Received: by lemuria.sai.com (/\==/\ Smail3.1.21.1 #21.11) id ; Fri, 17 Sep 93 23:44 EDT Received: from cmuvm.csv.cmich.edu by mv.MV.COM (5.67/1.35) id AA20123; Fri, 17 Sep 93 23:35:12 -0400 Message-Id: <9309180335.AA20123@mv.MV.COM> Received: from CMUVM.CSV.CMICH.EDU by CMUVM.CSV.CMICH.EDU (IBM VM SMTP V2R1) with BSMTP id 5834; Fri, 17 Sep 93 22:26:16 EDT Received: from CMUVM.CSV.CMICH.EDU (NJE origin LISTSERV@CMUVM) by CMUVM.CSV.CMICH.EDU (LMail V1.1d/1.7f) with BSMTP id 8384; Fri, 17 Sep 1993 22:26:09 -0400 Date: Thu, 16 Sep 1993 23:51:32 CDT From: Cu-Digest Subject: Cu Digest, #5.72 - "Elansky" Case; CPSR Conf (RE-SEND) To: Multiple recipients Comment: converted from NETDATA format at NIU Computer underground Digest Thu Sep 16 1993 Volume 5 : Issue 72 ISSN 1004-042X Editors: Jim Thomas and Gordon Meyer (TK0JUT2@NIU.BITNET) Archivist: Brendan Kehoe Shadow-Archivists: Dan Carosone / Paul Southworth Ralph Sims / Jyrki Kuoppala Ian Dickinson Cookie Editor: Etaoin Shrdlu, III CONTENTS, #5.72 (Sep 16 1993) File 1--Still more on the Elansky/Hartford BBS Case File 2--Thoughts on the Elansky Case - A Response File 3--Attitude TV show about hackers in Australia File 4--CuNews File 5--CPSR Annual Meeting Cu-Digest is a weekly electronic journal/newsletter. Subscriptions are available at no cost electronically from tk0jut2@mvs.cso.niu.edu. The editors may be contacted by voice (815-753-0303), fax (815-753-6302) or U.S. mail at: Jim Thomas, Department of Sociology, NIU, DeKalb, IL 60115. Issues of CuD can also be found in the Usenet comp.society.cu-digest news group; on CompuServe in DL0 and DL4 of the IBMBBS SIG, DL1 of LAWSIG, and DL1 of TELECOM; on GEnie in the PF*NPC RT libraries and in the VIRUS/SECURITY library; from America Online in the PC Telecom forum under "computing newsletters;" On Delphi in the General Discussion database of the Internet SIG; on the PC-EXEC BBS at (414) 789-4210; and on: Rune Stone BBS (IIRG WHQ) (203) 832-8441 NUP:Conspiracy; RIPCO BBS (312) 528-5020 CuD is also available via Fidonet File Request from 1:11/70; unlisted nodes and points welcome. EUROPE: from the ComNet in LUXEMBOURG BBS (++352) 466893; In ITALY: Bits against the Empire BBS: +39-461-980493 ANONYMOUS FTP SITES: UNITED STATES: etext.archive.umich.edu (141.211.164.18) in /pub/CuD/cud ftp.eff.org (192.88.144.4) in /pub/cud halcyon.com( 202.135.191.2) in /pub/mirror/cud aql.gatech.edu (128.61.10.53) in /pub/eff/cud AUSTRALIA: ftp.ee.mu.oz.au (128.250.77.2) in /pub/text/CuD. EUROPE: nic.funet.fi in pub/doc/cud. (Finland) ftp.warwick.ac.uk in pub/cud (United Kingdom) COMPUTER UNDERGROUND DIGEST is an open forum dedicated to sharing information among computerists and to the presentation and debate of diverse views. CuD material may be reprinted for non-profit as long as the source is cited. Authors hold a presumptive copyright, and they should be contacted for reprint permission. It is assumed that non-personal mail to the moderators may be reprinted unless otherwise specified. Readers are encouraged to submit reasoned articles relating to computer culture and communication. Articles are preferred to short responses. Please avoid quoting previous posts unless absolutely necessary. DISCLAIMER: The views represented herein do not necessarily represent the views of the moderators. Digest contributors assume all responsibility for ensuring that articles submitted do not violate copyright protections. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Thu, 16 Sep 1993 15:23:41 CDT From: CuD Moderators Subject: File 1--Still more on the Elansky/Hartford BBS Case Michael Elansky, sysop of The Ware House BBS in West Hartford, Ct., remains in jail, and will likely be there for awhile, at least until his pre-trial hearing on Sept. 23. As information continues to trickle in, the First Amendment implications of the case grow. For those not following the case (see CuD #5.69 and #5.71), Elansky was arrested and is being held on $500,000 bond, excessive even by the standards of violent criminals in West Hartford (see IIRG file below). Elansky's primary sin seems to be that he ran a BBS that made "anarchy" text files available, something to which the prosecutor took exception. While it may be premature to argue that there is no other evidence to substantiate the charges, and that other illegal behavior might not be alleged at a later date, it increasingly appears that the existence of "anarchy" files is being used to create the image that Elansky is a potential social menace. It certainly appears that Hartford Superior Court Judge Richard A. Damiani may have been premature in his rebuke of Elansky's appeal for reduced bail. According to the Hartford Courant (August 7, B5), the judge argued that Elansky was where he belonged: In jail. The Courant quotes the judge as saying that, initially: I felt that Mr. Elansky was not a peron we should utilize a bed in prison for when we're dealing with rapists and murders. The judge said that the new "anarchy" charges changed his opinion: One could equate this with what's going on in New York, where terrorists