Possible risk to privacy rights? (mission, service, organizations, Article)

[Apex]

Proxy Server Usage To Extend Jailtime In The US
For those who do not know what a proxy server is see the article, it has a nice explanation.

A new federal law in the United States is up for voting at the united States Sentencing Commission that can increase the jail time by up to 25% if a proxy server has been used.

Privacy advocates have already expressed great concern as proxy servers are not only in use by individuals who want to protect their privacy but also by companies and even Internet Service Providers, sometimes without the knowledge of the end user.

Do you think this new law, if passed, could be used as a spring board for further restrictive laws on internet rights for US users?

Personally, I would be very worried if this law is passed. I could easily see large organizations...RIAA???... could use this as a means to lobby for greater restrictions on internet users to better serve their own private interests and pocket books.

[Storm]

I don't get it. Sentencing for what? The proxy servers themselves aren't illegal, are they?

[gnomon]

I'm going to play the idiot. Because I am when it comes to these issues.

Is there a reason given for the introduction of this law?

[Apex]

Originally Posted by Storm

I don't get it. Sentencing for what? The proxy servers themselves aren't illegal, are they?

No, they would not be made illegal, at least not yet. My main point is that this could lead to other, even more, restrictive laws.

[Storm]

OK, so what sentences are they extending?

[no_spoon]

I think a better explanation can be found at US Mulls Tougher Penalties For Criminal Use Of Proxy Servers - Technology News - redOrbit

If I read this correctly, they're not saying proxy servers are illegal, but that if a criminal activity uses proxy servers to cloak itself and evade law enforcement that it would weigh against them in the sentencing phase (which occurs after conviction).

[Storm]

That does make more sense, thanks.

[Apex]

This law would be the equivalent, in the physical world, to giving criminals 25% more jail time if they committed their crime while wearing a hat and sunglasses.

[no_spoon]

Originally Posted by Apex

This law would be the equivalent, in the physical world, to giving criminals 25% more jail time if they committed their crime while wearing a hat and sunglasses.

I really think your analogy is poor. The criminal is physically present in your case but not easily identifiable. The Internet allows a criminal using proxy servers to be separated by time and space and identity.

Don't forget this is about sentencing, which is for convicted criminals.

Personally I see far more problems with the loosely worded laws that make far too many people potential criminals. In my opinion that is the greatest risk of abuse by the government.

And there are certainly far, far greater risks to our privacy and so I am glad the EFF exists.

[Trey of Diamonds]

Tis a very bad thing indeed. Hiding your IP should not be considered criminal. All the poor pirates and ninjas would be in danger.