Originally Posted by Dragonlich

I think that's all fine and dandy, but have you considered the consequences? Suppose I were to exercise my right not to install a firewall and virus scanner, and as a result, I get infected with a worm that sends massive amounts of data to other computers, infecting them in the process (after all, they exercised their rights too). I would be criminally negligent, and should be held accountable for the results of me exercising my "rights".

I do not suggest that the government should be allowed to force you to install a certain program (no way!); I'm suggesting that the government can expect you to provide at least *some* protection. I'd say they can ask you install *a* firewall and *a* anti-virus program. They could probably go to the ISP for this, who can be legally required to provide such programs free of charge.

Now, if you still choose not to install such programs, it's your choice. However, any resulting damage is *your* responsibility too. I'd say a solution would be to force ISPs to remove internet access from computers that are spreading viruses, worms, spam, etc. Just like some companies are shutting down websites with illegal content. After all, when your (in)action results in damage to others, you are responsible for the results, and your damaging (in)activity should be stopped.