[coldtea]

>I don't think doing academic research is a carte-blanch to lie to people.

No, living in a free country is a carte-blanch to lie to people. She isn't doing anything illegal, and she is best to know if it's ok with them or not.

[PhasmaFelis]

I'm not actually much fussed by the story, but I am kind of sick of this ridiculous notion that anything not actually illegal is perfectly okay.

[coldtea]

Well, how about the ridiculous notion that her relationship with her relatives is our business?

[n09n]

That's not the part people care about. People promoting a culture where it's okay to lie to others because "hey, it's not illegal" is everyone's business.