Who is responsible for messages?

• original sender?- they created it
• carrier?- they sent it
• receiver only?- they downloaded it

What metaphor should define carrier's responsibility?

• printing press- getting protection over content
• broadcasting- need to restrict pervasive distribution
• supermarket/airport- some laws allowing access to private places
• front sidewalk- need to keep it clean; post rules
• bookstore- can seller be responsible for everything in store?
• club- freedom to 'associate' must be respected

Does the punishment/investigation fit the crime?

• Confiscating a computer BBS-
• it is like confiscating 'printing press?'
• confiscating a 'post office'
• What is a valid legal search? -
• looking through files with search programs?
• printing everything out?

New kinds of problems

• What about rules in one country/place applied elsewhere?
• Can a Californian be arrested for a message he posts that ends up in Georgia.
• Defining who is liable- carrier, senders, etc.
• If an online service 'filters' content- do they become responsible for what comes through? Often it seems so.
• If an online service does not 'filter' content, can they ignore all content? Not always. Like being liable for your side walk