Australian judge on privacy: Computer code trumps the law

By Kristopher A. Nelson
in February 2008

100 words / 1 min.
Tweet Share
CNET News.com: Judge on privacy: Computer code trumps the law: Australian High Court Judge Justice Kirby says computer code is more potent than the law-and that legislators are powerless to do anything about it. Technology has outpaced the legal system’s ability to regulate its use in matters of privacy and fair use rights, said Kirby, […]


Please note that this post is from 2008. Evaluate with care and in light of later events.

CNET News.com: Judge on privacy: Computer code trumps the law:

Australian High Court Judge Justice Kirby says computer code is more potent than the law–and that legislators are powerless to do anything about it.

Technology has outpaced the legal system’s ability to regulate its use in matters of privacy and fair use rights, said Kirby, speaking Thursday night at an Internet Industry Association (IIA) event.

Kirby said the judicial system has faced difficulties in coping with changes the Internet and computing have brought.