MD Bill Would Criminalize Theft of Wireless Access 764
Pickens writes "A bill presented by Delegate LeRoy E. Myers Jr. to the Maryland House of Delegates would criminalize purposely surfing the Internet on someone else's wireless connection. The bill would make intentional unauthorized access to another person's computer, network, database, or software a misdemeanor with a penalty up to three years imprisonment and a fine of up to $1,000. The Maryland public defender's office has submitted written testimony opposing the specific ban and penalty suggested in Myers' bill. Noting that wireless connections are becoming common in neighborhoods, the written testimony says: 'A more effective way to prevent unauthorized access would be for owners to secure their wireless networks with assistance where necessary from Internet service providers or vendors.'"
come here, sweetheart (Score:5, Funny)
Dangers of RTFA (Score:1, Funny)
I know... Isn't Wil Wheaton awesome?
Re:abra-ca-de-ridiculous! (Score:4, Funny)
Sounds reasonable (Score:5, Funny)
MS to Fix (Score:3, Funny)
Microsoft is fixing unsecured wireless access just like they did viruses and spam.
Thank you
Re:"Purposely" is the key (Score:1, Funny)
I just wish I had more space for my music files. Half my hard drive is taken up by some directory called "Rainbow Tables", which I'm guessing has something to do with the OS's file system or a database or something.
Re:Stupid rednecks! (Score:4, Funny)
>Really, what this law is is an attempt to criminalize a culture of sharing.
Yeah, its a big conspiracy d00d! The other day I tried to give someone a hoho and a police man shot at me!
Re:Proportional punishment to the crime (Score:3, Funny)
Re:come here, sweetheart (Score:4, Funny)
Your router is constantly saying "Here I am! Connect to me! I am OPEN! I am AVAILABLE!"
This attempt at legislation actually goes against the default router settings provided by every single manufacturer. It attempts to genuinely legislate that up is down, that open is closed. That something similar passed in the UK only shows us that fools are not limited to our shores.