Are Hack authors liable for the use of their work

[FASherman]

Originally Posted by MarcoH64

You can not expect that a coder have knowledge of the laws in all countries in the world. It is up to the site owner to know his laws.

Courts don't see it that way. They also assign responsibility to the developer. Why do you think Microsoft is having their arse handed to them in European courts for practices that are completely legal in the US.

For HIS protection, Floris should mention that use of the hack may be considered illegal in some states and/or countries. The HE is covered and anyone who downloads it assumes the responsibility. Without that warning, he also remains liable under many laws. Not only that, this site would also be considered culpable.

You job as a moderator and his as the developer should be to protect yourselves from any legal ramifications. Don't you guys have a legal advisor? Take it to him if you don't beleive me when I tell you without these disclaimers, VB.Org and Floris would be open to a lawsuit either by the user of any site running the hack that became offended at their PM being read OR by a web admin for not being sufficiently warned after he/she is sued.