Hello again! This week's lesson brings in Info Highway Current Events. One of the important vehicles on the Info Highway is BBS's. Though important, like any other vehicles it must adhere to the laws of the land. The users must and more importantly those who run them, the SysOps. The the law is not heeded, articles such as appear in Cyberspace...
The operator of the Massachusetts-based Davey Jones Locker bulletin board system, who pleaded guilty in December to violating copyright protections of commercial software, has been sentenced to 24 months probation with six months home confinement.
Richard D. Kenadek also will be monitored by use of an electronic bracelet for the first three months and will forfeit all computer equipment related to the operation of the BBS.
The 43-year-old Kenadek of Millbury, Massachusetts, had faced up to one year in prison and a fine of $100,000.
The Software Publishers Association's four-month investigation of the BBS precipitated an FBI investigation that concluded with Kenadek's indictment last August.
In a statement from Washington, D.C., Sandra A. Sellers, the SPA director of litigation, said this was "the first time the criminal statute under the copyright law has been used to prosecute a bulletin board operator," adding, "This is a crucial turning point on the road to eliminating piracy among bulletin board operators."
She said Kenadek's prosecution "sends a message to bulletin board operators that both civil and criminal remedies will be vigorously pursued for the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted software."
At the time of the FBI raid, more than 200 commercial copyrighted programs were available to subscribers for downloading from a special section of the Davey Jones Locker BBS.
The SPA also filed a civil suit against Kenadek, which was settled in conjunction with Kenadek's guilty plea. Settlement terms include a provision prohibiting him from operating or assisting in any BBS for one year.
It is some important the the laws of the land be adhered to and as aforementioned the not only the Users of the Info Highway but the SysOps as well are responsible! This raps up this lesson.
As Always hoping your Cyber Travels are "Law Abiding" ones!
This weeks tip:
Where can you find info covering nearly 500 years of Black Experience in the Western Hemisphere?
The Answer:
FTP: ftp.loc.gov
go to directory pub/exhibit.images/african.american.exhibit/*