Could You be Defined as a Computer Criminal?

Why would President Obama want to broaden and blur the distinction of computer crime to the point that most Americans could be guilty? Under the proposal for new legislature, acts such as password sharing, account sharing, or any use of a computer that the owner doesn’t approve (IE using a work computer for personal interests) could be punishable by law. Furthermore, online analysis about potential security leaks have computer security researchers afraid that under the new laws their work (analyzing databases for weakness) could be considered criminal, resulting in less secure computers. By definition of the legislation, even media reporting or internet discussion about the topic could become federal crimes. Threats to personal freedom, personal security, and freedom of communications only scratch the surface. “It’s a danger to our freedom,” Kimberly commented to Truth Hack in regards to the proposals. “They’re (lawmakers) taking part of our freedom from us but at the same time it’s controversial.” “I don’t think all of these things should be considered a crime.” Gretel said. “I think these are personal risks that we take.” Exhibited by Obama in his State of the Union address on January 20th, the changes to the 1984 Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) would greatly expand the definition of computer crime and stiffen the penalties for existing crimes, including doubling the maximum penalty for many violations from 10 years to 20 years. In an attempt to lower the rates of organized cyber crime, the proposal would also subject computer fraud to the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act of 1970 meaning that if the law passed to even associate online or hang out in a chat room where “computer crimes” are being discussed could make someone a member of a criminal enterprise. One of the sections of the proposals addresses “spying devices” but the legal language never specifies what type of intercepting device could be punishable by law making previously legal devices (IE Wifi seeker Firesheep or blue boxes for long distance phone calls) now criminal. With the occurrence of major security breaches over the past year it is understandable that new protective measures are being brought into consideration. It is possible that all angles of this proposal had not been fully considered by the government at the time of release. But at the same time it is frustrating to face yet another round of legislation that further chips away at the already crumbling value of personal freedom and privacy. “The government is becoming more like (what was experienced) in the Dark Ages.” Jackie commented to Truth Hack. “Its more oppressive and controlling like when church was not separated from state.” Many things have changed since our founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence. Technology has given way to hoards of new crimes and dangers to society and our government can hardly be defined as “for the people, by the people” when the majority of citizens hardly pay attention to politics these days. It seems that our government is constantly finding new ways to meddle into privacy because they are afraid that less knowledge means less control and less control over the population means less power. So they take away our privacy in the name of safety so that they can have their knowledge and control to ensure government power. But does more government power really mean more safety? We already know that all are being monitored to great extents. Phone lines, internet use, every single electronic purchase or deposit is known and accessible record. Already compromised privacy aside, it is clear that our lawmakers are still not satisfied. This proposal sets the stage for less discussion and more submission- a clear violation of a democratic society. Despite the fact that law makers may like to be all knowing, omniscient like God, our leaders are only human like us. They will pry and pull for more knowledge, but if the balance of power is ever tipped too far in the wrong direction the result will be catastrophic. Even so, don’t let the oppression of our changing society pull you down- remember that there is One who sees and knows everything. God is so much greater than the menial struggles between humans, just remember that only He is all knowing and all powerful. This is the truth that leads us to be free.