1. Cyberspace Programmers Confront Copywright Laws By: Thomas Hussey Article: ”Cyberspace Programmers Confront Copywright Laws” Date: May 10, 2000 http://www.nytimes.com/library/tech/00/05/biztech/articles/10digital.html

2. Summary In this article copywright laws are under consideration A program created by Ian Clarke called FREENET allows users to exchange any kind of digital material in an encrypted manner. The article considers if this is ethical. The article states that this program does not violate most copywright laws, but that most copywright laws are out of date. ”Although Freenet does technically violate most copyright laws, some legal analysts contend that most intellectual property laws are obsolete and are being used against technologies that the laws' creators could not have foreseen.”

3. Summary Cont. Ian Clarke an Irish programmer has the conviction that this free sharing of digital material and change in techonology will benefit the creators. ”Clarke says that although it is impossible to stop Freenet from being used, copyright holders have adapted to and profited from technological changes in the past, such as magnetic tape and copy machines.”

4. 8 Step Process 1: Briefly describe the ethical case Case Previously Summarized. 2: Who are the interested parties and what would they like to see as an outcome? The parties are Ian Clarke, his users, the creators of the media being shared, and those who support copywright laws. Ian Clarke and his users would like FREENET to become a popular program. The creators and supporters of copywright laws would like FREENET to be declared unlawful.

5. 8 Step Process 3: Propose three possible solutions, two extremes and a compromise. One extreme is to declare FREENET illegal. Another extreme is to declare it legal and the copywright laws ineffectual. A compromise would be to come up with a system in which FREENET could lawfully transmit the media between users. Maybe on a monetary basis by the owners of the material uploading their own copies for sale. The solution I choose AS MOST ETHICAL is the compromise

6. 8 Step Process 4: Would you be willing for everyone to use the solution you chose? The solution I chose would be legal so everyone would be able to use it. 5: Is this solution in accord with human nature? This solution is in accord with human nature, because it is human nature to sell and goods instead of have goods stolen. 6: Would there be majority agreement that this method is the most efficient means to an end? No, because the individuals FREENET was created for were only going to use it to obtain media for free.

7. 8 Step Process 7: Is this solution the one I am most committed to my own conscience? Yes, ethical and still allows me to easily obtain media?, but I prefer the stealing solution. 8: Which philosophy does this solution reflect? Realism, creators don't want their work being stolen so there is only one way to appease them.

8. Apply ACM Code of Ethics to Freenet Under General Moral Imperatives violates many aspects. Possibly may contribute to humanities well- being by providing free access to digital infromation Does harm creator of material who seek profit Is illegal therefore not honest or trustworthy Does not honor property rights