Re: Instant Remailers

["E. ALLEN SMITH" <EALLENSMITH@ocelot.Rutgers.EDU>]

From:	IN%"tcmay@got.net" 19-MAY-1996 08:03:24.32

>At 12:38 AM 5/19/96, Mark M. wrote:

>>It is possible for someone to operate an anonymous remailer anonymously.
>>Just get a UNIX shell account under a fake name, pay with cash, and set up
>>the remailing software.  The identity of the operator of such a remailer
>>would be difficult, if not impossible, to discover.

>Now, can a site which "offers" such accounts be held liable? If the site
>drops an account when presented with _appropriate_ legal papers (a court
>order, such as an injunction), and if it takes a "hands-off" policy with
>respect to what customers run in their accounts, then it ought to be safe
>from actual liability.

	Depending on the site (e.g., governmental), it may be ethical not to
bother letting the site owner know that you're doing so anonymously. The
ethics of this would also vary depending on whether the site owner is legally
required to get ID or not.

>Ideally, such remailers should require no involvement at all by the account
>holder. Just a "start" command, by the account holder. (Not the site
>administrator, as this could be construed as involvement by him.)

>But an "instant remailer" (just add water) is needed. Recent questions here
>on the list about what it takes to run a remailer may mean some advice is
>needed.

	Quite. I'd appreciate it.
	-Allen