Software Registration & Your Privacy
A Cotse Editorial
August 26, 2003

John Holstein,
Cotse Helpdesk/Support

Recently on IRC, I entered into a private conversation with an individual with a slight problem, for this discussion, we'll call this person "Mr. Pike". Mr. Pike downloaded (GetRight) and installed it on his PC. Before purchasing it, this individual usually checks Asta La Vista for a software registration code (known as a "crack") to register the program. He explained that he does this so he can use the entire piece of software, not just in demonstration mode which is usually in a knocked-down version and not all of the features operate. True, it's technically illegal to do this, however, it will give the user a comprehensive means to test the piece of software.

After downloading and applying the "crack" to GetRight, he was immediately taken, via a pop-up Internet Explorer Window to this link (here's a screen shot of the page, just in case you don't want to leave your tracks on their not-so-privacy-conscience-site: Screen Shot). Mr. Pike is a Cotse.Net subscriber yet he wasn't using our Transparent Proxy. If Mr. Pike had the Cotse Transparent Proxy setup in his default browser, it's likely, when the pop-up occurred, the redirection would have taken place behind our proxy, shielding our user from this invasion of privacy and not reveal his IP address to the GetRight web logs.

There's a fine line between protecting intellectual property and invading someone's privacy in the process. True, the product is copyright material and susceptible to appropriate laws governing intellectual property. True, software piracy is a problem (although I hardly think it's anywhere close to being as bad as the manufacturer's claim). However, redirecting someone's browser, without their permission, is wrong. Invading someone's computer to check for copyright material, without a valid search warrant delivered by law enforcement, is also wrong (see MPAA, RIAA, etc).

What's next? We've already being threatened by the MPAA & RIAA toward invading our computers, looking for "copyright" material and the possibility of using measures to remove said material even if the method involves completely disabling the computer system.

Needless to say, it's appalling to think that private industry was almost granted powers greater than police officers have to invade our privacy. It's not yet over. Laws are still being introduced to broaden the collective power of the industry. It all starts with a simple web page redirect. Like all things subversive, a small step leads to an escalating transient toward a more restrictive environment to control the actions of the citizens.

Let's take a moment to theorize a bit. Let's throw a few "what ifs" into the equation. What if you decide scratching your valuable collection of CDs isn't something you would like to see happen? What if you decide to backup your legally purchased collection of audio (or for that matter, software or DVD's) cds? You take the time to backup your collection to ISO's (software) or mp3s (audio) or DVD's and make "copies", keeping these copies on your computer, as well as to other cd media. These audio cd copies are taken with you, rather than the originals, in your car, in an MP3 player, for your individual use. The mp3s are played on your computer, for your own listening pleasure. The copies of your original DVD's are placed in the DVD rack next to your TV where your kids can get to them. All of the originals are then stored in a safe place, such as a closet, away from potential scratching. There's nothing legally wrong with doing this. You are allowed to make a copy of legally purchased audio & software media. Now then, "what if" the music industry illegally invades your privacy by hacking into your computer then "disables" the backups or "disables" your computer? This is clearly illegal. What if you are reported to your ISP, or worse, to Law Enforcement for breaking copyright laws, yet you have done nothing wrong? What about your rights? What rights do you have? What rights do you want to keep? Money is absolutely no justification to give up your rights. Period. And that's exactly what's happening to you and this country.

What else is happening that you don't know about? See, therein lies the rub. Now we're speaking in the realm of total guess work. Anything is possible. Only time will tell, but chances are, if the current state of affairs goes unchecked, anything could become reality. What exactly does GetRight do when you legally register the piece of software, does it still phone home? I didn't read the End User License Agreement, the point isn't whether you allow it to happen, the point is, will the average computer user, uneducated in the legal terminology used in the EULA, understand what's happening? Would they condone such an action BEFORE they purchase the piece of software? If they purchase the software prior to reading the EULA, will the company refund their money?

What can you do about it? First, don't use cracked software (I had to stick that in there, because logically, it is the first step). Second, protect yourself through Privacy Resources such as Cotse.Net. Use software and operating systems that won't grant the same ease of subversion or redirection. Select higher security settings for Internet Explorer, personally, I've chosen to use Mozilla as my default browser. Use a personal firewall that checks outbound connections and allows you to set permissions on every aspect of software that connects to the Internet. For those a little more politically active, contact your congressional representatives and explain how worried you are about the course our government is taking by allowing our rights to be sold to private industry.

From a Reader:

If something like this happens to you, let it be known. Either fill me in or put up a website and give me a link. I'll be happy to link from this page to your website with material relating to the subject matter.

John Holstein,
Cotse Helpdesk/Support