This is a great point. They're currently devoting millions of dollars to ruining the life of GeoHot, but since they're doing it in a way that's sanctioned by politicians and lawyers, that's "alright".
GeoHot knowingly put himself in harms way, whether the law is just or not in this case his family is not being exposed to vilification and possible harm to their persons.
Sony's executives are in a similar situation, through their actions, or actions they support (explicitly or implicitly) they have put themselves in the firing line of Anon.
However going after innocent bystanders cannot be justified, on either side. Though I think it is a stretch to say Sony is going after GeoHot's family.
I have a PS3. If I make modifications to it and talk about those modifications online, is that knowingly putting myself in harms way? Who owns my PS3? And what right does anyone else have to dictate what knowledge I share online about my PS3?
Yes. It is knowingly putting yourself in harms way because you know what the law is, whether you agree with it or not. When you take an action as an adult you are accepting the possible consequences of that action.
If you punch a mobster in the face and get shot for your trouble every one is going to say "Wow what a brave fellow, he knew what the risks were but he did it anyway". Just like in GeoHot's place he knew what he was doing had risks of getting himself sued or worse, but he chose to do it anyway because he disagreed with the law.
You have missed my point however, I agree with the sentiment of what Anon is doing, just not the methods they are using.
Why do people keep reacting to me saying he knew what he was setting himself up for as an implicit approval of what is happening!!! I keep saying I disagree with the law and agree with the aim of Anon, just not their methods.