are targeting particular buildings...I think he's more of a danger to society than a rapist in prison. He belongs in jail." Because of the lack of public disclosure of details in the case, the basis for the judge's comments remain unclear. Nothing other than the anarchy files has surfaced as evidence in the case. If the facts, which continue to be unchallenged, are as presented by Elansky, his parents, the defense attorney, the prosecutor's summary given to the media, and the document we reproduce in this file, then the case has a chilling effect on all media. But, electronic media especially--including BBSes, Usenet, and the Internet in general--could become vulnerable to prosecutorial discretion. The case could likely require a dramatic revision of BBS and related law by restricting freedom of expression. CuD received the following by mail, which we are told is an unsworn officer's report adduced to substantiate the charges. The language of the document includes wording identical to wording in a document the Hartford Courant (Aug 7, 1993, B5) cited as contained in the arrest warrant, which indicates that it provided the basis for at least the most dramatic prosecutor claims. The apparent typos, convoluted phrases, and other language occur in the copy that we received. Because of the awkward end of the "excerpts" section in the document, it is possible that a page or more of "excerpts" from the files has been omitted or withheld. If so, readers can refer to CuD 5.71 for the reprints of the files. Although actual instructions were deleted in our published version, readers can find the information in any similar "anarchy" file on thousands of BBSes across the country, as well as in conventional print media. The file we received reads: That I, Richard Aniolowski, am a member of the West Hartford Police Department and have been for ten years and 7 months and was promoted to Detective in September 1990. That on June 14, 1993, assistant state's attorney, Joan Alexander GA 14 assigned me to assist her in an investigation of a computer bulletin board that is disseminating information on how to manufacture explosives, bombs, and how to evade bomb squad technicians when they attempt to disarm such devices. The information included explicit and ((sic)) instructions on how to construct such devices with only laymans knowledge, and involved the promotion and encouragement of constructing such devices for purpose ((sic)) of "maiming or mortally wounding" law enforcement officials. That presently Michael Elansky has a court appearance for violation of probation. This probation is the result of an arrest for manufacturing explosives. In October, 1992, Michael Elansky was arrested for a burglary at Hall High School in which several dangerous chemicals were stolen. The chemicals stolen were sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid and nitric acid. All of these chemicals can be used to manufacture explosives. That it was on May 28, 1993 that Detective Goodrow of the Hartford Police Department gained access to the "Warehouse", a modem accessible computer bulletin board that can be reached over regular telephone lines, ((sic)) The Warehouse is operated and controlled solely and exclusively by Michael Elansky. Elansky as the operator of the bulletin board system (BBS), is the only person who can delete files from the bulletin board, and is the only person who can determine which user may access the system and what level of access they may obtain. The user in this case were ((sic)) carefully screened and were required to make application to Elansky in order to be allowed access. The computer bulletin board in this case originates from the computer of Michael Elansky in the home of Michael Elansky ((address deleted by CuD)), West Hartford, Ct. Elansky being the authorized user of the bulletin board had a code name that identified him to the users of this bulletin board. The code name used by Elansky is "IONIZER." That Goodrow said the "Anarchy'" ((sic)) file he obtained access to the Warehouse bulletin board through one of the users systems. The file Anarchy that Goodrow accessed gave detailed instructions on how to manufacture explosives, bombs and went on to instruct the reader on how to evade police bomb squads in dismantling of bombs. That I supplied a photocopy of the file that Detective Goodrow downloaded from Michael Elansky Warehouse Bulletin Board. Some authorized users of Michael Elansky's are minors, a fact known to Elansky since he required that name, address and age prior to being allowed to access the bulletin board. The phone number used by Detective Goodrow to access "Warehouse" Bulletin Board put out by Elansky ((number deleted by CuD)). I obtained from SNETCO Security that the phone line belongs to Michael Elansky (address deleted by CuD)), West Hartford, CT. ((name deleted by CuD)) of Bloomfield, a University of Hartford student, and a user of bulletin board says the person who runs the bulletin board identifies himself as the "IONIZER" and is a student of The university of Hartford. On June 20, 1993 