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VPN Users Risk 20-Year Jail Sentences in the US Under New Restrict Act

beincrypto.com

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Re: VPN Users Risk 20-Year Jail Sentences in the US Under New Restrict Act

#3
This is wildly hyperbolic as far as I can see.

The bill (which I do not endorse) is focused on threats to critical infrastructure and other natsec considerations from designated foreign enemies. Also, it's just been introduced and might not go anywhere.

Re: VPN Users Risk 20-Year Jail Sentences in the US Under New Restrict Act

#5

This is wildly hyperbolic as far as I can see. The bill (which I do not endorse) is focused on threats to critical infrastructure and other natsec considerations from designated foreign enemies. Also, it's just been introduced and might not go anywhere.

But we've seen hyperbole become the status quo oh too often. Abuse will happen, and to the extent and beyond the limits of any new bills. Give them the power, and they will assuredly misuse it.

Re: VPN Users Risk 20-Year Jail Sentences in the US Under New Restrict Act

#6
post #2

We need to ban TikTok because they might be spying on you. Solution: a bill that allows us to spy on you unconditionally for all activities, anywhere, anytime for any reason. Also, we will be immune to FOIA or any kind of oversight.

A bill to ban specific apps is stupid. Should have banned advertisers to trade with specific companies instead.

Re: VPN Users Risk 20-Year Jail Sentences in the US Under New Restrict Act

#7
post #4

I wonder if any of TikTok’s competitors helped create the bill and are now regretting it.

Big tech doesn't care about your rights. They (along with most others in power) care about suppressing competitors and dissent, and an obedient populace which is not going to hinder their continued rent extraction from society. Using censorship-circumvention tools is a form of dissent, and they would be happy to see the people doing it go to jail.

Re: VPN Users Risk 20-Year Jail Sentences in the US Under New Restrict Act

#8
Earlier threads:

"The next Patriot Act, but so much worse: Bill S.686, the RESTRICT Act" (6 comments) https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=35336366

"The Patriot Act on steroids: anti-TikTok Trojan horse for censorship and surveillance" (156 comments) https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=35334851

Tiktok hired ex-gov people, how did they try to address natsec concerns? https://www.mintpressnews.com/nato-tiktok-pipeline-why-tikto...

> the threat to completely shut down its platform, subsided only after TikTok began appointing Western officials to important positions within its organization, thereby giving the state considerable influence over the content and direction of the app.

On the perennial topic of poorly conceived legislation, let's not forget US (CA, UT) and UK laws which mandate age-verification, https://www.techdirt.com/tag/ab-2273/ and "Utah is first US state to limit teen social media access" (600+ comments), https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=35307647 and UK Online Safety Bill, https://www.techradar.com/features/uk-online-safety-bill

Re: VPN Users Risk 20-Year Jail Sentences in the US Under New Restrict Act

#9
post #2

We need to ban TikTok because they might be spying on you. Solution: a bill that allows us to spy on you unconditionally for all activities, anywhere, anytime for any reason. Also, we will be immune to FOIA or any kind of oversight.

If we don't spy on you, we won't be sure they aren't spying on you?!

Re: VPN Users Risk 20-Year Jail Sentences in the US Under New Restrict Act

#10

This is wildly hyperbolic as far as I can see. The bill (which I do not endorse) is focused on threats to critical infrastructure and other natsec considerations from designated foreign enemies. Also, it's just been introduced and might not go anywhere.

> Also, it's just been introduced and might not go anywhere.

The way to prevent it from going somewhere is by raising the alarm loudly. Possibly also by lobbying for legislation that enshrines existing rights.

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