Pickens writes "A bill presented by Delegate LeRoy E. Myers Jr. to the Maryland House of Delegates would make purposely surfing the Internet on someone else's wireless connection a crime. According to the bill, intentional unauthorized access to another person's computer, network, database or software would a misdemeanor with a penalty up to three years imprisonment and a fine of up to $1,000. Myers told the House Judiciary Committee that one of his neighbors, after buying a new laptop computer, got onto the Internet, thinking it was through a cable TV hookup but actually, the connection was through Myers' home wireless Internet system. 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.""
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