Pirates...

[IndorilTheGreat]

This topic is not about the legality of pirating (or lack thereof), but rather about whether or not these self professed pirates should be reported to the appropriate law service (and I do mean the pirates of the Internet, not the hostage-taking kind).

 

Now, I understand that just because someone says something, they don't always mean it. So, if someone says they are a pirate, they could just be blowing smoke. However, when you look at it from a different perspective, pulling a gun on someone is considered assault with a deadly weapon. See what I'm getting at here?

 

This brings me to the question of whether or not a self-professed pirate should be reported to the proper authorities. I am aware that the Internet can be considered "International Waters," and laws of certain countries may not apply to citizens of other countries.

 

I suppose what I'm trying to say (throughout my rambling), is "Should pirates be reported to the proper authorities, if they openly say they are a pirate?"

Edited April 11, 2011 by IndorilTheGreat

[McclaudEagle]

I personally think that while it would be a good idea, there are likely to be many problems attached. One of the problems you've already stated as the internet being an international thing, thus no single authority can take hold. Other problems include having to make special police/security units, enforcement, etc. While there may be problems with it, I don't think it's impossible.

[evilneko]

No, for the simple reason that the staff here have no concrete proof that the person is in fact, a pirate.

 

All they have to go on are the IP address the message was posted from and the message itself. They don't even know who the poster might be, or even how valid the claim might be. (though why someone would say "I downloaded Fallout from insert-torrent-site-here" when they actually bought the game, I don't know) They couldn't give anything of any value to the authorities even if they wanted to.

[marharth]

No, for the simple reason that the staff here have no concrete proof that the person is in fact, a pirate.

 

All they have to go on are the IP address the message was posted from and the message itself. They don't even know who the poster might be, or even how valid the claim might be. (though why someone would say "I downloaded Fallout from insert-torrent-site-here" when they actually bought the game, I don't know) They couldn't give anything of any value to the authorities even if they wanted to.

Pretty much this.

 

I personally would not report anyone because I wouldn't feel like it, but if someone else did and they had a reasonable cause to report them I wouldn't be against it.

[Aurielius]

Keel haul them, if they are dumb enough to publicly admit a felony then they should reap the reward of stupidity.

[RZ1029]

Yarrr... I'm with Aurielius.

 

Also, though, the problem with prosecuting something like that is the simple fact that it's so easy to say 'It wasn't me.'

 

IP addresses can be faked, MAC addresses spoofed, etc.

[Aurielius]

Yarrr... I'm with Aurielius.

 

Also, though, the problem with prosecuting something like that is the simple fact that it's so easy to say 'It wasn't me.'

 

IP addresses can be faked, MAC addresses spoofed, etc.

Never said I would do the reporting just wouldn't shed any tears. I have many younger friends that think pirating software is acceptable, I don't and will not accept any that is offered to me but then again I'm very old school about stealing.

Edited April 11, 2011 by Aurielius

[Harbringe]

I'm conflicted .On one hand it seems obvious to me ,you shouldn't steal .On another I'm dealing with a system that keeps proclaiming the damage pirating is doing to them ,so they in turn go to measures that keep me jumping through ever more hoops just to be able to use the product and usually costing me more.I mean is the pirate really the enemy or is he the guy fighting for the little guy , taking from the rich giving to the poor like Robin Hood.Besides all these measures they take do they really expect because of something they have done , the pirate is going to one day sail back to the Spanish galleon and go oops sorry took your gold me bad , they are pirates after all.Seems contradictory to count these as lost sale's as they are sale's you never had.Thieves do not pay for things do you not get that.So the question leaves me all conflicted.

[DeTomaso]

I tend to share the conflict. I don't even know who the proper authorities are and where we might and why we should denunciate folks as pirates that almost love to denunciate themselves in front of the gallows. The Nottinghamshire County Sheriff's Office occured to me or perhaps Stanley's Junk Shop on Booty Island.

 

Live and let die!

Edited April 11, 2011 by DeTomaso

[pwnedbyscope]

i myself agree that something should happen to those engage in piracy but pulling a gun on someone and downloading a game music program is two different things completely, and also the prosecution of such felons the ends would not justify the means whatsoever, the man power time resources to take action and deliver justice to these people would be unimaginable just think how many people are self proclaimed closet or normal pirates, the spread of piracy is father than that of drug trade and drugs have been around for much longer than anyone had ever thought about piracy. also when it comes to what is considered a crime in todays culture(theft murder rape) although it is technically theft, piracy just dosent make that list, no one is put in any danger it is victimless. Finally who would they be reported too, what would be the consequences, how would they be carried out, would they be imprisoned these are all questions we dont yet have the answers to.