NCJ Number
153234
Date Published
1984
Length
81 pages
Annotation
In this hearing before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Civil and Constitutional Rights, the witnesses present information on the problem of computer-related crime and what might be done at the Federal level to counter such crime.
Abstract
The context for the hearing is legislation pending in the subcommittee on computer-related crime, namely, H.R. 3970. As noted by the subcommittee chairman, the hearing is primarily educational. Witnesses were asked to provide the subcommittee with information on the scope and nature of the problem, the existing tools or mechanisms used to deal with the problem, the adequacy of those mechanisms, and the need for additional tools or resources. The Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Department of Justice's Criminal Division reports on the extent of the problem of computer-related crime and Federal jurisdiction over certain responses to it. He first notes the vast potential for fraud due to the increase in computerized electronic funds transfer or check verification. The witness then advises there is merit in legislation that would directly address computer crime and the power to regulate commerce and the power of the Federal Government to punish crimes where the Federal Government is itself the victim. Another witness is the Deputy Assistant Director of the Criminal Investigative Division of the FBI. He discusses computer-related crime and the investigative role of the FBI regarding this criminal activity. Five witnesses represent private enterprises whose business relies heavily on computers and computer security. They discuss potential problems in this area and how Federal legislation might deter and proscribe computer-related threats to their businesses. Appended paper on the definition of computer-related crime