At best, the SC decision could include language says that persons downloading information are responsible for ensuring that the material is not in violation of local laws. At worst, the SC could say that the operators of information systems are responsible for insuring material is not made available to persons in certain regions, if the material violates laws in those regions.
And both are similarly unreasonnable: At best, how do you know for sure before you download,
Exactly what I fear most from this case. In order to assist users, sysops may be required to rate and/or categorize all downloadable material using a rating scale or list of categories determined by some governing body (FCC?). If the sysops do not following the guidelines, then they can be considered participants in the distribution of "bad stuff" to "good places".
and at worst, are you supposed to know the law for all countries, states, counties and cities with access to Internet and connected networks when even an attorney cannot possibly know the law for a single state?
I think "At worst" is not very likely, for the reasons you state. That's why I worry more about "At best". I think the only real good outcome would be that the verdict is overturned because of some technicality, preventing the case from becoming some kind of landmark. However, this would only delay things until the next case. Jim_Miller@suite.com