Patriot Act 2, the nightmare continues.

As many of you may recall, the so-called "Patriot Act" of 2001 has since led to to Government spying on suspected computer trespassers with no need for court order, Adding samples to DNA database for those convicted of "any crime of violence.", Wiretaps now allowed for suspected violations of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, and Dramatic increases to the scope and penalties of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act among other things.

Recently the Center for Public Integrity has released a highly confidential draft of a bill by the Department of Justice to extend the powers of the Patriot Act. The Domestic Security Enhancement Act of 2003, also known as the Patriot 2, extends the 5 year "sundown period" of the original indefinitely. Sect. 201 of the DSEA states that law enforcement is not to release the name, location or any identifying information of detainees that fit the definition of a foreign combatant. Speaking of which, the document also expands the definition of "foreign combatant" to those "may" have violated any provision of section 802 of the original, that includes hacking. Title III of the document sets up a Terrorist DNA database, including collections from terrorists in custody, under supervision, or on conditional release (probation). Not to mention the collection of the same from suspected terrorists from other sources. Keep in mind that "terrorists" may include anyone even suspected of violating any provision of USAPA:Sect.802, including hacking.

This is a nightmare. I highly urge you all to contact your senator and state representative and put a stop to this right now, this has gone too far. http://www.senate.gov http://www.house.gov/

ugh more **** on hacking. I get so tired of hearing it as an act of terrorism. I can see someone taking out an airport, or something of the sort. But those boxes arent connected to the net, which is ridiculous to think about. Places that can cause devastation by system failure shouldnt have internet access. Their own lan is fine. These acts are horrid. But then again, people shouldnt do anything illegal. But i still dont see it as terrorism in any sense of the word or a connotation provided contextually by any of the bills. It just seems to me, that they are just trying to restrict internet access more and more until AOL gets their way..... hrm... m$... hrm... do i smell conspiracy? cause i think i do... smells like... onions..

edit >> typo.

Very interesting post, I do agree with you on this subject, it has gone too far and it is very rediculious

Another reason why i'm starting to seriously think about moving out of country. The laws being passed in the U.S. are very scary and not many ppl are taking notice.

I live in a country where there are no computer crimes laws. Which means, if I wanted to, I could bring down the govt. web site and they could not touch me... In theory anyway.
More on topic though I agree with er0k "Places that can cause devasation by system failure shouldnt have internet access." Gee lets weigh up the options 'Protect lives' or 'let my employees browse for porn' hmm... tough choice.

that's right the ppl really don't care to know as long as they can work their jobs and go to sleep to get to work the next day. That's all that matters to most.

As a citizen of the United States I feel it is a duty of mine to watch what the government decides for us and I would like to say that I do not feel very comfortable with some of the laws that have been passed or are in the works. Now I know that some will say that "If you haven't done anything wrong then you have nothing to worry about.", but what worrys me the most is that the government is being given the power to monitor all of our communications without our knowledge or consent. I feel that is a major violation of our personal privacy and shouldn't be allowed.

::coffee::

ccKid

I also heard that credit card companies have been told to not accept transactions from countries included in the "axis of evil" in the patriot act. Funny, I think the real problem George (dubba dubba dubbaya) Bush has is that he Labels countries that don't follow his agenda "EVIL" and so that gives him a bad image in the international community.

don't like it then complain to your senator and congerssman protest ,write letters to your newspaper and support these people--www.chillingefects.org www.buzzflash.com www.fair.org www.prwatch.org www.privacy.org www.sniggle.net www.takebackthemedia.com www.opendemocracy.net www.sunshine-project.org there are a million more ,( id be complaining but no us politician gives a rats ass what i think, im canadian ) and of course join Amnesty International (my fav )and if you just want a flash laugh www.toostupidtobepresident.com <-super funny ,four stars