I interviewed and obtained a written statement from ((name deleted by CuD)) of East Hartford, he is 14 years of age. He said he has spoken with Michael Elansky by phone on several occasions. Several hours after speaking with ((name deleted by CuD)) I received a phone call from Michael Elansky asking why I was investigating him. That ((sic)) I spoke with ((name deleted by CuD)), 17 years of age who downloaded but deleted. ((name deleted by CuD)) of Newington downloaded "ANARCHY" from the warehouse bulletin board. The material was downloaded onto a floppy disc for the police department. Elansky does promote, encourage and praise the manufacture of explosives such as pipe bombs and goes one step further in promoting techniques on how to evade, injure and kill bomb technicians attempting to neutralize the bomb. _EXCERPTS_ To any law enforcement agency "FUCK OFF this file is intended to promote general havoc and *ANARCHY*, and you can't do a damn thing about it PIGS...instructions of making pipe bombs. materials needed 6" pipes, drill ((CuD Moderators' Note: Were "instructions" withheld?)) That in October 1992 the West Hartford Police Department conducted a search warrant at the home of Michael Elansky. The seizure included, pipes, approximately 6" long that had been capped and had been drilled into. Issue warrant...violation of Section 53a-179a inciting injury to persons or property and 53-21 risk of injury to a minor. dated July 26, 1993 The files in question were reprinted (sans actual instructions) in CuD 5.71, and we saw in them no evidence that Elansky or anybody else advocated violence against the public or against law enforcement. Nor do the excerpts from the report make any such claim. The interpretation of the files by police stretches credibility. There are instructions for making pipe and other bombs, as the report indicates, but the instructions are superficial and do not target police or others. We could also not find any instructions in either file for "maiming or mortally wounding" law enforcement officials, for booby-trapping against disposal experts, or anything else. There are numerous other files that might suggest this, most available on "anarchy" and other BBSes. CuD possesses many megs of such files accumulated over the years, and they are written primarily by young, rebellious, teenagers. The files, as we argued in CuD 5.69, are better understood as a form of cultural rebellion and identity formation in the maturation process of teenagers than as a literal blueprint for "havoc" and violence. That files written by a 15 year old nearly four years ago can cause so much distress among law enforcement demonstrates the technophobia of law enforcement and the public. The media do not help combat these fears by appealing to the lowest common denominator in finding a dramatic angle. We note that no major media have written on this story. Perhaps if Elansky was also dating four women he met on his board, the print media would cover it on the front page. However, the story only raises fundamental First Amendment issues, which are boring and fail to capture the public interest. To CuDs knowledge, there has been only one reported incident of a serious incident involving youths attempting to build pyrotechnic devices from instructions obtained from BBS files. This occurred in Washington, D.C. (circa 1990) when two users of the old Atlantis BBS experimented with tragic results. One incident is one too many. Perhaps there have been others that have not been drawn to our attention. But, the point is that there is no evidence over the past decade of an increase in injuries or damages directly resulting from accessing such files. Existing evidence, drawn from BBSes, textfiles, and user-provided information over the years, suggests that these files are symbols of a youth subculture, and hardly a literal blueprint for action. When Axl Rose is pictured on MTV wearing a t-shirt that says "Kill your Idols" with a picture of Jesus, most observers recognize this as simply the rebellion of the heavy metal set. Although many commentators find the lyrics of rap disturbing, there are no arrests of radio station personnel who develop the playlists or the DJs who play them. Perhaps, in West Hartford, this will soon occur. THE LAWS THAT WERE VIOLATED What were the laws that posting of anarchy files violated? Chapter 952, Title 53a-179a of the Connecticut Penal code constitutes a class C felony, punishable up to ten years in prison: s 53a-179a. Inciting injury to persons or property: (a) A person is guilty of inciting injury to persons or property when, in public or private, orally, in writing, in printing or in any other manner, he advocates, encourages, justifies, praises, incites or solicits the unlawful burning, injury to or destruction of any public or private property or advocates, encourages, justifies, praises, incites or solicits any assault upon any organization of the armed forces of the United States, as defined by section 27-103, or of this state, as defined by section 27-2, or the police force of this or any other