Why I sell unetical modules
My position on spying in general
Personally, I really hate to be spied upon. I always use SSL, and
choose the networks I'm at with care. I certainly dislike mass-spying or
logging of everyone without reason ('against terrorism', 'for security').
So now, why am I selling SPY modules if I hate it so much?
Some networks really need it...
90% of the sales I had was for networks targetted at kids or teens. The main
reason for them is to fight pedophiles, which is - unfortunately - quite
common on such networks. I know, for a fact, that at least one pedophile was
catched with the use of spy modules in the past few years.
One thing I find extremely important though is: let the people know they
are monitored. That's why I've always have (and had) a requirement to
state in the MOTD that 'users are subject to monitoring', in fact this is a
requirement of the Monitor license.
Also, thanks to it being 'on sale' instead of a freely available module,
like it or not.. it works as a great filter. This combined with requiring an explanation of why
it is needed, and complying with the MOTD license requirement of above,
makes me much more comfortable with it than, say, the old invisibility
module.
Monitor vs the old Invisibility (+I)
Monitor is also quite an improvement over older (no longer existing) spy
modules like invisibilty (+I). With Monitor, one has to monitor specific
targets (channels, users), the activity of these targets are sent to one
central channel where multiple ircops can be in, plus whenever a target is
added or removed a notice is sent to all opers. This reduces the likehood of
one oper randomly spying people without the rest of the team knowing about
it.
Concluding
Even though I dislike spying, I feel that in certain cases there's a need,
especially if minors are concerned. I find it important that users
(including minors) know they are being monitored so they can make a choice
themselves: When they stay, they might be more
comfortable with the idea that someone is watching suspicious activity and
people. Others might be more comfortable with leaving and having no supervision at all.