Computer criminals could get life in prison

national | miscellaneous | news report Wednesday July 17, 2002 10:47 by Pat C

This has yet more civil liberties implications. It could also be used against peace activists who hack military sites. Pat

Computer criminals could get life in prison


18:18 16 July 02

NewScientist.com news service

A bill that makes it possible to give life sentences to computer criminals who endanger the lives of others has been approved by the US House of Representatives. The Cyber Security Enhancement Act (CSEA) was passed by 385 votes to three.

The bill was revised in February 2002 to include new powers. One amendment recommends a life sentence if an offender "knowingly or recklessly causes or attempts to cause death". Members of congress championing the act describe this as a crucial deterrent to the possible threat of cyber terrorism.

Other new powers have been introduced to the bill, to try to make tracking down computer criminals easier.

Included is the right to conduct surveillance without a warrant when there is an on-going attack on a computer system or when there is an immediate threat to US national security. But only limited information, such as telephone numbers and Internet Protocol addresses could be gathered in this way.

Some US civil liberties organisations are opposed to the act. Brad Jansen, an analyst with the Free Congress Foundation, a conservative think thank, told CNet News: "Congress should stop chipping away at our civil liberties. A good place to start would be to substantially revise the CSEA to increase, not diminish, oversight and accountability by the government."

The Senate must approve the bill before it can become law. This could take place in the coming months.


Will Knight

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