16 replies to this topic

[Sphere]

A Hamburg court has ruled that moderators of internet forums are liable for content posted on their sites.

The previous interpretation held that they were only accountable for illegal content they had been made aware of. The new ruling means if operators do not have enough in-house resources to monitor forums, they should "reduce the scope of their business operations".

The case started with a forum member of German news site Heise Online, who posted a script in order to disrupt the business practices of Universal Boards. This Munich company has been widely criticised for allegedly distributing premium rate internet dialers. Universal Boards was also accused of buying up domain names that expired, and then using those domains for advertising porn, including a site that was previously owned by a German Volunteer Firemen's Association.

Last year Universal Boards demanded that Heise removed the script, which it did, but the publisher refused to sign a formal obligation. Universal Boards then asked the district court to issue a temporary restraining order. The legal fight continued until last week, when the judge handed down his final ruling.

Legal experts now fear that because of the ruling, lawyers will be seeking damages from moderators who they believe are breaking the law. Heise says it will appeal the ruling.

From The Register

[ShadowFox]

I think that counds down right ignorant... I can see why they would think they could be liable... but forums are for learning unless it says "use this malicious code to" I don't think ANYONE should be liable... if it jsut has code saying what it does, there's nothing wrong with that. The way people use it on the other hand holds THEM accountable, not the perosn who showed them a few tips and tricks... but that's my 2 cents

[clarky3429]

lmao, i better watch out then

[joejoe]

Then let's start spamming !

[Sphere]

In that case.... I sense some warnings coming!

[Neon]

ha ha, damn! WHOO - SPHERE ya *censored*...come get me


~Sphere

[clarky3429]

lol, but it only applies if the moderators were aware of the breach in law so its alright

[Neon]

Neon, on Apr 22 2006, 02:26 PM, said:

ha ha, damn! WHOO - SPHERE ya *censored*...come get me
~Sphere

Oh i see, its like that now? lol :handlebars:

[ShadowFox]

is it on? lol

[Sphere]

Neon, on Apr 24 2006, 10:36 PM, said:

Oh i see, its like that now? lol :handlebars:

well... you dared me didn't you? :smoke:

[Neon]

Yes i did

Say...are you calling me stupid...??

[Sphere]

Neon, on Apr 24 2006, 11:10 PM, said:

Yes i did

Say...are you calling me stupid...??

I wouldn't dare!

[ShadowFox]

I think someone got owned

[Sphere]

Who got pwned?

[ShadowFox]

Karl