state or upon any officer or member thereof or the organized police or fire departments of any municipality or any officer or of any individual. s 53-21. Injury or risk of injury to, or impairing morals of, children Any person who willfully or unlawfully causes or permits any child under the age of sixteen years to be placed in such a situation that its life or limb is endangered, or its health is likely to be injured, or its morals likely to be impaired, or does any act likely to impair the health or morals of any such child, shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than ten years or both. The broad scope of both laws could apply to a substantial amount of literature and television programming. If applied to the "anarchy" files that provide the "evidence" for Elansky's arrest, the implications would undermine freedom of expression by providing the justification for bringing felony criminal charges by over-zealous prosecutors against virtually all media. Instead of time-consuming Congressional hearings and debates on violence in media, why not just slap a few producers, writers, and Connecticut television personnel in jail with a $500,000 bond? And, because numerous books advocating, promoting, justifying, or glorifying violence or insurrection are available in, or accessible through, most book stores to anyone with the money to purchase them, perhaps the West Hartford police should continue their sweep and charge local book dealers as well. And, because the information is exchanged systematically in a coordinated network of sales and distribution, it might be wise to invoke conspiracy laws. Use of the "access devices" to obtain such information from BBSes, and interstate networks for other media obviously move into federal jurisdiction, so let's involve the U.S. Secret Service as well. Or, we could recognize that the "anarchy" files in question and others like them, along with other forms of expression that many of us find unwise or offensive, are simple part of the price of a First Amendment. The documents in the case remain sealed, which we find troubling. If there is more to the Elansky case, then the relevant information should be unsealed. If Michael Elansky is, in fact, the next potential World Trade Center bomber, as law enforcement officials suggest, then evidence should be produced and the judicial process should do its thing. However, if--as the case seems--Michael Elansky is "guilty" simply of distributing legal files on a BBS, then he should be released immediately and the charges against him dropped. CuD continues to use qualifiers such as "if the facts are as they seem." We simply find it inconceivable that even the most inept or mean-spirited law enforcement agents would proceed with a case and impose such a bond primarily on the basis of the anarchy files. Yet, without unsealing the documents, we just don't know. Given the facts publicly available, the evidence seems to mount against the prosecutor's judgment in this case. By using "anarchy" files as the basis of prosecution under the cited laws, he seems to have grossly over-reacted. The result is that it appears that not only has he done an injustice to Elansky, but he has put all media--electronic and otherwise--at risk of felony prosecution at the arbitrary discretion of law enforcement. Whatever the ultimate facts, the First Amendment issues will not disappear. CuD is in full accord with those who are uncomfortable with the ability of the new information technology to make texts and images freely available to minors and others. The accessibility of "adult" gifs, ultra-violent video games, graphic or potentially dangerous texts, virus and related sourcecode, and other material raises serious ethical and policy questions. Those with children are concerned that minors, especially young ones, not be exposed to certain types of material so readily. Those with the capacity to distribute the material face the challenge of balancing social responsibility with freedom of expression and information access. The underlying issues require discussion, debate, and recognition of legitimate, if competing, interests. We come down unequivocally on the side of responsible access. However, we absolutely reject the abuse of law as a means of stifling expression. Those who argue that "If just one life can be saved by curtailing the First Amendment a bit, then it's worth it" somehow seem to miss the point: Public education and responsible media reporting/dialogue are far better antidotes to the dangers potentially harmful information than subverting the First Amendment to suppress it. