winged <winged@nofollow.com> writes:

>>
>> From an article in a thread that started 6 July 2005 in the newsgroup
>> 'alt.internet.wireless' with a title 'Man Charged With Stealing Wi-Fi
>> Signal" (watch the line wrap)
>>
>> ]http://www.flsenate.gov/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_
>> String=&URL=Ch0815/SEC06.HTM&Title=->2003->Ch0815->Section%2006#0815.06
>> ]
>> ] The very first item is:
>> ]
>> ] 815.06 Offenses against computer users.--
>> ] (1) Whoever willfully, knowingly, and without authorization:
>> ] (a) Accesses or causes to be accessed any computer, computer
>> ] system, or computer network;
>> ]
>> ] which covers the illegal access. 2(a) makes it a 3rd degree felony.

And how do you know that access to an open wireless port is "illegal
access". The key is "without authorization". But almost all access is
without formal authorization-- it is implicit. When was the last time you
asked for formal written authorization to go to a web page? Or asked for
formal written authorization to have your signal propagated over the
backbone from florida to Los Angeles? Must authorization on the net and of
computers is implicit -- if the access is provided freely and openly,
access is implicitly assumed. When you go to Starbucks and log onto the
wireless are you authorized? or find a wireless point in your local city,
are you authorized? In general no.


>> 815/ch0815.htm
>> ]
>> ]That explains what Florida means by "access".
>> ]
>> ] 815.03 Definitions.--As used in this chapter, unless the context
>> ] clearly indicates otherwise:
>> ]
>> ] (1) "Access" means to approach, instruct, communicate with, store
>> ] data in, retrieve data from, or otherwise make use of any
>> ] resources of a computer, computer system, or computer network.
>> ]
>> ] Egads. One can't even approach a computer in Florida without breaking
>> ] the law.
>>
>> so KEEP YOUR DISTANCE FROM COMPUTERS!!!
>>
>> Old guy

>ahh old guy once again you have the answer. Hang everyone in Florida
>immediately. Since they did not define the nearness of approach I think
>it should be anyone that has been closer to a computer or a computer
>network of a distance of 100 feet.

>That will fix the election issues and several other issues in on fell swoop.

>Wonderful response. Thanks! Just shows what lawyers and legislators
>know about computers and the greater threat of their incompetence.
>With this law almost anyone could be arrested at will with cause. It
>sounds like more than a few legislators are in need of dancing with
>Danny Deaver.