Open up them files now!

spartak · October 10, 2002, 03:41

We all know the mods keep secret files on troublesome posters and that these are kept in the secret staff forum. Given that the server is based in the US what rights do we have to access information held about us on a computer system? In the UK there would be a straightforward requirement to hand over copies of all the files after receipt of a Tenner and the appropriate form.

Come on Mods don't be mean. Open up the files....

You don't want to get a request for Freedom of Information do you?

MarkG · October 10, 2002, 03:54

take us to court first

notyoueither · October 10, 2002, 03:58

Roland?

spartak · October 10, 2002, 04:27

Quote:

Originally posted by MarkG
take us to court first

Can I have an address to serve the papers please?

MikeH · October 10, 2002, 05:00

You should be able to get those details from the registered domain name owner.

As it's not a UK server I don't think the Freedom of Information act covers it unfortunately.

spartak · October 10, 2002, 05:07

Ita am American server so the effective US law should apply rather than the rather crap UK one.

The Mad Monk · October 10, 2002, 05:21

I'm supporting Taz's request so he'll stop sobbing on the other site.

Rasbelin · October 10, 2002, 05:22

Taz,

have a look here, if you really have to know what's going on.

In general I can't see any good reasons why the staff room or any of it's contents should be public. If someone violates the rules or gets a punishment for something, he has always the full right to contact the politburo for an explanation and any details. Having the information in public would only cause hate and flaming. So IMHO this case is pretty much finito.

MikeH · October 10, 2002, 05:26

Why shouldn't it be public? Who knows what they're saying about people back there?

The Mad Monk · October 10, 2002, 05:32

Thank you Ras, that was very enlightening!

Dauphin · October 10, 2002, 08:51

Just look at the yearbook when its done, it contains a dossier on some of the world's most wanted. Complete with mugshot.

alva · October 10, 2002, 09:57

It would be nice to see if you have a warning next to your name.
They do this on SiS boards (Championship manager).
When you get a warning, a yellow card shows next to your name and the date when it's expires

, pretty handy.

Off course it's more natural beeing a fooball site.
But there could be a Civ variant or something like that.

Rasbelin · October 10, 2002, 10:03

MikeH,

why should it?

In general I don't voice my real opinions about other Apolytoners on Poly; no matter if public, restricted or private area. If I have to do it, I can do it by e-mail, but frankly I keep it as my own business, unless I have to voice my opinion.

Monk,

you're welcome.

Rasbelin · October 10, 2002, 10:10

Quote:

Originally posted by alva848
But there could be a Civ variant or something like that.

I like that idea too.

And I already have a good Civ II related suggestion as the warning icon.

MikeH · October 10, 2002, 10:57

I think that's a good idea as well.

Solver · October 10, 2002, 13:05

Don't you think that the poor staff members (who actually work to make you gits have fun) should have a place to secretly discuss what's the next nice feauture they're going to give you

?

spartak · October 10, 2002, 17:58

Quote:

Originally posted by Rasbelin
Taz,

have a look here, if you really have to know what's going on.

Edited out at Ming's request.

Skanky Burns · October 10, 2002, 17:59

I agree with Solver, on the proviso that I can find out what they talk about...

Provost Harrison · October 10, 2002, 18:50

Well who knows what the ruling is on this matter.

But would stuff in the Staff forum count as stored information about people anyway, after all, it is just another forum with restricted access...how would the law see that?

Dauphin · October 10, 2002, 18:59

Quote:

Agencies within the executive branch of the federal government, including the Executive Office of the President and independent regulatory agencies, are subject to the FOIA.(4) However, the FOIA does not apply to entities that "are neither chartered by the federal government [n]or controlled by it."(5)

Thus, it is settled that state governments,(6) municipal corporations,(7) the courts,(8) Congress,(9) and private citizens(10) are not subject to the FOIA

Wittlich · October 10, 2002, 20:37

Exactly Sagacious. So the bottom line is if there are any files, they are the property of Mark and crew and no one elses business.

spartak · October 11, 2002, 03:04

Under UK data protection lawsan individual is entitled to see any information about them stored on a computer and any information about them that this not stored on computer but referred to on computer. So in theory if you ahve a file tracking system and have a file on someone you need to release thefile under the law if requested.

Is US law so mean that similar rights don't apply to computer systems there? jesus - that sucks big time. So much for the open society eh?

Asher · October 11, 2002, 03:08

What the hell are you talking about, "open society"?

spartak · October 11, 2002, 03:09

America - land of the free!

Ming · October 11, 2002, 03:14

Yes... land of the free... and the right to privacy to discuss what you want about other people

spartak · October 11, 2002, 03:15

Rasbelin · October 11, 2002, 04:09

Taz,

who says that Poly is working under the federal laws of USA and the state laws of Texas? Nobody. Actually the information about the users is more like possesed by the legal owners of the site, Markos and Dan, so those laws don't apply to them. You'd better consult the Canadian and Greek lawbooks.

spartak · October 11, 2002, 05:20

Ras - the server is in the states. Therefore the site falls under the jurisduction of the good 'ol usa. Its where the actual information is kept that matters not where the owners live.

Dauphin · October 11, 2002, 08:00

Quote:

Originally posted by Taz
Under UK data protection lawsan individual is entitled to see any information about them stored on a computer and any information about them that this not stored on computer but referred to on computer. So in theory if you ahve a file tracking system and have a file on someone you need to release thefile under the law if requested.

In the UK that only applies to public authorities and employers - (AFAIK, I'll have a quick rummage throught the act and its narrative).

Dauphin · October 11, 2002, 08:06

http://www.lcd.gov.uk/foi/yrtksum.htm

Yep, only publicly accountable organisations, government, police, schools etc..

If that wasn't the case I'd demand to see my neighbours address book.