installs a rootkit, then don't buy Sony media. Have you ever bought or rented a DVD? If so, you have subsidized DRM, the purchase of copyright extension laws, and lawsuits against P2P users. The burden to act ethically must rest largely on programmers precisely because users are largely unable to act collectively, while media conglomerates easily unite to protect their own interests. The Sony Rootkit fiasco is an exception, rather than the rule. Consumers would have simply rolled over and accepted it, just like they accepted every other abuse perpetrated by copyright holders in recent history, were it not for the heroic efforts of a few activists.
swolchok 17y ago
Game consoles have shown us how to raise the barrier to entry: only run signed code by default, and require a "license to code". The security class I was in last semester discussed this; it may not catch on for consumer PCs, but it's not inconceivable that it could be the model in the business world.

by gills 17y ago

asciilifeform 17y ago

> at some point consumers must take responsibility for their choices... If you know that Sony installs a rootkit, then don't buy Sony media. Have you ever bought or rented a DVD? If so, you have subsidized DRM, the purchase of copyright extension laws, and lawsuits against P2P users. The burden to act ethically must rest largely on programmers precisely because users are largely unable to act collectively, while media conglomerates easily unite to protect their own interests. The Sony Rootkit fiasco is an exception, rather than the rule. Consumers would have simply rolled over and accepted it, just like they accepted every other abuse perpetrated by copyright holders in recent history, were it not for the heroic efforts of a few activists.

swolchok 17y ago

Game consoles have shown us how to raise the barrier to entry: only run signed code by default, and require a "license to code". The security class I was in last semester discussed this; it may not catch on for consumer PCs, but it's not inconceivable that it could be the model in the business world.