Current Event #1

Internet + Copyright = Many Questions & Few Answers

How can copyright laws be enforced on the internet? The answer for Megaupload.com was simple: sensor it and arrest Kim Dotcom. Shut down the illegal site and arrest the guy responsible seems like the solution. So why is SOPA, the new piracy act, being proposed? Because things are not as simple as they may seem. What is an illegal site? Any site that contains copyrighted material? If so, any site that displays an image the creator did not give permission for is illegal. If those are blocked then half the internet is gone. What to do seems so clear when someone is making millions off pirated videos, but where should the line be drawn?

http://www.forbes.com/sites/kashmirhill/2012/01/25/kim-dotcoms-megaloot/

Small Post #1

As technology advances we have to be increasingly aware of its effects on society. Through history new inventions have continually made our world a better place. The danger of new technology has always been present, but it continues to move forward.  Many have tried to stop new inventions, but were trampled. The dangers of the new rather than being halted have been checked by each individual as they are presented to their community or family. It has been combated with restrictions and new inventions. In the past it was the educated, skilled, and wealthy that used to new technology and therefore decided if and how it was used. The farmer with land was the first to use the plow, and the wealthy business man that invested in the printing press. Perhaps the greatest difference today is the people using the technology. Today it is no longer the adults that are the first or main users of the new equipment. Teenagers can do more on their phones than their parents can do on a computer. Parents are often clueless on how to use the newest gadget while their kids are masters. Now that technology does not have the check of an adult, will what passes as acceptable continue to make our world better?

CS 404 First Post

I set up a blog