United States lawmakers are formulating a
legislation that would create new punishments for companies from
China and elsewhere that use trade secrets stolen by crackers and
cyber criminals. The bill in this regard would likely include visa
restrictions for entities using cracked and stolen intellectual
property.
The idea is to make cracking activities for stealing
US intellectual property and trade secrets punishable in a more
stringent manner. US intend to make the deterrent consequences of
online stealing of its IP more significant than the gains.
It would mean people could not travel to industry
conferences or conduct research collaborations and for universities
it could mean its students might have difficulties studying in the
US.
In another related development, the new funding law
signed this week by President Barack Obama contained an amendment
which limits the purchase of China-made electronic products by a
small group of government departments and agencies. The amendment
says that the agencies must consult with law enforcement before
purchasing equipment made by companies “owned, directed or
subsidised” by China.
