California Bill Requires Wireless Warnings

FindLaw

By The FindLaw Editorial Staff

California residents might not be able to access their neighbor's wireless network for much longer.

A bill that passed the California State Assembly on August 29 will require wireless manufacturers to give consumers instructions on how to secure their wireless networks.

The bill, AB 2415, which Governor Schwarzenegger is expected to sign, will take effect in January, and instructs manufacturers to include a warning label that will give consumers methods for limiting access to personal networks. The warning label could be either a paper notice on the product itself, a warning that appears on-screen, or a dialogue box that requires a choice by the user before they may use the wireless device.

This move by the legislature comes after a rash of stories in the news about data insecurity, and was inspired by Speaker Fabian Núñez' dismay at the ease with which computer users can piggyback on unsecured wireless networks. Once a user is on an unsecured network, they can engage in illicit activities on the web, or even hack into other connected computers.

Industry groups are already working towards a common solution to the problem of unsecured networks. Many industry leaders see California's move as a first step towards nationwide adoption of a best-practices regime for wireless security.

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