<http://www.theregister.com/2006/09/04/wi-fi_warnings_legislated/>
California legislators have passed a law which will force makers of
wireless internet equipment to include guidance on keeping data
secure on wireless connections. The law now awaits signature by
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
From 1 October 2007, manufacturers must place warning labels on all
equipment capable of receiving Wi-Fi signals, according to the new
state law. These can take the form of box stickers, special
notification in setup software, notification during the router setup,
or through automatic securing of the connection. One warning sticker
must be positioned so that it must be removed by a consumer before
the product can be used.
The warnings would have to contain information on how to secure
files, folders, and connections. [MORE]
<http://www.computerworld.com/blogs/node/3376>
Terminator turns into Girly Man over Wi-Fi bill
Computerworld Blog
By Preston Gralla on Fri, 09/01/2006 - 12:57pm
California Governor Schwarzenegger is about to sign a Wi-Fi bill that
would require makers of Wi-Fi gear to put warning labels on their
equipment, reminding users to password-protect their wireless
networks. In doing so, he's about to prove himself to be a weak-kneed
Girly Man rather than a muscle-bound Terminator.
The law will force manufacturers of wireless products to put warning
stickers on their wireless routers, or make note of the warning
during installation, or pop up an alert before the gear is used.
Now, there's nothing really wrong with this bill -- but then again,
there's nothing right with it, either. It's like passing a law
forcing makers of food processors to warn people not to shove their
hands into the gear's blades while hitting the "On" switch. It serves
no purpose at all.
But passing it is an easy way for pols to pretend that they're
concerned about online security, and are actually doing something
about it.
In fact, they're not. The bill itself is weak-kneed when it comes to
online security. The legislation notes, "There is disagreement as to
whether it is legal for someone to use another person's Wi-Fi
connection to browse the Internet if the owner of the Wi-Fi
connection has not put a password on it," but then doesn't actually
clarify that grey area in any way.
If Schwarzenegger and other California pols really want to take
action of some kind, they could clarify whether it's legal to
piggyback onto Wi-Fi networks, or pass anti-spyware and anti-spam
legislation with real teeth.
But that would take thought and backbone. It's easier to be a Girly
Man, as the Governator has found.
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NEWS: Wi-Fi guidance becomes law in California 
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