Microsoft patents "Device Manners Policy" design Options

[impala454]

http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/05/microso...ng-zo/#comments

This is either the best or worst idea ever, depending on your point of view. Microsoft has patented what it calls a "device manners policy" (DMP), a wireless zone-enforced device protocol that allows local operators to turn certain features off (or on) based on local manner and safety policy. Similar to how wireless service on planes can lock out voice but allow data, Microsoft's DMP concept would allow local czars to enforce, for example, "no talking out loud" or "no photography" rules. Audio recording could be disabled at concerts, video recording killed at theaters, and ringers turned off at funerals. Of course, this all requires manufacturers to comply with the DMP protocol in their devices. In the end, we'd be looking at a pre-movie PSA that says "your phone is now being put on silent" rather than "please turn off your cell phone."

I'm not sure how I feel about this just yet. It's very interesting to read the comments so far, as I'm sure our own comments on here will be.

[Seeker]

computer security vulnerabilities far outnumber any problems with physical locks/traffic lights, not to mention the number of people knowledgeable and with motive to break them

two different worlds, if you want to draw an analogy use something from the computer/software industry... don't put a password on your email would have made more sense