When a joke goes too far

[TheAnimus]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20645838

Scotland Yard says officers responded at 09:35 GMT on Friday to reports of a woman found unconscious at an address in Weymouth Street, central London.

It is understood the dead woman took a hoax call from an Australian radio station earlier this week.

This nurse took a prank call, from an Auzzie radio station, and didn't appear to realise it was a joke. She disclosed personal information relating to the health of some lady who I don't give a toss about, but apparently most do.

As a result she ended up taking her own life.

The thing is, I will in no way condem the pranksters, they where just winging it and ultimately did nothing wrong. It was after all the hospitals lax rules and training on data security which resulted in the embarresment.

[Saracen]

Copied from another thread I posted (now closed 'cos it crossed with this) ....


Reports are coming in that the nurse at the centre of the Kate Middleton hoax call by two Australian morons, sorry, "presenters" has been found dead, and reportedly, committed suicide.

Details are few, and circumstances sketchy, but you have to wonder if it's feasible for there to be no link between the two events?

I hope those two idiots that made this prank call are thoroughly ashamed of themselves. But somehow, I doubt it.


Link to BBC story

[TheAnimus]

See Saracen, I don't know if its my computer security background, that labels the radio presenters as just "penetration testers" *giggady* but they shouldn't have been able to do what they did. The system around the hospital information could do with a bit of fixing.

What I'd imagine is sadly likely however is that the hospital choose to blame the nurse.

If that is the case, I hold nothing against the radio DJs. Being a radio DJ is arguably a far harsher punishment than this crime deserves.

But I would like to know what training, what pratices and systems the hospital has in place for handling calls and confidential information.

I would also suggest anyone listens to the radio clip, before condeming them as been malicious.

[Saracen]

Edit - Note - Animus, our posts crossed.

....

The thing is, I will in no way condem the pranksters, they where just winging it and ultimately did nothing wrong. It was after all the hospitals lax rules and training on data security which resulted in the embarresment.

I'll condemn them.

Like you, I have no brief, one way or the other, for Kate Middleton, but she deserves the same privacy from nosy and interfering morons seeking to gain private medical details that the rest of us do.

Yes, clearly, the hospital staff should have verified the source of the call before revealing ANYTHING, including that Kate was even there. But nonetheless, without idiots like these two pratts making hoax calls, there'd have been no need for that.

This is not dissimilar to the morons in our own press deciding it's okay to hack the phone voicemail of murdered children, with the single exception that that was criminal as well as disgraceful.

Why is it that a small but senseless section of the media think they any any justification in this sort of thing? Oh yeah, because they're morons.

[Saracen]

See Saracen, I don't know if its my computer security background, that labels the radio presenters as just "penetration testers" *giggady* but they shouldn't have been able to do what they did. The system around the hospital information could do with a bit of fixing.....

Agreed on the culpability of the hospital and/or individual members of staff, and agreed about training.

But, in my lexicon, penetration testing is all about testing a site or facilities security with their knowledge, and at their request. The staff being tested do not need to know a test is being run, by management damn well have to have authorised it. Otherwise, in the computer context, it's very likely a criminal offence anyway. And unless the hospital authorised it, which I'm sure you'd agree is very doubtful, it's not an apt analogy. Though, for the sake of clarity, I'm sure that "penetration testing" comment wasn't exactly serious.

[Bluecube]

I agree with you both. The presenters are morons (2Day FM is owned by Fox - enough said) as can be found out with a quick trawl through the web. However, what sort of pressure must the nurse have been under to commit suicide? Anyone want to bet that there would be the typical HR investigation, disciplinary procedures, etc, etc?

[j1979]

See Saracen, I don't know if its my computer security background, that labels the radio presenters as just "penetration testers" *giggady* but they shouldn't have been able to do what they did. The system around the hospital information could do with a bit of fixing.

What I'd imagine is sadly likely however is that the hospital choose to blame the nurse.

If that is the case, I hold nothing against the radio DJs. Being a radio DJ is arguably a far harsher punishment than this crime deserves.

But I would like to know what training, what pratices and systems the hospital has in place for handling calls and confidential information.

I would also suggest anyone listens to the radio clip, before condeming them as been malicious.

A prank call is fair enough..

But this wasn't just a prank call, they have committed a crime (kind of)

[Terbinator]

A prank call is fair enough..

But this wasn't just a prank call, they have committed a crime (kind of)

How?

I can't believe people (not just on here) are seriously suggesting they're at fault in any criminal sense.

[jim]

It's just awful for all involved really.

I sincerely doubt the DJs ever thought it would come to this, and if it doesn't stay with them for the rest of their lives, they would have to be incredibly cold individuals.

And whilst I really couldn't care less whether Kate is giving birth or not, this is a horrible thing to have to think about when you're going through pregnancy - can't help feeling sorry for her and William as well.

[kalniel]

How?

I can't believe people (not just on here) are seriously suggesting they're at fault in any criminal sense.

I don't know the relevant legislation - impersonating a police officer is a crime, but what about Her Majesty?

[Willzzz]

Impersonating anyone used to be a crime, but that would infringe free speech too much these days.

The crime would trying to get hold of information that is private.

[Terbinator]

I don't know the relevant legislation - impersonating a police officer is a crime, but what about Her Majesty?

I'll admit, i wasn't thinking it in those terms. However, has anyone ever been convicted of impersonating a police officer when the convicted had comedic intentions?

I've seen manslaughter suggested elsewhere for the radio hosts.

[peterb]

See Saracen, I don't know if its my computer security background, that labels the radio presenters as just "penetration testers" *giggady* but they shouldn't have been able to do what they did. The system around the hospital information could do with a bit of fixing.

What I'd imagine is sadly likely however is that the hospital choose to blame the nurse.

If that is the case, I hold nothing against the radio DJs. Being a radio DJ is arguably a far harsher punishment than this crime deserves.

But I would like to know what training, what pratices and systems the hospital has in place for handling calls and confidential information.

I would also suggest anyone listens to the radio clip, before condeming them as been malicious.

But that is just absolving the presenters for any personal responsibility for their actions.

[neonplanet40]

If I'm honest I do not think that anything should happen to the radio presenters. What they did was stupid but then again it was meant to be. This falls on the hospital security. However, say what you will, this woman must have had more problems going on outside work. I find it hard to believe that only this caused her to take her own life.

[TheAnimus]

But that is just absolving the presenters for any personal responsibility for their actions.

What responsibility. Have you listened to the thing? Or read the transcript. There wasn't anything really 'juciy' gleamed, the palace made no complaints, the only people who looked stupid here where the hospital, not the royals.

Also, its now been disclosed it was in fact the first nurse who fwd'd the call. I seriously doubt the call can be considered responsible for a mother of two killing herself...

I'm not absolving them of any responsibility, they still miss represented themselves, but they didn't call in with the express idea of getting such information, I think it was more just a joke about royal sterotypes.

[melon]

Am I the only wondering what sort of implied threat happened to make someone do that ??

I wouldnt care who it was I wouldnt feel guilty about being setup to that extent - esp when far worse and important things are happening in the world. geeze

I gotta go with Animus on this .

radio station irresponsible but not responsible

m