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MD Bill Would Criminalize Theft of Wireless Access
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.'"
If it's too much of a bother to ask, then don't use it. Seriously, you're saying because it's a pain you should just be allowed to use someone else's resources?
If you can't ask me if you may enter my house, because you 1) aren't allowed to tresspass to begin with and 2) I never seem to come out, or am not home, does that mean you CAN just walk into my house?
What about borrowing my garden house, which is sitting in my driveway? Or my bike? Can you use those because they are on my property, and you can't find me to ask?
"Is it really so much to ask that you come into our country legally through the set of proceedures we have in place?" Thus spake the native american population.
There is little difference here from recharging your power tools using the neighbor's external power outlets or washing your car with the neighbor's hose.
If your neighbour puts the external power outlets on your wall, or connects a tap in your yard, it's quite different.
If you send someone an object in the mail, it is theirs, they do not have to pay for it. If you broadcast an unencrypted connection onto their property, that's your action, you are responsible.
In any case, there is no need for legislation on this. It can and should be solved by the individual who owns the router having it properly configured. Legislation ought not be used to enable wilful ignorance. If you can connect to your router without authentication it is obvious that others can too and reasonable for others to expect that you understand this. My tax dollars should not be spent making up for other peoples refusal to learn how to use their equipment. If you don't want to learn, pay someone.
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