IP: this is [could be djf] remarkably bad.......

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

Please note this bill has not yet been passed djf

> Date: Mon, 24 Sep 2001 23:03:59 -0400 (EDT)
> From: "Mike O'Dell" <mo () ccr org>
> To: dave () farber net
>
>
>
> http://www.securityfocus.com/news/257

Hackers [WOULD djf] face life imprisonment under 'Anti-Terrorism' Act

Justice Department proposal classifies most computer crimes as acts of 
terrorism.
By Kevin Poulsen
Sep 23 2001 11:00PM PT

Hackers, virus-writers and web site defacers would face life imprisonment 
without the possibility of parole under legislation proposed by the Bush 
Administration that would classify most computer crimes as acts of terrorism.

The Justice Department is urging Congress to quickly approve its 
Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), a twenty-five page proposal that would expand the 
government's legal powers to conduct electronic surveillance, access 
business records, and detain suspected terrorists.

The proposal defines a list of "Federal terrorism offenses" that are 
subject to special treatment under law. The offenses include assassination 
of public officials, violence at international airports, some bombings and 
homicides, and politically-motivated manslaughter or torture.

Most of the terrorism offenses are violent crimes, or crimes involving 
chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons. But the list also includes the 
provisions of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act that make it illegal to 
crack a computer for the purpose of obtaining anything of value, or to 
deliberately cause damage. Likewise, launching a malicious program that 
harms a system, like a virus, or making an extortionate threat to damage a 
computer are included in the definition of terrorism.




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