A Penguin in the Orchard

Electronic Property

Kasia gets it absolutely right with her thoughts on property rights as they relate to spammers. Spammers clearly do trespass on property for which I’m paying or have already paid. Even in real estate law, it’s always quite wise to get an easement if you intend to regularly cross someone’s property. In other words, you need the permission of the owner to make use of their property. The question is valid - how does the space on my hard drive and the bandwidth for which I’m paying differ in ownership from my front yard?

Which really raises the bigger question. What is it about electronic property that leaves politicians so completely clueless?