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 16 Sep 1993 14:18:59 EDT From: IIRG Group Subject: File 2--Thoughts on the Elansky Case - A Response IIRG RESPONSE TO CuD 5.71 (File 1) Presented By Mercenary - President/IIRG In CuD 5.71 (File 1), there appears a letter by Alan Dunkin titled "Law enforcement in the Elansky case". At this time we'd like to express our feelings on the content of this letter. Now Mr. Dunkin says, and we quote: "The International Information Retrieval Guild (IIRG), which Elansky belongs to, is trying to raise funds for bond. However, it burned me to see the IIRG lines in file 3 of CuD issue 5.69: "Buy His Freedom, Stop Government Censorship" "If we do not stop the government in its attempts to censor the public, we have abandoned what it truly means to be a Freedom Loving American". Government censorship really has nothing to do with the arrest, was you claim it was the West Hartford Police Department, which hardly qualifies to be the government. Plus, this is not censorship, it's the police trying to protect the public." Now apparently Mr. Dunkin seems to feel that the West Hartford Police Department doesn't qualify as a valid branch of government. Im sure they'll be happy to hear that. Earlier in his letter he was quick to quote the Webster's Dictionary, we'd like to advise him to flip to the definition of police. Police - "The governmental department (of a city,state,etc.) organized for keeping order and for preventing,detecting,and punishing crimes." This definition certainly looks like Government to us. Mr. Dunkin also makes the statement that "this is not censorship, it's the police trying to protect the public." Now this may be a nice idea in theory, but lets look at the plain cold facts of the matter. 1. Mike was a BBS Sysop, with a clearly presented disclaimer on his system that the files offered on the Ware House were for Entertainment purposes only. 2. Who were the police protecting? Mike endangered no individual or property, there were no "terrorist" acts committed by any user of the Ware House. If the police had simply asked him to remove any offensive files, We're sure he would have Obliged. (Although this would be censorship in itself) 3. Mike's bail is set at $500,000 dollars, the average murderer in Connecticut receives a $100,000 bail and just yesterday on Sep 13th, 2 bank robbers received a $250,000 bail. Mike has been approached by a TV program that wants to air his side of the story. By making his bail so high that it cannot be made, they are censoring him from presenting his story. 4. When any governmental agency decides what is "acceptable" to read, this is defined as censorship. And by arresting Mike Elansky for having so called "questionable" text files on his system. The West Hartford Police (a Governmental Agency), is censoring a sysops rights of what he may have online. ------------------------------ Date: 9 Sep 93 09:01:39 GMT From: rhys@CS.UQ.OZ.AU(Rhys Weatherley) Subject: File 3--Attitude TV show about hackers in Australia On the 8th of September, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation broadcast an episode in their "Attitude" series of programs. This episode concentrated on hackers, the cyberpunk movement, law enforcement, cyberart, youth being empowered by technology, and lots of other things (my memory fails me on all the details). As the CuD editors are always on the lookout for perceptions of hackers by the media, I thought I'd send this overview in. Other Aussies who saw the show may be able to add to what I've said below, or correct my errors. Basically, the show presented a fairly consistent angle on the hacker issue. Unfortunately, its angle was the "cracker" aspect, which is what we've come to expect from the media, sadly. It did touch on issues of Freedom of Information, hacker ethics, and the interviews with convicted or accused hackers were good. One of the hackers interviewed told a familiar story for CuD readers: the police confiscated his equipment, no charges have yet been laid, and he can't get his equipment back. Others stated how easy it was to walk through systems. The recent "Hacking at the End of the Universe" conference in the Netherlands made an appearance, but computer-illiterate viewers would be forgiven for thinking that this was a big cracker get together to swap tips on breaking into systems. The difference between a hacker of the old school and the cracker variety was never spelt out. Here is your typical hacker profile as presented by the show: they start their hacking life with a computer and a modem getting into pirate bulletin boards downloading cracked games, and eventually move onto the Internet. A hacker is playful and explorative by nature. A little bit of confusion between USENET and Internet got in, but it was brief, and they seemed to want to talk about IRC more, probably because real-time chatting is trendier than netnews. :-) The perception I got of the Internet (if I hadn't known any better) was that it exists for the exchange of hacker (i.e. cracker) material. *sigh* They interviewed a cyberfeminist, who espoused the "male-dominated network" view (I'm not on any side here: maybe it's true, maybe it isn't). She and 3 friends are apparently working on a video game for females. More power to them I say. Some cyberartists were also interviewed ("Cyber Da Da" I think their name was: could be wrong). Bruce Stirling was interviewed and made an interesting comment about law enforcement attitudes (paraphrased): "if they have lots of computer equipment, and