*********************************************************************
This article is being presented through the *StarBoard* Journal of
the FlagShip/StarShip, SIGS (Special Interest Groups) on the
Delphi and GEnie telecommunications networks.  Permission is
hereby granted to non-profit organizations only to reprint this
article or pass it along electronically as long as proper credit
is given to both the author and the *StarBoard* Journal.
*********************************************************************

Gary Barrett included this transcription of interest to all:

A couple of items from the September 29, 1986 issue of INFOWORLD:

     "SOFTWARE GROUP OFFERING BOUNTY TO FIGHT PIRATE BULLETIN BOARDS"

WASHINGTON-The Software Publishers Association (SPA) has unveiled a
plan, including a $100 bounty, it said is intended to fend off illegal
distribution of copyrighted software.

The association is offering the money to the first individual who
provides it with specific information on "pirate" bulletin board
systems that illegally post copyrighted software, said Ken Wasch,
executive director of SPA.

The group will investigate the bulletin boards that are reported, and
suspect boards' system operators will be warned, Wasch said.  "We want
prosecutable information, but whether we do so or not is the question,"
he said.

...the offer will continue until November 1.  

"The loss of software revenues because of pirate bulletin boards is
growing," Wasch said.  "We're not trying to be heavy-handed, but it's
a warning to software pirates."

Operators of legitimate boards shouldn't be worried about the group's
policy, said Mike Todd, system operator for the IBM special interest
group on The Source.  "Persons who want to be system operators for
boards should take responsibility that they're going to review what's
on their systems," he said.

Todd is a member of a newly-formed group called the National
Association of Bulletin Board System Operators.  The group is
developing a code of ethical standards and procedures for users and
system operators to follow in reporting alleged illegal activity on
bulletin boards.

...to report illegal bulletin boards, write or call SPA at
1111 19th St NW, Suite 1200, Washington, DC  20036; (202) 452-1600
                          -------------

        "ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS BILL HEADS FOR SENATE PASSAGE"

WASHINGTON-The Senate is expected soon to approve proposed legislation
protecting the privacy of most electronic communications.

The Senate Judiciary Committee passed the bill on September 19, and
the bill now awaits a full Senate vote.  The House has already
approved a similar version of the bill, and observers expect it to be
signed into law before the end of the year.

If signed into law, the bill would change definitions in existing law
to cover digital communications, create new civil and criminal
penalties for breaking into private electronic communications systems,
and provide rules for access to computer information by law
enforcement officials.

"There is absolute unanimity on the electronic mail and data
provisions of the bill," said Mike Cavanagh, executive director of the
Electronic Mail Association here.  A Senate subcommittee made some
minor alterations strengthening the privacy of cellular telephone
calls, but that was the only change.

...the proposed legislation would also protect communications over a
"common carrier" such as Tymnet, Telenet or CompuServe.

....This is the bill we've been discussing here.  It looks like it
will see passage soon, and most of the big computer companies seem
pleased.  Any comments from you sysops?

-GaryB