I’ve just read over on GNUCitizen about the changes the government has introduced to the Computer Misuse Act (UK).

Making, supplying or obtaining articles for use in computer misuse offences

After section 3 of the 1990 Act insert—
“3A Making, supplying or obtaining articles for use in offence under section 1 or 3

1. A person is guilty of an offence if he makes, adapts, supplies or offers to supply any article—

1. knowing that it is designed or adapted for use in the course of or in connection with an offence under section 1 or 3; or
2. intending it to be used to commit, or to assist in the commission of, an offence under section 1 or 3.

1. on summary conviction in England and Wales, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or to both;
2. on summary conviction in Scotland, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or to both;
3. on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to a fine or to both.”

Police and Justice Bill

So, it sounds like even if you are one of the ‘good guys’ then you will still have to watch out. These sort of rules basically stop the investigation / research into security mechanism’s and devices in the UK.

Oh well….. The country is becoming more and more of a nanny state.