The spam generally doesn't need a pairing and any peer relationship
between the devices would only last as long as the data transfer so
there is only a small issue with concurrency, probably rectified by the
fact that a low power device would time out shortly after a device
walked out of range.
Regarding the cost as I understand this only requires commodity spec
equipment which is certainly within the grasp of most spammers and also
appearing as standard on modern laptops.
With regards a change in spec, unlikely I would assume. My first
thoughts are that it is entire academic - it's unlikely to be respected
and therefore a difficult and yet fruitless addition to a protocol which
already has a patchy and fragmented implementation. This is not a
question of technology and ease of development, this is a question of a
large number of devices already being out there in the wild and no real
business case for vendors coming in on their own in lieu of regulation.
My personal preference is that the regulation was stronger and the
penalties higher. If it becomes difficult to prosecute then make sure
the equipment is confiscated long enough during an investigation to
inconvenience whoever you can't pin it on.
Ian
-----Original Message-----
From: This list is for those interested in Data Protection issues
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Tim Trent
Sent: 08 October 2007 16:15
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [data-protection] Bluetooth spam may be ok :-(
The thing about BlueSpam is that it is probably going to be self
limiting. There is a small and finite number of connections (pairings?)
that may be made between a hub transmitter and receiver units, and the
cost at current technology prices of a transmitter, while not enormous,
renders the economics difficult.
I'm inclined to lobby for a "no marketing" setting for BlueTooth as an
addition to "visible" or "invisible". I believe this requires a
modification to the standard. I suspect phone firmware is relatively
easy to modify
Nigel Roberts wrote:
That, I am afraid to say, matches the construction I place on the Regs.
There is, however, nothing to stop the Minister amending the Regs if
enough MPs were to write to him (HINT!).
Nigel
--
Andrew Cormack wrote:
Out-law have a depressing article suggesting that the ICO will be
advising that Bluetooth communications aren't covered by the Privacy and
Electronic Communications Regulations, as they don't use a public
electronic communications network :-(
http://www.out-law.com/page-8533
Andrew
--
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