NEWS: Wi-Fi guidance becomes law in California

<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.

<<>>

"John Navas" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> <http://www.theregister.com/2006/09/04/wi-fi_warnings_legislated/>
>
> 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.
>

make him into a girlyman?

stop talking out of your rectum Pratt.

a unsecured wifi is asking for trouble for the owners, it can be used for
illegal activities of allsorts, how do you think these scammers do it by
ripping off peoples passwords and back withdrawals without getting caught?
they use other peoples connections.

On Tue, 05 Sep 2006 13:36:04 GMT John Navas <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:

| 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.

I don't see how signing this makes one a girly man.

I bet this phrase is used all the time by anyone who dislikes something
the governator has done or might do.


| 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.

The latter is more obvious. You can see those whirling blades in a
food processor. You can't see the whirling blades in a wireless device.


| 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.

It's at least a step in the right direction. Not all the 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.

I think they should, too. But that doesn't mean to not sign this bill
while a tougher law gets written and winds its way through the process.


| But that would take thought and backbone. It's easier to be a Girly
| Man, as the Governator has found.

Was it he who proposed this bill? Or is he just considering the choice
he has which is to sign or veto it?

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