a copy of Neuromancer, then they must be up to something". Gee, I better burn my copy right now! :-) At one point, they did a little bit of a "fast forward effect" on Bruce speaking (could have been someone else): it made me wonder if some "good hacker" stuff was in the fast forwarded section and was edited out. The Australian Federal Police also got a look-in (also paraphrased): "we may not bust down your door now, but we are just busy on other cases, and we'll get around to you later". Another interviewed person made the comment that hackers are usually one step ahead of law enforcement because they can specialize, whereas law enforcement can't. Good comment. Computer porn only got a brief 5 second slot, which was a relief considering some of the newspaper stories that have been doing the rounds in Australia recently. It still had the obligatory picture though. All in all, I don't think the show did the network or the hacker communities any real favours, but it wasn't overly militant about it either. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 10 Sep 93 03:12:00 BST From: grmeyer@GENIE.GEIS.COM Subject: File 4--CuNews If It's Blurry You Shouldn't Be Watching ======================================== A patented digital technology from VideoFreedom Systems (San Diego, CA) may be the key to getting an intrusive Congress off their censorship bandwagon. The technology would allow television (and movie theatres!) to blur objectionable scenes and sounds. Much the same way the news programs can distort the voice and image of a confidential source who wishes to remain that way. The technology would allow those viewers who want to see "the good parts" to clean-up the image to their tastes. (Information Week August 16, 1993 pg 10) Hackers Need Not Apply ====================== Information Week magazine recently conducted a "fax vote" self-selected survey of readers. The questions asked about policies, thoughts, and practices regarding hiring ex-hackers to help out with computer security. Of the those who choose to respond, 15% said they had been approached for a job by a hacker. Only 6% said they had ever hired a hacker to test security. Of their concerns about doing so, over half said "they might compromise security". About 35% expressed concerns over "legal problems". Some of the write-in comments included: "Their crimes are difficult to prove and almost impossible to prosecute. Not only do they go unpunished, but hiring them makes crime pay." "What happened to our idea of ethics and morality? I don't believe only felon hackers are smart enough to foolproof our computer systems." "They could sell ideas back to your competitor. These people will do anything for a buck". Refer to Information Week, August 16, 1993 pg 29 for full details. This Tag Line Meets Corporate Standards ======================================= Duke Power Company (Charlotte, NC) has issued a memo to supervisors and managers that forbids employees from expressing their religious or political opinions over the company's Email, voice mail, or fax machines. The company says the memo arises out of problems with people using 'tag lines' (short sentences at the end of messages) on the company's Profs mail system. The company did not forbid tag lines, but issued guidelines for their content. According to the company few of its 18,000 employees see the rules as a restriction of free speech. (Information Week. August 16, 1993 pg 60) Woodstock for Hackers and Phreaks ================================= Newsweek magazine (Aug 16, 1993 pg 47) features a story on the End of The Universe conference in the Netherlands. According the Information Week's summary, the Newsweek article reports that attendees had at least one thing in common with the Woodstock guests....they believe that rules were meant to be broken. (IW's summary is on pg. 64, August 16, 1993) Don't Copy That (Microsoft) Floppy! =================================== Information Week reports that an article in the San Francisco paper THE REVOLVER (Aug 9, pg 1) says some lawyers claim that Microsoft might enjoy too much influence over federal prosecutors. It seems that an unusually high number of cases against software pirates are launched on Microsoft's behalf. The number is higher compared with Lotus or WordPerfect for example. (Information Week. August 1, 1993. pg 64) Feds file Kiddie-Porn charges ============================= Charges have been brought against six people in an effort to shut down an international child pornography ring. Dept of Justice officials allege that the Bamse BBS, based in Denmark, offers a variety of child-related porno in the form of graphics, text, and computer games. (Computerworld. September 6, 1993. pg16) 20th Annual Computer Security Conference and Exhibition ======================================================= The Computer Security Institute's conference will be held November 8 - 10, 1993 in Anaheim, California. The Anaheim Hilton and Towers is the site for the meetings. Contact the C.S.I. at (415) 905-2626 for full details. Some of the proceedings scheduled