Should we apply product liability to software?

Rob points out an article that suggests that software developers should be held liable for security and (presumbly) other bugs.

While I may not agree in the article's entirety I do agree in part. That is, software manufacturers should assume liability for poorly constructed products just as "real" manufacturers do.

(Of course, this means the corporate entity should be responsible, not the indvidual, which I think is Rob's real objection).

Software is increasingly becoming an important product in and cornerstone of modern commerce. When software fails, it can lead to real losses (especially when you consider that software controls more and more physical devices now). Thus, it seems more than reasonable that we demand the same degree of care that we require from physical manufacturers.

After all, it's not like software manufacturers are making guns.

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