CAUCE

US Senate Approves Bill to Dramatically Improve Cyber-Crime Laws

The Washington Post reports that the U.S. Senate has passed legislation that would allow law enforcement to go after a much larger percentage of modern online crime. Specifically, it will:

• remove the requirement that each affected individual must have suffered at least $5,000 in damages
• "make it a felony to install spyware or keystroke-monitoring programs on 10 or more computers regardless of the amount of damage caused"
• give identity theft victims the ability to seek restitution
• criminalize attempts to extort companies by threatening to publish stolen information

These provisions were added to an unrelated bill, the Former Vice President Protection Act, which must next be voted on by the House of Representatives before it becomes law. CAUCE is very pleased that the Senate has taken this action to protect people living within the United States, and particularly support the provisions adding a private right of action against the criminals who prey upon all of us daily.

Eddie Davidson

When doing a job that you love it is natural enough to immerse oneself, to become somewhat myopic, about the relative importance and meaning of one's work, but every once in a while context is thrust forward, rending fantasy and reverie aside, leaving one faced with a reality of what really matters.

Such are the sad events surrounding the murder-suicide that ended convicted spammer Eddie Davidson's life today. For further details on the situation, please follow this link.

CAUCE extends our sympathies to the friends and families of the victims of this needless tragedy.

Changes to the CAUCE North America Leadership

It is with regret that we note that CAUCE founder Scott Hazen Mueller has resigned his position as President of CAUCE North America. We are happy to note Scott will maintain his position on the iCAUCE (international CAUCE) board, as well as the CAUCE North America board in the position of Founder and Director, emeritus.

As well, while John Levine plans to move to England in the early fall, he has agreed to remain on the executive board and he will become President effective immediately.

Lastly, Dennis Dayman has graciously accepted the position of Secretary-Treasurer and was confirmed as such by unanimous vote. Congratulations, Dennis, and thank you Scott for your years of service.