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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.'"
Wait, so basically what you are saying is that it shouldn't be illegal to steal something if it is stolen easily. Leaving your car unlocked doesn't make it legal for someone else to use it. Easier maybe, but not legal.
This law will never fly, then again Martin O'Malley is a douche bag; so, it has hope. the scarier law is the 6% IT tax. Either way not to be all 2003 in he heah' but War driving in Maryland, specifically Downtown Baltimore, or even the majestic suburb of Columbia, MD used to show a ridiculous amount of open access points, that included many many businesses. I laud the attempt to be progressive, but, its a poor attempt.