The Monster USCC Off-Topic Thread

[0siris]

It isn't even 'government behavior', it's a school or school department gone awry, big difference.

--Droo, @Network

I disagree. It's a public school district. It may not be federal government, but it *is* government.

And I cannot believe this isn't gaining traction in major media. This isn't some "woopsy!" moment that gets fixed with a "we promise we won't do it again." Some public official, an official in city or county government, actually thought this was OK, probably more than one. Any and all such officials need to be made unemployment statistics. NOW and forever so far as public sector jobs are concerned.

[droobie]

I disagree. It's a public school district. It may not be federal government, but it *is* government.

It's a single school district and it appears it was an individual's decision. It's not like it's a government conspiracy.

Some public official, an official in city or county government, actually thought this was OK, probably more than one.

The superintendent of the district was quoted as saying it's known and it was a 'theft prevention' measure. If that doesn't scream 'it's intentional', I don't know what does.

This article mentions the program we also have here -
http://www.pcworld.com/article/18979..._students.html

In all seriousness, since these laptops cannot come without webcams, they should just make the iPatch (http://www.theipatch.com/) standard on them. I can see practical use of a webcam, especially for teleconferencing with students in other countries, but for the most part the thing should be blocked.

--Droo, @Network

[tearsonurcheek]

It's a single school district and it appears it was an individual's decision. It's not like it's a government conspiracy.



The superintendent of the district was quoted as saying it's known and it was a 'theft prevention' measure. If that doesn't scream 'it's intentional', I don't know what does.

This article mentions the program we also have here -
http://www.pcworld.com/article/18979..._students.html

In all seriousness, since these laptops cannot come without webcams, they should just make the iPatch (http://www.theipatch.com/) standard on them. I can see practical use of a webcam, especially for teleconferencing with students in other countries, but for the most part the thing should be blocked.

--Droo, @Network

It may be intentional, but that school district has no business being in the student's home (via webcam, or any other measure) unless expressly invited by the parents. The students activities in the home are none of the school's business. In fact, unless it directly affects the school (kidnapping a rival's mascot, or vandalism to a rival's school, etc), the only off-campus activities the school should have any concern about are field trips and homework. Frankly, especially given this is a public school, I'm surprised the ACLU hasn't stepped in. Didn't the US Supremes previously rule that students do not give up their rights at school?

[BigE]

IIRC, for purposes of Constitutional Law (various doctrines of invasion of privacy included) public schools are regarded as "State Actors" and thus the same rules apply to them as would a direct action by a state or federal government.

[droobie]

It may be intentional, but that school district has no business being in the student's home (via webcam, or any other measure) unless expressly invited by the parents.

I think the big issue here is disclosure. If it's the 'norm' and a possibility that the webcam could be used for wrong purposes, then they should've told these people at the very least.

Frankly, especially given this is a public school, I'm surprised the ACLU hasn't stepped in. Didn't the US Supremes previously rule that students do not give up their rights at school?

Nothing to say they won't. This situation is rather fresh.

I don't think the 'It's the school's property regardless of if it's in the home or the school' argument would fly. The equipment may be the school's, but that doesn't mean they get to 'bug' peoples homes with it.

--Droo, @Network

[PhoenixGeek]

Not to necessarily change the subject, but BigE, every time I look at your picture all I can see is this:

[BigE]

It really can't be unseen.

[0siris]

It's a single school district and it appears it was an individual's decision. It's not like it's a government conspiracy.

Red herring.

Activating the camera may have been an individual decision, but providing that capability to school administrators was not. That was POLICY. The district cleared intended to provide this to school officials, plural. What kind of training did these officials have on proper use of the camera activation? None, clearly. The Washington Post says the district superintendent is saying this was only meant for cases of lost or stolen PC's. But NO ONE is claiming this student's laptop was missing or stolen. Or that such a claim had been made. Plus, we have the vice principal's own accusation. "Improper conduct in the home"?

Plus, I don't see where the existence, or lack, of a conspiracy changes anything about the issue at hand.

[0siris]

Not to necessarily change the subject...

Sorry. It just tickles to see that in "The Monster Off-Topic Thread."

[tearsonurcheek]

I don't think the 'It's the school's property regardless of if it's in the home or the school' argument would fly. The equipment may be the school's, but that doesn't mean they get to 'bug' peoples homes with it.

My thoughts exactly. Even with disclosure. At most, they have to right to review the weblogs and other activity that occurs *on* the laptop. If the student uses the webcam, then that log would fall under this as well. But to surrepticiously activate the webcam just to see what's going on. No. Just...absolutely, unequivocally, under no circumstances should they be allowed to do that.

[PhoenixGeek]

Sorry. It just tickles to see that in "The Monster Off-Topic Thread."

Well some topics can get a little heated and a change in subject is a good idea, but this topic isn't getting heated and some lively discussion is acceptable .

[BigE]

Yeah no apologies or segues needed in this thread.

But if you start talking about phone related **** in this thread I will ****ing cut you!

[tearsonurcheek]

Yeah no apologies or segues needed in this thread.

But if you start talking about phone related **** in this thread I will ****ing cut you!

Hey, now! Let's keep it on (off) topic, people!

[AndThenScottSays...]

I may be getting an iPhone for work.

Is it still off topic if it's phone related but not USCC related?

[BigE]

I may be getting an iPhone for work.

Is it still off topic if it's phone related but not USCC related?

Gosh...I don't know....judges?