Unsecured Wi-Fi to Become Illegal?

echucker writes "News.com is carrying a story for a draft proposal for law in Westchester County in New York state that would outlaw unsecured wi-fi connections. Public internet access would require a network gateway server with a firewall and also require home/business office users to install firewalls to protect personal info, even if their connection is encrypted. Violations would carry fines of $250-$500."

Comments

This is absurd

[TFGeditor]

It is like fining somebody for leaving their door unlocked and they get burglarized.

This is the epitome of a YRO violation. Interesting it was posted under the Hardware banner.

Is this because of the telco's?

[koan]

Is this a response to the Google plans and various other implimentations of free wireless?
These legislators have gotten downright dangerous, I also wonder, how uesful is an open network for hacking?
If you were up to no good is an open AP the way to do it?

Luckily it is just a proposal.

[Nichotin]

This law would be impossible to enforce anyway. You would have to send a task around to track down all unsecured access points, then bust in the doors of a whole lot of white middle class people.

Speeding also illegal, as is cheating on taxes

[Gothmolly]

Um, just making something illegal doesn't stop it. Try doing the speed limit, in Westchester county of all places.
To me, this sounds like one of those "I'm protecting your children from Teh Internets" moves that politicians do periodically when they have to remind the masses that its time to vote.
How about holding someone responsible (gasp) for any malicious activity that originates FROM their network?