Is piracy counterfeiting, and the internet immoral?

[Literary Ames]

Mike Mullin, in a recent blog post, talks about the crime of piracy and the immorality of the internet.

He argues:

1) Piracy is counterfeiting, a worse crime than stealing.

2) "The internet is immoral as currently designed precisely because it creates conditions in which immoral behavior is easy, anonymous (or nearly so), and so widespread as to become a social norm."

Do you agree with him? Does the internet encourage immoral behaviour?

[Literary Ames]

I agree on the counterfeiting angle, but I'm not so sure about the immorality of the internet.

I'm very aware that I can be held legally accountable for my actions on the internet. The UK has prosecuted trolls, internet stalkers, those that incite hatred or rioting, and internet pirates.

Even before this though, I was law-abiding. Just because I could do something, didn't mean I'd do it.

And even when you think your internet activity is anonymous, doesn't make it so. Not all IP addresses are anonymous, nor the personal details of website creators. What about those countries with internet censorship? The power of hackers, e.g. WikiLeaks?

Sure, there's a need for the law to catch up with technology, but I think the perception of an immoral/anonymous internet is far more prevalent than reality suggests.

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

I agree with you Ames. Just cause you can doesn't mean you will.

Otherwise we might all be shoplifters or jaywalkers or arsonists, cause we only need a shop, a road or a packet of matches.

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Wow. Definitely agree with the 'just cuz ya can, doesn't mean ya will' bit - in life and online.

I don't know that I'd go so far as to say "the internet is immoral". People can be though, therefore things done on the internet can be immoral acts. I agree w/you, Ames, that people have a tendency to feel like whatever they do online is anonymous when it's not.

[Lauren]

It is people who are immoral not the Internet. The Internet is not a sentient being and cannot make choices between right and wrong - only humans can do that.

[Josie]

Lauren wrote: "It is people who are immoral not the Internet. The Internet is not a sentient being and cannot make choices between right and wrong - only humans can do that."

Exactly right, Lauren!

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Absolutely! You tell 'im, Lauren! :)

[Lauren]

I certainly will Steph! :0)