More Jail Time For Computer Crime Starting Next Month

An anonymous reader writes "Washingtonpost.com is running a detailed story about how new changes to the sentencing guidelines will increase jail time for most computer crime cases, starting November 1. When will the feds learn that raising penalties isn't going to deter this type of crime? The piece ends with a quote from uberhacker Kevin Mitnick saying just that."

Comments

Uhhhhh....

[mcrbids]

When will the feds learn that raising penalties isn't going to deter this type of crime?

It won't deter this type of crime? I can assure you, I've seen plenty of situations where I've been tempted to play the line a bit, but when I think about my lovely wife, and 5 children, and the risk of penalties, I change my mind quickly.

Perhaps we should realize that deterring a crime is not the same as eliminating it?

A $200 fine for speeding will deter speeding - but it won't eliminate it.

[ Dictionary.com ]

v. deterred, deterring, deters v. tr.

To prevent or discourage from acting, as by means of fear or doubt: "Does negotiated disarmament deter war?" (Edward Teller). See Synonyms at dissuade.