Matrix Law

Matrix law is even looser than most legal codes. Given that events in the Matrix can occur literally at the speed of thought, lethal countermeasures are often approved in defense of Consortium assets. The slang term "Console Cowboy" is apropos, given the often-Wild West nature of the Matrix.
==Details==
The OPpTI backbone of the Matrix allows virtually limitless speeds, and so a decker's actions on the most advanced cyberdecks occur as quickly as she can think. Because of this, defense systems usually only get one shot at blocking an intrusion, and since there's no way to know beforehand whether a security breach will be anywhere from harmless to literally fatal to millions, the Consortium has granted legitimate security defense contractors carte blanche within the Matrix with regards to defense of Consortium assets, with one restriction: contractors are not allowed to breach the security of legitimate members of the LATMA Consortium without permission, even to track rogue deckers. With one exception:
ComSec, being a division of MetSec, enjoys the same "umbrella" contract with the Consortium that MetSec has, granting ComSec open access to any system connected to the Matrix. (See MetSec:contract.) This freedom is a double-edged sword. Rogue deckers have no place to hide, but this unfettered access also makes the "good guys" very, very nervous.
Any breach by ComSec into a corporation's private data is followed up by an investigation, but so far every intrusion by ComSec has been for legitimate purposes. MetSec Management knows that any confirmation of an illegitimate incursion by ComSec would put MetSec's overall contract with the Consortium in jeopardy, which Management will not allow, under any circumstances. Even the possibility of malfeasance has given ComSec quite a Big Brother reputation, deservedly so or not. Management keeps ComSec on a very tight leash.
==Recent Events==
==RP Hooks==
Common knowledge to any decker thinking of risking the wrath of ComSec:
*Use of cracker/icebreaker programs is grounds for any response up to termination.
*Use of offensive software on Consortium assets is grounds for any response up to termination.
*Possession or use of lethal offensive (not defensive) software is illegal and is grounds for termination.
*ComSec may terminate anyone in violation of any of the above anywhere at anytime.
*Corporations with membership in good standing with the LATMA Corporate Consortium may use lethal software in their corporate defenses (see Black ICE).
Category:Convention/Bright
Category:Convention/Dark
Category:Convention/Technology