Watch out cyberkids… the Feds will get you

Hey kids, leave the Web alone

By Mike Magee • Get more from this author

Posted in Software, 25th June 2000 12:00 GMT

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WCIT 2000 James S. Gilmore III, chairman of the US advisory committee on electronic commerce and governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia -- and whose title is almost as lengthy as this story will be -- issued a stern warning to cyberterrorists at the World Congress of IT this morning.

Said Gilmore: "Cyberterrorism is a potential threat not only to consumers but to the integrity of the Internet. Attacks will not be tolerated anywhere in the world."

Kids messing around with viruses, concerted attacks on Web sites, and the rest, take heed of his warning. The US wants to implement tough new laws and any attack on cyberspace is likely to attract a far heavier penalty than tying rubbish cans to car bumpers and that sort of thing.

Gilmore also hit out at governments which wanted to impose differential taxes -- for example VAT (value added tax) -- saying that this would hinder Net growth.

"Governments can put blocks on the Internet. Governments must view the Internet as an opportunity. Let the Internet be for liberty and well-being throughout the world." ®

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