From: U15289@UICVM.UIC.EDU
Newsgroups: alt.comp.acad-freedom.talk
Subject:  Re: McGill code
Date: 31 May 1994 15:39:43 -0400
Message-ID: <199405311939.PAA23859@eff.org>

(Let's try it again, after the mailer got away from me. :-) )

>9.    Properly sign or make traceable any remote access to or from
>     MCF, any E-mail, message or file transfer initiated on MCF.
>
>         All transmissions must be identifiable by McGill
>         staff.  That is, they must include your access
>         code.  Similar rules are imposed by many external
>         networks.  You are encouraged to ensure that your
>         name (in addition to access code) is also attached
>         to all applicable messages.  It is specifically
>         forbidden to attempt to mask your real identity or
>         intentionally originate a message masquerading as
>         someone else.
>
>         By convention, most systems offering "anonymous
>         FTP" services request that you enter your network
>         address as a password.  Users must comply with this
>         convention.

This fails to distinguish sufficiently between anonymity which is intended to
evade accountability for otherwise prohibited acts, and that which is benign.
The "encouragement" to list one's name in addition to logon ID is excessive.
It also fails to state whether the use of anonymous remailing services is
permitted or not.

Anonymity per se should never constitute a violation.  No activity on a system
should be prohibited if done anonymously, which would not be a violation other-
wise.  Users should not be required to identify themselves in any particular
manner, beyond those identifiers that a system (including ftp sites and other
remote systems accessed through a home system) either requires be supplied to
gain access in the first place, or inserts automatically in connection with a
given application.  Anonymity intended to evade accountability should be treat-
ed as an aggravating circumstance in connection with the basic offense, leading
to penalty enhancement.

                                               Mitch Pravatiner
                                               U15289@uicvm.uic.edu