[NTLUG:Discuss] [ms.g@noitacude.com: [sb1116] ALERT: Texas "super DMCA" movingthrough the legislature]

Thu May 22 23:12:59 CDT 2003

On Thu, 2003-05-22 at 22:58, Kipton Moravec wrote:
> I am not a lawyer but this is my interpretation.
> 
> If your internet service provider offers basic service for X dollars and 
> will sell additional home hookups for an additional $5 per computer, then 
> the Linksys firewall router could be considered a theft of services because 
> you could hook up more than one computer behind the firewall to get to the 
> internet.
> 
> I just found it on ATT broadband web site: Home Networking Services
> "In order for multiple computers to access the Internet simultaneously on 
> your home network, you will need to purchase IP addresses (Internet 
> Protocal Addresses) for each additional computer you are adding to your 
> home network.
> 
> These addresses are necessary in order for you to expand your high-speed 
> cable internet service on more than one computer.
> 
> Please contact your local AT&T Broadband Internet Customer Care center or 
> ISP for IP address pricing in your area."
> 
> So if you have multiple computers in your home network and have not 
> purchased the "IP Addresses" for the additional computers, then it would be 
> considered a theft of service.
> 
> Kip
> 
> 

This is all just a quagmire (sp?) waiting to happen, especially with the
broadband providers that farm out the installation and configuration of
CPE gear.  Now that companies are starting to install wireless CPE
equipment (I know they are in Flower Mound, they must be in other areas
as well), the equipment is being left wide open so that any one who
knows what they are doing can jump on to that customer's connection from
the street if they find an open AP.

So, in the above case, whose fault is it that the bandwidth is being
stolen?  The customer, who most likely did not know this was possible in
the first place or the provider since they're contractors left the
device open in the first place?  

Just something to think about,
Alton Pouncey

> 
> 
> At 03:24 PM 5/22/03 -0500, you wrote:
> >I'm hesitant to reply, but I've glanced through SB1116 and a phrase keeps
> >popping up that makes me wonder why this bill is a problem.  I'll add
> >the caveat that if these things are already taken care of by other Texas
> >laws, as listed below, then I'll agree that this bill is redundant and not
> >needed.
> >
> >But, the word I keep seeing is "defraud".  Let's assume SB1116 is not
> >redundant. So, what's the problem with making it illegal to defraud
> >someone by hooking onto the internet connection, or cable TV node,
> >or by running your own little ISP off of the connection of Comcast,
> >or whoever, when what you're paying for is individual internet access.
> >
> >If I hook up "the VCR of my choice" to my cable line to catch an
> >occasional program when I'm not at home to watch it, I'm not defrauding
> >anyone.
> >
> >If I create a computer network within my home, allowing access to the
> >internet from any room is not defrauding anyone.
> >
> >The bills analysis states:
> >
> >The bill creates new crimes for:
> >        1.Obtaining a communication service without authorization from or 
> > payment to the service provider.
> >        2.Connecting a device to a communications system with intent to 
> > defraud.
> >        3.Modifying a communication device provided by the communication 
> > service provider with intent to defraud.
> >        4.Possessing a communication device or unauthorized access device 
> > with intent to defraud.
> >        5.Preparation or publication of "plans or instructions" for such 
> > devices.
> >
> >Other than the possibility of redundancy, I don't really see a problem 
> >with these 5
> >items.  If you were the ISP, you'd want to know that people "out there" 
> >can't steal
> >your service without paying for it.  I think the phrase "with intent to 
> >defraud" is key
> >here.
> >
> >Responses ?
> >
> >========================================================
> >Paul Elliott wrote:
> >
> > > ----- Forwarded message from "Ms. G" <ms.g at noitacude.com> -----
> > >
> > > Mailing-List: contact sb1116-help at effaustin.org; run by ezmlm
> > > From: "Ms. G" <ms.g at noitacude.com>
> > > To: sb1116 at effaustin.org, austinwireless at lists.marlabs.com
> > > Subject: [sb1116] ALERT: Texas "super DMCA" moving through the legislature
> > >
> > > Alert!
> > > Senate Bill 1116 - the Texas "Super DMCA" Anti-Circumvention Bill (also 
> > HB2121) is currently blazing through the Texas legislature.
> > >
> > > SB1116 has passed out of the full Texas Senate.
> > > It was ammended several times and is less heinous, but is *still bad* 
> > for consumers & techies, overbroad, and unneccesary.
> > > Read the latest analysis by EFF-Austin and ACLU-Texas at:
> > > <http://wiki.effaustin.org/index.php/latest%20analysis>
> > >
> > > The bill now goes to the House.
> > > Faxes, letters, calls, or visits to your Tx House Rep's are your last 
> > opportunity to oppose this. You can find a sample letter and info about 
> > contacting your Rep's at:
> > > <http://wiki.effaustin.org/index.php/sample%20letter>
> > >
> > > Please join EFF-Austin's [SB1116] email list for to keep up with rapid 
> > daily developments.
> > > See <http://wiki.effaustin.org/index.php/SB1116> for full info.
> > > Please also keep in touch with us if you learn anything new about this 
> > bill or about what legislators think of it.
> > >
> > > ~Ms.G
> > > [at]NoitacudE.com
> > >
> > > on behalf of EFF-Austin
> > > http://www.effaustin.org/
> > >
> > > --- Msg sent via WebMail at noitacude.com - http://mail.noitacude.com
> > >
> > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------
> > > To unsubscribe, e-mail: sb1116-unsubscribe at effaustin.org
> > > For additional commands, e-mail: sb1116-help at effaustin.org
> > >
> > > ----- End forwarded message -----
> > >
> > > --
> > > Paul Elliott                       1(512)837-1096
> > > pelliott at io.com                    PMB 181, 11900 Metric Blvd Suite J
> > > http://www.io.com/~pelliott/pme/   Austin TX 78758-3117
> > >
> > > _______________________________________________
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> >
> >
> >_______________________________________________
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> 
> 
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-- 
Alton R. Pouncey, II
SCSA, SCNA, CCNA, CIW Professional
http://www.trainers-r-us.com