Trojans Putting Child Pornography On Computers

from the that-can't-be-good dept

With the recent acquittal of a UK man accused of having child pornography on his computer after it was determined that the images were a result of a Trojan horse virus on his computer, the NY Times is looking at a number of legal questions this brings up. First of all, there’s the issue of whether or not this will become the “standard” defense of anyone caught with child pornography. However, even scarier, is the idea that child porn could just end up showing up on your hard drive without your knowledge, if you did happen to get infected with a Trojan horse. The article quotes Mark Rasch saying: “The scary thing is not that the defense might work, [but] that the defense might be right.” Yet another example where authorities are going to have to get caught up on technology if they’re going to accurately find the criminals, and not end up throwing innocent people in jail.


Rate this comment as insightful
Rate this comment as funny
You have rated this comment as insightful
You have rated this comment as funny
Flag this comment as abusive/trolling/spam
You have flagged this comment
The first word has already been claimed
The last word has already been claimed
Insightful Lightbulb icon Funny Laughing icon Abusive/trolling/spam Flag icon Insightful badge Lightbulb icon Funny badge Laughing icon Comments icon

Comments on “Trojans Putting Child Pornography On Computers”

Subscribe: RSS Leave a comment
5 Comments
Anonymous Coward says:

Re: No Subject Given

Yeah. we used to do that all the time. It was gas with those who could get the joke (which used to be more people, back when people used their brain and lived without mommy).

In this american theocracy, I’d be afraid today of having my figurative hand chopped off by the snarling ‘protective’ lawyers.

Ian Davis (user link) says:

Deliberate Infections

Of course, now all the paedophile has to do is deliberately get infected – not only do they get their chosen type of porn for free they also get an alibi for having it. Makes you wonder at the motivation of the virus writer.

The same could happen with MP3s also – a virus that acts as a Kazaa client would provide cover for all kinds of illegal trading.

Add Your Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Have a Techdirt Account? Sign in now. Want one? Register here

Comment Options:

Make this the or (get credits or sign in to see balance) what's this?

What's this?

Techdirt community members with Techdirt Credits can spotlight a comment as either the "First Word" or "Last Word" on a particular comment thread. Credits can be purchased at the Techdirt Insider Shop »

Follow Techdirt

Techdirt Daily Newsletter

Techdirt Deals
Techdirt Insider Discord
The latest chatter on the Techdirt Insider Discord channel...
Loading...