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Too bad all the comments here are just angry and contribute no understanding. The reason that this could be illegal is because it is using someone's computer i

by woah 12y ago

Too bad all the comments here are just angry and contribute no understanding. The reason that this could be illegal is because it is using someone's computer in an unauthorized way to mine bitcoins.

x1798DE 12y ago
I'm not even sure it would be illegal even if you just started using Javascript miners on every page as a condition for viewing the page - with or without notice. I don't think many people would consider it illegal to display an advertisement in a page "without authorization", or run an animated advertisement. That said, running these things without user consent isn't even the business model - they are specifically talking about allowing users to choose whether they'd like to do bitcoin mining or view ads, and they haven't released the product yet, so, basically the reason it "could be illegal" is because someone could take it and use it contrary to the intent of its creators in such a way that their actions have dubious legality. Should we also arrest all mask manufacturers because someone could wear one when robbing a bank?
pixl97 12y ago
Right, and the hammer in my house could be used as a method to gain unauthorized entry to someones house. The problem here is the word 'unauthorized'. What if the website has an EULA that says something like "By visiting foo.bar.com your computer will be used to mine Bitcoins, if you do not accept this agreement please close this website". Now by most legal definitions I understand it is no longer unauthorized, the TOS authorized such uses. Next, why should mining Bitcoins be directly illegal in such a manner? Are stupid, slow, annoying flash ads that play music and videos illegal? They are 'programs' that use my computers resources for the end result of generating revenue for the website.
Crito 12y ago
> "The reason that this could be illegal is because it is..." Stop being dishonest. It isn't and never has.
woah 12y ago
Wow, thanks for the downvotes. FYI, I'm totally pro-bitcoin and anti-government, just like you, so trying to punish me for having a conflicting opinion is dumb. I'm simply trying to enlighten people as to what the prosecution's stand is on the issue, not that I agree with them. Just trying to contribute a bit more than "ehrmehgerd evilll!!!11"
- rfrey 12y ago
  "all the comments here", "just angry", "no understanding". That's why you're being downvoted. Plenty of people present non-majority views without being slammed for it. They happen to do it without being condescending.

by woah 12y ago

Too bad all the comments here are just angry and contribute no understanding. The reason that this could be illegal is because it is using someone's computer in an unauthorized way to mine bitcoins.

x1798DE 12y ago

I'm not even sure it would be illegal even if you just started using Javascript miners on every page as a condition for viewing the page - with or without notice. I don't think many people would consider it illegal to display an advertisement in a page "without authorization", or run an animated advertisement. That said, running these things without user consent isn't even the business model - they are specifically talking about allowing users to choose whether they'd like to do bitcoin mining or view ads, and they haven't released the product yet, so, basically the reason it "could be illegal" is because someone could take it and use it contrary to the intent of its creators in such a way that their actions have dubious legality. Should we also arrest all mask manufacturers because someone could wear one when robbing a bank?

pixl97 12y ago

Right, and the hammer in my house could be used as a method to gain unauthorized entry to someones house. The problem here is the word 'unauthorized'. What if the website has an EULA that says something like "By visiting foo.bar.com your computer will be used to mine Bitcoins, if you do not accept this agreement please close this website". Now by most legal definitions I understand it is no longer unauthorized, the TOS authorized such uses. Next, why should mining Bitcoins be directly illegal in such a manner? Are stupid, slow, annoying flash ads that play music and videos illegal? They are 'programs' that use my computers resources for the end result of generating revenue for the website.

Crito 12y ago

> "The reason that this could be illegal is because it is..." Stop being dishonest. It isn't and never has.

woah 12y ago

Wow, thanks for the downvotes. FYI, I'm totally pro-bitcoin and anti-government, just like you, so trying to punish me for having a conflicting opinion is dumb. I'm simply trying to enlighten people as to what the prosecution's stand is on the issue, not that I agree with them. Just trying to contribute a bit more than "ehrmehgerd evilll!!!11"

rfrey 12y ago
"all the comments here", "just angry", "no understanding". That's why you're being downvoted. Plenty of people present non-majority views without being slammed for it. They happen to do it without being condescending.