include: Unix Security for Bert and Ernie (Cheryl Jaksha, Coca-Cola Foods) Identification and Protection of Computer Evidence (Walter Manning, Techno Crime Services) Horror Stories and How to Use Them (Dan Erwin, Dow Chemical) Security Awareness for the Unwilling (Cheryl Jaksha, Coca-Cola Foods) Information Security: The Human Dimension (Vic Maconachy, Ph.D., US DoD) The Golden Rule and Computer Viruses (Genevieve Burns, Monsanto Company) Why PBX Fraud Continues (Ed Blackwell, Information Security Consultant) Fax Security Facts (Steve Skolochenko, US Postal Service) Cryptographic Policy Issues (F. Lynn McNulty, NIST) Penetration Testing (Richard W. Owen, Jr., Janus Software) Please Deposit 25 cents for the next 64000 bytes ================================================ New York residents and companies might have to start paying a tax for using on-line services. An amendment to the NY state budget added a 5% sales tax to 900-number "phone sex" providers. Critics, however, say the law is so vague that it may end up applying to on-line services and bulletin boards. (Information Week. Sept 6, 1993 pg 14) UK Data Protection Act ====================== Great Britain's data protection registrar is attempting to establish a national policy concerning the types of information employers can retain, and sell, about their employees. The investigation was spurred by a story in the Times of London which claimed that banks, retailers, and insurance firms stored information about their employees and customers sex lives and voting records. (Information Week. Sept 6, 1993 pg46) ------------------------------ From: "James I. Davis" Subject: File 5--CPSR Annual Meeting Date: Thu, 2 Sep 1993 09:43:10 -0700 COMPUTER PROFESSIONALS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ANNUAL MEETING October 16 - 17, 1993 University of Washington, South Campus Center Seattle, Washington, USA Envisioning the Future: A National Forum on the National Information Infrastructure and Community Access Co-sponsored by the American Society for Information Science Pacific Northwest Chapter (ASIS-PNC) ************************************************************************ The National Information Infrastructure (NII) is the proposed medium or "electronic highway" that will connect schools, libraries, government agencies, and citizens using state-of-the-art computer and communications technology. Media, computer, and telecommunications companies are also acutely interested in the NII as it dramatically increases their opportunity for delivery of communication, services, and entertainment. CPSR is convening this meeting for both computer professionals and the informed public to discuss the broad range of choices facing society regarding the NII. Saturday, October 16th 8:00 - 9:00 Registration/Coffee & Tea 9:00 - 9:15 Welcome to the CPSR Annual Meeting - Aki Namioka 9:15 - 10:15 Keynote Address - Bruce McConnell, Office of Management and Budget "Shaping National Information Infrastructure Policy" Bruce McConnell, Chief of Information Policy at the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), will present his views on the major NII issues now facing the administration. He has been with OMB since 1985 and became head of Information Policy in 1992. He now chairs the inter-agency task force responsible for developing federal information policy for the Information Infrastructure Task Force. 10:15 - 10:45 Break 10:45 - 12:15 Panel Discussion - Moderated by Eric Roberts "Public Access to Internetworks" Public access to the Internet (and other major networks) is a critical issue in any discussion about an "electronic highway". Panelists representing a wide variety of perspectives, including representatives from the Pacific Northwest, will present their views. Panelists: Phil Bereano, College of Engineering, University of Washington Eric Hood, NorthWestNet Kenneth Kay, Computer Science Policy Project Jim Taylor, Coordinator Automated Services, Seattle Public Library 12:15 - 1:45 Lunch Break 1:45 - 3:00 Panel Discussion - Moderated by Andrew Gordon "Municipal Information Infrastructure" City and other government agencies are exploring possibilities for developing municipal networks. In this panel a city official as well as a representative from the state regulatory agency and a representative of commercial interests will offer their insights and interests. Panelists: Joe Hommel - Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission A representative from the Department of Administrative Services for the City of Seattle 3:00 - 4:30 Panel Discussion - Moderated by Doug Schuler "Networking in the Community" Community networks exist and are being developed all over the U.S. Panelists from various community networks will present their perspectives on the state of community networking now and in the future. Panelists: Tom Grundner, National Public Telecomputing Network Parker Lindner, New Media Matters Evelyn Pine, CPSR/Berkeley member and former Executive Director of the Community Memory Project Roy Sahali, CLAMDYP (Computing Literacy and Access Making a