News for hackers. Stuff that matters.

A comment on FCC Fines Smart City $750K for Blocking Wi-Fi. Parent comment

Re:FCC Fines Smart City $750K for Blocking Wi-Fi by kps on Tuesday August 18, 2015 @01:27PM (#10080626) 

  > What is the legal definition of "interference" with respect to this statute?
“Any emission, radiation or induction that [...] seriously degrades, obstructs or repeatedly interrupts a radiocommunications service operating in accordance with this chapter.” (Emphasis added. The elision is specific to navigation and safety services.)
[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:FCC Fines Smart City $750K for Blocking Wi-Fi by notacoward on Tuesday August 18, 2015 @02:07PM (#10080985)
So a particular bit pattern is an "emission, radiation, or induction" under the law? Interesting thought.
[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:FCC Fines Smart City $750K for Blocking Wi-Fi by kps on Tuesday August 18, 2015 @02:59PM (#10081376)
No, the “emission, radiation, or induction” of the bit pattern is an “emission, radiation, or induction”. The bit pattern is perfectly fine; you can print it on a t-shirt or tattoo it on your forehead and the law won't care. You can even emit, radiate, or induce it as long as that doesn't willfully or maliciously seriously degrade, obstruct or repeatedly interrupt a radiocommunications service.
[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:FCC Fines Smart City $750K for Blocking Wi-Fi by Dylan16807 on Tuesday August 18, 2015 @05:11PM (#10082222)
The words "I am here representing your bank, please give me your money to deposit" are not illegal, but particular uses of those words are illegal.
[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:FCC Fines Smart City $750K for Blocking Wi-Fi by wglb on Tuesday August 18, 2015 @07:30PM (#10082866)
No, seriously degrades, obstructs or repeatedly interrupts a radiocommunications service is illegal under the law.
[ Parent | on HN ]