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Bicycle Thief Barred From Using Encryption
An anonymous reader writes "A teenager found in possession of a stolen bicycle was given probation, with a whole bunch of computer-related restrictions. He wasn't allowed to use social networks or instant messaging. He wasn't allowed to use a computer that had 'encryption, hacking, cracking, scanning, keystroke monitoring, security testing, steganography, Trojan or virus software.' The kid appealed, noting that the restrictions on social networking seemed overly broad, and restricting him from using a computer with a virus was difficult since viruses and trojans and the like tend to try to stay hidden, so he might not know. While the court overturned the restrictions on social networking, and changed the terms of computer restrictions to include the word 'knowingly,' it did keep the restriction on against using any computer with encryption software. Remember, this isn't someone convicted of malicious computer crimes, but of receiving a stolen bicycle. So why is perfectly reasonable encryption software not allowed? And what computer these days doesn't have encryption software?"
It's so that if he steals another bike, he won't be able to hide it in an encrypted partition on his hard drive.
It would also be useful to know where this took place. NYC? Rural Nebraska?
Follow the link to the article.
Oh, what was I thinking, this is slashdot.
Sig Battery depleted. Reverting to safe mode.
Most cars are pretty much run by computer too.
Kid will need a bicycle. Oh, wait...
Received a stolen motorcycle, probably suggests the receiving was arranged on the internet.
The court documents state that he only knew the seller as Skye (note the odd spelling, something you wouldn't know unless communication was in writing).
The only documents you casually read were the Appeal, not the original court documents.
The kid has a record as long as your arm.
Probably in the the Receive stolen goods section of Craigslist.
Computer Thief Barred From Using Handlebars
You have to admit, the punishments were effective. There are no bicycle thefts recorded in the Old Testament or any contemporaneous document.
The judge must be a T-1000 sent here to prevent John Conner from becoming l33t.