Legal Question in Technology Law in California

Allowing access to newsgroup pictures

How legal is it to provide a Java applet in your web server to allow users to view Usenet pictures both good and not so good (adult oriented). Original The subject and body of the original newsgroup posting will be displayed in addition to the pictures. Instead of reding the Newsgroup articles using Outlook express or netscape you will be using the Java applet. It will be like slide show where you just sit and watch the pictures. It is enough to protect the adult oriented newsgroups with a Adult check mechanism.


Asked on 12/17/01, 1:06 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Timothy J. Walton Internet Attorney

Re: Allowing access to newsgroup pictures

Napster is being sued for providing software that facilitates illegal copyright. So that could be a concern. I am not sure I understand why you think Adult Check or something similar would be neccessary.

How are you going to get your applet into the browser? Will users have to download the software as a plug-in, or will you get the browser manufacturers to include it with their source code? If users have to affirmatively download your product, it may be possible to limit your exposure through language in the Acceptable Use Policy.

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Answered on 12/17/01, 1:34 pm
Ken Koury Kenneth P. Koury, Esq.

Re: Allowing access to newsgroup pictures

since the pictures are already publicly posted, i see no problem with that.

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Answered on 12/17/01, 6:04 pm


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