Law May Restrict Computer Crimes

BOSTON-A state lawmaker introduced legislation to crack down on computer crime at a Beacon Hill press conference Yesterday.

The "Computer Crimes" bill, proposed by state senator Cheryl A. Jacques (D-Norfolk), outlaws certain computer activities and makes it easier for law enforcement officials to prosecute "computer criminals."

The announcement comes just days after an MIT student was indicted for violation of federal electronic copyright laws, but Jacques emphasized that there was no connection between the MIT case and the timing and content of this proposal.

"The proliferation of computers in everyday life has led to a whole new area of criminal behavior that the law enforcement community has very few tools to fight," Jacques said on the steps of the State House grand staircase.

"The computer crimes bill is a cutting-edge piece of legislation to deal with a very modern problem," said Jacques. "As a criminal prosecutor, I saw first-hand the inadequacy of current statutes in dealing with computer crimes."

Massachusetts lags behind almost every state in the nation in the number and scope of its computer-crime laws. Currently, only Vermont has fewer regulations pertaining to computer use.

The proposed law:

Makes it a crime to use a computer system without authorization.

Makes it a crime to use, obtain or tamper with computer services without authorization.

adds electronically processed data to thevandalism statute so that vandalism of such datawill be a crime.

allows duplicate computer data files orprograms to be admissible into evidence at atrial.

Amends a statute so that a computer crime maybe prosecuted either in the county where thedefendant is located at the time of an incident,or where the electronic data in question islocated.

"This bill is a major step forward in bringingthe laws of the Commonwealth into the informationage," said Mitchell Kertzman, the president of theMassachusetts Software Council. "It is animportant measure towards modernizing the criminallaws in this area."

There are currently no criminal laws inMassachusetts specifically targeted towardscombating crimes committed by computer orinvolving computers, according to Jacques.

Sally Greenberg, an official of theMassachusetts Civil Rights Counsel, said thespecific regulations in the proposal will notinfringe on computer users' civil liberties.

"It's important that people know if what theydo is in violation of the law," Greenberg said.

"It's important for Massachusetts to havespecific regulations [for computer use]. I feelthis is a plus for civil liberties," he added.

Buthit off Howard.

"I didn't know he was going for it," Howardsaid. "I threw him two lob pitches because thechangeup was called for and that's the onlychangeup I know."

"I wouldn't have done that if I would haveknown he was going for it because it's somethingyou might have one chance in a lifetime for. Itold him that when I got to third base after my(ninth-inning) hit," he said.

Valentin hit a three-run homer in the sixth.

The Royals were without the services of GeorgeBrett in the game.

White Sox 10, Yankees 5

CHICAGO (AP)- The Chicago White Sox were happywith the win, even though Wilson Alvarez was nothappy with the way he got it.

Frank Thomas and rookie Joe Hall homeredleading Alvarez and the White Sox past the NewYork Yankees 10-5 Tuesday night for their thirdstraight win.

Alvarez (2-0) won his 10th straight decision,including a victory over Toronto in last year'splayoffs. He pitched 6 1-3 innings in sending theYankees to their third loss in a row.

"How can I be satisfied after completely losingmy concentration? "Alvarez said.

A year ago, Alvarez said, "I walked too manyguys. You guys know that. Now, tonight, I startedthrowing the ball over the plate after I had an8-1 lead."

"I simply wasn't concentrating. I was justthrowing the ball just to try and get guys out,"he said. "I know my streak will end one day, butI'll be more than satisfied if I can win three outof every four times out.

adds electronically processed data to thevandalism statute so that vandalism of such datawill be a crime.

allows duplicate computer data files orprograms to be admissible into evidence at atrial.

Amends a statute so that a computer crime maybe prosecuted either in the county where thedefendant is located at the time of an incident,or where the electronic data in question islocated.

"This bill is a major step forward in bringingthe laws of the Commonwealth into the informationage," said Mitchell Kertzman, the president of theMassachusetts Software Council. "It is animportant measure towards modernizing the criminallaws in this area."

There are currently no criminal laws inMassachusetts specifically targeted towardscombating crimes committed by computer orinvolving computers, according to Jacques.

Sally Greenberg, an official of theMassachusetts Civil Rights Counsel, said thespecific regulations in the proposal will notinfringe on computer users' civil liberties.

"It's important that people know if what theydo is in violation of the law," Greenberg said.

"It's important for Massachusetts to havespecific regulations [for computer use]. I feelthis is a plus for civil liberties," he added.

Buthit off Howard.

"I didn't know he was going for it," Howardsaid. "I threw him two lob pitches because thechangeup was called for and that's the onlychangeup I know."

"I wouldn't have done that if I would haveknown he was going for it because it's somethingyou might have one chance in a lifetime for. Itold him that when I got to third base after my(ninth-inning) hit," he said.

Valentin hit a three-run homer in the sixth.

The Royals were without the services of GeorgeBrett in the game.

White Sox 10, Yankees 5

CHICAGO (AP)- The Chicago White Sox were happywith the win, even though Wilson Alvarez was nothappy with the way he got it.

Frank Thomas and rookie Joe Hall homeredleading Alvarez and the White Sox past the NewYork Yankees 10-5 Tuesday night for their thirdstraight win.

Alvarez (2-0) won his 10th straight decision,including a victory over Toronto in last year'splayoffs. He pitched 6 1-3 innings in sending theYankees to their third loss in a row.

"How can I be satisfied after completely losingmy concentration? "Alvarez said.

A year ago, Alvarez said, "I walked too manyguys. You guys know that. Now, tonight, I startedthrowing the ball over the plate after I had an8-1 lead."

"I simply wasn't concentrating. I was justthrowing the ball just to try and get guys out,"he said. "I know my streak will end one day, butI'll be more than satisfied if I can win three outof every four times out.