Using Net Proxies Will Lead To Harsher Sentences 366
Afforess writes "'Proxy servers are an everyday part of Internet surfing. But using one in a crime could soon lead to more time in the clink,' reports the Associated Press. The new federal rules would make the use of proxy servers count as 'sophistication' in a crime, leading to 25% longer jail sentences. Privacy advocates complain this will disincentivize privacy and anonymity online. '[The government is telling people] ... if you take normal steps to protect your privacy, we're going to view you as a more sophisticated criminal,' writes the Center for Democracy and Technology. Others fear this may lead to 'cruel and unusual punishments' as Internet and cell phone providers often use proxies without users' knowledge to reroute Internet traffic. This may also ultimately harm corporations when employees abuse VPN's, as they too are counted as a 'proxy' in the new legislation. TOR, a common Internet anonymizer, is also targeted in the new legislation. Some analysts believe this legislation is an effort to stop leaked US Government information from reaching outside sources, such as Wikileaks. The legislation (PDF, the proposed amendment is on pages 5-15) will be voted on by the United States Sentencing Commission on April 15, and is set to take effect on November 1st. The EFF has already urged the Commission to reject the amendment."
Frorst (Score:4, Funny)
They'll have to catch me firs&^&*(no carrier
Dear Legislators: (Score:5, Funny)
We spent millions on our warrantless wiretapping systems installed in telecoms across the nation. Unfortunately, it turns out you can avoid having your data collected by use of a fancy system called a 'proxy' that's been around since the dawn of the Internet. Who knew?
Please fix this for us.
Sincerely,
The NSA
P.S. We have sexting photos of your wives and daughters. They're not 'sophisticated' but they sure look like fun!
Re:You can't surf without using a proxy. (Score:1, Funny)
You know, for a pollock, you certainly make a lot of sense.
Re:Don't break da lew and you don't worry then (Score:3, Funny)
I really think the AC was confused and just understandably concerned about toilets continuing to function.
Re:Different from wearing a mask? (Score:1, Funny)
If you wear a mask to rob a bank, you will get a harsher sentence than if you rob a bank without a mask. Now, masks aren't banned - you are totally free to wear one in public. Wearing a mask is neither a crime nor suspicious behavior that can be used as evidence of a crime by itself. The increased punishment only applies if you commit a crime wearing a mask.
Now replace mask with proxy.
$_ = "If you wear a mask to rob a bank, you will get a harsher sentence than if you rob a bank without a mask. Now, masks aren't banned - you are totally free to wear one in public. Wearing a mask is neither a crime nor suspicious behavior that can be used as evidence of a crime by itself. The increased punishment only applies if you commit a crime wearing a mask.";
$_ =~ s/masks/proxies/g;
$_ =~ s/mask/proxy/g;
eval $_;
"If you wear a proxy to rob a bank, you will get a harsher sentence than if you rob a bank without a proxy. Now, proxies aren't banned - you are totally free to wear one in public. Wearing a proxy is neither a crime nor suspicious behavior that can be used as evidence of a crime by itself. The increased punishment only applies if you commit a crime wearing a proxy."
my "pet peave" (Score:2, Funny)
Conversely (Score:2, Funny)
Anybody who goes about screaming, "HEY! Look at me! I'm doing something you don't like!" on the net, with a camera broadcasting your face, name ,and address, will receive a letter of commendation and a gold star from the president.
Re:my "pet peave" (Score:3, Funny)
It should be D'oh!
I have one thing to say to this law- (Score:3, Funny)
Re:my "pet peave" (Score:1, Funny)
My pet pees while I pet peas.
Re:Different from wearing a mask? (Score:5, Funny)
Cosplaying, attending conventions, hiding deformities...
:)
Protip: remember your audience
Re:But (Score:4, Funny)
Well, port scanning is a crime, when you do it on my servers. ^^
Because then I will activate out my little packet and exploit artillery, and it's goodbye to you. ^^
Re:Different from wearing a mask? (Score:3, Funny)
Cosplaying, attending conventions, hiding deformities...
Protip: remember your audience :)
What, is the Phantom [wikipedia.org] reading this?
Re:Away! Into our submarine! (Score:4, Funny)
If most people actually tried to *think*, we wouldn't have these stupid laws in the first place
Actually the problem with half our laws is people thinking too damn much, IMHO. If we just legislate X, then Y will go away/be solved/cease to be a problem. Perhaps our legislators should stop thinking, stop legislating and just enjoy the DC cocktail circuit while leaving the rest of us the hell alone?
Re:But (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Away! Into our submarine! (Score:3, Funny)
Calling someone a homosexual is now a jailable offense? That's so gay!
Re:Away! Into our submarine! (Score:4, Funny)
Aha! I thought of that already... which is why I have a little hard drive case lined with some nice Columbian ground coffee. Ohh, and I shove that up my ass.