How to Handle ISPs Who Turn a Blind Eye to Criminal Activity?

Fri Oct 12 21:01:50 UTC 2007

Florian Weimer wrote:

> I don't know what case prompted Ferg to post his message to NANOG, but I
> know that there are cases where failing to act is comparable to ignoring
> the screams for help of an "alleged" rape victim during the "alleged"
> crime.

I'm reminded of this story from earlier this year:

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=568400

"For his effort, Van Iveren was charged with criminal trespass while 
using a dangerous weapon, criminal damage to property while using a 
dangerous weapon and disorderly conduct while using a dangerous weapon, 
all criminal misdemeanors that carry a maximum total penalty of 33 
months in jail."

On a side note, now that I've gotten back on -post.... I will say that 
I've had pretty dismal experiences working with Law Enforcement over the 
years as a service provider. When you have to explain to the Feds just 
what IRC (for example) is, you've lost the battle :( After repeated 
attempts at getting what seems to be blatant criminal activity 
investigated, a provider might start to think "If Law Enforcement 
doesn't care, why should I?" (I've avoided falling into that trap, but 
it is frustrating to boot someone for illegal activities and see them go 
on to pull the same thing at another provider even after providing 
evidence to authorities.).