Senator proposes destruction of file-swapping computers

Online: Republican senator calls for the development of new technology to remotely destroy computers belonging to illegal music downloaders. [Guardian Unlimited]

Remer's Comments:

The Constitution of the U.S. guarantees citizens protection from the government from loss of life, property or liberty without due process of law. Automated destruction of citizen's computers for alleged illegal file swapping will fail to protect owners of such computers from government abuses. What if actions of another who obtains access to the owner's computer is responsible? Such a law would bypass the judicial system and constitutional protections of due process.