https://blog.ericgoldman.org/archives/2014/09/lock-manufacturer-onity-had-only-one-job-but-isnt-liable-for-failing-to-do-it-well-forbes-cross-post.htm Wed, 10 Sep 2014 21:25:00 +0000 hourly 1 https://blog.ericgoldman.org/archives/2014/09/lock-manufacturer-onity-had-only-one-job-but-isnt-liable-for-failing-to-do-it-well-forbes-cross-post.htm#comment-993 Wed, 10 Sep 2014 21:25:00 +0000 http://blog.ericgoldman.org/?p=12985#comment-993 If someone manages to hack SSL should the cryptologists be held legally liable? Cryptology is most direct digital analogue to a physical lock. And I think the reader you quote fundamentally misunderstands the nature of a lock in their comment. Preventing illegal activity is one function of a lock, but by no means the only one or even in some cases the most important one. I’d argue that the most improtant function of a lock in a hotel setting isn’t to prevent illegal activity by third parties against guests, it’s to prevent access to the rooms by customers once their paid stay is finished.

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