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By Will Sturgeon, 3 September 2003 14:52

NEWS The debate over the best way to punish virus writers has sparked off again in the wake of the Blaster arrest - and still there is little sympathy for teenagers facing prison terms for their crimes. However, there is growing support among silicon.com readers for alternative forms of punishment to replace custodial sentences or to complement and follow a jail term. Jeremy Hall wrote in to say: "Just as we ban dangerous drivers from driving and people who harm animals from keeping them we should ban virus writers from using computers." And his views were shared by many who advocate a ban on virus writers using computers or web-enable devices in the future. Some even suggested a life-time ban would not be out of order. Although this method has proven successful in a number of cases - most notably the ban imposed on notorious hacker Kevin Mitnick - one reader was quick to draw a parallel that exposes a flaw. Mike Robinson wrote: "We all know that loss of a driving licence doesn't prevent those beyond the law from driving a motor vehicle." But still the majority of respondents are in favour of the harshest penalties. Stephen Curwood's calls for severe punishment summed up many people's concerns about the serious, potentially fatal consequences viruses could have - calling for a strong deterrent. "Lock them up and throw away the keys. It's not just money, but also lives that can be at stake," he wrote, echoing concerns about the effects a virus could have if it infected a hospital's systems or those of the emergency services. However, not all readers think punishment is the right approach. silicon.com reader Paul Smith favours encouragement and rehabilitation: "These virus writers are clever guys and we should be harnessing their skills. Re-education and a useful channelling of their genius is what is needed. Locking up an 18-year-old will not necessarily make him repent. Why do this to someone in his most creative years?" Other readers weren't so willing to support and easy-going approach. Other comments we received suggested a return to more 'traditional' methods of punishment. Jim Dupper said: "I think locking them up and throwing away the key sounds good, but I would like to see a bit of public flogging and maybe the stocks beforehand though!" Meanwhile, Thomas Frame hits upon a way of funding our schools: "Hang the bastards publicly and charge an entrance fee to be donated to school IT funds." While another reader suggested: "Don't throw the book at them... dump the whole darn library on their head!" Have your say, email editorial@silicon.com