Strict German Computer Crime Law Now in Effect

SkiifGeek writes "With little fanfare, section 202c of the German computer crime laws came into effect over the weekend. Worryingly for Security professionals, the laws make the mere possession of (creates, obtains or provides access to, sells, yields, distributes or otherwise allows access to) many useful tools illegal. A similar law was proposed for the UK, however it was modified prior to passing through parliament due to the outcry from the industry. Phenoelit, KisMAC, the CCC, and the Month of PHP Bugs are just some of the relatively high profile projects and groups to have already taken measures to remove or modify content under this law."

Comments

As the author of Nmap ...

[fv]

As the author of Nmap, I'm more than a little concerned about this law. It could mean that I can never again visit Germany, which is a shame because I have many friends there. But I don't want to risk a year in prison or the Halvar treatment. Many of these articles state as a matter of fact that the creation or distribution of Nmap (mentioned by name in TFA) is illegal now. If true, what does that mean for all the Linux distributors who include Nmap and other security tools?

Does anyone have a link to a good English translation and legal analysis of the new law? The Phenoelit page translates the law as affecting "computer programs whose aim is to commit a crime". That doesn't cover Nmap, which I designed for security professionals. But of course some blackhats use it too, and I don't want to bet my freedom on being able to convince a technologically illiterate judge in Germany of my intent.

I hope groups like the CCC (which is apparently quite powerful in Germany) are able to get this overturned! If legitimate German admins are afraid to use Nmap and other security tools while the crackers retain full access to them, that won't be a pretty sight!

-Fyodor
Insecure.Org