[NTLUG:Discuss] YIKES! Texas bill could render firewalls/routers illegal...

[bkontr]

Kelledin wrote:
 > http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlo/78R/billtext/SB01116I.HTM
 >
 > Some more information here:
 >
 > http://www.freedom-to-tinker.com/archives/000336.html
 >
 > Aside from the privacy concerns involved, the most dangerous
 > change is to 'SECTION 6.  Sections 31.14(a)(1)(A)':
 >
 >     "A person commits an offense if the person intentionally or
 >     knowingly manufactures, assembles, imports into the state,
 >     exports out of the state, distributes, advertises, sells, or
 >     leases, or offers for sale or lease...a communication device
 >     with an intent to...conceal from a communication service
 >     provider, or from any lawful authority, the existence or
 >     place of origin or destination of any communication"
 >


I went to the site and read this message and had to respond.  This bill
has me concerned, and if it is as serious as it sounds all computer
users should be alarmed by the intrusive and unamerican nature of this
type of legislation. Are Texas and Massachusetts really going to smother
the internet with riduculous laws that will ultimately destroy internet
use in those states?? If this bill is the result of 9/11 and Homeland
Security Policy, then IMO terrorism is working as Osama planned. Is
caving in to the terrorist cowards by slowly and tortuously turning the
the US a police state really going to make us feel safe??

Regards,

BK