RE: [gnso-rap-dt] How the public feels about due process and the internet

["Steingruebl, Andy" <asteingruebl@xxxxxxxxxx>]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-gnso-rap-dt@xxxxxxxxx [mailto:owner-gnso-rap-dt@xxxxxxxxx]
On
> Behalf Of George Kirikos
> Sent: Monday, October 19, 2009 6:39 AM
> To: gnso-rap-dt@xxxxxxxxx
> Subject: [gnso-rap-dt] How the public feels about due process and the
> internet
> 
> 
> Hi folks,
> 
> There was an interesting article today in The Guardian:
> 
>
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2009/oct/18/public-poll-filesharers
-
> internet-ban
> 
> which touched upon the issue of due process, albeit in the context of
> internet copyright infringement.
> 
> "Nearly 70% of those surveyed said someone suspected of illegal
> downloading should have a right to a trial in court before
> restrictions on internet use were imposed. Only 16% were in favour of
> automatic curbs based on accusations by copyright holders such as
> musicians, as is proposed by the business department."

Of course we do take actions to curb people's behavior all of the time
without a trial in court.  You can be arrested, you can have your
drivers license temporarily suspended pending a trial, etc.  All without
a showing of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.  

Now, we don't allow non-governments to do these sorts of things, but I
think most people polled couldn't differentiate between these things at
all.

- Andy