Congress approves life sentences for crackers
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Congress approves life sentences for crackers
http://www.theregus.com/content/55/25621.html
Congress approves life sentences for crackers
By John Leyden
Posted: 07/16/2002 at 07:29 EST
The US House of Representatives has approved a bill which raises the penalty for computer crime to a maximum of life imprisonment.
Crackers who put lives at risk, either knowingly or through "reckless" behaviour, could be sent to jail for life under measures in the Cyber Security Enhancement Act, which the house yesterday passed an overwhelming majority by 385 votes to three.
The bill also seeks to impose tougher sentencing regimes for computer criminals.
Controversy, however, centres on measures designed water down ISPs responsibility to protect their users data and turn into government snitches.
The bill encourages ISPs to report suspicious activity on their networks (whatever that might be), even if it poses no immediate threat, and shield them from lawsuits from anyone objecting to such privacy intrusions. Service providers are also required to keep customer records, including emails, for 90 days, under the bill.
Civil liberties groups are concerned that the Act will erode Internet privacy because it could give law enforcement agencies leverage in obtaining records from service providers without the tedious business of obtaining a search warrant.
The bill has to go to Senate, where it is expected to receive little opposition, before becoming law.
Congress approves life sentences for crackers
By John Leyden
Posted: 07/16/2002 at 07:29 EST
The US House of Representatives has approved a bill which raises the penalty for computer crime to a maximum of life imprisonment.
Crackers who put lives at risk, either knowingly or through "reckless" behaviour, could be sent to jail for life under measures in the Cyber Security Enhancement Act, which the house yesterday passed an overwhelming majority by 385 votes to three.
The bill also seeks to impose tougher sentencing regimes for computer criminals.
Controversy, however, centres on measures designed water down ISPs responsibility to protect their users data and turn into government snitches.
The bill encourages ISPs to report suspicious activity on their networks (whatever that might be), even if it poses no immediate threat, and shield them from lawsuits from anyone objecting to such privacy intrusions. Service providers are also required to keep customer records, including emails, for 90 days, under the bill.
Civil liberties groups are concerned that the Act will erode Internet privacy because it could give law enforcement agencies leverage in obtaining records from service providers without the tedious business of obtaining a search warrant.
The bill has to go to Senate, where it is expected to receive little opposition, before becoming law.
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From: Wheeler Army Airfield, HI
Originally posted by Muz
I can see a few 16 year old kids going to jail because their curiosity got the better of them. There goes the neighborhood.
I can see a few 16 year old kids going to jail because their curiosity got the better of them. There goes the neighborhood.
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From: Wheeler Army Airfield, HI
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Muz
[B]
I can see your point but I think the youth of society in many cases deserve a second chance. When I read these things I think about people's kids and how easily they could fall afoul of these kind of laws. There's a big difference between 'getting in trouble' and a life sentence. I'm fairly certain the youth who accidentally shoots his friend (or indeed purposely) would receive a far more lenient sentence than an adult. The term 'reckless behaviour' seems to be removing the issue of 'intent' from the equation (to me). Most societies recognise that young people make mistakes, perhaps because they are without the wisdom of age on their side, and as such have always treated them accordingly. I just hope it continues to be that way.
[B]
I can see your point but I think the youth of society in many cases deserve a second chance. When I read these things I think about people's kids and how easily they could fall afoul of these kind of laws. There's a big difference between 'getting in trouble' and a life sentence. I'm fairly certain the youth who accidentally shoots his friend (or indeed purposely) would receive a far more lenient sentence than an adult. The term 'reckless behaviour' seems to be removing the issue of 'intent' from the equation (to me). Most societies recognise that young people make mistakes, perhaps because they are without the wisdom of age on their side, and as such have always treated them accordingly. I just hope it continues to be that way.
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From: Wheeler Army Airfield, HI
I do think there needs to be a few examples however, as wrong as that may sound. They would need a reason to be scared.
Since we are on the topic of hackers, what do you think about the authors of virues? When are those offenders going to start getting tough punishments?
Since we are on the topic of hackers, what do you think about the authors of virues? When are those offenders going to start getting tough punishments?