Difference for Youth Projects) 4:30 - 4:45 Break 4:45 - 6:15 Panel Discussion - Moderated by Marc Rotenberg "Computers and Democracy - What's the Connection?" How might computers facilitate the democratic process? How might they pervert it? "Electronic Democracy" is currently in the public eye and aspects of it will probably be tested soon. What can be done to promote wise uses of computers in this critical area? Panelists: Jeff Chester, Center for Media Education Jamie Love, Taxpayers Assets Project Leah Lievrouw, Department of Telecommunication and Film, University of Alabama 6:15 - 6:30 Closing Remarks - Jeff Johnson ************************************************************************ 7:00 - 7:30 No Host Bar at Banquet Site 7:30 CPSR Banquet - Fundraiser - Waterfront Activities Center (Vegetarian food will be available) + Presentation of the 1993 Norbert Wiener Award to The Institute for Global Communications (IGC) Presenter: Eric Roberts The CPSR Board of Directors has chosen to award the 1993 Wiener Award to IGC in recognition of the work the organization has done to use network technology to empower previously disenfranchised individuals and groups working for progressive change. Geoff Sears, IGC's Executive Director, will be present to accept the award. + Banquet Address and Interactive Event - Kit Galloway, Electronic Cafe International Kit Galloway of Electronic Cafe International in Santa Monica, California will present his innovative approach to electronic communication using phone lines, slow-scan television, and other technology. Using videotapes and a live demonstration with CPSR chapters in Los Angeles and other locations, Kit will discus how the Electronic Cafe concept has been used in a variety of settings. Electronic Cafe International has staged global events with poets, children, and communities in France, Nicaragua, Japan, as well as a variety of American cities. Be sure to attend the banquet and participate in this provocative encounter with multimedia community networks !! ************************************************************************ Sunday, October 17th The second day of the conference will feature a more interactive format including several workshops, a discussion of CPSR's NII vision, and a special - free and open to the public - panel discussion on "Privacy Implications of Health Care Reform" Sunday evening. 8:30 - 9:30 Coffee & Tea 9:30 - 11:30 Workshop Sessions Gender Relations in Networking - Judi Clark Information Policy: A Framework for Action - Karen Sy Computer Professionals and Social Action - Jeff Johnson 11:30 - 1:00 Lunch Break 1:00 - 2:30 CPSR Discussion 2:30 - 3:00 Break 3:00 - 4:30 CPSR NII Vision Document Discussion - Moderated by Todd Newman 4:30 - 5:00 Closing Remarks - Future CPSR NII Program - Marc Rotenberg 7:30 - 9:30 Special Panel Discussion "Health Care Reform and the National Information Infrastructure: Opportunities and Risks" This special event is free and open to the public. Kane 210, University of Washington ************************************************************************ ABOUT CPSR Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility stands alone as the only national, non-partisan, public-interest organization dedicated to understanding and directing the impact of computers on society. Decisions regarding the use of this technology have far-reaching consequences that necessarily reflect the basic values and priorities of the people who govern their use. Founded in 1981, CPSR has 2000 members from all over the world and 22 chapters across the country. Each of our members is an important participant in the dialogue that is helping to shape the future use of computers in the United States. Our National Advisory Board includes one Nobel laureate and three winners of the Turing Award, the highest honor in computer science. We believe that as the influence of computers continues to permeate every aspect of our society, it is important that professionals become active participants in formulating the policy that governs computer use and access. CPSR welcomes any and all who share our convictions. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Registration Form Please pre-register by September 30 to guarantee seating. Registrations at the door will be accepted pending space. Name _________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________ City _______________________________ State _____________ Zip _________ Telephone __________________________ E-mail_____________________________ CPSR member $55 _______ Non member $75 _______ 1 year CPSR membership & registration $100 _______ Low income/student $25 _______ Banquet ticket $40 X ___ = _______ Additional donation to further CPSR's work _______ Total enclosed _______ For more information contact CPSR, 415-322-3778, draper@csli.stanford.edu, or Aki Namioka, 206-865-3249, aki@cpsr.org. Send completed registration form with check to: CPSR, P.O. Box 717, Palo Alto, CA 94301 ------------------------------ End of Computer Underground Digest #5.72 ************************************